Blacktail Deer Plateau i surrendered to their fragrance

astara’s blood would have curdled to learn that merrick had briefly considered she his next prey; if even for an instant. she picked up none of his internal warring, instead focusing her gaze elsewhere. the flutter of wings had drawn her attention away, though her limbs remained rooted. 

she too felt serenity overcome her; some time later, her blood would stir and demand disruption to this tranquility — but for now astara padded silently after merrick, gaze ever flitting from shadow to shadow in marked observance.