/ +3A rumble of contentment left the secui-formed coyote as she sank into the springs, the warm water soaking through her patchy fur. Her front half pressed up against one of the smooth heated stones sticking out from the water, her chin rested on the crest of the rock and her forepaws folded underneath her. Her tail made languid movements through the pool near the bottom, a happy wag that spoke for itself. The grotto could not have revealed itself to the Optio at a better moment.
Pale lids fell once more over cornflower blue eyes, and Vesper had very nearly drifted off into sleep before a quiet bark caused her ears to twitch. Slowly, she lifted her head from the stone to glance over at the coyote that had joined her, her expression lazy and content rather than startled.
The ruddy-tawny youth was unfamiliar to the woman, but that didn’t surprise her; despite her rank, she had only been in Inferni for a short few months and hadn’t taken the time to know each and every one of its members, especially the young ones. Pups always made her uncomfortable—not necessarily in a terrible way, but she was acutely aware of her awkwardness around them.
This one seemed old enough to be part of the adult ranks, though, and she only watched through half-lidded eyes as the other Infernian slipped into the springs. Relaxing in the heated water was as nice a way as any other to meet new clan mates, Vesper supposed.
Turning languidly, rolling half on her side, Vesper eyed the newcomer for another moment then smirked faintly. “Surprised the whole of Inferni hasn’t gathered here already,” she remarked lightly. Her tail flopped out of the water, sending a few drops in the other’s direction accidentally—not that she thought the kid would mind. Still, she lowered her ears somewhat sheepishly and added, “I’m Vesper, the Optio.” Her rank was added without much authority, though it would be a useful enough detail so that the other female would know who she was. She still wasn’t altogether comfortable being at such a high rank, at least as far as where the other members were concerned, but she supposed she would adapt soon enough.
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