Ruin Guard Enthusiast

@zandik-official

342 posts

dottore-official

WELCOME TO THE MASTERPOST, PROCEED?

YES NO

^

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

reclusivescribe

"Zandik. Is the title former, you seem quite bitter." A random stranger saying his name should not be attractive and yet here we fucking are.

"I suppose if we're tacking on titles, then my formal name would be Aquila, Chief of the Troupe of the Ten-Pointed Sun and Prophet of Deshret." Aquila seems a tad embarrassed by the latter title, obviously he did not choose it for himself.

"But Aquila is just fine."

zandik-official

Oh gods, even his name and title were hot..?!

“Aquila. Good to know. Prophet of Deshret, you said..? I’d like to know more about that.” At least he’d calmed down a substantial amount.

reclusivescribe

"It's a bit self-explanatory. As you probably know, the eremite troupes are descendants of King Deshret's followers. Every few hundred or so years, someone is born with the ability to receive prophecies that have been theorized to come from Deshret's lingering soul. It's said that one day a prophet of Deshret will revive him and rejuvenate the kingdom." Aquila was simply repeating what he's been told since he was young and first taken in by the former chief. The hand that had been tracing the symbol on Zandik's forehead instead cards gently through the shorter man's hair.

"Though I've no idea why Deshret brought me to you."

zandik-official

His hair was rather dirty, but after a few passes with his fingers, the dirt and sand started coming off of his hair, revealing a rather vibrant teal underneath. But a bath was more than necessary.

“Hm. Interesting. I actually haven’t heard of that in any lessons on King Deshret. And you mentioned something about a prophecy relating to me..?” For being nearly dead, he had surprisingly good hearing.

reclusivescribe

"For some incredibly odd reason, I saw you in a dream of mine a little over a week ago. But I am glad to teach you something new, even if it may not be fully true." Alhaitham would definitely force him to bathe in the oasis later, but Zandik looked too comfortable to move. He did have a rather beautiful hair color, though. Like the brightest of dyes used by the king before his passing.

Maybe that was a bit too poetic.

zandik-official

Maybe it was, but it was still fitting. Zandik looked up at him like a pathetic kitten, red eyes locked on Aquila’s face. “Hm. I do wonder what the meaning was of me appearing in your dream… dreams and stars have never been my strong suit, Fate and all that.” His Rtawahist senior probably would’ve had an idea, but asking him about it wasn’t an option.

reclusivescribe

"I also wonder, but sometimes it's best to just not question things that have led to a good outcome." Aquila dares to boop Zandik on the tip of his nose, then smiles.

"Are you comfortable, Zandik?"

zandik-official

His hooked nose scrunched up when Aquila booped him. How cute! Zandik didn’t seem nearly as hellbent on running away and fighting back now that he had gotten painkillers, treatment for his sunburns, and his infection cleaned out.

“I suppose so? I still don’t know you very well, but I suppose I could stay here for a night or two before continuing on.” Mission success then! Zandik did seem much more at ease, his muscles not quite as tense.

reclusivescribe

"That works for me. We were planning on heading towards Fontaine to bid some of our members farewell, so we can take you along with us if you'd like. It'd certainly help you not get robbed."

zandik-official

“Hm. Fine, I’m coming along, then leaving once we’re close enough to Fontaine.” Good enough, that would at least keep him safe enough until he got out of the desert.

reclusivescribe

"A deal, then. I hope the troupe's protection makes the venture a bit more bearable for you." Especially because Zandik will be put on priority when it comes to food. The injured and ill always get put on priority.

zandik-official

And he was both injured and ill, so extra priority for him.

Of course, he needed adequate rest. So after refusing to change into more eremite-style clothing, everyone was winding down for the night, and everyone packed away into their tents. Aquila volunteered to keep an eye on Zandik, so he got to be the one to watch as the little scholar sat curled up against the canvas wall, staring back at the grey-haired eremite watching him.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

reclusivescribe

"Zandik. Is the title former, you seem quite bitter." A random stranger saying his name should not be attractive and yet here we fucking are.

