Faedra sneezed slightly as a gust of wind blew stray grains of sand into her nose. She shook her head vigorously, blinking in the sunlight. The desert was not the most comfortable of places, but the obsidian-silver femme rather enjoyed the heat. Yawning, she settled down to lie on a sun-warmed flat rock, resting on her stomach with her head on her arms. Heat always made her sleepy, but she was always careful to remain alert in case of danger. Her fine tuned instincts were aware of the very small details of her surroundings. An insect was buzzing somewhere nearby. The wind rustled in a patch of dry brown grass. A raspy birdcall sounded somewhere off in the distance. The desert was the last place Faedra expected to find herself in. She rarely travelled to open country with little forest around to provide cover, but her curiosity got the better of her. The barren land was interesting to her, far different from the cold northern realms she had come from. Stretching, Faedra turned onto her back to let the sun warm her frontal side, closing her eyes but keeping her ears open. A strand of silver hair fell across her face, and she idly pushed it away. She hummed softly to herself, since singing was her primary talent and favourite way to pass the time. Having grown up on her own, the female 'dragon did not know any real songs, so she made up dozens of her own to occupy herself. There were no words to her songs, only the melody of her voice. As the sun rose higher into the sky, Faedra found herself becoming more and more relaxed, until at last she unwillingly dozed off.
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Excellent post. However, you forgot to timestamp... it should be something like this: Day: 8th Month: Dyo Year: Year 81376 If you don't mind, in fact, that can be the "official timestamp" for this thread. :) <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin was having one of those lazy days. He was off because there was nothing in particular that needed the inspection of a eighteen-year-old spy. Besides, it was nearing that point in time where pendragons took vacations with their families, abandoning schools and work for a week in the sun. Of course he could take a break whenever he wanted to. It was part of his "contract", though he never looked at it anymore. He knew each word on that fine piece of paper, written in black ink by the Graders themselves - or so he recalled it being said to him, eleven years ago. There youth ignored the fact that it had probably, actually, been written by one of their secreteries, enjoying the amusing fantasy that they would waste enough of their time to scratch out a rather simple contract for the newest addition to their espionage team. Eh, well, it didn't matter, now, not really. The landscape was untouched by significant features, a thing which made him slightly wary. There were few landmarks that he could use to find his way back. No doubt the wind would remove all traces of his pawsteps. He had an excellent memory, though. Could probably find his way back to the edge of the desert, no matter if he got back to the same exact spot where he had started out. A slender wrap covered his muzzle, drapped across it to keep the sand away from his nose. Sunglasses covered his eyes to protect them, as well, a bandana covering most of his head, with a pair of ears pricking through, the earrings that adorned them making gentle sounds as he flicked his ears. Suddenly, a coy smile curled his lips. A board - looking very much like the snowboards of humans - was pulled out from underneath his arm, and placed on the edge of the dune on which he stood. With a gleeful grin, the youth jumped on, sliding down the sloped edge, then stopping, with a sprinkling of sand in every direction, as he reached the bottom. To his horror, he realized that there was a young lady, one who he had probably pelted with sand. Oops. <font color=maroon>"I'm terribly sorry, ma'am. I didn't realize anyone was down here..."</font> Jace said, running a hand through his hair, habitually, hoping she wasn't going to snap at him. Really, though, he hadn't expected anyone else would be around at this time.
OOC: Oh, sorry! *swats self* I knew I was forgetting something. Thanks! ^_^ IC: Faedra's jewel-adorned ears swiveled around at a new sound. With a sigh she opened her eyes, silently berrating herself for falling asleep in open territory. She sat up and turned around abruptly as a shower of sand cascaded down, coating her instantly. Shaking her head vigorously and spluttering out sand from her mouth, the black and silver female blinked in surprise to see a young male lying on a rather peculiar looking board. Curiously she took in the side of him, wondering at his odd eye glasses and the mask over his muzzle. She sneezed once to rid her nostrils of that last bit of sand and cocked her head to the side as he spoke to her. His voice was so contrite and embarrassed that she couldn't help but grin to assure him. Fear not, sir, she said with a giggle, brushing the dust from her fur. The fault is mine. I should not have dozed off in an unfamiliar land and I apologize for interrupting your descent. She stood up and walked over to him, and then crouched down next to his board. Once again a curtain of glossy silver hair fell across her face and she unconsciously tucked it back. She had neglected to braid her hair as she normally did every day, and it flowed freely around her shoulders. With childlike curiousity, she reached down to touch the board with a tentative paw. May I ask what this is for? she inquired, glancing up at him quizzically. She had seen him ride down the dune on it, but it baffled her as to why anyone would choose to do such a thing.
