Welcome to Gaia! ::

On its own, the first hint of snow wouldn't have been too alarming. While it was certainly unusual this late into the season, a little dusting here and there wasn't unheard of - nor was it particularly dangerous. But there was something in the air that gave Inari pause. A bite that hinted all too well it would not be a little dusting blowing through. The breeze carried a warning to any that cared to listen, and Inari had no intention of being caught unawares in the middle of the storm that was on its way.

Shelter was most important, which meant haste would be paramount. The plains would offer no reprieve from harsh winds or mountains of snow - and while the forests would normally be safe enough, a heavy enough storm might see creaky old branches crashing down to crush those beneath them. Which meant stone would be safest. A cave, then. Preferably not merely hollowed straight into stone but at an angle so the wind would buffet away instead of being funneled right into where she sheltered. She recalled a spot not far from here that would be suitable, although she was unsurprised to find it already occupied upon her arrival. The wise saw the signs already, just as she had.

"My apologies. It appears I didn't arrive soon enough." She dipped her head politely before turning to leave. This particular cave would be a snug fit for two, and she wouldn't wish to impose herself on a stranger.

There was something instantly charming about the stallion immediately stumbling over himself at the first glimpse of her. It wasn't unusual, really - Inari knew she was attractive, and she had plenty of stallions and mares and everything in between fawning over her at the first meeting. But she often found the awkwardness far more charming than the smooth flirtations. It felt more genuine when someone stumbled over their words or was clearly caught off guard and had to put their thoughts back in some semblance of order.

"You're sure it won't be too much trouble? I know space is rather tight in there," she asked, although she turned to take a few steps into the cave, just enough to shelter her mostly from the breeze. It was starting to kick up now, the fine dust of snow making visibility more difficult as it was kicked into the air. She might have just enough time to find another shelter - but then again, she might find herself in the same predicament as here. Another occupant already hunkered down, and perhaps one less willing to share.

"This must be quite the opportune time for all those whose element is fire, hm?"

Inari could certainly imagine what others might do with the ability. There were many out there who'd attempt to take advantage, attempting to trade the use of their ability for anything desirable another might offer. But it seemed this stallion in particular desired no more than her safety - and perhaps, if she were lucky, her company. She could certainly imagine how warm it might be if he were bold enough to drape a wing over her side...

"I'm Inari. It's a pleasure to meet you, Hakuron. And quite fortuitous timing for me. I'm not confident the other caves nearby aren't similarly occupied already," she said with a polite nod of her head, at last padding properly into the cave and settling down on the sleeping cot he'd already laid down. There was just enough room behind her that she felt he would be able to squeeze in, but it would certainly be a tight fit and require them to spend the storm tucked into each other's personal space. Not that she minded, of course. Hakuron had already proven himself quite charming.

Inari swiveled a large ear when Hakuron moved to settle further back from her, lips curling up in an amused smile before she tossed her head in a silent indication that he come closer. While she appreciated the respectful distance, there was no shame in snuggling for warmth in a storm like this. Or for other reasons, really - far too many took physical closeness as inherently having meaning. Oftentimes it was nice to simply be close to another warm body. Whether that led to other things... Well, that was something they could decide if that metaphorical river ever loomed in front of them - whether to cross it or not.

"I was enjoying the weather of the plains when I felt the first n** in the air. I had a mind to see if I could catch some early blooms in the next few weeks. Perhaps see if my sister was somewhere near here - she favors the open grasslands most," Inari explained, heaving a deep sigh and looking towards the entrance to the cave. By now, the wind was howling outside and the snow was truly coming down in force. She wouldn't be surprised if they'd need to dig themselves out when things quieted. "I suppose I won't be doing either, now. Weather like this will surely delay those first blooms even further."

"We're both wanderers, really. But I can always tell when I'm in an area she'd like, and it's worth taking a few days to see if she's around."

Between the two of them, Koharu had always been the one that was more difficult to pin down. There were some that might've called her flighty, but Inari had always though her sister just had an explorer's heart. They both had a tendency to travel with the wind and they both had places that called to their hearts more strongly than others. Koharu liked wide open plains and Inari liked the forests. But they both liked places where they could see the stars at night.

"It's a shame I won't be able to see those first blooms... But I think I might have found something to make the loss worth it." Inari canted her head back just enough that she could touch the side of Hakuron's muzzle with her own, promise in her smile.

The river loomed before her, tucked as she was beneath his wing and with the nest of her tails curled around the both of them. With any luck, they'd hardly notice the passage of time as they waited out the storm...