Moonsong Glacier pittaq ▱

At her question, his features pinched in confusion. "Headman?" he asked, though it was clear enough what this word meant. The panther colored beneath his fur, his head drawing up and back a fraction before he caught himself. "I am settled, yes," he said to her, "but whoever you send will have my support."

He searched her face, worried, suddenly, that his message had been taken the wrong way. Was she upset with his wording? Had he presumed too much?

"I have not asked this village to look to me as their chieftain," he murmured, his voice low, as if he was afraid one of the children other villagers might overhear such heresy.