In a sweltering tent outside of the oasis, Ryker sat along with Long Meiling and Hina, waiting patiently on their fluffy cushions as Grandma Arisha steeped some tea for them.
"How's everything going, granny? You guys comfortable out here?" Ryker asked, taking the offered cup of tea. He hadn't had a chance to check in on the refugees because of Long Meiling's breakthrough, but hopefully Hassan had taken care of things properly.
"Ohoho, there's no such thing as comfort out here in the desert, but Hassan has provided what we need to survive," Grandma Arisha said.
"Besides, this is much better than when we had to slave away in the mines, so we have you to thank for that."
She handed two more cups to Long Meiling and Hina, though Hina just pushed hers away, frowning.
"Granny, I don't like tea. Can't we just have some cool water?" she asked with a pout.
