salt and seaspray sticks in his fur, kicked up by the wind. yunxu combs it from one shoulder with his tongue. he is not hungry enough yet to bother with the bellowing seals somewhere across the water, at least not on his own. he keeps one eye out for aimi or huā, with some vague thought of extending an invitation, as he steps carefully over the tidepools, peering down into the water.

the water is colder than he is used to, the damp sand icy on his paws – there is a chill in the air now that yunxu has never felt on the southern shore. winter will be much harsher here than it was at the lagoon. he already dreads the idea.

a tiny fish darts away from his shadow. a crab scuttles out over the rocks and yunxu follows it a moment, long enough that his attention is drawn by another wolf instead.

she does not look familiar, or indeed like any of his family. part of him is tempted to ignore her and let them both go about their business without any awkward conversation. the other part is aware that passing her in silence will likely be more awkward in the long run.

so yunxu clears his throat, taking a moment to shift back to english. “hello,” he offers, ducking his head politely as he approaches and gesturing with his muzzle to the tide pool before her. “is there something you look for?”