Moonsong Glacier inugagulliq ⋒

His gaze cut quickly to moonwoman's face at her response. He wanted to tell her that it was different still for a man — but he saw her grief, and he understood that this, at least, was not different at all. Love and loved still meant the same things.

"It is not easy even for this man to admit he cannot do a thing on his own," he replied.

There was more to that story. Complications. Hurt feelings. He had had all that he needed while he and Valiant wandered together — but the isbjørn had not. And Valiant was not the same as Dutch. He needed his own woman and his own family. Their wants would always be at odds. It has taken this many years for Dutch to see and understand this truth.

And now they both needed a replacement. To find something that was born of intent rather than necessity.

It hurt more than Dutch was willing to admit. He imagined it hurt Valiant more — he had not shared his reasoning before they separated. He had only made it clear that he was on a path that the isbjørn was not meant to follow.

"Will you keep my name in your mind?" he asked her, and he was embarrassed to realize how difficult still it was for him to ask. "I am — content. I am happy. But perhaps I could be happier."