Stacey
And here, we recount the story of two adventurers in the desert of Dezabia. 

It starts in a small, unnamed town around fifteen miles south of the city of Sudri. Where the two would be stopped at the local marketplace. A caravan has stopped by, and many travellers are trying to secure their own seat to follow along the way north. The harbor in the city is underdeveloped, and most people make the arduous journey north to the city of Sudri for trade. The route is generally known to be safe. 

Still, desert bandits and raiders occasionally come by. 

The caravan master sat in front of a marketplace, twiddling his thumb. He is a dark-skinned Macen, around forty years old, with plenty of grey in his hair already.
Michael
*Ling hated the desert. It was hot, dry, and full of sand. It got in her clothes, her hair, the scabbards of her swords when not containing her weapons. Too hot to put on her armor, making her feel vulnerable. Going north would be the best option. Training in the Dezabian winds was _not_ for her.*

*Normally, the macen would have been fully decked out in her armor, not only for protection, but to hide her face and body. Maybe she could hide her face, but it wouldn't amount to much. Plus, the wraps seemed really, really hot. At least she had Machi by her side. The kitsune saved her from dying from dehydration, and for that, she was forever grateful, no matter how embarrassed she was.*

"Hey. I heard that this caravan's going north. Mind if we take a ride?"
Robert
The Okamimi woman had grown to remember why she didn't remain in the deserts for long. Getting lost had been a big pain, aside from the friend she met. She was glad they had found a village at last.

Like the Macen she traveled with, Machi was without her armor, but she kept her blade sheathed on her hip. She wished that her armor was lighter, and that the desert wasn't as hot as it was. She would certainly be wearing her armor if it was. But for now, its being stored for travel. And she followed Ling.

"I'm sure your caravan could use some sword arms." The Okamimi.
Stacey
And so, the two dehydrated and demoralized warriors asked the caravan master to tag along. 

The caravan master turned toward the two, eyeing them up and down - not with lust, but to judge them as warrior - though the two were certainly beautiful. 

"You two can tag along, this journey should only take us two days, maybe three. I'll need you two to pay six silver for the food and lodging. You two are well-armed, so I'll cut you two a discount on this and only charge that amount." *He quipped, the Okamimi convincing him they were good help rather than a burden.*
Michael
"Seems like a good deal. Total?"

*Ling fishes out 6 silver coins, handing them to the caravan leader and hopping onto one of the caravans. Shifting her twin swords to allow her to properly sit, she extends a hand to the Okamimi.*

*The caravan master didn't seem to judge her based on beauty. He didn't quite have that look in his eye, and for his age, it would make sense for an experienced caravan master. Good. Hopefully none of the other riders were going to bother her.*
Robert
"Seems like a good deal, yeah."

Machi said, going to pay as well. If it was just total, she wouldn't bother, and took Ling's hand, as she climbed up. She looked about, as she relaxed a little.

Machi noted the man's looking, and nodded. She understood checking if others were capable, for someone in his position. She looked to her companion with a small smile as it was.

"Well, now we won't be lost in the desert." She joked, with a faint smile.
Stacey
The caravan master quickly stood up and halted Ling. 

"Yes, total of six silver. And please, don't get on that camel - we'll be walking on foot alongside them - swapping between riding the camel and walking - we don't have as many free animals as we have people." 

The caravan master reminded, and took the silver coins, putting it in a secure pouch on his body. Then the caravan set out toward the desert for adventure...

The caravan stopped near a small river, and made camp on a small, old, abandoned temple, the horses would be tied to the posts underneath, and the camel would rest below a ridge to the west. All is good so far, and the sun is starting to drop in the sky, signalling a change from the unbearable hot day to an unbearable cold night. With the river and vegetation around, however, the weather is just slightly more bearable. 

The group set up camp. Nothing wrong so far...
Michael
"Whoops, ok."

*Shame they couldn't ride the camel. Maybe have Machi's arms wrapped around her... Wait, what?*

*It was good to stop by a nearby source of water. Ling took a long drink from a waterskin, then offering it to the Okamimi.*

"If we are lost, it'll be together. Wow, it's getting chilly already. It's harsh, but it's amazing too. How far the desert stretches, just an endless ocean of sand, wind blowing up and down the dunes."

*Her eyes scan the nearby area, for no reason other than looking.*
Robert
"My apologies."

Machi had been a bit excited to ride the camel, and been a bit disappointed when that wasn't an option. She stretched a little, as shr took the waterskin, and took a healthy drink with a soft sigh.

"That is true, we would be lost together." She greed. "In a way, it is almost... Beautiful how the desert is harsh, and how it feels like it just keeps going."

She looked about the area, sitting down into the sands. She wanted to relax, but currently the Okamimi couldn't. They were guards on this job, and if she took anything seriously it was her career.
Stacey
The caravan master idled in his tent, and nothing seems to be going on for now. 

Two of the soldiers tagging along started a campfire - today's food was going to be a very simple affair - a mixture of naan, along with roasted meat over the fire. One of the soldier implored them to gather around the fire. Another gathered some blanket roll from the caravan, and set it out in a circle around the fire as seat.
Robert
The Okamimi would listen to the others of the camp.

She would look over the area, before she turned back towards the campsite. She smiled a little as she caught the scent of roasting meat. She could hear her stomach begin to growl.

So, the Okamimi got up slowly, and she joined the group by the fire.