Moonspear waatxakuq ✾

Kukutuq had done well in pronouncing the unfamiliar word, and Osiris nodded encouragingly in reply. She had done much better than he had when he had tested her native-tongue. 

They hadn't been far from the hot springs, and it did not take them long to arrive. Osiris remembered the way easily, as the springs' path was well-worn by the wolves of Moonspear. He kept his distance from the family, watching as they examined the natural spectacle of the landmark—it was as welcoming and alluring as he remembered. 

"At first, it may feel too hot," he advised, pulling a step closer to Kukutuq. "But once you dip a paw in—" he stopped suddenly and turned, noticing Sialuk's jerk-reaction to the heat. "Are you okay?" he asked, his ear lifting full-mast as he watched her carefully. She didn't cry—so, for now, he saw no need to rush to her side.