Length/Rating: 150 words, PG, Gen
Pairings/Warnings: None
Summary: I haven’t done a writing challenge in forever so when I saw the challenge from Fiction University pop up on my sidebar, I figured I’d give it a go. I think I ended up with ‘warmth’ more than ‘hot’. *pokes snippit*

The challenge is That’s Hot:  Write a scene that uses “hot” as a theme or motif, using as many words, images, or ideas for “hot” as you can—but don’t use the actual word “hot.” Extra Challenge: Also avoid using common synonyms for “hot,” such as: warm, heat, and blistering. Super Duper Challenge: Use “hot” as a motif, but set the scene in a cold, winter climate.

It isn’t until they escape the blizzard that the airship finally picks up speed. The great black balloons soak up the sunlight in giant gulps, dragging the ship upwards as they expand. Leather and fabric both shed ice as steam as the desert swiftly reclaims them from the northern dragon’s grip.

Mei doesn’t move from her crouch under the cargo netting as the winds lick away the last of the frost.  Even as the desert seeps back into her bones, she can’t stop listening for the glacial shriek of their pursuers.

Hey, hey now.” Charlie catches sight of her over the side of cargo, then crawls in beside her with a worried frown. “It’s safe. The Sands don’t give us up that easily.” He pulls her into his arms and Mei curls against his chest, desperate to reclaim that feeling of deep blanketing love from her Goddess and her uncle.