The Sunspire [m] feather blanket

the laughter of the swamp panther was rich and tinged with surprise. once more she looked the stranger up and down. girlish, for sure, but not so young that she could not understand — who had failed to teach her?

"not in danger. my body, it wants them to come. same for you, one day." she watched the open play of that unguarded expression, wondering if she had ever been so wide-eyed and unknowing of the world's vast forces.

"your friend. where?" muskrat asked next, glancing up the sunny slope of the green ridge in a search for any masculine figures.