"I suppose if we're tacking on titles, then my formal name would be Aquila, Chief of the Troupe of the Ten-Pointed Sun and Prophet of Deshret." Aquila seems a tad embarrassed by the latter title, obviously he did not choose it for himself.

"But Aquila is just fine."

zandik-official

Oh gods, even his name and title were hot..?!

“Aquila. Good to know. Prophet of Deshret, you said..? I’d like to know more about that.” At least he’d calmed down a substantial amount.

reclusivescribe

"It's a bit self-explanatory. As you probably know, the eremite troupes are descendants of King Deshret's followers. Every few hundred or so years, someone is born with the ability to receive prophecies that have been theorized to come from Deshret's lingering soul. It's said that one day a prophet of Deshret will revive him and rejuvenate the kingdom." Aquila was simply repeating what he's been told since he was young and first taken in by the former chief. The hand that had been tracing the symbol on Zandik's forehead instead cards gently through the shorter man's hair.

"Though I've no idea why Deshret brought me to you."

zandik-official

His hair was rather dirty, but after a few passes with his fingers, the dirt and sand started coming off of his hair, revealing a rather vibrant teal underneath. But a bath was more than necessary.

“Hm. Interesting. I actually haven’t heard of that in any lessons on King Deshret. And you mentioned something about a prophecy relating to me..?” For being nearly dead, he had surprisingly good hearing.

reclusivescribe

"For some incredibly odd reason, I saw you in a dream of mine a little over a week ago. But I am glad to teach you something new, even if it may not be fully true." Alhaitham would definitely force him to bathe in the oasis later, but Zandik looked too comfortable to move. He did have a rather beautiful hair color, though. Like the brightest of dyes used by the king before his passing.

Maybe that was a bit too poetic.

zandik-official

Maybe it was, but it was still fitting. Zandik looked up at him like a pathetic kitten, red eyes locked on Aquila’s face. “Hm. I do wonder what the meaning was of me appearing in your dream… dreams and stars have never been my strong suit, Fate and all that.” His Rtawahist senior probably would’ve had an idea, but asking him about it wasn’t an option.

reclusivescribe

"I also wonder, but sometimes it's best to just not question things that have led to a good outcome." Aquila dares to boop Zandik on the tip of his nose, then smiles.

"Are you comfortable, Zandik?"

zandik-official

His hooked nose scrunched up when Aquila booped him. How cute! Zandik didn’t seem nearly as hellbent on running away and fighting back now that he had gotten painkillers, treatment for his sunburns, and his infection cleaned out.

“I suppose so? I still don’t know you very well, but I suppose I could stay here for a night or two before continuing on.” Mission success then! Zandik did seem much more at ease, his muscles not quite as tense.

reclusivescribe

"That works for me. We were planning on heading towards Fontaine to bid some of our members farewell, so we can take you along with us if you'd like. It'd certainly help you not get robbed."

zandik-official

“Hm. Fine, I’m coming along, then leaving once we’re close enough to Fontaine.” Good enough, that would at least keep him safe enough until he got out of the desert.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

reclusivescribe

"Zandik. Is the title former, you seem quite bitter." A random stranger saying his name should not be attractive and yet here we fucking are.

"I suppose if we're tacking on titles, then my formal name would be Aquila, Chief of the Troupe of the Ten-Pointed Sun and Prophet of Deshret." Aquila seems a tad embarrassed by the latter title, obviously he did not choose it for himself.

"But Aquila is just fine."

zandik-official

Oh gods, even his name and title were hot..?!

