The elevator's soothing hum was interrupted by Altair's persistent whistling. Mallory lay sprawled on her favorite couch, her Staff of Lazula balanced precariously on her stomach. Greg and Alex sat at the small dining table, discussing combat strategies they'd likely never get to use because of Mallory's uncanny ability to avoid actual work.
Altair leaned against the elevator's shimmering wall, studying Mallory with a grin. "So, what happens next in this little adventure of yours?"
Mallory opened one eye and yawned. "Next? I don't plan anything. The elevator decides, and I just go with it."
Greg rolled his eyes. "You 'go with it' while we do all the work."
The elevator dinged, and the display changed to: Next Stop: Golden Dunes of Aridia.
Alex adjusted his bow. "Sounds ominous."
Altair straightened his coat. "Sounds lucrative. Golden dunes, huh? Maybe we'll find treasure."
Mallory sat up slowly, stretching. "Treasure, huh? I could use a new snack stash."
---
The elevator doors opened to reveal a scorching desert landscape. Golden dunes stretched as far as the eye could see, interrupted only by the occasional palm tree or ancient ruin. The sun hung high in the sky, beating down mercilessly.
Mallory stepped out, squinting. "Too bright. Too hot. Not a fan."
Altair shielded his eyes, scanning the horizon. "A true adventurer sees opportunity in every challenge."
Greg sighed. "And Mallory sees a reason to complain."
"Correct," Mallory said, retreating back into the elevator's shade.
A distant figure emerged over the dunes, running toward them with surprising speed. As it got closer, they realized it was a young woman, her flowing robes billowing in the wind. Her expression was one of panic.
"Help!" she cried. "They're after me!"
Greg immediately unsheathed his sword. Alex notched an arrow into his bow. Altair's hand went to his cutlass.
Mallory… sat on the elevator floor, fanning herself with a pillow.
---
The woman stumbled to a stop in front of them, catching her breath. She had striking golden eyes and sun-kissed skin, and her jewelry jingled with every movement.
"Who's 'they'?" Greg asked, stepping forward protectively.
"The Sand Reapers," she gasped. "Bandits who roam these dunes. They'll kill us all if they catch us!"
Altair's eyes narrowed. "Bandits, you say? Sounds like a challenge."
Mallory glanced at Zara. "Do you have snacks?"
Zara blinked, confused. "Snacks?"
Mallory shrugged. "If I'm going to get involved, I need some incentive."
Before Zara could respond, a group of ragged bandits crested the nearest dune, armed with rusty swords and makeshift armor.
"There she is!" one of them bellowed. "Hand her over, and we might let you live!"
Mallory sighed. "Guess that's a no on the snacks."
---
Greg charged forward, sword clashing against the nearest bandit's blade. Alex fired arrows with precision, each one finding its mark. Altair danced through the fray with a mix of agility and flair, his cutlass flashing in the sunlight.
Mallory, meanwhile, remained seated in the shade, sipping from a flask of chilled water the elevator had conveniently provided.
"You guys seem to have it under control," she called out.
Zara crouched beside her, wide-eyed. "Aren't you going to help?"
Mallory waved her hand lazily, sending a ripple of energy through the sand. Several bandits froze mid-attack, their weapons clattering to the ground.
"There," she said. "Helping."
---
The last of the bandits fled, leaving behind a scattering of rusty weapons and tattered supplies. Greg and Alex were covered in sweat, while Altair barely seemed winded.
"That wasn't so bad," Altair said, sheathing his cutlass.
Mallory yawned. "Speak for yourself. Watching you all flail around was exhausting."
Zara stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Thank you for saving me. My name is Zara. I'm the daughter of the Aridian chieftain. Please, let me repay your kindness."
Greg perked up. "You're royalty?"
Zara nodded. "My father will reward you handsomely if you escort me back to our village. It's not far from here."
Mallory groaned. "Do we have to? It's hot, and I'm not built for desert treks."
Altair grinned. "Adventure awaits, my lazy lady."
---
The trek to Zara's village was less of a journey and more of a comedy of errors. Mallory, true to form, refused to walk, summoning a floating cushion to carry her across the sands. Greg muttered under his breath about her laziness, while Alex tried to stifle his laughter.
Altair, ever the charmer, walked beside Mallory's floating cushion. "You know, for someone so lazy, you manage to be strangely captivating."
"Careful," Mallory replied, smirking. "Flattery will get you nowhere… except maybe an extra snack."
Zara, walking ahead, couldn't help but glance back at the pair. A small frown crossed her face.
---
The village was an oasis of life in the middle of the desert. Palm trees surrounded a sparkling pool of water, and clay houses were decorated with colorful fabrics and intricate carvings. Villagers bustled about, their faces lighting up as Zara approached.
"Zara!" an elderly man called out, stepping forward. He was tall and imposing, with a golden crown resting on his brow.
"Father!" Zara ran to him, embracing him tightly.
The chieftain turned to the group. "You have brought my daughter back to me. For that, you have my eternal gratitude."
Mallory waved a hand dismissively. "No big deal. Where's the food?"
---
The chieftain hosted a lavish feast in their honor, complete with roasted meats, spiced rice, and sweet honey cakes. Mallory was in heaven, piling her plate high and ignoring the stares of the other guests.
Altair, seated beside her, leaned in. "I have to admit, watching you eat is oddly entertaining."
"Food is serious business," she replied, taking a massive bite of honey cake.
Across the table, Zara watched their interaction with narrowed eyes.
Later that evening, Zara approached Mallory. "You're very… close with Captain Altair."
Mallory raised an eyebrow. "Am I?"
Zara's smile didn't reach her eyes. "He's a remarkable man. Strong, brave, charming… He deserves someone who can match his spirit."
Mallory smirked. "And you think that's you?"
Zara's cheeks flushed. "I'm merely stating the obvious."
"Good luck with that," Mallory said, reclining on her floating cushion. "I'm too lazy for drama."
---
The next morning, the chieftain summoned the group. "I must ask for your help once more. Our water source has been poisoned by a sand serpent. If you can defeat it, I will reward you beyond your wildest dreams."
Greg and Alex exchanged wary glances. Altair looked eager, his hand already on his cutlass.
Mallory, as expected, groaned. "Another fight? Can't we just take the reward and leave?"
Zara stepped forward. "This is our home. If you won't fight for us, you don't deserve our gratitude."
Mallory raised an eyebrow. "Relax, desert princess. I'll handle it. Just don't expect me to break a sweat."
---
The serpent was enormous, its shimmering scales blending seamlessly with the sand. It hissed, coiling around a ruined temple as the group approached.
Greg and Alex launched their attacks, distracting the creature while Altair leaped onto its back, slashing at its scales.
Mallory, as usual, stayed at a distance. She twirled her staff, summoning a wave of energy that wrapped around the serpent, forcing it to the ground.
"That's it?" Altair called out, breathing heavily.
Mallory shrugged. "What can I say? I'm efficient."
---
Back at the village, the chieftain showered them with gifts, including gold, jewels, and exotic spices.
Zara, however, seemed less than pleased. "You may have saved us, but don't think for a second that makes you worthy of Altair's attention."
Mallory smirked. "Good thing I don't care about his attention, then."
Altair, overhearing, stepped between them. "Ladies, there's enough of me to go around."
Mallory snorted. "You wish."
The tension dissolved into laughter, but the glint in Zara's eyes suggested the rivalry was far from over.
---
To Be Continued...