Moonspear and all the people in a dream wait for the machine

tucked beneath the brambles he studied the spears of granite and stone that rose above him. the mountains rose for many untold miles yet, and iliksis wondered what living treasures hunkered beneath.

he was about to be introduced to one such treasure -- one who came in the cheerful form of a small white pup with her tail curled proudly over her haunch. iliksis was too far to make out the unique smattering of spots on her pelt, but he was not so far to be able to detect she was alone.

like a snake he rose from the brambles and uncoiled towards her, his gaze hooded and intentions unclear. he could use surprise to his advantage and attack her right then and there, pull her into the thicket and have his way with her -- but that would be no fun. iliksis enjoyed the pursuit -- he enjoyed making his victims feel he was a friend.

but he was not a friend. he kicked out at a piece of heather, making a noise he was sure would attract her to him. and then he assumed the most piteous of positions -- his tail curled under his thin belly and his stomach flush with the ground as he awaited vela's discovery of him.