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Helping Shira look around, Melitus finds himself wandering a bit too far. There are so many things they need to think about doing and he is focused on keeping the list straight in his head, he nearly misses a muffled sound coming from her direction. He pauses to listen, but hears nothing. Just in case, he starts moving in her direction. If only he could figure out where that was.
”That’s fair enough,” Melitus says. ”I will help you with your search for more materials to make a weapon of your own. We haven’t run into too many bad things yet, but our luck could change at any moment.” He then silently reprimands himself for sounding pessimistic.
Melitus appraises the weapon with a fine eye. While makeshift, the effort Shira put into it seemed to make it a bit better than something simply found in the wilderness. It was fairly well balanced and though it wouldn’t stand up to something well armored, most of the prey they would find out here had no such coverings. He admired the etchings in the side as well. ”This is a fine weapon, Shira,” he says, ”I did not know you to be a weapon smith as well.” He then holds up the dried leaf skirts he had been working on. ”It’s not silk, but it might help keep our skins from getting burned.”
While they weren’t good quality, the skirts would at least keep them cool and give a little modesty other than their underclothes, which was all they were left with. He needed to find some better thatching to make some halfway decent clothes for them though. That would take a while, especially since he wasn’t a tailor. ”So, now that I am well armed, maybe we can hunt us down something decent for lunch?” Having spent the morning working on clothes and weapons, he realized they didn’t eat much but berries and nuts they found nearby. ”Care to join me?”
Melitus jumps at the sound of Shira’s voice. He realizes the sun had long gone down now and looked about. Continuing to listen he heard her describe something about a trap. He ran to her as quickly as his feet would carry him and he spots her holding some sort of contraption. Putting two and two together, he realizes what happened. ”Well, it may attract some curio merchants, they might have some money we could poach from them.” He smiles at his own joke, hoping she wasn’t offended by it. He spends the rest of the night helping her sharpen sticks against whatever rocks they find until they tire and sleep. It is an uncomfortable rest, but it is a rest. The next morning, he checks on Shira and then goes to collect the ferns he laid out the night before. He then starts turning them into waist skirts for the both of them to wear. It will take him a few hours to do so, but at least it will pass the day.
Melitus nods and wishes her good luck. He then proceeds to make his way towards the other side of the pond. His eyes scan the coming dusk and the quickly forming shadows. So far, nothing has found their ideal camping ground, but it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t stop worrying about it.
He went over in his head a plan. He had ideas that at some point, they may want to leave, but from all the stories he heard, that was never going to happen. It was daunting, but he knew that he could survive for a while almost anywhere, but even better, he at least had a companion to commiserate with. For now, he was content to eke out a temporary existence here in this strangely welcoming spot in a mess of dangerous land. He went to work doing what he said, using the last bit of sunlight to hunt for sturdy plants to turn into thatch.
He spots a large fern bush, about his height, that contained some rather thick leaves. While it wasn’t enough to make a full set of clothes, he could at least fashion a couple of waist skirts for them. He yanked them out and laid them to dry for the night. He would work on them in the morning.
Melitus quickly devours the cooked fish, keeping some of the larger bones to use as needles later. Judging by the dust storm the other day, the weather could take a turn at any time, and they needed clothes for protection as well as modesty. They still needed to make weapons as well, for hunting and defense. Melitus knew it was only a matter of time before they ran into anyone else. When he finished, he stood up to walk towards the other side of the pond. ”There’s a nice log over there, I will go and rest on it while I see about finding some plants we can turn into better clothes.” He then adds, ”If we get lucky, maybe I’ll find a silkworm.” Joking aside, he turns serious for a moment. ”If anyone or anything comes for you, scream. I’ll be here quick as I can.”
”If it’s not something you do every day, that can happen. No worries though, so far it’s just us and a couple of fish for dinner and the night animals to sing us a song.” He watches as she disappears behind some trees, realizing that if her clothes are wet, she would have to remove them both to dry them quicker and to keep her from getting a chill. Considering that they had little clothes as it was, being left to die in their underclothes, he didn’t see much choice. ”I can wait over on the other side until your clothes dry,” he offered, wanting her to be able to maintain her modesty, even out here in the wilds of the Exiled Lands.
