Totoka River aniruk ✿

kuuguk was the word she recalled for what spread out before her. it had been seven days since she had left the keep; another five, and she must take three days to return to tell cry what she would make of herself. the thought pained her heart greatly, but kukutux saw no reason to stay, not when he had given her none.

a high mound of raised earth near the water would make a fine ulaq for now, she decided, beginning the slow process of excavation and only resting when she was streaked with earth. the sea was close, the ravenwood where the spirit-walker dwelt was at her back, for with him she had come to find an odd kinship. the duck worked quietly, singing a low chant to herself as the sun moved overhead.