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Don't worry about it, heh. I've done that several times before. ;D <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> The black-eyed youth was watching the female with sincerely contrite and apologetic eyes, though they were invisible behind darkly tinted glasses. Gloved fingers stretched and flexed, the black fabric sliding along his hand as the spy listened to what she had to say. Considering the fact that he was hoping he hadn't overly ruined her day. Or that she hadn't already been having a terrible day and was further irritated by the dusting of sand that had splattered across her as he slid down. The male took the moment between his words and hers to take in her appearance, noting everything about her with an easy eye. Jace's eyes were unreadable - in fact, they couldn't be seen, due to his glasses, still - as he decided that she wasn't much of a threat. Even if she did decide to get mad. <font color=maroon>"Ah, good, glad that it's alright, then. Though it isn't your fault by any means, miss."</font> He replied. Javelin didn't move as she drew closer, her fingers brushing against his sandboard. There was a faint smile at the gesture, seeing as most didn't know wht it was. Now if he had been in the mountains and had snowboarded down, they might be more aware of what he was doing. That was a more popular sport. Indeed, sandboarding was a completely unknown one. Few, besides him, had the time, energy, or desire to even try their paws at it. Personally, Valimos couldn't see why. The salt-and-pepper pendragon loved to sonowboard. As she asked a question, he wasn't all that surprised, listening to the words, then chuckling lightly. <font color=maroon>"Ahh... sandboarding. I use it to go down dunes, like that one. Not much good on a flat surface, but it's suitable while sliding down a hill of sand. Works on snow, too, I've heard, but I've never tried it."</font> The spy replied.
The silver black femme simply nodded as she registered the information in her head. She figured it was some form of sport, and she had to admit that it looked fun. Casually she sat back on the ground to keep her legs from cramping in the crouching position and leaned back, flicking her silver hair over her shoulder and idly doodling in the sand with her jagged tail blade. Her mismatched eyes regarded the male thoughtfully for a moment. My name is Faedra, she said at last with another friendly grin. Normally she was rather softspoken and quiet, but the warm sunlight and the comical situation had put her into a much more amicable mood. What name do you go by? It was not spoken like a demand, but a simple question asked out of innocent curiosity. She knew instinctively that she would like this male, and though she could have easily read his mind to find out his name, she considered it a privelage to hear him tell her himself. It was a moral choice that she had made long ago, and she only used her gift when she felt it was absolutely necessary, otherwise she felt as if she was intruding in someone's thoughts.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> The salt-and-pepper spy smiled slightly at the acceptance of his words - relieved that she had understood, at least mostly, about sandboarding. Few could understand why he didn't stick with the more normal "snowboarding", but there was a simple answer. He had never tried it on snow, seeing as his family had always lived closer to dunes than to snowy mountains. So he had learned on sandy slopes and intended to stay on them, unless someone he knew insisted that he try it on the colder, white slopes of snow. The youthful journeyman wasn't about to do it on his own, though, unless he was honestly without anything better to do - which was likely to be never, since he had a job to do, quite frequently. Otherwise he would probably vacation near the sandy hills, not the snowy ones, since he was already an experienced sandboarder. Jace stretched thoughtfully, shoulders rolling as his arms moved back behind him, fingers clasped together so that he could allow the muscles to pop and align properly. There was a certain sort of joy in the simple things of life, and he almost felt privileged to have been permitted to experience them. For having survived the transition between his mother's womb, the egg, and his current lifestyle. There was something wonderful about being alive, a sudden trilling of happiness in his heart for his existence. Javelin was a rather good-natured beast and found that the gods' gift was far more worthy of someone else, yet was grateful that they had decided he was worthy of life. Though someday he would enter Fromina, it wasn't now. That was just how he wanted it. Valimos wanted to live his life before he died. Wanted to, someday, have children and a mate, a place in this world that didn't rely on someone else to bestow it upon him. As Faedra spoke, he did a half-bow of courtly acceptance of her introduction, as well as in respect for her. <Font color=maroon>"I'm Javelin, though most call me Jace."</font> He replied with a slight twitch of his tail. <font color=maroon>"It's a pleasure, Faedra."</font>
