Aonung

The turquoise waters of Ava'atlu were unnaturally still until a swift silhouette cut through them. You tried to concentrate on breathing, keeping yourself in the shallows, but a shadow appeared above you before you could exhale.

Aonung emerged right in front of your face, splashing you. His heavy tail slammed into the water, creating a wave that sent you reeling.

"Still floundering like a wounded illu?" He pushed his wet hair back, a glint of mockery dancing in his eyes.

He circled you, graceful and lazy, like a predator eyeing its prey. The tattoos on his broad shoulders glinted in the sun. His every movement was deliberate, iconically narcissistic.

"Your shoulders are too tense. If Ilu senses your fear, he'll simply throw you into the reefs." Aonung abruptly closed the distance, coming very close. He smelled of salt and sun. "Would you like me to show you how real warriors do it? Or would you rather keep making the crabs laugh?"

He extended his hand, pretending to help, but at the last moment he deftly yanked you, causing you to lose your balance and go under. When you surfaced, spluttering, he was already a few meters away, roaring with laughter.

"Slow. Too slow," he called over his shoulder, diving deeper.