Sometimes you just have to move out on your own. Tired was the large cub of always being underestimated and picked at, overlooked and passed up. Not that she did not love her family and those that came with it but Ember Galloway could not remember a time where it had been about her and that was what made her angry. Frustrated beyond belief as she wandered as far as she could possibly get away from the ocean and the Cay itself. Wandering upon the sand that was like the ocean's coastline but substantially different. The heat, luckily, wasn't so bad in the middle of winter and thus she did not have any problem traveling its course. Keeping on top of one such dune on the way to some vegetation where she could find herself somewhere to relax and be angry. Taking a small detour as she followed a slithering snake down one of the larger dunes. Doing well to keep her distance from it but encouraging danger anyways.

_{art by yumpy}

He notices her trail and follows it, wondering where his daughter could be going. Out, away, like the others had? Without a goodbye, or a note - whatever she might have left for a note. Roarke grimaces at the thought, unwilling to watch @Ember simply walk away. He could not lose another child.

He keeps his distance, however, letting her explore the dunes and follow a snake. From back here, he can’t tell if it's poisonous or not, but no urge to go and swipe the thing rises up. Getting in and out of trouble is something she will have to learn, and he can’t always be there to protect her. Even if he wants to be.

The giant slides down the dune after the snake and teen, sending trails of sand out below him. More than enough to give away his position, unfortunately.

table by ferus, art by ale-tie

In the absence of most of her siblings, Ember had learned the hard way that being independent wasn't all that difficult. That she could rely on herself to keep entertained and not have to worry about having other children to play with. This meant distancing herself as much as possible and not coming home on some nights. Following the snake was the most exciting thing that she had done in a week or two, taunting danger as she continued to trail the side-slithering thing. Only when she turned her head at a new sound did she instantly look back to roll her eyes. Go away! she cried, meaning them with her tone but also the starving child deep down did not wish this. I can take care of myself! But if you wanna trail me where I can't see you, that's fine too! Because Ember Galloway was a big girl and didn't need Mommy or Daddy to take care of all her problems... right? @Roarke

_{art by yumpy}