Past the Steppes was a stony staircase with cascading water flowing down to a stream that settled into a small lake. It was scenic and serene, though his gaze was fixed on the mesa above. He wondered how much more beautiful the view was from up there, predicting "very" to be the answer. Without any further ado, he crossed the stream and began his search for a safe route up.

So fixated on his destination, he didn't notice the stranger's presence until she spoke. He turned, taking in her ragged appearance. Christ, she'd been through hell and back, hadn't she? I hope not, means less work for me, He returned with a crooked smirk. He caught her scent, which marked her as a loner like himself. What about you? Have you got anywhere to be? He asked.

That was his cue. Because I want to claim it as my own; I seek to rebuild my kingdom. I'd like for there to be prey of course, but nothing else. If you've got nowhere to be, perhaps you'd like to join me, He offered. What did she have to lose?

The name's Black Hat, by the way.

She moved to follow him, which was a good sign. He continued on his path, now with Padma in tow. She asked a fair question, and he chided himself for oversharing. Not having to lie, cheat, and backstab every day left him rusty, he supposed. But no matter.

My pack was at war when I rose to leadership, and I was young. Reckless. We lost, and we scattered. So, I came here to start anew, He explained. Most of it was true, though simplified. The only lie was that the pack scattered — as far as he knew, his kingdom of old was still hale. But telling a stranger you were dethroned and banished didn't exactly inspire trust, now did it?

He nodded at her sentiment, finding it to be especially true for each and every Nightwalker from outside of the Teekons — each one striving for power either lost or never tasted before, scrambling to the top in a pointless rat race. Black Hat was relieved to finally be free of it. Now, he was making true progress.

Padma asked about the present and future, which were his topics of choice. I want to rule a powerful kingdom, but not one that gets itself into trouble, He answered. In all honesty, I'm ready for my life to finally settle the hell down. Black Hat was getting up there in age, and he'd perservered through enough chaos for five lifetimes. He deserved a bloody break!

It was in this deep inner musing that he realized she was getting an awful lot out of him. Christ, was he really that frazzled? Admittedly, it was nice to vent a bit, but it was time for her to spill a bit in turn; it was only fair. And what of you, what do you dream of, Padma?

Padma revealed a vulnerability to him: the desire to be wanted, needed. That was simple enough, he thought. Black Hat nodded in understanding, outwardly non-judgmental. Well, you're welcome to stick around. I could certainly use your help.