Page Three

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Ric obliged and parted his maw, his rubbery lips drawing back to reveal his fangs. Merri felt that spike of arousal again at seeing them and moved his outstretched hand until he could place two fingers delicately against one sharp tooth. His breathing picked up, his chest heaving as his lust grew. He could feel his cock stirring and he felt embarrassed that he was getting so turned on by a dragon’s dangerous fang. Ric shook his head and Merri jerked his hand back startled then laughed. Rictevar’s eye squinted and Merri felt like the dragon was grinning at him.

Ric lowered his head a bit more and slid his tongue out very very slowly so Merri could see him. Then he took just the tip of his enormous tongue and carefully ran it up Merri’s neck. The elf gasped out then began to tremble as the dragon slid that warm wet tongue up the side of his face then to his ear, licking the whole length of it. It flicked off the tip and Merri shuddered. Ric did it again, caressing the long pointed elven ear until Merri had a strong blush over his nose. The dragon was deliberate and careful as he moved, making his way back to Merri’s neck. He pulled back just enough to turn his head to look at him and upon seeing Merri looking flustered but not angry or afraid, continued to explore him. He couldn’t resist laving his tongue on Merri’s perky nipples until he was arching his back. Then Rictevar dipped lower, puffing out breath against the elf’s skin as he traveled down. He dropped his snout and wiggled it gently against Merri’s tightly closed legs. The elf began to squirm, but Ric didn’t stop, he nudged it again, huffing out strongly enough that it made Merri’s erection sway. The elf put his hand up to his mouth and bit down on his knuckles before he started to part his legs slowly. He heard Ric’s deep rumble and he covered his mouth with his hand to keep Ric from hearing his exclamation of anticipation.

Finally with Merri’s legs spread wide Ric let a little bit of his tongue peek out from his lips and he lapped at Merri’s wrinkled opening. The elf’s hips jerked and Ric lifted his tongue, pushing the balls up until they dropped down with a heavy swing, then finally at his prize his tongue slithered out and wrapped around Merri’s long hard cock three times and squeezed.

Merri had never felt so much conflicting emotions before. He was feeling vulnerable by having his privates so close to such large fangs, embarrassed for allowing a beast to pleasure him, and shameful for wanting to pleasure Ric’s dragon form in return. Still though, even with all those emotions he felt absurdly horny.

“Ric…ah gods, please more,” Merri begged as he lifted his hips. His eyes shot open when he felt Ric’s tongue extend further, leaving itself wrapped around the shaft of his cock but reaching the tip down so it could toy with his opening.  

Merri was panting hard now, spreading his legs even wider, planting his feet flat on the ground so he could raise his hips up more. Since that one time Ric had pushed his tail into him they hadn’t played with his ass again, but now, feeling something warm and solid back there once more made him eager to experience that sensation again.

He thrust up his hips, “Do it Ric,” he gasped out, “open me up.”

There was a deep growl from the dragon and Merri felt the tongue squeeze his cock. Then the tip was lashing against his hole, lubing it up with spit before it began to press against it. Merri relaxed and bore down, helping the muscle bully it’s way inside. Merri was writhing and moaning loudly as Ric’s tongue forced its way in, spreading Merri with a satisfying amount of pressure. Merri rocked on the little bit that was inside and reached down and began to pinch his own nipples. His body was too hot yet exhilarated and deeply aroused.

“Yes, oh yes right there,” Merri couldn’t stop moaning and babbling words of encouragement, “I’m going to come,” he reached down and placed his hands on the scaly snout, “oh fuck, Ric, please, yes!” He arched his back and came hard. His thin cum shot up high, splashing onto the underside of the dragon’s mouth before raining down onto his thighs and abdomen.

