Moonlit beach (D1 Late Evening, Open)

[Milo Whitewood]

The beach was pretty chill (in both senses of the world) this late into the evening. Milo was too excited, and a little apprehensive, to try sleeping early. Staying up to see the moonlight bathe the gentle waves of the beach had seemed a better idea. Now he was wrapped up in an oversized coat and sitting on an abandoned deck chair. The moonlight was pretty.

Diva had laid down beside the deck chair some time ago. The Warwolf didn't have much interest entering the saltwater. Probably smart.

[Mindshred]

In the distance, a large shape rises from the dark waters. It's really only visible in silhouette, but it's clearly large, easily twice Milo's own height. It begins slowly trudging through the shallow water, heading to the left, though it doesn't seem to be heading any closer toward the shore.

[Ari]

Llyan, on the other hand, was in the mood to play. The young deluzo, who was not currently in her illusionary disguise, chased the waves as they withdrew from the beach. She then would quickly scamper back as the water came crashing in.

Ari walked along side the playful monster, staying out of reach of the water. She had the hood of her jacket pulled up to guard against the chill.

At the moment, they both seem oblivious to whatever is in the water.

[Milo Whitewood]

Milo had been watching the water so he immediately spots the large shape rising from the water. It made him sit up straight in surprise. He leaned forward subconsciously as he sought to get a better look at it.

Then he notices Ari and her monster off to the left too. The creature in the water was heading roughly that way. He hopped up to warn them. Immediately, Diva stood up in response and bounded after him as he jogged over to girl waving his hand. "Um, hey, there's something over there so maybe be careful!" He calls out cautiously, pointing toward the trudging monster in the distance.

[Ari]

Llyan immediately dashed behind Ari. The air around her shimmered and her appearance shifted. A panchin now crouched behind the girl.

Ari's attention was now focused on the water, trying to determine what might be out there.

"Thanks!" she called back.

[Mindshred]

The dark shape seemed to be looking around for something in the water, from the way its thick head was moving back and forth. After a few moments, it stops moving, and the thing rises up a little before unleashing a huge torrent of water from its mouth. The blast strikes the ocean, causing a huge burst of water that kicks up a few very surprised wiggling fish.

The shape snatches a fish out of the air with a beaked mouth, then dives into the water, creating a second huge splash as it disappears from sight.

[Milo Whitewood]

"Don't mention it." Milo calls back as he slows to a walk to better take in the spectacle.

He tried to remember what stories he'd heard about sea monsters and the pictures he'd seen in the past. Perhaps something would be similar to what he'd just witnessed? It had been really, really big!

-----
Monster Lore: 4 successes

[Ari]

"What was that?" she wondered aloud, considering what she might know. She hadn't gotten as good a look st it as Milo.

- - -
Moonlit beach (D1 Late Evening, Open), Monster Lore/Mind: 5d10o10h7 2

[Milo Whitewood]

"Um... I think it was an Importle. They're a bit like a really, really large turtle. I've heard about them being used to transport valuables in their shells, but I don't know how." Milo shared his thoughts and recollections. "If it wasn't an Importle then I don't know what it was."

[Ari]

"Hmm... you're probably right." she nodded. "I wish I had gotten a better look."

Her gaze lingered on the water for a few more moments, before finally turning to face the boy.

"HI, I'm Ari."

[Milo Whitewood]

"I'm Milo!" He smiles cheerfully as he offers his right hand. "Nice to meet you Ari." His Warwolf moved closer to nudge Milo's side. "Oh! And this is my Warwolf Diva. She wants to say hi too."

[Ari]

She shook his hand and looked down at the warwolf.

"Hello, Diva."

The panchin peered at them from behind her leg.

"It's your turn to say hello, Llyan. And, they probably saw you playing with the waves."

That made Llyan seem even more alarmed and her appearance shifted again, into a womburn, and Ari sighed.

"Sorry, she's very shy."

[Milo Whitewood]

The Warwolf steps forward until it was in petting range. It sits down and looks up at Ari expectantly. It was cute... for a robotic wolf monster.

Milo smiles and waves gently toward Llyan. "It's fine. She's really cool." He looked to the nearby town and then back to Ari. "Are you in the tournament too?"

[Ari]

She petted and scratched the wolf affectionately.

"We are in the tournament. I'm not sure how long we'll last, but it should be a good experience for us."

[Milo Whitewood]

Diva quickly falls for the attention. She pushes her head into Ari's hand eagerly.

"That's what I'm here for too. I dunno how well we'll do, but I have faith in Diva and we need some experience. I was really reassured that they have people who can look after the monsters when matches are over."

[Ari]

"I'm sure everyone will be well taken care of." she nodded. "If nothing else, the competitors should be able to help one another. It's friendly competition, after all."

[Milo Whitewood]

"Yeah, and there are a few nice spectators too. I met a girl called Sam who's learning about herbs and medicines. She offered help if I need it. She seemed like someone who'd help anyone in need."

[Ari]

"See, Llyan? There are a lot of nice people here. You don't have to hide all the time."

She didn't seem convinced, but moved forward, leaving her safe spot behind Ari.

[Milo Whitewood]

Milo slowly and gently crouched down to get a better look at Llyan if she didn't immediately run and hide. "How did you meet Llyan?"

[Ari]

"When she hatched."

Llyan took a step back, but then leaned forward. Slowly, step by step, with encouraging glances from Ari, she approached Milo.