Skogul walked in Eridanus with not much to think about. She had just finished eating a lot of fruit and vegetation. Now, she simply felt content not to mention bored. She was a big herbivore, and herbivores like her required a lot of food. The malayan tapir was next to a pair of twin chrystalline pools known as The Eyes. She lowered her nose to the pool, sucked up some water and emptied it in her mouth. She could do so because her face was like an elephant's. Skogul stayed there for a moment as she quenched her thirst. As she did, she wondered what to do when she finished drinking.

@Angela

She didn't like going near the eyes. They made her supremely uncomfortable and she'd heard the whispers and rumors, of strange creatures living at the bottom of the water. She'd once heard that those who swam down would never come back up. The stories were enough to scare Angela enough that she kept a wide distance. Well, she did until she saw some funny little creature wandering right towards one of the many heartpieces of her fears. And she couldn't help but follow after them, wanting to warn them to stop, but she kept stopping herself, too afraid of the actual confrontation to even say anything. She didn't want to break the silence or disturb whatever they were doing.

Even if it was to save their life? ...She didn't know how to respond to that.

She hid behind one of the larger trees, peering over as the tapir got close to the pools. She silently whispered under her breath, "No, no don't do it..." as if the Gembound could hear her from so far away. She swallowed heavily and then she couldn't stop herself. As the tapir leaned down to drink from the water, Angela cried out. "Wait! Don't!" She stepped out from behind the tree, not yet realizing that she'd revealed herself.

@Skogul

Skogul stopped drinking, and raised her head from the water. She could clearly smell someone and hear their voice nearby. It was one creature, and she could tell that just from scent. Malayan tapirs had an amazing sense of smell and hearing. Skogul turned around and eyed the tree that the creature (Angela) hid behind. Skogul spoke bravely, but non-threateningly to the tree that hid the creature. "Who is hiding behind that tree? Who do you belong to? Show yourself! I will not attack if you do the same!" Skogul waited to see if the creature would show. She meant no harm. But Skogul was wary. You should always be careful in these caves.

@Angela

Angela realized in a second that they somehow hadn't seen her. But I'm standing right here? Okay, not important. She ducked immediately behind the tree again, quivering. She hadn't meant to show herself like that, but...the creature...seemed nice enough? They weren't yelling at her or demanding or trying to find her by force so...it was okay, right? Right?!

She peeked out from behind the tree, only about half of her body showing, as well as a wing that opened just a bit to keep her balance. "U-um..." she stammered softly, then realized that she was being too quiet. "Uh sorry...I just...you p-probably shouldn't drink from those. They're bad. Apparently. Um...I don't...belong to anyone? My d-dad I guess but uh...yeah."

@Skogul

Skogul calmed down and saw this gembound was very quiet and kind. Skogul smiled calmly and spoke gently. "Thank you for the warning of this place. What is so wrong with this water source?" Skogul had another question come to her mind. She wondered if this kind creature could answer. "Do you know of any groups or communities that live in this cave? I was thinking I could maybe settle down and start a new path for myself. Being alone is fine, but boring. I'm Skogul. What's your name?" Skogul looked at the gembound warmly, as to not get her anymore nervous than she seemed.

@Angela

She still watched the creature from behind her tree, gripping the bark tight. She still wasn't very good with strangers, especially ones that talked so much. "Um...I've just heard stories, you know? Weird things at the bottom. We're not supposed to disturb the Eyes." Tail flicked behind her, curious, considering. Should she trust the beast? Would she dare?

She swallowed. She'd go for it. They had protectors, in case she was dangerous. "Um I mean...communities? My friends and I are...building a house? If that counts? But there's more, like...established groups like uh...the Kingdom of Eridanus? And the Seven, in Orion. There's others....farther out, I guess."

@Skogul

Skogul was now very interested. She was a part of a group that was building a house? How fun! Skogul spoke with great interest. "You and your friends are building a house? That sounds really interesting! I know you just met me, and you just know my name. But could I join your group? I promise I'm no threat to anyone. If you would let me join that is." Skogul could see this gembound was timid, so she tried to be as warm as possible. Skogul wanted to join this female's group. What gembound ever tried to build a house? But Skogul still had not gotten this nervous gembound's name.

@Angela

Angela shrugged, pulling just a little bit behind her tree. This was kinda weird. She wasn't sure how much she trusted the tapir, but to be fair, she hadn't given her any reason not to trust her, besides being a little forward, and Angela already knew someone like that. And Fairy wasn't exactly a danger to anyone. Her tail flicked behind her and she was silent for a moment before she made up her mind and told herself Alright, be brave, you got this and stepped out from behind the tree.

Immediately, her hands were clutching the bottom of her shirt, nervously toying with it. "Um, yeah, that probably won't be a problem. But um...you'll have to ask Sheng? I'm not really the 'leader' he kind of is. Right now at least. And you'll...have to ask the rest of them I think. Yeah."

@Skogul