Ramiel regarded the pale-haired queen for a brief moment after she’d approached him. He had seen her strength and prowess on the shores of the Prairie, but even here, her coat darkened by saltwater and pale strands of hair sticking to her coat, there was a brightness in her eyes that spoke of her inherent power. Ramiel understood the rules of fighting for captives on the islands and any personal distaste he had for being taken from his home like she’d done was quietly set aside. He did not pin his ears as she neared or try to bully for more space for himself; Ramiel didn’t even glare at her or stomp a hoof or flick his wet, white tail at his hind to give any indication at his irritation. No… if she was going to take someone from the Prairie, she had taken the right one. Ramiel was not going to cause any further heartache for his father. Any reason for her to regret having stolen him away…

That could come later when he had learned what he felt he needed of the Dunes. When he could find a way to return home knowing more of Salem and the politics here, the things his father would need to know to keep the Prairie safe. Even supposedly stuck here now, a captive, Ramiel was not thinking like one.

“Ramiel.” He answered her after she asked, giving his name.

He glanced briefly further inland, beyond her, and admitted, “I’ve been to the Dunes once, years ago, but I only saw a little of it before I left. That was my only time coming to Salem. This land is unknown to me” This land was new to him and he knew if he wanted to survive he was going to have to remain a willing subordinate. Any fight he tried to bring would only make things that much harder on himself. It was also why he knew he wouldn’t be trying to sneak off further inland, fearing he might get lost in the canyons and endless stretches of sand and similar surroundings. He was no help to his family as a set of sun-bleached bones in the sand.

“Can I ask… Why was it me you wanted to take from the Prairie?” Despite wanting to let the answers come more organically he couldn’t help but prompt her, his dark-blue eyes curious as he tilted his head slightly.


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