Two Eyes Cenote calling the scarlet sands

When Tousaint was informed that Chani had left to go searching, he pursed his lips together and insisted that he go as well. He had passed over her scent earlier along the borders, and assured his aunt Chacal that he knew which way she had gone. He would hurry, catch up with her, and then do his very first round of 'searching.' 

It wasn't as if he wanted to find Miette or Astera, though. He didn't even care to look- all he knew was that those girls had snatched up every bit of attention while they had been in Sapphique and now even while they were gone, the pack continued to spend every waking moment going out in shifts looking for them. He had absolutely no interest looking but he did want to go and spend more time with his cousin Chani. 

Unfortunately, his mother was not easily convinced that her nephew should go out on his own, when Chani had such a head start. Touched by his plea, though, she did allow him to go- so long as Suzu went with him. 

He rolled his eyes but accepted the request, knowing that Suzu was slow and easily distracted her appetite. He would need to keep her close until they actually found Chani as his tracking skills were still lacking, but he fully intended to ditch his babysitter the moment he found his cousin. 

He came to realize, as did Suzu, that Chani had gone much further than what would have been expected. Further inland and away from the pack than even Suzu had ever gone, and yet they remained- just a few hours behind her trail, slowed by Suzu's sluggish gait, but holding fast to her scent. 

When the desert stretched before them, they continued- paws stinging from walking on hot earth, and dehydrated from the travel. But as with Chani before them, they were quickly swept up by the hospitable fellahin, presented with fine drink, and welcomed. Tousaint, still dizzy from the long travel, looked around, starry-eyed, until he saw his cousin. Leaving Suzu behind, he drifted to her side, regarding the riches and spoils with an envious gaze. He had never seen so much food, and so many fine-looking wolves in his life. 

A lengthy speech was given, and a beautiful hymn sung. Tousaint remained quiet, gaining a bit of composure with every beat and cadence of the man's voice. 

He wasn't sure exactly what this place- but he felt, somehow, that this was where he belonged. 

It might've been the fermented drink talking- but this place certainly felt right.