Seashell Hunting in Silence(?)

It was not often that Thalassa ventured outside the comforts of zyr home however the beautiful weather and the allure of the Forneus Sea was enough to lure zem out to go seashell hunting. Ze had elected to bring along a bucket that had wheels attached should Thalassa ever decide to shift back into bun form and could still bring the bucket along with ease. The Sloth had elected to keep their hair in a simple blend of high ponytail and messy bun without the accessories and secured bands of pearls around their ears. Zyr usual diadem and golden accessories had been left behind at their home.
The less recognizable accessories the better. Only the usual simple pearls and flowing robes were worn for this small outing. Plus Thalassa could remove them in hurry when ze needed to shift forms to avoid recognition. There were so many other buns with similar colouring to them that they were not overly worried about their colouring being the reason for them standing out.

Thalassa began their stroll down the path leading away from zyr home and toward the sands filled with seashells. Soon they were kneeling in a patch of sand just where the water barely reached it and pulled out a slotted scoop shovel from their bucket to begin to shift through the sand while searching for seashells. The Sloth continued down the beach, slowly filling the bucket up with only the best seashells ze found. They were content just having the beach to zyrself.

Alas. It would not be for long. Something caught zyr eyes and ze glanced up only to spot another bun further down the beach in the distance. An Envy. Thalassa was not sure of the gender but....It was hard to tell.

Thalassa hurried away out of sight so they could undress and store their sparse clothes away before shifting into their bun form. Then ze returned to zer bucket and began to wheel it along the beach at a far slower pace.

Then. Ze heard a voice drifting in their direction from somewhere further down the beach. An enticing melodic voice that seemed to be nearly haunting....It seemed like that voice was singing a song? They had to investigate. So Thalassa dragged their bucket with them as ze moved closer toward the source of that beautiful voice that seemed to be beckoning for them to follow.

It was a black and blue Envy with traits similar to Thalassa that had been singing that enticing melody that had beckoned the Sloth over. Ze listened in quiet awe at the way the other bun sang before their sea blue eyes met zer golden eyes and they slammed their mouth shut with an audible click. Thalassa took a step back with apologetic look on zer face as ze spoke softly

"Apologies...I heard your singing and it was beautiful..." However, their apology was met with narrowed eyes from the other bun causing Thalassa to sigh softly. Then. The Envy's claws lifted and made gestures that had Thalassa staring in sheer confusion. The Envy's claws dropped and ze could have sworn ze saw their ears droop even further if it was possible.

"I...apologize. I do not know Bun Sign Language. I never picked it up myself......It is ok if you do not wish to speak... I am collecting seashells if you would like to keep me company....?" Thalassa once again spoke quietly, offering them the opportunity to keep zem company. The Sloth was relieved upon seeing the Envy nod and ze began to move away, dragging their bucket along as they searched the sands for a good patch to sift through for seashells. It was a little less lonesome with their new...companion? Whoever it was seemed to prefer to keep to themselves.

That was just fine by Thalassa. Ze was not much of a bun for conversations or company.

Still. It was nice to have someone along on the beach searching for the seashells.
It pleased zem to see the Envy also doing their own seashell collecting as they also sifted through sand and offered some to Thalassa for zyr taking.

When the bucket had been filled to the brim, Thalassa bowed zer head quickly to the other bun, the Envy in silent thanks and the Envy seemed to understand that their time together was now over; it was time for them to part ways and head home.

It was a shame they had not been able to catch the other bun's name as they had quite the lovely singing voice but they appeared to have selective mutism.
Well. Thalassa understood that. Ze only hoped that ze would be able to see their unexpected companion again. The aquatic Envy had piqued the Sloth’s curiosity after all. Who knows when they would meet up again?