Barrow Fields uujaujaq ⋇

"it is good to know you, val," the duck said, feeling herself thaw somewhat beneath the warmth of the boy's voice. he was free of wariness; it eliminated a barrier between the curious willow-built child and the heartsick bird.

val asked after herself. kukutux demurred. "i have traveled a long way from my home. i have the ... i have the missing in my chest," the moonspear woman blundered. but he was a boy. he would not mind. and it was not a lie; she longed for the known press of the shadows in her ulaq as well as to dredge herself beneath the salt. "are you traveller also?"