Cerulean Cape less of a stranger

Briar's pace was brisk across the coastal sands. There was much relief in that he was not stricken with heat with each footfall. Although a part of him still anticipated it.

His thoughts drifted occasionally to the raven cloaked woman in the fields. Even now, as he trotted across the beach, he was in far less of a hurry to leave. Clenched in his jaw was a freshly poached fish. Scavenged from the beach, where it was washed up, before the sea birds could claim it. Not that he didn't turn a wary eye over his shoulder for any followers.

It was when he set his gaze forward again that he paused.

A small cinnamon figure was resting on the beach. Was— Was that a kid?

Eyes narrowed he took a wide sweep of his periphery. Head cranking from left to right to left.

Yeah. Definitely a kid. Alone at that.

A grumble rose in his throat as Briar prepared to turn inland. Some stray runt was not his problem. Hell, its parents would probably skin him for coming close. Let sleeping dogs lie. Leave it alone.

Just leave.

Don't turn around!





He hadn't completely turned his head before he proceeded forward. Pace slower as each step was made with extreme caution. Several strides away, he cleared his throat, dropping his prize at his feet.

Ahem! Hey, kid! You uh, a frown pulled at his lips, you okay?