The full moon shone down on Green Isle. Tiria sat on a rock on the beach, watching Leatho dive in and out of the water. She had shed the regalia of High Rhulain, instead clad in a green shirt and pants.

Leatho surfaced, grinning. "Come on, Tiria! The water's fine!"

Tiria smiled and jumped off the rock. She waded into the water, and dove. She and Leatho circled each other in the water, both grinning. Leatho cocked his head to one side. "How do you like Green Isle?"

Tiria looked around. "It's very peaceful, now that the cats are gone."

Leatho nodded. "That it is. I've been an outlaw for so long, it's kind of odd to settle down and just…" he sighed. "Do nothing."

Tira sighed, and looked out east to the ocean. Where Mossflower lay. "I still miss home, though."

Leatho sighed and pursed his lips for a moment. Then he shivered. "It's getting cold. Let's go back to shore."

They swam back together, and sat on the beach, looking out over the sparkling ocean as their clothing dried. Leatho looked over at her. "Do you remember that Lycian is planning a visit?"

Tiria nodded. "I can't wait to see my father again. And Girry and Tribsy." She then gave a choking sob and buried her face in her arms, her shoulders shaking.

Leatho put his arms around her, hugging her close to him. "It's Brinty, isn't it?"

Tiria gave an affirmative grunt, burying her head in his chest. He stroked her ears and kissed her forehead gently. "It's alright to mourn. He's with you in spirit."

Tiria nodded against him. Her voice, when she spoke, her voice was muffled. "I'm sorry, Leatho. Seeing your Rhulain like this, crying like a baby."

Leatho shook his head. "Don't say that. It's good to mourn for a fallen friend. I cry for my clan. Every otter that ever called themselves Shellhound lives in my memory."

Tiria took her head from his chest, tears still flowing down her face. "Thank you, Leatho. For everything."

Leatho looked down at his even more soaked tunic. He then looked up at her. "It's nothing. My pleasure."

Those eyes looked so beautiful…

Stop it, he said, inwardly slapping himself. She's the Rhulain. You're an outlaw. It could never happen.

But she was just so pretty… and young.

Stop it! He inwardly screamed. Stop thinking about it!

Tiria cocked her head. "What's wrong, Leatho?"

Leatho shook his head. "Nothing."

An eyebrow rose.

"Fine," Leatho said. "It's just that," he sighed. "I've never had a mate before. And I'd like to not be the last Shellhound anymore. After I'm gone…" he sighed again. "I can't say it."

Tiria placed her paws down on the beach and leaned over to him. "I understand. Maybe I could help."

Leatho smiled. "I bet you could."

They kissed each other. Leatho lost all feeling, his arms automatically moving up and rubbing Tiria's back with his paws. She moved her paws onto his shoulders and tilted her head. Her head was swimming, but she did nothing. The kiss continued, each one lost in thought. Leatho was thinking. Maybe they could get married, have cubs, and the Shellhounds would live again.

When they finally broke apart, laughing nervously, Tiria looked out at the ocean. "You want to go back to the holt, or stay here the night?"

Leatho shrugged. "Whatever you wish, Lady."

He laughed as Tiria flung a pawful of sand at him. "I told you before, call me Tiria. I still don't feel comfortable with it."

Leatho laughed again. "Maybe. But you'll get used to it."

They decided to stay at the beach for the night, and as the warm sea breezes swept over the sand, the full moon shone down on two sleeping otters. A strong, lithe male with his arm around the young female.