Criss cross applesauce

The air was humid and heavy, the sand beneath Hattori's paws even drier still. Aside from Valhalla he knew no wolves had claimed lands to the west and he could see why, life out here was harsh and unforgiving. And yet there was life to be found, hidden at first, but the signs soon showed themselves under scrutiny. Slithering tracks wove through the sand, moving with a purpose before it vanished at the base of a cactus. Glancing up Hattori was quick to note it was indeed a snake, a very big one at that. Long and coiling, tongue flicking but with an obvious intelligent shine in its eyes.

Not a beast that would likely strike out at him unprovoked, he presumed. He got the sense it was waiting for something, calm and still, almost expectant, like it had anticipated his arrival. Strange indeed. Not that he truly believed that, surely this was all a matter of happenstance.

"Hello."He finally said, accent thick from disuse of the common tongue.