Moonsong Glacier mama cuts like a man-of-war

The panther unwound himself from his mother as Sumac stepped forward, and whether Sumac was ready for it or not, he stepped in time with the other man and caught him in a hearty embrace. He was just a little wary over who this man might be to his mother — he was just awfully young for her, wasn't he? — but Easy was a grown woman. He knew he had no say in such matters except how much he was willing to overlook.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Sumac," he replied, pulling back with a smile still on his face. "Come — I will show you our common place. You can rest right away."

There was protest from his mother, who claimed (unconvincingly) not to be tired — but Dutch was as stubborn and forceful a creature as his dam. She was soon tucked into a bed of plush furs and pine boughs, and once she laid down, it was clear she would be staying there.

"Be kind to my boy, Arjun!" she called after them as Dutch led the other man away.

The panther called back, "No one understands a word you say, she-bear!"

And then he pranced off at a faster clip, leading Sumac down to the river.

"Do you fish?" Dutch asked him, his tone warm but his orange eyes assessing. Could this man — this boy, in his mother's words — could he take care of her? Oh, Dutch knew she needed no caring for, but if she was going to find a man who was not his father, Dutch wanted to see him work for it.