Faedra smiled at his formal greeting, feeling a pleased blush under her fur. She always liked to witness good manners, since it gave her an example of what was acceptable. Most 'dragons her age considered her mannerisms slightly odd, because she sounded so much older than she really was. Having only briefly met a few of her species throughout her solitary life, she only vaguely picked up traces of social behavior that she could copy and store in her memory for future use. She was not very self conscious of herself, but it was important for her to know that she was showing pendragons the proper respect they deserved. Offending others was not something Faedra enjoyed doing. The pleasure is mine, Jace, she said, bowing her head to him once in return. Although I must admit this has been the strangest encounter I've had with another 'dragon, yet I find it so amusing, she added with a humourous toothy grin. She spoke the truth, but neglected to mention that this Jace fellow was also the youngest pendragon she had come across since she was barely a hatchling. He was intriguing to her, partly because the other pendragons she had met had all been several times her senior. There were no flecks of aged grey in Jace's fur, and his eyes were not dimmed with worn use. His voice was not creaky and ragged. He did not move with stiff arthritic joints, nor did he hold the same tired look of defeat in his heart. He was still young and strong, with many years left to live. The ebony silver tainted female couldn't help but stare curiously at him. He was not much older than she was, she could tell, and found him rather fascinating.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin actually liked the courtly ways of the past. There were many stories, especially from the human earth, that told of the courts of ancient times. Though the world of the humans had passed on, as well as their race, their stories lived on. Whispers of information that reached the young pendragon's ears because he was willing to listen. Some of the pendragons who had been alive when the humans were destroyed had written down the tales of the now destroyed world. Though there were fewer and fewer that were in good condition, ready to be read. There were always gaps in information, too. All of the history and the children stories of the humans had faded as time had passed, especially considering the fact that it became useless to have the knowledge, seeing as few cared, anymore. The humans were gone - destroyed. There was no reason to bother with a dead species, any more than there was to try and figure out what had happened to any of the other worlds that had ended. Jace was so used to having company that the thought that anyone wouldn't was really quite beyond him. Even those who were "socially inept" had their little groups. Those who were "geeks" tended to band together with their own type, all of them hanging out together to do whatever it was they wanted to do. Valimos might have been one of them, too, had he not become a spy so early in his life. He would have been a dork who loved to sandboard, though. The salt-and-pepper male had tried that when he was a mere five years old. Of course he had gone down smaller hills, those that had been made in the lands of the Valimos bloodline. His father had claimed part of it specifically for his eldest son to sandboard on. Though he wasn't the biological father of Javelin, he sure did act like it. The thoughts tapered off, however, as Faedra spoke. A light chuckle greeted the words, an amused curl of his lips signifying that he felt similarly. <font color=maroon>"Come now, Lady Faedra, surely the pleasure is mine."</font> He replied in a sincere manner. Jace found her interesting, in a friendly way. <font color=maroon>"Ah, well, I must admit, this is probably the strangest way I've ever met anyone, as well."</font>
OOC: Sorry, but this will be kind of short...I lack imagination at the moment. >_<; IC: Faedra's grin broadened at his comment and she chuckled slightly, flicking her ear to rid herself of a pesky insect that strayed close to her. No need to be so formal, she told him with a wink. If I am permitted to call you simply Jace, then by all means call me Faedra. 'Lady' made her feel so old and prim...two qualities neither of which she possessed. She leaned forward then, titling her head to the side as she looked at him before speaking. So, are you from around here? I've never seen this place before. You seem rather at home, however. There was a hint of friendly teasing in her voice, but the question itself was sincere.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Jace stretched his arms downward, slightly, allowing the muscles to flex, then relax, to keep them awake. Since they were dangling, this was a rather good idea. Otherwise he would probably end up with a pair of limp, useless arms, something he surely didn't need. Even if Faedra was as innocent as she seemed, Javelin could never be completely off guard, lest some enemy take the opportunity to strike. Though he didn't have any foes, personally, there were some who might know he was Pro-Grader, and would take that as a reason to attack him. Since he was a Spy, all the more of a reason to strike him before he could strike them, right? That was how the minds worked in politics. Like a pair of vipers circling one another, the snake wanted to hit his opponent before his enemy had the chance. Even if this required nipping at innocent bystanders, first, in order to unnerve their foe into making a mistake. At her second words, his lips curled into his infamous charming grin. The one that all of his female friends complained was all too charismatic, that they just wanted to melt into a puddle before him. They were all quite disappointed that he wasn't interested in a relationship. <font color=maroon>"Ah, yes. I've spent a lot of time around here, anyway. The best dunes on the planet, if you ask me. Can't sandboard without them, after all."</font> He replied with a grin, running fingers habitually through his messy black locks.
