Otataral, 956th Year in the Time Dying

[albatross]

"So many worlds," Ora says in amazement. "And each different from the others."

To Sapphire she says, "I was never comfortable calling your kind 'halflings' or 'little people'. It is an insult among my people. When we call you children it implies you might one day grow wise and strong like the Nimro Toblaki."

[sasqaricious]

Sapphire looks confused by the question and then has a hint of fear on her face. "My kind. There are more of my kind here? I have not seen one since my former master sold me I don't know how long ago. Unless you mean my kind before I was altered. I have not seen another Atlantean in almost as long a period!" She responds half scared that the former is what the being is talking about!

[albatross]

Ora scratches her eyebrow huge eyebrows with a long, thin but nonetheless giant hand and says, "I mean you are not full size. What is your word? Ah, yes... you are not giants."

[sasqaricious]

"Oh that is what you mean. I thought you meant another of what I was and was really scared. No we not-giants are not all of the same type of people. That is why I can sit in the sun all day and be unaffected by its touch. Actually the sun nourishes me." Sapphire much more relaxed now responds.

[albatross]

Ora ponders that for a moment, "Are you cold blooded then? Do you still give off body heat? The temperatures are growing more extreme. All of you will need to share mounts to keep warm at night."

[sasqaricious]

"I do give off body heat and no I do not think I am cold blooded. What ever that is. I guess I could be but have no idea what you mean actually. I do not feel cold or warmth so I do not need a mount to be ok!" She responds mainly because she does not want to be so close to human contact.

[albatross]

"Extraordinary. So not only do you enjoy the fierce sun, but you can weather the cold desert nights? What about the rest of you? Are any of the others impervious to sun or chill?"

[shiivster]

Aki has started to wonder a few things. why is Ora so interested in what they are, how they fight and about their worlds?

she shrugs that off and doesn't worry about it anymore and spends her time with the camels and ensuring they have some shade during the heat with small shelter tarps.

[dakota]

Dryzh shook his head hard. " Cold worse than heat. Dryzh not good with at all."

[Dome]

Romidus is a silent obverser for most of the journey. He has seen much in his lifetime, although it had all been spent on earth. To see Sapphire converse with Ora was quite comforting to him. Knowing much of what she has had to face in life its good to see her be able to act on her own, even if it was something as simple as talking and asking questions. Although they have had much time to talk, he felt closer to her than the others since he knew of her past where she came from, so many of the others were still a mystery to him. He would have loved to take the time to get to know them but although they have been traveling for weeks, it felt like the time just flew past without chance for that.

[albatross]

Sure enough, as the weeks go by the temperature drops rapidly at night. It is still blazing hot while they sleep they day away, but at night under the starry sky they can see the camels breath and their own.

At first just wearing more clothing is enough, but after a few more days the temperature drops below freezing and Ora tells everyone except Sapphire that they ought to ride double to conserve heat.

The camels winter coats have been coming in, so they are doing fairly well, though Aki has to treat them for cold occasionally.

As they ride through the bitter cold night, Ora asks them for stories of battles they have fought. "Tell me more about these other worlds. Who are your enemies? Are they many? Tell me your battles so I may know you better."

[shiivster]

Aki seems content with the wool blanket that she lays over hte lap while travelling at night. not only does it keep her legs warm, but it makes her camel that much happier traveling at night. Yumi curls up in the lap and chitters from time to time.

Aki just shrugs when it comes to talk of 'combat'. "i choose not to fight unless it has a purpose". its clear to HER that mating or territory are clear reasons to fight or to prove one's mettle and right to be the dominant male in a herd or pack. People are not like animals. they are odd. even SHE continues to learn about them.

[albatross]

Ora looks at Aki and says, "Surely you must have found some purpose worth fighting for in all you travels?"

[dakota]

Dryzh minded the cold terribly. He had bundled up in everything he could, but it still chilled him to the bone at night. It also slowed his reflexes, making riding much harder. Even trying to keep the other's pace was taxing. He knew he would be a burden to the others, if he wasn't already. Problem was, afte rhis issues with the heat, his pride would not allow him to say anything to the others.

[shiivster]

Aki shrugs and shakes her head at Ora. 'no. very little. i only recently start living like others. before was like animal in forest. no territory to contest, no mate to attract. maybe to kill food or to protect what is mine .. that is all'

*Aki turns her head to study a protesting camel .. then directs her mount closer to ride by Dryhz and pulls out the little furnace beast named Yumi and hands the sleepy beast over to him. then covers the lower legs with the blanket she had been using. she says nothing and drifts apart once again.

Mongoose shifts and slumbers once again in the new lap. the mental speach helps loads when it comes to dealing with animals. they tattle on their riders without an issue. unhappy rider = unhappy camel.