Moonsong Glacier inugagulliq ⋒

The panther beamed at moonwoman, a reckless surge of affection suffusing his veins. He felt invigorated, empowered — hopeful in a way that he wasn't used to. He felt something that was not just contented acceptance of his future, but something like anticipation instead.

Perhaps the coming year would bring him a family of his own. Perhaps it would not. But he stood now where the spirits had always been leading him, and that was enough.

"And you as well, moonwoman," he replied, and then, so that he would not watch her go, he turned and raced himself back to the borders.