[PRP] Island Life (Hemlock x Travels in Circles)

[fluo]

Sensible is altogether that wrong term for him. He, who only by the grace of fate, manages to stop without falling over. (Really he is astoundingly graceful for the addled state of his mind.) The cliff lip offers an new view and he ambles towards it, peers over and under, then examines the other path. "That looks like a caterpillar," he tells. "We shall have to fly." (After all caterpillars turn into butterflies -- perhaps he should have said that out loud.)

With all the smarts of a newborn colt, the buck backs up a few paces. It is with a bright grin that he rushes forward. Strong hooves launch him into the air and -- he doesn't have wings. 

[fluo]

She is momentarily offended. All she hears is "caterpillar" and bristles. She remembers a certain loose tongued buck insulting her with that term. All because she was green and black. Nevermind that she told him they came in more colors. But before she can express her ire, the red one jumps. She has no choice but to follow him. She jumps, confident the others will follow.

Wolfsbane hesitates, remembering how cold the water is, but Poppy is already ahead. WIth the grace of a hawk, Wolfsbane hurls over the edge. The trio emerge unscathed. Hemlock stays in the deeper water, treading furiously, enjoying the adrenaline rush. They survived. But where was the buck? 

[fluo]

He sinks like a stone into the water, bubbles and mist passing him by, eyes shut tight. Opening them reveals an underwater world and he sinks, floats, idles until his lungs burn with the need for breath. He surfaces, reluctant -- or his horns and the barest hint of his muzzle do, the rest idles, knees bent and back legs kicking intermittently. Very much a red caiman as he cruises up beside Hemlock. 

[fluo]

She starts and looks on with cool appraisal. So, a worthy, stealthy stalker he is. Treading the water, she greets him, "What is your name?"

Wolfsbane and poppy exchange splashes.

[fluo]

He edges around her in lazy circles before his head tips back, mouth emerging, "Travels in Circles. Who are you?" It isn't long before his head lifts from the water. Even so, his head is slightly tilted away from her, one eye staring into the water's reflection. 

[fluo]

Good. She had a name. "Hemlock" she barked out before wading to the shore. Two smaller forms followed suit, shaking their fur dry. Sort of idling, she invites the buck, "I'm going to explore the island now for some food. We'll meet here to eat. Bring meat, too." Three shadows flit through the palm trees, the largest one content. She found a new recruit. A good solid, adventure seeking one, too. 

[fluo]

He is slower to wade to the surface, stopping when the water swirls around his knees. Hemlock. Time to dwell on her name is lost as she speaks of exploring and then eating. He nods and wanders to shore. And then moves off in search of meat. It vaguely occurs to him that he should have warned her. He is never on time. It may be awhile until he appears again.