Special+Delivery

Kurona had heard people talk about the ocean. A lot of people said it was beautiful, and she had seen it plenty of times from numerous beaches.

But this was the first time Kurona was on a boat. This was the first time where she could swear hills were naturally made of water. This was the first time the girl saw Yuri look green. Lots of firsts. It was boring.

"I haven't had any Fizzy Pop in over five days. I need my Fizzy Pop or I'll die." Kurona was laying on her back on the ship's deck next to Yuri, staring blankly into space. Yuri had fallen asleep, clutching a small pouch full of some soil he had scooped up, so he didn't say anything. Rin had gone and took another swim, playing with some creatures, and had gone so far down that Kurona hadn't been able to see anything more than her shadow. Rean was sitting in the middle of the deck, stiff as a board. After he realized that down inside the boat he would be surrounded by water, he tried to find the safest place. With no where else, he sat down in the middle of the deck and had not moved the entire trip. The people who ran the boat became rather irritated, grumbling every time they passed the tense fire demon. Hiroyuki, in an effort to calm the seas, had been helping the ship move along and he also helped care for the ship itself. "I always thought that when I went to a new country, it would be more exciting. I'm incredibly bored." Kurona didn't expect someone to speak, and bolted up at a reply.

"Then maybe you should come and enjoy the water, Kurona." Rin smiled while lifting herself up above the edge of the ship. She was already casting the water from her skin and clothes. Rin padded over to Rean and he finished drying her off with the help of Hiroyuki who put down something heavy.

"You know I can't swim very well."

"Which is why you should learn."

"I don't have to worry. Not with you and Hiroyuki here. We'll have a smooth sail all the way." Rin and Kurona had been having that conversation since the first day they set sail.

"You really shouldn't be so reliant on the four of us, Kurona. It'll be your downfall. Work on your own strength." Rin had spoken calmly, but she had never said anything like that before, and it scared Kurona.

However, that was the only eventful thing that happened for the next two days, and soon everyone forgot what Rin said.

When they docked, Yuri didn't bother waiting for a civilized way to land. He jumped over the edge and landed feet first on the sand. Without batting an eyelash, the earth demon plopped down in the sand and with a flick of a finger, sand pulled itself over his body and covered him completely from his toes to his chin. He closed his eyes and ignored everything else that was going on around him.

As soon as Kurona herself exited the boat, a young woman made herself known, approaching the younger girl, moving around the demon who thrown himself to the ground. The young woman was clad in black, the cloth rippling around her, covering everything except her hands, and her eyes, which were a shade of light green. Dipping her head down and folding her hands in front of her when she reached the girl, showing a sign of respect to Kurona, the young woman began to speak the common tongue, although it was heavily accented.

“Hello, I have been sent here to collect you, Miss Kurona, as well as your companions. I am Daisha, and I will be your guide until we reach the outskirts of Phirumsol, where someone else will take over as your guide.” Her voice was smooth and rich, and if one were to guess her age, they would put her in her late teens to early twenties.

At the same time, an older man stepped forward. A warm smile lit his tanned face as he bowed to Kurona. He had handsome, hawkish features and was clad in white robes with a hood pulled up over his salt and pepper hair. "I am Aadil ibn Noor. Madame Cho has asked me to keep an eye on you during your trip through the Numidian Steppes. I only regret that I cannot accompany you into Phirumsol." He paused and glanced sideways at the young woman in black. "Daisha," he said. "What a ... //surprise// to find you here."

Kurona nodded to both of her... guides, and crouched down next to Yuri.

"Rejuvenated yet?" she whispered as to not interrupt her new acquaintances' conversation.

"Not yet." He breathed, so only Kurona could hear him. Rin, Hiroyuki, and Rean came closer, and took over Kurona's job of prodding Yuri to stop acting like a sand snake and get up. As Yuri continued to ignore them, Kurona stood back up and turned her attention to Daisha and Aadil's conversation.

"Cho speaks very highly of you, Kurona," Aadil said. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I have brought Numidian steeds and camels to allow us to traverse the Steppes more easily." He gestured and Kurona saw several large beasts with humps, the camels she supposed, and three magnificent horses. Their manes and tails floated like banners in the wind and they had large expressive eyes set in intelligent looking faces. Their nostrils flared as they caught the scent of the newcomers. There was a majestic black, with red and gold tack; a silvery grey, with deep blue equipment and a horse the golden color of the sun, with black saddle and bridle. "Please, choose your mount." Kurona smiled, no contest. She found it fitting to ride a black horse, and tentatively reached out a hand to the horse's muzzle.

"May I?" She quickly glanced at Aadil and kept her hand perfectly still, a foot away from touching the horse.