Ric was careful as he unfurled his tongue and gently pulled away from his lover. The dragon began to clean his lips and teeth, snapping his jaws and licking away Merri’s essence loudly like a dog at a water bowl. The sound and display made Merri’s entire body flush in embarrassment. Ric seemed to really enjoy the taste of him. Merri sat up slowly and when his eyes adjusted to the new position, he could see that Ric had become erect and his cock had extended from his body and was now standing proud just under his pale scaly belly.

Merri, curious, looked up at Ric and said, “Don’t be alarmed,” he got on all fours and began to crawl, “I only want to examine it,” he heard Ric let out a snort, but he ignored him and made his way over to the monster dragon dick protruding from his body.

Merri knew about dragon anatomy. The penis was kept within the body, covered by a pocket of skin that parted, much like the lips of a vagina, to allow the phallus to grow and eject its length from inside. A dragon’s testicles were hidden, but if one were to press just under the base of the exposed erection you could feel the two gigantic milky nuts just beneath the surface of the skin. Merri knew all of this, but nothing had been said about what it looked like. The shape was reminiscent to a horse’s penis, wide at the tip and a piss slit so big Merri could put his whole hand into it easily if he wanted. From the tip the penis tapered down until it was all one thickness and very straight. It had ridges, like rings that laddered down the full length. At the base it swelled a bit and it was rigid, harder than the rest of the cock, feeling more like stone. The pocket, up close, did look a little bit like pussy lips and it was dripping thick white slick around the area where the penis had emerged from. The cock was a much lighter shade of purple than Ric’s body, getting darker the closer it was to the head.

Merri hadn’t touched it, but the head was already dripping with a considerable amount of precum. Merri crawled over to the stream and caught some on his tongue. He swallowed the thick substance and was surprised to find it almost tasteless. He reached out and rubbed the head with his entire palm then Ric stepped back a bit and Merri chuckled and whispered ‘let me’ though he was pretty sure the dragon didn’t hear him. He wrapped his hand around it this time and could barely get it around a third of its girth.

“Goodness fuck,” Merri breathed. Then, because he was curious, he licked up the side. The cock jumped out of his hand in reaction. He reached up with both hands this time and squeezed the cock as hard as he could. Ric growled, the sound vibrating through his body and down to his cock. The vibration made Merri’s fingers tingle. He bit his lip, his purple eyes big, shining with curiosity and desire as he began to stroke. It took all of his arm muscles and the full range of motion to even stroke a quarter of it. The more he stroked the more precum bubbled from the tip. He leaned forward and licked at it, his tongue fully entering the cock’s eye by accident. Merri jerked back in shock then grinned and leaned in to do it again. He picked up a rhythm of stroking the ribbed cock and flicking his tongue in and out of the leaking slit. He swirled his tongue all along the edge, using techniques he had learned from rimming past lovers. After a while he opened his mouth as wide as it would go and put his lips around the hole and drank the precum straight from the source, swallowing some of the warm fluid with great greedy gulps. Most of it poured from around him, coating his chest and dripping onto his reawakening cock.

He pulled back, licking his lips with a long languid swipe. He couldn’t believe he was sucking off a dragon. It felt so taboo and he felt naughty, but in a good way. His body was soiled, between his own climax from earlier and now Rictevar steadily leaking precum he was covered in fluid. He leaned in and gave the spongy head a quick kiss, then, because why not, he took two fingers and pushed them into the dick hole. It felt so hot inside, almost scorching and it turned Merri on so fucking much. He sped up and even managed to wiggle his entire hand in, though the intrusion made Ric let out a deep rumble. Merri’s cock was half hard now as he played in the opening, mesmerized that he could fist his lover’s cockhead with ease. Faster still and now obscene wet slapping noises could be heard and clear liquid splashed out with each quick fuck in. Merri watched, eyes ablaze, as his hand thrust almost violently into the eye and he wondered just how deep he could go. Suddenly he wondered what his cock would feel like thrusting in and out of there. He wanted to fuck that cockhole so badly.

