Into the seal hunter's hearth was the walrus boy taken. Fed within the man's lodge, cleaned, and warmed, Kukik had grown considerably while in the seal hunter's care. They had not found his aappak, his father, and it was with a heavy heart that they boy lost hope each passing day. Days turned to weeks, and weeks to months. Kukik had grown more adept at the seal hunter's tongue, and the shared pidgin between the two coastal peoples. Some days he continued to speak as a Walrus Hunter to Chakliux, if only not to lose the words of his kin.

Chakliux met the boy's needs, and in turn began to teach the boy the skills he would need in life. There were many similarities between the walrus and seal hunters, but one of domestic note that Kukik still struggled with was the separate sleeping areas of a seal hunter den. Old habits died hard, and some days the boy could still have be found as having moved spaces in the night to find a place at another's side.

Chakliux spoke of his legends, and told they boy of Oil Father. Kukik in turn told the hunt of Old Bull and Ivory Sister. It was truly a blessing from the spirits that Kukik had been found, lest he be claimed by the cold. It was something the boy had grown grateful for. For the spirits to have brought him Chakliux.

For the spirits to have brought him a new father.

Kukik did not speak of such thoughts to Chakluix, but he wondered if it could be seen in his eyes. If how he lingered on the words he chose to address Chakliux had caused question. Would the man spur him from his home? Kukik did not believe the seal hunter would, but if the man who sired him left him, could the man who found him no to the same?

Chakliux had taken them closer to the sea. Brine sat heavily within the air, and the gulls cried overhead. Kukik found himself at Chakliux's side, and gave the man a nudge on his shoulder. The gulls circled, their calls growing louder, and some could be seen diving.

The birds have found something.