Submission (#5461) Approved

Kino's rather elated at the sign of another -- particularly that of his beating heart. The water dripping from the stalactites spread across the limestone cavern makes gentle noises akin to a 'splish', his footsteps in perfect synchronization to when they fall. Despite his smooth movement to prevent any noises coming from himself, the water beading along the bridge of his snout collects together to form a large droplet that begins to roll down the side of his cheek and stain it lightly with a wet trail. As far as the eye can see, gemstones of various shapes, sizes, and color would shimmer under a stray sunbeam that filtered through the few holes at the top. Taking a seat besides the woman who wore an expressionless face, the elnin makes an attempt at conversation with the rose-patterned maiden. Her eyes remained glossy and blank, staring at the bauble that drifted atop the pool of water when he spoke. Her answers were always the same, a single nod no matter what he asked of her. "So you're fishing today?" A nod. "There's fish in Zevija?" Nod. "Can I join you?" Nod.

So he does, right beside her. His feet dangle from the edge and Kino leans forward to observe the clear water that accumulated in this cavern and the crystals so bright it could put the sun itself to shame. There were brightly colored fish that shimmered under certain angles, they truthfully reminded him of an opal. In fact, the resemblance was so striking to the forest-dwelling male that he straight up pushed off the edge and hopped into the water. Paws reach out to grab onto the sea creature, but it slips right through his touch and splashes back once it hits the surface -- effectively dousing Kino in water so that his hair now clung wetly to his forehead. Looking over his shoulder to the shrine maiden, he slicks the hair that's normally covering his eyes back and muses at the woman who has yet to crack a smile. She watches him, lip drawn into a tight line as her bauble waves in the water, trying best to appeal to the fishes that all swam in the opposite direction to avoid Kino.

A sheepish smile when he touches the back of his neck awkwardly, but motions his apology to the woman who set the pole down and stared upwards at the faint light peeking through the holes. It's wordless between them for a moment, but then she speaks. "I'm pescatarian..." And heat kisses his cheeks once he realizes exactly what her implication was. He had just chased her food away, all for some silly question he had to find out the answer for. They were not rigid like gemstones, they only looked like them. Rather than dwell on the loss of an easy meal, Chi tucks herself in and shuts her eyes, beginning the process of some deep meditation. The cooling touch of sapphire against her back, naturally shaped like a cradle of some sort meant that she could lean backwards and ease her body into a relaxed state. Shame creeps across his shoulders and his position in the water grows tense, only deciding to lower his body so that his mouth remain submerged as legs kick lightly to propel himself forward. Better him than anyone to recover what she was trying to catch, but instead of bothering her any more than what he already has, Kino decidedly took it upon himself to capture the fish instead. Wading in the water was relatively easy, but securing one of those fish was proven to be nearly impossible! Gnawing on his lower lip, he opens his eyes and pupils both narrow as they focus on the glistening scales beneath the water. He has to navigate carefully in order to avoid bumping into the large crystalline structure that was submerged in the water. These natural formations had provided sanctuary to the sea life below, with vague impressions of fish hidden behind translucent pink that poked and prodded at his kicking feet. Dunking his head below had granted sight to all creatures that swam around his being, some pausing to give their own inquizitive glance. Reaching out at what his blurred vision assumed was a small treat, Kino pulls with all his force to startle the sleeping giant to shoot up and splash around on the hardened floors of this cavern. Chi gasps in shock as the thundering claps echoed through this massive chamber, immediately standing up to assess the situation. Both paws raise to cover her gaping mouth. The sleeping giant... Fated in legend, it was sitting right outside the pool of water. Gently nudging, she was able to push lightly in order to avoid cutting up the poor fish. Kino doggy-paddles back to the woman, teeth flashing in a goofy smile. "Look, I felt bad for chasing away all of your fish, but I managed to land this guy right here!" It was fine until he noticed Chi trying to place them back into the water. Confusion struck him, but rather than grow upset at her seeming rejection, he follows up, "Did you not like this one? I can get another if it suits your fancy". The maiden worries her lower lip between her teeth, exhaling lightly, "We cannot eat that which dwells here, Kino. At least, not the sleeping giant... Lest we disturb the peace of this land." This piqed his interest further, pulling himself out of the water to assist in the return of this large sea creature. Only a few scratches on its underbelly were noticible, and while it disregarded Chi, it made sure to swing its tailfin to thwap loudly on Kino's cheek. Wincing as he now rubbed the smarting sting of his face, the male reaches over for her fishing pole and asks if he can borrow only to restore what was rightfully owed to her. She nods, gesturing towards the water. 

There was something odd about his familiar that Kino couldn't exactly place a finger on it. It carried various trinkets on journies all across Eyre, and while the adult never really questioned it, he was grateful that the Pomu had taken an interest in shiny objects that could be used as fishing lures. Had it not been for the task at hand, who knows how many fragments of rhodonite it would have pulled into its personal collection. Miniature claws cradled it's favorite of the bunch, tentatively holding the shining lure out for Kino to take and fashion onto the bland hook, he promises that no harm will come to his Pomu's favorite object. Once tied securely, he tilts the rod backwards and then flings it forward to cast the line. Rather than slink back into Kino's shadow, his companion since childhood nestled itself in the thick mounds of fur in his tail, prepping itself for a well-deserved nap.

This time, it's Chi who's sitting beside him watching with subtle interest shining in those green hues of hers.