Suddenly Ric stumbled back, out of Merri’s reach. Merri went to crawl back over when there was a flash of magic and Ric was on his knees, back in his human form, panting with his hands over his privates and still achingly hard.

“Wh-what?” Merri sounded confused and a bit disappointed. He started to wipe his soaked hand on the blanket.

“I was close,” Ric looked up, “I would have fucking drowned you!”

Merri’s eyes blinked comically. He had been so enthralled with the feel and taste of dragon dick that it hadn’t even crossed his mind how finishing him off would have played out. He thought back to all the times Ric had climaxed at the lake. His huge human cock came like a fountain, often covering either his own chest or most of Merri’s much smaller body.

Merri chuckled with a blush, “Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Ric smiled, still panting like he had just won a foot race, “I’ve never felt that before. It was damn good. I just like you too much to have you die in a sea of my cum.”

Merri laughed, “I suppose that would be awful.”

“Besides…I got to get you home soon,” Ric looked a bit sad at saying that, “You’ve probably been out too long as it is right?”

“Well actually,” Merri sat cross legged on the blanket and began to blush. Somehow he still managed to look adorable even with his body covered in cum, “I have a surprise for you…”

“Yeah?” Ric made his way back over to the blanket and sat beside Merri. His cock was still painfully hard, but he ignored it to see what Merri had to say.

“Yeah,” Merri looked up at him, his white lashes looked silver in the moonlight, “I didn’t want to give it away so I didn’t pack a bag but…I am free to spend the night…if you want too.”

Ric let out a sudden laugh, “Merri are you crazy? Of course I want to spend the night with you! I want to spend the rest of my life with you!”

Merri’s blush deepened and he was beginning to think that Ric wasn’t joking about the marriage proposal after all. Instead of examining that he nodded then looked down at Ric’s erection. He pointed at it, “Shall I?”

“I’d really love it if you did,” Ric twisted his body so he was facing Merri then he spread his legs wide. He watched as Merri wasted no time in shifting his weight to his knees and leaned over to suck down his cock. Ric let out a groan, “Fuck you’ve gotten so good at this. Barely choke anymore,” he closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling, “Loved you sucking me earlier,” he pushed his hands into Merri’s bright white hair, “you’re so filthy, sucking on some monster dick because you’re such a slut for it.”

Merri moaned around the cock as he bobbed his head. He liked when Ric spoke a little nasty to him. He wiggled his bum that was high in the air and parted his legs a bit.

Ric reached over and smacked his ass, “Why you waving it? Feeling empty?” He lifted his tail and started to rub Merri’s hole with the tip, “Still wet from my tongue. You want it?”

Merri never let up from his blowjob but he nodded his head yes.

“What happened to saving yourself? Does it not matter if it’s a monster fuck?” He heard Merri whine and he chuckled, “You look so innocent but I bet you cut corners all the time huh?” He wiggled his tail and this time it popped in with little resistance, “How many other monsters have had their tails up this sweet ass?”

Merri did pull away that time, “Just you.”

Ric grabbed the back of Merri’s head, “I’m honored,” then he forced his cock back into his mouth hard enough to make him gag, “Fuck I’m so horny,” he groaned and thrust his hips up, “feeling you slobbering all over my dragon dick was so hot. You like the way it tasted?” He pulled him up by his hair and moaned when Merri, with his eyes glassy with lust whispered yes, “You can have it any time you want beautiful. I’ll transform just so you can drink your fill right from the tip.”

Merri reached down and started to stroke himself. He still wasn’t fully used to Ric’s girth, but it no longer made his jaw instantly sore when he worked it between his lips. He wasn’t complaining. He absolutely loved Ric’s cock and each time he sucked it the closer and closer he got to begging to be fucked by it. Feeling his smooth tail wiggling inside his tight asshole wasn’t helping the matter.

“So pretty,” Ric breathed then reached down and grabbed Merri’s nipples. They hardened instantly and the dragon licked his lips thinking about just how great they felt when he sucked on them. He squeezed then let up, then squeezed again. Over and over until he had Merri whimpering each time he squished them between his thumb and forefinger.

