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Post by Blahwolf on Jul 13, 2007 19:23:20 GMT -5
The mud was one aspect of the forest Cypress could have lived without. He certainly wasn't used to this. Emerald Forest was never this muddy, whether it was from the lack of any real ground or the fact that rain hardly reached past the towering trees. In any case, Cypress found his paws constantly sinking into the sodden ground, and was only able to get them out after much struggle and pulling. He fell forward several times, which caused him to be splattered with even more of the muck. At that point he was beginning to wonder if he ever should have stepped out of the cave at all.
It was no surprise he found himself immensly relieved when they reached the shoreline. Cypress made several fruitless attempts to wipe his muddy paws in the sand, which only caused sand to stick to the mud. Following behind Flint and growling in annoyance at how heavy and uncomfortable his paws felt, Cypress treaded over to the water and let the soft waves carry the dirt away. The water felt cool and the winds seemed especially favorable today, yet he still felt unsure of himself. He rarely ever went this close to the ocean anyway, and looking out at the crashing waves, he felt a treamor of fear stir within him. They were gentle today, but in Cypress's opinion all waves were dangerous, and he could just imagine a wolf gasping for breath as it was crushed beneath the tide. He hesitantly glanced over to Flint with a look that almost suggested, 'am I really going to do this?'
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Post by Kai on Jul 13, 2007 22:47:06 GMT -5
With a few leaps and bounds, Flint splashed into the sea. He rolled around, letting the calm waves wash over him and remove the mud. Once his coat was thoroughly soaked, his head darted out of the water and looked for Cypress. He wanted to know why his friend was next to him rolling around. It felt so very good! When he saw his new friend starting at the waves and instantly his own ears went back. He felt a bit horrid for leaving Cypress back on the shoreline. Of course, he did not assume that he was phobic of water! What else did he not know about him? Putting on his best smile Flint walked up gently to him. His tail attempted a wag of some sort and he flipped his ears back up. It wouldn’t do Cypress any good if he thought he was being sympathized. Perhaps he could get Cypress to bluff his way into the water, once there surely he would love it.
‘You know, I’m feeling a bit stiff. Slept on my legs and I still haven’t regained full feeling in them. Mind if we just muddle around in the shallows until they feel better? I’m sorry to have to trouble you like this.’
Flint was a fluent liar when he choose to be. He could smile and tell a guy that he was in fact female and usually they would believe him for a few moments. Ironically, he someone who had little reason to lie (except in this case, and now he was thankful for his truth spinning talents) was able to bluff his way through anything. Walking slight stiffly, he walked into the water and let the water lap at his legs. He let joy seep into his face with every wave passing by. His whole body was working now to tell Cypress that the water was nothing to fear. The spray of white foam should excite him, and a larger wave should send a rush of adrenaline down his spine. He was going to get Cypress to enjoy water. Period. And just like Cypress sent out a look that expressed his doubts, Flint sent a look right back at him. Unlike the other male’s his was warm and kind and almost seemed to say, ‘Yep. I’ll be right here incase you need help. Promise.’
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Post by Blahwolf on Jul 13, 2007 23:40:08 GMT -5
Swallowing the lump in the back of his throat, Cypress had to convince himself not to turn back and run straight to his den. He could do this... he repeated it over and over in his head until it stuck. Nervously he took a few steps forward until he was ankle-deep into the water and his paws were buried beneath the soggy sand. Watching Flint playing and rolling in the water had made Cypress wish he himself were a tad more courageous. He admitted to himself he was a little afraid of water...or maybe he was just afraid to try new things. It didn't really matter either way, Flint seemed all too eager to swim, and if Cypress left then Flint would be alone once again, as would he. He didn't want that.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? Wouldn't you rather go hunting...or something?"
Cypress's voice cracked with nervousness, and he knew it sounded forced and unnatural. He was making a fool of himself, and he was fed up with it. He would show Flint he wasn't afraid, even though deep down his was. Mentally taking back what he had said, Cypress took a few more steps until half of his legs were submerged. The water was chilly, but he had grown used to it by now. But the look on Flint's face seemed reassuring, and Cypress was helped by this. At least I won't die, he thought.
