Qeya River sparrow's sorrow

She feels it, the warmth and bloom of love and pride. Kivaluk was more than she could have ever imagined in her children. A child of Kigipigak. Perhaps one day, when his father returned, a child of Tartok in the fullest.

She realized these things had become hers as much as they were her husband's.

"Mama,"

Her eyes and ears turned towards him. Her heart was not prepared for the question he asked. Her brows pinched briefly before her features smoothed. It was a fair question. Her children had only ever known them not a one sole leader.

She thought of how her mother had led without a father figure, without a husband.

No. She decided on firmly, a soft shake of her head. Your father was Sangilak, as my husband. He is still my husband, your father. There will be no other Sangilak.

She wondered if this soothed him.