Northstar Vale don't you know that i'm trying?

could she say that she was happy? kukutux did not like the implication she had begun to assume in kalika's tone. her mother had certainly seemed happy; she had done her tasks and raised her chilren with a smile, and constant singing, humming to wake them and to lull slumber. she had been content with her lot, and that was all kukutux would wish. "i am happy also," the girl responded, an edge to her tone daring the other woman to deny it.

"my husband hunted them," kukutux remembered aloud, tone turning wistful. she dropped the leather in folds across her forepaws, resting a moment. "he brought one to my father."