Blacktail Deer Plateau Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Malachi felt the other's gaze upon him, but only turned to face the stranger when a neutral greeting alerted Malachi to his approach. His thoughts turned first to running, and he felt his muscles tighten. But his feet remained rooted for the ground, and Malachi paused before he turned to face the man, movements slow and calculated.

He did not reply right away. Instead he eyed every inch of the other man, jaded gaze assessing the other's apparent intentions, which by all means appeared non-aggressive. But Malachi took to the stranger with wariness. That the man did not seem a threat did not mean he wasn't one. Malachi had failed to count Caiaphas a danger, and Tuwawi, too. He stopped the recollection short. Paw hovering in the air, Malachi remained as if in mid-stride, with his head a notch down from full height. "Hello," he gave in slow return, and held a pregnant pause before adding, "I just want to get over the mountains."