LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

The sea was an escape for many, especially when it came to those that lived within Palmclan. Nearly all of them knew how to swim, and most took to the ocean as a second home, and a welcome reprieve when everything came to be too much. However, Rhine was well aware of the fact that the sea could be a cruel mistress, as well. He had learned that when he had been just an apprentice, beginning to learn how to hunt aquatic prey. It was the field he had ultimately ended up excelling at, but not every step of his journey had been simple, or welcoming. His first time trying to swim alongside his mentor had been a disaster, and he had felt the ocean dragging him harshly beneath her waves. He was sure that, if his mentor hadn't been there, he probably would've died that day. Obviously, as time went on, Rhinestone had grown more used to swimming. The tom had gotten the hang of it, and had learned all the tricks of how not to end up in the same situation. However, that first introduction had certainly set him on edge, and caused him to view the sea with a healthy amount of caution above all else.

The gentle lap of the waves against the shore were like a background chorus to the rusty red feline as he walked along the edge, a soft hum leaving him in tune with them. However, his peace was broken when he spotted the dock off in the distance, with both Vaas and Medusa atop it. Usually, the presence of his clanmates would bring him comfort, and make him smile. However, he was near enough to see how drenched Medusa was, along with how the hybrid was stumbling further inland, clinging to Vaas for support. Speeding up, Rhine practically jogged over, his chest tightening what he saw the state that Medusa was in. Coming up alongside her, the leader pressed himself comfortingly against her, his voice gentle as he questioned, "Medusa... what happened? Do you need me to get one of the medics? You don't look so good..." He wasn't sure how much any of the medic NPCs could help, but he still wanted to offer. It wasn't as if it would be that much trouble, darting off in the direction of their sandy hollow camp.

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Although Rhinestone's question hadn't been directly answered in words, it wasn't difficult to figure out what had happened, once Medusa spoke in her broken and slow phrases. The leader wasn't sure how she had ended up lured into the cold grip of the sea, but he wasn't about to ask her now. That was a conversation that could wait for later – or maybe even never, if it really came down to it. He wouldn't be surprised if the hybrid didn't want to talk about this, once all was said and done. Honestly, who did enjoy talking about such a horrifying experience? Rhine's gut was in unpleasant twists as he watched Medusa's slow movements, along with the fear and panic that wasn't well hidden within the depths of her eyes. He wanted to reach out, and do something, but he found himself struggling. After all, what more could he really do, besides just be there for her, and press his warm side against hers? He had offered to get the medics, but that didn't seem to be the ideal route to go, something that Vaas silently pointed out with his next few words. The tom's ears flicked back briefly, processing what the larger male had said, before he eventually nodded.

Vaas taking control of the situation was a good thing, much as Rhinestone was hesitant to admit it. Despite being leader, Rhine had never exactly had to deal with a situation like this. Injuries? Sure, those were a normal part of life. Nearly drowning? That was an entirely different story. So, once Medusa was gripped firmly in Vaas's jaws, the rusty red feline was quick to follow, short legs having to move twice as fast to keep up with Vaas's strides. Even though he had known, deep down inside, that Vaas cared for others – that much was easy to see in how he dealt with those that had come from the boardwalk – the entire situation still felt a bit surreal. Vaas had a similar look of panic in his eyes to Medusa – no doubt similar to the look written all over Rhine's face, as well – although he seemed to be handling it well. Handling it in a way that was no doubt a relief to both Rhine and Medusa.

As they grew closer to Vaas's base of operations, Rhinestonestar hesitated for a moment before speaking, hoping that Medusa could understand him through her stupor, "Medusa...? I promise that you're gonna be okay. We're gonna get you to the cage, and there will be plenty around there to warm you up... I'm sure of it." Even though things had gotten off to a rocky start between he and Vaas, Rhine found that he did trust Vaas, as they went jogging to help Medusa's freezing form. The tiger had done nothing to steer him wrong thus far, and that was enough to make Rhinestone pleased, and also make him feel as though Medusa was safe in the other's capable paws. Chaotic as those paws could be.