Blackfoot Forest microwave popcorn

Their journey had taken them across a great stretch of land. The further that they ventured from the glacier, the easier the northerner’s gait became. He was pleased to be away from the chilly territory and its members, if only for a short while. The pressure of finding the sickness in the deer herd had settled poorly in the man’s stomach. Issorartuyok could only think of his younger brother and the litter that could have been as full and thriving as his own – instead, Tuuluuwaq was the only survivor, and barely.

When they found the forest and made a bed for the evening, Issorartuyok remained watchful and awake as Meerkat slept. Her features were peaceful. The northerner was warmed by her presence and the light that her spirit offered. Even as the night wore on and the foxes filled the air with their voices, the northerner listened and watched.

It was still dark when he fell asleep. Still an hour or more before the sun would rise and bathe them in golden light. Issorartuyok dreamed of the great white tundra he had left behind. The spirits whispered to him of family, so that when he woke and found Meerkat draped across hid frame, he was moved to chuckle warmly.

Your elbow is becoming one with my rib, scout Meerkat, the man whispered tiredly.