Thread: The Great Serpent (M2) Dreamie~Middie

Throughout the entire trip from 'Raan's oasis and to their destination, Brahda, Ammon seemed troubled. She prided herself for being able to secure an otherwise unclouded mind, but Ezra's callow expression haunted her unfailingly. Her brother was a capable man a monstrous mercenary who had caused a paradigm with a wave of his hand. If anyone could protect Ezra, it would be him ... but the risk of carrying so may slaves was needless to say, enormous. With the rumor of these freed commodities wandering in bulk around the desert, the slave driving effort would be dramatically increased and soon, antagonists that matched Deacon's strength would pursue them. Irvine, unlike Ammon, seemed untroubled by such ailments. He was, however, concerned for the woman. Ezra's fine! he reassured her, his colorful tone cast to the empty wind, Not only is Deacon there, but Kale as well. Both of them will gladly put their neck down for Ezra, you and I both know that. Ammon did not feel so soothed but Irvine's kind attempt at sating her ambling mind was genuine. Their trek undoubtedly was well over four hours with little to no rest. Irvine stressed that if they did not make it to Brahda before nightfall, they would be at not only the mercy of the desert, but that of emaciated sand serpents stalking the unlit dunes. The dark-haired woman's pace unnoticably slowed until she came to sloppy halt. She drew in a short breath of the desert air, casting her glanced towards the jagged mesa peaks which towered over them, then to the undisturbed clay below her burning soles. A durable woman she may have been, but human nonetheless her body was tumid and fatigued, crying for her to rest so it may have a window to rebuild lost energy. Admittedly Irvine was tired as well, but the pair were sure that 'Raan had not experienced the same elements of fatigue they had. Alright, Ammon. Five minutes. I'm going to scout ahead and see if there's anything. I'll be right back. He eyed 'Raan suspiciously for an instant then departed, warily traveling around the mesa bend aside a throng of lazily laid boulders. This gave Ammon an instant to rest though her primary concern was the companion they were traveling with - 'Raan. She rested her rear on a grooved rock, her stave placed idle against her body's strong structure. Are you injured? she questioned. However, Ammon already knew the answer. She seemed genuinely worried for his well-being, but before she could consult her satchel for a poultice or medicinal relief, Irvine flooded around the mesa's bend flailing like a rogue fire. It's just up ahead! he blanched, Brahda! I can see it! Ammon knew then she would not have to nurse his wounds out in the open. Brahda, the hidden merchant city, was notorious for its ... questionable wares. While their was some foul play known to go on during nightfall, the city was virtually slave-driver free. Slavery was not condoned in Brahda and Irvine took advantage of this well-hidden, slaver free haven. As they approached the gates, a pair of stalky looking men stopped them. No naga allowed, one of the mysterious figures growled. He eyed 'Raan with a peculiar glare as Irvine stepped in. Listen ... my wife here is pregnant due to give birth any day now. She's weak, in dire pain and in needs of a bed. This naga saved her from being ripped to shreds by those fucking sand serpents. Now. If you don't let us in there's going to be a child's blood on your hands. The two guards felt a wave of remorse wash over them, and so, they reluctantly peeled back the gate doors. I'm so sorry, one whispered coyly, There's an inn down the main terrace, please be safe. I have a kid of my own she's getting big, now. Looks just like her mother. Irvine smiled and said his goodbyes to the guards - wishing he could stay to slather on more lies and justify his immaculate fibs - when Ammon motioned for him to follow. The streets were teeming with colorful sights, from humans to elven creatures, but not a naga in sight, save for 'Raan. After visiting the inn and managing to procure a room, Irvine disappered. Ammon knew that Kale, Deacon's father-figure and advisor, had left them a package in one of the questionable yurts near the slums. Undoubtedly this was something useful, but Ammon believed Irvine wouldn't be returning until the early morning, not with gambling, alcohol and pretty young barmaids out and about. Inside of their chamber, Ammon was able to rest, kicking off her sandals and resting on one of the outlandishly comfortable cots. They were dense, but anything felt nice after being in the searing sun all day. 'Raan ... let me see your wound. I can heal you, if you'll let me.listulistu