blood and rust

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Caiaphas' head lifted abruptly from the pinestraw floor as a howl, crisp and willowy as the thundering wind, drifted through the shuddering trees. Without ceremony the Warden disposed of the small cache she had accrued against a seqouia's rough trunk -- imparting several swift kicks after the mound, she left the informal cache and traveled towards where she imagined the sound had sprung.

When at length she discovered Eos, her posture shifted to one of confidence and there was no doubt in her bearing that she believed herself in command. She noted first and foremost the unruly mane that darted, smote by the wind -- a billowing and gallivant crown not unlike the razored edge of a hogback. She noted secondly, moreover, that any moment the waif-like thing seemed threateningly close to being carried off by the wind itself, which struck with such a forceful hand even Caiaphas was coerced into standing sideways against the gale.

Casting the drably cloaked female an indolent look, Caiaphas attempted to speak over the clawing wind. "Yes?