Moonspear [m] listening to fear

Being given a task scratched an itch deep inside Talisman, nearly as fulfilling as the idea of becoming a father. His smile softened and he bowed his head in acknowledgment of Sialuk’s words.

As you wish, he said simply. And at the risk of sounding cheesy, he added, I already look forward to your return, Sialuk. Have fun out there.

He laughed a little at that, not sure what the correct sentiment was in this situation. Perhaps he ought to feel jealous of her other forays—and he supposed he was a little sad he wasn’t enough—but then, neither was her own fiancé, so Talis wouldn’t take it personally.

The coyote slipped a respectful nudge to her chin, then stepped back to watch her disembark. After she was gone, he supposed he should get back to the healing ulaq. But for a while, Talisman would wander the moonlit mountainside, too giddy about the future to sleep.