The weather here in the north was already frigid, the snow, ice, and wind bursting past her short coat and making young Sucre wish that she had something to wrap around her body to become warm. Thankfully she did have help from her young companions, a pair of macaroni penguins who helped shield her from some of the wind as they walked toward the great vessel encased in the snow and ice. Sucre’s green gaze flicked up to it, interested in what secrets it might hold. It looked cold and sad here, ice formed all along its length as the small of salt water wafted toward her from the ocean beyond the ship. Snow crunched under paw, giving way to the small cat’s frame with each step.
They would reach the way up to the ship, a boarding dock made of a mix of metal and wood. The wood smelled awful, long since rotted out from being waterbound for so long. Sucre took a step onto it, noticing how the wood felt damp and swollen. Her nose wrinkled with disgust, a glance given back to her companions. “What is this thing…?” She finally asked them. She had wanted to go check it out, and they agreed, but she had no idea what the great vessel before her was. It was Anna, the older of the penguins, who answered her.
“A ship, a massive den home to a large group of creatures that moved across the ocean together. But they’re no longer here, leaving just the ship behind.” She explained. She would waddle up past Sucre, waving a flipper for the cat to follow. “Come on, let's get to the deck!” The penguin urged. Sucre would follow after her, curious to see what else the ship had to offer.
Once again the seasons changed, winter shifting from the southern continent to the northern one. With this change Birna began her migration northward, seeking to get into the colder areas of Boreas where she felt most comfortable and away from the sweltering heat that would come to Auster. She navigated through a number of territories, until she arrived at the place of a great human artifact. She had seen it before, the strange metal box. Generally it was a decent shelter and she didn't wish to be caught outdoors too long.
Birna eyed the growing gray clouds and the chill in the air. A storm was moving in. Birna strode silently through the snow and into the strange cave. She started to head deeper into the storage portion when she caught the scent of another feline, fresh to. Her round ears perked up as she followed the scent out onto the deck where she saw a small orange cat with a couple of penguins. Birna was not quite sure of the customs of small cats but she chuffed a friendly greeting to alert the other to her presence. "Seeking shelter from the upcoming storm?"
A greeting chuff reached her ears and Sucre’s ears twitched as she turned her attention on the leopard that had spoken to her. Her posture was relaxed, non threatening, and Sucre smiled gently as she gave a small nod. “That was the plan, yes, as well as to explore this… den? It’s strange.” Sucre confessed, letting her gaze sweep the front of the ship. The deck was in better shape than the ramp but was still darkened with age and weather. The wides of the ship were mostly intact, the metal only sporting small areas of rust despite being on the ocean for so long. Much of the metal was encased in ice, especially near the top and no doubt the side that was facing the water. Any moisture that would hit the side would undoubtedly freeze to the cold material.
Gaze swept up behind Birna to the towers on the back of the ship. What were those for? They reached back up into the heavens? Sucre took a couple steps toward the snow leopard and let her focus fall back to her. “My name is Sucre. These are my companions, Anna and Nina.” She gestured to each penguin in turn. “Do you live here by chance, miss…?” Whoops, she hadn’t bothered to get a name first. A bit of embarrassment brought heat to her cheeks as the wind ruffled her coat. Hopefully the bigger cat wouldn’t think badly of her for that.
Birna was relieved that the little cat didn't startle and flee. It wasn't often she had the chance to speak with other felines and the smaller ones tended to be quite wary of her, not that she blamed them. Despite her size she had been attacked by a male lion that seemed keen on slaying and eating her. Such was the way of the world.
Birna's gaze followed that of the little cat and she nodded. "It's strange indeed, a dwelling of humans, a creature long extinct." The little cat introduced herself as Sucre. "A pleasure to meet you Sucre. My name is Birna. I don't live anywhere in particular but I am scouting out territories and looking for a good place to stay. This dwelling seems to be relatively sturdy. A good place to get out of a storm. Have you been inside much?"
The larger feline echoed her feelings on the strangeness of the dwelling. The snow leopard went on to say that it had been used by humans, a creature that was extinct now. Strange indeed… Sucre had never heard of humans before. Her green gaze, shining with curiosity, swept the ship once more. What secrets did this vessel hold? If it was sturdy, did that make it a good place to den? Sucre let her gaze return back to Birna as she shifted upon her paws. From what the woman was telling her it seemed like it could be.
“This is my first trip here, so no, not yet.” Sucre told her. She realized that Nina and Anna had wandered away from her side to begin looking over the ship as well. Well, if the birds were preoccupied then surely they wouldn’t mind if she attempted to spend some more time with the cat in front of her?
“It sounds like you have though. Would you mind showing me around?” If Birna was willing to be her guide it could help prevent Sucre from getting lost, as well as give her some time to get to know another cat. The other feline certainly seemed more built for these conditions too, with a thick coat that would help break the wind. Depending on how long exploration took, Sucre realized she might be spending the night here. This thing was… massive.
Bloodletter
