Moonsong Glacier One must have a mind of winter

The chief inclined his head; he believed these things wholly of Fallen Sun.

"I do not know this word. Sitik," he said, hoping for a translation despite context clues being relatively clear.

But he was pleased all the same by her words. Time would tell whether or not she would be true to them.

"When you introduce yourself to the others, you will tell them they can bring their pelts to you," he told her, his tail swinging in satisfaction. "We are still few here at the glacier. We have a doctor, Leith — he is also a suitable choice, if he pleases you. He is the only other choice, as Junior and Sulukinak are both women."

He would not order her not to seek men outside the pack, but the message was likely clear enough.

"You may see our allies coming and going," he went on. "They are the moon villages. Moontide smells of salt breeze. Moonglow of the rich valley. Moonspear of the high mountains. They should declare themselves to you, if you come across them, but they are welcome in our home."