Moonsong Glacier bustling crowds or silent sleepers

The panther was pleased to be greeted without caution, and in turn, he abandoned the respectful distance he'd placed between them to reach her side. She was looking for something, and automatically, without knowing her purpose, he began looking, too.

"Whole and hale," he replied with another flick of his tail. His tone invited admiration for his impressive physique, but that, too, was automatic. His features were already creased with concern, and he assessed her condition with his eyes and his nose. He could not tell much from it, and that unsettled him almost more than if he'd been able to smell any particular ailment.

"Dutch," he said, belatedly. "My name. Pleased to meet you." And then, of course, he could not hold back the question: "What are you up to?" And the silent one that went with it: How can I help?