Moonsong Glacier do you know just how much you're worth?

The panther was embarrassed for Fallen Sun even knowing Ariadne would not judge him harshly for his silence. A man wanted to speaking charmingly to a woman like this one — bright and pretty and fair. But this man did not speak, and Dutch sensed his confusion only because he had been searching for it.

"He is shy," the panther excused, torn between pity and amusement. "I will see him settled, cloudwoman. Perhaps he can bring his next meal to share."

Strong of spirit, yes. But Dutch did not think much of Fallen Sun's intelligence. This was not his fault, of course! And it was not a fault — Dutch would proclaim this if any were to suggest otherwise. But, for the moment, he would not account for the man's mind. Perhaps time would shift his impression in the quiet man's favor.

"Come," Dutch invited — warmly, imperiously — "Today Moonsong will feed you. Next time, you will feed cloudwoman. Yes?"

He spoke slowly for Fallen Sun, but he looked to Ariadne with a great tenderness burning in his eyes. It was good to have a place and a people to care for. Her acceptance of them both brought him joy.