Merri was breathing hard through his nose, his hand flying over his dick as he brought himself and Ric closer to the edge. He continued to move, drooling all over the cock as his jaw began to ache from the size filling the entirety of his mouth. The erection began to jerk more, knocking against his teeth in the tell-tale sign that Ric was getting ready to come. Ric tried to warn him but Merri just shook his head. He was determined to swallow this time.

Ric let out a long guttural moan then his thighs tensed and he was coming hard into Merri’s mouth. He grit his teeth as he felt his lover’s throat and tongue work at drinking down his seed, but it was proving to be too much. Ric opened his eyes just enough to see Merri struggling and the sight was fascinating and it oddly aroused him more. He felt his toes curl as another wave of body numbing pleasure washed over him.

Merri had tears of effort rolling down his cheeks as he tried to swallow Ric’s copious blasts of cum, but ultimately he was no match for the speed and some started to seep from his mouth. There was a thrill that rushed though him at the feeling of being overwhelmed by Ric’s rich creamy cock cream and he teetered on the edge. When he felt cum escape through his nostrils the burning overflow pushed him over and Merri had a powerful climax. His release made his head spin and his vision blur. He was still leaking dragon cum from the corners of his lips and nose when he heard Ric’s sharp intake of breath.

“Fucking hell Merri,” Ric whispered, “you sloppy cockslut,” he reached down and pulled the elf off his absolutely drenched dick by his hair, “God you get prettier and prettier everyday.”

Merri’s face was flushed, both from the effort it had taken to pleasure such a healthy cock and the delight of hearing Ric’s dirty words about him. He gave him a wide grin, cum, tears and spit dripping off his teeth and chin.

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There was a stream a little ways down the mountain that Ric and Merri bathed in, both too exhausted to fool around in the still daylight warmed water. Once done Ric insisted on carrying Merri back to his home. Finally in the cave he settled his lover on a bed of plush animal furs and started a small fire in the corner to keep their sleeping area nice and toasty through the night.

Ric gave Merri a gentle kiss to his cheek, “Sleep well little one.”

Merri was asleep before he even heard the end of Ric’s sentence.

~

Merri woke up comfortable, having slept the best he had in a long while. He had many pleasant dreams about Ric, living their lives together without a care in the world. He was warm, content, and he almost didn’t get up but the air didn’t smell like his bedroom. He frowned a bit then opened his eyes and looked directly into a massive golden one.

Merri screeched, sitting up quickly and fumbling backwards onto a large mass of scales and a heaving belly, “Shit! Shit!” He clutched his chest and took a thousand steadying breaths. Still with his eyes wide he cried, “Fucking hell Ric! Hot dammit!”

The dragon merely lifted his head and tilted it, like he hadn’t almost given Merri a heart attack.

Merri lifted his hand and began to rub Ric’s side, “Oh dear God,” he sighed, “I guess I need to get used to waking up next to a dragon, huh?”

Ric’s head tilted further and he squinted then let out a few puffs which Merri deduced was laughter.

“Don’t gloat,” Merri blushed, just now realizing what his earlier sentence was implying. He stood, trying to look proud and unaffected as he walked towards the mouth of the cave, “I’m going to go freshen up at that stream, I’ll be right back,” he heard another few airy dragon chuckles as he left.

Upon returning Ric had reverted back into his humanoid form and had started cooking breakfast. Oatmeal with raisins served with a buttery biscuit and warm red wine. His tail was flicking back and forth as he hummed, gathering their plates and Merri thought he looked so domesticated and handsome. He walked over and kissed his cheek.

“You’re spoiling me,” Merri grinned.

“You deserve it,” Ric grinned back then leaned over and gave him a quick peck to his lips, “let’s eat then I’ll freshen up too then get you home.”

