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It was time to relax.

Nohokai loved to relax. It meant he could do his favorite thing. Beachcombing was not only helpful in collecting shells and driftwood, but it was also a time that one could mindlessly explore the dimpled shoreline for treasures.

It also meant that Kai could think up new stories that he used to tell the cubs he helped look after. Not only was he relaxing, he was also multitasking. The beat of the surf against the outcropping of rocks before him was soothing as he continued walking forth, eyes locked on the sand and mind in the clouds.

His head drew up when he heard someone call out. To him? Lifting his gaze from the pebbly shoreline, he caught sight of a lioness wandering the beach much like he had been. A potential friend? Kai could only hope. He adored making friends in his pride, and he felt that the ocean brought him to friends he was meant to make.

"Greetings!" he called robustly, a laugh in his voice. Such a cheerful soul, Nohokai. He was without a mean bone in his body -- a gentle giant, as it were. "I'm just beachcombing for shells and things for the crafters to use in their work." Anything very special he found he saved for Sabbia, his new friend. Bits of glass, dried starfish, nice ropes of seaweed, barnacles, shells. If they were special, they were Sabbia's.

"And yourself? What brings you to the shore?" He moved closer to the lioness, waiting for her answer before introducing himself.

Kai nodded solemnly, his dark gaze moving towards the ocean. "Yes. I find myself thanking her quite often. She is so giving with her bounty. She has brought me many friends, many treasures, and many things to be thankful for."

Kai turned to look back at her. "I am Nohokai, but please, call me Kai." He grinned at Omolara, enjoying her presence. "I am newly returned to these lands, myself, so I am still meeting all the members of the pride. Tell me of yourself," he asked curiously, "and what opportunities Mother Ocean has given you?"

Of course, if she didn't want to share, far be it from Kai to press her for information. He was merely being friendly, a gentleman of sorts, though interested in learning about the friendly lioness.

Kai continued walking at Omolara's gesture, keeping their pace slow and leisurely - there was no rush when in Kai's presence. He seemed to exude a calm, almost, a laid-back and easy-going mindset. A perpetual smile rested on his muzzle as he listened to her talk, the tone of her voice causing his smile to grow even wider. He loved cubs, and cherished the bond between a mother and her children. It was something he craved in his future, but until that time, he relished surrounding himself with the pride's cubs and their affections.

"I was a rogue, as well, until I heard the Ocean's call. Once finding her, I knew I was home. This place, the serenity and peace of it all... well, I could never leave. She is a part of my soul, a part I cannot ever thank enough for all She has given me." He turned his dark gaze towards Omolara, the smile still on his muzzle. Kai truly was a son of the Ocean; the big, seafoam-colored lion would never stray from this place, that much was obvious. "Tell me of your son. He is a good boy?"

Kai chuckled at Omolara's description of her son. A mother was biased, yes, but no mother could ever fake the absolute adoration and love that Omolara's tone carried. "He sounds like a good boy. You must be so proud of having such a son." He smiled at her, his eyes warm and full of contentment.

"I have no cubs at this time in my life, Omolara. I have yet to find a female I trust to start a family with." He turned his gaze downward towards the gritty sand, a small grin on his muzzle. "I believe the Ocean with bring her to me; She has not let me down in showing me good friends." At those words he raised his gaze back to Omolara, the small grin turning into a full-fledged smile.

"As for thanking the Ocean, returning the favor, just show her thanks in whatever way you can. Honor her in whatever way feels right to you, Omolara. She would never ask more than what you can give her."

Kai couldn't hold back the belly-laugh that erupted from his lips. "Play in the water?!" Without further ado Kai leapt toward the waves, indulging himself in the briny sea. He spent as much time as he could in the water, finding that the salty water loosened inhibitions and allowed for childish play. Yet another thing Nohokai loved about the ocean.

"Join me, Omolara!" He called to her, a teasing taunt. He lifted a large paw and splashed cool water towards her, not far enough to hit her but just close enough to show her his intentions. Kai dipped below the surface of the water only to rise up once more, dripping wet, a thick strand of seaweed draped over his head. "Such fun!"

Nohokai laughed heartily when Omolara crouched and then pounced into the water. It was good to see one who seemed so timid and tense lighten up and enjoy herself. Life was too short to drown yourself in regrets and such; this was something that Kai lived by. Take each day and live it to the fullest, enjoy each moment that is gifted to you.

When the drenched lioness pounced him, Kai dramatically fell back into the water, going under the surface almost gleefully. The strand of seaweed dislodged from his head and he broke the surface once more, laughing loudly.

"Fun, yeah?" The large lion shook some moisture from his hair, grinning widely at the lioness. "Let the ocean free you from your worries, Omolara. She is massive enough to take your burdens from you, to carry them for you!"