With the days slowly becoming shorter and the nights becoming cooler, thoughts of migration kept entering the back of Trisdi’s mind. The shallower, cooler waters of the geysers were more like hot springs that kept her warm, but that fact wouldn’t help her when it came to the incoming winter weather. Just because she had spent a good amount of time living in these lands, that didn’t mean it was her home. It wasn’t like she was used to having one of those for long, anyway, so why worry?
While she was here, however, Tris was going to enjoy it. A small smile graced her face as she stepped into the “cooler” pond she had claimed for herself weeks before. It was close enough to the geyser to maintain its heat year-round but was far enough away that it wouldn’t burn her skin. She settled into her usual dozing spot and sighed in contentment. This would be something she’d miss when she migrated south - the combination of the hot spring and the crisp, cool breeze, that is.
Her days in the land of the geysers in the past few months were relaxing, sure, but there weren’t many others that she interacted with outside of the occasional vagrant here and there. She had met that lion only a few days ago, after all. But Tris was a social creature. No matter how relaxed and carefree she was here, she was finding herself bored more easily. Perhaps the days growing shorter was for the better… it was forcing her to move to warmer climates and find some new entertainment. But until then? Tris was more than happy to lounge in her very own, personal hot spring.
Walk "Speak"Magic
ooc:
for Loch
image by WatermelonCreature on dA
The land was so much different from the sea. In the depths where he had grown up, there wasn’t much but miles of sand and rocks. Here, however, plant life thrived. There was so much more color to the world than he had imagined. It kept him wanting to explore, wanting to see new sights. Eventually, he gave in. First, he patrolled the rivers bordering Duskora territory and ventured further south to Cerulean Cove. Now, he was venturing to see what was north.
Cool, refreshing water washed through his fur. He could tell by the river's temperature that colder weather was approaching. It didn’t phase him. The waters where he had grown up were much more frigid than anything he could imagine facing here. Nearly a ray of sunlight could reach the abyss to warm it. He was still getting used to the warm waters, and he was thankful that now they seemed to be cooling - and he hoped they would get only colder as winter approached.
He stopped as the river came to split up ahead. Breaking the water's surface, he could see the current getting stronger. He was confident in his abilities to brave the rapids, but that wasn't what made him hesitant to pursue the path. The scent of Verdantis drifted in the winds. If he continued forward, he would be trespassing.
Growing up as a rogue, he had never really honored the boundaries of his neighboring kingdoms. He would frequently raid them for food and resources. However, he was part of a kingdom now—a very different kingdom from the ones that claimed the abyssal plains, but a kingdom nonetheless. He had yet to establish himself as a valuable member of Duskorna, and he was sure the others wouldn’t appreciate him going around causing mischief for no good reason. If he wanted to keep a good reputation, it was best to stick to their side of the border. After pondering, Loch would turn right where the current was gentler.
It soon brought him out of the clearing and back into the forests. The shade of trees dappled the river with shadows. It was refreshing to finally be out of direct sunlight. He slowed his pace, looking at the scenery beyond the river waters. He swore he could see another body of water in the distance, and this was enough to entice the curious canid out of the river. He’d pull himself onto the bank, shaking the water droplets out of his fur before padding forward. The rocky terrain soon changed to soft grasses as he trudged onward. Indeed, there was a small pool of water just up ahead, but it didn’t appear he was alone here. Cautiously, Loch decided to approach the springs. They didn’t show any signs of hostility, but he kept himself on alert. It was not only possible but probable that he had not been spotted yet.
As the grassy terrain changed to pebbles once more, Loch found himself pawing closer to the water's edge. Slowly, he stepped in, shock overtaking him as he realized the water's temperature. It was hot. It didn’t burn him, but it had surprised him enough to quickly back away. “What the heck?”he couldn’t help but speak aloud. "Why is the water hot!?”
The heat of the water relaxed her muscles as she lounged. Thoughts of returning here for brief visits even after migrating filtered through her head as she pawed at the wet soil beneath her paws. She hadn’t heard the larger stranger approach the springs at first, but soon her ears twitched with the sound of him drawing closer.
As soon as Trisdi was about to say something, she got to witness the amusement of the large fellow realizing that it wasn’t just a regular pond he was about to explore. What started as a snort of amusement quickly changed to a full-out laugh, albeit a brief one.
"Welcome to the hot springs," she managed to get out after regaining her composure. Tris stood up from where she rested and shook herself off a bit, her face filled with amusement. "These ones are good for relaxing in, but I don’t recommend the ones over there unless you want to burn yourself," she said and gestured with her head towards the larger springs clumped together near the main geyser a distance away.
Tris kept a playful smile as she shook the water off her neck and re-seated herself in the pond she had been resting in. The stranger was clearly twice her size, but he was also obviously unfamiliar with this place. Even if he was larger, she had the advantage on the ground. Her relaxed body language was hopefully enough to prove to him that she wasn't a threat, but only time would tell if that would be the case.
Walk "Speak"Magic
ooc:
thank you for your patience!
image by WatermelonCreature on dA
