Lucline woke a good hour before Rasina was supposed to come for her. One did not travel into the desert unprepared if they wanted to ever return. She cast a simple alteration spell on her pack to allow it to hold more things. She put a weeks' worth of dried food rations and the same rations of water. Then she layered in extra clothing as well. Only then did she pack her research supplies and close the pack. Then she grabbed her mage's staff from its holder and headed out into the dark.

As she stepped out, her sandaled feet crunching in the sand. She brought up her hand and cast a floating light next to her shoulder as she waited. She was scantily clad in the outfit that Rasina had gifted her as the night had been just as hot as the day. She had heard the deserts elsewhere got freezing cold at night. This did not happen often in the Alik'r. The nights were usually just a little cooler than the daytime. The difference was, there was no intense sun to burn you. When the light came, she would see if the cloak would be needed. She hoped it would not, given she could already tell the sky was completely cloaked with clouds today.

A shadowy figure approached her from the darkness. Rasina appeared, dressed in an identical outfit with a pack on her back. Rasina had no weapon, but that wasn't an issue. Rasina's sword was always close to hand.

"Good morning, Rasina." Lucline greeted with a smile. She tried to tell her racing heart to calm down, they had a job to do. It didn't help things that Rasina was a very beautiful girl.

"Good morning, Lucline," She greeted in return. She stopped and her head went down as if examining her. "I always find myself surprised at how well you wear our native garments. I sometimes wonder if you should have been born here."

Lucline giggled. "Maybe. I've always hated the stifling fashions of High Rock. Give me something minimal and/or silk any day. As for corsets, they can go burn."

Rasina frowned. "I would hate to see you in one of those. First, you're far too skinny as it is. Second, it would be a shame to take your freedom from you. I bet you can barely move in one of those abominations."

Lucline nodded firmly. "Oh yes, that's very true. Well, shall we go?"

Rasina whistled and two camels came around the corner. Lucline sighed as she climbed in the saddles. She settled in, for once glad that her parents had forced so many riding lessons on her. At least she did not need to ride side-saddle. She hated riding side-saddle. She smiled as Rasina climbed up. The fighter gave her a look.

"What is it?"

The blonde mage giggled. "I just remembered the first time we rode camels together. I never saw you more panicked."

Rasina snorted. "Of course, I was! You were being dragged in the sand by one leg. I thought you were a goner."

"Nah, I had ridden enough to know I needed to cast a Flesh spell and armor myself with magic the moment I started to fall. Thank you for going out of your way to teach me."

Rasina turned her mount away, but Lucline could have sworn there was a blush on her face as she did.

"It's no trouble. Would have been bad if you ever needed to go in the desert and didn't know the difference between a horse and a camel. Shall we go?"

Lucline smiled and urged her mount forward. They rode off into the dark.

Elder-Scrolls*

A/N: And they are off on their first adventure! I know these chapters are short, but I would like to do a chapter a day if I can for some time. We will see if I can keep up with it or decide to go longer. See you next chapter.