Dragoncrest Cliffs ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch

a long wistfulness was growing in chani. suzu had gone away with etienne. the sea-girl was still unsure of exactly why, but it didn't matter. 
over time, this ache became a draw. she hadn't left sapphique for a long time, and wanderlust became the veil for this downing sensation chani couldn't articulate.
she kicked a small conch shell along the sand of siren's bay, consumed by thoughts that all seemed to urge her away from the ocean cliffs, if just for a time.

chani was a mystery to cheri. she was like a cool older cousin more than a sibling, the kind you make fun of but secretly wished you could swap lives with. she watches the elder girl from the cover of tall reeds for a time before deciding to approach, loping down the worn path to the seaside.
ey! kisa w'ap fè? she all but screeches, careening to a sudden stop a few yards behind her sister, tongue sliding out from between her lips in a burst of exhaustion. not to be knocked down so quickly, her pace slows to a trudge as she slithers closer, gaze narrowed in curious judgment.
you be lookin' ugly today. ki pwoblèm ou?

chani almost shot back that cheri looked like her daddy, which was bad enough. but some semblance of maturity stayed the biting tongue, and she pulled a wry face at her little sister's insult. "an' you be lookin' ugly every day, manje sab."
crimson paw ruffled the soft beige ears; chani sighed and flopped down, staring out to sea once more. she passed the shell to cheri. "i feel like i should be leavin'. somet'in' inside been tellin' me to go." not that the literal fetus knew anything about it. just nice to say it aloud.