Anne
Nord VPN would definitely be right about now. Instead of protecting their internet, it could protect their freaking lives! That's what Leon wants to do the most, protect himself and the air macen. He smiles softly at her statement about him being her bodyguard, nodding and responding "That is true." He likes the idea of safeguarding his closet friend by himself. He also finds it funny since she's basically his trainer, which means that she'll probably be the one doing the protecting. He does intend on becoming better than her in swordsmanship though. Throughout the journey, he'd occasionally slide his sword out from his quiver, which had already ripped just a bit, and practice the moves she taught him. He really needs a belt for his weapon. Maybe the villagers will for some reason have that to trade as well. He'd sometimes pull his crossbow out as well, practicing his aim by mere observation. He couldn't shoot because there's nothing to aim at in this desert! Maybe a lucky rock or two, but that's it.

The poor dude goes back to sweating. He doesn't mention it though because he doesn't want her to worry. She probably notices it along with feeling the heat's intensity increasing, so she offers her flask. He looks at her and denies the refreshing water kindly. He actually did fill his up before they started to mess around, but Leon wouldn't take it from her regardless. "No thanks, love. I'd die before you starve." He states. Special words, dear and genuine. There's a pride that comes with having friends to protect and he embraces that to the full. He's only really experienced it with his family, who were 91% of the time his guardians. His older brother, older sister and parents are skilled macens that have abilities and trades under their belt. His peers were distant and focused on their training, and he eventually followed that mentality. As he grew up, he loosened up a bit in his strictness and... Narcissism.

The two amigos arrive in the small village. The river's edge slightly leads into the main area of the village before fading out. A few men were fishing while the others were collecting and storing various foods. Some were building/renovating houses and small business establishments. They turn to the visitors and stare for a bit, which makes Leon uncomfortable. His arm wraps around the shoulder of his companion and he whispers "I hope you don't mind." He's trying to find the leader, but he's most likely in the main village. So the next best thing would be someone in high authority or with a lot of knowledge. He walks up to a few people with Elowen, speaking Sebduian and Mentían. Unsuccessful. The villagers look at him confused. 
They recognize the language but don't understand it. One man, however, starts speaking Silnarian. Leon sighs. Of course it's the language he isn't fluent in. He let's Elowen speak if she wants to.
Mary
The squad arrived at the small startup village. Seemed like the main one didn't have enough space or enough resources to make more houses. They were situated on the inside of the East river, being down smack between the delta. Being in the location they are now, they are able to get resources from just about anywhere, of course, with a bit of walking. For such a new village, they were doing well. They have started up a farm, growing a lot of resources that would require good irrigation, which was good since it did match their location. Can't fish if all the fish have been caught downstream. Their houses were built from hard materials growing around them, such as clay, bricks, and even the occasional wood. Sometimes you might see small houses being built with structural supports made of hard reeds. Those were abundant in the region. As they continued to approach, they could start seeing village people appear, have it be for their daily routines, or they just simply saw the newcomers. There were old men, children, and even the occasional couple, who took it upon themselves to populate the village. Of course, being such a small village, they seemed worried about the two armed people approaching. A shorter one, carrying a sword and a halberd, and the taller one, who carried a nasty looking crossbow. 

Elowen was most obviously nervous. He could tell with her obvious posture. People, he knew that she was terrified of meeting new people. She only felt at ease with Celaena and Leon because she was half drunk! She didn't have the best thoughts in her mind at that moment and she just decided to roll with it. Can't go wrong with friends. It was even more obvious when he put his arm around her shoulder, most likely pulling her in. Her body was tense and she even twitched when he did. She has hundreds of thoughts going in her mind. Few of them were about her, not being narcissistic, but rather if the villagers would be receptive of them.

The desert WAS a dangerous place after all. 

