Ouroboros Spine and down the road I'd go

The panther's eyes glinted like firelight. He could only hope so! "It is too soon to tell," he excused, playing at diffidence and modesty while joy remained his predominant emotion. "But perhaps you will speak it into being — I have great hope, at any rate."

He glanced toward Valiant, who gave an infinitesimal nod to say that he wasn't going anywhere. Dutch was pleased to have time to catch up with the moonwoman — but he felt a tiny jolt of trepidation that almost, almost made him wish for Valiant to drag him off on a more comprehensive tour.

"I have other news," he said to her, his tone giving no hint as to whether the news as good or bad. "My father found us in mid-winter. Others have departed. It is only he, Simbelmyne, and Sulukinank who remain. We have moved to the seal hunter village, for now — but we are working to settle the deepwood."