Wheeling Gull Isle another roadblock in our way

Another shimmy, sending droplets of seawater sparkling from her pelt. She shook her head softly at the description and name. They're n-not here, I'm afraid, Maegi replied, frowning in sympathy, nor did we run into them in our recent t-travels. But she would certainly keep an eye out. The girl's desperate swim across the channel made her believe this Atlas was quite important indeed.

Then introductions came, and before she could respond, Titmouse—to her surprise—jumped in instead. Her eyes cut sharply over to her mate; it was her turn to question his sanity.

She could be anyone, Maegi fretted. And now she has our names. Our real names.

It's nice to meet you, Meerkat, she said, smiling to alleviate the worry in her heart, the slight twitch of her jaw. I'm sorry your f-friend is missing. The shudder was beginning to subside in her voice as she warmed up. She suddenly envied the girl; what she wouldn't give to have her mate lave the frigid ocean from her body, too. . .