Moonsong Glacier sistermine

The heaviness came away for a fleeting moment; yes, Dutch thought, Ariadne could life anyone's spirits. But he was downcast once more in the next moment.

"She has spoken well of you," he replied. And, then, realizing he hadn't introduced himself: "I am Dutch, of the White Spine."

He began leading the way toward the deer carcass, which was not quite as fresh as he had advertised, but by no means old. He snagged a bone to set his teeth against just to be companionable, wondering if it might be kinder to leave the man to his thoughts or if being alone with them would be detrimental.

"You are burdened," he noted. From what he understood, this was not the husband of the late seaside woman. He knew that Moontide grieved, but this seemed to be something beyond that. Dutch did not want to pry, but he did not think that Chakliux was giving himself the pep talk that Dutch might be capable of giving.