97 Mask of innocenses (2/2)
”Didn't realize how large this island is.” Orion said as he pulled the small boat ashore and tied it off to a twisted palm that overhung the waters. ”Quite nice really...” He said looking around the small lagoon they'd landed in. ”It would be the perfect spot if there was a town close by.
Arei nodded as he gathered the saddlebags from the boat in his mouth. He tossed them to the ground and looked around. ”I'm sure there will be. This island seems pretty well populated.”
Orion arched his brows, ”Are you shifting here?”
Arei looked up as he worked the lether latches with his teeth, ”Why not?”
”Do you really think it wise?” Orion asked as he began to search the woodline for a path.
”Why not? Didn't seem problematic last night... though I still get the creeps thinking of that old man.” His mane billowed around him as he shook his head.
Orion nodded, ”Exactly...” He bent to pick up a large stick and began using it to push back the short underbrush. ”I got a bad feeling from the guy, myself.”
Arei frowned down at the bags. ”So you're telling me to say in this form now as well.” He let out a huff and carried the bags back over to the boat but changed his mind last minute and tossed them across his massive shoulders instead. He caught up with Orion in a few large gallops. ”So now what?”
Orion continued poking at the shrubbery with his stick. ”First we find the town, decide on living quarters, then gather more information.” He shrugged, ”Seems simple enough... for now.”
As they rounded the lagoon, a large manmade rock barrier lined the coast along with the narrow inlet that flowed into the ocean. Beside the barrier was a well-worn cart path. ”This looks promising,” Arei said. He nudged Orion with his snout. ”Hop on.”
Orion nodded and made short work of mounting the large stallion. Once atop he straightened his clothes and moved the saddlebags behind him to rest across Arei's wide flanks. Movement by the waters caught his attention as he happened to glance out to the lagoon while turning back around. There, crouched over the shallow waters was a small child. The waters reflected the gleam of the sun causing both her pale skin and white hair to shimmer. ”Hold up.” He whispered to Arei as he hopped off.
”What now?” Arei called out as he turned around to follow his brother.
Orion through up a hand to silence his brother. ”Shh.” He pointed toward the small child.
Arei nodded and followed in silence holding back a few paces as to not frighten the child. He glanced around for signs of others but didn't see anyone.
”Hello, little one,” Orion called out, more to announce his presence than anything else. When the child didn't respond and only continued to concentrate on the waters with her tiny hands hoovering other them, he waded out closer. There was a strange air to the child, a captivating pull, a silent song, that tugged at something deep inside. Orion glanced back at Arei who'd stopped at the waters' edge and was now shaking his head in caution. Orion held his brother's gaze in silent communication before lowering himself to a similar squat beside the girl. ”What do you have there, little one?”
She didn't take her focus off the waters as she answered simply, ”Fish.”
Orion glanced down and did a double-take when he identified the markings of the poisonous lionfish. He moved in one quick, fluid move standing and scooping up the child all at once. ”Shit!” He held the child in one arm and backed out of the waters. He set the child on land and crouched down to come eye level with her. ”You must be more careful, little one. Those fish are very dangerous.” When she only tilted her head in confusion, he added. ”Where are your parents?” The girl continued to look up at him with wide aqua blue eyes full of confusion and curiosity. He scrunched his brows together. ”The people who take care of you?”
Her tiny hand raised and pointed a thin finger out toward the waters. When Orion followed her finger out to the waters then turned back to her ready to ask more questions, he felt the nudge of Arei's snout against his ribs. He turned his attention back to the horse ready to yell until he caught the look in his brother's eyes. He nodded in understanding before turning back to the child. ”I was just about to ride into town for food and supplies. If you're hungry I'd be glad to bring you with me.” He nodded over to the large stallion.
Arei walked closer to the child lowering his head to the child. He held his breath as he waited for her reaction. He let out a pleased neigh when her tiny hand reached out and petted his velvet jaw. ”Pretty... Ahh... soft!” She giggled as Arei nudged his snout into her tiny hands.