Northstar Vale sakraktuk ☇

andraste had accepted kukutux as little sister. therefore the duck had placed her matrimonial future within the elfblessed's hands, preparing herself to leave whenever she would be called to her new husband. 

there was some trepidation within kukutux; andraste did not know the right words, the proper rituals. but she decided it was time to resign oneself to such a lot. her leader was kind, and that was paramount for the reticent waterfowl.

presently she had bathed, and sat to groom meltwater from her pelt. the day was warmer than it had been, though still frigid. but despite the barbed teeth of ice, she was determined to enjoy herself. 

leaning over the clear ice limning the edges of the little stream, kukutux gazed at the shattered veneer of her own reflection. she was not ugly, the duck decided; her eyes were pretty. and her mother's likeness had flourished in kukutux. 

it will not be so bad, the spirit whispered. andraste would not wed you to an unkind man. he will give you children. you will give him a warm home.

love had no place in this.

kukutux fell to her silent preening.