STEAM & BERRIES

  Drak stood for a moment outside the barn, letting the fresh air clear his mind. The sun was high in the sky, and it had warmed the earth enough to melt the remaining drifts of snow, leaving sections of the ground damp and muddy beneath his boots. His clothes were still drenched from Nalli’s unexpected antics and clinged uncomfortably against his skin. He would need to change before getting to work. He focused his vision forward as the vineyard stretched out before him, rows of grapevines and berry bushes awaiting his attention, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

  Drak walked back to the house and found a dry change of clothes and slipped into them. He tossed the soiled set aside in the family wetroom, feeling instant relief at being rid of the damp material. As he did so, his mind was distracted by Nalli. He needed to feed her. Keeping her hidden and sustained wasn’t going to be easy, especially with how much food she needed. The little bit of food he had left in the house wouldn't last long. Tonight, he would take what little food he had from the pantry to Nalli, and then... well, then he would need to think harder about how to sustain her in the coming days. He figured he would have to go into town to buy more, but for now, he needed a temporary solution.

  As he exited the house and moved toward the vineyard to begin his afternoon chores, an idea formed in his mind. He could pick a special basket of grapes and berries for Nalli. They had more than an abundance, and he noticed that she seemed to pay particular attention to the berries when he offered her the food earlier, and this gesture would be more personal than just grabbing whatever food he could find.

  Drak found a spare empty collection basket along the side of the house and strapped it to his back before heading toward the berry bushes. The vines and bushes were healthy and full this season, and thankfully the unexpected early snow didn’t ruin the fruits. His family had carefully chosen their crops, including valiant, frontenac, seyval blanc grapes, as well as snow, juniper, and winterberries—all of which were hardy in more frigid conditions. He carefully picked the ripest ones, hoping Nalli would appreciate them. As he worked, his mind wandered back to her resting in the barn. He needed to come up with a plan, and a better, more sustainable way to help her. Picking fruits wouldn’t fully satisfy her hunger either, but for now, they would have to do.

  The basket filled slowly, and Drak felt a small sense of satisfaction as he imagined the look on Nalli's face when he brought her the fresh berries. He spent the next few hours finishing up his vineyard duties, all the while mentally cataloging the food supplies left in the house. There wasn’t much, he knew that, but he’d bring whatever he could find to her later tonight.

  By the time he finished his work, the sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, and with it long shadows slowly crept across the vineyard. Drak took a moment to admire the quiet beauty of the scene before heading back toward the house, the full and cumbersome basket of grapes and berries secure on his back.

  Drak entered the house, the basket still slung over his shoulder. The quietness of the house echoed his own thoughts as he moved towards the kitchen. The small pantry door creaked as he opened it, revealing the remaining meager contents inside. His eyes scanned the shelves and his heart sank as he only found the last few loaves of bread from earlier, some cured meat, cheese, and a handful of root vegetables.

  Despite the meager contents, he reached for the food to take to Nalli, but paused as he felt a growling emptiness from his own stomach. Drak hadn’t realized how hungry he was himself until now. He hesitated, then cut off a couple slices of bread, some cheese, and meat. Moving slowly, he assembled a simple meal between bread slices and sat down at the kitchen table, the house eerily quiet around him.

  As he chewed, his mind began to wander. Tomorrow, he would need to go into Tribute to buy more sustenance for Nalli, but first, he had to get his steam-bike back in working order. It was the only way he’d be able to make the trip quickly and discreetly without raising suspicion. If he didn’t get it working, it would make things a lot more complicated.

  He swallowed the last bite of his sandwich and sighed. Everything felt surreal. Just this morning, his life had been routine, filled with predictable vineyard work and the quiet pressure from his parents to settle down. Now, he was harboring a wounded direhound, and the risks felt much higher than anything he’d ever faced before.

  Drak stood after brushing the crumbs off his hands. He grabbed the remainder of the food from the pantry, save for a single loaf of bread for himself later, and stacked it carefully onto the remaining top space of the collection basket, then shouldered it. The sun had begun to dip faster over the horizon, and the evening shadows were beginning to spread swiftly across the floor as he made his way back outside.

  His thoughts lingered on tomorrow. On the steam-bike, on his plan to gather more supplies, and on Nalli. At least, now, he could take her this food and hope it would be enough to hold her over for the night.

