Wanderer

Pyxis had wandered further today. He stood on the edge of the land bridge to Ardens Glácies. In the distance, the once monstrous volcano was supposed to be filled with crystal-clear rainwater that steamed gently in the cool air. He was sure it would be a breathtaking sight. Even from here, he could see the forest that surrounded the bowl, the early stages of one, anyway.

Though the ice was beginning to thaw, the path remained, slick and treacherous. He knew that some of the more adventurous animals braved the bone-chilling waters even in the warmer seasons, but he wasn't sure if he was ready for such a challenge, so he tip-toed out, grateful he was yet to reach his mature height or weight, it'd make this little expedition a bit easier... or so he hoped.

Reaching solid ground at last, the yearling spruces, dark as charcoal, reached skyward, their new growth contrasting sharply with the ivory snow that still clung to the ground in patches. Pyxis felt a thrill of adventure as he stepped onto the spongy, moss-covered earth, his paws leaving small impressions in the damp ground. The outer ring of the bowl was stark and treacherous, with ice slicking over ebony rocks that had been smoothed by the sea. These rocks, though beautiful, were dangerous; the ones shielded from the relentless waves were jagged and sharp, and there were no shortage of nooks and crannies for venomous snakes to hide away in. Being one of the things the Syndicate were known for, he was more than aware of the threat they could pose.

As he moved cautiously around the edge of the bowl, Pyxis marveled at the resilience of life here. Sprouting grasses poked through the melting snow, and he spotted the first signs of spring—tiny flowers struggling to bloom in the harsh environment. The air was filled with the fresh scent of new growth mixed with the lingering chill of winter. Here and there he picked up on the scent of small prey, rabbits mostly, but he could see evidence of sea birds nesting too. He wondered if they would be more evident to the north-east, where the far side of the island opened up to the ocean...

Pyxis decided to start out exploring the forested area surrounding the bowl. The young spruces were sparse but determined, their needles dark and glossy. He wandered among them, occasionally pausing to sniff the air or listen to the distant calls of birds. The forest was coming to life, slowly but surely. As he ventured deeper into the forest, he stumbled upon a hidden clearing. The ground here was softer, covered in a thick layer of moss and early spring flowers. He found a comfortable spot to take a break, his skittering slide across the land bridge had been... harrowing at moments. His violet eyes scanned the sky above. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape and making the ice-covered rocks glisten like jewels. He knew he should start making his way back soon... but there was so much left to see! It wouldn't hurt right? He hadn't technically left the territory... He felt pretty secure in the knowledge his family was just a howl away, even if they probably would grumble and gripe about having to come out here and collect him.

It was time to get closer to the bowl in the center of the island. Pyxis reached the water's edge and peered into the steaming pool. The water was clear and inviting, a stark contrast to the icy terrain surrounding it. He dipped a paw into the water, feeling the warmth seep into his bones. The idea of a quick swim crossed his mind, but he knew better than to venture into unknown waters without knowing their depths, or what sort of critters might appreciate the warmth that radiated from the pool. Now he was closer, he could smell the heavy mineral scent, the rotten egg sulfur haze that clung to the center of the island. It seemed if a place was mildly stinky, Pyxis was going to stick his nose in it. His paws itched to reach the ocean on the other side of the island, but the sun was dipping lower in the sky and he wanted to at least make it back across the land bridge before he got his ass whomped for wandering.

Pyxis closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. The adventures of the day had been exhilarating, and he knew there were many more to come. For now, though, it was time to start making his way home. He could chew Maelstrom's ear off with stories of his adventures when they were meant to be sleeping.

The world was vast and full of wonders, and Pyxis was ready to explore every corner of it.

"speech"