Moonspear Chipper and Loud

Kindle gave a little nod; "That's what all I've been told," he agreed on the subject of her melodiousness.

He needed no confirmation by then, but he was pleased to learn her preferred nickname. Kini was close to Kin, which was his own preferred nickname, and he felt a strong sense of protective kinship rise in his chest. It was clearer than ever how his nephew had become so besotted with her.

Truthfully, Kindle was not far behind.

"When the mood is right," he replied, not wanting to compare himself to Katmai in that regard. Singing and storytelling had been important in Round Valley, but Katmai had been born to their most storied bard. Of course he was the better singer, the better storyteller. Katmai fancied himself a comparable dancer and a decent singer. But —

"I prefer hunting and guarding," he claimed, and he was quite proud of his skill there as well.

In truth, however, Kindle was far more at ease looking after pups. That was where he would always prefer to be. Pups did not notice if you sang with your heart more than with any technical skills.