[Adventure] Sandy Toes

Dahlia tried her best to not trip over while walking in the sand, being bipedal suddenly didn’t feel like much of an advantage as she felt like she was sinking in quicker than the two others. “Ey, wait up!” She said in a hoarse tone, trying to catch her breath.

Ahead of her Ant was walking, having a much easier time walking in the sand but still having to get used to a new way of keeping balance for every step. “Come on Dahlia, one foot in front of the other.” Ant spoke with a gentle laugh, knowingly teasing her. Dahlia could be viewed mocking Ants words for a second before Tahlon took a halt and looked back at the two. Tahloon was definitely the most experienced of them all, walking through the sand given that he lived here, he gave a short smile while letting the other two catch up.

“So, what is there here, besides sand?” Ant asked while walking alongside Tahlon.

“Just you wait.” Tahlon said with a mysterious tone as they slowly ascended the sandy hilltop and behind it, as far as the eye could see were the most crystal clear water, white sand, grass and other herbs growing along the hill top, sea turtles playing in the shallow water as the seagulls flabbed their wings as they zoomed by. 

“Woaah..” Dahlia found the sight almost jaw dropping as they stood there on the hilltop looking down at the beach right in front of them. “It’s beautiful!” Dahlia said brightly before starting to waddle down the hill to explore the beach. 

Ant gave her a short nod of agreement before following her tail, neither of them had seen the coast before and never imagined it this pretty.

Tahlon followed after them in a more calm and collected way, having explored this quite a few times and lived in it daily. 

He lowered down his head to push gently to some of the sand, revealing a brightly coloured purple clam beneath the surface. “See this.”
Dahlia hurried over and almost managed to do it without stumbling over.

“The sand holds many treasures like this, each different colour. Some smaller and some bigger but all equally beautiful.” Tahlons voice was calm and the two others stood silently, listening very closely to what he had to say.

“Are they edible?” Of course that was Dahlias first question and It didn't come as a surprise to Ant as he shook his head in disbelief.

“Haha no, or well- I have not really had any desire to try.” Tahlon had to admit as he stood there in thought for a moment. 

“Don’t.” Was all that left Ant as Dahlia lowered herself, in what seemed to be a plan to try eating the shell however she quickly collected herself upon his words, almost looking offended. 

“I wasn’t going to eat it.” Dahlia said as she looked away. 

“Right.” Ant did not believe those words one bit, knowing the amounts of things he had seen Dahlia try to eat over the years.

Tahlon had a small giggle at their interaction before they all turned heads at the sound of splashing in the water down by the edge, the waves were calmly crashing onto the sand but just a little further down had a sea turtle snuck it’s way onto the beach, not by a lot but just enough to grab a jelly fish that had been dragged up by the water not too long ago. 

“Now careful-” Tahlon said as the Theri almost started to run towards it. “While they’re very calm, they do not like to be disturbed.” He explained and Dahlia gave a short nod as she remained by the side of the two others.

“He has the same colour as you two.” Dahlia noticed before looking at Tahlon and Ant. 

They both took a look at themselves before back at the turtle before back at Dahlia, their impressions didn’t seem like they agreed but both decided to give a small nod.

“Come on, there’s more.” Tahlon decided to cut the silence before slowly starting to walk along the waters edge, letting his feet get hit by the small waves that kept rolling in. 

His bravery or at least that’s what Dahlia saw it as, had her quickly curious as she started to inch closer before she was playfully waddling behind him and stomping into the water with every step.

Tahlon didn’t seem like he noticed or perhaps he just really didn’t mind.

Ant took a stop eventually as they reached a point of the beach where big rocks pointed out and around them, small green plants were growing lushfully. He lowered his head a little to take in their scent, they had this honey like smell to them.

“They’re okay to eat.” Tahlon had walked over and shook his plates lightly. “I will warn you, It smells better than it tastes.” and that In itself was enough for Ant to doubt the bite he was about to take, slowly raising his head back up. “Ah-”

It was like the beaches were never calm and quiet.. not because of the birds flying above or the waves rolling onto the sand.. but the chunky Theri that was loudly stomping in the waters edge as she was sprinting or well- fast waddling a few meters back and forth while laughing brightly and splashing water everywhere. 

“She’s a lively one.” Tahlon pointed out as him and Ant now stood watching Dahlia march back and forth. 

“That she is.” Ant agreed with Tahlon but finished his sentence with “But she’s equally kind.” 

Tahlon gave Ant a short look with a gentle smile before shifting his head back to her.

Dahlia suddenly jumped as high as she could as she let out a screech. “Carnivore, carnivore!” She yelled while fumbling over herself to step out of the water. Her yelling was enough for both Ant and Tahlon to go into immediate defence mode as they galloped to Dahlias rescue.

The air was tense as they stood ready before Tahlon slowly let out a soft giggle, lowering this stance. “There’s no danger here..” He exhaled gently and Ant looked at him unsure because of the convincing yelling Dahlia had just made.

“Then what Is that!” Dahlia pointed out into the sea and sure enough, just a handful of meters out in the water jumped two, no three.. five! Five dolphins jumped gracefully out of the water and back into the water. 

Ant lowered his stance at the sight, not only did they not seem like dangerous predators to him but .. they were in the water.. Aquatics posed no real threat to them.

“Those are not dangerous, Dahlia. They’re actually quite friendly and playful too.” Tahloon explained as he stood calmly at the waters edge.

“Woah.. The beach is so cool!” Dahlia slowly gathered her voice as her heart stopped racing.

Ant gave off a deep huff as he laid down in the warm sand behind them. “Beach exploring is exhausting.” 

Dahlia laughed gently. “Well If you’re gonna nap, I’ll see how many laps I can do!” and that was all she said before starting to spri-..waddle down along the waters edge.

Tahlon laughed gently as he watched them both, It was nice to have some company again.