Just Need a Place to Start

It was in the dark of night that Deteste most enjoyed his patrols. He did not interact with many strangers or members and though his love for the Ludicael was deep he enjoyed having the time alone. Thunder rumbled in the distance, following the lightning that occasionally lit up the mangrove. It was pouring and De's obsidian pelt was slick against his lean frame. He had found out in his first winter here that though the mangrove experienced warmer winters the rainstorms were relentless. Deteste kept a strong gait to warm his body, and a course tailored closely to the tangled mangrove canopy to keep as dry as he could. His breath was white in the winter air but quickly dissipated in the rain. The only visible thing about the man were his cerulean eyes which glowed nearly white in the dark of the night.


A strong wind slanted the rain before him and brought with it a mixture of muddled scents. These included an unfamiliarity. Deteste adjusted his course appropriately and prepared himself to discover Ludicael's latest visitor. Because the stranger was not far and because late night visitors were uncommon and often had less friendly plans for the Ludicael Deteste slowed his gait and walked silently among the mangrove roots which had become extremely familiar to him in his patrols. As he neared one of the territory's water bodies, he found himself walking atop the thick roots. Within the thicker part of the woodland the rain was less of a nuisance and allowed Deteste to feel much more alert.


Light flashed brokenly through the mangrove, a much closer strike this time, and the thunder that followed caused the canopy above to tremble. The flash revealed Deteste's object of interest and as he neared his counterpart's voice rose in song, amplified and then ceased with a large splash. He could have laughed but in wariness, but mostly respect, he held his laughter and hurried to the scene to make himself known while the other was temporarily at a disadvantage. Deteste eyed the young man paddling in the waters and regardless of himself he offered a toothsome grin. I see you have discovered our unique waters. He spoke in reply to the vagabond's amazement, his dark face emerging in the blue glow of the mangroves.