At sunrise, the lay of the land is clearer. In the distance: the lake at the heart of the oasis. Much of the land surrounding the oasis is dressed in a thick carpet of tall lavender grasses. Jes and Theo could avoid the grasses, except for a small portion towards the end, if they circle around the oasis and approach from the east, but without the river to follow they are more likely to get lost.
In the still morning air, thin lines of smoke rise from closer to hand: just west of where the river emerges from the cliff below. It looks like it is coming from some ruins or standing stones. If there is smoke rising from the oasis itself, it’s too far to see.
The only way down from the plateau they are on is a long slope to the east, much covered with scree and rockfalls. It will be hard going, but not particularly dangerous. If they set off now they can be down on the valley floor before the morning is spent.
Morning stage. Travel roll: 1d6 encounter: 5. No encounter. 2 rations of water.
As they descend the sun rises higher, and by the time their boots thud into the sandy dirt below, the heat is intense. The cracks in Theo’s skin gain a faintly reddish cast; Jes is sweating profusely.
“We need to find this Sama-Lan, and find out who sells the flowers to the caravan normally,” Jes pants, catching her breath. “Maybe we should see who lives over by those ruins?” Theo grunts. “On the other hand, there’s sure to be someone at the oasis, and that’s where the flowers are.”
Theo: “People who live in ruins… I don’t like it.”
Jes nods. “Agreed. Also, this way we can follow the river, and I think we’re going to want the water.”