  Drak headed toward the barn, the bundle of food tucked under one arm. His mind was focused on his next steps when he spotted something by the barn door. A small, familiar-looking box. He froze for a moment, then grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. The gyroscope. He had left it there when he’d discovered Nalli, completely forgetting about it in the chaos of the moment.

  “Not getting to Tribute without this,” Drak muttered to himself, bending down to pick it up. With the gyroscope and food bundle in over his shoulder, Drak pushed open the barn door, stepping inside. The familiar scent of hay and wood greeted him, along with the large form of Nalli still curled up in her resting place. She hadn’t moved much since he’d last seen her, where her strange hair, plum-colored nose, and light gray fur stood out against the hay.

  “You’re back,” Nalli’s voice rumbled, deep and soft, though her eyes remained closed. Drak halted in surprise for a moment. She hadn’t even lifted her head, yet she knew he was there.

  “You… you can hear me that well?” Drak asked, astonished.

  Nalli let out a low chuckle. “I could hear you coming from your den. You humans walk so loudly for such puny creatures.”

  Drak smiled at that, both impressed and a little embarrassed. “I guess I should be quieter next time.”

  “You could try,” Nalli said, still not bothering to open her eyes, “But I can still always smell you,” her voice trailing off in the comfortable quiet of the barn.

  Drak stood there for a moment, marveling at her, before moving deeper into the barn. He set the gyroscope down on a workbench and then walked over to Nalli’s side. Drak set the bundle of food beside her and sighed. “That’s it,” he said, brushing his hands together. “That’s the last of the food I’ve got here. I’ll need to head into town tomorrow to get more for you. Just try not to rip the basket. They’re not as easy to replace as burlap sacks.”

  Nalli’s ears twitched, and she finally opened one yellow eye to peer at him. “The last of it?” she echoed, both eyes now popping open. There was a note of discomfort in her tone, something that didn’t quite fit with the powerful direhound she appeared to be.

  Drak, oblivious to her unease, walked over to the workbench, retrieving the small box he’d picked up earlier. He opened it and pulled out the gyroscope. “Yeah. But don’t worry, I’ll manage. I just need to get this old thing running again so I can ride into Tribute tomorrow.” He held up the box containing the pieces of the device for a moment before setting it down, turning his attention to the task of repairing his steam-bike.

  Nalli watched him curiously, her golden eyes contemplative as she studied the odd contraption. She didn’t ask what it was, though her mind whirred with questions. Instead, another thought weighed heavier on her heart. She shifted slightly in the hay, the movement subtle but enough to draw Drak’s attention.

  “I didn’t mean to starve you of all your food,” she said as she sat up cross-legged, her voice quieter than before, a tone of vulnerability creeping in. “I don’t want to put a burden on your pack.” She understood that a direhound like herself required a lot of food to sustain herself, but she wasn’t the type to deplete the resources of another.

  Drak paused mid-reach, holding a wrench in his hand. He glanced over his shoulder at her, then turned fully around, shaking his head. “You’re not a burden,” he said firmly. He turned back toward the workbench and tapped the wrench against some metal piping with a cling to punctuate his point. “I want to help you, Nalli. You’re my guest.”

  Her plum-colored nose twitched as she looked at him, her eyes softening slightly. The idea of being someone’s “guest” felt strange, almost foreign, especially coming from something so weak and insignificant as a human. She was used to her own strength, to being able to take care of herself. Drak’s insistence however, and the sincerity in his voice, made something inside her relax just a little.

  Drak grabbed the steam-bike, which was still sitting in its spot between a large pair of copper pipes, and rolled it over to the workbench. “I’ve been meaning to fix this bike for a while,” he said, getting back to work. “Once it’s ready, I’ll be able to ride into town and get you more supplies.”

  Nalli watched him in silence for a moment as the steady sound of his work filled the barn. She still felt a knot of discomfort in her chest, but there was something about Drak’s determination that kept her from pushing the matter further. She could see that he wasn’t just helping out of some strange, human obligation. He genuinely wanted to, and that realization, though unfamiliar, eased her concerns for now.

  As Drak tightened the bolts on the steam-bike, he glanced back at Nalli, who had settled back into the hay but was still watching him intently. He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as he wiped his brow, leaving a small streak of grease behind.

