Ocean's Breath Plateau She calls me from the cold just when I was low, feeling short of stable

When she drew closer he did not mind. If anything he felt graced by her presence, welcoming her, and being respectful enough to chuff and keep his eyes averted. He did not know what she had been through with the bad man, only that Chakliux had gone to hunt for him, and it was not polite to ask.

Her own interest made him snuffle along the rocks a moment, and he mumbled, There are many barnacles. I thought I could find something better - but that's all there is. Rocks and weeds, and those little shells.

Raiyuk tipped over a rock and watched the crabs beneath it scuttle for shelter, and spared a little look to Marina, with a smile.

And crabs, but only little ones.