Reasons to stay? (TF: Artica)

[Kender Bard]

"What's Ronduin like?" Draesk pressed, grinning a little now. "Is it really true they build new homes on top of old ones and that a great sea monster guards the coast?"

[Northen Light36]

Artica chuckles softly. "Well, aside from Tidal, the dragon that visited, I've never seen a sea monster guarding the coast. There are monsters in the river, but they're more interrested in eatting swimmers then guarding them," she replies. "As for the other, not exactly. If you wanted to add a new room to a home there, you put a new level on the top of the house. But they-we," Artica frowns slightly at her slip of the tounge (when had she started seperating herself from the rest of Ronduin?) but goes on, "don't build one house or business on top of another."

Artica looked out at the water hole, idly touching her water sign and stirring the water into tiny waves, barely more then ripples. "Ronduin is... Well it's beautiful. The people there put a great deal of effort into ensuring that. Even the buildings are designed with beauty in mind, all soft edges and gentle colours. It took my breath away the first time I saw it, but Tres has never thought much of it." Artica chuckled softly, a fond note creeping into her tone. "She claimed that it was too forced and unnatural for her tastes. She does have a point, but don't tell her I said that."

[Kender Bard]

"I generally would have to agree with the oh-so-wise Elder, but if it's as lovely as you I may side more along your way of thinking," Draesk chuckled with a rather rogueish wink. "Perhaps you'd be willing to stoop and take a simple warrior with you to see it in the far future. Unlike some of my people, I'm not afraid of Waters."

[Northen Light36]

Artica couldn't help it, she blushed at the compliment. She wasn't used to hearing people call her lovely. That was a word usually directed at Tres or Tavia. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she laughed softly. "I'd be happy to have you accompany me to Ronduin at some point in the future."

[Kender Bard]

"Great!" he enthused with a wide smile. "And in return, I'd be happy to take you somewhere out here. A little special place I found." He glanced up and frowned thoughtfully. "Not tonight. After the next rain. Then it'd be perfect."

[Northen Light36]

Artic gives Draesk a curious look but, unlike Tres and Zap, she's never been impatient. "And you won't even give me a hint as to what this place might be?" she asks jokingly. "Not very fair when I've already told you about Ronduin." Smiling she adds, "I guess you're just lucky I like surprises."

[Kender Bard]

"It's not grand enough to handle a hint," Draesk admitted rather apologetically. "I don't want to spoil anything. Besides - with what dilemma you seem to be facing, I think that you could use a good surprise." He glanced up to the sky with a thoughtful look, and seemed to be studying it before concluding, "Two days, I say, and then it'll be ready."

[Northen Light36]

"I look forward to it," Artica replies, realising she honestly was looking forward to it. She was curious as to what Draesk had planned and she was finding that she liked the man's company. Chatting like this was a good deal more enjoyable then her purely business conversations with Ace or the rare, strained chats with Cascata that had been the usual conversational pattern since she'd adopted Amneris. Speaking of which... "Should I ask Tres to look after Amneris or would it be all right to bring her?"

[Kender Bard]

"It's up to you," Draesk answered. "We're not going anywhere dangerous, I can say that much. But I may appreciate it a bit more if you came alone." He bestowed upon her another quick wink.

[Northen Light36]

Artica fought not to blush at what it sounded like Draesk was implying. She was not a blushing, giggling little girl damn it! "I think Tres can manage another child for one night," she replies with a smile. Glancing at her arms, Artica sighes and stands up. "Well, if I stay out in this sun much longer, I'm not going to be good for much for days. I better take the girls and get into the shade. I'll see you later, Draesk."

---

A couple of days later, Artica leaves Amneris with Tres and goes looking for Draesk. Should have made arangements where to meet him. With nothing better in mind as a starting place for search, Artica goes to check the water hole.

[Kender Bard]

Draesk, obviously having the same thought, was waiting by the water hole. The hole was a little more filled now - it'd rained in the night and the land was still just a little damp from it all, though the morning sun was devouring it quickly. He stood, smiling widely at her. "Are you much good at running?" he asked by way of greeting. "We'll need to hurry."

[Northen Light36]

"I run well enough," Artica replies with a grin. "So lead the way, Draesk. I'd hate to miss whatever it is you have to show me."

[Kender Bard]

Draesk returned her grin with a dazzling smile of his own and took off running at a fast pace. He headed west of the clan and seemed to not have a destination in mind until he abruptly slowed in front of a few massive sand dunes, then began to scramble up them carefully. Once at the top he 'rode' the sand down to where... an amazing scene greeted them.

There were a variety of cacti in the little bowl of land and all of them were blooming with gorgeous, bright hued flowers. The very smell of so many flowers in such a small spot within the desert perfumed the very air. There was a very tiny pool of water here as well - a gathering from the rain that had managed to survive this long, and it reflected the desert sky and flora in a shimmering pool of colors.

[Northen Light36]

Artica gasps softly, amazed by the sight. She'd gotten somewhat used to the dryness of Naurorod and even found some beauty in the harsh landscape, but this... This reminded her of her mother's much loved garden and she smiles in delight.

"Draesk... This is amazing," she murmurs, breathing in the perfumed air with visible delight.

[Kender Bard]

"Yeah, I know," Draesk agreed, sitting down next to the water pool for lack of seating. "It doesn't happen very often. Only after a rare rainstorm. Otherwise this place is just sand and prickly cacti. I found it on accident when I was a little younger, wandering around bored after a storm."