She looked up to him with a weak grin, seeming all nervous and all. She honestly didn't feel comfortable with their stares. But the man continued walking towards them. She admired that honestly. If he was able to just walk towards the people who were probably about to kill them, she found that admirable. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, closing it and turning away at the last moment. She wanted to say something, but it wasn't the right time, nor was it the right place. He approached many of the village people, trying to speak in his languages, Mentían and Sebduian, but he had no luck. Who was this man? How was he able to talk to so many people without just breaking down. She literally had to get herself somewhat drunk if she wanted to talk to as many people as he did. After a while of talking, she heard a man approaching the group, speaking a language she was very VERY proficient in. Silnarian. She learned it while travelling across the mainland of the Silnarian Empire to get where she needed to. It was an interesting language honestly.

The two immediately got to conversing, Elowen seemingly more comfortable speaking a language that she knew. It gave her that feeling of homeliness and comfort. It was something she strived for. Y'know, a place she could call home. She never really had that kind of a privilege growing up. Of course, she had a home for 15 years, but that was a technicality. She very well knew that could be less than 15... More like 13 or so. She has never been at home for an extended period of time either. Poor girl. But of course, she got everything she needed from the man. Seemed like there were no open spots for them to live in. They needed to buy a tent or two, depending on how close they were. She herself still wanted a separate tent. It has only been 3 weeks, and she just wasn't comfortable with sleeping so close to her friend. 

"So, we might be unable to get ourselves a spot in the inn as... There are no rooms available. We could get ourselves some tents for the night. Though, I'm probably going to get myself a tent so we don't end up sleeping in the same spot. Don't know what they have."
Anne
The two converse and Leon tries his best to understand. 'Why didn't I just pay attention to my Silnarian lessons!' He says, kicking himself mentally. He stands there a bit awkwardly as his eyes search the village. There are businesses for weapons and various kinds of foods, mostly fish though. He gives closer attention to the shops with weapons in it though. Do they sell sword belts? The idea isn't far fetched anymore... 

Leon agrees. They need to keep on the watch. These people could easily kill them and take their items if they let their guard down for a moment during the night. You'd assume otherwise of a village, usually perceiving them as peaceful and welcoming people. But people without the latest weapons and nicest armor need to protect themselves one way or another. And besides that, he also doesn't feel too comfortable sleeping so close to her either. 

He looks to the man that speaks Silnarian and says "Thank you." With a kind bow and smile. He looks at Elowen and says "I think we should start getting comfortable here. But not too comfortable." He steps over to the shop that he was watching a moment ago. He peeks inside, looking for the belt. The owner waves at him. It's less of a friendly gesture and more in an attempt to grab the man's attention. Leon says in Silnarian as best as he can: "Do you sell sword belts?" He of course messes up the grammar and says something different and weird. A few of the villagers that were walking around the shop laugh and giggle. If Elowen followed, she hears him embarrass himself loud and clear. Fortunately, after a long moment, the man understands what the poor macen was asking for. He shakes his head with a toothy smile. Leon nods and exits with a sigh. Dude made a fool of himself and didn't get what he wanted. Bummer.
Mary
They could easily kill them. They weren't even human so the same race modifiers don't apply here either. Either they buy their tent, their supplies, and go off somewhere where they won't be found, or stay up the whole night to protect each other. Elowen would most definitely love the first option. She bowed to the person, turning towards Leon with a nod. Assuming that his arm was still around her shoulder, she was forced to keep close. Wasn't too bad. It helped protect them. A couple, who were both proficient in weaponry, would protect each other right? So attacking one could end up getting the other to absolutely wreck them. False images were the best. They didn't even need to be a couple to act like one. Just the simple arm around the shoulder. At least she thinks that's what he was doing... For all we know, he could just be doing this because he likes touching her. Now that, would be creepy

Elowen would say, Leon could actually benefit from another object. She watched Leon embarrass himself, giving him a pat on the back. An encouragement pat on the back. She'll teach him Silnarian when they are safe. Turning to the shopkeeper with a smile, she requested a few strips of leather, a needle, some leather cord, a buckle, and a small targe. You see, having a one handed sword with nothing to pair it with was not a good idea. Elowen knew this, even if she herself didn't have anything to pair her sword with. It didn't match her style. The shopkeeper nodded to her, getting the things she requested, handing it to her. She then handed him 50 silver as the payment, turning to Leon again. 