"Of course," Aadil replied, even as the horse dipped his muzzle into Kurona's outstretched hand. "He seems to like you. His name is Aswad Khamsim, which would roughly translate to Dark Wind." Aswad made snuffling noises in Kurona's palm. Aadil reached into a pocket and pulled out a cube of sugar, handing it to the girl. "He is particularly fond of sugar." Kurona laughed and took the cube, holding her hand flat with the sugar in her palm, near the horse's mouth.

"As is Yuri." Kurona indicated the earth demon who was still laying on the sand, motionless. She giggled as Aswad Khamsim finished his treat. "I'm glad he seems to like me. It's been a long time since I've been able get this close to a horse. I wonder what happened to mine..." Kurona gently stroked the beautiful horse's muzzle as she trailed off. She was sure about what had happened. But then again, maybe Misaki had saved her horse companion as he had done her living quarters.

"Either way, when will we get moving?" Rean blurted out, ready to get the job over with. Kurona shot him a quick glare and apologized on his behalf.

"Daisha," Aadil said as he swung easily up into the saddle of the grey, "would you care to ride, or would you prefer to walk?"

Rin had seemed to suddenly realize that she would be walking into a desert, and a desert meant no water in sight for a long time. She quickly took one last dip in the ocean, and Rean and Yuri gave her their water bottles, which she filled and kept with her. Rean didn't need water because he was perfectly fine in heat, and water could only hurt a flame. Yuri was on land, so he could take the sand's advice for having no real need of water. The three demons walked back and Daisha replied to Aadil.

Having kept quiet, merely nodding when she was spoken to by Aadil, Daisha contemplated for a moment when his question was asked. She looks over at the horses, and her eyes landed on the golden hair. A small smile, hidden from view from the rest of the company, grew on her face. She’d always had a love of gold, from the metal itself, to the color. “I would prefer to ride,” she said, walking over to the beauty, and ran her hand over him, before pulling herself on. She was a smaller girl, and she looked rather breakable upon the larger mount, but she showed no sign of fear.

“I am ready to ride, whenever you are,” she looked at the two riders first, and then the demons. Her eyes lingered on them for a time, before she turned forward.

Kurona's brow furrowed as she tried to let her body come back into the habit of riding. But she soon was able to remember everything, and followed after Daisha, checking to see if her demons were following. Rin looked as pale as Yuri had on the boat, the farther the group got from her beloved water. It got to the point where Kurona told Hiroyuki to bring Rin high up into the air where what would have been condensation was in existence. It was better than the water demon being in the dry desert.

"May I ask how long we will be until we can rest?" Kurona called, wondering which person to speak to.

Aadil shaded his eyes with his hand as he glanced up into the sky. "Not much longer, Kurona," he replied. "Only a very great fool travels the Numidian Steppes in the noonday sun. We will come to an oasis in perhaps an hour or so and we will rest there during the hottest hours of the day. Then we will travel for a few more hours until darkness falls, by which time I hope to be at another oasis. Your friend should like it there. There is a large pool of water so she can refresh herself."

"I think Rin will be ecstatic." Kurona took a small sip from her water bottle, careful to save plenty more for the coming hour. "I don't mean to pry, but how do you know Cho-dono? You don't have to answer, just curious."

A look of tenderness suffused Aadil's face. "Ah, that is a complex story, but, in essence, we met when I went to the library, many years ago. We Numidians are nomads, to be sure, but we also value learning. One of the art forms that we most love is poetry. Other art does not travel well, but poetry is transported in the soul. I went to the library to read, study and learn and then bring that knowledge back to share with my people. Cho helped me discover other poets and study their work. Then she enabled me to find my own voice. Soon, I was giving reading of my poetry in the tea garden. We spent much time together, she and I, but eventually I had to return to my people. However, we still see each other several times a year. She will come here or I will travel to her mountain. It is not enough, but it will have to do for now." He sighed, eyes lost in thought.

"Wow. I was sent by my... er- agent, to get some random information for some random client at the library when I was 8. I found out that there were romance novels there, so I kept on coming back. Your story is much more... romantic, somehow?"

Aadil laughed out loud. "Ah, you are perceptive! The light of my eyes would not like to hear you say that, however. She does not like to talk about the relationship, thinking that it might endanger me if anyone knew."

"Ah, of course. I shall keep it a secret." Kurona smiled, and remained silent for the rest of the ride. When they arrived at the oasis, Rin went to the pool and started to rub water into her skin. The greenery was a welcome sight after the seemingly endless stretches of sand. Aadil took the bridles from the horses and let them drink their fill. Then he spread a blanket in the cool shade and brought out cool tea, dried fruits, nuts and bread. "Have something to eat and drink and then I suggest you get some rest. We will be traveling late into the night tonight."

"Can I take a swim? Or would that be unsanitary?" Rin dipped her fingers in the water and continued rubbing liquid on her skin.

