[@Juicy] In my understanding, Griff and Evelio are both standing rather close to the mote. Capella is atop a sand dune that rises above the mote, and if she were to fall from it she'd be in danger of getting caught in the whirlwind.

Feel free to invent a bit of scenery as it suits what you want to do (as Capella's sand dune) -- I'll incorporate whatever you guys come up with, within reason!