Moonsong Glacier mama cuts like a man-of-war

Dutch hung back but did not depart, giving Sumac space to speak if he wished. He could not make out the first few murmured words and he didn't try to — but he jumped a little when Sumac began to shout.

The panther watched him, wide-eyed, his heart clenching painfully in his chest. He felt in that moment like he knew the other man — perhaps only because he'd spent so long walking beside Valiant, who carried with him a similar pain.

Dutch stood there for a long moment, even after the other man had fallen silent. He could see in the line of his shoulders how heavy that grief must be. And, after another beat of hesitation, he slinked up alongside the other man, pressing their shoulders together as if the weight might spread between the two of them if he stood close and still enough.

You are not alone.

Dutch felt these words would be disrespectful in light of Sumac's deep pain. But he could speak with his actions, he hoped. And maybe no message would get across — but a shoulder to lean on would at least provide some amount of tactile comfort, wouldn't it?