Ocean's Breath Plateau and he burns through diversions like a meteor

The panther was pleased to see Heph looking well. His tail wagged in greeting, and he introduced his shadow girl with a simple, "Sulukinak," when Heph addressed her.

He stepped forward and touched his nose briefly to the ground in a show of respect. "I greet you, Heph," he said in the way of the sunshine people, even knowing that Heph was not born to them. "I am doing well — healing, as I hear you are, too."

He searched her for wounds, although he tried to be discreet about it.

"How are you? How fares Moontide?" he asked her. "I did not bring much with me today — just meat for the lodge of Chakliux. But tell me what you have need of, and next time, I will come bearing gifts."

He smiled at her, weary but earnest.