A Rothian figure sat on a rock with their back to Vreta, gazing down at the city lights in the valley. Sunset was approaching. They raised a hand to their eyes and studied the rays dappling mountain peaks on the opposite edge. A slight breeze ruffled sparse vegetation clinging to the stone around them.

From the back, the Rothian’s left side scales were jet black. The right side was pearly white. A thin, jagged purple bolt divided the two colours up their spine.

They looked around at Vreta when he got up, unnoticed at first. The pattern continued on their front, but with a fist-sized blue cluster of scales in the middle of their chest. “You’re awake. How are you feeling? Come sit with me, it’s a beautiful sunset.” Their voice was smooth and comforting. The Rothian leaned over and patted a rock next to them.