It was impossibly cold. Anahita shivered under the thin shawl that she had managed to snag from one of the merchants that she was escorting towards Oba. This was supposed to be the desert country, land of heat with the scorching sunlight burning through her cotton clothing, but somehow overnight the landscape had gotten significantly colder with what felt like a winter breeze howling through the caravan instead of a sandstorm. While Anahita was not a stranger to the cold of winter, she was not prepared for it out here and had not packed accordingly. Therefore, like a couple of others in the caravan, she had bargained for whatever material that she could find to fight against the cold. The merchants had even camped out earlier than normal so that they could make bonfires near an oasis so that the group could settle together with strong ale to get their blood heated. There was also some music and dancing thanks to a performance group that had joined up with the caravan during this particular excursion, the bards paying some coin so that they could hitch rides on the empty space in the carts that were Sulburi bound to gain more supplies and trade what goods they did have for Oban specialities before traveling back towards the Sautian region. “This cold is gonna slow us down just a bit, looks like.” Murmured someone next to Anahita, the ranger nearly jumping as an Oban dancer around her age settled next to her. He had been dancing with those around the bonfire, the group having a good time with the alcohol and music taking over, but now he relaxed on the rock that Anahita had claimed for her perch. Thankfully it was just large enough for two bodies, but it required him to be pressed against her hip as he balanced there next to her. And for once Anahita couldn’t complain since she was freezing and the extra warmth was welcomed even though she had to raise a brow as he tried to sling an arm around her shoulders, the Oban instead opting to stretch his hands towards the sky as if that was his intention all along. “So you’re the ranger, right? I’m guessing that’s why you aren't out there to have fun with the rest. Got a couple of others with ya to swap out soon so that you could maybe play around?”

“Mmmhmm. They’re out scouting right now while I’m protecting the caravan. And I’m not one to really participate in things like this even if they weren’t scouting.” Another one was out there dancing with the merchants and bards like a fool, but she wasn’t about to tell on him, not when she wasn’t completely certain about these entertainers that had joined the caravan. The cold weather was already off putting enough as it was. How could she trust a stranger even if he had a friendly and rather handsome face? If anything that made her even more loath to trust him. Those nearly indigo locks and golden eyes that reflected the dancing flames of the bonfire be damned, especially when added to that slight dimple that showed up in his left cheek as he grinned at her in the moment. Cute or not, she was not going to be dancing and drinking even if it was also bitterly cold.

“Shame. If you weren’t on protection duty then I would ask you to dance with me. It’s a good way to fight off this cold.” The bard teased, that dimple only showing up more as he chuckled. “I’ll have to tell the others that I at least got to sit next to the pretty lady, but it looks like you’d be more willing to shoot me with that bow of yours than dance. At least that was your expression just now.” He shrugged as he lowered his arms and wrapped them around his own waist. “See? I’m in no position to try anything as long as I keep my hands tucked away like this. If you don’t mind my mouth though-” That damn teasing expression again was tossed her way, the bard not ashamed at all with his attempts at flirting. “Then I’ll gladly keep you company so we could chat a bit while you watch over everyone with my hands plenty away unless you need more help warming up.”

Anahita felt the tip of her ears warm slightly and she was glad that the evening dusk was already settling over so that he couldn’t see the flustered flush that threatened her cheeks. Was this guy serious? How silly! “It’s cold so we’re all stuck out here by the fire, and so as long as you don’t block my vision and keep to your side of the rock then it’s not my business how you spend the evening.” She managed finally. And so she spent the cold snap listening mostly to Tonalli talk about the entertainer’s travels while giving a bit of information about herself, just her name and some interests, and admittedly it was nice to pass the time thinking about something other than how cold she felt as the sun sank beneath the horizon.

[868]