Travelling Madness

> We pick up a new friend... and they're... umm... dehydrated.
>
>

## Summary

Adrian Tanlaial finds nothing new from the sword as Flint approaches him. He asks about his greatest strengths and abilities for the next book he's working on. Adrian talks about how he got his awareness and magic from his parents while he's not used to working with others. He also asks about the forensic dye that Flint got from the bandits. He mentions that it can turn into various colors whether their's blood somewhere and it's used to track various chemicals. Adrian gets an idea with the note found at the scene of the accident and decides to use a bit of it for later before heading into his tent. Seven and Hoshimi talk about how Hoshimi and Xaillen are finally getting along as Olwen Edgeworth and Sybl cook for everyone.

After dinner, everyone heads to bed. Later that morning Adrian wakes up to find himself floating in a black void. He tries to cast magic to get a hold of his surroundings but he's unable to. As he swims around he sees a floating ember in the distance. He attempts to approach while drawing his sword only to find that it's not there. He finds the flame comfortable to feel. After he asks if anyone is there, he wakes up.

The next morning everyone heads out and while everyone is prepared, they still see mirages. Seven tries to give everyone shade as they travel. They hear a voice from over the dune. Most of the party groans while Seven investigates. They see a bird lady singing in the desert playing her lute. Seven bounds to her right away while Hoshimi splashes the bird lady with water. The bird lady thanks Hoshimi for the water while noticing her belt is shiny. Hoshimi slaps her and the bird lady apologizes while introducing herself as Cora Treecreak. She explains that she was looted on the way to Urzaban and lost her stuff. The party take her with them with her being on Olwen's camel.

They continue through the desert and find a small oasis ahead. Olwen and Seven offer to check it out with Flint and Xaillen going with them. Olwen suggests that they take a break here and Flint offers to check the water out at Xaillen's request. He notices how unnaturally clean it is. Olwen, Seven, Sybl and Hoshimi feel something underneath the sands as they approach the oasis. Xaillen and Flint dodge the attack while Adrian and Cora are pinned by a giant scorpion. Xaillen moves in and manages to free Cora. Pikria Thymos tries to move in but trips. Hoshimi heals Adrian as he tries to push the scorpion's foot off him. The scorpion attacks Xaillen as Olwen sets up her rifle. Seven tries to save Adrian but is shoved away by the scorpion. She glares at it, frightening the scorpion before making a distraction of herself.

As the scorpion turns to Seven, Adrian uses his shocking grasp before trying to get free again. Flint gets an idea and hides behind the rock Olwen is prepping on. Flint then roars like a dragon scaring the scorpion away. Xaillen congradulates Flint before throwing up as Olwen hurries to help Adrian. Flint begins helping Cora and Xaillen recover.

## Notable events

* Adrian Tanlaial has a dream sequence
* The party meets Cora Treecreak
* The party finds an oasis and scares off a giant scorpion.