Larksong Grotto there could be no other end

he worked his tongue against a line of battered teeth, thinking about the refreshing relief of cool water up ahead. his ascent had made him devilishly thirsty, and a hoarseness had settled around his parched throat from his efforts.

like a snake a rivulet dipped through the territory, its black back glittering and throwing off a sour reflection of the sky. iliksis considered its surface for a moment before plunging his muzzle down, supping deep from the crisp supply of liquid.

a call in a tongue he had no business understanding broke over the quiet rush of water, and iliksis drew his head upwards to regard the creature that had disturbed his draught. a youngling, evidently alone and unafraid: already the wraith was considering what fun he could have with him.

then, the voice changed its tongue and the malleable, easy to understand language of his own preference settled in iliksis' ears. he wondered if this youth had gotten separated from his clade: if that was the case, he would have to be quick. "depends- who is it you are looking for?" iliksis' eyes had already done a precursory sweep of the promontory. for now, they appeared alone..