Ocean's Breath Plateau auntdam

A brief, threadbare smile crossed his face at Kannoyak's words. Though he meant them kindly, Kilgitsuk could not help thinking of the many roads he'd traveled, people he'd helped, and how sorely he missed his wife; if she was still his wife, given the time and distance apart.

Chakliux spoke up next and explained why the mood here was sombre: the loss of Samani. This came as a great surprise to Kilgitsuk and he could not help the shock that crept through his vision, the raising of his brow, the sudden inward breath where he felt a stinging loss. He nodded an acceptance though—he would not speak her name.

Had she been a matriarch of Tartok, her band would mourn and they would rage, and war, and stain the snow with blood to show their respect. This was not such a place.

I understand. So much had changed, and he had not been here to see it.