Alpha Kevser
(Site Owner)
|
Nov 30, 2015 16:23:17 GMT
Post by Alpha Kevser on Nov 30, 2015 16:23:17 GMT
This is the central location of the Inuit tribe, the hub of their community. This is where the central fire burns, where celebrations and mourning are held, and where the tribe shares their meal's and stories. The hunters will bring their kills here to split among the group.
|
|
Tomkin
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 7
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Dec 21, 2015 17:31:10 GMT
Post by Tomkin on Dec 21, 2015 17:31:10 GMT
Tomkin’s warm, brown eyes gazed off over the remote land, his look appearing glazed and distant. The mountains that marked the horizon were cloaked in dark clouds, signaling a possible snow storm off in that direction. It was not yet snowing in the village, but that hardly mattered to the Angatquq. He was deep in thought, searching for answers in the brewing clouds. He was unsuccessful though, for the veil was only instilling an ominous tone into the man’s normally gleeful soul.
At the negative feeling, an easy, almost genuine smile flashed upon his lips. Always his defense, the smile was still natural. Only if someone peered closely into his eyes would they find some sort of turmoil going on within him. He sighed and stood from the log he had been sitting on. It was only a short walk now back to the village, but part of him did not want to make that journey. For a moment, he just wanted to stay here, alone, without anyone, reveling in the silence of the morning. There was not much of a wind, and the only other living beings near him were a few taciturn crows. If he didn’t return back to the village, he could pretend like nothing was wrong. Like the few remaining members of his tribe were not slowly starving to death. Like they weren’t having to resort to eating the last of their stores, or facing a complete depletion of their food by the end of next week. Tomkin hung his head slightly, and began trudging through the snow, back to the village. He wished he could pretend, but that would be a lie, a death sentence. They had to figure out something.
The stout, toned man quickened his pace. He had been thinking for some time about the tribe’s issue, and he was finally prepared to suggest his idea. It would include something none of them had ever done as a tribe, but it could be worth it.
The man’s braid was tucked under his wolfskin parka, and his hands were blanketed in elk fur. His appearance was clean and his eyes were clear as he finally approached the innards of the village. His smile remained, covering his worry. He lifted his head and squinted his eyes, knowing that it was the only way to appear genuine. And indeed, he did feel some comfort in entering the Inuit camp, because his family resided there. He just needed to try to forget the less than joyful parts of it.
Tomkin approached the dwindling fire that sputtered at the center of the place. Women would have usually tended it early that morning, but there were hardly any women left. There was hardly anyone left. Tomkin felt no awkwardness in substituting himself in a woman’s job for a moment, if just to aid in the group’s survival. A hide tarp covered the large stock pile of wood that sat near the central fire, one which he whipped off quickly. He grabbed some smaller pieces of chopped pine and brought it back to the cinders. He leaned the wood against each other in a tepee-like pattern to allow for oxygen to reach the base. After a little coaxing, the heat caught onto the dry bark and began to burn, restarting the fire. For a few more moments, Tomkin poked and prodded at the heat source with a stick, adding in one larger log to truly feed it. Once finished, he stood, replaced the tarp, and then pivoted back to the fire. Before he could catch himself, his gaze again began growing distant, the flames casting orange streaks along his eyes’ reflective surfaces. He just had to wait now for the rest of the tribe to emerge.
|
|
Silaluk
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 5
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Post by Silaluk on Dec 22, 2015 4:19:44 GMT
Silaluk walks out of her small hut, fingers working deftly to finish her second braid even as she sidesteps to avoid Antuqtuaq's attempts to trip her, the large dog running in circles about her, very much tampering with her ability to walk without stumbling and making an ass of herself. Eventually the malamute gives up, seeming to find something far more interesting on the other side of their depressingly empty camp; bounding away, Silaluk was then free to let her attention wander elsewhere, and with his being a lone figure near the fire, Tomkin caught her attention easily enough. Sucking her bottom lip between her teeth, she bites it softly as she often did when worried. She would need to go out and search for food again today, anything to sate the hunger gnawing at their bellies, but at the same time felt that any attempt made would be fruitless, as it had been the last couple of days. Releasing her lip, the young woman sighs, before approaching the silent man.
