Ocean's Breath Plateau sun-worshipper

like the other, aditya, too, found familiarity in the man's name—if only vague. his ears pricked at the mention of yuèlóng; he wondered how far it was, and if it was on the coast. pharaoh's pelt smelled like the ocean, but that may very well have been picked up in his time here, had it been long enough.

you could say that, adi replied, smiling. i grew up on the shoreline. the sea is in my blood and bones. there's no other place for me.

he cast his muzzle in a gentle arc, gesturing at the land. as for this territory, i was rescued from near-death here, he explained. it is special. as you may have discovered. . . he trailed off, looking at the burning tree.

a place of more gods than just his own, it seemed. aditya always knew the plateau was something more, even if just to himself. but if others found the same sanctity here, would it be a safe place? not everyone looking for peace was peaceful themselves.

the flames danced in his eyes.