“Aquila. Good to know. Prophet of Deshret, you said..? I’d like to know more about that.” At least he’d calmed down a substantial amount.

reclusivescribe

"It's a bit self-explanatory. As you probably know, the eremite troupes are descendants of King Deshret's followers. Every few hundred or so years, someone is born with the ability to receive prophecies that have been theorized to come from Deshret's lingering soul. It's said that one day a prophet of Deshret will revive him and rejuvenate the kingdom." Aquila was simply repeating what he's been told since he was young and first taken in by the former chief. The hand that had been tracing the symbol on Zandik's forehead instead cards gently through the shorter man's hair.

"Though I've no idea why Deshret brought me to you."

zandik-official

His hair was rather dirty, but after a few passes with his fingers, the dirt and sand started coming off of his hair, revealing a rather vibrant teal underneath. But a bath was more than necessary.

“Hm. Interesting. I actually haven’t heard of that in any lessons on King Deshret. And you mentioned something about a prophecy relating to me..?” For being nearly dead, he had surprisingly good hearing.

reclusivescribe

"For some incredibly odd reason, I saw you in a dream of mine a little over a week ago. But I am glad to teach you something new, even if it may not be fully true." Alhaitham would definitely force him to bathe in the oasis later, but Zandik looked too comfortable to move. He did have a rather beautiful hair color, though. Like the brightest of dyes used by the king before his passing.

Maybe that was a bit too poetic.

zandik-official

Maybe it was, but it was still fitting. Zandik looked up at him like a pathetic kitten, red eyes locked on Aquila’s face. “Hm. I do wonder what the meaning was of me appearing in your dream… dreams and stars have never been my strong suit, Fate and all that.” His Rtawahist senior probably would’ve had an idea, but asking him about it wasn’t an option.

reclusivescribe

"I also wonder, but sometimes it's best to just not question things that have led to a good outcome." Aquila dares to boop Zandik on the tip of his nose, then smiles.

"Are you comfortable, Zandik?"

zandik-official

His hooked nose scrunched up when Aquila booped him. How cute! Zandik didn’t seem nearly as hellbent on running away and fighting back now that he had gotten painkillers, treatment for his sunburns, and his infection cleaned out.

“I suppose so? I still don’t know you very well, but I suppose I could stay here for a night or two before continuing on.” Mission success then! Zandik did seem much more at ease, his muscles not quite as tense.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

reclusivescribe

"Zandik. Is the title former, you seem quite bitter." A random stranger saying his name should not be attractive and yet here we fucking are.

"I suppose if we're tacking on titles, then my formal name would be Aquila, Chief of the Troupe of the Ten-Pointed Sun and Prophet of Deshret." Aquila seems a tad embarrassed by the latter title, obviously he did not choose it for himself.

"But Aquila is just fine."

zandik-official

Oh gods, even his name and title were hot..?!

“Aquila. Good to know. Prophet of Deshret, you said..? I’d like to know more about that.” At least he’d calmed down a substantial amount.

reclusivescribe

"It's a bit self-explanatory. As you probably know, the eremite troupes are descendants of King Deshret's followers. Every few hundred or so years, someone is born with the ability to receive prophecies that have been theorized to come from Deshret's lingering soul. It's said that one day a prophet of Deshret will revive him and rejuvenate the kingdom." Aquila was simply repeating what he's been told since he was young and first taken in by the former chief. The hand that had been tracing the symbol on Zandik's forehead instead cards gently through the shorter man's hair.

"Though I've no idea why Deshret brought me to you."

zandik-official

His hair was rather dirty, but after a few passes with his fingers, the dirt and sand started coming off of his hair, revealing a rather vibrant teal underneath. But a bath was more than necessary.

“Hm. Interesting. I actually haven’t heard of that in any lessons on King Deshret. And you mentioned something about a prophecy relating to me..?” For being nearly dead, he had surprisingly good hearing.

reclusivescribe

"For some incredibly odd reason, I saw you in a dream of mine a little over a week ago. But I am glad to teach you something new, even if it may not be fully true." Alhaitham would definitely force him to bathe in the oasis later, but Zandik looked too comfortable to move. He did have a rather beautiful hair color, though. Like the brightest of dyes used by the king before his passing.

