Stone Circle What do you think of my pups?

Their explanation satisfied her, and perhaps showed through the softness in her eyes. To be bound so richly by family! A familiar pain tugged at her heart but she did not linger there.

Of course, their loyalty to Ethan was not loyalty to Kvarsheim. Taktuq had been uncertain what Ethan's allegiances were to the kin of Stone Circle.

To be with family is of greatest blessing, she said, with a knowing smile, yet coming to Kvarsheim is pledging care to all our kin. To learn to uphold one another as family, even strangers as Gunnar and I, as you already do for Ethan. Are you willing to do this, too, as we will do for you?

She looked to Gunnar, to see if he had anything else to add. To her, Taktuq did not think this was an unreasonable thing to ask.