"Y'know, you have a woman right next to you. Chances are, she knows how to sew. I'll make you the sword belt. You just had to ask. But, you'll need this. It'll match you."

She said, with a sly smile.

Now their final order of business... A tent. But first, she handed him the targe. It was a small wooden shield, having a steel bowl like middle and a leather cover to protect the wood. It was small and light, being easy to move around. Now, she just shoved everything she bought into her bag, pulling Leon along... Gotta keep that act up. It will protect them!
Anne
He looks down at his kind and supportive friend. She didn't laugh, which he actually appreciates. Instead, she walks over to the owner, talks business with the shopkeeper and asks for a few items. He scratches his head in slight embarrassment. He hates these moments, but he's also not afraid of failure. I mean, you need experience in order to be successful. Those are words he lives by, and it shows in his actions. Clearly. But besides experience, simple insight could suffice! As she explains that he could've just asked for her to sow him a belt, he raises his eyebrows, a bit surprised. He probably should've assumed she had that skill, but along with the abilities she has already, it seemed unlikely. "Wow, Elowen. Honestly, what can't you do?" He says with an embarrassed chuckle.

Leon glances over the design of the targe as he's given it. What an interesting design. He wonders how durable it is. He wants to test it out, but that might damage it ironically. "Thanks. I guess that's another part on your list of "Lessons to teach Leon"." He states with a wild smile. He clearly appreciates everything she's done for him this far. He knows it's out of friendship and maybe even payback for him opening up his shop to her and Celaena, but it's obviously done because she cares for him. Once they exit, he keeps his arm on her shoulder. He's very careful to not touch her chest or arm, and tries to keep his hands away from her hair as much as possible. It's a protective measure, to show the villagers that she's with him and he's with her. He walks with the girl to the shops that sell the pieces for a rentable tent. Many different designs and shapes, prices and textures. He honestly doesn't know what to pick. He looks at the redhead. "Any idea as to which ones are best?"
Mary
She was a very supportive person, being as nervous... And strange as she was. She didn't want to hurt her friend, but she was prepared to give them a mean slap if they did something really bad. She wouldn't outright turn on them, but she would make it known that she wasn't impressed with what they have dont. 

She raised her eyebrow at Leon. A complement eh? She liked those. But she chuckled to herself, shaking her head. She still acted the part, not really sure if the villagers were lying about their inability to speak Sebduian, or they just really didn't know how. She wouldn't take any chances. She spoke in a somewhat attractive tone, making sure to hit all of those notes of close and personal when she spoke. It was as if she had been his girl for the last year. 

"There are very few things I can do hun. I just learned this on the road~"

She then nodded to Leon. Using a shield should be basic knowledge. Keep it in front of you at all times and don't have it flail around. She'll be sure to teach him this basic knowledge if he lacked it. It should come from common sense, but she can't be too careful. She gave him a glowing smile, following him off to another shop. As she went there, she literally made sure that he was right next to her, practically rubbing shoulders. She made sure he had full contact with her because... It would be strange for someone to be avoiding all the parts that they would naturally touch eh? She gently pulled him down, whispering in his ear. 

"If you're going to do this, act the part man. You can touch me this time, I don't really care. You aren't trying to grope me right?"

She asked, reaching the shop, returning back to her original smile. She looked at their wares and objects, choosing out the one that was the lightest in colour. It was a beige colour, which was good, assuming that it was going to be hot. Lighter colours keep you cool according to science. 

