Ah, the darkness had been kind to him. He had released all control to the shadows, to the things that lurk and laugh in the dark, to the art of ritual and witchcraft. Onias was unsure how long he'd been in the cave system, surviving off of small cave creatures and moss. He was lucky to have not been swallowed up, never to be seen again, but he supposed his companion had other plans for him. Cool, fresh air began to filter downwards through the tunnel and he knew that he was heading in the right direction. For whatever reason, this time, he had been spared. The winter air hurt to breathe, like the very light of the dying sun was burning his lungs.

In the darkness of the caves, he had forgotten language. It was only Onias and his vast, formless thoughts, guiding him like a beacon to the truth. When he emerged once more, he remembered only the common tongue-- the ancient power of his tongue had seemingly been laid to rest amongst the other relics. He was unbothered. It was of no use to him anymore. He weaved through the grotto, peering into the everpresent void that thrived just beneath his paws. It cared little for its visitors, and was quite quick to befuddle anyone it deemed unworthy. He was lucky to have gotten out with both his life and his sanity intact-- not many were, anyway.

Wind tousled his damp, dull fur as he took a few cautious steps out of the mouth of the cave. Her call reached his ears just as he emerged, and he turned, confused for a moment-- before he remembered the woman who had walked the in-between just as he had. Who had seen behind the veil, who had strangeness coating every hair. It had been love at first sight. She'd need to do no convincing to beckon him. Onias turned on a dime, stretching his legs into a comfortable lope, weaving in between the rocks and outcroppings that filled the terrain. His breath clouded the air in front of him, and stars began to speckle the upper reaches of the heavens.

He arrived in good time. She was just as beautifully strange as he had remembered. "I've come, my lady listener." He dipped his head quickly, as if he couldn't stand to take his glittering orange eyes off of her for more than a moment. A crooked grin appeared on his face. "Did you happen to know I would be here?"