elswyth wasn't the kind of lioness to use the word hate, much. there were very few things in the world that she felt that level of ire for; heck, not even the one who almost killed her would be saddled with that term. frankly she was far too soft for this world, and that's why she had nearly gotten herself killed in the first place. but this winter? well; she was almost starting to hate it. it became harder and harder to find the moments she loved and cherished when she was constantly chilled to the bone, and living in the summit didn't exactly make it any better. elswyth rarely left her den, lately, which was a shame for the girl who had once so loved the sparkle of sun on the snow. the only reason she had emerged today was because she had heard of the hot springs, the magical pool of water that was always warm and toasty. the appeal was so great that she threw a couple of pelts across her back and set out, wishing all the while that she had some company for this not-so-grand adventure. especially when the cold really set in and she began to shiver something fierce, her steps slowing, the springs hidden just beyond the nearest peak.

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 wasnt a fan of the cold either. Their toes never seemed to warm. And the wind always seemed to bite. But no cold could stop the youth from their explorations. They had seen the steam of the springs from far off, and it filled them with curiousity.

They spotted the lilac woman as the hopped between rocks. They teetered on the boulder for a moment, squinting at the strange drappings over the womans back. How odd. The child frowned. "Whats on your back?" They called out, taking a few leaps closer. "Its um... it looks a bit weird?" Muriel noted, for they had never seen any creature cover themselves with any pelt. @Elswyth would not be spared from the childs curious questions.

code by corvus

the voice was enough to pull her from her pool of misery, brightening almost instantly when she turned to face the young girl. it was a relief to see another in the area, leading elsie to believe she wasn't far from her destination. now that she pulled herself from her own thoughts she noticed the steam, too, and might have blushed with embarrassment if anybody could have heard her mental despair of moments ago. "oh!" her voice is bright and encouraging as she glances back over her shoulder at the pelts she had brought, "just some furs! i was going to the hot springs i heard about and i thought it might be a little cold walking home if i was wet..." even the pelts probably wouldn't help a ton, but between them and a quick run perhaps she'd at least survive the journey... @Muriel

"Furs?" Muriel echoed, tilting their round face with an enquiring look. "Dont you have fur already?" The youth took a few birdish hops closer, staring at the strange drapery. It was a bizarre concept to the young birdling. Hot springs was an almost familair term, they were sure their avian family had mentioned it before. It piqued the childs curiousity. "Can i come?!" Muriel trilled, hopping closer again with a big, wide grin on their lips

code by corvus art by Inky

watching her as she is elsie cannot help but notice the peculiarities of the child. the way she bounces and hops is unique, different than any other than she had met, reminding her almost of... birds. its a curious thought and she tucks it away for future consideration, focusing on the question with a tiny giggle. "well of course i do," she grinned, "but they're not exactly good at keeping me warm when i'm wet!" it occurred to her, then, that it might be a ridiculous idea (so much so that even a child could recognize it) and she tries hard to fight back any embarrassment that threatens to rise to the surface. "of course you can come!" far be it from her to refuse company or a potential friend (because yes, to elsie even a child was a potential friend). "if you get cold after, you can try out the furs for yourself!" with a jerk of her head to indicate direction she pressed on with her new companion, cresting the small hill to realize she had practically been on the doorstep of the springs all along. @Muriel