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Pueo sat above the newlyweds Kahaukani and Kauatuahine. Pueo noted, carefully, the radiance of Kauatuahine’s face. Later, a child on the way, the radiance returned, different and yet the same. “The child is bound to be beautiful,” whispered the ferns in the breeze. Pueo breathed and flapped, sending power to the budding family. And just as well, for Kauatuahine soon entered a difficult birth. Pueo peered down at the child with curious, round eyes. She was too still, too pale, and much too ugly. But Pueo saw the strong hands grasping, the legs that promised wind and speed, the round, curious eyes. And Pueo remembered her mother, and breathed on the girl’s face, and it became radiant, with a glow like early sunrise. Kauatuahine cried out when she, finally recovered, saw her child for the first time. “She is beautiful,” whispered the happy mother. Kahaukani agreed, and never were there prouder parents. Kahalaopuna, as the girl was called, grew into a clumsy creature, still with