Glowing Markings - Deapthstriders 2

When Wassail and Ornaax finally arrived at the main gathering room of the Depthstriders clan, the scarlet and deep teal runner was in awe. The main room was as gorgeous as the waters below had been. The shimmering multi colored glowing crystals line the ceiling and walls, casting dancing lights across the whole of the room.

“Welcome, to the heart of our territory. We hope you enjoy everything here.” The leader smiled, his scaled spiky tail swaying over the stony grounds.

“It is wonderful, Ornaax. So very different from the other territories, despite everything being underground.” Wassail dipped his head, a smile of his own tugging at the corners of his mouth.

The green and blue Haedian let out a short laugh. The sound was anything, but malicious.

“Completely understandable. Considering, and I am likely assuming, most caves and underground systems look the same where you originate from?” Ornaax asked, curiosity clear in his eyes.

“You are correct, I also do not see caves with oceans in them either, though I typically stay to the skys myself,” The scarlet and teal runner said, ruffling his wings.

“That is completely understandable.” The scaled being hummed.

Soon enough there was a small crowd that had gathered around the duo. Some in water, others on land. Wassail looked around, clamping his wings close to his body when he noticed the growing attention. It was soon after that a younger member of the clan had grown bold enough to approach the pair.

“Hi there… I was wondering if you would be interested or willing to, uh, come paint with us..” They stuttered out, nervously.

“Paint with you?” The runner tilted his head, pulling his ears back too.

“Ye-Yeah, we use paints that glow to allow us to glow!” The youngster perked up a bit, making a vague gesture towards another group of younger Haedians who were using their front paws as paint brushes.

“Alright, alright, sure I’ll join in.” Wassail dipped his head towards the leader who simply smiled in return.

The runner was pulled along towards the smaller gathering of Haedians. The different colors seemed to shimmer in the crystal light. They all had different colors, some bright pinks and blues and greens.

“Thank you, topsider! These paints glow underneath the water, where the light doesn’t reach, though for you I think we can find a cave large enough to mimic the effects.” One of the youngsters spoke, a deep teal that was striped through with a bright orange coloration.

“Oh? That’s really interesting! And kind of cool.” The winged runned sat, pulling his tail around his paws.

“First is to pick what colors you want! We have a vast assortment, and all are easily washable from your fur.” A third spoke up, their paws and chest already covered in the bright paints.

The group let out a laugh, Wassail shaking his head with a smile. Another went to go get a cleaning cloth, helping to mop up excess paints and clean off what they could from the Haedian. As soon as things were back in some semblance of order, the group put the paint pots in front of Wassail.

“So! First order of business now that organization and cleaning is out of the way, picking the colors you want! Go wild with what you pick, the more colors you choose, the cooler the effect will be.” The orange and blue youngster spoke, bouncing on their back paws as they sat up.

“Okay, okay,” Wassail laughed, “Let's see what we have.”

He leaned over the pans before peering in. He ended up choosing a yellow, an orange, a purple, a blue and a red to cover himself with. After the group pushed the rest of the paints to the side, they all grabbed a different color before dunking different sized brushes into them. Some sat at his front, others behind him. Fanning his wings out so they could reach the feathers within and make the whole thing seamless. As soon as they started to brush the paint on his feathers, he had to not squirm at the feeling. The group of Haedians let out a flurry of giggles, chattering as to who puts what color where, making sure to leave some of his fur and feathers unpainted to help with the effect.

“Okay, Alright! We’ll let that dry for a quick moment before we get to the dark room. Keep your eyes closed!” One of them chirped out.

The scarlet and green teal runner let out a sigh as he sat there for a longer time than expected. After that though, he was nudged onto his feet and guided by the group into a much cooler room. As they made their way in, he felt water on his paws, and soon they all grew quiet.

“Alright, you can open your eyes now.” One spoke with a smile.

When he did, Wassail saw how everyone including himself glowed brightly. Not as bright as the crystals but enough that he could make out the rough shape of the Haedians near him.

“This is incredible..” He was simply in awe.