Sea Lion Shores swimming in the deep end

It was the scent of another that caught Artem off-guard. His casual lope slowed before he stopped fully, ears swivelling towards where the smell had come from. It was hard to tell amongst all the sea salt and brine that assaulted his nose, the wind lending no help as it changed direction endlessly, pulling and tugging his fur every which way. The boy thought to head onwards, disregarding the other soul before he spotted the lonely silver figure on the shore.

He peered, watching as she pulled something from a tide pool and began feasting. His own stomach rumbled at the sight. With reluctance, Artem emerged from the slope he was perched atop of, hidden among the long strands of grass that peaked out from the sand. Slowly, he approached, keeping his head low. His gaze never left the slender female, though — or rather, never left the starfish she had quickly made short work of. As she looked back into the water, Artem crept forward slightly more, waiting for her to either notice him or move on to another pool. The snarling of his stomach grew louder.