Merri nodded and they both ignored just how sad each of them looked at the thought of parting. During breakfast Merri told Ric stories of his childhood and folklore of his people. Ric hung on his every word, smiling softly when Merri stood up to act out the Battle Over Greydock Harbor. Too soon Ric had to clean their plates and he rushed to freshen up at the stream. Returning he saw that Merri had braided his hair back and was standing close to the cliff with his hands behind his back. The morning sunlight cast a halo of glowing light that made the elf look angelic. He took his breath away and he told him so.

Merri looked over with a gentle smile, “Thank you…but you do know that I find you just as beautiful right?” Then he looked back over the mountain range.

Ric felt his heart melt. Merri didn’t give compliments often, but when he did Ric treasured every single one. He walked over and pulled him into his arms and gave him the most passionate kiss he had ever given anyone. When they parted they were both flushed and smiling. Ric whispered, “Marry me.”

Merri chuckled then ducked his head and hid in Ric’s wide safe chest. Ric laughed then wrapped his strong arms around him and took to the air.

~

Gabthor loved hunting around this area in the morning. The small animals came out to drink from the lake and he could pick them off one by one. He was hoping to get a rabbit, maybe two, his baby niece had been asking for a rabbit’s foot and his wife made the best stew in the tribe. He crouched waiting for his prey, his big blue elf eyes looking for any signs of disturbance in the grass. What he didn’t expect to see was his brother being held in the arms of a, quite terrifying, dragon. He bit his lip to stay his desire to yelp in surprise. Were they friends? How could they be? He tried to read the situation, but it was hard with his brother’s back to him. Suddenly his brother was beating the chest of the dragon but the dragon just laughed. Gabthor narrowed his eyes, he’s toying with my brother, he felt his anger rise and he notched an arrow into his bow.

He continued to watch as they landed, but the dragon wouldn’t let his brother go. The dragon tried to kiss his brother and his brother dodged then stepped back, he turned to get away but the dragon reached out lightning fast and grabbed his wrist and jerked him back, slamming him into his chest. Gabthor stood and drew back.

Merri giggled, “Ric! I have to go!” He smiled up at him, “You’re so stubborn!”
             

“Greedy,” Ric smirked then he dipped his head and bit the side of the elf’s neck playfully.

Merri began to laugh, but it was soon cut short by Ric’s bloodcurdling scream. Merri’s eyes shot open wide and he saw Ric hunch over, his golden eyes searching the area around him. It took only a split second to see the blood dripping from the webbing of Ric’s left wing. Before Merri could speak he saw Ric’s eyes widen to a place just behind him. Merri turned around quickly and saw his brother notching another arrow as he stepped out into the sun. He heard Ric growl and not one of his cheeky cute ones. A real, deep, dangerous growl that rattled his bones.

Merri sprung into action then, jumping between the two before Ric could lunge and Gabthor could release his arrow. He looked at his brother angrily, “What are you doing?!” He cried.

“What are you doing?!” Gabthor looked equal parts worried and confused, “Come now! I shall protect you!” He still hadn’t lowered his bow.

“I need no protection brother!” Merri hissed out. He looked back quickly. Ric had tucked his wings as best he could and was trying to back away slowly. Merri reached out to him, “You need a healer.”

Ric scoffed, “I need to go.”

Merri huffed, “No,” and he squeezed Ric’s forearm, then looked back at his brother, “Go fetch Elyana.”

“What?!” His brother practically screamed, “I will not have our sister heal this monster!”
             

“My husband!” Merri spoke with conviction. He could feel Ric tense behind him and could see Gabthor’s face turn to shock, “Now go!”

Gabthor’s mouth opened and closed a few times like a fish out of water. It was clear he wanted to protest but when Merri jerked his arm forward in a gesture of ‘hurry up’ he lowered his arms and turned and ran back towards the village.

“Merri…I have to leave,” Ric whispered, his voice strained.

