Haunted Wood de dragul tău

Subtlety and tact would not have played well with Issorartuyok. It was both a blessing and surprise that Towhee had approached the subject in the way she had. If she had not mentioned the two as a pair, the northern man could have returned to the glacier believing they had shared a simple conversation. Pushy may have been a better word for how the Sovereign had behaved, but it was not one that Issorartuyok possessed.

No, they are not exclusive. It is simply a belief that a pair who leads a village is stronger. They are fortified by their bond and it fortifies their people. His words were said plainly.

Meerkat then asked him a question that made him feel older than he had in some time. She wanted to know if he liked her. The exaggeration of the word was insinuative. He held her gaze and frowned, frustrated and still bubbling with confusion.

I have never looked at you as a wife, scout Meerkat. Because you never expressed to me a desire to be a wife. I did not think it appropriate.

The frown deepened.

But it is difficult not to like you. Even as only a wolf of the glacier.

Issorartuyok did not know if this was a satisfying answer. How was he to look at her with loving intention if she had not expressed the wants for such things? It felt too far out of his reach. He was a man of honor and he was still a newer member of the village they shared.

What do you wish? I cannot give all the answers. I have been honest with my intentions and the path my spirit will take.