Moonsong Glacier crystophora

His head tilted. He did not remember that conversation, though he remembered one where he'd said something similar: that he would not take a husband. That he might take a wife someday — which he supposed did imply he would not have need of one this year. This season.

"I am strong and healthy," he replied, his voice wry. "I have a territory, and I have a village. Nephele, perhaps, will take what she wants from us and go. But she will not take me. And Eira, I think, will remain among us. She can teach you things I cannot about motherhood, and women's magic. But she will not have me, either."

A pause.

"It is not wrong to want things, Sulu," he murmured. "But regardless, we are the strong ones, here. They are at our mercy at a time when we can afford to be merciful. Eira will bring children to the hearth of our sunset man, and the rest of us can share in that joy. Nephele may bring new life to the mountain also, but just the same, that serves us as well as it serves her. And Tulugak..."

Dutch lifted a shoulder in an uncertain shrug.

"I do not know what she wants. I fear she returns with sad news of her family. Perhaps all she will want is a friend."