Her arm slips into his, and she bumps him with her hip by way of playful greeting, a tentative smile curving her lips as she glances up at his face. "Something troubles you, Tomkin." As there were many troubling things lately, it was apparent that she was referring to something apart from the obvious, and the silence immediately following her statement was an invitation to explain. Her arm remains linked with his; the woman often sought out physical contact between herself and the few remaining tribe members, as it was both comforting and reassuring to her - the gestures were platonic, all the same. Her cheeks were flushed with cold, and her thin frame was covered with thick skins and furs, giving the impression of health. However, there were stark shadows beneath her eyes, and her gaze grew somewhat unfocused every few moments, as though the troubles of the past and the future were constantly haunting her. She had a habit of taking every failure of her tribe and every shortcoming personally, and it was quite difficult for the lean female to let them go. Even so, she waits patiently for Tomkin's response, while subconsciously keeping an ear out for Qannik's emergence.
|
|
Tomkin
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 7
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Dec 22, 2015 16:21:14 GMT
Post by Tomkin on Dec 22, 2015 16:21:14 GMT
A gentle touch to his arm drew Tomkin out of his reverie. He blinked, and then looked up from the struggling flame. It was a tough feat, for the flame was so warm and mesmerizing, hungry for fuel, just like they all were. Still, he managed, and met the gaze of Silaluk. She appeared so weary, and it panged his heart. They weren’t going to make it much longer. A desperate chord strummed under his lungs and his breath hitched, but he smiled all the same, his eyes squinting like they always did. He patted Silaluk’s linked arm with his large, callused hand and pulled her arm closer to his side.
“I’m quite fine Silaluk.” His voice was cheery, but his eyes, behind the squint, were not. He watched her gaze for a moment and then sighed. “I have an idea to fix this, but it’s not going to be easy.” His voice had lowered and after he stated this, he turned his visage back towards the fire. “Not easy at all.”
His hand remained laying on the female’s arm, nearly absent mindedly, as his mind again ran over his idea. “What about you? You don’t appear to be all that joyful.” His voice was quiet. Perhaps after talking to the small group about his thoughts, he could fall back into his normal way- cheering everyone up with good natured flirting and jokes. But until then, he couldn’t quite bring himself into that level of happiness.
-_- So short
|
|
Qannik
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 22
Gender: Male
Age:
|
Post by Qannik on Dec 23, 2015 2:52:17 GMT
Qannik slid out of his hut rather slowly, stepping out into the cold with minimal enthusiasm. He couldn't help the frown that coated his features or the dullness that veiled his usually warm eyes. Entering the camp felt like another step closer to the dark reality that had replaced his happier world. It seemed almost absurd to him how a single event could wipe out so many of his people, and leave the remains of its destruction struggling to get back on their feet. To Qannik, his tribe wasn't even anywhere near that point. He felt as if they were still lying flat on their backs, blind eyes staring into the hazy figure of a cruel sun. But Qannik's question was not whether or not they could sit up, but whether or not they would. It seemed like a fantasy to him. How could such a damaged handful of people heal from such a tragic wound? It was as if an entire part of themselves had faded along with their members. He didn't know if he himself wanted to continue trying.
With a disgruntled exhale, Qannik tightened his hold on the base of his harpoon. Pulling up the hood of his parka, Qannik's dull eyes traveled over the bulky figures of both Silaluk and Tomkin, who both seemed engaged in a rather clipped conversation. With the sickness of grief still clouding his mind, Qannik decided to leave them in their fragile peace. He turned towards the remaining huts, assessing their stability with only a hint of interest. His frown grew deeper with the realization that he had already mended all that could be repaired. Feeling utterly useless, Qannik glanced back at his harpoon. He felt absolute disgust towards the tool that he had once treasured. It had once been a symbol of unison for him, portraying the bond that he shared with his fellow Hunters during their many tasks. Still, he felt bare if he was not close to it, and it angered him that he was so attached to something that he no longer felt bonded with.
