Ouroboros Spine winterberry

Kukutux knew exactly how to appeal to the young man’s pride...

The idea of being sought out as a warrior by the forest wolves groomed Ipiktok’s ego and sparked a smug grin. Furthermore, there was a new mission to forge a second bond between the villages through marriage… and he looked upon this like a mountain meant to be summited.

“Any woman will wish to be Sunshine when she knows me!” Ipiktok crowed boastfully, belittling the spirits of another’s clade… but his jest veiled the fearful knowledge that their Sunshine bloodline grew thin, evident by the sons and daughters who wandered from the Spine’s safe harbor and married elsewhere.

“I always thought my future bride would be a Seal Hunter or a Caribou Herder,” Ipiktok mused. “So I’d very much like to know more of these forest wolves.” It made him think of his little sister, Nantahala, who had been tasked to find prospects for her elder brother.

His visage softened. “I will do this Grandmother. I will bring them a gift. Make a path,” he promised. If nothing else, but to keep the connection with his Aunt strong. “I promise it.”

Ipiktok rolled his shoulders as their conversation branched. “Arrluk and Ajei have returned home? Has he finally asked for her bride price?” he laughed. It was no secret the two of them stuck together like a stone and moss!