Thunder rumbles across the horizon, bringing with it a strong gust of wind. Nyimara is used to the hot, dry winds that blow almost constantly over the dunes. The zephyrs that blow across her now are different and immediately, the pale haired woman lifts her head towards the oncoming breeze. There is a coolness to these winds that she is not unfamiliar with. The promise of a storm to come. Dark eyes scan the distant horizon where dark black brown clouds billow and plume..

Any other might have seen the storm brewing and immediately sought shelter. Not Nyimara. Excitement thrums through her veins as the dark woman anticipates what is to come. The summer and fall months on the islands are the worst for the residents of Salem. Any storm that manages to blow onto the islands from tradewinds very rarely brings with it rain. Sand. Like a thick fog it rises and fills the air. A sharp summons echoes from her lungs above the roar of the thunder, calling Uhtred to her side. The dark smoky colt rushes towards her with pale eyes wide in fear. He had never had to experience a sandstorm before. Dark gaze softens as he presses against her side, his tall form shuddering and tense. He wanted to run, to flee and yet still he needed his mother’s reassurance. Tenderly she reaches out to brush her ashen lips against his in reassurance. He must not be afraid.

Another clap of thunder brings the silver haired witch into motion as the storm beats down upon the Dunes. Fine grains of sand pelt her thin coat, sharp and painful. The roar of the wind intensifies as she coasts down the slope of loose sand and sees shelter between the gullies of sand. Mahogany ears rotate backwards amid the tangle of her sand logged mane. The refuge she had found in the oasis would be tainted once the storm passes. It would takes days for the water to once more filter to the surface and what grazing had been found so easily along to edge of the water would be hidden beneath a thick layer of clay and mud. She would need to venture beyond her castle to find sustenance for herself and Uhtred. Perhaps it would be the perfect time to visit her neighbors. It has been some time since last she visited with Marceline to the east or Rafe in the Badlands. She needs to see if they are still maintaining their own small herds.

But that venture would have to wait. For now, there is little to do besides shelter beneath the palms and wait for the storm to pass. With Uhtred at her hip, Nyimara guides him towards the tallest date tree to wait for the weather to pass.