Qannik had barely hunted since the famine struck. At the beginning, his hunting parties drastically increased, and yet as more people died he felt less drawn towards the idea. He only hunted when it was absolutely required, or when someone requested it of him. He no longer enjoyed the bitter winds slicing at his cheeks or the crunch of snow beneath his boots. He still felt the pride that came with providing for his brothers and sisters, of course, but the joy of his hunting had fled.
Figuring that he was no good to himself or his tribe standing uselessly beside his hut, Qannik took small steps towards Tomkin and Silaluk.
|
|
Silaluk
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 5
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Post by Silaluk on Dec 23, 2015 9:33:50 GMT
"Nothing worth doing is easy these days, and every idea is a good one." She says firmly, a frown tugging at her features. It was, for the most part, true. They were running out of options. She again glances up at his face, and the hand not resting on his arm clenches. She could remember a time when his smile would light up his whole face and brighten the spirits of those around him. Now it was but a ghost of what it could have been, and this saddens her more than she had anticipated. Despite this, she lightens her tone, a small smile still locked in place. "Oh, don't you worry about me, Tomkin. Antuqtuaq's joyful enough for the both of us; I just don't want to steal the poor mutt's thunder." Brushing off his concern with this lighthearted comment, she finds herself immensely grateful for the telltale crunch of snow under boots, and turns her head so that she might see her fellow Hunter. As a girl, when they had both been in training, she had fallen victim to Qannik's pranks on more than one occasion, and had thusly only interacted with him when strictly necessary, if not to save her dignity then to avoid the reputation of 'troublemaker' that had seemed to linger around those who associated with him. Now, though, now she cherishes him as she cherishes Tomkin, with a stark awareness that he was alive and here, and that she damn well intended to keep it that way.
"Qannik." She greets warmly, relaxing her free hand so that she may gesture him over to them, seeing as how he was only taking small steps. She ignores the stinging in her palm where her nails had bit into her flesh; it would disappear in a few minutes. "Our Angatquq says he may know how to fix this." It was good news, indeed, and she hoped it might lighten the man's mood, if not only fractionally. Extracting her arm from Tomkin's, she slips her gloves from her hands, tucking them between her arm and her side in favor of holding her hands out to the cracking fire. A sigh escapes her lightly chapped lips, the flames casting strange light over her palms; the woman seemed content to keep them there for the foreseeable future, as the heat was always welcome. For a moment she entertains the idea of sticking her hands in the fire, gathering the warmth of it in her palms like water, and splashing it over herself. She imagined it would feel wonderful, and the fantasy was almost enough to chase away the cold that nipped at her skin. Alas, a sharp gust of wind chases away her brief lapse from reality, and she pulls her hood over her head with a resigned sigh to ward off the worst of it.
The dark clouds that were currently lingering over the mountains now caught her attention, and the mere sight of it sets her to worrying her lip between her teeth once more. There was no hope of good hunting in a blizzard, and though there was no great wind, it would surely descend upon them within the next few hours. She exhales sharply, the breath shuddering and rasping in her throat, and she presses her lips together in a tight line for fear that she would cry out in frustration. It was just... She knew that the world was harsh and cruel, but hadn't expected the land that had once nurtured them to aid in their extinction. Now it was a barren wasteland for all it provided them, and it tore at her every time she realized this. Shutting her eyes briefly, a single moment of despair is all she allows herself until she turns on her heels, her back to the fire and the imminent storm, attention focused solely on the two men in front of her.
|
|
Tomkin
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 7
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Dec 24, 2015 16:35:39 GMT
Post by Tomkin on Dec 24, 2015 16:35:39 GMT
When Silaluk pulled away, Tomkin felt slightly disappointed. Her warmth and close proximity was much appreciated in this dire, cold morning. He listened to her speak in silence, the squint in his eyes slowly fading as she responded. The woman’s statement about the dog was a mere excuse, one which Tomkin did not call her out on. They were all feeling the heaviness that came with death and despair. Their own loved ones had recently perished, and they themselves were not far off.