Merri turned around and looked confused, “Why? My sister is a skilled healer.”

“He’s not going to come back with your sister,” Ric gave Merri a fond look, his features giving away just how much pain he was in, “he’s going to get an army, wrest you away from me then kill me.”

Merri gasped, “No! My brother is not a murderer!”
             

“I know how these things go…” Ric looked sad for a moment, “no one ever cares about us. It’s safer if I just go now…”

“I care about you…” Merri whispered, tears forming in his eyes. He reached up and touched Ric’s cheek gently.

“I know beautiful,” Ric smiled, “and while I know you said it just to get your brother’s attention, I still liked the way husband sounded coming from your lips,” he placed his hand over the one on his cheek.

“As did I,” Merri’s tears fell then, “do you trust me?”

“With everything I am.”

“Then trust me when I say I know my brother and you will be safe and healed.”

Ric looked uncertain. His eyes slid away weighing the consequences of pushing Merri away and making a run for it. As he was still deciding Merri asked him to sit, “Excuse me?”

“Sit with me…let’s wait comfortably,” Merri gave Ric a soft smile.

Ric could never say no to that smile. Though he feared this was a mistake, he couldn’t bear not sharing his last moments with Merri. He nodded and they both sank to the ground. He hissed when he had to position his wing, the bleeding had slowed, but it still stung.

Merri took Ric’s hand, “I won’t be able to go back now,” he rested his head on the dragon’s broad shoulder, “They will never accept a dragon into the tribe.”

Ric kept his eyes focused, watching for any signs of deception from the brush. He let out a sigh, “Even if I’m your husband?” He let out a soft chuckle.

“Even then,” Merri took Ric’s hand and interlocked their fingers, “I don’t mind though. The thought of not waking up beside you again aches…”

“Oh…” Ric whispered, finally understanding, “oh little one…do not play with my heart like this…”

“I am not,” Merri turned, getting to his knees and squeezing Ric’s hand, “ask me again.”

Ric’s entire body hummed with hope. He took a deep breath then whispered, “Marry me.”

“Alright,” Merri gave him a huge grin before wrapping his arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.

Ric lost himself in the kiss and the pure joy of Merri’s acceptance of him. He was swimming in delight and almost missed the sound of footsteps. He jerked back and looked over. Four elves stepped into the clearing, Gabthor was one, then an older woman, a younger woman and a man that looked to be around Gabthor’s age. He tensed, ready for a fight, but when Merri informed him they were all a part of his family he eased up…but only a little.

“Mother?” Merri breathed.

“He is a dragon,” the young female elf spoke, her eyes wide with curiosity. She held up her hands, “I’m here to help, please do not be afraid!” She was bubbly, with a wide smile and fluffy pale lilac hair. She waved then began to run around the lake to reach the other side.

Merri ignored her and said again, “Mother.”

The older woman nodded to her son, “Merrilysium,” her tone was deep and full of judgement.

Merri frowned, realizing that his mother had already come to her conclusion and wasn’t prepared to talk to him. He looked away, not in the mood to deal with his mother’s attitude. He instead looked at Ric and took his hand then said, “This is my sister Elyana. She is a fantastic healer.”

The lilac haired woman dropped to her knees in front of them both, “Oh come now,” she had the decency to look modest. She looked over at Ric, “Show me your wound.”

Ric grunted as he pulled his wing out. Elyana leaned forward to get a better look then sputtered when she was almost face to face with Ric’s proud manhood resting on his thigh like a salami loaf. Merri almost choked on his laugh and Ric immediately began to blush, both of them so used to his nakedness that they hadn’t considered anyone else around them. Merri quickly pulled off his shirt and began to drape it over Ric while the dragon tried to explain why clothing didn’t fit. At that the other male there let out a displeased grunt then started to make his way around the river.

Merri looked up at Ric and whispered, “That’s my other brother Jarvoril.”

“Merrilysium,” his mother spoke again, stronger this time.

