Another day of impeccable loneliness. The leering feeling of doom held itself firmly to the beast's heart, gripping a little tighter in every passing day that he neither came to meet new or old friends. Sure, he had passed many and been threatened once or twice, but that positive attention he sought for was nowhere to be found, buried deep somewhere in the caves of Origin. Little did the big brute know, however, that his current depression was just the predecessor for his oncoming musth, a first of firsts for his coming of age. Four cycles had come and gone and now, here he was, with swollen glands, large tusks, and drive that was only just peaking, but remained misunderstood.

With a low rumbling call to any who could hear such a roar, he carried on, feet slowly rising and falling in pattern. His tail swung, occasionally switching at a biting bug. Ears waved a little, trunk fidgeting and nabbing up green when it was available. Large brown eyes stared ahead, able to see onward for ages, but only catching the next curve of the tunnel instead. His back wasn't far from the low ceiling, the extra-low spots grazing him from time to time, which he never seemed to really take notice to. Atsila was a lonely bull, seeking some company; a kind he was not yet aware of.

----

"Speech."
Thoughts.

OOC:
Tag: @

He trekked on. Heavy steps managing some level of silence despite the weight behind them. Atsila heaved out a sigh, just before a faintly familiar voice perked up his big ears and attracted his gaze, which began to frantically search for the source of the sound. A few more steps and some squinting lead to him coming upon a long-lost friend. He halted, staring widely at her little waddling figure as she commented on his size, just as she had when they were still tots.

Seconds ticked by, the realization coming upon him in heaps as a smile grew large on his mouth. His trunk tossed upward with a trumpet before he collapsed to his fore knees, long trunk circling around her on the ground. His tusks rest on either side of her huge and curving upward, but still digging into the dirt as he shoved his mass against them, trying to get closer to her. An elephant never forgets.

"Destiny, it's you!" the bull chimed pleasantly, then scooped her up gently, pulling himself back to his feet as his large trunk cradled her with care. "It's been so long, but I remember so well. I've missed you."

Atsila snuggled her a bit before resting back to his knees, settling her onto the ground once more while keeping his big brown eyes locked onto her. Utter joy took over his body, shoving away his low emotions with little effort upon the sight of his first real friend. The one who showed him he could swim.

----

"Speech."
Thoughts.

OOC:
Tag: @Destiny

The big bull elephant had to keep himself from lifting the smaller mammal up from the ground, the need to coddle her strong within him. His tail swayed behind him as the only safe outlet he could achieve for his utter joy at finding his favorite creature of the caves. He blanketed her with his trunk, cooing rumbles bellowing from his throat until she began to ask him what he'd been doing all this time.

"I've been exploring! Seeing the many rooms and tunnels that make this great labyrinth," he said.

A large smile overwhelmed his face, making his jaw hurt. He didn't care, though. He was just so happy, so over-joyed. He bellowed out his rumbles again, nodding his head as well as he could with tusks jammed against the ground.

"I will take you anywhere you want to go, Destiny! I lo-" he caught himself and froze, tail becoming limp. Something he'd never said before nearly flopped out of his mouth in the most untimely manner. How rude of him! He circled his trunk a little tighter around her, hugging her with all the affection a big ol' elephant could muster.

----

"Speech."
Thoughts.

OOC:
Tag: @Destiny

She still stuttered in the cutest way. He wasn't sure if she'd think it so cute, but he certainly thought so. A warmth not unlike the fire in his chest stirred within as she spoke, questions flying from her little bill eagerly. No longer could he resist his urges. The big bull swept her back up into his trunk, cradling her.

"I'm not sure if I've seen all of them or not. Some were beautiful. I think I know of a couple places you would like!" he chimed to her.

Atsila lumbered forth, carrying her toward the Pisces entrance. As he walked, he rocked her gently, humming in a low voice that sounded almost like a growl. As they passed a damp wall with plenty of texture, he threw himself into it, rubbing his rough, itchy skin against the available surface. He stumbled a little before straightening back up, but kept a safe hold on his little Destiny.

----

"Speech."
Thoughts.

OOC:
Tag: @Destiny

Being with her brought a special joy to his heart. The way she talked, her voice, her face... she was perfect and cuddly and he couldn't ask for a better friend. Her size reminded him to be gentle, too. A nice change shortly after his most recent musth. She was enthusiastic and it brightened him up even more. Her inquiry about the places he'd seen brewed up an equal share of excitement.

"There's a room with stars, a room with trees, a room of fog, a room of water. There's much to see and they're all like their very own worlds. It's amazing, Destiny," he chimed.

Upon his stumble, she seemed to squeeze his trunk. The pounding of her heart could be felt very faintly against his thick, yet sensitive skin. He smiled to himself, being sure to tread carefully. His large tusks were like a shield as his big trunk blanketed her for extra support and warmth. The occasional flap of his ears brought for a breeze over his body, keeping himself a bit more cooled. Each step was surprisingly quiet for his size, but his strides were long and purposeful, carrying him with sense of confidence with no worry of anything else in the world.

----

"Speech."
Thoughts.

OOC:
Tag: @Destiny