They stand just a breath apart, a sliver of light separates his mahogany hide from her silver kissed skin. Her words are soft, a caress to his ears. Soter her word is unfamiliar and foreign to him. It is beautiful, she is beautiful. His dark eyes linger on the delicate chisel of her cheekbones, the softness of her chocolate eyes, and the curve of her nose. His ears flick toward the soft sound of hooves in the sand, and dark eyes settle on Shaydowfax.

Their moment has passed, and she has found them standing together on the beach. She answers his question, with a reminder of war. He wants to snap at her, to remind her that he nows such things, but he refrains from letting his tongue loose. His jaw clenches tightly together as he grits his teeth. As the silence spans between them, he finally unclenches his jaw and answers her. "Here we are safe and sound," he says with a nod of his proud head.

He turns his attention away from Shaydowfax even as she welcomes Nereid to the Dunes, inviting herself to show Nereid where the water is. "Thank you Shaydowfax for the offer, but Nereid needs to replenish her strength," he says with a firm nod of his head. "We will remain here for the time being and meet you at the Oasis when she is ready."

The desert is no place to be wandering with little strength. His tail lashes across his haunches as he eyes her. He still does not trust the Dunes Queen, even after months of living side by side. Perhaps, someday they would be able to move past their differences... Perhaps.