Just as he had herded Chianti from the crossing to Luthien all those years ago, he now herded her toward Salem. The current changed as they swam, gradually turning from the mild chill of the crossing to the gentle warmth of Salem. ”This home. he told her, her their hooves met the sandy shore of the dunes. He preferred the thick tree coverage and mild weather that the thicket had boasted but the dunes were quickly becoming home. While the barren, open sand dunes were mundane at best and a death trap at worst, the solid ground that surrounded the water sources and boasted hardy trees and grasses was more than adequate. There were even days where he almost enjoyed the heat.

Moving up from the beach, they followed the river before branching off over a few meagre dunes to reach the oasis. A large pool stretched out in front of them with a tall, rust coloured rock face rising behind it which was home to a small narrow waterfall. Green plants surround the fringes, providing shelter and food.