Faedra arched her back and stretched luxuriously, flicking a wave of silver hair over her slender black shoulder. She didn't realize just how the sunlight hit her in a way that washed her fur in a brilliant glow, making her bicoloured eyes glimmer luminiously. The eyes in question lingered on Jace's face. His smile was definitely a heart breaker, she could tell, and she couldn't help but flash him a particularly alluring smile of her own. He was so likable that it was hard not to smile at him so. His words made her chuckle slightly. No, I suppose not. Although I hear snow is an awfully good substitute, she replied, watching him run a hand through his ebony hair. His motions were almost hypnotic to her. When she managed to pull her gaze from his movements, she turned her attention back out to the dusty environment. It was rather hot now that the sun was climbing higher, and Faedra felt a thin sheen of sweat forming under her fur. However, she did not mind the discomfort, and closed her eyes with bliss as a sudden breeze blew softly against her dampened body, cooling her off somewhat. Any temporary relief from the heat was welcome. But...there is a certain beauty in the desert that mountains of ice and snow cannot match, she admitted thoughtfully, picking up a handful of sand and letting it slide silkily through her fingers.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin couldn't quite see the sunlight's glow that spread across his companion's body, due to the sunglasses that darkened his vision. However, he did notice it, glimmering softly across her coat. It was something interesting, a thing that caught the attention of anyone in passing, shining and shimmering quite gently underneath the rays of the sun. It was a slight brush of light when viewed through the dark tint of his glasses, yet he found it interesting, still. There was something definitely "pretty" about it. The sort of thing that might have made a lesser male stare in awe. Yet he had seen a lot of strange things in his lifetime and merely found it an interesting new one. Not to say that Faedra's coat was boring. Merely that he had no reason to gape like a child, especially considering the fact that such an action would be considered rude - and rightfully so. No doubt others had done it before and Faedra was tired of the attention, anyway. Jace knew he would have been. The gentle breeze was a lovely contrast to the normal heat of the desert. It was actually quite interesting during the evening, when it was nice and cool. That was when it rained, though, and was not really a good time for him to go sandboarding. If he wanted a romantic spot, though, the odd spy would probably choose here, at night. It didn't always rain, just a lot of the time. Even the rain was pretty, anyway. A makeshift shelter, with a fire started, a warm blanket, and his lover. Warm hot chocolate or mochas would be nice, too. Maybe even some s'mores cooked over the fire as they cuddled close beneath a fleece blanket. That would be his preference anyway, curled against the one he loved. Ah, yes, but that was Valimos, a romantic at heart. Though some might see his idea of romance as somewhat odd or cheesy. Not that the male cared. As long as his sweetheart didn't. <font color=maroon>"Never actually spent much time in the mountains. I've heard that there is a certain quality of beauty there, too. Every place has something that is lovely, though."</font>
The sun was beginning to make its descent into the horizon as the evening drew in. Very faintly, Faedra could see stars appearing in the darkening sky. The breeze was cooler, the air less dry. Soon insects would be chirruping as the night closed in around them. The black and silver femme loved this time of day, when it was still considerably light out, but with a touch of darkness that gave the atmosphere a hint of mystery and peace. She breathed in deeply, taking in the desert smells. Indeed, there is beauty in everything, she said softly, turning to look at Jace with meditive eyes. Even though sometimes it is hidden from us, it is always there. I...forget that sometimes. The last sentence was merely a spoken thought, not completely meant to have a response to. She doubted Jace would understand what she meant, but sometimes she spoke before stopping to think whether or not it made sense to anyone else. The sun was setting now, and the sky was fading into a deep royal purple, streaked with orange and gold clouds. The stars were more numerous, and the desert seemed to wait with breathless anticipation before the dying light was completely gone before bursting forth with nocturnal activity. Faedra glanced up and saw a hazy crescent moon appear, glowing with a pearly essence against the dark violet sky.