~*~
Meadow tightened the straps of her backpack as she looked out at the path that stretched ahead of her. It was the middle of spring, and many of the trees had grown back a modest crop of leaves after enduring a long, cold winter which ended but a month ago. The forest floor was covered in a myriad of grasses and flowers in full bloom now that it was warm enough for the ground-living plants to come to life, intent on catching as much sunlight as they could to grow and expand before the trees overhead grew out their leaves in full to create a dark green canopy that would block a good amount of sunlight from ever reaching the plants below.
Though a little chilly, it was warm enough for to head out into the woodlands for the first hike of the season. Meadow tapped the tip of her boots against the firm, gritty soil and tightened the strap of her slouch hat to make sure that they were secured in place, since the rest of her clothing was sitting in her backpack and she wore nothing else out for the excursion.
“Meadow! There you are!”
Meadow looked behind her and grinned, waving her hand in greeting to Bianca as walks up the path towards her. But golden frog wasn’t alone, and the bear’s gaze shifted immediately to the small feline that walked at her side and hand the older girl’s hand in her own tiny one. Both of them were dressed in an attire similar to hers; completely devoid of clothing save for a backpack and a pair of comfortable hiking footwear.
“G’day! What a surprise, I didn’t know that we were going as a trio today.” Meadow grinned as she squatted down in front of the cat. “Why hello there! I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Meadow!”
“Hewwo, Meadow!” Java replied with as she waved her arm excitedly. “I’m Java! Bi said she was going to see some pretty flowers today! And maybe some bugs! I told her I wanted to come and see them too!”
“She did.” Bianca added in as she squeezed Java’s hand. “I bring her along with me sometimes when I’m going out to the woods, and she really likes those trips. I hope you don’t mind having her around for company.”
“Nah, not at all. The more the merrier I say, and besides she’s a cute lil’ sprog ain’t she?” Meadow replied with a grin, reaching out to pat Java on the head and causing the feline to giggle. The bear cub got to her feet and adjusted her hat as she looked to Bianca. “So! First time I’m getting to see the flora and fauna ‘round here since I moved into the neighbourhood. Gotta say I’m stoked to see what’s in store. I heard the stuff you can find in the woodlands is a real ripper.”
“Si! Trust me! I’m sure you’re going to love it here. Though if you’re ever heading out this way I’d like it if you’d let me and Java tag along to explore.” Bianca gestured towards the path with a nod of her head. “Shall we?”
“YAY, ADVENTURE!” Java exclaimed excitedly as she skipped along while holding on to Bianca’s webbed hands. Three began to set off down the path and into the woods, the sound of soil and gravel crunching beneath their boots accompanied by their excited giggles and the sounds of wildlife all around them.
~*~
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A VERY cute picture done for me by Yosa8800, starring Bianca, Java, and now Meadow as a new addition to the nature lover's crew! I adopted Meadow from a friend of mine a short while back and I've been trying to come up with a backstory for her, and I found no better fit than to have her join in on Bianca's and Java's regular woodland strolls.
After all, good things always comes in threes! For those who are interested in seeing or reading Bi's and J's earlier woodland adventures, click [here] or [here]!
Also, fave the original artwork here!
Artwork by \r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Bianca Barceló, Julia "Java" Heart and Meadow Campbell belongs to \r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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