Dragon and Sheep
Prologue
Kya wore her own coat, its hood furry over her head. She almost wanted to wash her hands before accepting the necklace. It's a dream she never thought she would encounter.
"I accept," she said.
"Really?!"
She laughed. He sprung up and wrapped his arms around her.
The skies look indigo in contrast to the white snow beneath worn tan boots. The fire camps over the village from the distance where Hakoda and Kya stood. Hakoda wore a sleeveless top. His furry coat pooled on the grounds. The pendant gleaming in his hand could look like a star.
They hug so hard that Kya thought her body and Hakoda's would turn to stone like the statues of Oma and Shu in the Cave of Two Lovers. In the night skies, her tears glistened as she buried her head in the crook of his neck and shoulder, smelling seaweed and something tangy and clean.
"We'll be alright. I don't care what it takes," he said. "We'll find a way."
There always had to be a way to solve every problem, even though their world was vicious.
That night, they returned back to camp, Hakoda told Kanna the news in their igloo.
Kya tried to ignore Kanna's eyes. Those eyes witnessed all things foul. Kanna watched Kya like a commoner would do a thief who just left the house she stole from.
"I am happy for you," was all Kanna could say.
Kya returned back to her home and found comfort under warm polar furs and sealskin.
She woke up on the break of dawn. Kya did not bundle up and walked out. The village was still empty under the pinkish and orange skies. Waves crashed against snow. She walked until her feet sunk into ice cold water.
She bathed and did until she felt clean enough.
By the time she was done, she had forgotten him.