Ouroboros Spine panik

Where he might have felt guilt or possessiveness over the children before, now he only felt calm; he felt nothing really, or so Kigipigak would attest — although it was objectively good that the children were a boon to the village. Even if they hurt, they would be nurtured through that hurt. He envied them that much.

Vaire mentioned a man, a trial, a curse — and this was where Kigipigak drew a heavy sigh. Of course the blame would go to spirits and magic, rather than the reality that faced the family. Of course Vaire would choose to see these things rather than face the hard truth: that something so terrible could be a complete accident.

Who was the man? He asked, not thinking; and then clarified quickly, the one found with her. In the water. He cared little for the politics of this village or the superstition that Vaire held firmly to, as one might cling to a raft as they journeyed the rapids of this fresh grief.

Who had Ariadne chosen above her children, above her village? What had she even been doing there?