Maybe that was a bit too poetic.

zandik-official

Maybe it was, but it was still fitting. Zandik looked up at him like a pathetic kitten, red eyes locked on Aquila’s face. “Hm. I do wonder what the meaning was of me appearing in your dream… dreams and stars have never been my strong suit, Fate and all that.” His Rtawahist senior probably would’ve had an idea, but asking him about it wasn’t an option.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

reclusivescribe

"Zandik. Is the title former, you seem quite bitter." A random stranger saying his name should not be attractive and yet here we fucking are.

"I suppose if we're tacking on titles, then my formal name would be Aquila, Chief of the Troupe of the Ten-Pointed Sun and Prophet of Deshret." Aquila seems a tad embarrassed by the latter title, obviously he did not choose it for himself.

"But Aquila is just fine."

zandik-official

Oh gods, even his name and title were hot..?!

“Aquila. Good to know. Prophet of Deshret, you said..? I’d like to know more about that.” At least he’d calmed down a substantial amount.

reclusivescribe

"It's a bit self-explanatory. As you probably know, the eremite troupes are descendants of King Deshret's followers. Every few hundred or so years, someone is born with the ability to receive prophecies that have been theorized to come from Deshret's lingering soul. It's said that one day a prophet of Deshret will revive him and rejuvenate the kingdom." Aquila was simply repeating what he's been told since he was young and first taken in by the former chief. The hand that had been tracing the symbol on Zandik's forehead instead cards gently through the shorter man's hair.

"Though I've no idea why Deshret brought me to you."

zandik-official

His hair was rather dirty, but after a few passes with his fingers, the dirt and sand started coming off of his hair, revealing a rather vibrant teal underneath. But a bath was more than necessary.

“Hm. Interesting. I actually haven’t heard of that in any lessons on King Deshret. And you mentioned something about a prophecy relating to me..?” For being nearly dead, he had surprisingly good hearing.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

reclusivescribe

"Zandik. Is the title former, you seem quite bitter." A random stranger saying his name should not be attractive and yet here we fucking are.

"I suppose if we're tacking on titles, then my formal name would be Aquila, Chief of the Troupe of the Ten-Pointed Sun and Prophet of Deshret." Aquila seems a tad embarrassed by the latter title, obviously he did not choose it for himself.

"But Aquila is just fine."

zandik-official

Oh gods, even his name and title were hot..?!

“Aquila. Good to know. Prophet of Deshret, you said..? I’d like to know more about that.” At least he’d calmed down a substantial amount.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

reclusivescribe

"It was in fact a compliment. Hm.." Aquila examines the symbol, brushing it gently with his thumb while his other hand holds Zandik by the waist. For someone who complained so vehemently, he was quite touchy despite only just meeting Aquila.

"You never told me your name. My troupe calls me Aquila, but I don't remember my actual name."

zandik-official

“Zandik, Trainee Dastur of the Akademiya. Well, just Zandik, I suppose.” He seemed a little salty about that. How prideful that he wishes to address himself with a title that didn’t appear to apply to him.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

reclusivescribe

"It is for short term. It won't last long if you plan on living for a while. Though I do have to admit that despite being almost dead, you're quite the survivor."

zandik-official

“…thank you??” After getting all that pus cleaned out, the symbol on his forehead looked awfully familiar. It was a four pointed star with a V shaped gap separated the top portion from the rest of the star.

Zandik flopped in Aquila’s arms after his forehead was bandaged. It was a little strange to see a scholar from the forest out here in the desert, especially this close to greeting death face to face. Perhaps he got separated from his group and got lost?

