The sound of cheerful laughter rang out at the door as Max and the others returned, their arms laden with all sorts of gifts carrying the salty scent of the sea.
There were exquisite combs polished from shimmering seashells, as well as various dried fish and fragrant seaweed. After a flurry of greetings, the group quickly moved the items into the cool cellar of the storage room.
Eric had quickly set aside a bag of gifts for Luci. Inside were two seashell combs, one large and one small, and a heavy cloth pouch. He thoughtfully explained that the large one was for grooming her fur in her beast form, and the small one was for combing her hair when in human form.
Luci took the cloth bag, clearly feeling its unexpected weight through the coarse fabric. She looked at Eric, her normally gentle eyes now shining with warmth and a touch of fond pride. She chuckled, her voice laced with affection:
