There was nothing familiar about this place, no sights, no smells, no sounds at all akin to those he was familiar with. And yet, he blended in rather well keeping as low a profile as he could despite being an elf who didn't belong here.
The ground around where he lay had a reddish tint to the soil. Though the mountains were full of trees, they were more dead than alive to the naked eye. Yet at closer inspection they held life, a life painted in dark violet and blood red hues that made the color in them feel as if the dark of night were given color.
A thick mist settled in again this night, it seemed it was common for this area which is the only reason he bothered to cover himself as he lay there beneath the open sky this night so to keep dry. He couldn't be bothered with his own tent to lay within and hide from the elements, he had to be ready at a single breaths notice should the enemy dare lurk near.
Eyes closed, he gave the impression he was resting perhaps even sleeping as the moon barely even shone above through the mist. The soft quiet voices from the tents pitched around him had quieted indicating most of the party had fallen to rest as well.
A small rustling detected sometime in the night, though oddly enough it was coming from within the tent nearest him. Something was existing, not entering. It was the only reason he kept his eyes closed and allowed the illusion that he was fast asleep. It wasn't the elf nor the human, the sound too small to be one of them.
He could hear the steps placed onto the ground one by one, a moment's hesitation, the slight inhale of breaths taken, followed by slow careful steps approaching where he lay. He didn't twitch, he didn't move, still no sign at all that he was even aware.
Approaching the lone Shal'dorei who lay there on his side, one arm tucked under his head while the other more tucked against his chest, the lone figure was cautious to the point of tentative till its last steps were placed mere inches from his body.
An odd sense came next, one that would have made hair stand on his body if he had any. Like static electricity, it moved in for his face careful and slow.
Just before it made contact, with very little movement at all Stone's wrist blade hidden beneath his armor was suddenly pressed against the belly of the target with the most subtle of movements of his hand. The blade didn't harm nor cut, not yet, but an unspoken promise to disembowel was both felt and known if it dared try anything more.
Only then did Stone crack his eyes open to stare at the presence before him. A very cute puppy that looked like a living constellation itself glowing with a small hint of blue light stood there. Seeing stone staring up at it, a small raise of his tail as if it wished to wag was seen but it was very aware of the threat pressed against its stomach.
The supposed familiar was clearly intelligent, careful even but it almost acted a little too perfectly like a dog for a manifestation of mere energy. Stone had observed this Leo at its master's side enough times to know it was a loyal companion and had yet to show signs of aggression. But the fact it chose to come to him here and now was not lost to this stone cold killer.
The tension in the moment thick enough to cut. Stone's wintery chill of a gaze clearly one that would hold nothing back to take the supposed companions life. Though he'd rather not upset his current employer nor his partner so he made his place clear in this bizarre moment for him.
Despite it Leo finished bringing his face in carefully, slowly and drew his tongue hesitantly along Stone's face with a small careful lick. Stone had never in his lifetime been 'licked' by an animal nor familiar. But he knew an act that lacked aggression when he saw one. He narrowed his eyes a little more then pulled his head back just slight. Leo seemed to sense Stone's unease with the show of affection however friendly it had been intended. Slowly, he pulled back and Stone let him. Lowering his hand and retracting his blade back within the wrist sheath.
Leo slowly wagged his tail, tilting his head and Stone watched as he lay there. "I am not a friend, now go." He said quietly, so quiet it almost went unheard but he had a sense his words would be felt even if not heard nor understood. Leo's tail strangely wagged more, a look of joy on his face as it almost felt like the canine was staring -through- him. Interesting. Despite Stone's stern words and actions, it could probably sense that he meant the companion no harm unless given a reason too. Like a wolf bearing teeth to a pup.
Stone watched as Leo turned and went back to the tent. But he shared one last glance with the elf before he pressed inside between the flap. Stone let loose a sigh through his nose as he laid there, silence again filling the night.
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