Shadewood kiaruk ❂

while cry's mind thrummed with memories and regret, kukutux' own only pounded with no! she had come back to announce her permanent leave, but at the mention of gwen, her resolve had fled. how could she leave the first to show her kindness, after the shaman, alone in her trials? and surely by now minori had brought forth her own children. 

head carefully lowered, kukutux realized she could find no reason to decline, and at last brought her springmint gaze to bear upon the coldness of cry's own. "i will stay a week," the duck murmured, for a handful of days would be enough for her to treat gwen for any injuries, keep an eye upon the snowqueen for the milk fever or other maladies. thinking longingly of the little ulaq she had built upon the coast, kukutux put it aside for now, awaiting cry's decree.