Moonsong Glacier maliksuktitauruk ⋣

His heart! These babes were still so small, and although Dutch knew he was gentle enough not to hurt them in play, it was difficult to convince them of that. He could not curb his enthusiasm, and his mouth twitched as he struggled to contain a mirthful laugh.

"Hi," he echoed, internally falling to pieces over the young wolf. He would not embarrass the boy by cooing over him, but when he lifted his gaze, an adult could surely read it in his eyes.

It was hard to tear his attention away from the children, but he managed, and was very quickly glad that he had. Chickadee's bashfulness widened the panther's grin, as did the news that she was soon to marry. There was much joy in the village Moonglow! It made him happy to see and hear of such prosperity.

"Congratulations," he said, warmth suffusing the word. "I know that Kivaluk must be a good man to have been raised by moonwoman — and I see that he is also a lucky one!"

Warmth edge into coltish flirtation — flattery without any real intent.

The panther stretched, bowing before them and then collapsing altogether to put himself on the children's level.

"Will there be a wedding?" he asked, but there had to be, didn't there? He hoped it would be like the one that Raiyuk had described to him. "Will you attend, thoda khilana?

He asked this question of little Nasamiituuq, but split a glance between the two children so that Ipiktok might feel welcome to answer in her stead.