Melitus is focused on gutting the fish he caught and only vaguely hears the new words that Shira speaks. He then realizes that the identical bracelet that they are wearing seems to allow them to communicate, despite what words they use. He tried something in a different language to see if his theory was correct. ”You’ll get the next one, Shira!”
”You’re on,” Melitus says playfully. For now, this would be their shared home. He had a place to go at one point, but right now, in this place, here was where they lived. It would do and he would do what he could to defend it. He knew that they were not alone out here, but so far, no one had found them. He silently worried about when that day may come. He takes a sharp stick and attempts to gouge a fish from the water.
”I got one!,” Melitus proclaims, probably a little too loudly.
Melitus smiled as they walked back to camp. He had never thought about settling anywhere really. His life was always on the move, from one assignment to the next. He wondered how many others actually made something for themselves out here. Still, he had to worry about here and now. Now, he was gathering up supplies and getting ready to build a camp in the middle of nowhere with a woman that he was just starting to get to know and a nice spot in the middle of a forest that shouldn’t exist. ”So, “ he says as they start heading back to the pond. ”How do you like your fish cooked?”
Melitus nods in agreement. ”Alright, let’s go see what you’ve found.” They walk back along the trail that Shira left so she could find her way back. When he sees the place, a small pond in the center of the large forest, it takes him a moment to take in his surroundings. Here they were, in a deadly part of the world and yet they find this idyllic place. He couldn’t help but wonder what dangers there might be around him. Still, he and Shira had survived this long. He vowed then and there to make sure that would remain the case. ”I think this place is almost perfect. Perhaps we should start a real camp here. I can go back and bring the wood here. We can start using it to build things. What do you think?”
Melitus returns to the camp and feels a pang of worry as he notices Shira is missing. Putting the wood down with the rest that he had collected, he began to look for tracks. As he started to trod off, he heard her approach with a smile on her face. ”Find something interesting?,” he asks.
Melitus smiles as Shira tells him of what she saw. ”Perhaps at least one god smiles upon us today. I will try to find some more wood today while you do that.”
”Just like the old days,” Melitus says as he picks up a hefty stick and swings it around playfully. It was odd. here they were, knowing full well that anything at anytime could come and try to attack them, eat them or worse, yet they were making light of it. After securing the load of wood they had gathered, he sat and leaned his back against it. Having had his fill of some forest rodent and berries they had found earlier, he was content to take turns taking watch.
The next morning, Melitus is found pondering as he clears the campfire and prepares to move on. ”So I was thinking,” he starts as Shira approaches. ”Once we start collecting a lot of things, we really have no place to store them. We can’t simply keep carrying it with us. We would be overwhelmed and we will run out our energy faster. It isn’t a problem now, but it could be. What do you think we should do?”
Gathering the wood in his arms, Melitus shakes his head. ”Finding the forest in the middle of the desert was pure playfulness on the part of the gods, as they see fit to taunt us with it lacking little in the way of things we will need. We should probably rest and try again tomorrow”. He sets to work putting the wood in a pile and only taking what they need for a small fire.
"Well, then we'll have to do the best we can. Let's look around for some small bones so we can make some tools to help us carve arrows and such. "
As they travel the woods nearby their makeshift camp, Melitus comes across a hefty fallen branch. "This will do," he says.
Melitus smiled, genuinely. It was probably the first time since he had been here. ”I would think a bow of some kind would help us hunt at least. With all these trees, I imagine, I could find a decent piece of wood around to make something simple. It won’t be an Ophirian bow, mind, but it will do in a pinch. Maybe we can find some bones to make some knives out of too, easier than a rock, I think. “ He didn’t want to guess at her training with weapons, as she handled herself well with the creature they killed. ”What would you feel comfortable carrying?”