“Swim at your own risk,” Daisha replied, dismounting her horse, and allowing the animal drink, “The horses drink from it, so it is sanitary enough, but we can not be sure who else has thrown themselves into the water.” Stretching her body, she let her horse be, and went over to the shade, taking one of the pieces of bread. Seeing as it was only her uncle, and another woman around her, she pulled the face mask down, and ate the food quickly. It was brief, but it was enough time for one to notice a jagged scar that made it’s way down her jaw, and most likely continued down her neck. It looked old, but the pale mark contrasted her darker skin.

Kurona and most of the demons knew enough manners to not ask, just in case it was painful memory, but Rean had no such tact.

"What's that?" He lifted a hand to point, but was hit with a combination of Hiroyuki, Yuri, and Rin's powers, which was the result of a mud ball, in his mouth. Kurona had a few nuts as ammo, but though better of it and nibbled at them.

"Ignore him. People would think he's 2 years old, not 56." Kurona advised Daisha.

Eyes narrowing, Daisha pulled the mask up quickly, disguising the mark once more, having finished the bread. Her gaze flickered to Aadil first, Kurona second, and then back to the loud mouthed, fire haired man who had asked the question.

“It’s a scar,” she replied bluntly and rather dryly, “I was seared with an iron, from my lip, all the way down to my shoulder. Funny, the things heat and fire can do.” Rean blushed a little in shame, and averted his eyes.

"It's not like I did it. I was babysitting Little Princess over there, probably." Kurona was getting the urge to force sand down Rean's throat, who had spoken out of turn yet again.

"I really am sorry." Kurona bowed low to Daisha, and mumbled, "thank the Tama that I had the others as role models growing up, or I would probably be the same as this Ikkoku. Oh, Ikkoku means the obvious, a hot-headed fool. Which suits Rean perfectly, don't you think?" Kurona smirked, talking as if the fire demon was not sitting right next to her, her own special way of insulting Rean.

Aadil had said nothing during the exchange, but when he saw Daisha's scar a muscle in his jaw had tightened and his eyes narrowed. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. After a few minutes, he breathed deeply through his nose a few times and seemed to calm again. "I'm sorry, Daisha," he said, and there was a world of meaning in his words.

Daisha, who’d been close to smacking the red head after his thick headed choice of words, calmed herself, thanking the both of them for their concern, but saying that their apologies were not needed. “You need not apologize for the foolish words of your companion, who the title of Ikkoku fits perfectly, and you need not apologize for a barbaric action which you had no hand in committing. Now, let us forget about this, and move on. We do not want to waste much time. It would be for the better if we got you through the desert as quickly as possible, Kurona.”

"Yes. I'm quite proud of my wit at seven years old. Rin, have you finished resting?" Kurona replied to Daisha and nodded to the water demon who answered.

"Yeah, I'm good until night time. Are we ready, Aadil-san?"

Aadil glanced up at the position of the sun, judging the time that had passed. "I suppose so, though I would prefer to wait another hour or so. But since the rest of you are ready..." he trailed off and then whistled a few low notes. The horses came trotting over at the sound and Aadil slipped the bridles back on, after which the party mounted up.

The desert was breathless, the heat oppressive and sapping the strength of Kurona and Rin. Aadil and Daisha seemed unaffected by it, as were the horses and camels. There were no trees, no greenery of any kind, just sand stretching away in endless undulating waves. Kurona had no idea how Aadil and Daisha could find their way through such trackless lands and yet they moved with a purpose, sure in the direction that they were traveling.

"I'd ask how you are able to stand the heat, but it would be a rhetorical question." Kurona spoke to Rean who was strutting with ease next to her borrowed horse. Yuri held the same level of movement on Kurona's other side. Hiroyuki had taken refuge in the air, and was gliding above the group with Rin.

"You're right. The answer should be obvious, Little //Hime//."

"I've told you hundreds of times, stop calling me Little Princess!" Kurona was too tired and worn out to yell, but she managed to make her soft voice irritated.

"Little //Hime//," came the short reply.

"He does have some good qualities, you just have to have known him for years before they become apparent." Hiroyuki had lowered himself down and was now flying next to Aadil, who he had spoken to about Rean.

"I'll take your word for it," Aadil replied shortly. "But tell him not to offer insult to my niece again, on peril of his life." He then pushed his mount into a gentle rocking canter and pulled even with Daisha. "Do you think we should make for the oasis closest to Star's Pass? I have some concerns about the activity of the sand-worms and there have been several sandstorms of late. I would not want to be caught out here with either one."

