Ocean's Breath Plateau hear the clock tick, the wolf who loiters at the door

Tags for reference, or feel free to join! All welcome please play with me. Forward dated to idk Tuesday or something.

Dutch had informed @Ulloriaq and @Sulukinak in particular of his trip, saying this time that he would stay there for a day or two before returning. Neither were explicitly invited, but he wouldn't turn down their company, either. And it was @Aditya who he left in charge, deputizing @Hototo on his behalf.

He would not be far, but the chief still worried the pack would find they did not need him in his absence. Still — the trip could not be avoided.

The seal hunter's wives were nearing the halfway mark of their pregnancies. Dutch came again with meat for the lodge — achingly empty without Chakliux or his sons to fill it. Still, the panther intended to visit; he wanted to bring a good meal to @Tullik and @Marina, and then plead to lay his ear against their bellies.

And, with consideration to his conversation with @Heph, Dutch brought ideas that he might share with her — plus the promised gift of furs that he'd lacked on the first visit.

He stood on the borders after announcing himself with a howl:

I have come bearing gifts on weary paws!

He wondered if he might see @Rodyn this time, for he'd had little to do with the man thus far and had heard only good things.