Moonsong Glacier maliksuktitauruk ⋣

I am shameless and Dutch is a busybody whoops

Winter fell upon them like a blanket this year. The panther felt wrapped up by the change of scents in the air, swaddled by the gentle fall of snow. These lands were warmer than the lands he grew up in, albeit not so warm as his father's place of birth.

All things seemed peaceful. The world seemed kind. It made him wonder what other notions he was deluding himself with — for he knew that there was an unrest in his sister packs. That there was a sickness that walked these wilds. It set him on edge, and he was very nearly grateful that it kept him from fully enjoying his favorite time of the year.

He did not want to let his guard down.

It was inevitable that he should find their visitors — he searched their pack lands endlessly for things that might not want to be found. This, however, was a pleasant surprise.

"Moonwoman!" he hailed her, an extra spring in his step as he approached. "And moon daughter?" And, of course, moonchildren! Dutch tried not to gawk at them when he drew near, and he did not come as close as he might have if they were not around. "You bless us with your presence. Will you introduce me?"

To the children most especially! He wanted dearly to drop to the ground and invite them to play — or to gather them up and stash them somewhere safe, as his instincts currently urged him.