Qannik had since emerged from his own living space, and Tomkin grinned toward him, this time, almost joyfully. It was always good to see someone else alive, to see that the man had lived through yet another day of their starvation. The shaman’s smile was short lived, however, and it fell away as he was faced with the weight of his idea. Silence ensued between the trio, the fire serving as the only vibrant, conversing thing. It crackled in front of the three in a greedy dance, eating at the wood and charring its bark. Tomkin wished for a moment that all they needed to eat to survive was wood- it looked so simple for the fire. At the notion, a nearly sarcastic chuckle emitted from his throat. He shook his head and brought his eyes up to look at the remaining tribe.
"Well, we have never really done it before…” He paused, his statement being an almost absent-minded wondering about the validity of the idea he came up with.
“I was thinking that we leave here. I know we have never been nomadic, but I’d say now would be the time to do so.” He did his best to not beat around the bush, as there was no time for that.
“And,” He took a deep breath, knowing that this may cause some complaint, “I think we need to head in that direction.” The shaman lifted his arm and hand and pointed in the direction of the dark, veiled mountain range. It was obviously receiving some harsh winter storms, and it was hard to think about why heading towards a storm in their condition would be safer than away from it.
“The ocean should lie adjacent to it, and that would provide us with fish and seal. I have heard from other Inuit traders about the sea hugging the mountain range.” He gazed off into the distance for a moment, deep in thoughts, eyes glazed. If they could just get a good couple of meals, they would be able to gain back their strength and work towards collecting more food for storage. It wouldn’t take much.
“It is the winter, so the elk and deer will have headed out of the mountains and into the foothills directly below, where it is warmer and protected from the winds.” The deer and elk could provide them with new clothing.
“Our only worry would be wolves. They move with the deer.” His voice had grown quiet and he turned to the other two, knowing quite well how the idea of wolves might affect them. All shamans, including himself, makes sure to pass on the story of the wolf, both of the past and the present. They were mean, terrifying brutes, both something they should respect and be wary of.
“We could use our dogs to carry some of our belongings- they have never done it before, but it should be okay. They can handle it.” Tomkin was about to delve further into the logistics, but pulled up short when he realized that he hadn’t given anyone else the chance to speak. He glanced at both of them in quick succession, trying to discern their true feelings from the expressions that they may provide
|
|
Qannik
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 22
Gender: Male
Age:
|
Post by Qannik on Dec 26, 2015 1:31:44 GMT
Qannik greeted Silaluk with the ghost of a smile. Despite the fact that they had never been very good friends (though this was quite understandable, seeing as Qannik had never been very welcoming as a child), he enjoyed the brief conversations shared between both she and the others, no matter how much he tried to convince himself otherwise. He shortened the distance between them with a few short strides, stopping to greet the shaman with another terse, yet not unreal, smile. It filled him with a temporary joy to see both he and Silaluk as close as they could get to well.
As they lapsed into silence, Qannik followed Tomkin's eyes towards the twisting fire. Though he still felt cold around it, watching the red waves reminded him of the happier time when his tribe had gathered around to celebrate good happenings. He fondly remembered a time where the fire had refused to ignite, coughing and spluttering like a baby with a cold. Qannik, having been quite young at the time, decided to challenge another boy to prod at the tiny pit of orange flame. As the boy had reached over hesitantly, Qannik had chosen to push him into it. The boy, albeit not being injured in the slightest, had gathered attention with his flailing and Qannik had been awarded a rather grave punishment. He smiled at the memory, doing his best to discard the thought of that boy not being here with them. He was only halfway into reality during the shaman's little speech, enough to absorb the information but not aware enough to respond right away.
It was at least a minuted after Tomkin's idea had been shared that Qannik gathered himself appropriately in order to reply. Though he understood where Tomkin was coming from, he couldn't bring himself to agree with the idea. It felt as if he were betraying those that had died fighting for survival in this very spot. He felt as if he were leaving the ancestors that had passed long before he had been born. It felt wrong, and yet Qannik had no reason to deny the shaman of his wish. If he intended that both he and his tribe survive, the sedentary lifestyle that Qannik had been born into would have to be temporarily discarded.
