The air was hot and dry against his face as he floated through the air, dark feathers drinking in the sun's light as he moved. All this for what, love? For what could be described as a simple fondness? Familiarity in an unfamiliar land? Malak didn't know exactly why he decided to fly all the way out here.

His flight was awkward and lopsided, the bald patch upon his wing presenting a very obvious scar; the pink skin now a shade of grey from dehydration. Malak was losing more water than he could find and that wasn't sediment filled. He never believed in the saying "beggars can't be choosers."

The bird drifted slowly down onto the sand, exhausted from his trip and in need of rest but the ground offered no resistance and no mercy as it's hot sands bit and chewed at his dark feet. Malak squawked rapidly as he took flight again, flapping vigorously at the motionless air. His wings were tired, and his bones ached from use. Malak stiffly flapped his wings to slow himself down to land, but instead went tumbling into the hot sands once more with a worn-out grumble.

Malak missed his tree, he missed the shiny goods that washed up on the cold shores, he missed the icy mornings. But most of all, he missed Bai Shi and he knew they'd be here. And yet.

    the woman flitted across the lands until her eyes found a bird. the dragoness pulled her wings close as she dove down towards the corvid. or, it looked like a corvid to her. her wings opened as she slowed herself. stopping before she would collide with the sands. dainty feet landing softly as she eyes the strange bird. scarred wing catching her eye.

you look aweful. you need water? she asked with a slightly sarcastic tone of voice. though i am surprised you lived this long. you seem out of your element. she admits with a soft click of her tongue.

she moved to let her shadow cast on him. perhaps some shade would help in a way. the name is bai jing ai. though not many people acknowledge me, so no need to remember it. she adds as she watches the stranger. wondering if they would even survive.

speaking