Fox's Glade Secluded Sanctuary

their gazes met; merrick pausd sidelong in the snow. the man's eyes were intriguing against the backdrop of what merrick thought a powerful figure. lantern-eye beckoned; the boy sidled and paused, calling out: "you can come closer. no need to fear being bitten," he teased, a benevolent boy-king sprawled haphazardly in his proverbial throne.
he peered through the whirling flakes?
would he come? 
merrick hoped, wondered, but stopped only a little longer before turning to drift onward, at a slower pace if the other saw fit to join him.