Daisha’s hands tightened on the reigns as he aligned himself to her, not out of fear of the man himself, but as a developed reaction when someone approached her without her given consent. She thought about it for a moment, and then nodded. “We want to get her out of the desert as quickly as possible. Sand-worms will be easily avoided, for we both know the signs one is about. The holes they create are spottable from a long distance. As for the concern of sandstorms, I do believe we can avoid those as well,” she looked at the elementals, and then back to her Uncle, “We will know one is coming.”

Aadil followed her gaze. "I had thought of that," he replied, "but do you think they will be strong enough to protect us all? You know as well as I that the sandstorms in this area can be particularly vicious. I would not want to trust our lives to protection that may not be adequate."

“I fear that we have limited options, as well as time. You know how dangerous it is out here, especially for an outsider,” Daisha looked back at the younger girl, and sighed, “They will have to be adequate.” Of course, she was worried about the possibility of any of the members getting hurt, but knowing what her employer had told her, they would most likely have safe passage. Her employer seemed to have faith in the elementals, and know she would have to trust them.

Aadil nodded. "Very well, Star's Pass it is. Why don't you take point for another hour or so, then, when darkness falls, I shall take the lead, if that is acceptable."

"That sounds acceptable enough," Daisha agreed, tapping her horses side with her foot, speeding up so she could lead the small group. She'd been this way enough times, and knew it well. She hoped that those experiences would be enough to keep them all safe.

The sun began setting over the Steppes, casting a bloody luminescence over the sands. Aadil urged his horse forward and the animal broke into a smooth gallop. This was the beauty of the Numidian steeds: they could run for days in the desert on little food and less water, they were agile, swift and responsive to their rider. He called out to Daisha, alerting her of his presence.

As he drew near, he heard a hissing sound to his left and he reined in and stood in his stirrups, shading his eyes and peering out into the endless sands. In the distance, he saw a circle form in the sands. "Sandworm!" he shouted. "Ride for the oasis, Daisha! Take Kurona with you!" Then he touched his heels to his horse's flanks and headed straight toward where the worm was surfacing.

Kurona followed Daisha. She wanted to send Yuri to help, but knew nothing of sandworms, and was not sure if Yuri knew how he would be able to assist in the situation. So she did little more than put her trust in Daisha and pray that Aadil would return to the group safely.

Cursing under her breath, Daisha pulled up to the side of Kurona's horse, and pulled the younger girl into her saddle. She wouldn't be able to protect her if they got separated, or if there were more sandworms lurking around.

"One of you, onto her horse," Daisha directed at any of the demons, "Follow behind me, and don't get separated. If you do, I can not insure your safety, understood?"

"Do you seriously think we'd get separated from Kurona?" Rean snapped as he quickly jumped onto the horse and stayed close. Yuri was easily able to keep up with the horses on foot, Hiroyuki and Rin were in the air, so it was simple to stay near. The rest remained quiet and focused on recognizing any signs of danger.

When they got to the oasis, Kurona sat down to wait for Aadil. The wait proved long. Darkness had fallen before Aadil's horse stumbled into the oasis, Aadil slumped on the grey's back, barely clinging to the saddle. Aadil slowly slid from the saddle, landing awkwardly on the ground and did not move. The horse, sides blowing with effort, limped to the water and began to drink.

Daisha, who had remained quiet the duration of waiting for Aadil, occupying herself with menial tasks, such as setting up a tent just in case, ran to his side once he landed on the ground. She first had to make sure he was breathing, and that his heart was still going. Pressing her finger to his neck, she was able to pick up his pulse, although it was slow, and soft.

"Two of you, get over here," she barked the order to the demons, taking charge of the situation," I need you to carry him into the tent. And be careful! We need to tend to any wounds he might have. Fire head, I need you to light something up, so we can actually see his wounds." Kurona quickly nodded to her demons as Daisha spoke, knowing that they would take slight insult to someone else ordering them and hesitate. Hiroyuki and Yuri gently and smoothly carried Aadil inside the tent.

"My name ain't fire head," Rean muttered as he went to the four corners of the space. The fire demon flicked his pointer finger, like he was tapping a surface, and a controlled flame hovered in the air. The light reached everywhere, and it provided a comfortable source of day time. "I'm not a freaking torch either."

As the light flared, Aadil's eyes fluttered open and focused on Daisha. "Not...as young...as I used...to be," he croaked. "Don't tell...Cho. She'll just...worry." Then the lids closed again. Daisha could see blood seeping out from under his robes. He clearly had some kind of wound near his left arm and shoulder. She checked his pulse again. It was thready and irregular. Kurona remained quiet throughout this. She could offer hardly any help, so she stood out of the way and started silently praying.