Melitus nods. ”You’re welcome. I think between the two of us, we may just make it out here. Best not to get our hopes up too high though. I am in agreement though. Weapons to both defend ourselves and make hunting a bit easier would help.” He look at the trees around him. He was excited at the prospect of holding a bow in his hands again. Even a makeshift one.
After getting the fire going, Melitus uses some tree bark as a makeshift plate to place the mushrooms and wild berries that Shira had found. For once he felt accomplished, but he also knew that complacency was dangerous in this part of the world. It would get them both killed and he didn’t want that. ”I think, instead of wandering around, we need to start looking at building ourselves some shelter, at least temporarily, or at least some weapons to protect ourselves if something larger comes along.”
Melitus was doing his best to keep an eye out for trouble while Shira looked for a better source of water that they could use, but this forest seemed a bit dried up. He was lost in thought about how it could be that a desert had more water than the forest when he realized they had passed the same fallen tree. Twice. ”Shira, I think we should have seat under this log here and take a moment to catch our breath, maybe eat some grubs or something. We will need energy to get going again. “ He didn’t want to insult the woman by implying that she had gotten them lost. As it was, he wasn’t exactly paying attention either. He started to look around for some mushrooms or grubs or anything somewhat edible.
He smiles when he sees the growth of plate mushrooms on the backend of the log. ”These would taste better cooked,” he says as he starts collecting branches for a fire.
Melitus nods as he looks around, keeping his arm up to keep the sand out. His other one feels warmer with her hand in it. He knew this woman to be of the desert, so it comforted him. ”Well, there is one thing going for us. We have all this sand to keep us from being seen by predators.” They trudged on for what seemed like days, though it had only been a couple of hours when they came across a break in the sand dunes. While the storm didn’t let up just yet, they at least found some shelter in a shallow canyon, away from most of it. Melitus hoped that this meant they would find some water soon.
They travelled for some time, but as the sand continued, Melitus had to blink more than once to believe what he was seeing. Though the canyon, there appeared to be trees. He felt a renewed vigor in his step.
Melitus watches as the woman falls asleep next to him. Either she was exhausted or she felt safe enough to rest, or both. It seems the sandstorm was just as tired, as the wind started to die down. Though it would be difficult for them to see, at least it wasn't cutting their skin. Though it was midday, resting in this heat would do them better than trying to move in a storm. He could certainly use the rest too, but he didn't dare fall asleep at the same time. Instead, he kept his eyes open for anything that might take advantage of their hindered senses.
The sand blowing around them was still too much to see anything and the varied shapes of the rocks and sand did nothing to help. Still, when Shira awoke, they would have to move on, despite the blowing sand. Food was scarce where they were, and so in order to get anything worthwhile, they had to move.
Melitus shares the makeshift shawl with Shira. While it still smelled of the dead beast, at least it kept the sand and grit from their mouths. They would have to stay sheltered for a while, the storm did not seem like it was going to let up anytime soon.
Melitus quietly admired how the desert woman was easily able to withstand the sand and acted is if it was an every day occurrence. Growing up in the cities, he had no such experiences.
Eventually Melitus is awoken and he lets Shira rest for a bit. She was right, travelling at night was cooler, but could be enough to even freeze a person if they weren't careful. It also meant that more predators could be about as well. Animals also knew what they knew. She was also right about anyone they might meet out here. Considering their location, most everyone here who has survived is probably running on instinct and will kill anyone that they consider a threat. For the moment, that meant anyone. Looking at the sky, he pondering the thousands of lights he saw there. There were many theories as to what they were, but he had hoped that they were ancestors watching over them as they travelled. They successfully survived the first day, but the next, well, that would remain to be seen.
As they travelled, Melitus sees more of that shimmer. He leads Shira towards it and they are rewarded with a small pool of water that has gathered under a shade of rock. "There is enough here for both of us to get through the day, but we should look for some food too. Perhaps a desert hare or something."
Melitus watches as a dark cloud appears on the horizon. It soon grows closer to them. He recognizes it immediately. "Sandstorm!", he yells as the wind starts to pick up.
