The Heartwood aupaqtuq ⏜

"it is not — yet," kukutux admitted with a breathy laugh. "but i want it to be so. therefore i must make it this thing that i wish." nothing could be achieved without a firm sort of work, but she did not wish to dwell upon the effort now.

"it is good to know you, lane." a short name for an interesting woman; it reminded kukutux of the word pine, and she at once chose to attribute the fragrant green to this firefly. had she known the vibrant companions who had died beneath the bear? agony sparkled through her. she carefully tamped it down. "i am wife, yes," kukutux said with a tiny grin. "i have only just begun. but my daughter is ready for an ugi. that is ah, boy her age who she knows for some seasons. perhaps they become mates and perhaps not."

"i thought that i might make matches in the middle time. i am here only because i am traveling many places in a short time. and a man in moonspear has asked me to find him a wife." kukutux paused, green eyes flush with the delight of speaking so freely. "are you wanderer also?"