Taking out a knife she'd kept hidden on her person, Daisha got to work cutting off the fabric that hid the wound. She needed a better look at it to be able to assess the situation, and decided what she should do exactly. Upon seeing it, she sighed. It looked bad, and she knew she needed to act fast. Grabbing a pouch from off of her belt, she poured out a small amount of herbs into her hand. Knowing they needed to be ground up before they were placed on the wound, she placed them into her mouth, chewed, and then spit them back out, and got to work covering the wound. She was aware how disgusting it must have looked, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

Aadil groaned as the herbs were smeared into his shoulder wound. The deep gash began foaming as the herbs reacted with something there. His eyes cracked open again. "Pack," he whispered. "Poison." Kurona blinked quickly, her mind working in overdrive yet moving no where.

"Did any of you hear what he had said? Besides 'pack,' and 'poison?'" Kurona asked to her demons. They all shook their heads.

"That was all he said, Kurona," Rin informed the younger girl.

"A pack of poison hit his wound?" Rean offered.

"Sure, go for the obvious," Hiroyuki muttered under his breath.

"Poison can sometimes act as a medicine with the right dosage." Yuri spoke quietly. The conversation was going rapid fire, with hardly any pauses in between. At what Yuri said, Kurona dashed out to the horse and grabbed the sole pack that was hanging from the saddle. In less than a few seconds, Kurona walked back inside the tent and started rummaging through the sack. She mumbled an apology in case she saw anything private. She looked for anything that looked like poison or medicine. Finally, she found it.

"Do you recognize this?" Kurona held the suspected poison to Daisha. Daisha sniffed carefully at the small vial. It was not poison, as Kurona had suspected, but instead an antidote. Of course! An experienced and cautious tribesman like her uncle would never travel out into the depths of the Steppes without the anti-venom to the sandworm's sting.

“You clever old bastard,” she mumbled, tipping his head upwards, so she could pour the anti-venom down his throat. That would rid his system of the poison, and in the meantime, she’d use the herbs to stop the bleeding. After she was finished pouring, she ran her fingers over the edge of the vial, and dabbed it onto the wound, as a slight precaution.

Aadil choked as the liquid was poured down his throat, and after a few tense moments, his eyes blinked open, slowly focusing on Daisha and Kurona. "Well," he whispered hoarsely, "that was a bit of an adventure, wasn't it?"

"'Well...' that's an understatement." When Kurona repeated Aadil's first word, she sounded incredulous. She spoke softly, and walked out of the tent. "I'll just stay outside the tent. If that's all right, of course." Rin went with her, telling Aadil to rest.

"Of course," Daisha looked at the younger girl, "Do not wander far, and if you need me, simply call." Although it could not be seen by any other party, she smiled, mostly in relief that her Uncle was not dead.

"Don't...wander...too far," Aadil wheezed. "Dangerous." Then he closed his eyes again, gritting his teeth against the waves of pain coursing through his body. Sighing slightly, Daisha turned her attention back to her Uncle, and his condition.

"You should have let me go with you," she mumbled, as soon as Kurona as left, shifting through his pack for any sort of bandages, "It was foolish to think you could face such a creature on your own."

"Done it...before," he murmured stubbornly. "Besides...you needed to...protect the...girl."

"Humans never cease to amaze me with their ability to get themselves in near death situations." Rean had thought enough to speak quietly, but as usual he couldn't keep his thoughts to himself. He was sitting in a corner. "Kurona's been in those types of situations more times than even Yuri or Rin can count."

"Whatever you say, stubborn old man.. And I'm sure, Fire Head," Daisha agreed, finding what she needed, beginning to bind the wound, "But, it's funny though, even a elemental like you would have to admit, humans are unusually resilient. No matter what is thrown at us, no matter how many near death experiences one has, we're always able to escape, even if it's just barely by the skin of our teeth."

"Not stubborn," Aadil insisted. "Not old, either."

"Yeah to what both of you said. I'm 56 years old in human years, I'm the second youngest next to Kurona. Yuri's the old man. He's over 6,000 years old. Right, //Ojii-san//? Oh, Ojii-san is 'old man,' or 'grandpa' in Ringence."

"I admit that I am a little over 6,000, but please do not refer to me as old man. Demon's don't age, so your point is invalid."

Aadil shifted uncomfortably, trying to relieve the pressure on his arm. "Rean, as much as it pains me to admit it, I believe that Daisha was calling //me// a stubborn old man." His voice was stronger, but his face and body bore a thin sheen of sweat, proof that the poison was working its way out of his system.

"Huh? No, I meant it as a comparison. Unless you **are** older than 56." Rean's face was blank all but for a small amount of surprise in his wide eyes and raised eyebrows.

"Rean." Hiroyuki spoke through his teeth from his corner, the farthest away from Rean.

"Yeah?"

"Shut up." A short silence, then the fire demon's defiant mutter of, "no," which was ignored.

