Reapers

JP with Lucian, Winteroak and Bandorchu

This… might be trouble.
Alexis sidled a little closer to Tarmen.

“Don’t like the look of this. Don’t like THEY don’t like the look of this.”
she commented in a low tone, glancing at the uncomfortable looking merchants.

Most likely they should see if the locals could settle this among themselves, but just in case she subtly closed the distance to the caravaners a little, ready to jump into action if necessary.

Tarmen nodded his agreement, following close behind her, thumbing his machete handle.
He had never fought in the desert and didn’t like the thought of it. No solid ground to dig into or push off of. He would truly be jumping into the fire if this devolved into conflict.
“Be defensive if things go bad. They know how to fight here better than we do.”

Alexis inclined her head, inconspicuously checking to see if her shield was easy enough to grab in a hurry.

The merchants greeted the group already on the oasis and you witnessed the group drinking water together before the men from you caravan lee their beasts to the water. Again the animals were only allowed to drink after all of you had your fill.

The men further surprised you by setting up camp away from the other three. They even went as far as making sure you also didn't stayed to close to them.

You could see the three black garbed people eyeing you curiously. One of the man said something and the others laughed. You sat to eat your evening rations.

“Seems those guys command some respect. Not the good kind of respect, however.”

Alexis pondered the quite alarming behaviour of the merchants towards the people in black. Felt like fear more than respect, definitely.

The merchants were clearly not at ease. A tension was rising in the Oasis. When one of the merchants thought the three dark figures weren't looking he looks at Alexis and Tarmen and made a quick gesture with a finger, across his neck, as if slicing it.
The meaning was clear. "Assassins..."

He had known the men were more than mere bandits when they came upon them. There is a dead confidence in the eyes of those who regularly kill.
The caravan’s willingness to keep as far from them as possible, added with the confirmation of their profession drove home the danger they were in and just how little rest he would get here.
Alexis’s comment made him snort.
“They always do. You never want to get on a killers nerve.”

“Probably, though not sure what kind of job has them murderin’ poor pilgrims.”
If it was even a job. No signs of a struggle meant they weren’t the worst kind, but that didn’t raise the bar very high.
“All I know is I am takin, watch, probably through the night. No way am I gettin’ any rest with them around.”

“Agreed. Don’t see a restful sleep for anyone. Save for them I guess.”

Alexis looked back at their menacing neighbours. They were trained killers, and used to this terrain. They shouldn’t have a reason to bother with them, but… if they decided to do anyway, she didn’t know much of a stand Tarmen and her could make. Frustrating.