Private Fields of Sand

[Todblaz Graker]

Tags: Caelia Lamora
Location: Arris's Store, Schaphoidaria
Outfit: Ranger Armor
Equipment: Z240 Revolver | EL53-Max Knife | AM-67 Lever-Action Rifle

Sitting in the bar at Arris's Store, Tod checked the time in his HUD, he had a few minutes before his contact was scheduled to arrive. He had been hired by the Ambassador Caelia Lamora to escort her across the desert to the Shotus Graveyard. The task, however, was not without its risks, as the route was known for its dangers, including the presence of Grimm the Krayt Dragon, giant worms, Xena Demons, and unpredictable weather conditions.

A man ran into the bar, yelling for help. A few people stood and walked out to see what the deal was, but most remained seated. Deciding to check out the cause of the commotion, Tod picked up his rifle, which leaned against the table. Slinging it over his shoulder, he walked outside, greeted by the harsh desert environment—hot, dry, and windy. Sand blew around him, forming small dust devils that danced in the air. The forecast said there would be a dust cloud that would form by the Shotus Graveyard, but not in it. Though these weather predictions were sometimes inaccurate due to the randomness of the desert conditions.

The distant sound of a Bantha's call turned Tod's attention to a small caravan nearby. Men lay sprawled over the backs of the Banthas, clearly injured. Soldiers rushed over from a makeshift camp, swiftly carrying the wounded to a medical tent. The eyes of Tod's helmet glowed red as he observed the scene.

Approaching the group, Tod witnessed the severity of the injuries—missing limbs and chunks taken out. It appeared that they had stirred up the hive and managed to escape, a rare and troublesome occurrence. The Xena Demons might still be active when he reached his destination, but with a full day's journey ahead, most would likely be back asleep by the time he arrived.

Turning away, Tod made his way to a pair of Banthas he had rented. Both were equipped with saddles, dynamic holsters for weapons, and one had a pack. Securing his rifle in a holster, he untied the Banthas and led them toward a sign that warned, "Danger! You are entering the Sarges Desert; no military support will be provided beyond this point." He sighed, acknowledging the impending challenges, and settled in to wait.

 

[Caelia Lamora]

​

Arriving fashionably late, in perfect Orrocan nobility style, was Caelia Lamora. She walked over to Todblaz Graker and his bantha, seemingly coming out of nowhere. She had her long, brown hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. For the first time since forever, she was not wearing a dress. Instead she opted for light-colored, loose-fitting pants, tailored to her every move. The encasing fabric felt peculiar against her legs, like rediscovering an old friend who had evolved in subtle ways over the years. Her top, a tight, long-sleeved turtle-neck, clung to her skin, an embrace of the breathable fabric that simultaneously offered comfort and restriction. It was a choice made not in vanity, but in preparation. A holstered blaster pistol adorned her hip, a small and slender thing, coated in silver. It was a silent declaration of the secret, perhaps dangerous mission that awaited her. In her mind, she was prepared for danger. In Tod's, he might begin to fear for his life...

"I saw a gruesome scene on the way here" she remarked by way of greeting. "Amateurs, right? They don't know the land like you do... Right?" She had told herself they had been mauled by their own incompetence. There was no danger, not really, when travelling with a professional guide. Her tone let slip some measure of doubt, and she was clearly looking to be reassured.

"It's good to see you again, Tod. You've been keeping well?" she asked, with a familiar and friendly smile. She would've approached with a hug, but she remembered from the gala that he wasn't big on physical contact. It had been a fruitful event, of drinks shared and secrets learned. And if her leads on this place were any good? They might be off to quite the profitable partnership

 

[Todblaz Graker]

Tags: Caelia Lamora
Location: Arris's Store, Schaphoidaria
Outfit: Ranger Armor
Equipment: Z240 Revolver | EL53-Max Knife | AM-67 Lever-Action Rifle

Tod was watching the ground shift in the distance, it went up creating a dust devil, spinning and slowly moving away. The event ended as quickly as it began leaving nothing but a small divot in the ground. His focus switched to the sound of crunching sand behind him, turning he saw his acquaintance for the journey, her asking a question about the previous caravan.

"We'll be fine, don't worry. Remain light-footed and be quick and we'll be out of there with no problems." he reassured her, though deep down he knew that traversing the desert was more about luck than skill. Regardless, with a party of two the journey should be much easier since the shifting of sand will be very minimal.

Tod slid off the Bantha and listened to her next question from behind his helmet. "I've been doing fine, few new holes in my coat, but been managing. What about you, you seem to be looking lovely as always, what has the great Ambassador been up to?"

After she would've responded Tod would offer to help her onto her Bantha, "We've got over a full days ride ahead." He started, "We'll be camping in the dunes tonight." Hopping on his own Bantha he would try to start setting off so the journey could get underway.