Ouroboros Spine and down the road I'd go

The panther bowed his head, uncertain. There was much he did not understand about Sulukinak. Much he did not know. Many of these things seemed to be topics better broached by spiritual leaders or other women. So at most, he could say, "She is frightened." He gave a tiny shake of his head. "Her mother... I think her mother was very frightened, too."

Dutch caught Valiant's eye and remembered the other topic he'd wanted to broach. The one that Valiant wanted broached, rather.

"Moonwoman," he said, "As your family grows, and mine — I would like to offer my cousin, Minnow, a place among Morningsong. I will treat her children like my own, and they will have time to grow strong before Simbelmyne's time comes."