Sea Lion Shores our iron coffin

they were embraced in something tentative and tender, yet with its own heat leaping beneath. he marvelled at it, at the grace of it, at the way he was at once both soothed and intrigued. there was a sense of belonging within their bonding now, and he found catharsis in this. there was more that he wished, so much more, but for now, merrick stood with head bowed against astara, content in a way he had never been before to merely exist within the space of her touch.