Totoka River fisherbalm

maybe @Noxir ?

meredith moved along the riverbank, her paws pressing softly into the damp soil. the gentle rush of water filled her ears, a constant, soothing sound that masked the quick flicks of fish beneath the surface. her pale eyes scanned the shallows, focused and unyielding.

she stepped carefully into the icy water, the chill biting at her legs but ignored in favor of her purpose. the current tugged at her fur as she stood still, waiting for the telltale glint of silver scales darting in the sunlight.

her muscles tensed, and she leaned forward, watching as a flash of movement rippled through the water. patience, she reminded herself, the river’s rhythm setting her own. she could wait—she would wait—for the perfect moment to strike.

ask and ye shall receive

Restlessness drew him from the forest on the trail of an old stag. Their caches were low and Noxir planned to rectify that soon, but his sinewy meat was not what he was after. The captain paused as it's trail continued across the river and prepared to return home when a familiar figure caught his eye. 

Padding closer confirmed his suspicions and he settled on the bank nearby, molten gaze observing carefully as the flaxen girl stood her ground in the current. This was the stillest he'd seen her, the captain amused, reclining further in the weak sun. Whether her patience would last, well, he had front row tickets to see the outcome of that.

the glint of scales beneath the surface sent her heart thrumming, and in one swift motion, she plunged forward. her jaws closed around the wriggling trout, water splashing as she yanked it free from the stream.

she stepped back onto the bank, droplets glinting on her sandy fur as she dropped the fish, triumphant. but her moment of victory was interrupted by a prickle at the nape of her neck—a sense of being watched.

her pale eyes flicked up, catching sight of the captain lounging nearby. a smirk pulled at her lips as she nudged the fish with her paw.

ye’ve caught me, cap’n, she called, her voice thick with amusement, playful and unbothered. though i reckon i caught somethin’ better.

she straightened, giving her fur a shake, droplets scattering. what brings ye lurkin’ by the banks? missed me already, ‘ave ye? the tease was light, but her grin was sharp, daring him to deny it.

His ears pricked to hear the splash of water, watching hungrily as her lithe body brought forth an unlucky trout from it's watery home. It was a fine catch, but Noxir was not one to offer praise so easily - especially for something every seawolf should be capable of.

"Not bad," he drawled, rising to his paws with a big stretch before he joined Meredith ahead. Just in time to dodge the spray of water. Noxir glanced away momentarily to shield his eyes before his attention returned to the glistening fish. She'd get a bigger catch if she were to watch her shadow, but he reserved the critique for another time.

A breathy snort as he brushed past her towards the river. "Don't flatter yerself. Be grateful I put up with ye so often, aye?" Though she was not as level-headed as Emris, he left it unsaid that he'd begun to enjoy her company. From the glittering stream, his gaze returned to her with a friendly challenge. "D'ya think I can catch somethin' bigger?"

she let out a bark of laughter, her grin as sharp as the glint of the water she’d just sprayed his way. aye, cap’n, i’ll bet on it! she shot back.

she flicked her tail, water droplets scattering in the air as she tossed him a cheeky glance. but when i win, ye owe me first pick o’ the next haul, she added, her tone full of mischief as she padded toward the river’s edge, already scanning the surface for her next catch.

let’s see if ye’ve got what it takes, cap’n, she teased, crouching low, her gaze fixed on the rippling water with a determined spark.