crossing the plains of fire

Setting: east Randali early morning the sun is just about to rise on the desert.

Jagter was sent from the guild to help escort a small group of merchants cross the desert safely. Jagter was in the
lead directing the group. one of the merchants, a bearded and portly middle aged man groan "How much longer til we are out of this miserable place?" Jagter turned "It's not to far now maybe a day and a half at most and well be out of the desert." "Good!" the merchant said wiping the beads of sweat from his face "Time is of the essance we have to get there before the other merchants." "Quit complaining, relax we'll get there on time where making great timing, right?" one of the other merchants said
"We'll make it on time it's not too far." Jagter said with a sigh of relief. Normally Jagter had to escort merchants they always complained and where unpleasent at most times. Jagter looked up at the sky "We'll need to stop at mid-day or else" he thought "Come pick up the pace I can see the next town over the horizon."

VipSora was laying in the heat of the desert. So close to the village but so far. She was attacked by a group of rogue and very aggressive lai. Her wagon was over turned and books lay scattered in the sand. When the aggressors found there was nothing of value (at least in their minds) they turned on her. VipSora though of a warrior family had no fighting skills to speak of was easily crushed by this cruel band. Her back gave out leaving her mostly paralized in the sand to thirst to death. She was to tired to move and to tired to care. She sighed and she looked around for her mask, but not getting up to do so. She saw it broken in to three pieces. So much for the face of her ancestors she thought. She layed her head down and let tears fall from her cheeks. VipSora heard voices.
"Help." She croaked. "Please help."

The only dog in the group trot alongside Jagter, admiring his sense of leadership. He had stuck with them since they were generous enough (with the exception of the sweaty merchant) to throw him a scrap or two, and he responded with loyalty. After arguing over a name, the group decided on Ronnel, the region in which they were crossing at this moment, causing him to squint from the sun, and pant from the heat.

Ronnel slowed for a slight moment, closing his mouth for a chance for silence and smell. He then let out a low grumble, not a growl, but just an indication to let them know that something was up ahead.

The dog's behavior caught Jagter's attention right away Jagter dismounted his horse "Wait here trouble maybe up ahead" the merchants stopped "What happens if it's bandits?"one of the merchant asked in a hushed voice. "I'll handle them then, Just please
remain calm." Jagter followed the dog until he happen upon a hurt shinlai almost right away he know the shinlai "Vipsora!?!"
he rushed to the shinlai's side and tried to help her up.

VipSora heard the dog barking and she hoped that it would draw its owner's attention to her. When she saw Jagter she was overwhelmed with joy. I think I love dogs now. She thought. Jagter ran too her after calling her name and started to push her up. She was surpised by how strong this man was. She shakily got to her feet, but she felt very light headed and it felt that a gentle breeze would knock her over.

"Thank you, Jagter." She said in a very cracked voice.

Ronnel circled and paced, panting, his tail wound up by the excitement. He sensed the friendship between Jagter and VipSora, and easily accepted it. He trot up to her, sniffed, and gave her a reassuring and friendly lick, beginning to clean a wound.