Moonsong Glacier prashna

Aditya's companionship was something Dutch had not expected to appreciate so much. He had always craved the man's esteem and attention, and he had always been pleased and grateful when it was directed his way. But those visits had always felt so temporary, and only now, living alongside the man, did the panther begin to realize how much time they had lost.

And he was angry, just a little, at his father's part in this fact.

In that moment, he was only happy to see his father still whole and hale. As a result, his own nuzzle edged toward aggressively affectionate rather than respectful — but as much as he had been raised to love and accept the man and all his flaws, respecting Aditya had never been part of the curriculum.

"I am glad that I went," he replied. A smile that was almost bashful flickered across his muzzle as he went on, "Tullik and Marina have grown round. I hear a symphony of heartbeats when I put my ear to their bellies."

His anticipation was apparent. Less so, but still present, was an uneasiness he preferred not to name. But he spoke on it, quietly, just between them:

"It was hard to leave."