"I like this one, don't you?"
Anne
Ah crap. Now he really has to act the part. These people can't be this difficult to convince, right? He sighs and nods to her statement. Most dudes would enjoy this honestly. The free option to hold an attractive woman by their side. Leon didn't really see the need though. I mean, the fact that they entered the village together could be enough. His hand slides to her arm and his body language is more welcoming of contact between their bodies. It's a bit awkward, giving their actually status in friendship, but he slowly adapts to it. 

"Yeah, it's nice. It has a good texture and color." He says. He knows she probably has another reason for choosing this specific tent. He takes out some silver from his pocket and offers to pay. "May you ask him for the price? I'll pay for the tents. We should get to setting them up right away too." The sunlight has steadily left our two travelers. Some villagers have already stepped inside for the night, preparing for supper and sleep. 

Once they're done with the tent pieces purchasing, he takes her to a spot that's far enough from the village for comfort, but not so far that they'll get lost once they awaken. The man doesn't plan on sleeping much so he decides he'll rest around the time she arises from sleep, assuming she wants to rest. He sets up his tent, pretty well for someone who isn't used to tents. He's seen his brother do it a few times before so he just copied what he remembered. "Are you staying up with me? I want to continue practicing my swordsmanship tonight. I'll sleep in the morn." He states. "Don't feel inclined, I want you to get your rest. If I encounter some dangerous villagers that try to attack us, I'll wake you quickly." He takes off his quiver and slides it under his tent. He takes the sword from it and observes it. Still clean, still sharp. He puts the torge under the tent along with whatever else he's carrying.
Mary
It was good on her that he didn't enjoy this as much as other men would. She wasn't ready for something like that yet. Her body language was very practiced as if she has done this before. Of course she has. She is in the business of investigation. If she can't act well, she can't do her job properly. Though, she had to keep the image up. It was most definitely awkward honestly. She didn't know if he was about to break, or he wasn't. It was a mystery. What wasn't a mystery was the tent! She was slow to tell Leon, as if she was unsure if she wanted him to pay. She didn't want to force Mr Shopkeeper to spend any money on her. It wasn't something she enjoyed doing. She liked being independent with her objects. Though, she supposes that this would somewhat convince him that she was someone that was worth keeping with him. Plus, who wouldn't want to keep good old Elowen with them? She is skilled at some things that would help her survive in other nations... But... She wasn't that good at surviving in the wilderness. She will be relying on Leon for that. For her whole life, she was never really able to start a fire or set up a real shelter. She has been relying on Homestays and Tents for her whole life. Plus, she honestly didn't need a fire at all. She was already quite a warm person. 

Now this brought them to the next point. She was squishy, but not the squishy you'd expect from a chubby person. She in fact, was quite lean. He could feel this when he held her on the shoulder. She hasn't been eating too much as it would ruin her appearance. Again, she made her appearance really important. She was also really warm. She was only wearing her shirt, her tunic in her bag. He could almost probably feel the wrapping she puts on under her shirt. But nothing can beat that warmth and family feeling that she sort of emitted from her. She had that feel that made her feel like someone you knew for your whole life. A strange comfort.

As they left the town, the sun had started to set, the sky turning a strong red and a fiery orange. Beautiful sunset. She could go on and on about how much she loved seeing a sunset. She even suspected that she would end up marrying someone under a sunset on the highest peak she can find. She will make this happen if she even ends up finding a man. She doubts she will though. They all either get repelled by her or just.. Leave because they found someone just that more attractive. 

"No no, I'll be up. I always find myself more tired if I sleep earlier. I'll sew up your sword belt and teach you how to use your shield.. But first," 

She said, releasing herself from his grasp, dragging him up the tallest sand dune she could find, pointing at the sunset. They stood where the last of the sun's light just covered them in a beautiful orange hue. It was awe inspiring.

"The sunset is marvelous here is it not? I was thinking we could build our tent on top of this dune. It's quite a bit higher than the others so you could have a good vantage point over the village"