Moonsong Glacier in the light of the sun

"He speaks!" Dutch cheered, laughing as Fallen Sun showed off more of his budding vocabulary. He was not sure who should be thanked for this progress, and for a moment, his heart fell. Perhaps he did know — and perhaps that resource was no longer available to them.

But Fallen Sun's enthusiasm was enough to warm him. The panther felt for the first time since returning that he'd truly come home. These could still be his people, even if some had gone away. Even if some were still a little unfamiliar to him, this man was not.

Enticed, Dutch romped after the other man, ignoring his injury. He made little snaps for those sun-colored paws, or for that whippy tail as it flew past. His own wheeled in easy amusement.

"Slow down!" Dutch chided him eventually, a laugh in his voice. "I'm an injured man!"

Seeing an opportunity, Dutch gestured forcefully to his hip, and he signed along in ptero as he spoke, "I am hurt," each word carefully enunciated.