  “You know,” he began, his tone more reflective, “it’s kind of funny. Before you showed up, my days were just… the same. Every single day. Wake up, tend to the vineyard, pick the berries, deal with the vineyard’s upkeep, then go to bed. Maybe a meal with my folks in between. It’s predictable. Safe, I guess, but boring as hell.” He paused, then added with a smirk, “No offense to the vineyard or my parents, of course.”

  Nalli’s ear flicked, acknowledging his words, but she remained quiet, letting him continue.

  “I used to dream about doing something different,” Drak continued, his voice gaining a little more energy. “Something more exciting. I’ve always wanted to get out there, you know? See the world beyond the vineyard, explore places that aren’t just rows and rows of grapevines. Maybe even join the Expeditionaries…” He gave a small laugh, almost at himself. “Except, that’s the kind of thing you need connections for, or at least a lot of coin. And, well, that’s not exactly where I’m at.”

  He gestured around the barn with the wrench. “So instead, I’ve been here, day in and day out, just keeping things running at the behest of my family. It’s not bad, because there’s something to be said about the quiet life… but, it’s not what I imagined for myself.” Drak’s gaze turned back to the steam-bike as he worked, his voice becoming more contemplative.

  “And then you stumbled in here, out of nowhere. Bleeding, drunk, and, uh… well, a direhound,” he added with a wry smile. “Never in a million years did I think something like that would happen. But in a weird way… it’s amazing. You’ve shaken things up, made me feel like I’m actually doing something important for once, even if it’s just helping you get back on your feet.”

  Nalli shifted slightly in the hay, her gaze mellowing as she listened, her tail lightly sweeping beside her. Drak’s honesty caught her off guard.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Were humans usually this open?

  “I guess what I’m saying is…” Drak paused, searching for the right words. “I don’t mind. In fact, I’m kind of glad you ended up here. It’s given me a chance to do something different, something meaningful. And that’s worth more than all the grapes, berries, and finest of wines in the world.”

  He turned back to the steam-bike, focusing on the final adjustments on the gyroscope. “I know you didn’t ask to be here, and I know it’s not easy for you. Though for what it’s worth, I’m happy to help. I’ll figure out how to keep you fed, how to get you on your way. We’ll make it work.”

  For a moment, the barn was quiet, and the only sound remaining was the faint tinkering of metal as Drak worked. Nalli watched him, her golden eyes thoughtful. Drak’s words lingered in her mind, while gratitude mixed with confusion settled in her chest.

  This human, so different from what she’d expected, had been nothing but kind and honest with her. It was… strange, but perhaps not unwelcome.

  Nalli watched Drak with contemplation. When he finally finished assembling the steam-bike, she spoke, her voice soft but sincere.

  “Your help has been... very appreciated,” she said, her tone carrying a burden of genuine gratitude. Then, she added another phrase in her native tongue, “Takutsuapuk aje atsinguak...”

  Drak looked up, intrigued by the unfamiliar phrase. “What does that mean?” he asked, wiping his hands on a rag.

  Nalli hesitated for a moment before responding, her gaze thoughtful. “There is no direct translation, but it closely resembles ‘kindness is a treasure.’ It’s a saying from my people, the Direhounds… of the Nightmoon Veil.”

  Drak’s curiosity was piqued, but his instant excitement revealed itself as his suspicions were finally confirmed. “The Nightmoon Veil? You’re really from there? I’ve heard a bit about it, but I don’t know much. What’s it like there? And what’s your language called?”

  Nalli shifted slightly in the hay, as if considering how much to reveal. “Our language is called Ukausik, and our realm is... different from what you know. It’s a land of forests and mountains, where our people live in harmony with nature. We have our own customs, traditions, and ways of life. It’s not the same as human settlements, where everything is driven by your technology and industry, but we do have cities of our own.”

  Drak’s eyes widened with fascination. “That sounds wondrous. I’ve always wanted to learn more about other cultures, especially ones as different from my own as yours. It must be so different from here.”

  Nalli gave a small nod. “Very. And we have our own strengths and ways of living that are deeply tied to the land we inhabit. I never thought I’d be here, interacting with humans and… experiencing your world.”

  Drak leaned in, eager to hear more. He had so many questions. “So, what’s it like to live in the Nightmoon Veil? What kind of customs and traditions do you have?”