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Jace was happy to feel the ruffle of cool air against his skin, moving his fur back, then caressing the pale flesh beneath, then moving the fur back again. A couple of black locks had tumbled out from beneath his bandana and were now flopped down across his eyes, black crisscrossing black. Fingers drifted up, pressing the disobedient strands back, so that they weren't terribly intrusive to his vision. Night in the desert. He hadn't expected to be here this long. Not because he didn't like it here at this time (quite the opposite) but because Javelin had gotten here earlier in the day, toward the late morning. Now it was quickly moving toward nighttime. He had nothing to do, though, no one to see, so that was perfectly alright with him. Faedra was pleasant company. The sky was beautiful, speckled with stars that accented the rich, royal hue of the firmament itself. The clouds had darkened until they were no longer visible, though they left blank spots among the stars. It was impossible to see some of the normal constellations tonight, though Javelin sought them with avid eyes. There were a lot of clouds, though, that covered them. Probably going to rain at some point. That was typical, though. The desert world needed some rain to sustain life within it. Though desert life had adapted until it needed very little, a spot of water was always good. It was around that time of the year, besides, where there would be a lot of water here, at night. Such a lovely time, in the opinion of Javelin Valimos. <font color=maroon>"It's a hard thing to remember. Especially when our eyes insist that there is nothing but what we view through them."</font>
As Faedra's eyes lingered on the hazy crescent moon, her companion spoke. She listened with a slightly dreamy expression on her face, simultaneously enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Jace's words were deep and thoughtful, and she nodded in agreement. Truly he was a wise creature for his age. And who am I to think of him as a youngling? He could be older than me, she told herself sternly. She looked over at him before speaking. But it is better to only see what is in front of you and never beyond? she countered with a half-grin. Silently she laughed at herself. How philosophical she sounded tonight. Perhaps evening the desert had put a spell on her. It seemed to have put a spell over everything in the land around her. The place felt so calm now that the fiery sun had set and the world was drenched in darkness lit only by a sliver of pale moon. The black and silver femme lay down on her back in the now cooled sand, inhaling the breeze. It carried the lingering smell of afternoon warmth. She smiled softly to herself as she waited for Jace's response.
<font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> The world was growing increasingly more beautiful. The night had always called to Jace. As a Spy it was his comrade and companion - something he appreciated beyond a mere affiliation. Because it hid him when he needed it to, because it protected him beyond what he could do on his own. There was no way to be the completely camoflogued beast that he was on most nights. Well, at least it wasn't possible for Jace. He had heard of pendragons who were capable of the same sort of thing as chameleons. Yet he had never actually met one. Hah, that was a funny thought. It was possible that someone else with such an ability had been near to him and he hadn't even known it - highly unlikely, however, considering the fact that he would have sensed them. His instincts were good. Very good, as a matter of fact. The response of his companion caused a slight shrug from the male, fingers reaching up to brush back dark locks that had tumbled down to caress his eyes. Slowly slumping downward into a sitting position, Javelin peered at the sky in idle fascination, contemplating more fully what she had said. It was true, many would agree, that it was better to see what was in front of them, and nothing more. Many mates were that way. The surface attracted, that was what kept them there. What drew them to one another in the first place - bound them together. The gods forbid those pairings ever have children! For surely that would ruin the beauty of someone. Unless their offspring was abandoned. Sad though that thought was. <font color=maroon>"I don't believe so. Though there are many that would disagee."</font>
Faedra simply nodded at his reply and straightened her back. She reached up and began to wind small braids in her glossy silver hair, shaking her head so that the long silky tresses tumbled over her shoulder. Idly, she twined her fingers through the glistening locks and began to hum softly to herself once again, momentarily lost in the beauty of the evening. The few creatures I've come across in life seemed hardly effected by the beauty of nature, she said to her companion as she finished the first small braid. She began on another one immediately after. It is refreshing to find someone who can appreciate it so. She paused in her braiding to smile pointedly at him, and then continued her humming. It was a song she had made up long ago, and though there were no words to it, it was a song that praised the splendour of the moon. The silver obsidian femme looked up at the hazy crescent moon as she sang, and she became only dimly aware that Jace was still there next to her. As she finished her second braid, she stopped singing and looked back to him, embarassed. I apologize. Sometimes I forget myself and lapse into song. It's a habit I picked up as a youngling, she explained with a shy smile. It had annoyed the elders she had run into in her travels, and often she received a hefty reprimand for losing her concentration. She chuckled slightly at herself and pushed the two braids over her shoulder, and then started a third one, her swift fingers moving deftly. Her eyes flickered back up to Jace to see his reaction to her absent-mindedness, wondering if he would be annoyed as the others had been.
