Overture Downs winds of east

sun eater was unused to being touched. ice diver offered him the warmth of her brushes here and there, but the sharp aura of the saatsine man did not invite nearness. shoulder stiffened, instinctive bristling flaring hackles to life before he forced them flat, bid the tautness to flee.

fragrance of crushed herbs mingled with the metallic tang of copper on her breath. a new sensation rippled the hard skin beneath his pelt.

"yes."

he wanted to bring her back with him.

a muscle in his jaw leapt. he concentrated his will on keeping head lifted as morwenna worked over his wounding.

it was not a question. not a request. they clashed in culture and perhaps nature.

it was a moment for sun eater to admit to himself what he had refused to know.