The winter sky was clear which had allowed the shadow lady to assume that traveling would be safe here when she had left the cove. Still close to it, but far enough away that she wasn’t technically upon it’s borders. The tide was just beginning to go out as high tide became low tide so the sound of water leaving the tunnels intrigued her. Ears perked as she found the entrance to the cavernous area along the shoreline. Stepping inside of it she felt the water that was still left splash up against her legs as she moved. It wasn’t horribly deep. She didn’t need to try to swim here at least. A task she really should learn how to do one day. Being so close to the water knowing how to you know not drown would be helpful.

+10 Explore a territory and find something useful in it - 1/2 - Pathfinder
+10 Discuss the features of a territory with someone - 0/2 - Pathfinder
+5 Scout a neutral territory - 1/2 - Pathfinder

@Recluse

image by moogle/code by saph

PATHFINDER EXP
+10 Explore a territory and find something useful in it
+10 Discuss the features of a territory with someone
+10 Find a notable landmark in a territory

If he was going to reside within the Cove, it seemed like a good idea for Recluse to venture into surrounding territories, those he had intended to look around at some point anyway. He had been on the beach before, but he had not taken a closer look at the cave system. Last he was here they looked more treacherous, partially flooded at the highest swell of the tide. Coming here again, he would find the water emptied, a once off-limits treasure cove now open to exploration.

Stepping within its confines, the plum male would pause a moment in order to let his slitted pupils adjust to the poor lighting. The scent of salt and brine was potent here, but he could pick out a more subtle perfume. @Nebula's scent perhaps? That pair had a habit of running into each other, almost to the point one might suspect one of them may be stalking the other. As of his visit to Caladan, they were likely to have even more encounters, but at least it would be less unusual now.

"You sure you should be so close to such a large body of water?" He called, voice echoing against stone walls as he finally caught up to the female. He had to wonder why she was here. Swimming was not exactly an appealing activity in the midst of winter.

image by moogle/code by saph

The dead of winter wasn’t a good time for a dip in chilled water no. Had she really thought her decision though than maybe she wouldn’t have so willing wandered into the splashing waters with such haste. Yet the shadow lady hadn’t expected anyone else to make an announcement about her foolishness this day. Ears perked as she took in a deep breath. The salt and brime burned her nostrils as she was splashed in the face by some water as it hit the wall than was thrusted up by her startled movements. Coughing for a moment she choked on it before shaking her head.

Shifting to turn her gaze at @Recluse she couldn’t help but wonder if he was stalking her. Or maybe the wheels of fate had them stalking each other. “Probably not, but it isn’t that deep.” She chuffed. At least it wasn’t that deep for her. Maybe for him being smaller than herself but that was more of a him problem was it not?

+10 Explore a territory and find something useful in it - 1/2 - Pathfinder
+10 Discuss the features of a territory with someone - 0/2 - Pathfinder
+5 Scout a neutral territory - 1/2 - Pathfinder

image by moogle/code by saph

Recluse did not mind the water, he was good at swimming and enjoyed the activity for its benefits. It was a good way to build stamina and lean muscle, as well as bring a sense of relief during the height of summer.

The lioness didn't appear to be enjoying herself too much, sprayed with seawater, nostrils stinging with salt. Recluse did not comment on it, as it would seem that @Nebula intended to remain regardless of the disagreements she was having with the place. He was less influenced by it all, attention on the pool with intrigue, a single paw dipped in. There was an assortment of shells and chunks of driftwood, all trapped inside and ground up against the jagged rock walls. He may have to come back if he ever wished to collect shells for decorative purposes, all gathered in one place.

"Perhaps we should head further in, less water that way." He offered, prepared to leave her here with her stinging nose if she did not wish to go.

image by moogle/code by saph

It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy exploring the water it was that she was a bit embarrassed. Taking the time to learn to swim was never seen as important to the Shadowstrike. Her training had been based around other things. Plants and how to use them to one’s advantage. She wasn’t even an amazing fighter but even so managed to keep herself safe and alive. Fighters were oftentimes willing to protect healers if it benefited them and being treated so that one could fight on another day did seem to benefit many. So that had helped her stay alive for many a deal.

The last time she had really needed to cross any water she had been carried, but that wasn’t here nor now. In any case she doubted @Recluse could even carry her through water let alone the choppy waves of the churning sea. So therefore his idea of moving on was replied with a head nod. “Was heading that way anyways.” She confessed in a stoic toned voice as she picked up her paws and walked. Looking at the walls she noticed the shells and other little trinkets that seemed to pack the cracks.

