The Atlantean jungle is alive today with the sounds of life. Despite the early morning rainshower that has left the ground spongy and moist, the sun filters through the treetops above with the gentle warmth of morning. By midday, the beast knows that the heat and humidity will drive all the residents of Paradise deep into the recesses of the jungle shadows if only to find some relief. Summer and Autumn had their disadvantages after all.

However, determined to enjoy the most of the reprieve, Annubis finds himself wandering lazily through the knee-high marsh grasses and clumps of fescue. That is, until the sounds of a stranger draw him out of the comfortable trance he unbeknownst found himself in.

Twin harks twitch atop his skullcap as the sterling dragga snaps to attention. Paper-thin nostrils flare wide as he inhales a deep breath of the salty ocean air, sifting through the familiar scents to uncover that of the stranger. A fruitless effort but one that is done with a forceful exhale. Blackened legs propel the beast forward, his silver frame tense and prepared. The voice did not ring with challenge but his experience with Lucifer has taught him to prepare nonetheless.

It only takes him a few strides to clear the obscurity of the tall grasses and upturned trees left over from last year’s summer storms. Multifaceted eyes scan the beachscape but settle quickly on the unfamiliar stallion of pale hues as he lingers amid the foam-capped waves that stretch the shoreline. Muscular throat curls as the beast arches his proud neck and closes the space between them with calculated steps, allowing his observant gaze to study the stallion. ”I’m afraid that I am fresh out of handouts for this month…” he begins when he is near enough that his words can be heard over the sound of lapping waves and distant chatter of parrots and songbirds among the trees. A cocky smirk tugs at the corners of his ashen labrums as the beast comes to a halt. ”So might as well go home now and try again another day.”