Ouroboros Spine Black willow

The older boy pledged to keep her safe, and that was enough for Tautukpik. He could not go himself, which hurt him deeply, but he could be good for his grandmother. He could watch over Akmaaksi. Waiting would be the hardest; but he could do it, he had been doing it — waiting for Kigipigak to come home, waiting now for Ariadne and Nutuyikruk.

Big Sister comforted him too. As the wind licked one cheek, Pauk kissed the other. Soon the boy would be coerced back to the ulaq where he would guard his remaining family and continue his prayers, hoping that everyone would come home and be happy again.

Wishing, with every fiber of his being.