"I think that it would be in our favors to move," Qannik agreed after brief struggle for words. He looked over to Silaluk, hope surpassing his sadness for the first time in a long time.
|
|
Silaluk
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 5
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Post by Silaluk on Dec 31, 2015 7:24:10 GMT
Silaluk listens to Tomkin attentively, dark gaze widening with faint dismay as the full implications of what he was saying hit her. To leave their home, the only place she had known? It seemed almost incomprehensible, and she abruptly finds herself very interested in her boots and the snow underfoot, grateful that the scruff of her hood effectively hid her expression. She was free to let her thoughts run as they may; she never was one to mask her emotions, and she reaches up to tug at a corner of her hood uncertainly. His logic was sound, and the thought of being so near the elk herds was appealing - not to mention they would be far closer to the ocean than before - but fear clutched at her, holding her in a grasp far more icy than that of their home. It was not the brewing storm, nor even the prospect of wolves that brought this on, but rather the risk. They were so few now, and if their journey ended up being for naught, she feared the worst. To go all that way, only to find that there was nothing more than what they had left - it would destroy them. Sucking in a breath, she holds it for one, two beats, before exhaling slowly. No, she reasons with herself, thoughts echoing and churning within her mind, Staying here will destroy us. Hazarding another glance over her shoulder at the mountains, she steels her shaky resolve. Tomkin's logic is firm; there are bound to be herds, seal, fish, if only we travel a little ways. Besides, it's this kind of situation that calls on our faith. Our hope. She slides her gloves on once more. Ah, hope. It seemed she had an abundance of this, if not anything else, these days.
Hearing Qannik voice his opinion only served to convince her that this was indeed the right course of action, however foreign it may seem. Finally raising her head, her expression still held an echo of her former dismay, though it was hidden behind a forced calm. She had accepted the idea at least, and was already considering the preparations that would have to be made for their travel. Sadly, there weren't all that many. "Well," She says slowly, drawing out the word, curling her tongue around the ls, anything to give her extra time to put together a comprehensible response, "Though I would normally question the logic of traveling towards the mountains before the storm blows over, I doubt that it'll let up anytime soon." They needed to leave soon, so she supposed it didn't give them much room to outmaneuver the storm. "So, when did you want to leave, Tomkin?" She is pleased that her voice didn't waver, not once, remaining firm. Her statements were proof enough that she was on board with the prospect of becoming... Nomadic. She wasn't happy about it, but she was not against it either. It was to her an unfortunate and annoying necessity, something that couldn't be changed, like many things were. The wind would blow water into her face and soak her clothes when she was out to sea. Whatever. Antuqtuaq would occasionally slobber all over her boots, but she had to wear them anyways. Okay. Their small tribe of three would now have to travel through blizzard strewn mountains in order to survive. Bring it on. Sparing a small smile at the somewhat ridiculous path her thoughts had taken, she refocuses her attention on Tomkin. He would be running this show for now, it seemed. She would provide support, help when needed, but she was content to let him guide them - he seemed to have given this great thought anyhow.
|
|
Shila
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 10
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Post by Shila on Jan 4, 2016 5:03:02 GMT
Shila had been up before the sun had risen, kneeling in front of her nest as she gave her morning prayers. This time she used to remember her ancestors and fallen family. Even with the logic that a famine is plaguing their small tribe, she still feels the weight of all their deaths upon her shoulders. With the recent passing of the Umialik, her dear husband and best friend, the responsibilities have been left to her. She must now lead the tribe without the help of a partner and without the knowledge that would help guide her. As she held the small trinkets that symbolized her mother, father, baby brother, cousin, and now her husband, she let a small moan of sadness escape her. Rarely she made noise except for the times she is alone, and most of the time without meaning to. Rising to her feet, she wrapped the trinkets around her neck, hiding them beneath the fur of her parka. She could hear the soft voices of her fellow members commune outside and a small smile appeared on her lips. Not all was lost, they still had a future and hope. Moving the flap of her hut to the side, she stepped out and approached the group from behind. Hearing the Angatquq discuss his plans brought a hopeful glint to her auburn eyes. Placing a hand upon his shoulder as she came to his side, giving him a gentle smile as her greeting. In turn she gave each member a warm smile, her way of saying