Stone Circle [m] there was crack on the corner, and someone dead

not long now before her bear-king came, more serpent than wolf, more bear than dog -- and in that single eye burned a fire unbidden.

astara rushed to him along the ruins of their enemies; here along the needlepoint of a bygone stone (motherstone) astara returned merrick's ministrations in fervor; take me here, where our new children will be conceived among the ashes of those we have run from the wilds.

no words, as ever; just the low, lilting growl of her praise and need.