Throughout the days, Zarda had spent numerous hours in Osborn's room, silently observing the medical team as they worked on his friend. It was discovered that Osborn had indeed, an infection in his leg that Zarda had unknowingly closed up before realizing the severity of the situation. Thankfully, by tending to it promptly, he had saved his friend from a worse outcome. While Osborn had lost some blood and essential nutrients, his leg was ultimately saved. The medical team worked tirelessly to restore his health, assuring Zarda that despite Osborn's current lethargy, he was on a successful path to recovery.
Big Zee strolled up to Zardas side and looked upon Osborn curiously.
"Your friend, he's in good hands. I can assure you. How are the other rooms? I hope their to your liking. Not to mention the food here is pretty good." Said Zee. He chuckled outloud, before continuing. "Look, Zarda when you can, I'd like you and one of your friends to go with me to meet President Abaji. No rush, I understand your situation, believe me. I've been in this same position you're standing in right now. I hope your ending is much happier than mine was."sadly Zee stated.
Zarda's eyes were brimming with tears, on the verge of falling at any moment, as he gazed at the side of Big Zee's scaly profile.
"What were their names?" Asked Zarda in response.
Big Zee looked down to the floor pressing his lips firmly together before responding.
"My son's name was Litriz and my daughter's was Varastriz. They were the two youngest out of six. My other two sons Yizzik and Dez, they work at President Abaji's castle full time. Their choice not mine of course." He responded clearing his throught. "Enough of this talk, get back with me when you're ready. Here's a key to enter freely. Goodbye for now Zarda" said Big Zee as walked away to his domain.
The lizard dropped a keychain with a fanged tooth into Zarda's hand, it was just like the one Rez carried. Zarda grasped it tight and tucked it away in his clean shirt pocket.
Big Zee, had sent fresh new clothes to Zarda and company earlier. It was a relief to have clothing that wasn't dirty or stained with sweat, sand, or blood. Their old clothes had been damaged in the wreck and needed to be discarded. Zarda now wore a clean grey pocketed t-shirt and black fitted jeans. Although he was comfortable, he couldn't fully relax until Osborn was back to full health.
Every now and then, Osborn would stir and groan in his sleep. Zarda would eagerly anticipate his awakening, only to be disappointed by false alarms. The lack of sleep and distance from the others began to worry Zarda's companions. Oridian attempted to divert Zarda's attention elsewhere, but her efforts appeared to be unsuccessful.
"Zarda, where are you at this moment? You feel so distant from all of us," Oridian remarked.
Her worried expression conveyed everything as she gazed at her lover's vacant stare.
Oridian was becoming increasingly weary of staying indoors while waiting for Osborn to heal. She realized that the best course of action for everyone would be to seek a distraction. This would not only give their friend the time he needed to recuperate, but also help them pass the time more quickly by focusing on other matters.
Oridian headed off in search for Rez, leaving Vulpix behind to keep pipsie entertained. He had been an expert in doing so.
Oridia's gaze swept the walls as she stepped through the sliding doors into the expansive dining hall. The space was now filled with a throng of horned lizards. Like a fish out of water, this feline sensed the weight of many curious eyes upon her. Fortunately, Grizk was not far away; he had heard the news from his older brother Rez about their father's approval. He quickly sprang to his feet and hurried to her side just before a group of confused and bloodthirsty members could take matters into their own hands. It seemed Big Zee's approval hadn't yet reached everyone's ears.
"Hello! I'm Grizk, the driver from a few days back. You might not remember me," he said uncomfortably.
The onlookers stared in amazement and understood that if Big Zee's ijitts found no fault in this hybrid, then neither should they.
They settled back into their seats and resumed their discussions, just like everyone else in the dining hall, who had fallen silent upon her arrival.
Oridian glanced at Grizk with a serious expression. "I know who you are. I was searching for Rez, but maybe you could help me," she said.
Grizk nodded in agreement, intrigued. "Of course, I can assist. My brother and his mafia crew have temporarily headed out onto the dunes. Just doing the usual parameter check," he responded.
Oridian tilted her head to the side and asked, "And why aren't you driving them?"