Melitus chuckles. "Yeah, it seems my options are open." He waves his arms as if to indicate just how many potential employers there are. "No, surviving here will not be easy, but going back, especially if they know we are alive, could be even more dangerous. For now, I think we should try to find a settlement of some kind and get established, get our bearings and then make a plan for our triumphant return." After eating, Melitus felt better. He didn't want to rest and his male need to protect females was starting to kick in. Something told him that she would put up a fight, so he left the matter alone. "I will rest, but wake me in a few hours."
Melitus stifles a laugh, instead letting out a snort. Some of the things I have done may have been criminal in nature, but I assure you, they were at the behest of higher authority." He pauses, rubbing his chin and turning the spit. "I too had some information that I wasn't supposed to. I did my job, and then they decided to cut off loose ends. At least, I am assuming as such. They didn't bother to give me a speech when they left me here." After turning the spit and watching the meat brown, he says, "I'm not sure about the going back part. We may want to get ourselves situated before we think about that."
Melitus accepted the sharp glass with a nod. "That will do nicely," he says. At least I know I won't die because of ineptness out here. That last part he only thought to himself. Instead, he went back to focusing on his work. Once he was done, he found a branch and spitted the animal on it, placing it over the fire to cook for them. "So, how did you get stuck out here? You don't exactly look like the criminal type."
Melitus sighs. She was right, it was just defending its territory, but out here, especially in the Exiled Lands, there is little room for mercy. Still, even he mourned for it. "Usually, I would have a sharp knife and a flat place to work." He looked around. "Not much of that going on. We will have to improvise." He worked at getting the fire going as spoke. "I will go and find the sharpest rock I can, but you may not want to watch the next part. Here," he said, handing her a stick. "Keep the fire going while I work."
Melitus hears the whimpering cry of the animal as Shira uses a rock to finish it off. He sets to work starting their campfire so that they can cook the beast right away. He knows that if they leave the raw meat as it is, it will spoil quickly. "Well done. Are you hurt at all?"
"You almost have him!", Melitus shouts in encouragement. "I'm going to look for some sticks or something to try to get a fire going so we can cook him up." Looking around, he sighs. "Not that I'll have much luck."
Melitus smiles as he sees a small curvature in the sand, leading to an outcropping of rock. He would tell Shira about it as soon as she was done wrestling with their dinner.
The beast that Shira is holding on to attempts to bite her so that she lets go. She manages to stay clear of its jaws and holds the thing at bay. How he wished for his bow right now. Watching the struggle between the woman and the creature, Melitus feels that there is little he can do to help her. Instead, he works to gather up the water they had been looking for. Not having a container to put it in, he rips off a piece of his underclothes, hoping they can reach shelter before nightfall. He uses it to sop up what water he can, so they would at least have something to drink as they moved along.
Melitus is genuinely surprised as the woman moves away and then suddenly springs to grab the creature. She was frighteningly quick and the thing had no idea that it was happening with him distracting it. He hadn't thought about food, but she obviously was. It was suddenly squealing and growling and gnashing its teeth at her, trying to get free.
Knowing full well that the signs of brush meant water had to be nearby, Melitus allowed himself a smile of relief. It quickly turned to worry as the brush began to move. It appeared they had a rival for the water. His instincts told him to grab for his weapon, but alas, he had nothing but his fists to rely on. Any fight they got into could be their last, at least without some sort of protection. He tried something first. He crouched low and reached out his hands and made a small whistling sound.
The creature growled, but didn't attack, at least not yet. It slowly emerged from the brush, its teeth bared. It was a furry thing, with dark brown and gray stripes. It was probably the size of a small hunting cat. Melitus slowly backed away, staying low and gesturing for it to follow. He only slightly turned his head to get Shira's attention. "If I can get him to move away, can you find the water and see what you can gather up?"
Melitus attempts to smile, despite his wounds. At least she wasn't trying to kill him, yet. Happy that she was playing along, he continued. "I will definitely have to take you up on that. As soon as we find someplace nice." He looked up at the sun glaring down at them and then ahead at the haze that seemed ever so distant. Sniffing the air, he said, "We're getting close, I can smell the moisture."
