For Khaal, the myriad of unpleasant scents that made up the ruins were just background noise.  That really only got confused when he got closer to the entrance and the sweeter smells from outside wafted in.  If he was properly motivated, he might be able to squeeze out of the entrance, but it would be hard to get back in and after all, the darkness was his real home.  Daylight didn't do him justice, or so he figured, rather the idea of him lurking in the dark was how he wanted people to think of him, especially those that resided in the ruins.  Something to fear.  That's how Khaal liked to be remembered.<br/><br/>As close as he was to Ambryn now, although she did keep her distance, Khaal could more clearly smell her distinct fragrances and he felt as though that were the right word given the difference between her and the depths of his own home.  She smelled sweet, of flowers and leaves and fresh rainwater.  She also smelled of that special kind of decay.  Not the kind he was used to, but the kind one got from frolicking among autumn leaves.  He knew some of these scents from wandering close to the entrance, but he smelled them most on Ambryn herself.  Most of all, he was more sure than ever, especially hearing her voice, that she was indeed female and that thought excited him in ways that he didn't quite fathom.<br/><br/>He stalked slowly after her, keeping some distance between them, but letting the faint light from the crevice outline his panther-like form, purple irises outlining deep, black pupils as he stared out at her from the shallow shadows.<br/><br/>"No need to apologize,"  Khaal said in a tone that dripped with predatory glee, "Many take refuge here from the storm and many of those make a fine meal for me.  You, on the other hand,"  He said, stepping closer and turning, for a moment inadvertently letting the light from the entrance outline his belly and the unmistakable shape of his manhood growing from it's sheath, a deep purple whose outline was fuzzy from the barbs embedded in it's surface, "I could still devour you.  Unless, you have something to offer me in exchange."  He added.<br/><br/>Constantly, Khaal grew closer, neither truly introducing himself nor giving any real illusions as to what he was talking about, "I could be persuaded to provide you a safe place to stay, away from the storms outside."  He said, lowering his back haunches in preparation to pounce.