Moonspear it's real quiet here

His expression softened, despite the sharpening of his concern. He was ever sensitive to the pain of others, be it spiritual or physical, and the more he came to care about Treepie, the more he worried for her.

"Of course," he said to her, firmly. "This is your home, Treepie. And a village should be a family. Family takes care of each other."

He stepped back from her, now, unable to hide his worry. "Of course," he said again, his tail wagging. "Peace be, Treepie."

Katmai turned to depart, sneaking one last look at her over his shoulder to see which direction she went. He would be keeping careful, probably obstrusive track of her, despite his best intentions not to coddle or annoy the older girl.