Sea Lion Shores horse to water

The white man stole into the hunt as Wirt staggered back and felled the beast with what Wirt could only describe as practiced precision; he went straight for the skull, crushing the bone between jaws the bard wouldn’t want to find himself between. The stranger had obviously hunted these creatures before, and though Wirt had failed to lend much aid in this interception, he would learn what he could, and remember this for the next time.

Awinita held onto the prey after it stilled, and Wirt took the moment to size up their company with new eyes. The comfortable way he moved along the shore, his admirable skill in the hunt - Wirt wondered if he made his home here along the waves. But more important, he wondered if would he stay a friend, now that they had a meal to share.

Wirt was willing to take his chances, and Awinita seemed to think the same. A light smile touched his lips when she drew herself to the strength he had first known. “I’d like to know the same.” He motioned forward and prodded the beast with the press of his paw. The fat compressed with his touch, and when he pulled away, jiggled and recoiled. This thing was gruesome and marvellous, and Wirt circled the tusked creature with a crooked and curious smile. “It’s quite possibly the strangest animal I’ve ever seen.”