Duskfire Glacier they will not be hurt.

Imaq's crown of cinnamon-dusted cappuccino cocked to the side slightly, taking her turn at waiting patiently for Rye to find the right words to formulate his response to her query. She smiled when it came, glad to hear this was a custom that differed from the arranged marriages of her homeland -- a bit relieved too. A lot relieved actually. "Not in Nunaat. In Imaq's home, a girl's atâtak -- father -- decides. Or her brother. Or her chief -- like Wintersbane."

The she-dog blinked in surprise at her friend's following question, heat coloring her pale cheeks at even the thought of asking something so bold. "No," the cur chuckled lightly as she answered with a shy shake of her head, tropical gaze dropping uncertainly. "Imaq..Imaq will choose too," the wolfdog replied, albeit with a measure of hesitancy -- as if still unsure that she had the freedom to make that choice.