Sea Lion Shores this ain't no place for no hero.

As she wandered, she began to accept that the answer she sought would never be found. Cathenna had come and gone as a ghost in the fog, and Akantha struggled to even remember the grayscale Siren's voice, scent, and even face. A part of her wanted to mourn her loss, but it was not her way to lament over the souls who drifted in and out of her life. It was as constant as the tides—some were loyal, others were secretive, and some were just lacking good judgement. The Sea would reclaim them all in time.

But just as she was turning to leave, she caught movement darting quickly between the mass of sea lions further down the shore near the waves. Her eyes narrowed. Who would be foolish enough to get so close to them? She descended the dunes, intent on seeking out the reckless creature, and seeing just what fate would serve them today. A small frame emerged behind a thick huddle of cows—awkward proportions on a half-grown body. A child! 

With a furitive glance sent to the nearest pile of beasts, Akantha shot forward in pursuit of the girl. Her long legs devoured the distance and soon she was jogging parallel to the smaller canine, ears twisting and eyes occasionally flickering up to take stock of the situation. So far the sea lions seemed rather neutral to their presence, though a nervous mother bellowed a warning across the backs of her sisters to stay away. 

Akantha cut off the russet girl with a few good strides and stood firmly in front of her to block further passage, "Where are your parents?" she rumbled disconcertingly, ears and eyes fixated on the young child.