“This place seems a literal treasure trove and so close to the cove.” She commented as she peeked a look over her shoulder at him. “Much better than a dry sandy riverbed.” She added speaking about their first time crossing paths.

+10 Explore a territory and find something useful in it - 1/2 - Pathfinder
+10 Discuss the features of a territory with someone - 1/2 - Pathfinder
+5 Scout a neutral territory - 2/2 - Pathfinder

image by moogle/code by saph

The pair would agree on moving further along, more yet to explore further in. @Nebula would lead the way, melting into the darkness almost completely, save the vibrant pink of her tail tip and along the back of her neck. He would follow after her, blending in nearly as well, yet he too had vibrant markings, most prominently along the top of his flanks and upper part of his tail.

Further in, a single shaft of light would find its way inside, giving them some light to see by. He was pleased, able to properly see her, instead of sitting and talking to someone in complete darkness seemed a bit awkward. "I am pleased to know I left such an impression on you in our first meeting. I do recall you in a coat of sand, seemed fitting at the time. Always good to color coordinate with your surrounding terrain." He offered, looking around the new place they found themselves in. "I do not typically find myself in the desert, I generally reside with my family much further north, not far from where we hunted actually." She had been helpful in stocking his family's food pantry, even if she had done so unknowingly.

image by moogle/code by saph

There was no use staying still in one place or turning back just because @Recluse was here. They had explored together before so why should this new place be any different? Treading through the slight flooded tunnel she lead the way. Being careful not to step into any hidden deep holes she was glad when they came to an area with a skylight. The darkness wouldn’t have bothered her, but with the light illuminating off the water in the shaft and bouncing off both their coloring this place had a bit more magic to it.

Moving to stand on a large boulder inside the shaft that wasn’t dry persay, but didn’t have any of the water clinging to it she moved scanned the area quickly before looking back at the male while hogging the boulder. “From a dry desert of endless sand to rocks and water. Sort of ironic.” She chuffed as she looked at him. A smirk crossing her face as she got and idea. “Oh yea? You live up north but have chosen places rather far from it to be. Interesting. I can’t say I know much about that seeing as I got no real family left.” She added as she laid to lounging on the boulder.

+10 Explore a territory and find something useful in it - 2/2 - Pathfinder
+10 Discuss the features of a territory with someone - 1/2 - Pathfinder
+5 Scout a neutral territory - 2/2 - Pathfinder

image by moogle/code by saph

Exploration would shift for now to a conversation between the pair. He didn't mind, always willing to learn about someone. Knowledge was power, and to know as much as he could about his fellow lions might be of value to him somewhere down the line.

Silence would follow @Nebula's words as he considered for a moment. Not having a family must be difficult, though he knew of some benefits as well. You didn't have to worry about one of them making some foolish mistake that would bring animosity from a pride or a well-established family. He worried about Poltergeist living among the lions of the Bluffs for example.

"It is not so bad to be alone, it frees you to offer your services and loyalty to those of your choosing instead of having the choice made for you. What could you offer someone? I suppose you have some healing talents?" He was not asking for himself or his family per say.

image by moogle/code by saph

“It’s not like I got no blood out there it is just my family was raised to be assassins. From a young age the use of plants was developed into are very being, but I was always the trouble maker.” She explained opening up a little to @Recluse. Her stoic expression turning into a mischievous grin. Stretching out her toes and reaching forward with her claws against the stone she found herself lounging on she looked at him. “The family I have left out in the world well we all follow one main rule. Coin is king. They use their knowledge of plants to poison for the greatest payment, I use mine for healing.” Finishing explaining she gave him a wink. “Better deals tend to be had when the clientele is still alive.” Thinking about the times when she had saved the marks of her sister and made deals even greater than what they probably got delighted her.

Though she probably over shared and could have offered Recluse a deal to find out some of this she just looked up at the skylight before looking back at the male. “I like deals. And what of you?” She asked giving him a smirk with a raised brow. ’Do you like deals?’ She questioned silently.

code by corvus | art by moogle

An assassin and a healer all rolled into one? He did not know if it was impressive or counterproductive to practice in two opposing fields. He supposed knowing what killed a lion faster could also make it easier to determine how you might heal them.

She would speak of deals, something he could appreciate, beneficial to both parties involved, though the slow-witted might find themselves being swindled by an unfair exchange. What sort of deal could he make with her? He wasn't sure what she might offer or what she might want. "It is not unusual for my family to make deals. We often offer betrothals, information, or items as a form of currency. The real question here is, what is it you have to offer in exchange for something from the Black family?" He questioned.

image by moogle/code by saph