Settling into pride life once more had been simple enough, and this territory offered a far larger playground for him to wander. Day by day he was growing accustomed to the sands and even found himself enjoying the constant roar of the waves, though he would admit he still often had nightmares of the ocean rising up to swallow him. Similarly, he often wondered if Pandorra would have been proud of him becoming so domestic. For the life of him, he didn't know; she was hot and cold at the same time, wanting the freedom to flirt with who she wanted but still return home to a husband at night. Jealousy had bubbled in his chest, and after so many heated arguments with the small woman, she had finally run. Crixus found he didn't miss her, only cementing how toxic their relationship had truly been. It was strange how he seemed so willing to pretend polygamy was a perfectly acceptable lifestyle. It was for some, but not for him -- he craved the entirety of one soul, to learn them and know them wholly. For once in his life, he wanted something that he could call his and his alone. What was he doing, again? Oh, right. A walk. Crixus lumbered slowly across the shoreline, his ears drawn forward for anything interesting that might be taking place nearby. Maybe he'd see one of those weird things that jumped out of the water -- dolphins? He paused, squinting as he gazed out. Dolphin? Maybe? He was sure if he stayed long enough one would pop on by, so he sank to his haunches to wait.

art by irish; stock by Svenimal @ DA

she's stalking along the borders, clearing up any markers that seem weak and making sure there's no sign of any of the diuedonne lingering. they've been quiet since the wolfbron challenge and she supposes they're satisfied with their gremlin of a king up on his throne once more. with the bezra yearlings gone, too, it seems almost too quiet on the seaside. but with three litters of sigrun growing rapidly saga is sure that won't last long. her own are gaining enough independence that she can stray further and further and for longer and longer. nero was a help with that, too, and with the others of the lagoon always looking out she worries little.

so she takes delight in stretching her legs and reminding her body that she's a warrior and not just a vessel.

as she strides along the borders, the flash of merle against the dark, churning sea catches her attention and her brown eyes narrow as she studies the silhouette. when she recognizes him, and tips her head and smiles faintly to see him settle and study the ocean. he did say he'd never seen it before, she muses, perhaps he was entranced. for a moment she just watches before rolling her shoulders back and approaching up along @Crixus' side. "see anything interesting, gentry?" she teases lightly.

table by ferus & lineart by eerien00dle

All things considered, there were certain aspects of the seaside he found enjoyable. The constant breeze was refreshing, seafood was becoming a favorite dish, and overall it was a massive improvement from being stuck in caverns all day. Could he have left of his own volition at any point? Of course. Crixus was a grown adult capable of unshackling himself from anything at any given time, thanks to the unspoken laws of manhood. Having testicles had given him a substantial privilege over his female counterparts, yes, but it didn't provide him with purpose. Rotting away in the Hollows had been his own choice, and just went he had considered leaving.. well, Nadia had swayed his opinion. He hadn't seen too much of her since the children had been born. Maybe he'd stop in, bring some food, say hello. Or maybe he'd just continue to stay where he was, basking in the sunlight while worsening his eyesight by squinting against the glare. Ah, yes, that seemed like a solid plan. "Saga," he said with mild surprise, brows raised as she made her way to stand alongside him. She had been pregnant the last time he'd seen her so close and was noticeably less so now, but it wasn't his business to pry. They were either alive and thriving or hadn't been carried to term and either way, Crixus.. genuinely could not have cared less. Cubs weren't exactly his "thing", so to speak, and he was quite aware they belonged to someone else. The livelihood of another's blood was of no concern to him. "I'm waiting to see if those strange animals come back. The grey ones that look like a smooth stone? I've seen them jump once or twice." Crixus shifted his weight. "What are they called?" Surely she would know, being so close with the sea. He watched he expectantly, hoping not to be disappointed.

art by irish; stock by Svenimal @ DA