good morning. She then pointed to Tomkin then to her ear, in hopes he would understand that she had heard what his plans were. Pulling from her sleeve a small polished wooden instrument she squatted towards the ground. This instrument was given to her by her cousin when she was younger as a way to better communicate with others. With this she was able to write in the ground using symbols to help communicate her ideas and plans. Although this was always bothersome with everyday conversations or for simple greetings, she much preferred the instrument to deeper conversations and as a means for action. As she squatted, she moved her hand delicately as the instrument moved through the dirt. Several triangles without the bases huddled together were to symbolize the mountain range, to make this symbol more understandable she pointed towards the range then back to her drawing. From there she drew stick figures walking towards the mountain, moving her hand in a small circle to make sure everyone understood she meant them. Then drawing several bulbous shapes and swirls that went around them, to symbolize the storm. Again she pointed towards the sky then to the mountain range. After that she drew a skull, to hopefully symbolize death. She looked to Tomkin with a worried expression, hoping to express her worry about the trek ahead of them. Then quickly she rearranged the stick figures and cloud shape, looking to the rest, hoping her message came across. Either way we will have a chance of death. She looking to Tomkin, then the rest of the group, rising from her stooped position. She would hear what they had to say and although she would make the final decision, she would choose the one that everyone else agreed with. The thought of a nomadic life did not scare her for she grew up as a nomad in her early years however the storm and unfamiliar territory scared her. She gazed off to the mountain range and storm clouds before turning her eyes back upon everyone, her arms hung by her sides while her face remained calm, only a small glimpse of worry within her eyes as she waited for her fellow members to discuss more about the topic. |
|
Tomkin
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 7
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Post by Tomkin on Jan 8, 2016 15:57:43 GMT
There seemed to be a tense, silent pause in the moments after Tomkin stopped speaking. He grinned nervously, his teeth flashing from under his lips for a moment. This smile was meant to reassure the small, dwindling tribe, to show them that he had hope in the plan. And if he had hope in the plan, maybe the others would too. He shifted from one foot to the other, a small movement to occupy him and to flex his chilled toes. Finally, after that strangling moment, Qannik spoke and agreed. Next came Silaluk, who seemed to be a bit more disturbed by the idea. Her voice lulled in a drawn out fashion, and he thought, for a brief moment, that she would shoot down the idea. And indeed, as she began to speak, it seemed as if she was against it all. Tomkin stayed silent but readied himself for a counter argument. He opened his mouth, and then promptly clicked it shut again, his teeth clacking against each other. Silaluk continued her sentences, and ended up supporting the suggestion. A breath that he didn’t know that he was holding escaped from his chest like a scared rabbit from its burrow. His grin became more relieved, and his eyes joined the expression, until his entire visage was lit up like the sun. This move could perhaps save them. This could get them the food they need, the escape they really all longed for. Escape from the carnage and the echoes of the cries of the dying. They seemed to resonate here in the camp if one sat still enough, and it was enough to make Tomkin go insane. The man was about to reply to Silaluk’s question when a kind, gentle touch was placed on the shaman’s shoulder, and he slowly turned his head towards the source. His sparkling eyes remained gleeful as he spotted the Nuliaqpaq approaching. It was good to see that she was still alive. The man was silent, as he knew that their leader would be too. He never knew why the Nuliaqpaq did not speak, and he could only speculate as to whether she couldn’t, or chose not to. Tomkin watch intently as she motioned towards him and then began communicating in her own way, writing symbols into the nearly frozen ground. Triangle, and then a motion towards the range. Okay, so mountains. The next were people looking things, which he quickly understood to be the tribe. Lastly she drew a skull. He peered at the crude rendition, his eyes glazing for a moment. The only time one saw skulls was when death was around. When either skinning or decomposition wore away the skin. He couldn’t help but to think of their families, which they could not possibly bury in the frozen ground. Instead, they were forced to pile rocks on top of the bodies, in hopes to stave away meat-eaters. Tomkin blinked and the image was gone. He turned his eyes towards their leader, noting her worried expression. She feared all of their deaths. “I fear our deaths too, but they will inevitably greet us if we stay here. If we leave, we have a chance, and that is all that matters.” Turning to Silaluk, Tomkin again spoke. “ In my opinion, I think we should leave as soon as possible, tomorrow even. If we wait much longer, we will all be too weak to make the journey.” At his own words, his eyes turned somber. They were all pushing it. Their days here were numbered if they didn’t move immediately. Tagged: Silaluk Qannik Shila |
