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no accent marks cuz im on my tablet rip

The autumn chill had begun to set in. In the mornings, the fresh dew formed small crystals on the grass, which provided a satisfying crunch under the empress’ paws as she roamed. After she had awoken at dawn, she had taken the weathered stones to the northern part of the island, seeking the pond within the forests. It was a good spot for fishing, or for resting and lounging, or taking a bath- as a result, a great catch-all for whatever mood she found herself in by the time she got there.

The sun was still rising over the sea, warming the lands and beginning to melt the morning dew. By the time she reached the lily pond, the weather was comfortable- neither too hot nor too cold.

The pond was a place that resembled an artwork by Monet. The water appeared a verdant green, reflecting the hanging leaves of the slouching forest trees that surrounded it. Tall grasses and cattails lined the edges of the water, and the surface of the pool held floating lily pads and various aquatic flora. Everything was still and peaceful, and yet the place hummed with the persistent music of small life- frogs croaking, cicadas chirping, and the occasional notes of birdsong.

Hua made her way to the water’s edge, leaning in between the grasses and testing the temperature by dipping a toe in. It was still a bit chilly for her liking, but she decided a cold bath couldn’t hurt. It was the closest thing a wolf could get to a morning cup of coffee, in terms of a waker-upper- so she slipped her whole body in, bracing herself slightly at the temperature of the water but adjusting within a few moments.

After the initial shock wore off, she began to feel relaxed, and let the tension slip away from her muscles. She lapped casually at the fur around her chest and shoulders, using the fresh water as a chance to bathe herself and clean up a bit.

Skill:

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He'd woken before the sunrise that morning, perched along the edges of the cliffs that bordered the Northern half of the island. He'd watched toward the East as the sun had risen, a quiet blossom of orange and red that had washed out over the calm body of the beast. The air was cool, promising that winter would soon come, but as the sun cracked over the horizon, the stillness bloomed with the warmth of the day.

With a soft hum, he'd turned from the waves, deciding to move inland and explore the island this morning. The Cosmic Isle, he was finding, held many secret gems that begged for discovery. From the familiar, sharp edges of the cliffs and caves, to the soft contours of the ponds and willows. There was even magic beneath the tunnels.

He liked it here, but he could only hope that his family did, too.

And that his new family was not opposed to their sudden permeation.

Makara moved through the undergrowth, chasing the soft trickle of water that had caught his attention. The warm light of the morning trickled through the canopy, catching and reflecting on the last bits of evaporating dew as he pushed his pale muzzle through and into the clearing. He would blink, catching sight of the pond and of the woman within the ripples — Hua. For a moment he would watch as she relaxed her way into the water, noting the gentle bob of the lilypads and hearing the soft chirps of the world around them.

Ah, Hua, he said finally, realizing that it was probably a bit weird of him to ... watch her like that. I'm sorry, he'd start, I didn't mean to intrude. I had not expected anyone to be up so early. He would smile gently, nodding his head toward her in greeting. It's a lovely spot. Of course, if she wanted her morning peace, he would give it to her and continue on his way.

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His voice broke the tranquil morning air, causing her neck to twist in an attempt to locate where the sound was coming from. She caught sight of him at the edge of the clearing, unconsciously letting a small, friendly smile slip onto her maw, though her face began to burn- how long had he been standing there?

But to his apologies, she shook her head, flustered and hoping he would not feel as if he was unwelcome. No, no worry at all! Huā insisted brightly. I did not expect anyone else to wake with the dawn either, but I will welcome the company, if you do wish to stay. She gave her dark head a small shake, sending water droplets flying off the ends of her fur, back into the pond. This is one of my favorite spots on the island- maybe my favorite of all.

Huā waded closer to the edge of the pond to converse with him more easily, sending ripples cascading through the otherwise still surface of the pool. Have you found a favorite spot on this island, yet? I hope the change has been easy on you, and the Cirein wolves... but I truthfully do think that there is so many beautiful places here, it really is like a paradise. To me, at the least, She laughed lightly.

Besides this lily pond, Huā thought of the glowing cavern, the cliffs, the waterfall... the pebbled shore, or the field of flowers... there was much to see on the Cosmic Isle. But she knew the adjustment might've been difficult for the Cirein wolves, who had been residing just south of here for some time. Huā truly wanted them to feel welcomed here, to be able to call this place home with full faith in that belief. Wolves deciding to leave mid-winter would not benefit anyone, and the empress prayed by the spring they would feel well-adjusted enough to remain for the long-term, and perhaps to bring some new life to their little island empire.