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

reclusivescribe

"I don't think you're supposed to be oozing brown, mister scholar. You look like you're one strong wind away from being turned to dust. I don't give a damn if you think you're 'above' getting sepsis, you look like one of the younger troupe members could break you like a twig." Aquila was truly on his last nerve with this guy, and was still physically holding him down just to clean away the pus with a cool rag.

"The hell are you treating this with? The ashes of the damned?"

zandik-official

“Crushed henna berry, mixed with Sumeru roses I traded for. An Amurta course I took said it was a good way to treat infections in the wild.” Yeah, for the short term, until you could get to an actual medical professional. Not as a permanent solution. Well, it can be permanent, but you won’t live very long after.

He was surprisingly full of spunk for being on the verge of actual death from a variety of different things. Quite the little trooper.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

reclusivescribe

"Oh for the love of- You're going to die if that goes untreated. Whether it be from infection or whatever the hell you have."

Deshret, why did you send him a skinny pale Twink.

zandik-official

“I’m treating it, I don’t need your help. I won’t die of sepsis, I am above such things.” …okay yeah but the pus is a mix of yellow, green and brown, so he probably wasn’t that far from death. Perhaps he should get that, y’know, taken care of?

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

reclusivescribe

"Not everything comes in transactions. And also, we have an overabundance." Aquila was sharp, he knew this guy was from the Akademiya. The question now was, why was he out here?

"If it makes you trust me any more, then you can ask me anything." The healer gives him a cold compress, and he brushes Zandik's bangs out of the way so he can press it to his forehead.

zandik-official

Ooh. That did not look too good. Zandik had some infected mark on his head that was oozing pus, and clearly hadn’t been cleaned out. Zandik immediately shoved Aquila’s hand away, snatched the compress, and put it on the back of his neck instead of his forehead.

Yeah okay so maybe Zandik was in a little worse shape than he appeared.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

reclusivescribe

"You're like an angry cat. Shush, it will feel better soon. How in the name of Deshret did you survive this long out here?" Aquila is mostly talking to himself, but to his credit he is very tender when he gives Zandik cold water laced with a mixture of herbs that act as painkillers.

"Either way, these are almost third degree burns, and you're missing an arm. The wound is healed at least, but the sand and dry air can crack your skin and irritate the area."

zandik-official

“I’ve only been out here five or six months. And the skin won’t crack, it’s covered.” He raised his arm, where he managed a very, very sloppy knot to cover the skin and reduce the amount of loose fabric. He didn’t notice the water was mixed with herbs, too thirsty to register the flavor.

“My turn to ask questions, why are you wasting resources on me if you supposedly don’t want anything from me?” Oh sweet little scholar, always thinking everything comes in transactions.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

reclusivescribe

"Yes you're so scary, sit your pale ass down and let me treat your damn sunburn." Aquila sighs as he sets Zandik down in the shade and sets his bag next to him. One of the troupe's healers gives him an antidote of aloe vera and other healing herbs and he practically pins Zandik to the ground just to apply it to that burned skin.

"You can kill me once you can take me in a fight."

zandik-official

Zandik hissed in pain as the aloe touched his burnt skin. The burns looked second degree, almost third. How long had he been out here?? “Let go-! I don’t want your herbs!!” It was honestly a wonder he hadn’t died of exposure yet. Maybe he did have some survival instincts in there somewhere.

It took about half an hour of rubbing aloe vera and herbs into his burnt skin and pulling off the dead layers before he finally calmed down, simply twitching every now and then.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

reclusivescribe

"Sorry to break it to you, but you are nowhere near Fontaine. My troupe's usual routes go nowhere near the nation of hydro." He couldn't decide if he wanted to kill this guy or kidnap him.

"And yes, scorpions. Human-eating scorpions, you arrogant little-" Deep breaths Aquila.

