Stavanger Bay as if anyone could wait for you

a stone! dalia watched as it tumbled from his jaws, complete shock and excitement rippling through her. she simply hadn't expected it. and sure, it was wet, but it brought such an ache to her heart -- and such a knot to her stomach. he'd done this for her. she stared at the gifts, trying not to start shaking with nerves. she fought herself to build up the nerve to say something, or do something... she just didn't know how to respond! how could she say anything that even begun to say how much she loved them -- appreciated them -- and him...? her ocean eyes fell back upon him, her tail beginning to fall into a slow wag.

"i love them," she said gently, her voice quiet as ever. and finally, face furiously burning, she gathered up enough boldness to step towards velen and plant a few kisses upon the side of his muzzle -- and then buried her face in his neck, as if she might melt into him and disappear forever. "thank you," she murmured into his fur.