Deliverance [Zeke / Celebes]
Nov 13, 2020 23:56:07 GMT -5
Post by Celebes on Nov 13, 2020 23:56:07 GMT -5
**The journey up the beach was fairly uneventful for the first half of the day. Keeping the sea to their right side, the journey was not so much about keeping the right bearing, but as to making the right distance. It was quite hard walking on the sand, even for a beast used to the exercise. Each step took the effort of two, as the fine grains swallowed the footpaw up and took a firm tug to release it. Walking on the wetter, more compact sand directly next to the shore wasn't much of an improvement, for soon your legs would be covered in brine, stinging of salt and the sand that stuck to the moisture. All in all, not quite the same as a jolly walk up a forest path.
Toward noontime, their first breakthrough was arrived at. Tracks. They were fairly worn, and it took a bit of study to confirm they weren't just like the many other divots that dotted the beach. These proceeded forth at regular intervals. The lope of a tired beast it looked like. Either their rearguard stopped caring to swipe away their trail, or they had finally gotten a break with the tides not washing this set out. Either way, it was a good sign. This set led to a larger grouping, and soon enough it was just possible to make out the species. Definitely vermin. And given the freshness and the size of the group, Celebes was certain it was theirs.
The second part of the day, split from the first by a walking lunch, was spent following this lead. The sun was just beginning to set when they finally saw a second, more decisive hint to their quarry's wherabouts: the glow of a campfire over a dune. The sky was just dark enough that the other light source could be seen, and muffled talking could be heard on the other side. It was difficult to tell how far exactly the speaker was from the other side of the dune, or whether he had any mates standing closer. Still, it was tempting to take a look, even at the risk of being caught. Going the long way around for a better vantage point could be just as risky.
The footsore sea otter turned to his river companion. The question was obvious enough, but he said it anyway.**
Shall we 'ave a look then?