Ocean's Breath Plateau komatiq ∇

kukutux drew her gaze from sialuk and huojin to look upon aiolos with a contemplative expression. "she is not wife," the duck said softly. "and mother has first right to child," came her observation. not damning, only direct as it seemed the redsun wished her to be. in the shadow of another man, kukutux would not have dared, but the gentler mien of the man from yuelong had always comforted her in a compassionate way.

and so, in honor of their friendship, she spoke true. "a woman who is not wife but bears a son to a man can be made his mate. but only if she chooses. if she does not choose, then let him take another woman who will be mother to all his children." kukutux paused. "that is how it was in my land. huojin will always have honor for his mother, and this is a good thing. but it is not good for his father to stand behind them."

she turned her gaze forward again. "perhaps, aiolos, when you are happy, huojin will see it. then it will be your hearth where he chooses to stay." was not that always the way? the redsun must not grow bitter in his waiting. take another wife, have more sons, move forward into the moons of your life.