she had come far from moonglow, this yearly wandering taken by moonwoman before her time came.
she was free in the wind and the lash of the grass. she cast off her good foxfur wrap and watched the birds streak across the dome of pale blue above her.
kukutux breathed deep. she shut her eyes with pleasure.
this was as far as he would go.
for shuffling underneath days old snow had proven plenty. he could pick some dead things still holding onto their seeds and take them home.
he almost missed the pale figure among the prairie.
he watched her, wary for a moment. then let out a little chuff.
eyes watched.
kukutux turned to see a man with muddied fur and wary gaze.
she did not cross their distance. but she sang out to him all the same, saying he might approach without fear.
it was odd.
not that veran was the image of normalcy by any means. especially with what he had made this trip for.
hey. you wouldn't happen to be plant knowledgeable, would you?
a humorous glint in his gaze.
kukutux saw his humour and returned it with an interested look of her own.
"i know many things that grow. trade me words and i will share my wisdom with you." as always did the duck warm to talk of trading, for she was hardly ever refused.
a trader!
he beamed some here before he softened once more. fell into something more neutral.
easy. what words would you like? i have plenty to share.
"a story."
her small and worn white teeth shone brightly.
her eyes were ready to see the pictures the trader would create.