Desert Lullaby

[Altairas]

Dust churned in the morning air as wind blew in from the coastline that boarded Spargus. The sun had barley made its way across the horizon, and the first rays that escaped the tall mountains bathed the streets in a golden hue. A distant tapping noise could be heard, mixed with the usual footsteps of the people on the street. The sound came from a man, his bright blue hair sticking out ageist the warm tones of the city.

The man sported a dark coat, the sleeves messily drawn up to his elbows, as well as a white tee shirt. Strapped to his back was a stuffed pack, adorned with a shovel as well as other miscellaneous items. In his right hand he held a staff, that he tapped on the street rhythmically in front of him, and in his left he held a small journal.

The journal was a subdued maroon, the leather tattered and worn from repeated use and abuse. The precursor lettering that titled it was equally as battered, the golden letters mellowed and dull. The text was still readable, and it voiced the young mans name. Leonardo.

With a sigh, the tapping stopped, and Leo came to a halt. I think she told me that we were meeting up here? He asked himself, maneuvering his journal under his right arm. Slowly he reached his hand out to feel the for the door that lay in front of him. He remembered where he was well, his mind picturing the garage of vehicles as well as the desert sands that lay beyond.

A small crackle of blue eco arched across Leo's skin, trying to find its way to the gears that were hidden within the wall. Quickly he pulled his hand away, clenching it into a fist until the tingling sensation stopped.

She should be hear already, it's going to be too hot to travel if she gets here any later. Leo thought giving out an audible groan as he leaned ageist the wall, his body tingling with the excitement of going artifact hunting again.

[Neki]

The dust was roiling, a cloud behind the quick moving leaper lizard. It was dark blue grey, and carry large sacks of supplies. The woman on its back was grinning from ear to ear as she directed the creatures movement, going toward the meeting place. And I bet he's just going to absolutely love my entrance. I mean, come on, being late and scaring him half to death? Just perfect. A quick laugh escaped her, caught by the winds and torn away before it could even be heard.

She directed the leaper to jump up on one of the rock, taking a shortcut. She knew she needed to move faster to get to the garage before the owner. She was sure that he woudn't mind them borrowing a few of his dune buggys. She wanted to heavily armored one, with the extra shocks for desert travels. It would stay cooler, and if there were mauraders out it would hold up better.

Her eyes darted sideways and she pulled sharply on the reins, making the leaper dodge in between a few houses. She userged it to move quicker, so that they could get going. With a blast of dirt the animal jumped from between the houses to where Leo was.

She smiled and jumped off, leading the animal closer to where he was as she pulled apilfered garage key from her pocket.
" Hey Sparky, How are ya?"

[neferti]

Through the heatwaves a Ku walked slowly around Spargus. He took a long drink from his canteen before putting it back onto the clip on his hip.
He thought,"Ah..this heat is lovely...but a bit too much for me." Ku was use to the usual coolness of Haven, but decided to come into Spargus to try and rake in a few orbs so he wouldn't have to eat out of the garbage. Ku took another long drink from his canteen and sighed with satisfaction.

He noticed two people near the garage of Spargus and walked over to them.
Ku said,"Good morning to everyone. How goes your day?"

[Altairas]

Leo closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the sounds of the streets around him. He could hear the mingling sounds of footsteps on the streets as well a few voices that carried news of metal head attacks. Leo shivered, his hand letting out an involuntary twitch, sending a few few sparks of eco crackling through the air. Biting his lip he slowly opened his eyes, his mind replaying memory's from the attack.

Too caught up in his own thoughts, Leo didn't catch the sound of the running leaper lizard until it was jumping in front of him. Automatically Leo flinched, his journal falling to the ground as he swung his staff in front of him, his finger hitting the button to unleash the metal blade. His hand felt the wall behind him, reminding him that he was cornered.

" Hey Sparky, How are ya?" The voice was all too familiar. I can't believe it ! He hissed at himself, bringing his shaking hand up from the wall and running it through his hair. He sheathed his hidden blade and turned his head to the direction of the girls voice." Your so hilarious. . . and late." He mumbled, more upset at himself for falling for her little trap. Grunting, he bent down and grabbed his journal, having to feel around for a moment to see where it fell.

As he grabbed his book he caught wind of footsteps growing closer and he immediately stood back up, turning his head toward the noise. Maybe it's the guy who owns the garage? He thought as the man began to talk to them.

"It is going good sir. Thank you." Leo said giving a small nod and smile in the mans general direction. This guy wants something. But I'm not sure what . Nobody is considerate in Spargus, not without alternate motives.

[neferti]

Ku wiped the few beads of sweat off of his brow and smiled warmly to the man.
He said,"You not need to worry friend. I am only hear to speak and ask if I accompany you on your expedition. I can tell by the shovel in your hand you plan on doing some digging?" He took a drink from his canteen again, drinking the rest of the water inside.
Ku thought,"I hope these two let me accompany them...it's been ages since I've done something fun." He put the canteen back on his hip and wiped his brow again.
Ku said,"I could help dig...or navigate!"

