Ouroboros Spine Aŋunsiñik

Ipiktok walked along the well-worn village paths between the ulax, hoping to mingle with his family after a long patrol. With Akmaaksi’s help, he had selected his own lodge – a man’s lodge – yet there was much work to be done to make it worthy of the family he hoped raise there, someday.

As the stag-wolf passed by Moonwoman’s hut he heard a familiar voice. Ipiktok rounded the corner and saw an unexpected face.

“Salaksartok! Brother!” his voice boomed with surprise and animated merriment. His dark-furred sibling looked trim and hard-edge like a fine piece of flint. Ipiktok could barely hold back his curiosity, eager to hear the tales of his time with the caribou people.

“It is good to look upon your face! You have come home? To stay?” he asked with a happy, waving tail.