Bitterroot Valley out across the cities, I see buildings burn into piles

Hours had morphed to days, and days to weeks as Iugajuaq searched. It was a long shot that he'd even find her; after all, it had been many moons since the upriver man had taken her as wife and set her free. 

He had hated his father for it, hated the older man too until the truth had been revealed and his rage had given way to a flood of misery. But now he felt no greater purpose than to reunite with Tariurmiutaq.

It was instinct that drew him to follow the river south, pausing each night to gorge himself on plentiful salmon though his appetite had long since disappeared. Yet he knew, he must remain strong for her.

A figure up ahead caught his gaze - a woman fishing in a manner similar to the ice river wolves. From here he could not discern more beyond her obvious expertise and decided, for a moment, to sit and observe.