The royal woman strode confidently over the shifting sand of the dunes. The heat of the day had subsided with the sun’s return to the horizon. Belle looked out across the empty land before her, head held high and her ivory tail sweeping behind her as she crested the dune. This place was much like the land she had just abandoned. Her heart ached for the loss of the empire, but surged with hope that it would be rebuilt.

The night would be upon her soon, along with the cold it brought in a place like this. She much preferred to travel in the cool of the night than the heat of the day. She sought out those who shared her blood, and even more specifically the heir to their family’s lineage. She needed to find Hannibal.

The woman had no luck in finding a clue to his whereabouts yet, he announced his intentions to come this way, but the lands were vast and she had no way to know where he was now. Elegant features scanned the horizon as the sun cast shadows over the land. An oasis lingered to the west, causing long shadows from the odd vegetation that grew near the water source. Deathbelle decided to start there, and with practiced grace began her descent.

Her father had filled his kid's heads with stories of exotic lands, sweeping vistas and veridant valleys, colors falling from trees all year round and open blue skies. Medea had found a lot of what he'd said to be true to exploration... but right now she would have to admit she wasn't really all that enchanted, mostly just tired, and sweaty and probably would have offered a leg to see anything but sand. Eventually the sun had started to descend, the cool of night settling over the sand slowly and for the first time all day Medea was feeling more comfortable. As she swung her gaze over the dunes again, looking for what felt like the millionth time to find the end of the sea of sand. Instead she caught the silhouette of another wolf, smaller than herself as far as she could tell but with the sun setting behind them Medea could not make out any other details. The princess changed her course, she was hopeful that the stranger might know a way out and if not she honestly would have rather not spent a night alone here. "Greetings!" She called out when she was close enough to be heard but not be seen as a threat. From this distance she could make out more of the stranger, noting they were a female only a little older than herself, and Medea was struck by the woman's dappled coat, her breath catching slightly. She hadn't seen many wolves like this woman before in her life and Medea couldn't help but feel she was staring, quickly choosing to glance over towards the horizon lest she be caught. speech action

The sand quieted the stranger’s advance, but Belle was observant and caught movement from the corner of her eye. She shifted her body to present a smaller target to the unknown woman, who held an impressive height advantage. She looked about the height of Jekyll. Her voice matched her feminine form as she offered a word. Deathbelle couldn’t argue that she sounded friendly enough. She didn’t miss the shifting of her gaze as her eyes shot from Belle’s silhouette to the horizon. The hint of a smile played at the Klein woman’s lips as her gaze traveled down her sculpted nose.

”Hello,” she answered politely if not coldly. Silently wondering if she would glean any useful information off this impressive woman. ”You have the pleasure of speaking to Deathbelle Klein. Have you any knowledge of more of that name?” Her question was quick, no small talk would be needed before. Of course if the woman did have information to be given Belle wanted to regroup and decide on her next step.

Even perched upon the sandy incline Deathbelle took on her regal stance, but still ready to shift into a more defensive position if threatened. She didn’t know this woman, and her distrust was poorly hidden.

//OOC: Hope you guys don't mind!

Striden wasn't one to regret things quickly. However it felt like a mistake to have wondered into a place where it was just too hot. He came real close to collapsing, if it wasn't for the setting sun he'd probably would have been roasted by now. While the temperature got cooler, he was thirsty. He had never had trouble finding water until now. So this is what changing biomes was like.

He was exhausted and it was stressful to think that if he didn't get out of here by the time the sun came back, he wouldn't survive. There will be no resting, he needed to go back as soon as possible. Upon reaching the high point of a sand dune he saw two wolves nearby. They didn't seem to be struggling which meant they probably knew how to survive here better than he did. The option to have help ruled out the option to deal with this alone.

With his best efforts he tried to appear as if doing well. His eyes were a dead give away, showing his weariness. He approached and managed to at least over hear a name. He immediately made an unnecessary comment. "Hmm, that name though." He said without any real energy in his voice. Actually he would have said more if his mind didn't go blank on him. He cracked out a smile, best to not look like he was struggling in front of the ladies right? Nothing here was easy right now..

Medea noted the approach of another stranger and she took that as a good chance to stop her staring, observing as a wolf distinctly more in line with what she was used to , though as he grew closer she couldn't help but feel he was tiny, even more so than her smaller brother. The black and white woman spoke and Medea took a moment to ponder her question. The man spoke and Medea couldn't help but agree though she kept that thought from her expression. Besides it was as though she could say much, after all her siblings were named for fantastical creatures straight out of mythology. "Medea Beaufort." She began, dipping her head regally to both. "And I can't say I've met anyone bearing that name, present company excluded." speech action

As her bright orchid eyes roved over the impressive frame of the light colored woman their almost conversation was interrupted. Belle looked over at the pale man, his form weary and his voice dry. He had obviously not lived in the desert before, and she wondered absently how much longer he might have lasted. She felt her lips twitch back in amusement at his tired comment. She flashed her ivory tail and pulled her head up just a little higher at their appreciative glances.

Her amethyst eyes returned to Medea as she offered her name as well, and thankfully answered her question. Not that the answer was what Belle had been hoping for. She had no contact with any Klein. Deathbelle tried to hide her disappointment as she returned her eyes to the alabaster man. She didn’t know that she would be able to get any information from him.

”Thank you, Ms. Beaufort.” Not that she’d given her anything useful. She looked to the pale stranger then, ”If you’re going to collapse, you should probably aim for the oasis.” It was about as much help as she was going to give him.