Firestone Hot Springs bade bade deshon mein

his voice, at least, dispelled the idea that this man was an immediate danger to morningside: it was calm and measured, almost friendly. this male was--probably--just here for a dip in the hot springs. after all, he clearly had a few years on aditya, and the springs were excellent for joint aches and pains associated with aging.

but morningside's scout could not shake the idea that something about his scent, his affiliation, was sinister, and so he responded, without hesitation, "vishal." it was his uncle's name, used as an alias several times in the past. he saved it only for times when wariness won out over friendliness. . .which was rare, for adi.

"what about you? where do you come from?" his voice was flat, businesslike. at a moment's notice, he could howl for backup; they were close enough to the plateau that a cry of urgency could summon several wolves within minutes.

just in case.