Ard-Rai

The cool water swirled about him, welcoming him here. He was but newcome to these lands, having only recently escaped cruel human capitivity. Ard-Rai had been told that he might find others of his kind here, so he had come.

He was a large spectacled caiman, and his hatred for all human kind was clearly displayed all over his scarred, irritable self. At nearly 8 feet, he was a large specimen of his breed, and his strong jaws held row upon row of gleaming dentals. They were ready to snap and remove chunks of flesh from anyone who annoyed him, but it was not for that kind of activity that he had come here. No, he had come... because he was lonely.

Finally arriving at what looked like the general meeting place, he submerged himself until only his nostrils and eyes showed over the water, waiting for someone to come.

Orinoco

The large Yacare Caiman swam through the water, still thinking about Penny. It was cold, and she didn't exactly like that. It was not long before she came upon another Caiman. She watched from a distance, with only her eyes and nose above the water. She moved in closer, cautiously, knowing that some crocidilians weren't so friendly.

"Hi..." She said, "My name is Orinoco. What brings you here?"

Ard-Rai

He allowed her to approach him, though his usual personality was kind of aggressive. He was simply so lonely that ANY company was better than none. So he let his voice come. Ard-Rai is my name, and I come seeking others like myself.

Orinoco

Orinoco smiled. "One could say we are like another." She said. "Welcome to the land of the Shadow Haunters, Ard-Rai."

Ard-Rai

A cynical smile crossed his face, but it was softened by the idea that he was no longer alone. The term "Shadow Haunters" made him wonder, so he spoke. And what is the mission of this organization, the... Shadow Haunters?

Dima

Hearing an unfamiliar male in his territory was the last thing Dima wanted. Back arched and body puffed up to make himself look larger, the young alligator made his way across the water, heading to where Orinoco and Ard were speaking.

"Just who are you, and what are you doing in my territory?" The gator demanded in a hissing tone, speckled eyes narrowed and jaws slightly ajar. He held back from an outright attack only because Ard looked to be the same size as himself, and he was definitely not an alligator.

Orinoco

"The Shadow Haunters are a misunderstood group..." Orinoco began, "They want to restore peace to the Valley. We will all live harmoniously, if we succeed." A surprised look could be seen in her eyes as Dima came forward. But she now knew better than to answer a question that was meant for somebody else. Still, she placed herself between the two males. The last thing they needed now was more injured Haunters.

Ard-Rai

His spectacled eyes widened as another male came forward, for he had been completely ignorant that this territory belonged to another. Dima's tone was irritating, but Rai was not the stupid sort. No, if Dima had invaded HIS territory, he would have reacted in the same fashion. So he repressed his irritation and spoke diplomatically. My apologies, friend. I only followed the water to its end. I am not from these parts, and I am unfamiliar with how you mark your territory here. I must have missed your claimance markings. My mistake. I mean no harm, I only come seeking others like myself. And he managed to look significantly cowed.