|
Qannik
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 22
Gender: Male
Age:
|
Post by Qannik on Jan 13, 2016 1:05:04 GMT
Qannik felt raw after having voiced his opinion so hurriedly. He felt guilt's dark grip snag at the bottom of his stomach, and he averted his eyes from the others in fear that the others would be able to decipher the constricting hestitation creeping its way into his chest. Albeit both Silaluk and Shila's thoughts remained with his own, Qannik still couldn't shake the sinister premonition that more of his people would fall to their deaths in their new destination. Was this feeling only paranoia, or a legitimate foreshadowing? With a wrench to his stomach, the full weight of the idea struck Qannik like a bull, because no matter how real it was, moving was unqestionable. Death could await them either way. Suddenly feeling colder than the air howling spitefully around him, Qannik sought out the fire's heat. The flames were lapping excitedly in all directions, guided by the wind yet consecutively abused by it. With a pang, the unease in his chest wrenched with such a force that Qannik felt out of breath. He diverted his attention from the fire, instead focusing little parts of his attention on the others around him. Each of them seemed either exhausted, burdened or a twisted mix of the two. Qannik couldn't help but to stare at the lot of them, pain and love conflicting in the centre of his uncertainty. He felt a rush of affection flood his veins as he admired each of them. He relished seeing the flush of their cheeks as they reddened under the bitter cold. He relished seeing the air fog around their mouths, because despite the melancholy in their gazes, they were alive. With a newfound heat warming his limbs, Qannik cracked the lightest of grins. It had never occured to him how simple happiness was to attain. No matter how dire the situation, the bond Qannik felt towards his tribe-members seemed stronger than ever. This was, to him, a moment of celebration. " What do we do now?" Qannik asked. He addressed the question towards Shila, figuring that she would most likely take hold over the situation with Tomkin at her side. He was eager to leave, no matter the darkness surrounding his bones. (OOC: It's a little short, I apologize. I'm finding that I have a hard time roleplaying a human character.) .: Tagged: Tomkin Silaluk Shila |
|
Silaluk
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 5
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Jan 27, 2016 12:25:18 GMT
Post by Silaluk on Jan 27, 2016 12:25:18 GMT
Her spirits lighten as the two men smile, really smile, and suddenly the situation didn't seem as bad - at least not bad as it could be. She had them, after all. And, of course, their dearest Shila, whom had approached them and began expressing, in her own way, her thoughts on Tomkin's plan. It seemed that she would be willing to lead them along any path that they chose, and, once she straightens, Silaluk rather impulsively draws the elder woman into a light embrace. It was brief, but sincere, and she graces her with a warm smile before pulling away and slipping her gloves back on. "What do we do now?" She doesn't speak when Qannik voices this question, as hers was quite the same. She assumed they would spend the day and night packing what scarce belongings they had in preparation for the oncoming journey, but still wanted to hear it - or, in Shila's case, have it confirmed - by someone else. Already considering carefully what to take and what to leave behind - their malamutes couldn't carry the entire camp atop their backs, after all - she is distracted by a fast approaching mass of fur and muscle, her dog's pink tongue lolling out and leaking slobber as he charges for her with all of his considerable speed. "Antuqtuaq, stop, no-" She breaks off as the large hound leaps up and slams into her chest, knocking her flat on her back and promptly expelling any and all breath from her body. Looking strikingly similar to a fish out of water, she gasps for air, the task made difficult by the canine currently using her chest as his own personal chair. Silaluk is hardly surprised to discover that he was much lighter than he should have been - dammit, not light enough, but not heavy enough either; this was not the way I wanted the disobedient bastard to lose weight - but still quite, unfortunately, stuck. She briefly contemplates staying down here, supposing that the snow would eventually become one with her and she wouldn't have to face her tribe mates again after that particular spectacle, but then again, they were probably used to her wayward mutt's antics by now. Thusly, with a heavy sigh and a sharp clout over his muzzle, she eventually succeeds in shoving the dog off of her, standing up and brushing off her furs as if nothing had occurred. Antuqtuaq, smug bundle of devilish canine that he was, seemed content to lie at her feet. Tugging irritably at one of her braids, she returns her attention to Shila, cheeks tinted slightly pink. And, well, if this time it wasn't from the cold, no one had to know.
