AW Suspension

Tyveil,

Cub of Prideless

Played by Fess

---

Traveling here to the expanse of sandy dunes and strip of honeyed beach was hard hard enough when the weather had yet to turn so absolutely frigged. A difficult enough task for the underweight youth. To now make the venture back across not only the wide sandy expanse of sand, and then the barren waste that followed with the weather so nasty would spell certain doom for Tyveil. Although young this was something the child understood. And yet remaining nestled in a den set in the clutches of rough sea grass and sandy soil only offered shelter from rain and wind, it did not provide true warmth as the weather continued to drop ever more chilly. Nor did food become any easer to locate. Water was arriving on regular schedule with the winter rains. However these rain puddles had a tendency to turn to ice at night and licking ice (or even icy water) for sustaining hydration only lowered body temperature to dangerous levels. Scavenging crabs, small fish and whatever sea life washed ashore during storms managed to keep the mystic marked youth alive so far but he was in a sort of suspension. Not quite desperate enough to die in a matter of days, but lacking the ability to survive long term in that location and without the ability to escape. A sort of...purgatory. A living child trapped in the underworld. The night sky, at least, was spectacular...reflected on the waves during calmer nights. Something to stare out at while huddled in the small den for warmth. At the moment however it was closer to noon and Ty was digging around in the sand for clams.... "..."

free code by cush

Basilia,

Lioness of Prideless

Played by Cat

---

It was the first time she had ventured further inland than what the swamp had offered to her. She had trailed the southern border until she crossed the wide point of the inlet and on to the beach. She was delighted when the grains passed between her toes that she wiggled around. Eyes alit with the excitement of an opportunity to explore something unknown to herself.

She lacked her usual attire of moss and vines across her shoulders. Instead, she only held the twigs and leaves that had managed to snag on the long strands of her fine hair. She forced the vibrations from her throat to expel and form a soft hum that filled the silence that surrounded her as she moved. Each step delicately placed along the shore as the waves rushed to capture the prints and wash them away.

Movement stops only after she came to rise on a sanded dune. Eyes adrift what lay below. The child that pawed around on the beach before her. A smile formed on her lips as she watched a moment longer. "Hola little one!" Her voice aimed to call out and alert the cub of her appearance if it had yet to notice. Where were the parents? The afterthought settled in the back of her mind.

@Tyveil

Tyveil,

Cub of Prideless

Played by Fess

---

There were a few downsides to being so close to the ocean. As mentioned there was of course the issue of easily accessible fresh water, and of course the limited amount of food. But there was also the issue of sound masking. The fact the crashing of the waves could make it a bit difficult to hear when someone was approaching unless they were making a certain amount of noise. So focused on the task of food gathering Ty failed to hear the approach of the lioness at first, not until she called out. 'hola little one!' The sound of a voice caused Ty's head to snap up, the entire youthful frame giving a sharp jolt and jerk as the child went from 'working hard' to 'fight or flight' mindset in just a moment. Eyes locked on the lioness, swiftly assessing even as little muscles twitched once more as fleeing was considered. The stranger was smiling, the tone was friendly, and there was still some distance between the two. What was a 'hola? Was that like a 'hello?' It sounded like a hello. It was quiet here. Cold. Perhaps on impulse Ty decided to try, a curiosity and tentative attempt at social contact flaring to life "...hello." @Basilia

free code by cush

Basilia,

Lioness of Prideless

Played by Cat

---

Basilia watched as the youth scurried about in the sand as if they looked for something lost until they came to a stop when her voice had reached them. Ears pressed forward as she watched their demeanor shift. From oblivious to cautious. Her heartstrings pulled tight. And yet, she had a sense that she had met someone similar in an appearance before. Perhaps. Regardless she shoved the thought back as the weak hello met her ears. Her smile spread wide on her lips and seemed to set her pale eyes aglow. "I help you find...whatever it is?" She eagerly asked as she finally began her descent down the sand dune of the beach. She was slow, however, in her approach as to not frighten the youth or force them to feel pressured into interaction.

@Tyveil

Tyveil,

Cub of Prideless

Played by Fess

---

Slllllooooowwwwwwwwlyyyyyyyyyy the small frame begins to straiten up, limbs seeming to lengthen although a slight bend at the joints remain ...just incase running becomes the better of the two options once more. She speaks again, offering to help his find what he is looking for. Curious the youth's crown tilts to one side almost questioningly. But there is no rejection. Perhaps just a touch of puzzlement however. Eyes flick to the sand near large youthful paws, then back to the lioness. It was not that Ty didn't WANT to explain what he was looking for, but the cub didn't know what they were called and it was taking a moment to decide the best way to explain it. Behind him a tail twitches thoughtfully, wind ruffling the fur as it swished through the cold air before clamping close to one hind leg for warmth. ".Thank you. It's food. In a hard case. Paw sized, with ridges on the outside and a soft inside. They hide in the sand and try to dig away fast. You look for little air holes." Ty tried to explain after a moment. Being older and larger maybe the lioness would be able to dig faster and catch more? The idea of a full stomach for once was extremely tempting! @Basilia

free code by cush

Basilia,

Lioness of Prideless

Played by Cat

---

Her excitement grew as she noticed the youth take on a more comfortable stance within her company. She had kept the steady smile on her lips in hopes that he helped to ease away any fear that may linger. Her steps were still slow as she approached nearer to their vicinity. Head tilted to the side just slightly as she listened to the way they explained what it was they were after. She grimaced a bit. "You mean clams?" Her taste for seafood was almost non-existent.

She didn't wait much for him to agree or disagree. She was almost certain she knew exactly what he wanted as her eyes began to roam the sands. In a flash, she had leaped to a spot and began to dig furiously. Out slipped one measly clam that she had to bat around to keep it from diving back under the grains. "Here, but it's not much." She almost felt guilty that it wasn't bigger. Nothing more than a snack for either of them. "How about fish, instead?" She asked as she turned to look back at him from over her shoulder as she faced the ocean expanse.

@Tyveil

Tyveil,

Cub of Prideless

Played by Fess

---

Ty noticed the grimace and wondered what the cause of it happened to be? The creature that had been described might not be the most satisfying thing that could be eaten around here, but knew from personal experience it was far from the worst thing to eat.

"Maybe? I never learned its name." so Ty was unsure if it was indeed a 'clam' that they were talking about.

The youth watched curiously, and yes, a little eagerly as the adult furiously dug at the sand managing to may more headway faster than the youth could have. When a clam was flung out excitement sparked in luminous eyes and Ty was to accept the find.
"Thank you."

A fast flash of a smile in gratitude before the creature was carefully maneuvered between jaws so the shell could be cracked without slicing the inside of the mouth. Ears pricked curiously at her next words. Fish. "Which things are those?" came the curious question before shell was cracked and insides swiftly slurped down prior to carefully scooting a little closer to the adult. Ty had seen several things around here, and eaten a few, but the names of many were unknown.

@Basilia

code by corvus