Wheeling Gull Isle stomklad

heda stiffened a moment as he came closer, for this was different: an embrace, and from a someone who was a father. not her own, but that of this island. he was like god, heda decided; his scent was comforting.
she leaned against bartholomew, slowly; and then more firmly; she lifted her muzzle and put it into the joining of neck to shoulder. 
heda drew a breath that went ragged at the end.