Lore: 3boot(it's like the Reboot, but 2 more!)

in the northwesternmost reaches of the Virenni Desert, along a river, travels a band of bandits, with a donkey hauling a cart with Layla riding, in chains, as a prisoner.

Buriza, in the same circumstance looks about glumly at the surrounding area. She didn't like this region. Deserts were always so barren that there was rarely anything worth looking at. Her capture contributes a relatively small amount to her downcast appearance, as she is more tortured by how she was unprepared for the combat leading to her capture.

Layla: So where are we going?
bandit: .........
Layla: Hello? I asked where we were going?
bandit: Shut up.
Layla: Please, I'm quite hungry. I've been out in the desert for days, and I've gotten a bit peckish.
the bandit takes out his whip, and smacks Layla hard across the cheek with the handle, and she reels back in pain after a short cry, but more out of surprise.
bandit: I said shut up.
other bandit: I think I hear someone in the reeds...
bandit: It's a snake. Keep moving.

The cart continues on for sometime before finally reaching its destination. They arrive at the bandit's encampment and are brought out of the cart.

the bandits lead Layla and Buriza to a large iron cage, and lock them inside.
bandit: Normally, we use that cage for bears and other wild animals. I guess you two'll do. *chuckles as he walks off to the bandit cookfire*
Layla*to Buriza*: So...who are you?

two bears rush into the camp causing all sorts of mayhem and attacking the bandits. The larger of the two goes over to the cage and breaks the lock opening the cage. The smaller bear checks out the cook fire but not before killing the bandits around in. The Larger bear shifts into a human form.
???:We need to leave now.*calls over to the other bear* Crush come on*leads the way out of the camp*

Layla: A shapeshifter? Who are you?

Chris:I'm Chris. And I'm a werebear.*the other bear stands next to Chris* This is Crush.

Layla: my name is Layla. But why did you come here to kill all these men and women?

Buriza goes over to the dead bodies, taking anything useful and reacquiring her gear that was stolen from her, before coming back to the group.

Buriza:And to answer your question, I'm Buriza. I just got so wrapped up watching that slaughter I forgot to answer.

Chris:I saw the Bandits take you while Crush and I were traveling.

Layla: Well thank you for saving us. *kisses Chris on the cheek* And it is very nice to meet you, Buriza. *kisses Buriza on the cheek*

Buriza:I'm guessing that's how people greet each other in Virenni?.?

Layla: Eh? You mean people don't do that everywhere?

Buriza:No. Normally a kiss on the cheek is something couples do. There are some special situations where it is used nonchalantly, though.

Layla: oh! o///o I am so sorry, I hope I did not offend you!

It's Chris this time dude.

Chris:It was no trouble.

Buriza:I don't mind, I've been around here a while. Seemed too common not to be a greeting...so, anyone hungry? The bandits had some food, after all.

Layla: I am, thank you.
~over food~
Layla: So where were you headed before those men took you, Buriza?

Buriza:Oh I'm just a wanderer. I just make my destination whatever city is closest, really. I had some goods I wanted to sell in the market. Potions, pelts, stuff like that. What were you up to when you were captured?

Lucy rides a camel while holding a parasol over her.

Lucy: Phew, this heat is exhausting! Twice as bad as summer in my homeland. Possibly warmer still. *squints and spots the encampment further ahead of her* Eh! I see a fire! *spanks the camel* Full throttle....whooever you are!
The camel screams and runs toward the encampment.

Lucy: Ahhh, the wind feels so gooood! ^ ^

Layla: I was-*hears the scream of the camel* A camel? *looks off into the distance and sees Lucy riding in on a camel* Who is that?

Chris shrugs.
Chris:No Idea.

Lucy: I said stop, you crazy buffoon!
The camel abruptly stops and flings her into a tent behind them.
Lucy: Oof! Owwww....

Buriza:Well...that was interesting. Heh...are you alright over there?