Grizk averted his gaze, a hint of pain in his voice. "My brother Rez can't stand it when I drive. He said they'd be better off without me coming along," he admitted.
Oridian seized the opportunity to her advantage. Glancing at the young lizard, she realized she could persuade Grizk to take her and her friends on a ride to explore the territory. This was the perfect distraction she had been looking for.
"Hey, I'm sorry you have to put up with a big brother. I can only imagine that can be annoying, but I don't think you're a bad driver or a burden to have with my small group. How about you take my friends and me around the area? You could share some insights about your hometown. Plus, it would be nice for us to get outside for a change," she suggested.
In her mind, she couldn't fathom that she was pleading to return to the treacherous sands so soon. Meanwhile, Grizk felt a sense of respect from Oridian and was pleased to lend a hand.
"I would be thrilled to take you.I'm familiar with many places and things you didn't get to experience on your first day out. Let me gather my belongings, and I'll meet you back in your rooms. Oh, and If you don't mind, let's keep this exploration to just our little group," he said with a sense of urgency.
Oridian nodded and quickly made her way to her temporary living quarters. When she arrived, she discovered Pipsie and Vulpix at a small table, engaged in a game of Leaps and Bounds with a set of smooth, colorful stones. It was one of Pipsie's favorite pastimes. On the other hand, Dane, was curled up on one of the bunks, engrossed in a peculiar magazine. His facial expression conveyed everything. As he flipped to a large photo featuring a voluptuous female lizard pin-up, his eyes widened, and a deep blush spread across his cheeks. In a rush, he slammed the magazine shut and tossed it across the room. Oridian stifled a laugh to herself, making it clear to Dane that she had witnessed the entire scene.
"I have some great news for everyone. Would you like to hear it?" she inquired.
Dane felt a surge of happiness at the unexpected shift in pace. His embarrassment transformed into curiosity. Pipsie and Vulpix were also eager to hear the news Oridian had to share.
"So...what is it?" Inquired Dane.
Oridian glanced over with bright, eager eyes. "Grizk has offered to take us on a tour of the city of Nomad! That means we'll get to explore outdoors for a while in a traveling vehicle, guided by someone who knows the area well. Now, all I need to do is persuade Zarda." Oridian added with a sigh.
"Best of luck with that. He hasn't left Osborn's side, so it's probably best if we go together and let him stay here. For some reason, it seems to make him feel valued. I can't even guess what he's feeling. I care for Osborn just as much, but their connection is much stronger. On the bright side, this is fantastic news, Oridian! When do we leave?" Dane asked.
No sooner had he finished speaking than a knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Oridian smiled and said, "Right now, to be precise."
The door slid open, revealing Grizk. Unlike his brother, he had wild hair; in fact, he had none at all, save for a grimy white turban perched atop his head. His clothing was tattered and filthy, much like that of his peers. They all claimed it was a result of the sand dunes and the oil they toiled with.
"Are we ready to go?" He inquired.
Oridian glanced at her friends before looking back up at Grizk. "Yes, we're ready and excited to go," she replied.
Grizk was pleased to hear the news and motioned for them to follow him into the halls. The small group trailed closely behind. As they walked by the room where Osborn and Zarda were seated, Oridian took a moment to pop in and inform Osborn of their departure, but he didn't seem to react or acknowledge her. It was a final attempt on her part, and all she could do was hope he heard her warning in case they encountered any trouble. She moved on from the room and quickly rejoined Grizk and the others.
Grizk guided them back through the navy door they had entered days earlier. He quickly led them toward the maroon door. As they stepped inside, they discovered a hallway that resembled the living quarters, opening into several generous rooms that Grizk highlighted as they passed.
"On the left, we have the oil factory, which houses a chamber of machines for Abaji's production business. Beside it is our library, followed by the showers. To the right, you'll find the hospital, nursery, and infirmary. The green door straight ahead to the right leads to the fenced courtyard. We're going to pass through the bright purple door on our left, which will take us down a staircase into the underground garage. That's where we store all our large aircrafts, dune buggies, and other incredible vehicles. Let's go quickly—we can't afford to look suspicious!" said Grizk.