Ocean's Breath Plateau red shell

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Dutch felt as if he'd fallen into a dream. Though there were pieces of it missing or out of place, he found himself feeling contented in a way he never had before. Despite the uncertainty of the future, the panther didn't feel uncertain at all; he was right where he needed to be, and he was surrounded by wolves he felt a deep sense of kinship with.

The newest of these bonds was also the most significant. He was still growing accustomed to the feeling of @Simbelmyne at his side — but each time he looked and found her there, he felt his love grow like the gathering of the waves.

He kissed his wife on the cheek, quietly excusing himself to join Chakliux in a quieter part of the lodge. His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he laid eyes on them, and so he strained to hear each name as it was given. Each one sank into his heart like a blade, and he stood in awe for a moment longer, marveling at how small they were.

"They're beautiful," he said, feeling his eyes mist once more. To him, several looked like Raiyuk, and he saw Tullik and Chakliux in others. Splashes of silver that belonged to Marina — he did not consider that any looked like him, because he rarely thought of his own appearance. It was hard for him to conceptualize it, having never seen it aside from his fleeting, rippling likeness in various bodies of water. Regardless, however, he felt that each one belonged to his seal hunter, and that was reason enough for them to be precious to him.

He pressed his nose gently to each forehead, breathing in the fresh baby scent of them — committing their little faces to memory.

Finally he looked up at Chakliux once more.

"It is good to have you home," he said, his voice hushed.