Bramblepoint Will it ever stop

His mention of Natigvik reminded her of her conversation with Amalia last week. She had taken responsibility for that upon herself. It seemed like Rodyn was doing the same for Moontide. Towhee knew they couldn’t help it, though perhaps some real talk would help lighten the load on Rodyn’s shoulders.

But then he said something about Kukutux that sidetracked her. Towhee’s lips twisted into a moue. What ailed the fabled “moon woman”? She wanted to ask, though she let her friend finish, not wanting to interrupt him especially if he was unloading.

She didn’t quite follow at first, thinking Rodyn meant nicknames given to him upon his wife’s death. But slowly she pieced together the context. Towhee blinked. She could almost hear the edge of bitterness in his voice, though perhaps it was only her imagination. He didn’t seem the type.

Who were they? she wondered, genuinely curious. What’s the matter with Kukutux? was her other question, finishing with a third. Is there anything I can do, for either of you?