Ankyra Sound Always had high, high hopes

The higher the sun climbed, the warmer and more uncomfortable he became. Although this summer was not technically his first, it was his first time experiencing the warmer months with a full coat of fur adorning his body. As he stood there, his tongue rolled out of his mouth and hung down off to the side, the occasional drop of saliva falling and joining the ocean. Maybe next summer wouldn’t be so bad, though he was sure that, just like now, he’d be wishing for the winter to make its way back home.

At first, Aningan hadn’t realise that there was someone else on the beach. It wasn’t until she joined him that he took notice to and turned to greet her, his tail swaying. “Salutitsinik,” he began, beaming; although the last time they’d been alone had resulted in a rank challenge, he had never had anything against her, nor did he currently. Yet, his smile did falter and—briefly—fall after his voice replayed through his head. “Oh, no. Uh…” he stuttered, trying to get his languages in order. “Hello.” Was that the common tongue? He watched her expectantly, searching for any signs that might suggest she understood him. Only after finding one would he let out a nervous breath and inwardly pat himself on the back (knowing multiple languages was hard sometimes).