"If you would excuse us," Aadil said, "I would like to speak to my niece privately." He waited as the demons left the tent, presumably to go find Kurona, then he turned his attention to Daisha. "You are going to have to go on without me. I will just slow you down." Aadil spoke in short sentences, his respiration labored as he breathed through the worst of the pain, a method that Cho had taught him. "You need to get Kurona into Phirumsol as soon as possible. The sandworm attacks are becoming more frequent. I will be fine here. Leave me my horse and a few supplies and ride hard for the border. And...be careful. I..." he began to say something and then stopped, considering his words. "Well, you are my niece. I would not want to see you...that is...blast it, Daisha! I don't want to speak ill of your employer, but I do not know if I entirely trust her. I don't want to see you hurt more than you already have been."

She would have snapped at him for saying such a thing, if he were not her uncle, or in such a fragile condition. Taking a deep breath, Daisha finished cleaning and wrapping his wound, and moved away from him, to allow him his space. "While I don't entirely feel good about leaving you here to fend for yourself, you do have a point. I will take her to Phirumsol without you, as I have done many times before. However, I must mention, my employer has been very kind to me. I trust her with my life, seeing as she was the one who saved me when no one else would give me the light of day. I am indebted to her, and will do whatever she asks. I know, dear Uncle, she cares for me, and would not let me come to any danger."

"It's my fault," he said sadly. "I should have spoken up when my brother gave you to that bastard. I should have done more. Please, Daisha, you must believe that had I known the full extent of his villainy, I would never have let you go with him."

Sighing softly, Daisha nodded. While there was still resentment deep down inside her, Daisha couldn't help but be touched by her Uncle's words. He spoke the truth, that much she could tell. Pulling down the scarf around her face, she placed a kiss softly on the top of Aadil's head, a gesture of love she hadn't shown in what felt like an eternity. "I know you would have, Uncle. I know. But, things happened, and there is nothing we can do about that now. I am safe, and I am still breathing, just as you are. That is all that matters."

Aadil reached up with his good arm and wrapped it around Daisha in a hug. "Indeed, my wise niece. All right, we shall speak no more of this. If you trust her, then that must be good enough for me." He paused. "But, if you ever have need of me, I will come for you." Aadil was silent a moment and then he spoke again, softly. "And by the way, thank you for saving my life."

"It was my pleasure," she spoke softly, wrapping her arms back around him, having been hesitant at first. Daisha held him for a while, not wanting to let him go. In all of her time stuck in that horrible place with the animal who played pretend he was an actual human being, she'd learned to be cold, and uncaring. All of this emotion was welling up in her, and she was just so unused to it.

"You should rest. I will head out in the morning, once I can be sure you will be fine on your own."

"I will rest, and I will be fine. Go check on Kurona. I worry about her being alone, even though," he yawned, "I suppose she is never really alone, is she?" Then he closed his eyes and was soon snoring gently.

Kurona was at the lake and was sitting, flicking sand idly into the water. When she became aware of Daisha's presence outside of the tent, she turned around and asked what she had probably been worrying about this entire time.

"Is Aadil-san any better?"

"He is going to be fine," Daisha replied, sitting down next to the younger girl, "He is resting now. The anti-venom and herbs will do their jobs, and he will be healed soon enough. However...he insists we continue on with our little journey without him. He is weak, and is afraid he will only slow us down, which, although I hate to say it, is not entirely untrue. Tomorrow I will make sure he is in a better condition, and we will continue our way to Phirumsol." Kurona looked like she wanted to protest but nodded slowly in understanding.

"Then I hope he will get well enough for us to continue on soon." Kurona stood up and bowed low to Daisha, "I hope you will continue to lead me through the Numidian Steppes."

The next morning, as dawn bathed the Steppes in hues of coral, pink and gold, Daisha woke and poked her head into her uncle's tent to check on him. She experienced momentary panic as she realized that he was not in the cot. She quickly scanned the oasis and spotted him down by the small lake. He was bent over, bathing his horse's legs in the water awkwardly, using only his good arm.

Giving a long, aggravated sigh, she walked down to the oasis, and crossed her arms. "Ahem," she coughed, getting her Uncle's attention, "What do you think you're doing? You shouldn't be out of your cot, let alone doing this!"

He looked up, a guilty grin on his face. "And a bright good morning to you, too, my niece!" He gestured to the grey mare, "I had to make sure she was not lame. She was limping when she carried me back here, and, as much as you, she saved my life. I would be remiss if I did not tend to her. But all appears well. She may have a slight strain, but with a little rest, she will be drinking the wind again soon."

"You could have asked me to check on her," she mumbled, "Get back up into your tent. I want you to be back up on your feet when you are //fully// healed. Your near death experience was yesterday, and I hardly consider that enough rest time in between."