  Nalli relaxed a bit, it seemed he had a million questions, and she was encouraged by his genuine interest. “Our customs are centered around our connection with the land. We have rituals to honor the spirits of nature, and we value strength, loyalty, and respect. Our society is built on a balance between our people and the environment we live in. It’s a different way of life, one that values unity with the natural world.”

  Drak nodded, absorbing the information with interest. “It sounds like a beautiful place, though I’m sure it’s not without its challenges.”

  “It has its challenges, just like any place,” Nalli agreed. “But it’s home. And right now, I need to regain my strength to complete my assignment. That’s why I’m here. I am grateful for your help.”

  Drak smiled. “Well, I’m glad I could be of assistance. I’ll do my best to help you get back to your people. It sounds like whatever you’re working on is really important.” Though, the mysterious implications of her mission lingered on in the back of his mind.

  Nalli’s gaze softened as she looked at him. “It is. And your unexpected assistance means more than you know.”

  A beat of silence passed as Drak finished the final adjustments on his steam-bike, the gyroscope now securely fitted into place. He flipped the bike back onto its wheels and wiped his hands on his apron. “This should be it,” he said, his voice filled with excitement and a pinch of nervousness. “Time to see if it works.”

  Nalli, still nestled in the hay, watched with keen interest as Drak manipulated a lever first, and then a dial on the bike. The machine responded with a series of mechanical whirs and puffs of steam, coming to life with a reassuring hum. Drak grinned widely, clearly pleased with the result as he gave a whoop of triumph when the steam-bike roared to life.

  Nalli tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “What is this machine?” she asked with a raised voice, her gaze following the steam-powered contraption with fascination.

  Drak looked over his shoulder at her, his smile broadening. “This is a steam-bike. It’s like a two-wheeled, self-propelled carriage. I use it to cover the distance between the farm and Tribute. Makes travelling a lot faster than walking.”

  Nalli’s eyes widened slightly. “Self-propelled? So it moves on its own?”

  “That’s right,” Drak confirmed, continuing to fine-tune the bike. “It’s powered by steam, which comes from the engine here,” he said while pointing to a blocky piece of metal situated beneath the seat, “I’ll be able to get into town quickly and get more food for you.”

  Nalli seemed perplexed, her ears twitching with discomfort as the bike’s noise continued. “Kakiannangituk! We have nothing like this in the Nightmoon Veil. Our means of travel are more... natural.”

  Drak chuckled. “I suppose we do have a lot of technology here. It’s not always easy to maintain, but it has its perks. For now, though, I’m glad it’s working. I’ll be ready to head into town tomorrow.”

  Drak sat on the seat and gripped the handles. He revved it a few times, taking it for a few test laps around the barn's interior. The machine roared and hissed with each pass, filling the barn with its mechanical clamor. Nalli’s ears pinned back each time he passed, baring her fangs at the loud noise and the acrid oil and steam scent of the motor. Despite her discomfort, she kept a watchful eye on Drak as he maneuvered the bike.

  Eventually, Drak slowed to a stop and turned the engine off. He wiped his brow from the sweat build-up from his hard work, and Nalli, her expression laced with irritation, finally spoke up.

  “What is your plan for tomorrow?” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern.

  Drak leaned against the bike, “I’ll head into Tribute early in the morning to get what you need. I know of a few places I can get it. I just hope it’ll be enough to keep you well-fed for a while.”

  Nalli’s gaze softened slightly, though she still looked uneasy about the bike’s engine noise. “And what about after that? What’s your plan once you’ve helped me?”

  Drak scratched his head thoughtfully. “Well, I suppose after you’ve gotten yourself healthy and stocked up, I’ll have to figure out how to assist you with your journey. I’m not exactly sure what else you’ll need or how long it’ll take, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help you. I just haven’t figured that out yet.”

  Nalli regarded him for a moment, clearly weighing his words. “You’re willing to go out of your way for a direhound you barely know?”

  Drak nodded earnestly. “You’ve shown me you don’t mean me any harm, and you’re in a tough spot. It’s not every day something like this happens, and I want to make sure I do the right thing.”

  Nalli considered his answer, her gaze thoughtful. “I’ll make sure not to be a burden. But for now, you should rest. You’ve done enough for one day.”

  Drak nodded in agreement, knowing there was still much to prepare, but he felt a strong sense of satisfaction in knowing he’d gone another step in the right direction.

