Greatwater Lake as if i myself had no voice

merrick indeed was alone for the time being, but even if he was out of sight, he was never out of astara's mind. he would not be rid of the dark demon so easily; she followed after his scent at a leisurely pace, pleased to allow him his mistaken freedom.

at length merrick's scent lead her to a lake, and she watched the boy sup from the scintillating waters. drawing to a stop, the girl sampled the fresh air; it smelled heavily of peat, of damp soil, of lake-water -- and somewhere in the distance, the scent of goslings drifted towards them.