The river was finally behind her, along with the disappointment that came when one encountered<span style="font-style: italic">their</span>people, only to be let down. The Orcs were weak, sloppy, mongrels that had not business calling her anything remotely vulnerable. Look at how easily she dispatched them? They did not even put up a fight. Now she would feast on their flesh for the next day or so and one day she would find their home and ensure they all knew of the cowards that had fallen that day.<br/><br/>Back on her quest she set off for the heat of the desert, pleased for this change from that of the freezing river. It would be a long time before she even attempted to bathe again let alone think about crossing a river unless there was no other way across. Even then…she would have to be desperate. Gear checked and into the desert she ventured intent on finding a source of water to make camp by, but coming up empty handed after several hours of searching.<br/><br/>With some luck, she found a small tree to which she made her camp, getting an odd sense of satisfaction when she cooked and ate the bodies of the slain orcs. Meal complete she banked the fire, arranged the bedding so that it looked like she slept there and then climbed up into the tree to sleep the night. By the luck of whatever being showed her favor.There was no incident for her to defend herself and she left in the morning once again on her journey.<br/><br/>As the sand changed to tall grass, she spotted movement and heard a rustling sound. Axe drawn she advanced on the spot that then also stopped when she drew near. Then, when her thumb shifted to get a better grip on the shaft the beast within the grass sprung. A mass of spotted fur and fangs assaulted her. The fangs finding purchase in her thigh as they broke through and causing a spark of a pain to course through her body. A roar and swing of her axe, that bit at air and allowed the beast to move and attack again. Much like the time with the starved man creature she faced her first day out, the world wanted her to suffer a bit before she received her reward. This was no different either, as the beast was able to land a second attack and caused more pain than the last.<br/><br/>Unable to stave it off any longer, her vision clouded over as rage consumed her and on her next swing she makes such contact with the beast that it runs off no longer interested in a fight. Victorious she sits to rest and tend to the wounds that had been caused and eat a bit more. Soon she was out in the world once more where she made camp, after unsuccessfully searching for water once more. In the morning just as she set off again the sounds of hooves made her feel as if she might have chosen the wrong direction with all of the trouble she continued to encounter. With nowhere to hide, but not wanting to be caught unprepared she rests her hand on her axe as a group approaches.<br/><br/>The group, numbering 6 strong, approach on what look to be horses. They stop about 100 feet from her position and she easily sees they have bows trained on her, but don't seem agitated. One of the six breaks formation and approaches her with a hand in the air. "You sleep in our lands stranger. Why travel where death awaits?"<br/><br/>"I am on a mission of discovery and self-worth as I test my skills in such a harsh land. I am sorry for intruding without proper permission being granted," tone kept respectful, though there is a measure of intrigue that unlike those she faced earlier these beings are like her. Half-Orcs.<br/><br/>They seem indifferent about her, and the one who spoke looks her over carefully. "You risk much coming through this desert with what you have on you. If you continue you will die." He states matter of factly. His hand remains in the air as he speaks.<br/><br/>"Is there a way I could trade for some supplies? I don't have much to offer but help would be appreciated and I would do my best to repay you." Eyes on the hand and then back to the archers, wondering if his hand is their signal to hold off on shooting her.<br/><br/>"What does one who knows not her own self-worth have to offer us?" He says, lowering his hand, bringing the horse sideways to face you easier and block the rising sun. The men in the back you notice all lowering their bows.<br/><br/>"The might of my axe and strength that many find ill equipped to match," hand moved from where it rested on my axe. "And of course some Gold," the last part meant as somewhat of a joke.<br/><br/>The man grinned a toothy smile. "We have few enemies in these parts, but we can make use of the axe. Maybe the gold too. Come, I will take you to my village." The man howled at his men and they shouted back something unrecognizable. Off they rode to the south, while he stayed behind. "Can you run?"<br/><br/>"Aye," said simply with a smirk. "Lead and I shall follow." This could be her chance to prove her worth to the others. Being what she was and what she could do, she might impress them enough to earn the respect needed to gain their assistance. As the others took off on their creatures, she took off as well and while she did not match the exact speed of the one who spoke to her from atop his mount, she did keep pace with him for the two hour run to their camp.<br/><br/>As she arrived at the tribal camp, he is visably impressed with her. He dismounts from the animal and keeps it under the shade in a low overhang. "What are you called swiftfoot?"<br/><br/>"I am Rashada. Who do I have the honor of speaking with?"<br/><br/>"I am Lugda. You're within the Olfil tribe. Come, I'll take you to the well and then to our chief. Stay close." he starts walking toward the center of the tribe’s camp. As instructed she follows and keeps her eyes mostly on his back though what glances she does throw about are merely meant to take in her surroundings as care is taken that she not stare at anyone for too long. Least she challenge someone.<br/><br/>This was not something she wanted to do, just yet.<br/><br/>She see groups of men, women, and children halting their activities as she walks past. None seem frightened, but vaguely curious. It isn't long before they ignore her again as she get to the well in question. A relief seeing as the heat from overhead isn't getting any cooler. Water is splashed on her face and she takes a deep drink.<br/><br/>"Hurry and fill your skin swiftfoot. Word spreads fast and I don't wish to anger the chief by letting an outsider run about."<br/><br/>She does as instructed and the pair walk off to meet with the chief.<br/><br/>Not much further there is a large white tent, tattered, but stable that Lugda walks through beckoning for her to follow. Inside, she sees many spotted furs and hides from what she assumed the savanna plains further west lining the walls and floors. The half-orc sitting in the center of the tent appears aged, but strong, his chair of wood and iron raised upon a mound of shaped clay as two female orcs stand ready at either side with masterly crafted ivory clubs and leather armor. "Lugda, back from the hunt so soon. Who have you brought to us now?" He spoke with some contempt, but there is familiarity with it and no malice.<br/><br/>She bowed and spoke clearly though with respect, "I am call Rashada and I have come to offer my skills in exchange for aid in crossing your lands."<br/>"What skills would these be?" the chief asks, but before she answers Lugda spoke for her. "She wields a mighty axe chief, and as for her endurance, she ran with no mount for two hours behind me. I would not have allowed her in had she failed that much. She is durable." The chief seemed to think it over for some time, and then nodded to the two women at his side. The one to his right walked down and took her place kneeling at her right. “Shalla, you will take her to your hut and clothe her properly. We will accept your hide as payment for your clothing. Is that acceptable girl?"<br/><br/>"I appreciate the offer, but I feel I must decline as the armor I wear was gifted to me by my tribe and I would not wish to trade it away. If you would have it to spare, some extra water skins in exchange for some of the gold that I have or even the use of my axe or my swiftfeet?"<br/><br/>He grunts low in acceptance. "Shalla, still clothe her with proper attire. Keep your chain scales then if it please you. To give you all else you ask however, I feel you must prove yourself with more than a simple run. You say you come offering your skills eh? Sleep here for the night and We shall see if you speak truth on those skills." His speaking stopped, the half-orc known as Shalla beckoned her towards the entrance.