[Neki]

Shinrah let a grin spread across her face as she watched Leo's reaction. He looked upset, and almost tired. His hair was waving slightly in the wind, the staff pointing at her, metal extended. She saw the realization flood through his eyes when he saw he was cornered. Man, I didn't think he'd be that upset. He seemed like the kind of person who could take a joke or two. Maybe not. Its probably bad for his heart or something or other. She thought to herself.

"You're hilarious.......and late." He said to her in a not so happy voice. Her grin got wider as she watched him pick up the book. It took him a moment to find it she noticed, and for a moment she felt bad. Then he ears moved as she heard the footsteps coming closer. Her muscles tensed and her hand went straight for her gun, slung over her shoulder. The weapon was out and pointed at the man as the two exchanged plesantries. His voice sounded honest, no strain from lying. She wondered what he wanted. No one just walked up all nice and friendly here. Everyone had a motive, and she wanted to know wat this guy wanted.

" So you want to come with us? " She asked as she watched him carefully. Her green grey eyes were sharp, every muscle ready to move. All the airs of fun and games were gone as the untrusting person she was came hurtling back. How was it she could be so at ease with Leo, and then in a snap secod go back to the cold person she was.

"You not need to worry friend. I am only hear to speak and ask if I accompany you on your expedition. I can tell by the shovel in your hand you plan on doing some digging?" His voice raised at the end, letting her know he was asking a question. She watched him carefully for a moment longer, wondering what she should be doing. She didn't know him, didn'y trust him, and didn't really want to get to know him. She'd had enough of strangers turning on her recently. How did she know that this one wouldn't be the same as all the others? She sighed and lowered her weapon, trying to think of an appropriate response.

" I think I need to speak to my associate here before we go any further with this line of though." She said to him, her voice slightly steely, not ready to accept anyone. She poked Leo's arm, pulling him slightly to show what direction she was going to go. She wanted to be away from him as she spoke to Leo. She didn't trust anyone in Spargus saved the blue haired man near her.

[Altairas]

Leo adjusted his hand on his staff momentarily as the man before him spoke. His fingers searched the engraved metal surface looking for the raised button. When it was found, he placed his thumb gently over it, using it only for a precaution. As the man finished his question Leo managed to give a thoughtful expression as if considering the man for the job. I don't need someone holding us back, were already loosing time. Not to mention the guy is trying to have us hire him, prob for some orbs. . . or a cut or what we find.

Leo's ears pricked to the sound of Shinrah moving beside him. He could hear her feet repositioning on the sandy street as well as a her hands connecting with the bare metal of a gun. Shaking his head, he extended his staff into the dark void in front of him. The tip placed gently on Shinrah's arm. "There is no need for hostility here." He said, his face a very calm and serious expression, Spargus was not a city to begin picking fights in. Shinrah of all people should know when to not to be slinging her guns around.

Slowly he lowered his staff from Shinrah's arm, listening to her speak to the man . Her voice was cold and edgy, as if her very words were ment to strike at the man. And yet she was trying to scare me half to death only a few moments ago. He though to himself, breaking out of the moment as she touched his arm. A small jolt of blue eco crackled as he turned to her, following in whatever way she was going to lead them.

"I am worried about the price. . ." Leo whispered to her, getting to the heart of the subject as quick as possible. "I'm not cutting artifacts with a stranger, that and stealing is always a issue. But it wouldn't hurt to have someone out there. " He added at the end his mind running though all of the other digs he had done. "I always had three or more guys. Me, a digger and a spotter. But I don't know how this guys is acting, does he look untrustworthy?" Leo asked his voice reciting all of his jumbled thoughts and worrys.

[neferti]

Ku backed away a few inches from the man who pointed the gun at him.
He thought,"Could they be thinking I'm like everyone else in this town?" He smiled lightly and waited for the two people in front of him to finish their conversation.
Ku said reassuringly,"I do not ask for any payment. Only to join you on whatever it is you plan on doing. I am a healer as well, if anyone gets injured."

[Neki]

Shinrah watched Leo's face as he spoke. He was didfferent than he was a moment ago. He was in his elemnt now, and he knew exactly what he was talking about. The concept of workking with others was something Shinrah was new to. She had always worked by herself, getting the job done as quickly as she could so she could get back to looking for Jaythen.

" We're not giving him anything." As she said it the man interjected that he need not be given anything. She turned and gave him a dirty look for interrupting. She wasn't in the mood now. She was looking forward to going out with someone she at least partially trusted, if not completely. Ading someone new and untried to the mis did not make her happy. But if Leo was right there were dangers that they would need to have another person here for. At least, she halfway agreed. She had alwaysmanaged by herslef, and she didn't know whther she needed to change that now or not.

" Well," She whispered watching the man. " If we need another person lets take him. If it turns out for the worst we can always leave him for the desert." There was a ruthlessnes in her voice that characterized just what she meant.

[neferti]

Ku gulped as he was given a glare by the girl and smiled nervously. He also caught the last bit that the girl said,which made him sweat a bit more then he already was.
Ku thought,"Would they really leave me out there?" He stopped himself from saying anything that would ruin his chance at adventure in a long time and just stood there.