"A hug for your old, decrepit uncle first?" he wheedled, putting on an aged and tired voice, "And then I will gladly return to the tent to rest."

"Oh, now you're just being over dramatic," Daisha walked forward and hugged him nonetheless, knowing that he would not return to the tent until the task was completed. They were alike in that way; extremely stubborn. She took in a deep breath, taking in his scent which reminded her so much of her childhood home.

"There, now will you please go lie down, before you hurt yourself even further?"

"Yes, I will, but," he hesitated, "I could use a little help." He kept his good arm draped over he shoulders, and they slowly returned to the tent. When he lay down, Daisha checked his wound which looked markedly better. He did heal quickly, she had to admit that. Perhaps a little too quickly to be natural.

She raised an eyebrow, looking up at her Uncle after she rewrapped the wound, "...You're a fast healer, Uncle," she commented offhandedly, "Was there anything in that vial besides anti-venom?"

Aadil rubbed his temples absently with his good hand. "No," he said, clearly puzzled. " At least, I don't think so. Why do you ask?"

"You are healing at a rate that is much faster than normal," Daisha explained, "Do you remember the time one of the village men, Mica I believe his name was, got into a fight with the sand worms? It took him weeks to be even able to stand, let alone do physical activities. And the wound was horrendous. Mother had to deliver herbs, and I saw it with my very own eyes."

Aadil nodded his eyes distant as he recalled the event. "I do remember that," he said slowly. "But Cho gave me the anti-venom...perhaps there was something else in it as well. I wouldn't put it past her. She worries about me. She worries about //everyone//, it seems. And speaking of...have you seen Kurona this morning? I hope we did not frighten her too much yesterday. She is young and far from home. I fear she does not understand our ways."

"She was still asleep when I awoke," Daisha shrugged, "her demons watching over her. But, it seems about time I go and check on her... I shall return before we leave, Uncle. Don't do anything you will later regret, please."

Aadil smiled up at Daisha. "I promise. I will just lie here and rest, perhaps even nap. But please don't leave without saying goodbye."

"Of course I won't, Uncle," Daisha smiled to herself, heading out of the tent.

Kurona was found sitting in front of the pond, staring into the water. The wind demon could be seen a little ways off, watching the girl. Kurona appeared to have just woken up, as she was not in her normal day clothes, her long hair gathered over her shoulder and into her lap, left undone. Her eyes were still glazed over, and she was absentmindedly combing through her hair, working the knots out.

"Good morning, Kurona," Daisha sat down next to the girl, "I'm hoping you slept well?"

"Good morning. Yes, I slept very well, thank you." Kurona replied, her eyes becoming a little more aware as she talked. "May I ask how Aadil-san is doing today?"

"He seems to be doing well. He's on his feet, despite my protests," Daisha chuckled slightly, "We shall be heading out whenever you are ready. We will hopefully make it through in a few days."

"That's good. I still feel bad about leaving Aadil-san behind to take care of himself though." Kurona's head perked up as she started rambling. "Oh, but of course you must be more worried than I am, after all, you have more right to! Not to mention the fact that he's surely able to take care of himself! I'm sorry, I over stepped my boundaries!"

Daisha laughed at the young girl, amused by her antics. She had not been in the least offended by her worry, and found her concern somewhat endearing. "You did no such thing," she soothed the younger girl, "There was no overstepping done. You are worried for my Uncle as much I am. But, as you put it so well, he is going to be fine. He has been able to take care of himself for many years, so much so that I fear he'd become tired of our constant doting." Kurona stared off in a dazed sort of way, no doubt thinking, for a few seconds. Then the young girl started giggling a little and she smiled as she spoke.

"Yes, I do think you are right." Her smile grew a little wider, and she stood up. "Well, we better not waste anymore time. The others have already gotten ready, and so should I. If you could please give Aadil-san my best wishes for his recovery, as I do not know if I will see him again before we leave, only if it's convenient for you of course. I'll go and get dressed." Kurona bowed to Daisha and walked over to the tent. She had to hold her hair up so it wouldn't drag in the dirt, and the water demon walked after her. The other demons could be seen waiting near the horses.

After the the young girl disappeared into her tent, Daisha stood, and went over to her own tent to pack everything up. She didn't have much to pack, so the site was clean within a few minutes. Smiling at her work, she stepped back to admire it, when something grabbed her attention. A black bird, circling overhead. At first, she feared it was a vulture, but as it drew nearer, she saw it was no more then a crow. Outstretching her arm, the bird landed on her hand, and tilted its head, its beady eyes looking into hers.

"We are nearly there," she murmured, "Let the Lady know we will arrive soon. It will only be myself and the girl. Aadil will not be joining us."

