A flock of seabirds winged past overhead, prompting Meerkat to tip back her head and watch them fly inland. When they disappeared, her eyes swept back out to sea. She shifted a little where she sprawled on the cliffs overlooking Siren’s Bay, grunting as she made herself more comfortable.
The waters were calm today below the cold, gray sky, so it captured her attention when she saw—
something move out there. She sat up a little straighter on her elbows, squinting at the endless horizon. There were black geometric shapes cutting through the ocean well beyond the shore. A dozen or so rose and fell gracefully, moving westward, and Meerkat could only stare in wonder.
a great conflict was brewing within coraline. but mireille was home, and sapphique had a new leader to celebrate; it was a happy time. she couldn't bring herself to soil it with her misgivings.
even the newcomer among their ranks, who coraline found herself unsure of, was afforded some grace. she came upon the woman watching the sea, and found some comfort in the knowledge that they shared that in common, at least. coraline could make a friend of any wolf who loved the sea, of that she was certain. she chuffed a wordless greeting and settled beside meerkat, allowing her the first chance to speak.
She was staring so intently at the fins cutting through the distant seawater, she didn’t even notice someone approaching until a quiet woof sounded from just two yards away. Meerkat jumped a little, blinking at the fox-like figure reposing alongside her. The Granite pushed herself into a seated position and regarded her company with a soft smile.
Hey there! You’re… Coraline?
she guessed. The two young sisters looked alike, though this one possessed a slightly more auburn pelt and distinctive paler swatches. I’m Meerkat,
she offered before quipping, I’d introduce my friends, but I don’t know their names or even what they are,
while gesturing at the black shapes out on the water. Her eyes lit on the young Topaz’s face, sensing she might know.
the woman knew her. coraline found herself inexplicably agitated to hear her own name in meerkat's mouth, uninvited. she was ignorant of the ocean as well, and neither of these things boded well for a friendship. the sea girl's expression tightened, face turning coldly to the sea.
if you do not know de sea den dey are not your frien's,
she said first, confident of the truth in her words. but one could learn to know the sea, and coraline knew her mothers would want her to try to be kind, so she softened some in the next breath and added,
dey are whales. i like to watch dem dance toget'er too.
i assumed they were whales but let me know if i should edit (:
She had said something wrong. Coraline’s expression closed off in a way that was painfully reminiscent of Sobo. Her words also bore a strong resemblance to her brother’s. Right, she wasn’t their
zanmi. It was beginning to feel like they didn’t even want to give her that chance.
Meerkat wasn’t sure how to respond, so she also gazed out at the sea, watching the bobbing fins. She struggled to come up with something to say, though Coraline beat her to the punch, her voice thawing a little as she informed Meerkat they were whales.
Oh,
she said, blinking and exhaling. They were dancing?
I’m still new, with a lot to learn, but I’m trying every day to get familiar with the sea,
Meerkat added quietly, wondering if Coraline would be willing to teach her more but, at this point, almost afraid to ask.
I was thinking killer whales, so that works perfectly! :)