Though the dunes as a whole were rather a mundane to look at, the little sanctuaries by the oasis, springs and other water sources were some of the most beautiful sights. The desert was a barren and savage place but the refuges it provided were almost worth the risk in getting to them – it was also an added bonus that there were not many large predators that lurked that were able to take on a horse. Sure, there were snakes but if you didn’t bother them, they tended not to bother you. Not many rival stallions wandered into the territory by accident either so the dunes did have its advantages even if the heat was an annoyance. There would always be shelter from it so the herd had little to worry about so long as they kept together.

Olaf could sense that Chianti was tired after the swim, he was too but it was not too far for them to reach their destination. He would both feel more comfortable when they were safely at the oasis and he could make sure the rest of the her was safe and settled too. When the reach the oasis, Chianti moves to the water and he follows, dipping his head down to the crystalline water. Being used to the heat of Salem already, he did not linger as long as she did and moved back from the water’s edge to survey the herd and make sure no dangers lurked.

Satisfied that all was well, he welcomed Chianti’s presence back by his side. As her teeth reached out to his skin, so too do his find hers. Nostalgically and with a hidden smile, he notes that her hide tastes of salt.