The crow //quorked// irritably and then launched from Daisha's wrist, heading south into Phirumsol. Daisha brushed her hands off, and turned to her uncle's tent. She half hoped that he would be asleep, it might make leaving easier; but, as she pulled the flap back, she saw Aadil, awake and alert, propped up by pillows and surveying the contents of his pack which were strewn over his blankets.

He looked up with what was quickly becoming his trademark guilty smile and greeted his niece. "Now, don't fuss at me, Daisha. I did sleep when you left and I just woke a few minutes ago. I wanted you to have this," he said, handing her a small vial, "just in case. It's more anti-venom. It would be very unusual for you to run into sandworms so close to Phirumsol, but," he shrugged, "it has been an unusual season so far. I will be safe enough from them here, and will travel back to our tribe when a caravan comes by, which will provide me with more protection. Please, take this as a gift from your uncle, with love. Oh, and you might as well keep the horses, too. When you get to Phirumsol, just take their bridles off and they will return home."

Daisha sighed, knowing no amount of arguing would do her any good. She took the vial, and placed it in her belt pouch, "Are you sure you will be alright out here? I just... I have this gut feeling that it isn't a good idea. I don't want you to get hurt any further, Uncle. Like you said, it has been an unusual season..."

Aadil's brown eyes softened and he held out his good hand to Daisha, allowing her to take it if she wished. "My beloved niece," he said, "I am protected by means mundane, arcane and, perhaps, almost divine. I will be fine. So do not waste a thought worrying about me." He paused and his wide smile flashed across his tanned face. "But, you could think of me with love. I would allow that."

"Of course I could do that, you silly old man," Daisha replied softly, taking his age worn hand in her own, stroking the back of his with her thumb, "I will return quickly, after I have finished escorting Kurona. If you have not yet returned to the camp by the time I have, I will come search for you myself, and drag you back, do you understand me?"

Aadil squeezed Daisha's hand lightly. "I understand. I will make every effort to return to camp before you." He released her hand and pushed his covers back, swinging his legs off of the cot and onto the floor. "Now come, you and Kurona must leave. To wait any later might expose you to unnecessary danger. But I wish to say goodbye and show her that I am well enough. I don't want her to worry either. Would you help me out to say farewell? Then I promise to return here to rest some more."

"If you insist on going out, then of course I will assist you," Daisha chuckled, taking his good arm, and placing it around her shoulders, so she could get him up and on his feet. She walked him outside into the blinding sun, squinting, attempting to find Kurona so that they could be on their way. Kurona was standing in front of the water again, she seemed to have a deep fascination with it. She turned when she became aware of others' presence behind her.

"Aadil-san! You really shouldn't be up yet... should you?" The girl looked uncertain as she finished her sentence, turning it more into a question.

Aadil rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Not you too," he exclaimed. "You two need to leave so that you do not nag me to death. I'll be fine, really. Be alert to any changes in the sand. Daisha, you know the way well. Ride hard for the border and take care of each other. And, please, be careful," he bowed to Kurona and then pulled Daisha into a one-armed hug. "I love you, niece," he whispered.

"I love you as well, Uncle," the girl chuckled, hugging him back, lingering for only a moment before pulling away, "Are we ready, Kurona?"

"Yes. All set to go." Kurona replied, then turned to Aadil and bowed. "Please be safe, Aadil-san."

Daisha escorted Aadil back into his tent, and sat him down, "Be safe, Uncle," she said softly, kissing his cheek, "I shall return to you soon. Don't make any stupid decisions while I'm gone." Straightening up, she left then tent, and went to Kurona's side. "Let us ride quickly, to avoid any other disasters."

"Yes." Kurona got on the black horse and nodded for Daisha to lead the way.

Mounting her golden horse, Daisha began riding toward Phirumsol. She wanted to get there before dark, and hoped the task possible. With just her and Kurona, the night would be an especially deadly enemy. Kurona remained silent through out the whole trip, deep in thought. When they reached their destination, Kurona was extremely tired, but did not complain.

Dismounting her horse, Daisha sighed, and let out a long whistle, calling to the Kurona's next guide. She was exhausted as well, but it was well worth it. The guide entered quickly, and boy, was he a sight to see. His skin looked of rock, and in places it was cracked, liquid fire shining out. He was tall, nearly seven feet, and he stood upright.

"Huo," Daisha bowed her head, "Have you been waiting long?"

"No, my child. Only a few days," a voice boomed from him, and his eyes flickered over to Kurona, "Is this the girl?"

"Indeed. Kurona, this is Huo, a lava elemental. Huo, this is Kurona and her own personal elementals." Kurona only looked mildly surprised to see a demon come out. Whether she was good at suppressing her emotions or she had expected something similar was a complete mystery to Daisha. After a long pause, Kurona bowed to Huo and spoke.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Huo-san."