Ocean's Breath Plateau sweet as brandy wine

The panther set a jaunty pace, putting more distance between them and the lodges only for Sulukinak's sake. He hadn't asked directly, but he was sure the close quarters hadn't been pleasant for the girl. He feared that it would eventually overwhelm her, and she would flee from them never to return.

As a result, he was quiet, too. For a time, at least, hoping to offer her reprieve from the noise and traffic of the lodge. But Dutch could only be quiet for so long before he was compelled to speak. They had come a good distance when his willpower broke.

"The winter is gone," he commented, reeling back a fraction as a bumblebee rushed past his face. He flattened his ears at it, but his tail still fanned idly at his hocks. "Do you miss the cold?" he asked her, casting a curious glance at her beloved face.