Big Salmon Lake uujaujaq ≄

keyni was polite in a way kukutux recognized. it settled her more at ease during their meeting, and called her name 'lovely.' "it is the same for me, keyni," the moondrop said in answer, warming pink beneath the short alabaster fur of her cheeks. "my name means 'shy ducks in snow,'" she went on, thinking of what she had told sialuk. "it means i am careful not to reveal myself before i wish to be seen."

"and yours?" the duck inquired with her own step, wondering at what sort of title the other might carry. she was plushly built and delicate as taiga-down. did she live, or was she spirit?