Duskfire Glacier Like you imagined

Tuuluuwaq did not elaborate any further on Issorartuyok's past, and Lane didn't press, although she was curious. If Tuuluuwaq wasn't inclined to gossip, she supposed that spoke positively of his character. He was loyal to his brother; that was easy to see. Lane wondered if the tragedy with his own littermates had ended up bonding Tuuluuwaq more tightly with the brother he had followed to Duskfire. Loss did seem to have a way of bringing siblings closer-- Lane had witnessed that with her own children recently. 

Lane's very pointed question received an equally insinuative reply, and Lane couldn't suppress any longer the silly little half-smile that pulled at her mouth. He would like to do many things, hmm? Well.. that was something they had in common. 

Before Lane could think of an appropriately coy response, Tuuluuwaq made his move. The kiss surprised her; although she had just gotten finished remarking on how different Tuuluuwaq was from his brother, Lane still hadn't expected a move quite so forward from a Tatkret. She liked it. A lot. Her half-smile morphed into a full-fledged smile, and a surprised laugh tumbled out of her. It was a sound that also might be described as a giggle, if Lane was capable of such a thing. 

Tuuluuwaq pulled away, and Lane wished he hadn't. 

He spoke of courting. Lane drew in a pensive breath, and after she'd let it out slowly, she answered. Still holding his gaze, she said, "You're more than welcome to any of my time." She paused. "As for courting..." Damn, she was tempted. There was nothing she wanted more than to abandon all of this pain, heartbreak, and grief, and pour her emotions into something more vitalizing. More fun. 

..But was that fair to the friends and family around her who would continue to grieve? What would they think of their leader, caught up in a romance when she ought to be in mourning?

"..Ask me again, after the funeral," Lane requested, hating the answer but knowing it was the right one. It would also give them both some time to clear their heads, to make sure that it was what they really wanted. Lane was no stranger to getting caught up in a moment; it was why her kids existed, truth be told. Perhaps after taking some time to consider his thoughts and getting to know the others around Duskfire Glacier, Tuuluuwaq would rethink his choice in Lane. Perhaps the second asking would never come. 

Lane sighed, and then she drew herself reluctantly to her feet. "Keep an eye on that leg for me?" she requested, nodding down at the injury. The poultice had long since dried upon the wound. Most of the poultice would fall away as soon as he got up and started walking around, but that was okay. If he needed it, Lane could always make him another (he had wanted to spend more time with her, right?). 

The question had a conclusive feel to it, by design. It was time for Lane to go. Lane smiled demurely at Tuuluuwaq, feeling a little shy. Once he had spoken his parting words, she would depart, her steps and bearing visibly lighter than they had been previously.