Duskfire Glacier when the summer dies

Imaq's eyes wandered up to meet Meerkat's, a gracious smile beginning to form as her haunches gave a slight twitch of happiness. It had been sometime but the she-dog could never forget how some reacted to her presence, as if she were any less a child of the spirits or a living thing because of her mother's blood. It was a relief to know that her husband's friend would not be included amongst their numbers and might become a friend of her own in time. 

Veteran's entrance interrupted the Counselor and prevented Imaq from responding as she moved closer, nudging Siku encouragingly though he seemed to be taking this impromptu playdate pretty well. 

She aimed an indulgent smile in Veteran's direction, not at all perturbed by how he picked up on her harsh accent and attempted to imitate it. "Jah," she confirmed for him, perhaps needlessly. "I am Imaq. Imaq was there when Veteran was born, helped to heal sister Wayfarer when you both were babes." She didn't figure he would remember but perhaps the boy would like to know this connection between them. 

"Imaq has had her baby and could not come see Veteran or Wayfarer, or Veteran's mother. But Imaq come to see you all soon, jah?" she promised encouragingly. "Imaq bring Siku to see Veteran?"

She gestured then to her son who was still staring saucer-eyed at Meerkat, referencing that he was in fact the baby she spoke of.

Her gaze flickered back to Meerkat contritely, for she hadn't meant to monopolize the conversation -- especially considering this was the Redhawk's stage so to speak.