Ouroboros Spine Heart and Hearth

editing out 3rd pup that was never activated.

Through the many children of the Moon tribes, Arrluk was aware of the time that was drawing near. Yet despite how many births the tribes had both witnessed and been a part of, Arrluk's knowledge was minimal. He could see the signs. The extending of her belly, her quick tiredness, uncomfortable, panting, the digging of the birthing den... 

Yet Arrluk was the last of his parent's litters, whose father had been too afraid to risk much more after Samani's death. He did not go in the birthing den where she women gathered and there was a deep sadness for Ajei in this. She would not been surrounded by the women's circle. Kukutux would not be there with her extensive knowledge. Her marriage sisters not gathered around for support and aid. Ajei was alone in this and it caused a heartache in the orca man. 

A whine at the back of his throat, he makes way to the little dug out. He doesn't know why Ajei had not laid in her mother's den they had shared and wonders now after the pups were a little older, if they would move to the large stone encased ulaq of his parents. Ajei... He pokes his head into the hollow, letting her know that he was here and yet remained outside.
 
He did as he father had done - nothing really, savor to stand outside and guard the entry. He closed his eyes and imagined the voices of his family. Whispers of strength into a new mother's ears. Imagined the songs of happiness filling the territory for the new birth. He felt a tightening in his chest at the thoughts as Ajei would give birth to their daughters. Magguliak. Twin. He peeked within to see them now. Twin. A bad omen and it appeared they too carried the spirit of the Akhlut in them. As himself. Arrluk was unaware of the details in such taboos, hidden from him long before his coming. He knew it only as a brief whisper, yet the story of Akhlut had stuck in him. The waterman wondered if their spirits would be called to sea. 

Arrluk lifts his head to sing, yet he does so alone.