Ealasaide,
How about "savvy" without the adjective "desert"?
Some variation on the snake sounds fine -- just something to show Airefalas has quick wits and is not easily frightened as well as to establish more respect on Ráma's part. Since Ráma has had less contact with Airefalas than Mithadan, and their initial introduction did not go smoothly, that type of response by Airefalas would be especially noted.
Having Airefalas predict the high winds would be interesting, but unfortunately we've just finished with a dust storm so that wouldn't fit in well.
I am trying to start softening Ráma's attitude, since the Men will need a defender after we reach the camp.
~Child
P.S. As far as I know, we're heading for the Eagle camp, unless Mithadan has something else in mind.