Stavanger Bay and the fire with all the strength it hath

It had been building for some time, now. The woman could not rightly say even something as simple as how long she'd known the golden-hearted man before her, but truth of some things rang out more clearly than ever. Amayo, Atoll, Doctor, Doe - it did not matter what they called her or even what she called herself. What mattered was that Szymon was right, he got it. In the end, what was she but his? Yes, she served the sea. She answered to Skellige. Hind had bourne her, Riverbone loved her, and the pack needed her - but she would always belong to Szymon.

Setting a paw over his and and leaning forward to give his cheek another tender lick, Doe spoke the words that'd been burning in her throat for the better of two weeks, now. Perhaps the time would never be right for them to make their Vows, but at least they could always have this.

"I love you, Sy," she told him - not needing any answer. It was enough that he knew.