Duskfire Glacier Piusik

The northerner smiled and nodded his head in understanding.

Heda was a remarkable child, he felt. She deserved to find strength in her path and to feel sound in the home she made for her spirit. The man could only be grateful that he had something to offer her, to help guide that restlessness that had swept through her.

How had he become such a man? For he had never drawn the eye of youth before, save for lessons on hunting caribou or fishing when the waters froze. It was strange to know that he was so welcomed by the young ones on and near the glacier. Issorartuyok was touched by them, inspired to do better for them.

The visits he had shared with Heda, Veteran, even Ensio had spurred his desire to be a father. As he watched Heda retreat, he wondered if a family would ever be in his future.