Shimmering Sands [m] Hosts of the Air

Home was close. Not quite on the horizon, but close. He knew the curve of the beach here; he knew the tall tall trees, and the familiar shapes of birds swooping overhead.

Raiyuk had spotted something else upon the sand and lingered close, curious at first, and then as he realized what the bundle was, he knew he could not leave. The girl woke without him noticing; he was minding one of the various shapes further along, murmuring words in his father's tongue.

When she roused, he had his back to her. When she began to gallop up the beach, Raiyuk realized that not all of the bodies here were empty husks, to be picked apart by the birds. That gave him hope; that meant something could be salvaged from whatever this was —!

He moved as swiftly as he could in pursuit, glad that he knew the terrain a little bit. Frustrated, too, when he realized his own camp was not far, but he could not exactly herd the frightened person towards it; he didn't know the beach that well.

He could only follow the hasted steps. Thankful for his training, and his good health, as he came close enough to sight her. Wait! He called.

Wait, let me help! But she was out of earshot by then, and he would have to suck in a breath to carry on the chase.