Alpine Lake i would swim

unbidden, a shy smile crept to kukutux' lips, to be greeted in such a way. the formality of her homeland still weighed heavily upon her actions — it was pleasing to her spirit to have them returned. beneath the cream of her cheeks the girl flushed, embarassed to have her rude persual pointed out. but the pale one did not seem offended, something that set the duck more at ease.

"i am kukutux, from shadewood keep." here she gestured the slim line of her muzzle back the way that she had come, some hours' travel. it was unlikely she would be back before nightfall, and that suited the chiida. she did not want the powerful darkness of cry's presence near her, not now. 

"are you from a close place?" kukutux returned politely, refusing to dwell on the shaman's words which reverberated uncomfortably within her mind.