From the jungle to the obsidian sands of the Stygian Shore she'd found herself perusing the different areas, curious as to their offerings. There the ocean held bountiful fish that pooled in some areas of deeper water just off the shore, which made for easy meals when the tide went back out. Sometimes she missed Mango, her avian friend within the jungle, which nearly pulled her back to her family's home. Especially since she'd journeyed to the Amethyst Grove.

Now that Beetle set out to create a new place for them to live she felt more confident leaving the tropical forest, sight-seeing the world. There'd always be a place to return to, just one that lacked the strength of Nazonal. Mourning the loss of their parental figure left a hole which hadn't quite healed for her.

I've got to find a new friend or I'm going to lose my mind. Muttering to herself, she thought of Mango and how lonely he must be without her. Surely, no other toucan was as delightful as she. Toes scrunched against the hardened soil of the pine forest. While the trees remained green any shrubs or leaf-bearing trees remained barren, void in the cool wintry dawn.

Animals migrated or hibernated this time of year. Those who stayed were hardy animals, used to eating bark or bits of leftovers from those who'd passed by. Even her kind found prey more scarce, for as she walked between thick trunks there was an eerie quiet that clung to the land.

@Muriel

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I am a fish inside a birdcage

My brother always sings me songs. With his beak he tries to soothe me. He makes me feel that I belong. He has a wild imagination, And tells me things that must be true. Like there's a world where I can take flight. Where I can freely move. So carry me from these walls. Brother of mine. Show me the world outside. It has to be true. I'm counting on you, To be my wings and my eyes

The forest was a treasure trove of snacks. Every tree seemed to be teaming with insects and bugs. The young child snacked as they explored the woodland. They chewed loudly, smacking their speckled lips with enjoyment. The bettles here were particuarly delectable. Then they heard another. Muriel's gaze was pulled owards @Spider. The child felt a sudden urge to make a new friend. So they hurriedly collected a few delicious looking beetles and wrapped them in a leaf before skipping iver. "Hello!" Muriel trilled with a bright grin. "Would you like some snacks?" In Muriel's upbringing had told them that sharing food was an act of friendship and caring. So sharing their beetles was important!

code by corvus

Quite unlike most, she was open to new experiences, having listened to her mom tell stories of she and Hiccup eating bugs without any context as to why. Such a tale had intrigued her, pulling her imagination hundreds of directions, whilst yearning for a best friend to experience those deep moments with.

Almost as if to answer her thoughts came a more youthful looking lioness, this one flecked in black with undertones of silver and white. Quite a curious pattern to the belt, though she was not much different with a mop of hair that often fell across her eyes.

Bemused smile lit up the chalky mask as the girl greeted her while proffering beetles towards her. Uh, sure, she spoke softly, somewhat shy under the presence of a new soul, what's the catch? Careful not to crush the other beetles she reached out with one paw, sliding one off @Muriel's paw into her own, before raising it to her open mouth and crunching into the exoskeleton.

It never hurt to try something new, even if it wasn't something she'd ever do again. Although the crunchy part didn't bother her there seemed to be a pungent taste unlike anything she'd eaten before. Facial features twitched, striving not to reveal any dislike of the snack while trying to swallow the beetle quickly before Muriel noticed anything. Mmmmmm.

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I am a fish inside a birdcage

My brother always sings me songs. With his beak he tries to soothe me. He makes me feel that I belong. He has a wild imagination, And tells me things that must be true. Like there's a world where I can take flight. Where I can freely move. So carry me from these walls. Brother of mine. Show me the world outside. It has to be true. I'm counting on you, To be my wings and my eyes

Muriel didnt expect the lioness to accept so readily. Other lions they had offered never looked very pleased about it. "Whats a 'catch?" Muriel asked, tilting their head at the mop-headed girl took one of the beetles. The child sat back on their haunches and popped an insect in their mouth, chewing thoughtfully as they watched @Spider. They giggled a little as the lioness ate the creature. "Worms are better." They stated matter-of-factly. "Or... um..." They thought for a second, attempting to recall the word. "The long things with lots of legs?"

code by corvus

Whoever this funny young lion was they held a reminiscent idea of herself from not that long ago; although, she didn't know the child had been raised by birds. A soft smile placed itself on dark lips, not at all shy around this curious friend. It's like when you give someone something but you want something for it without telling them. Dutiful explanation came after the crunch of the beetle in her mouth, which had left a strange aftertaste both pungent and unpleasant. "Worms are better." Unsure of this declaration, she only nodded thoughtfully. At least worms wouldn't be crunchy. Oh, millipedes? Or was it centipedes? Both had lots of legs. Do you always eat bugs? Curious, non-judgmental, she honestly wanted to know more about this young lion's life. Not everyone ate insects, and her mother had explicitly described eating insects as an act of survival, not a dietary choice.

@Muriel

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