Stavanger Bay I barely dreamt her yesterday

Though he appeared stoic, Sumac held his breath, waiting. The moment was pregnant with the possibility of ecstatic joy or painful heartbreak, and he stood there for what seemed an eternity on that knife's edge. His heart rate escalated to an almost unbearable pace as tears formed in her eyes - oh, Mother Moon, what caused those tears? Were they ones of joy? Ones of disappointment? Of knowing she'd have to let him down? He felt surprised as she rushed to meet him in an embrace, burying her lovely face in his scruff before studying his own.

“Yes! Forever and always.”

It took a moment for her words to register, as if he was expecting a letdown, a rejection, or other obstacle to intervene. Slowly, a smile took shape, before his entire expression became alight with an exuberant, pure joy. His heart skipped a beat, marking the transition from anxiety to jubilation. A deep laugh bubbled its way from his throat, and he drank in her clear sky-hued eyes before licking her silver and russet face affectionately.

After taking a few breaths to regain himself, he gazed upon her with pure admiration.

"You honor and humble me, Raindrop," he said finally, dipping his head courteously, "I promise to always cherish you."

He simply couldn't contain his elation, and chuckled again, his sunshine eyes practically emitting their own light.

"Let's go work on this den of yours, yeah?" he asked with a warm grin.