After meeting Atausiq, Huā had continued on her journey towards Moospear. She had not gotten things right the first time, and though her heart pounded in her chest with each step made, she hoped dearly this time would be better. Hydra did not hate her- right? And Huā had checked her appearance over and over in the water, and there was no baby bump, so she figured that was that. There was no pregnancy or heat to hold against her, and so perhaps now she could meet the queen peacefully. 

For now she wandered through the glen, which was thick with the scent of Moonspear wolves. It had the fur raising on her spine, which she quickly subdued, knowing she was only a guest here. As the sun began to set, the mountain before her seemed ever more glorious, illuminated by a glowing halo and a starry wreath, which Huā gazed upon with wonder.

There was something more wonderful to strike her with awe now. A delicate ivory girl of average size whose gaze had locked onto Huā; the empress would be lying if she claimed she did not find her strikingly beautiful. The siren tested the air, but smelled nothing besides Moonspear- and knew that she must be one of them. So there were women like Hydra here- all boldness and muscle- and girls like this, pretty girls who looked on quietly at the world.

Huā much preferred the latter, and so she carefully made her way towards the girl with practiced steps. She would pause just a few yards off, wanting to be close enough for speech and yet not close enough to warrant attack- lest this girl's outward appearance be a veil for a warrior within. Greeting, She called quietly without tone, while seaglass eyes studied the woman's appearance.

The girl's wording piqued Huā's interest more. Though she did not seem weak in the common tongue, calling the ocean the 'big water' brought Huā to believe that she herself was perhaps from faraway lands. How many more out here were like herself, unaccustomed to the barbaric cultures of the inland or their strange tongue? 

I am, she affirmed with a nod. And then, awkwardly tacked on, Um, forgive my scent. I know perhaps it um, overwhelming. A little frown touched her face momentarily, and then she was back to her typical poker. And you? Where you from? This mountain?

Moonspear. Hydra has given me a home.

Another belonging to the queen of the wilderness- though Huā noted, she was not as fearsome as the siren had believed all Moonspearians were. Rather pleasant, he presence was, truly- and Huā was intrigued. Cold places; something Huā had little familiarity with- to her, even the Teekon Wilds were a cold place. The siren could not imagine much colder. I too am from place of seal, but is warm beaches of south... She trailed off, but was more curious about the moonlight girl. The cold place, what it like?

Maybe is different sea lion than one in cold water, She muses thoughtfully. The siren listened on curiously as Kukutux described more of her home- caribou (whatever that was!), and a sun that never sets. What kind of place was it, inhabited by strange beasts and constant day? 

A sun that never set? How this possible? She chooses to inquire with some shock, gaze flitting once more to the setting sun. How did they know when to sleep? Or when to hunt? These were the things she wondered; Huā was not sure if she had the sort of internal clock that could direct her on these things if she existed without time. Kukutux must be a wise woman indeed, then.

What is lion?

Huā's brow furrowed in reflection. I do not know, only know they call this. Then came Kukutux's words of her gods, the name Aningan caught her attention and her eyes widened noticeably. The words of sun and moon reminded her of Mei's religion, and the siren she had met- and she smiled slightly at the similarity. How strange, I meet man who lead Rusalka, call Aningan too. Is connected? She wondered to the girl, and that reminded her of something they'd skipped entirely, and so Huā hurriedly wondered, Ah, um, your name, what is it? I am Huā..

Perhaps, She agreed. He is same color like you, and also from north. She added on, finding in them many similarities- though their personalities seemed quite different. Perhaps Kukutux was a gentle girl, but in this moment Huā perceived her as friendlier than the somewhat serious Aningan. Of course, she had not seen many sides of him... and had a rather negative view of Rusalkans, anyway. 

Koo-koo-tucks, Huā sounded out, not meaning to mock, but still amused by the name which was so odd upon her tongue. Kukutux. I like it, She laughed. It was neither prettier nor uglier than the names of the common-speaking wolves- but more intriguing, and perhaps that made it better. In Huā's homeland, all names had meaning... and so she wondered, Your name mean something, too? Not realizing that perhaps she ought to introduce hers, before inquiring about another.

Her laugh was something musical, and a blush met Huā's own cheeks which she tried (and likely failed) to subdue. She was happy for the girl's answer; a distraction from the sudden burst of attraction she felt towards the little star. Duck in snow. How that was connected to the shyness of the next phrase, she was not sure- perhaps the flight of birds? But the empress was intrigued all the same. Content not to have the eyes of others upon me struck a chord for Huā, and she murmured Hu-humility is good, as she had believed since she was young.

The question was not returned to her... but perhaps it was because Kukutux was so hesitant in her words. And so Huā continued, My name, it mean pearl flower... like very treasure blossom, floating in river, She explained, trying not to seem too proud, but always appreciative of the beauty which her parents had given her name. Would the pretty woman before her find any beauty there too?

 

Thank you, She sighed, I believe you are, as well. She told the girl, though could not be sure if it was true- said it more out of manners than anything, really. Huā could feel her heart pulled to the girl, but did not wish to face her own feelings there, nor remain with the dangerous circumstance of attraction. Ah, Kukutux, um, I must... go meet Hydra, now. Her voice was quiet, hesitant. I wish we will meet again... She sighed, dipping charcoal head in respect to the duck.

the blossom-in-water spoke again, and this time it was to bid herself goodbye. kukutux felt as if she did not wish their meeting to be ended, but returned the bow with as much grace. "until another time, huā. may you walk in sun."

a blink, and then the pale girl was turning back to moonspear, to take a winding route to the glen below where she might bathe the dirt of travel away before she met jarilo again.