Snowforest Taiga maugak ⋟

kanuux answered her only with a slow, heavy nod.

her praise pressed into him like a brand; he let it, standing firm beneath her weight, the rumble in his chest settling into something colder, steadier.

when she looked to the coast and back to him, the meaning was clear.

he stepped forward once, brushing her shoulder with his in passing— a wordless yes.

fade and something new?