Bearclaw Valley some kind of metal made up from glue

in the aftermath of ever violent conflict, a sterling lining of tender love.

astara met her bear with a deep breath, her teeth pulling along the throat only moments before she had tried to tear into. electricity of a different kind crackled up and down her skin. she wanted him, needed him -- and yet, that ugly thought he might someday leave her remained, a blackened gout in her mind.

she felt her tension ebb away the longer they held each other close -- with a gentle nip along his forelimb, merrick's blackbird turned her flank towards him.