Swiftcurrent Creek something has to shift

panther begins to feel the heavy weight of eyes upon him, though instinctually cautious — especially along the borders — the pitter-patter of footfalls far too small and rapid to belong to an adult caught his initial attention. still, he does not lift his head from his drink. he continues to lap at the cool, refreshing water until he's had his fill; both with the purpose of giving her time to either stay or flee back into the heart of swiftcurrent creek. and, truth be told, the prolonged drink gives panther time to wrack his muddled brain to see how he felt about cubs. he, unsurprisingly, draws up another blank and is left with the looming knowledge that this is a good time for discovery.

his thirst sated he finally lifts his head, taking a moment to draw his tongue across his jowls to collect the stray droplets that dribble from his chin and he swings his head in her direction to fix his glacial blue gaze upon her. panther assesses her quickly: she's young but not as young as he'd initially assumed. he's not able to deduce her age simply by looking at her but she's in that stage of rapid growth with paws and head too big for her body.

for a moment that turns more awkward by every second that ticks by, panther hesitates, unsure if he should stick to a non-verbal greeting or break the wide-eyed silence that hangs in the air, thick with moisture and filled with the songs of creek bugs, by speaking. hello. he eventually rasps, smoky timbre raw and little more volume than a harsh whisper.