𖠰↟ The Pixel Forest ↟𖠰 The Park

[▸Atlas.]

Round 10 results!
Super small round this time! Guess that's what I get for forgetting to announce it on the main thread lol

Also for the first time ever, everyone rolled for Strays! I've had these pets stored in my PMs for a while, so they will be on imgur links. But these codes will eventually be updated to imgbb like I talked about in the announcement.

Lets Explore (all access)
Username: Nagapie
Pet(s):

Name(s): Enki & Siduri
Pronouns: Ze/Zir & Sie/Hir
Location to explore: The River
Story response?: Y
Using items?: None

It was a hot one, and Enki and Siduri felt like there was no better way to beat the heat than to go for a swim in the river. The trek across the park was unbearable, and even the forest offered little relief from the sun's scorching rays. Thankfully it wasn't long until the pair reached their destination. But it was evident from the noise as they approached that they hadn't been the only ones to have this idea. The bank closest to them was packed by other pets of all sizes, splashing in the shallows and churning up the riverbed. Crestfallen and debating going home, it was Siduri who eventually suggested that they try further up stream. The duo followed the tree line for several minutes; the crowd gradually growing sparser, and the sounds of splashing fading into the distance. Eventually they found a secluded spot, where the river rounded a bend and pooled into a perfect place for wading -- or swimming, in Siduri's case. They both enjoyed the peace and quiet for some time before a rustling in the bushes nearby startled them. It was a Stray, scared off by the commotion downstream. They invited them to join them, and the duo found themselves a trio now as they played in the water.

You found a Stray and 50 credits!

Lets Explore (exclusive)
Username: alphanea
Pet(s):
Name(s): jinx
Pronouns: they/them
Location to explore: Sinkhole (tier 2)
Story response?: y (if possible, no worries if not)
Using an item?: no
Links to required Park visits: 1 2 3 4 5 6

While everyone else was looking for ways to cool off in the summer heat, Jinx had another idea in mind. They causally crossed the Park, as if bored and looking for something to do. No one paid them much mind as they passed; never stopping to play or make conversation, let alone ask where they were going. Soon they were alone in the westernmost side of the Park, listening to birdsong and watching small critters skitter past in the leaves on either side of the trail. But it wasn't long before signs started to pop up. Brightly colored and reflective, they warned of erosion and the risk of sinkholes in the area. Anyone sensible would have turned away. Jinx however was delighted, because that meant they were almost there. A few minutes later they arrived at the edge of the sinkhole they'd heard stories about. Caution tape was wrapped around trees nearby, but had long since been torn through and now flapped loosely in the wind. Jinx didn't hesitate a second before looking for a way down. Only, a warning yowl stopped them in their tracks. Peering over the edge, Jinx spotted another Squinx. It was clear from the mudslide of debris that they had lost their footing and taken a harsh tumble into the hole. Calling back and forth to one another, Jinx determined they had to help this Stray. Expertly scaling the sides of the sinkhole, they half-climbed half-slid to where the Stray had gotten stuck. There, they helped the Stray free of the debris which had trapped them, and together they made their slow and careful decent back to the surface.

You found a Stray!

Lets Explore (exclusive)
Username: screemnigcheesepuff
Pet(s):
Name(s): Heorot
Pronouns: he/it
Location to explore: enchanted clearing
Story response?: yes but also no worries if not
Using items?: nope
Links to required Park visits: 2/10 7/10 29/10

(Question for my own future reference but do exclusive area park visits also count towards the required number of visits or just the base area visits?)

Despite the heat, the Park was packed with visitors out to play and to find ways of cooling off. But Heorot was in no mood to be around other pets that day. He set off through the Park with only one goal in mind: Find a place to be alone. But of course, that was a hard goal to accomplish in a public space like the Park. He wandered the field for a while before venturing towards the forest. Though there were less pets and people there, the paths were still too crowded for its liking. Then it realized... what about off the path? Heorot hesitantly placed a paw off the path, and only when no one came to tell him to stay on marked trails, he slowly ventured into the undergrowth. Here, it was hard to navigate through the plants which covered the forest floor. Shade-loving wildflowers, shrubs, and vines often blocked his path. While some he could walk around, others he had no choice but to tear through with his antlers. A particularly dense cluster of foliage stopped him in his tracks for several minutes; his antlers often getting stuck, and having to rip them free. But Heorot's initial goal had been forgotten in his excitement of his little adventure, and he wasn't about to back down from a bush. After a few hard swipes at the branches, he was able to force his way through. On the other side he emerged into a clearing lit with dappled light, and spotted with mushrooms and wildflowers. Birdsong carried through the air, and for the first time since getting to the Park, Heorot felt as if he could relax. Getting settled into a cozy patch of lavender, he curled up for a short nap as a reward. But no sooner did he close his eyes, did he hear a shrill squeak of surprise. Not a second later a small ball of fluff landed directly on his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Out of everywhere a Stray Squirrel could have fallen, of course it had to be on top of him.

You found a Stray!

[alphanea]

!!!!

omg that is probably the most beautiful stray i ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on!!! thank you so much <3