Submission (#5896) Approved

"Stop looking at me like that, I'm not going back for them." Peng had been glowering at Lanhe for the past few hours during their travel into Zevija. During their detour through Kyendi, Lanhe had managed to leave early enough in the morning without informing his traveling 'partner' (that's the last thing he wants to describe them as, but he's not exceptionally well-versed in other words to use...perhaps nusance?). While Lanhe hasn't so much as regretted his decision in the matter, he can't help but finally acknowledge his disgrunted Pomu, who has been diligently grumbling the entire way into the town of Erith, which is a few hours past their entry point of Hadaven that leads into the heart of Zevija. Peng bristles and huffs, clearly not pleased at the response Lanhe has given him, but powerless to do much to change the stubborn kittom's mind. 

Lanhe sighs. He's not proud to admit it...but he's tired. His journey around Eyre has left him running on fumes, and as much as he loathes to admit it, there was a certain...assistance that came along with Salva tagging along for the ride. If nothing else, another few paws to help carry some of their traveling supplies. So now that he's alone and on his own, having his own Pomu be disgruntled at him is not something he's really looking forward to. These emotions manifest negatively and Lanhe snaps at his shadowy partner,

"If you're not going to do anything useful, just go back to the shadows where you belong!" The words are spoken harshly, and as soon as they leave his mouth, even Lanhe recoils a bit at their venom. Peng's shoulders slump and the Pomu's eyes search for the ground where Lanhe's shadow is located. Before Lanhe can even begin to form the start of an apology, his Pomu disappears, leaving the green kittom finally in the solitude he so desired (yet what his mind and his heart yearns for...well those two things are often in disagreement). 

"Well, well, well, aren't you a fierce little beast?" Lanhe stiffens, the unannounced voice has caught him off guard and his eyes dart around the unfamiliar landscape in an attempt to locate its' owner. But all he is able to gleen from the environment is the same landscape. Canyons of rocks, dark and dusted from years upon weathering, with entrances into caverns that glisten in the fading sunlight. There's hardly any vegetation around him, a few shrubs of unique coloration, but his eyes are still unable to locate who was speaking to him. A solid thud behind him causes him to jump, and Lanhe swiftly turns. An Elnin of sometype he's never seen before stands beforehim, towering in stature and in rank. Lanhe has met Elnin born with the unique attunement of the fae, but this one? Their wings are unique, a blend of two different types that flow together seemlessly. Plated gold scales run along their lower belly and cover four pairs of horns that curve gracefully on the side and atop the Elnin's head. Fire seems to become of them, and Lanhe can feel heat just by being in proximity. 

"No need to be too startled. I am only here to guide you into the city, this area is not quite hospitable for such a youngling as yourself." She introduces herself as Salamandra, a name fitting for one such as draconic as herself, and regales Lanhe with stories of her unbringing and other's she has met along the way. Before Lanhe knows it, he's at the entrace to Erith. He casts a wary glance towards the distance, volcanoes are a common sight in Zevija, but he's never been so close to one to the point where the lava is visable even at a distance. 

"Want to go for a dip?" The voice is warm and close to his ear, causing Lanhe to stiffle a yelp at the sudden encroachment upon his personal space. Salamandra laughs, its been some time since she's been able to tease such a newcoming so earnestly. She slinks ahead, beckoning the kittom to follow. He does so.
"There's some artifically created hot springs here that I love to take my own kittoms to, helps to soothe the soul." The two of them approach a building decorated quite well to match the Zevijaian landscape. There's a fair use of crystals to ornament the door and signs, and there seems to be quite a decent amount of people who are utilizing the space. Upon entering, the receptionist lights up at the familiar face of one her customers and, after some payment has been sorted (Lanhe really tried to protest, but a lazy way of her scaled paw sent him into another bout of silence) Lanhe finds himself neck deep in warm waters. 

Salamandra lounges off to the side, and observes Lanhe with a thoughtful gaze. 

"Trouble in paradise with your Pomu, little beast?" She does her best to avoid sounding too sarcastic with her words, knowing that she's treading some delicate waters. Lanhe hums, although the sound is muffled by the water and comes up as bubbles instead. Something that frustrates him and amuses Salamandra. He slumps his shoulders and lifts his head toward the sky. The sun has long set, and being so far away from the lights of major cities has allowed the sky to shine quite brightly. The hot springs are decorated with paper lanterns that sway gently in the steam. Lanhe considers not replying at all, but bites his tongue at the thought of showing such disrespect to somebody who has treated him with nothing else but kindness in return.
"We had... a disagreement about leaving behind somebody we were traveling with. Peng, my pomu, got along quite well with them. While I..." Lanhe's voice trails off and he relaxes more into the water in thought. Did he not get along with Salva? That's clearly not true...they've often worked well together during their time, and its not like Salva has done anything to directly hinder Lanhe from his mission. So why... "I'm not sure how I felt about them." Peng floats by him, the pomu had eventually been coaxed out of his shadow and has delighted in the time to soak in the warm waters. Salamandra makes a noise of acknowledgement, although the noble Elnin doesn't offer any insight on the internal battle waging war within Lanhe's mind. The night is calm and soon Lanhe finds his eyes closing. He's never really had much time to relax...thoughts like these haven't been easy to come by and having the time to actually consider his relationships with those around him seem to come clearer to him. More so than ever before. His head tilts back and rests on the rocks behind him, eyelids starting to feel heavy and drooping in response. In the distance he can hear his temporary guide chuckle softly.

Lanhe isn't sure how much time passed, at some point he remembers being gently removed from the hotspring and bundled in warm and soft towels. Such comfort and warmth he's not felt in a very, very long time. Unconsciously he wraps more into himself, craving the warmth, and soon his body is deposited on a soft bed. The rest of the night is filled with dreams and thoughts, in blissful ignorance to the passage of time around him. Salamandra allows a small smile before slinking out of the room she had paid the innkeeper for. The door shuts with a soft noise and she begins her own journey homeward. 

"Rest well little beast."