Duskfire Glacier chaos machine productions

After the second or third "what the fuck," even Lane-- who was not the best reader of emotions-- could tell that her packmate was taken aback. Maybe even a little angry about something..? Lane surmised from her expression that Meerkat hadn't appreciated being left out of the loop, which was an honest mistake. Lane was so wrapped up in preparing for the pack's response to this latest development, she hadn't really thought to bring in the Upper Tier to conference about the issue. It was probably a symptom of living as a loner for so long-- she forgot that help was available to her, and she only need request it. 

Understanding dawned quickly upon Lane's features as Meerkat described Issorartuyok's "businesslike" approach to courtship. If everything outside this conversation hadn't been so overwhelming and scary, Lane might have even laughed. "Yeah, that..." ..really does sound like Issorartuyok. 

"Damn, that sucks. Uh..." Lane tried to think of something comforting to say. She was so bad at this. "..He said you would make a good wife though, right? Isn't that like, the highest level of praise for Northerners?" She smiled wryly, thinking of Kukutux and her matchmaking. "Isn't there any part of you that can meet him where he's at right now? He obviously likes you, and he's already talking about your uh, wifeliness..." He was already like 75% there. Lane tilted her head hopefully. Maybe there was still time for Meerkat to run to Issorartuyok before he departed, like a scene at the end of a sappy romance story..?

Tuuluuwaq's face popped suddenly into Lane's mind, completely unbidden. Kigipigak's face appeared too, a milisecond later. Was Lane also in a romance story? If so, who was supposed to be her "happily ever after?"