Moonsong Glacier sistermine

The invitation was one that the panther eagerly leapt upon — he had been scheming ways to invite himself! Not to stay the night, but to meet the rest of the seal hunter's family.

"I would be honored," Dutch replied. And truly, he was flattered by what he read as a bold expression of trust. "What gifts shall I bring?" he asked.

Chakliux was an easy man to like. The panther had been surprised when he did not argue or cling to his melancholy when Dutch had offered his perspective. A man who allowed himself to be bolstered was one whose company Dutch could see himself continually seeking. It was very different from Valiant, who was often self-effacing until Dutch argued him out of it, and then sullen and withdrawn until he forgot the indignity of being made to respect himself. This tendency had grated on Dutch for the whole of their partnership, but he did not begrudge the isbjørn his hurts and insecurities. He had had a hard start to life, and then he had been a man grown before Dutch's mother brought Valiant into their fold.

"Your son is fortunate to have such a father," he felt compelled to say, apropos of nothing.