  Drak shut off his steam-bike and carefully pushed it back into its rightful spot before turning to face Nalli. He looked thoughtful as he approached her, his curiosity evident. “I’m sure you’ve got your reasons for traveling through human lands,” he said, hoping she might shed some light on her true goal. “It might help me understand how to better assist you if I knew a bit more about why you’re here?”

  Nalli’s ears instantly flicked with irritation, and her eyes narrowed in a blatant sign of her suspicion. She let out a soft, low growl before speaking. “Don’t ask me about that again, human. I’ve already told you more than I intended. Just know that I have my reasons, for my people, and they are important.”

  Drak nodded, slightly disappointed but understanding. “Alright, I won’t press you further.”

  Nalli studied him for a moment, her expression softening as she considered his earnestness. “Good night, Drak,” she said, her voice carrying a tone of grudging appreciation.

  Drak offered a warm smile in return. “Good night, Nalli.”

  With that, he left the barn and made his way back to the house and prepared himself for a night’s rest. He climbed the steps up to his bedroom and stretched before slipping into bed, the day's events replaying in his mind. He thought about the steam-bike, the food, and Nalli’s unexpected presence in his life. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt excitement for the next day’s journey into Tribute, eager to see through this unexpected encounter with the direhound called Nalli.

  ***

  After Drak had left, Nalli listened intently until she was sure that he would not return. She let out a long breath, releasing hidden tension she’d been holding in her body. Her eyes remained fixed on the closed door for a few moments before she shifted on her bed of hay, allowing herself to relax.

  The human had been kind. Too kind, in fact, and it made Nalli uneasy. She had never expected such generosity from humans. Drak's persistence, while irritating, was also strangely disarming. He hadn’t treated her like a beast of burden, or worse, a dangerous creature to be feared and controlled. He simply wanted to help, even though it was clear he had no idea how to truly handle her.

  Nalli’s ears twitched at the distant sounds of the night. She could hear the wind whistle through the cracks of the barn, the occasional creak of its wooden beams, and the distant bleats and calls of human livestock from nearby lands. It was peaceful here, but it was the calmness that unsettled her. She wasn’t used to this kind of stillness, not when there was so much at stake.

  The mission she was burdened with had been gradually growing heavier on her mind since her departure from the Nightmoon Veil. She was meant to deliver an important message, one that could change the fate of her people. Now, she was injured, stranded, and relying on a human who didn’t even know what kind of trouble he was getting himself into. The image of the posek assassin prodded at the back of her mind. She had thought her escape into the night had been in secret, yet, somehow she had been compromised, and that realization troubled her like an itch she couldn’t reach.

  Nalli let out a soft growl, frustrated with herself for being tricked and left so vulnerable. She shouldn’t be here, dependent on this human. She should be out there, moving towards her task. Yet, despite the ache in her body and the haze of uncertainty clouding her mind, she couldn’t deny that Drak had helped her more than she had expected. She just hoped it wouldn’t come at too high a cost for either of them. Especially this human, Drak, who had gotten himself entangled in her struggle.

  She shifted again, her sharp, clawed feet lightly scratching the wooden floor as she settled into a more comfortable position. Drak’s questions had unnerved her. He was curious, which was natural in his position—she assumed, but curiosity could lead to dangerous truths. She couldn’t afford to be exposed, not now, not when so much was still at stake.

  As she curled up tighter in the hay, Nalli let out a quiet sigh. She would need to leave soon, before Drak’s kindness turned into something more complicated. Before he got too comfortable. She couldn’t allow herself to trust him fully, no matter how genuine he seemed, but for now, she would try and rest. She needed her strength for what lay ahead.

  However, even as Nalli lay still, her eyes remained open in the dark barn as the hours stretched on. Sleep eluded her, despite the day's exhaustion. She had already spent most of the day resting off the lingering effects of the posek poison, as well as the human wine, and now her mind churned with unease. The soft sounds of the barn’s creaks and the distant rustling of the vineyard beyond did nothing to soothe her. She turned her gaze towards the basket Drak had left beside her.

  The scent of her favorite fruit lingered in the air, teasing her senses. She sniffed, recognizing the familiar aroma. More berries? Curiosity tugged at her. She shifted, glancing towards the basket again before leaning over and gently lifting the lid with a clawed hand. Inside was a generous portion of berries, carefully picked and presented. Her amber eyes traced the vibrant colors of the fruit, and she couldn't help but wonder if Drak had really gone to the trouble of gathering these just for her.

