Sea Lion Shores our iron coffin

their gaze met as he prowled close, a panther's slink to his gait. astara watched unblinking, canting her muzzle as he lowered his own. merrick's nose brushed along her jowls. a line of fur rose along her spine involuntarily, for astara was unused to the sensation.

they had sparred and hunted alongside each other, but never once had their passing touches been deliberate. rather, they appeared glance-offs -- for the first time, it seemed merrick sought her contact, and the gesture elicited a strange shiver down astara's spine. she watched him warily for what he might do, but as of yet did not feel the need to show her teeth.