The Sentinels ptarmigan wife

The panther stilled as the seal hunter's voice reached his ears. The news wasn't good, but Chakliux did not sound too grave. Even so, he wished to go to the other man, to see Raiyuk with his own eyes, to bolster his friend as much as he could. A few weeks ago, he would have had a different reason for scolding these thoughts. He would have told himself that Chakliux had his family, that he didn't need Dutch's help.

Today, it was only that he could not spread himself that thin. His first obligation was to Moonsong still, and he knew that Chakliux's family would heal with or without his help.

But in that moment, he did feel — not needed, perhaps. But something like it.

Take heart, he sang back, hoping to imbue the seal hunter with as much strength as he could spare; They will heal swiftly, and so will I. A breath, a decision, and, I will come to you soon.