reflections.

At the muffled sound of footfalls, his ear flicked thoughtlessly sideways. The sand had covered the sound of her approach until the stranger was nearly abreast of him, but Wyndham didn't allow himself to appear startled. At her greeting he leisurely craned his head her way and flashed a half grin before returning his gaze to the sky.

"It's so empty out here, the stars feel closer." A little romanticized, sure, but it was partly true. The dark blanket of sky stretched out unbroken above them with no trees or mountains to give a sense of perspective. "I've never seen a desert before. Hear about 'em, but never actually been to one." A small laugh escaped him; he was musing too much. Slowly he stood and stretched (long and languid) before turning to the stranger. "Ha, look at my manners. Wyndham Rittan Cross, well met." He hadn't missed her shortness of breath, but she didn't seem anxious and he wasn't inclined to believe anything suspicious. Out for a night run, maybe?