Moonsong Glacier sistermine

The panther gave a nod of understanding, already casting back in his memories for a place where he might find berries. He would bring them something special, he thought, that they might know how he treasured this gesture of Chakliux. He harbored a secret hope for his future in this place — one that he dashed from his conscience even now, following the pale seal hunter in a joyful lope.

"Now you sound like my mother!" he said, a fond laugh in his voice. He pushed himself to catch up, a small lifetime of mountaineering lending power to his body. He aimed a nip at the other man's hocks, but on these slopes, was unwilling to risk too much roughhousing. At last, he said, "I would meet this woman, if you would introduce us."