DEPTHSTRIDERS - 1

It seemed they were going to be in another clan of bioluminescence, if the continued glowing plants was anything to go off of. Nothing Xayah would complain about, of course. She was still feeling very content and happy after her time with the Watchers, her hide still bearing some of the glowing paints that Eleanor brushed onto her. So seeing a territory that was predominantly glowing plants and crystals? Well, she enjoyed it quite a bit already.

"I wonder what kind of clan awaits us here," She mused aloud to Cislunar, the guard having struggled with being accepted by the Watchers for his sheer lack of agility alone. 

"Hopefully, no more agility or speed trials just to get in. I am not built for such things." Cislunar grumbled, diligently looking around as the group walked further into the territory. 

Echoes of laughter bounced off the cavern walls, giving no indication of direction with the way it resonated off the stone and crystals around them. The subsequent splashing, however, had Xayah perking. Not because she liked water at all, but because she was curious. The flora around them and the crystals were all glowing; would things under the water glow as well? It only seemed to make sense if they did. 

Coming around a bend and stepping past a large, dark green fern allowed the group to see a wide expanse of water and several haedians zipping about. Playing tag, by the look of things. All the while laughing and splashing, not slowing in the slightest as they launched out of the water to chase each other around on land before diving into the depths once more. The group made no indication of seeing the vayrons and Cailu, and if they did then they apparently weren't worried about greeting them.

"I think you all will enjoy your time with the Depthstriders," Cailu mused aloud. "Ornaax is very kind and quite the jokester. You will find the trait extends to the clan as a whole. Fun and happiness are their priority."

Xayah shared a sidelong glance with Cislunar, both of them more than a little bit confused. Fun was the priority of this clan? The Tranquil had been welcoming, so had the Druids and the Watchers after a bit. But... none had prioritized fun of all things. That's simply an added bonus to a happy and healthy clan. Though.. if that's the priority of this clan, then surely they're well off on everything they could need. 

Before either of them could ask Cailu about more information, a splash close to them made Xayah jump and whip her head around to see what exactly splashed so closely to them. What greeted her was a grinning, green and purple scaled haedian and a few others behind him.

"Well, hello new faces! Good to see you again, Cailu. Who have you brought us? I assume the surface dwellers I've heard rumors about?" Ornaax asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity as he swam closer. "I am Ornaax. Welcome to the Depthstriders! Come- We will help you the rest of the way and show you our home."

Xayah eyed the water warily, the idea of swimming to the rest of the clan something she hadn't even considered. With the way the other haedians were assisting the rest of their group into the water before swimming off, she doubted she could somehow get around this. Even Cislunar was assisted along, the guard fully capable of swimming but not... quickly. 

"I can assist you," Ornaax offered, bright grin on his face once more as he offered a paw for her to take. It'd be no trouble at all to carry her through! Somehow, his grin grew even brighter when she took his offered hand and entered the water. "You all will enjoy your time here, I'm certain of it! Once we've taken you all to the heart, we will have fun events and games to teach you! Let alone the meals!"

Xayah, meanwhile, was unable to truly respond to his rambling excitement over having new faces. Her focus was instead on the glowing corals below and around them, her awe easily outweighing whatever distaste she would've normally had over being in the water. The feeling of it splashing over her hide was unnoticed, Xayah almost wanting to dive under it herself if only to look at the corals and their light even closer.

"I've never seen a place so... bright before. It's beautiful. It reminds me of the glowing murals from the Watchers." Xayah admitting, not seeing the fond smile growing on Ornaax's face at the compliment to his home. He loved his home, and hearing praise over it never failed to make him both happy and proud. 

"If you enjoyed those murals, then you will greatly enjoy your time here. We have something for everyone, and you will have your chance to explore everything to your hearts content."