IT WASN’T often Nardah saw travellers, so naturally, when news spread of sightings of a strangely dressed fellow near the shore, it stirred up quite the gossip. Normally, Ali was not one to partake in the petty chatter ( gods know he had heard enough of it to last a thousand lifetimes ), but something about this gossip, in particular, had piqued his interest.
PERHAPS it was the strange attire signalling distant travel, or perhaps he because he had appeared seemingly out of the blue. He wasn’t sure. Grabbing a spare waterskin, he headed out to the shoreline alone. Despite the talk, no one else seemed interested in actually investigating.
---------------------------
HE certainly wasn’t disappointed. Strange indeed. It was his own fault for getting so close, perhaps his comment had been a little too gruff. ❝ Perhaps I should have given you more space or alerted you of my presence. ❞ He replied, giving the stranger an equally sheepish smile. Despite his size, he was surprisingly light on his feet; perhaps it was the cat-like stealth that made Ali as intimidating as he was.
❝ NARDAH IS quite the place to get lost, stranger. Most do not come this far across the river, as there isn’t much here. ❞ Not even an inn, it would have been a fruitless cost in a dying town. ‘There isn’t much here’ was a bit of an understatement. ❝ I’m afraid there is no inn, not even a tavern with room and board. But, if you come back to town, we can get you out of the sun and hopefully find someplace to rest your head. You really aren’t dressed for desert travel, you must be burning up Mr. ...? ❞
