Skarner & Zodchiy
Zodchiy
I’ve been looking at ancient desert fortifications, fascinated by how they blend form and protection. How do you keep your home solid against sandstorms and keep your kin safe?
Skarner
I stay still, letting the sand settle around me like a blanket. My body, solid as stone, keeps the walls strong while the wind blows. I move only when necessary, giving my kin a quiet, unchanging presence. Watching the horizon lets me spot a storm before it reaches us, so I can shift the dunes or close the gates. That is how a desert protector keeps the home safe.
Zodchiy
Sounds solid—solid. But a wall that never shifts might choke the flow of wind and moisture. Maybe consider a subtle arch that lets air in, so the sand doesn’t harden the stone. A small, calculated opening can keep the structure breathing while still guarding the kin.
Skarner
Your idea has merit, but I rely on the desert itself to shape my walls. The wind that passes through the arches I carve into the stone keeps the sand from hardening, and the flow of air reminds me that I am part of this place, not a barrier. I let the structure breathe just enough to stay solid for my kin.
Zodchiy
That’s a beautiful balance, using the wind itself as both architect and ally. Just watch the stress on those arches; a slight bevel in the cut could distribute the pressure better and keep the stone from cracking when the storm hits. It’s all about letting the desert shape you, not the other way around.
Skarner
I appreciate your wisdom. I will carve the arches with a slight bevel, letting the desert do its work while keeping the stone strong. The balance you speak of will stay true.
Zodchiy
Sounds like a solid plan—precision in the bevel, and the desert will do its part. Keep an eye on how the wind shapes the stone over time, and adjust if any new stresses appear. The balance will hold if you stay observant and ready to tweak.
Skarner
I will keep my eye on the stone. If the wind changes the shape, I will shift a corner or smooth a new crack. That way the fortress stays strong and the kin stay safe.