OOC: Same, Qannik. Thusly: ^^^ Inserted Malamute cuteness. It lengthened my post, at least.  |
|
Tomkin
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 7
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Jan 31, 2016 16:06:47 GMT
Post by Tomkin on Jan 31, 2016 16:06:47 GMT
Tomkin’s statements were not answered by their Nuliqpaq, though Quannik asked a very important question. The shaman turned to the only other man in their tribe and smiled at him sadly. “We would need to pack up everything that we need- take down the shelters, bundle up the important belongings. Perhaps even wrap up some firewood to keep dry. That way, we won’t have to spend our energies finding firewood at night.” Tomkin paused, not mentioning the fact that carrying firewood would also take energy. He knew that it was a crap-shoot, but he didn’t want to be stuck without a secured source of warmth. “The poles that we use for our summer shelters would serve well to support a make-shift sled. We could attach those sleds to the dogs and have them pull it. Also… I suppose if you had a pack, you could strap it on the dog’s backs.” His words tapered off as he thought about logistics. They wouldn’t be able to carry everything, and the dogs likely won’t behave well, since they aren’t used to that kind of sled-pulling. They would need to attack some kind of harness to their necks so that the tribe could lead them… His eyes came into focus, and he realized then that Shila had not even approved the plan yet. He looked towards their remaining leader, his eyes anxious. He felt trapped. If she didn’t approve his plan, Tomkin didn’t know if he would be able to keep his sanity. He needed something- some kind of distraction, some kind of goal- to keep sane. Otherwise, he would just be sitting around, waiting to greet death. A flash of desperation could be seen within the depth of his gaze, but Silaluk’s sudden voice helped him pull out of it. He turned towards her in surprise, just in time to see her mutt tackle her to the ground. As she thumped to the snowy surface, a laugh burst out of Tomkin’s lungs, a sound so genuine and loud, it startled even him. He watched his friend with raised eyebrows, a movement meant to tease her. She stood and said nothing, trying to cover the fact that the fall had never happened. A grin appeared on the shaman’s visage, and his eyebrows wiggled. “What, dog got your tongue?” His voice was light, and he turned to her malamute, winking towards the canine. He knelt quickly, burying his gloved hands in his scruff. “Good boy.” The man praised, running his hands over the dog roughly, in a playful manner. He turned his gaze back up to Silaluk, producing another wink, thought this time towards her, and then turned towards Shila, his eyes expectant. So would she let them continue with the idea? Would she let them move, away from the death and pain that would forever haunt this place? Tagged: Shila Qannik Silaluk |
|
Shila
(Inuit Tribe)
Posts: 10
Gender: Female
Age:
|
Feb 17, 2016 22:27:45 GMT
Post by Shila on Feb 17, 2016 22:27:45 GMT
Shila was slightly startled when she was pulled into a sudden embrace by Silaluk, although the small show of intimacy brightened her day exponentially. As the two pulled away, she had a large smile that showed off her rounded cheeks. Although in the recent months the plumpness in her face had sunken in and lost most of its usual firmness. Her attention returned to the group, she noticed how Silaluk and Qannik looked to Tomkin for what to do. This made her smile, she was glad she was not the one they looked at for guidance. She covered her mouth as the Silaluk's dog had landed hard on top of her, the scene was amusing and Shila wished she was able to join in on the laughter. Turning her head back to Tomkin as he began to explain his plan, she liked the idea of using the dogs to help carry some of their supplies. She gave an approving nod, motioning with one hand for him to continue to speak. She hoped her eager expression was a good enough hint that she was into the idea of leaving the following day. Tagged: Tomkin Silaluk Qannik
Notes: Running low on muse, so I'm sorry for how short this will be, I just wanted to get things moving. |
|
!! 