He looked up, “I will speak to you once I am sure my husband is well,” he saw her flinch at the word and it made him purse his lips.

Jarvoril spoke up then, his voice deep and commanding, “He is no mate. You cannot bear fruit with him.”

“I never wanted to bear fruit,” Merri spat out, “but know one’s ever asked me what I’ve wanted.”

“The answer is dick apparently,” Gabthor drawled, rolling his eyes.

“Don’t fuck with me Gabby,” Merri snapped, “Everyone knows you suck our cousin’s cock!”

From the sudden stillness in the air apparently no one knew. Gabthor’s face was so red it looked borderline painful but he didn’t say anything to defend himself. The silence was broken by Elyana who clapped.

“I did it!” Her fingertips still glittered with magic, “How do you feel?”

“I feel great,” Ric nodded and Elyana blushed at seeing the handsome dragon smile at her.

“Merrilysium. He is well now,” his mother said.

“That he is,” Merri took a deep breath then looked up at her.

She gave him a long look before sighing, “My child…I love you dearly but…this cannot be.”

“It already is,” Merri shrugged.

His mother studied him for quite some time. She watched as the dragon began to run his thumb on the back of Merrilysium’s hand. It was a comforting gesture but also one of support. Her son looked serious, his eyes never wavering. She had no idea when they had met and shared time enough to fall in love, but it was clear that they had. Merrilysium would not have put his sister in danger just to heal some random dragon.

She narrowed her eyes, “So this is to be your decision? Over your own tribe?”

Faced with the question head on Merri knew immediately what his answer was, “Yes,” it was so right. Perfect. He didn’t regret it at all.

His mother sighed, but that answer brought her attention to Ric, “You will need to return him for major holidays and I’d like to see him on his birthday, but you cannot enter yourself.”

Ric nodded slowly. Merri bit his bottom lip and nodded too.

She closed her eyes and lifted her hand, “Come to me…let’s make this proper.”

“Mother no!” Jarvoril cried.

“Silence!” She snapped her fingers, “I will not force my son to chose between his family and love. He can –and will—have both!” She looked over at him, “He just cannot live with us to achieve it.”

Merri felt Ric squeeze his hand before letting him go. Merri rose to his feet in shock. He couldn’t believe his mother would grant him this. He began to walk and she did as well until they met on the far side of the lake.

“Where do you wish it?” His mother asked.

Merri lifted his left hand and showed her the palm then he said, “Thank you.”

She finally smiled, but it was laced with a bit of sadness. She touched his palm and the family crest glowed bright, as vibrant and purple as Merri’s eyes, before it settled into a tattoo like form covering the entire palm of his hand.

Merri looked down at it and smiled. There were tears in his eyes when his mother hugged him tightly then turned and began to walk back the way she came.

“Come now children. We must gather up Merrilysium’s belongings,” she looked back, “They will be placed here in two days’ time. During that day we shall say our proper goodbyes.”

Elyana ran over to Merri and gave him a strong hug and a kiss on the cheek. Jarovil looked disgusted and disappointed so he just turned on his heel and left. Gabthor gave him a curt nod then he left as well.

Ric stood and just waited; he would follow Merri’s lead. He would see to it that he got everything he needed. It had been a heavy emotional day after all. So he wasn’t prepared when Merri turned around to face him with a huge smile on his face.

Merri ran over with his palm up, “Look!” He was laughing, “Do you know what this is?”

Ric shook his head, “No,” he chanced a small smile, “why don’t you tell me.”

Merri laughed, “It’s a mate mark. It means I’m taken! According to my tribe’s law we are officially married!”

Ric’s eyes went wide and he let out a bark of a laugh, “For real?!”

“Yep!” Merri was crying.

Ric wrapped his arms around him and spun him around beginning to cry tears of joy himself. They spun and spun and laughed until they were dizzy then they fell to the ground still celebrating. Merri was huffing for air when Ric straddled him.