<font color=maroon>out.of.character - <u>harper thorne</u></font> Sorry about the delay... I could've sworn I had replied to this. Oo;; <font color=maroon>in.character - <u>javelin valimos</u></font> Javelin watched as Faedra began to braid her hair, a curiously intent look in his eyes as he watched. Jace had sisters, but they had always had someone else who did their hair, who twined it into lovely shapes and the like. Yet the Valimos family was rich, so that was how things had always worked. It wasn't as if they couldn't do it themselves, they were physically capable. As far as he knew they had learned how to braid their own hair, but they never used the skill they had learned. Therefore it was probably something that their fingers could no longer do. If they didn't practice they would forget what they had learned, after all, as it went for his skills as a spy. Which was why he was a practicing spy. The smile that was sent his direction as she began to sing was interpreted oddly, a puzzled look sent her way in response. It had seemed... strangely detached, at least to him. As if she was smiling at him real quick without even realizing it. The spy gave a languid shrug of one of his shoulders, eyes focusing idly on the singer. A lovely song, it was. One that reminded him of the moon and the stars, of the night. Mostly, though, somehow, it recalled to the spy hot chocolate and a good book, with him curled up drinking and reading in a comfortable recliner. Ah, yes, what a lovely idea. As abruptly as he had thought of such a warmly spent winter evening, however, Faedra stopped her singing and spoke - out of embarrassment, it would seem. The spy blinked uncertainly. Was she serious? <font color=maroon>"There is no need to apologize, Faedra, for I am quite honored to have heard you singing."</font> Jace commented, bowing slightly to the lady before him. It was quite interesting, her singing, something that entranced without intending to intice. Yet it wasn't enough to make him lose control. Very few things were and no one knew - besides him - what could distract him completely and utterly. They were odd things that no one saw or heard of, for the most part. The kind of thing he would never run into, so it didn't matter. A faint smile curled the male's lips as he nodded in encouragement and assurance.
another pendragon suddenly appeared out of nowhere. " may i sit down?" he asked in a polite tone. he had been drawn by the singing. he was dressed lightly, even for a desert. all he had on was a fur covering on his privates and a cloth headband. his fur was as blue as the night sky, allowing him to see the newcomers long before they saw him.
Faedra was pleased at Jace's comment, and she blushed under her fur modestly. She liked the fact that she could be so free in his presence, and she decided then and there that she preferred the company of 'dragons her own age rather than the elders she had come across previously. I'm glad. I like being able to be so at ease you with you, she told him. It didn't occure to her just how straightforward the statement was. She only knew that it was the truth, and it was important for her to have Jace know that. Suddenly, Faedra caught a quick mental image from Jace. It was unbidden and brief, but Faedra thought she had a glimpse into Jace's past. She saw females...sisters, perhaps...having their hair braided by other pendragons. It confused her. Were they incapable of managing their own hair? The silver black female banished the image from her mind. It was none of her affair, and not for the first time she lamented her inability to keep sudden visions at bay. Unlike most female pendragons, she could not always control her gift of mind reading, and often she stumbled across personal events that were meant to be kept private. Her body stiffened. Her ears swiveled around. Her nostrils flared. Someone else was near. The young femme craned her neck around to see another pendragon approaching. His fur blended in with the dark desert surroundings, so that she had not detected him even with her sharp eyes. However, she relaxed slightly at his tone. He sounded friendly enough, and she sensed no threat from him. However, she did not immediately invite him to sit down, since she felt that it was partly Jace's right to decide whether or not he was welcome among them. Instead, she offered him a polite smile and bowed her head once to him.