The taller man decides that first and foremost, Zandik needed that sunburn taken care of. So he threw the guy over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carried him to the healer's tent in the temporary camp, where there was shade and cold water at the ready.

zandik-official

Zandik nearly screamed, immediately kneeing at Aquila’s chest and hitting his back with as much strength as he could muster. “Put me down!! Put me down, or I’ll kill you!!” Oh. How scary. His backpack, which he had put back on after setting down the crossbow, was sliding off his arm, preventing him from hitting too hard so it didn’t slide off.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

reclusivescribe

"...We're closer to Inazuma and than anything. You're quite a ways from where you want to be." This kid was stubborn. How old even was he?

"Actually, what are you even doing out here? Overdressed, especially. You're going to die of heatstroke if the scorpions don't get to you first."

zandik-official

“Scorpions- I am more than adequately dressed, thank you very much! This is a very breathable uniform!” He went to put both hands on his hips, but his right arm fell awkwardly to his side. But he did dodge the question about what he was doing out here…

“Whatever. If you say we’re closer to Inazuma, then my internal map is wrong, which it can’t be, since I’m used to regularly guiding my expedition teams.” So arrogant, too.

zandik-official

Zandik was essentially half dead. He was dehydrated, severely sunburnt, hadn’t eaten in days, and was missing his entire right arm below the elbow. He had been hiking around the desert with his backpack, rarely settling down for more than a few hours to rest. He was on constant fight or flight, if you will.

He managed to find an oasis, nearly dropping his bag as he ran over for water. He tossed his bag onto the sand once he got close enough, unzipping it and grabbing his water canteen. He popped it open and held it under the water. If he wasn’t aware that you have to boil the water, he’d hold himself under until he was sufficiently hydrated.

reclusivescribe

Since this was an oasis in the midst of dry desert, it shouldn't at all be surprising that there was at least one eremite group camping out nearby as well. Only this group seemed a lot less interested in Zandik, thankfully.

At least until a tall young man with slate gray hair and very few clothes approached and offered him a leg from what was probably a hunted red vulture.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in rough shape." The man remarked, kneeling beside Zandik and tilting his head to the side a little.

Holy tits.

zandik-official

Zandik tried keeping his eyes up but dear gods that was hard.

Zandik shoved his water canteen back in his bag, pulling out a mini crossbow made of harvested wood that he could hold with one hand. “I don’t have anything of value, you’re better off poisoning and robbing some other poor sap.”

His hand trembled as he pointed the crossbow at the eremite’s wrist, trying to aim for an artery in case he had to fire and cause damage.

reclusivescribe

"If I wanted to kill you, I'd just use my sword." To demonstrate, the eremite uses a small knife to cut out a random chunk of the roasted bird and pops it into his mouth, swallowing easily.

"Just take the damn vulture leg. You look like a slight breeze will knock you over. And since you're in my troupe's territory, that puts you under my protection." An eremite who wasn't going to rob him? It almost felt too good to be true. Almost, because the likeliness of hallucinating a hot man in a desert was low.

zandik-official

Zandik glanced down at it, before setting down his crossbow and snatching the vulture leg. He appeared to have very sharp teeth, managing to even tear through the tendons and thinner bones. He’d surely tear his throat with swallowing those thin bones, but he didn’t seem too deterred.

He quickly finished off the vulture leg, but didn’t dare to ask for more. “…okay, if you aren’t robbing me, and you don’t wanna kill me, what do you want? Some sort of guide? A little scholar to ask questions to?”

reclusivescribe

"You really don't trust people, do you. Can't say I blame you though when you look like you've been through hell." The tall eremite huffs and takes a drink of water from a canteen he had on his hip.

"And no to both of those questions. I'm both a navigator and historian in my own right. You, however, are in desperate need of a healer. My troupe doesn't require or want for anything, but I won't stop you if you want to repay in some way."

zandik-official

Zandik, not wanting to be obligated to anyone, decided against accepting help. “I can survive on my own, thank you very much. I’m quite sure I’m getting close to Fontaine.” …yeah, this kid would need directions and help. They were closer to Inazuma than Fontaine at this point.

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