Though he had only been concerned with Ink's well-being during his journey to the Throat, Kaj had been pleasantly surprised when Mirage had thoughtfully included him in the trio that would travel to the land of sun and sand to learn all they could about their way of life and keep bonds strong. Journey had been mildly difficult, but he and Rishima had handled all obstacles well, keeping the gangly youngling within their midst safe. Briefly he cast up a thankful thought to his parents for granting him the light color of his canvas, as the sunlight did not sink in as deeply or effect him as badly as it did quiet Ink. Clear to him when the trio desired to split up, Kaj had left them with soft words of luck and a promise to meet them by nightfall if he could. With that he set off, content with walking despite the welcoming skies above that made the Throat so well-suited for his species. Conversation was no as easy in the air, and it would not help him learn the land if he could hardly see it.

Cotton candy clouds of spun silver drifted quickly overhead, blocking the sun at random intervals that lasted no longer than a few breaths. Warmth and shadows danced playfully on the sand at his hooves, small creatures of joy that tumbled across the sky like young foals. Light coloring or otherwise, however, Kaj is still submerged in the nearly tangible heat that bears down on the Dragon's Throat. Massive wings lifted and kept up a steady breeze at his sides, hoping to cool the skin of his coat. Living in such a temperate place had not prepared him for the blistering heat he found himself in. Regardless, Kaj was not one to whine or complain and found himself enjoying the beauty that met baby blue irises instead of focusing on his own discomfort. Carmine sand mixed with cream, a beautiful display that crossed into clay and different metals hidden beneath that Kaj had never before seen. Exotic flowers bloomed on the various cacti, expending their soft cloying perfumes that he had never before had touch his senses.

Before the aureate brute could realize it, an awed and appreciative smile had stretched his muzzle. Ache in his leg and bruised muscles could not keep him from enjoying this, and even the pain brought him comfort as it reminded him of the great fight Maskan had given him, his first milestone towards perhaps becoming a creature of higher standing. In the end he realized after nearly two hours of exploring that shade or water was necessary, and began looking for the nearest citizen to direct him towards either option. Looming tree was what caught his gaze instead, and beneath it rested a slim form that swam beneath his vision as the heat caused the air to shimmer before him. From what he could tell it was a mare, but everything else was rather blurred to him. Clueless over how to make this mirage of heat disappear- and inwardly chuckling at the pun he had not intended to make- Kaj instead moved his body forward into a smooth trot to reach this unknown face. As he approached he softly called out, not wishing to startle the lass who was clearly moving and picking up something. "Excuse me miss, can you direct me to-" abruptly he stopped when at last he was welcomed beneath the oddly colored tree's shade, and the soft feminine face was immediately placed within his memory, a name popping up on his lips directly after. "Onni?"

Once the shock and joy of seeing her had somewhat faded, he regained his manners and smiled warmly at her. "It is great to see you again, Onni. Have you been well?" Only then did crimson chain glint in the light and catch his eyes. Realizing she could not speak with it held in her jaws the way she did, he moved forward into a closer approach. Not wishing to do so without her permission he bent his head down to look at the small femme and let his eyes speak out the question that soon followed on his lips. "Would you like me to help you?" Neck craned, muscles smoothly accepting the motion as he dipped his head so that their muzzles brushed against each other. Bringing his teeth carefully to the chain, he gently pulled it free from her grasp and with a few careful maneuvers managed to slip it over her slim neck. Letting it go he stepped back once more to give Onni her space, remembering how she had not been as accustomed to touch as he. With words not aiding him well in conversation, Kaj often expressed himself through touch instead. Now used to the idea that Helovians were not the same as his homeland, he had grown to accept the fact that souls like Onni and Ink were not as free with touch as himself. Crown tilted as he looked at her, no longer so much of a difference in their gaze levels with the distance issue remedied. "It suits you. Hello, little Lyhty, it is nice to see you again as well." There was no need to repeat his greetings, as Onni had not been rendered deaf simply by holding the amulet within her mouth, but he felt it only kind to include her companion in the conversation. Despite his protective, huffy ways, Kaj rather liked Lyhty and would never ignore a companion as if they were below their bonded mates.