Just outside of Istan was quiet and still. The disaster at Taras didn’t even seem to reach this far north. The morning was still chilled from the night and the sun had colored the sky in false dawn but had yet to rise and warm the world. She had been unable to sleep at all that night. The image of Taras burning in her dreams still haunted her. She should have…

The ex avatar shook her head and sighed. She had left Valen asleep in the inn and had taken her weapons and armor with her when she walked the streets of the city. Once outside she had set everything down and was sharpening and polishing her blades. As she did so, she remembered what had happened with the battles she had been in. She could do more, but she didn’t want to risk those who were working with her. She needed to find a good way to make her allies immune to fire so that she could do more with it.

Setting her blades down in the sand near her armor, Ornell stood and stretched. She felt her back pop as she arched it. A yawn escaped and she covered her mouth with the back of her right hand. If she went back to the inn now she might be able to squeeze in a little sleep. Either that or she could warm up for the day and get herself going once more.

Yaksha was wandering through Istan Desert, oddly enough choosing still to wear his suit and tophat. He had a skip in his step, and a jaunty tune on the edge of his lips, aching to make its way out. A mischevious twinkle was obvious in his eyes, and his hands had just slipped into his pockets. Finally, he spotted a woman near the entrance to Istan, sharpening blades. His grin grew even wider, and he watched her set the blades down. His tophat was off in a flash, and he had a winning smile on his face.

"Hello, miss!" He was already midbow, his shirt hanging just slightly off his thin frame. He rose, his eyes twinkling merrily, and his hand within his shirt. He pulled out a small bottle of a greenish liquid, and he chuckled warmly. His lips peeled back into a charming smile, the enamel of his teeth almost dazzlingly white.

He turned to Ornell, and took a swig directly from the bottle, making a face between a grimace and a look of pleasure. "Ahhh, absinthe. Sadly, it's one of my few vices. Though I make such a good glass, it's a small wonder. Would you care to join me for a drink, madame?"