Arrow Lake whose vowels are the sound of metal clashing

she had only seen the girl's mother from a distance, but the child herself reminded Tahani of a child of the north, pale and fierce. with a gentle chuff, she approached, not wanting to startle the pup nor force her into an interaction she wanted no part of. the healer settled close by, looking at the ripples created by the stone's descent, admiring the beauty and clarity of the water.

do you swim? asked Tahani, glancing over at the girl. she extended a paw and placed it within the water, letting out a small sigh at the coolness of it. she realized, suddenly, that she had spoken in her own tongue, and grimaced. sorry. forgot. ah. . .you swim?

much more clunky, in the common language. but that was that. nice day to swim, she remarked, smiling. wish my body was up for it, went the unspoken addendum.