Dropping to the ground, Melitus could barely gather the strength to stand, let alone thank the woman. He looked at her and at himself. Both of them were left with little but the underclothes on their bodies. The sun threatened to burn them if they didn't try to get some shelter or coverings soon. His survival knowledge started to flood to his mind, but he took a sharp breath and looked at what Shira was asking about. "I can certainly take a look. I'm no healer, but I can keep you from bleeding all over."
Unfortunately, his fatigue and the sun and sand in his eyes made things more difficult than he imagined. He tied the bit of cloth on, but it seemed to bite into her flesh more than anything. While the bleeding stopped, the wound may not heal properly. He needed to find something to make a poultice, but the options were scarce. "Can you walk?", he said, noting his own stamina was lacking. "We will need to find water to clean that out and to drink." He pointed towards the shimmer in the distance. He then held out a hand to her. "Let's head that way, we can at least try to find some water in that direction."
Melitus starts walking, helping Shira along, seeing if anyone left any waterskins behind or if there were any rocks that water has collected in. The shimmer seems to move as they approach and he is getting tired already. As they travel, he asks, "Any plans for the evening? We may be here a while."
Melitus smiles to himself. The woman was free and despite being tied up here, she was no waif in distress. He however, was still stuck. "I might be able to help with that wound, if you can get me down.", he said hopefully.
Melitus watched as Shira attempted to get free from the ropes. They were well tied and whoever wanted them here did not want them getting down. He sighed. Turning his head to look at how they were trussed up, he tried to formulate a plan.
Noting that their arms were spread out, he realized that they might have some leverage, if their strength wasn't already sapped from being beaten and hung here. He secretly hoped the wood was dry and weak as he strained one last time, grunting as he pulled with all the might he possessed.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. His arms were too weak to do much of anything. There had to be another way. He doubted anyone would come along and free them. More than likely, they would kill them just for spite. If the stories he had heard about this place were true. He couldn't let that happen. "Keep trying. There has to be a way off of these gods forsaken poles." He looked to the birds. They were closer now.
Melitus watches as the woman squirms in the ropes. He had already tried, but she was smaller and her joints might just squeeze through, if they didn't tie them too tight. He looks at the horizon, a vast nothing but sand and broken rocks. There was a shimmer in the distance. "There is moisture in the air, probably a water source nearby it, but it could be a ways off. The birds might now the way, but we have to convince them not to eat us first."
All at once a shiver of relief and concern washed over him. This woman had the coloration of a desert girl, not like from the cities where he was from. Yet, she seemed to understand his language. A trader perhaps, merchant. He then wondered what it was that got her tied up here too. Especially since he didn't remember her at all. "Melitus," he managed. "I don't suppose you have a bit of water on you? A knife perhaps? Those birds look awful hungry and I don't dare to tempt them much longer."
For whatever it was worth, Melitus knew why he was here. The blasted sun beat down on him from above, its heat turning his olive skin an ugly brown. All around where his squinted eyes looked, he saw the glinting sand of the Exiled Lands. He had heard of the place, in stories and myths, but he had never seen it. He vaguely remembered having a shroud shoved over his head. His body, wincing in pain, remembered being beaten by fists and cudgels. When he awoke, the only thing left of his captors was a single man, standing in front of him, laughing. His words would never be forgotten. ”This is what you get for trying to get ahead in our world, Melitus. You don’t belong here. This, this is where you belong.” He left after that, disappearing into the shimmer of the wastelands. Already, Melitus’ lips were parched and he knew that he needed to find water and eventually food, in that order. The dunes and rocks around him were not promising much. His leather bound hands and feet were no help either. The flock of dark birds circling overhead told him he had little time left. As he glanced to his right, he realized he was not alone. There was a woman there, bound as he was, on an upright pillar of dark wood. He could not tell from here if she was still alive. ”He..hello?”, his voice cracked in his native Ophirian. It was a long shot that she might understand.
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