  It must have taken hours to gather all these…

  For a moment, she hesitated. Her instincts warned her against trusting too much, but the sight and smell of her favorite snack won out. She gingerly picked a handful of berries from the basket and held them in her palm, considering them carefully. Did he know I liked these? The thought perturbed her. How could he have known? Or was it just a fortunate guess?

  Without further hesitation, she popped the handful of berries into her mouth. The delicious sweet and tangy flavor flooded her senses, bringing a moment of satisfaction amidst her turmoil. She ate them slowly, savoring the taste as she continued to mull over her situation.

  Drak’s kindness was confusing. It wasn’t what she had expected from a human, especially not after all she had been through. The gesture was genuine, and it gnawed further at her resolve. Could she trust him? She wasn’t sure, but as she ate the berries bit by bit, she found herself questioning her assumptions.

  Nalli sighed quietly, her thoughts still heavy. She couldn’t stay here forever, relying on this human’s hospitality. She had a mission to complete, one that was far more important than indulging in berries and idle conversations. Though for now, in this quiet moment, she allowed herself a small reprieve. The days ahead would be difficult enough, and she would need all her strength to heal and face them.

  As she finished the last of the berries, she lay back down in the hay, the taste of them lingering on her tongue. Sleep still didn’t come easily, but at least for tonight, she didn’t feel quite as alone.

  A

  AkKalajuks – Ants

  Anniasuitik – Shaman of Medicine

  Anirnaq – The First Direhounds

  Anirniq – Soul

  Anga – Yes

  Atsinguak – Gift

  Auka – No

  I

  Ijik – Eye(s)

  Ikialuit! – Damnit or damn you, depending on phrasing.

  Ilisimaik – Craziness

  Ipatsik – Understand

  Ipvit – You

  K

  Kaijuuti – Coyote Tribe

  Kakiannangituk – Unpleasant

  Kavinguak – Much noise

  Kulgoskarrik – A lizard, known for dropping its tail when frightened with a sudden loud burst

  Kutsutak – Yellow

  Kuviasotikak – Ridiculous

  M

  Mitappuk(s) – Joke(s)

  N

  Nakummek – Thank you

  Nalligik – Love(s)

  Nokel-katantik – Honorable

  Nuni Lunikk – Moon Mother

  Nunivak – Pick berries

  Nutaqq – Child

  O

  Omajualuk – Monster

  P

  Paunngak – Berries

  Pattangaititsik – Protecting

  Piujuk – Good

  Piunngituk Silatsuak – Bad Earth

  Pijagia-keh – Different

  Pilluak – Smart, clever, skillful

  Pitsatujuk – Powerful

  Q

  Qilakpaangut – sky-eyed wanderer who flies like a startled birdling

  Qimmit – Dog (or like a dog)

  S

  IkKumanngituk – Stupid

  Siku – Ice

  Siitani – Star cycles, or revolutions around the sun

  Sungittotanuk – A symbol

  T

  Tatannamek – Amazed / How Fascinating!

  Takutsuapuk – Kindness

  Tatsika Napattulik – The Darkened Forest

  Tillia-Kattak – Vermin (More than one meaning?)

  Tikatsiak – Strong twine

  U

  Ukalik – Hare

  Ukausik – Language of Direhounds

  Ukiuq – Winter

  Ullak – Morning

  Nalligik-Paunngak Kutsutak-Ijik (Nalli) – Love(s) Berries Yellow-Eyes

  Akkitu-kumik Taggana-Tak (Umbra) – Soft-Scratch Shadow-Side

  (Uvaguk or Uvak)-kaik sollu pitsiak. Pik sivo-ganik – (We or I) Come as kin. Do not fear.

  Sakkik sollu pitsiak! Ipvut napaq kunulik… Amarik! – Appear as kin! But stand with… enemy!

  Qamut qimmit! Pilluq! – Cowardly dogs! Move!

  Sunas pait mittsikappuk, atiq? – What is your real/true name?

  Nuti Nannguk Kunnak – Great Fault of Kunnak

  Takutsuapuk aje atsinguak – Kindness is a treasure

  Vine & Fang posted for free reading. Redistribution prohibited.