His neck was just above the water's surface now, and a few more steps in and he would need to start swimming in order to stay afloat. A few small waves splashed against him, causing the sand beneath his paws to shift. Lifted his legs up, Cypress paddled forward until his body was no longer standing. It was almost like flying, although he felt good to know he wouldn't fall or crash. Smiling and panting, he continued his strokes and turned to the right and back until his paws once again found sand and he was standing next to Flint. He smiled at his friend, his tongue hanging slightly from his mouth. He felt childish and undignified, but it didn't bother him much.
"That...wasn't so bad."
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Post by Kai on Jul 14, 2007 18:52:48 GMT -5
’I’m glad you enjoy the water. It is nice today.
At first, Cypress didn’t seem very confident going to the point of stating it. His voice sounded odd, and reinforced the idea that he was afraid of water. But finally he went forward taking a few steps at a time. He took a small lap, exploring how to swim and such. Cypress returned happy, and from the look on his face you never would have guess that he had to be coaxed into the water. Now that his friend was back, Flint lifted his own legs from the sandy floor and began to swim around him. After a while, Flint took a large breath and stuck his head under the water. The waves provided direction by pushing at him, and Flint followed their retreat for a few inches. Kicking off the bottom, he launched himself straight out of the water landing close to Cypress with a splash.
‘Ready for the real fun? Jumping and diving are the best!’
Flint wasn’t sure if Cypress was ready or willing to go into the deeper waters. Best to play around in the shallows were they could swim and dive without trouble. With a strong kick Flint pushed off once more. Feeling something slimly hit his paw, Flint grinned. Diving down he touched the bottom, pushing around with his shout until he found what he wanted. His teeth tore at seaweed, until he had a rather string of it. Returning to the surface, he kept only the top half of his face out of the water. When he was in range, Flint snapped his head out of the water and shook it so they seaweed feel out of his mouth and hit Cypress on the head with a loud smack. Smiling rather wildly he raised a paw and splashed Cypress.
‘Well are you just going to stand there?’
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Post by Blahwolf on Jul 16, 2007 16:55:51 GMT -5
Eyeing Flint warily, Cypress watched as he dove beneath the water's surface until we was out of sight. Cypress's eyes widened and he opened his mouth a bit in shock. His first instinct was to call for help, his second was to dive in after him. However, he ignored his instincts and waited, pacing around nervously. His ears shot up as Flint returned to the surface, a wet and slimy bit of seaweed in between his teeth. Before Cypress had a chance to ask Flint what he was doing, the seaweed landed on his head, the slimy grass covering his eyes, feeling not unlike some sort of wet snake until he brushed it off with his paw. As soon as Cypress could see again, he was hit with a small spray of water, courtesy of Flint. Making a small grumping noise, Cypress was determined to get back at Flint for that. Treading the water as he had done previously, he swam up towards him, violently kicking his front legs has much as he could until they were sore. He started sinking a bit and had to struggle just to stay afloat, his breathing coming in short rapid gasps. It was becoming painful to keep swimming, and his entire snout was soon underwater.
Cypress's instincts started taking over, and he attempted to breathe, only to end up having his mouth filled with saltwater, causing him to choke while under the water. He shut his eyes and tried to remain above the surface, his legs kicking forward and only pullling him farther out to sea. He struggled to turn around, only to find the current pulling him out even more, until he was completely underwater. Too weak to struggle anymore, he let himself be carried by the tide, wherever it may take him. He could sense what was happening, and fear overwhelmed him. He'd need to get oxygen fast, and he didn't even know where the water was taking him. Everything swirled around in a dark blue haze. Occasionally Cypress could see the surface, the brilliant sun shining on to the water... until he felt himself being carried backwards, the current slowly becoming less violent and calm once again. In a sudden rush of adrenaline, Cypress pushed his body upwards until he was above the water, and swam a few strokes until he hit sand. Choking and coughing up seawater, he laid in a wet, limp heap, his eyes shut tight and his breathing raspy. After a few moments of laying like that, he pulled himself up and groaned with pain. The saltwater stung his throat and eyes, and his muscles were sore. If that was what swimming was always like, he'd rather stay on land the rest of his life!
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