Scheming took up much of his time here in the Taiga.  Gathering the misfits of Beqanna, one at a time, he patrolled the radial area of their compound.  Seeking entertainment mostly, his heavy feathered limbs brushed through the deadened needles.  The crackling beneath his hooves hindered his stealth but there wasn't much he could do about it.  Ebony ears swiveled atop his high head carriage to capture the slightest of sounds. Every so often they flicked to one side as a grin curled his lips, soon followed by a grimace at what he finds to be nothing but forest varmints.  Fiery orbs roll in disappointment and then continue to prowl for something more...

Long dreads of blackened mane sashayed along his sienna mottled pelt as his profile turned to seek movement.  His heavied frame slowing to a stand still when he spots a vivid palette tucked amongst the drab hues of the woodlands. Thoughts swiftly go to the flora of his island upbringing.  Discontent deepens the lines of his face at the reflection of memories filling his mind.  A thick rumble expels from his nares before he draws himself nearer for a closer look.  He had yet to see as much as a blossom in the thick forests and surely if he had they would be desiccated without thinking twice...

With each lengthy stride he advances towards the blush hues.  Eyes alit with the hunger to consume the invader with his poison.  It is when he notices the nuisance is entangled in the darkened tresses of a spotted flicka.  With a slight upward jolt of his crown, he halts quickly.  Black curtains of forelock drape across his ivory masked face, blocking his view slightly.  Ears rotate to seek any signs of others lurking, as his red eyes settle on the girl.  Besides the weeds weaved along her body, she was quite the sight.  All nestled into a nook among the giant redwoods, she remained oblivious to his gaze.  For a moment he grows uneasy for starring and thinks about simply leaving her to dream, but he is curious now and assumes the duties of leader of his crew.  Settling for a loud rattle within his chest, he attempts to arouse the young lady. Following with a deep clearing of his throat...  

Fiery gaze watches as the sleeping beauty stirs quietly.  Eye lids fluttering open to reveal deep pools that fixate on him now.  His thick ebony tassels flicker against his hocks as she daintly rises.  The vines of amethyst hang from her elegant neck as she approaches.

Her words catch him off gaurd though.  Not expecting such calloused thoughts from a sweet looking thing.  It causes shock to awaken him from his trans, shaking his head lightly.  

His body straightens and leans forward, puffing his chest with a huff of air before speaking in a course voice, "I was simply wondering if perhaps you were lost..." She looked misplaced here amongst the misty shadows, so logically, she could be lost.  "My name is Zain and I live here," he answers, though suddenly he wonders why he is wasting his breath.  Hormones.

His gaze suddenly hardens as he attempts to collect himself, "Who are you and why are you here in my forests?!" He demands answers of her.  Maybe the Xenos should teach this trespasser a lesson... 

The bulk of his body shifts in place as he awaits her explanation.  The thick scent of flora was beginning to churn his stomach and he tried his best to not let temptation wilt away her decor.  But what fun that would be.  Still he is uncertain if this intruder happened to behold greater magic than him, and so he bides his time.  Ebony ears swivel forwards as she speaks of not being lost, but the shift in her eyes tells him she is hiding the truth.  A large sweep of his black locks at his hindquarters begins to show his impatience. 

As if she sensed his irritation, her demeanor switch and a wispy smile painted upon her lips.  The fire burning within his red optics cooled slightly as he listened to her sweet voice.  Putting her name to memory with another flick of his ears.  Lowering his heavied head slightly, he rattles a light snort from his nostrils as he thinks upon her question.  It wasn't safe for her to be here alone, not with the crew of miscreants lurking about the shadows.  With him as her guide, she shouldn't run into any issues.

"Where are you headed?  These woods are not safe and neither are those..." His red eyes flick towards the borders of Sylva.  There was only one way west, and that was through the autumnal forests. Unless of course you knew the passage through the hills.  He wasn't about to send her to her death by crossing Sylva alone, if west was her intended destination.  He may be a rebel, but he wasn't satan...