Ocean's Breath Plateau from where to eternity

passing by along the borders, not trespassing — but always welcomed to rough up a little or scare him.

He was faced with a decision that he loathed.

Cut closer to the churned waters or stalk along heavily scented grounds. He did not want to be avoidant of others' existence, but he knew each distraction would keep him a touch longer. Already too much time had rolled away from him, never to be reclaimed again.

He had doubts he would ever see anyone familiar due to this, but those were the kind of things one mustn't say aloud.

However he could not bring himself to brave the cliffs that served as a wall against the sea. It meant he had to move along the little land between cliff and plateau until he could break through into something unclaimed again. He was mindful to not step over where the ones here walked before him.

Yet he wondered, truly, if being on one side mattered when he lurked so close without a call.

He knew, also rather truly, that he would not outmatch anyone who might come to ward him off.

Let his feet carry him swift, he prayed.

Slides in

Sick and den-bound as she was, Marina still found time for herself every now and then. She walked the shores at times, the borderlands at others, never away for very long. Each time she parted, she brought back toys for the children.

Marina was idly collecting a few trinkets for them when the sound of footsteps reached her. She glanced up, not yet seeing the source. Her hackles rose, but she fought to maintain her calm. Is someone there? She called out; somehow she kept her voice from wavering. A packmate, she hoped.

Quick, quick, quick.

Only he hated the feel of the earth beneath him, how it shifted and gave way every now and then. It collected in between digits and on the delicate hairs of his limbs. He imagined there had to be more redeeming parts of the land — otherwise who would live here?

A voice raised to him 

It could have been the kindest thing and he still would have felt it like a smack to the back of his head.

Briefly, The answer had him doubt he instilled safety or confidence in the woman who he now tried to put more distance between. Only passing through. Clarification as if he was some bountiful diplomat!

He wanted to ask if she could point him towards better lands, but that felt like true disrespect. Who would have enjoyed having a stranger walk along their porch and backhandedly tell them their home was terrible?