The Lake - Part 1

JP with mdman and Cindy

Morning gave way to afternoon, the sand and heat of the dessert giving way to an almost mix of brown and green. Temperatures lowering the further the Horde moved away from the desert. Bushes started to appear more frequently.

Hours went by, stopping occasionally to tend to the animals, when they found a clearing with a large lake. Certainly big enough for one night's rest.

The Horde was allowed to make use of the lake, the water in it surprisingly warm. From a distance Sister Locust could hear the sounds of splashing and laughter, that she wished to be a part of but couldn't.

She waited until the noise died down, and the lake was no longer in use before deciding to venture there herself. However she would not go alone, Islana wandered to where Ch'Truta had been seen as she looked for the man.

Ch’Truta had welcomed the early rise, as he hadn’t slept well that night. The nervous energy of something nagging at his mind, something he had forgotten and was trying to remember, his last vision. He felt as if there was a warning there. Were they marching into a trap. Ch’Truta contemplated these things. Just before the first stirrings within the camp, the realization that the swamp spirits had given him a vision of victory calmed him.

Ch’Truta rode most of the day alongside his love. From time-to-time, he would fall back as others of the council would approach. However, Ch’Truta was ever vigilant, his poison-tipped spear at the ready in the event of treachery.

Riding upon the black stallion was different than marching with the horde. Yes, it was comfortable, but for Ch’Truta, who was not used to riding a steed, he became sore. He had heard the sounds from the lake. Ch’Truta imagined the relief that would come from a dip there, but his loyalty was to guard the one he loved. There he remained, just outside the flap of his tent, keeping watch.

"Ch'Truta," Islana tried to look serious. "I believe it is part of your duty, as my protector, to accompany on my excursion to the lake." She bit back a smile, for a moment looking far more like 19 year old Islana than the immemorial Sister Locust. "I hear the water is wonderful.”

Her words seemed playful and melodious. Ch’Truta raised a brow and grinned.

“I would be most pleased to accompany you there,” he responded almost too enthusiastically, as he picked up his spear.

As promised, when they arrived at the lake no one was there except a few guards, who purposely faced outward. The young leader had gotten used to the guards being around but wanted some personal time with Ch'Truta, so she asked them to go further out. Where they could still protect her but also give the two some privacy.

She kicked off her sandals, took off a few outer robes, in order to make being in the water easier, it also made the cooler breeze more noticeable.

She grinned at Ch'Truta, "Ready?" But before he could answer, she took off into the water.