Qeya River aviguti

The children were growing, becoming bold, and finding themselves as their bodies grew. Kigipigak was not privy to much between his sons - he spent many hours at the riverside, and when he wasn't found there fishing for lunch or dinner, he was patrolling.

The lifestyle that had descended upon Kigipigak was not something he had ever craved; if anything, it was the antithesis: Kigipigak was a creature born for pack life, hunting parties, and the camaraderie of men, all of which remained absent at this stage in his life. As much as he loved Sakhmet and the little family they now raised together, there was also an emptiness Kigipigak wished to fill.

He came to the ulaq while the boys were sleeping; it was done on purpose, to get the attention of his wife alone. @Sakhmet, the man called lowly, trying to be quiet so that their sons would not rise. It was early in the evening but a common time for them to be asleep, and he hoped not to disrupt their habits.

The stars have started appearing early, he crooned as an invitation to her, and stepped back from the doorway, looking to the sky. Come, before they wake to my voice. He meant the boys - but it was a curious phrase in the moment. What might wake among the stars if Kigipigak sought their attention in earnest?

The seasons warmed.

Their home remained empty, more or less.

She had thoughts. Doubts. Worries. Perhaps they should take that trip to Moonglow. It would be nice to see Kukutux once more, to give her own children some sense of stability and traditions.

All of this contemplated as she finished tucking them in for the night.

The loving voice of Kigipigak a welcomed break from her own mind. Carefully, she would make her way to him. Too eager to submerge into his side, his pale fur. Moon eyes turning to look from him to the stars.

I have missed the chances to just...be. To just exist alongside you.

They were not in danger here, no, but she was on constant alert. Constantly suspicious of every face that came by.

Settling outside of the den at a distance from the mouth of it, Kigipigak was pleased by the immediate presence of his wife, with her voice rolling lowly to him.

He nodded. The children had changed more than the lovers' schedules; everything had shifted with their arrival, and now it felt as of a profound purpose had found its way to them. To exist together in peace, in secret as they stole some time away, left Kigipigak feeling almost guilty.

I think we should consider... that these lands, they are still blighted. The children are old enough now for a visit to Moonglow. Kigipigak was hesitant to suggest more than that, as his plans were still dear to him, but so was Kukutux, and there was no avoiding the obvious: to raise children without further assistance would continue to be a struggle.

He thought of the bone-reader; Kigipigak's gaze traced some stars. He would say nothing else and await judgement from his wife.

Relief.

It rolled and sagged the edges of her shoulders. To hear him speak her own thoughts. She thought of the caribou pelt she had held so dear, how desperately she had wished even when pregnant to be with Kukutux once more.

It's time then. She agreed softly. Perhaps too quick, but it mattered little. I think they will enjoy the trip there, too.

And there will hopefully be other children for them to meet, more teachers to learn from...

Perhaps if she painted this in light of the children, she would not feel so guilty for wanting Moonglow so badly.

Then it is decided. Kigipigak felt relief as he spoke these words.

He thought of Cerne again and wondered if the man would follow, or if he had moved on already, given that this place proved a struggle to the whole family. His thoughts did not linger long upon the man of spirits and bones; he thought of his children instead, and of Moonglow, and knew in his heart this was what he'd wanted for a long time.

It will be good to see everyone again. For them to meet our boys. A grin spread upon Kigipigak's face as he imagined the surprise that might alight upon Kukutux, or Sialuk, and found himself looking forward to it all the more. Aiolos would see his sons too, and together the men could bond as fathers.

Decided.

Steadfast and sturdy, she never felt uncertain by the voice of Kigipigak. Although it was often they looked to each other for guidance, they always settled on it together. Strong working pieces together.

She nosed gently at the side of his neck. A tender piece. A place she liked to think only she could ever reach.

I have too much excitement for this, for them all to see. She confessed as a small lump settled somewhere in the depth of her throat. Tail swaying behind her.

Perhaps it will be better to go soon, before the summer heat. They can have their first big hunt there.

Kigipigak listens and nods, letting a smile spread across his scarred face. He wonders if it is a good choice but in hearing the strength within Sakhmet after the decision is made, he knows not to dwell. It is a lot of travel for such young boys - but they will be together as a family unit, and perhaps the trials awaiting them upon the road will bring them closer.

Yes, they will hunt with their cousins, and we can show them off to everyone!

She feels light once more.

She had not known how...dreary her days had felt. Of course she had the love of husband and children, but she had missed these moments. These things.

She could not stop herself from reaching to kiss at his face. I have missed you, She tells him and perhaps there are many meanings to her words, but she does not elaborate, only relishes this moment with him.

It would take a day or so to organize the boys, get them fed and rested for the first leg of the journey, so they had time to spare for one another. Sakhmet saw this; Kigipigak felt it when she reached out to him, and leaned in to her.

We have been busy. He murmurs against her.

The boys are.. asleep? It has been some time since the husband and wife have spent precious time together, as they once did, and Kigipigak's voice alludes to as much.

For now,

She murmured back, rustling the fur that dared to hide battle scars. She remembered the marks of the cougar, she remembered the lengths he had gone for her. The lengths he still went for her.

Which means we shouldn't waste any time.

A whisper, soft and inviting as her features split with a smile. She hoped to lead him away for a moment, perhaps along the river. Perhaps into the northern reaches of their lands.

I love themmm

The low murmur of Sakhmet's voice was an incantation to the rest of him, awakening dormant desires within Kigipigak.

As she drew away from the ulaq the man gave one precious look to where the boys slept and then his eyes were upon his wife, his body moving to follow her alongside the dark curves of their river.