Redsand Canyon Dearg

This is set for about midday tomorrow. ^^

The snake with the rattling tail sat coiled on a bright red stone. Sunlight streamed from overhead to bathe the serpent. Its figure was relaxed, draped over the sloping edge of the rock. It bulged where the body of the snake was most round. The beast did not seem perturbed by the position in which it basked in the sunlight.

Kinloch was curious. He had drawn near enough to smell the snake and to observe it with watchful eyes. The glint of bronze from his vision was brightened as he lifted his head and took a tentative step toward the serpent on the rock.

A gut feeling told him that he should not step any closer. His interest held him grounded in place.

The large pack that once lived in the canyon had dispersed, and with winter's last remnants long faded, Meridian returned to the canyon. It was not an ideal home for her, but it would serve as a traveler's stop, until she was ready to continue southeast. 

She spent her days watching the snakes, the sand, and the sun. Hunting for small rodents had become a challenge in the heat of the afternoon, when everything hid from the sun's judgement. The coyote did not fear the heat, for the sun provided life for all.

She spied a snake basking in the light, along with a young wolf watching the reptile with keen interest. It was a rattlesnake, she recognized the common desert reptile. As the wolf gingerly took a step closer to the snake, Meridian emerged from the canyon corner. By the sun, I wouldn't go closer if I were you.

A voice of reason sounded in the canyon.

Kinloch turned his head and his ears perked upright. He settled his eyes on an unfamiliar figure. She had the look of a woman who knew what she said. Curiosity would not win when it was faced with such a strong statement.

The silver wolf stepped back, offering space to the sleeping reptile. He admired the coiling of its body and the curious tail tip that it wore.

Not friendly, is it? Kinloch asked with a smile. The woman knew enough to warn him. He wondered if she might offer him some insight on this frightening and beautiful animal.

Meridian stepped further out into the light, revealing a sun-touched coat, in the colors of mahogany and sandstone. Smiling, she shook her head. Strikes as fast as lightning, and the venom will knock you down in minutes. She glanced around the canyon, there were no plants here to help with snakebite. Any who ignore the serpent's rattling warning were sure to be doomed. The coyote waved her tail confidently as she spoke. It's called a rattlesnake. 

Fast and lethal, she described the snake. Kinloch's bronze eyes shifted back to the slumbering creature. Its flesh had a curious texture, unlike that of a wolf.

Incredible, he marveled at it.

Well, you may have saved me from a quick death, ma'am. The silver wolf dipped his snout to the woman. I'm called Kinloch. And what might your name be?

Kinloch. The name didn't ring any bells for the coyote, but she hadn't stopped to talk to many in her travels. Meridian. You're not from around here, are you? Her tone was simply curious, rather than judgmental. Simply an assumption, given that he was a stranger to the reptiles of the dessert sands and canyons.

Is it that obvious?

A chuckle bubbled up from his chest. Either Meridian was sharper than she appeared, or Kinloch was entirely out of place. The southern territories that he had walked through had been teeming with desert life. He'd never seen such warm red stone. Though he hadn't stayed long in the lowlands, he had every intention of returning to scout the unknown.

And you? Were you born in these parts?

The silver man tilted his head, curious and invested in the company he had found.

Sorry for the ridiculous wait times. Gonna fade, as Kinloch isn't active at the moment.

Pretty much. That pale coat was certainly not a desert feature, where the canines had more tawny pelts to blend in the with sand and rocks. A desert dweller would have recognized that serpent. She motioned to the snake, who lay sleeping on the rock.

While she found the wolf interesting, Meridian wasn't up for a long winded chat. She liked to keep a mystery about her. Reveal just enough, and you might ignite a curious mind.

May the sun be with you. She offered a farewell, a final hint about herself. With that, she turned around and disappeared back into the canyon.