works and days

Breaking into the light after traipsing along through the cedars, the phoenix felt more jovial than he had in quite some time. Along the way he'd picked up the soft footfalls of Rain trailing along with him, though he hadn't made much in the realm of conversation. By now, the sun was partially set. Maybe a third to halfway below the horizon. The sky was awash with shades of rich crimson and burnt gold, the far end of the clearing a deep bruise of purple. "Here we are," he announced with a contented sigh, cerulean gaze drifting across the low edges of the pool below the falls. "a perfect end to the day." he mused, and craned his neck to search for Rain behind him.

Pinning the smaller male with a look, a tiny smirk toyed with his features. He looked more like himself than he had all season. "Come on, let's see who can make the biggest splash!" he boomed, and took off running for the edge of the pool. It burned his muscles and likely tore open a few wounds, but he didn't mind. He was here to have fun, and enjoy life. Springing upwards with his hind legs, the male launched himself into the water. He might have been elegant, if that had been his intent. However, with all four limbs splayed out around him, he wanted nothing more than to make a massive entrance into the water. Eyes screwed shut, and auds pressed against his skull, he hit the water with a smack!

It was blissfully cool on his skin, as he sunk below the surface. This was what he'd needed. Paddling back upwards, he breached the surface with a whoop. Tongue lolling from his jaws in a brilliant grin, he sought out Rain's form on the banks. "Come on!" he shouted.