At Callyope’s words Ipiktok’s ears would have tipped backwards in subtle melancholy.

A land which the Nuiruk name was not known? Moonwoman and Sunman’s presence among the Teekons was far-reaching. Borderline timeless. Yet, every child of Moonglow knew the tales of their matriarch's origins and struggles she had overcome – if abbreviated. Born on Siniq Island of the Sunshine people. The long dark and the far ice. Moonspear and its falling star. Callyope implied she, too, would be just as resilient and walk a path to adapt to this strange place.

A stout nod from Ipiktok would have followed, as if to affirm and recognize his aunt’s steely resolve.

His question was volleyed to Yanan. It elicited a turn-of-an-ear from Ipiktok, as if to ask just how far have you two walked together?

But she did not know what a village was.

Ipiktok raised a brow – unintentionally judgmental. Were wolves in this strange land all like Yanan? How had she met Callyope?

The word was so innate he found himself struggling to define it!

“A village is where families live together in commune. It can be a place of great safety and strength.

“Callyope parents, my grandparents, were the leaders of our village. And Callyope had once – ”

He began to speak of Forneskja but, aya, perhaps he said too much.