Deepwood Weald histriophoca

The panther was happy to receive affection but elated to see the girl in — seemingly — higher spirits. He made a brief nuisance of himself, rubbing his cheek into her fur to renew his scent.

He carried other scents with him, now. Valiant's, and Minnow's, too. He'd left the pair of them in the meadow before setting off to be sure that Sulukinak was still around. He was eager to see Simbelmyne as well, but less concerned that she would not be where he'd left her.

"I think we will do very well here," he said as if agreeing with her, trotting toward the tree she'd been examining. He was interested in whatever she'd been up to, but he had other thoughts on his mind as well "You were right, I think. I invited too many strangers to share our lives."

None of them had stayed, and Dutch found himself feeling glad for it, strangely enough.

"I thought we might keep it just the four of us, until children come — but my cousin has asked me to take in his sister. So we will be five instead."

He stole a little glance at the girl, worried that this might displease her.