Moonsong Glacier the place I want to be is somewhere in your heart

There was not a whole herd of anything waiting for her, but there was plenty enough to gorge herself, if she wanted. He would bring fresh meat, too — he wanted to tell her so, but perhaps it needn't be voiced aloud. Of course he would.

"Yes," he said of his father; "I never saw much of him, growing up. This is perhaps the longest we have ever dwelled together. Aditya is the flighty sort."

This was a fact, and not something Dutch had much of an opinion on. He knew how he wanted to live his life, but he did not resent Aditya for his inability (or perhaps lack of desire) to stick around. The black bear had chosen him twice now in spite of this.

At the idea of Nephele mediating their battle of sticks, Dutch could only snicker. It was an idea, though. One that might bring some levity to the glacier in the coming days.

"She is from the Everdark," he said if Sulukinak, "Further north even than the land of long nights, I believe. She is still learning to be with others — but she speaks her mind."

When they stood near the village center, he offered her a weak but genuine smile.

"I wish I could have gone with you," he replied. "But we are both here, now."