I can feel the sand break through my hair; it stings the skin, forced into the wind by the violence of the coming storm. This is the price we pay, though, for living in such a place. It is no haven like the inner sanctuaries. Even Iromar is safe from the roaring storms that sweep across from the ocean. I merely close my eyes, however. I embrace it despite it all. It matches the boiling of my blood, the prickling of anticipation and excitement. Adrenaline still lingers in my blood, warming it against the cold gusts. Here, at least, I can avoid the full violence of it all. A metaphor for my future, perhaps. I'll always be able to hide away from what I helped do. Nature is so gentle in its own way, after all.

I do not hear her entirely until she falls into the sanctuary of stone. She is dark, slight, concealed with shadow before her voice creeps out against the roaring winds above. I watch her closely; her scent is so vaguely familiar. Perhaps one found among the trails of Underidge. He is an unusual creature and yet, I do not doubt he would not permit her any form of freedom had she proved to be unsuitable. Perhaps there is a feeling within me that insists I reach out and grab at her flesh and yet, I resist. I merely remain where I am, a single ear flickering towards her with a mild interest. Her greeting is simple and yet, she has still bothered me at such a time. For what purpose?

I rise then, peeling away from the ground. My tail instinctively arcs. My lip twitches to reveal the faintest glisten of a tooth. I seek her eyes out from the darkness and bore into them; I do not need to speak. The intention is clear enough: give me a reason to not act on my impulses.