Submission (#5017) Approved

Niyari couldn't believe that they were really doing this. It had been a long time since they had set paws outside of cities or forest paths, so far there had always been some kind of plant or wild life around them but now there seemed to be nothing here. Almost nothing. They could see some insects crawling around but otherwise it was just an endless sea of sand. Niyari wasn't even sure anymore if they were still following the road or not, only some wooden sign posts that popped up sometimes were an indication that Niyari was still going into the right direction. The sun over Ahza was shining down without mercy, a glaring heat that made each new step uncomfortable.
"He better pay me double for all of this... He didn't even give me a map, just said to follow the road to the next city but go straight ahead when it would curve east and then I would find some ruins and rocks that had great potential for finding bones. This is so far out of my job description..."
Niyari huffed and could feel the icky sweat that made their fur stick to their body. They wanted nothing more to find a nice pool and jump into it! Embarassingly enough they had already fallen into the trap of seeing a fata morgana once and they didn't want to be doing the same thing again.
"At least you can provide me some shade so I guess it's not all bad."
Niyari looked up towards the Pomu lantern floating above their head. The crystal looked out of place in the desert setting, the milky blue color seeming too almost glow. Just almost though. Niyari had crafted a new lantern just for this adventure! The old one was very light and delicate with elegant metal and thin strips of see-through fabric. It was made for display and for their Pomu to feel safe and secure while also being in a pretty and characteristic container. The new one though! Niyari had had the idea while helping Lunes daughter with her lantern. They had looked at all of the cafting supplies and decided to make a new one that would be able to survive this adventure. It was pretty big and robust with bamboo covering the top. It needed to be waterproof in case Niyari walked into an unfortunate thunderstorm but it should also give a solid shade so nothing like just having glass. The result may not be the prettiest out there but Niyari was happy with the functionality of the construction. And of course they had still make sure to paint the lantern and place a few crystals on the support sides so it would still look nice - even if it was a bit bigger than Niyari was otherwise going for. It definitely helped to provide shade though! The sun had already started to wander but Niyari did not have to worry about squinting their eyes while wandering blind and aimlessly around.
Despite that Niyari didn't want to trust their eyes when they came over one of the big sand hills and could see an oasis waiting on the other side. It was still too far away to make out any details but the splashing green and blue colors were a sure giveaway. At least if Niyari was actually seeing an oasis and was not just falling for another trick of the desert. They didn't want to get their hopes up and slowly got closer - they had to go in that direction anyway so it's not like they were losing any time by checking the place out. The colors got more solid, shapes getting sharp edges, the soft noise of leaves rustling in the wind.
"No way..."
Niyari had to hold themself back to not go sprinting to the water of body. But this was real! This had to be real! They got closer, eyes focused on the water that was almost blinding to look at with how brightly it reflected the sun rays. Niyari suddenly was very aware of how tired they were and that their paws needed a desperate break.
"Hey you!"
Niyari almost jumped. Sneaking around was their specialty, how could they let down their guard and be surprised by someone else?
"So good to see you! I could really use your help!"
Niyari looked to the side - and down - to see a relieved looking munchkin Nin that was almost tripping over their own large ears.
"Uhm, hi. That is. Unexpected. I didn't think anyone else would be that far out here."
The Nin smiled and nodded, hair moving in all directions.
"I know, what luck! I was going north but I got intimated by the thunder and rain. So I thought I would make myself a raincape out of these big palm tree leaves."
The Nin looked up and Niyari followed their gaze up to the palm trees around them.
"But I can't reach them! Could you help me out?"
Niyari almost laughed at the mental image. They really wanted to see this long slinky munchkin Nin trying to climb a tree with these stubby legs.
"Sure, I climb around all the time. Just let me get some water first."
"Oh! Awesome! I'm Lola by the way."
Niyari nodded but got busy drinking water. They didn't really want to give away their name, it could be too dangerous.
"Four or five leaves should be enough, right?"
"I think so!"
Lola was excitedly looking on as Niyari stretched themselves before leaping up and using their claws to get a good grip in the rough bark before climbing up.
"Good thing I always have my daggers with me...."
"What did you say?"
"Oh, nothing!"
Niyari got one of the blades out and got to work on cutting off the leaves while Lola was cheering from down under. When five big leaves were gone Niyari hopped down as well.
"That ws amazing, thank you! Now I just need to make a raincape out of it."
"Oh, that sounds complicated. The leaves are pretty sturdy but if they tear..."
"No problem, I'm good at making and fixing things. Always lots to do back home."
Lola gathered up all the leaves and then sorted them.
"If you don't mind helping me a bit more... Can I arrange those on you and pin them so I can better see the shape on a body?"
Niyari really wanted to say no and move on but there was just something so... kind about this Nin that they just couldn't say no.
"Uhh okay go ahead."
"Great!"
Lola shuffled around in busy steps, ears draggin around.
"You might also want to make something to bind your ears back while you're at it."
"Yes, I'll make a hood! If you could hold this just here for a moment?"
Niyari stood still while sometimes holding leaves while Lola got to work. The Nin had a little bag with sewing supplies and Niyari could see some other things like bandaids poking out. It didn't take long for Lola to finish an improvised but good looking raincape.
"Thanks! Now I can get one with my route! Oh, take this for your help! I made them myself!"
Lola gave Niyari some oat energy bars and grinned.
"Rest a bit more and be careful!"
"Thanks, you two."
Niyari sat down in the shade and couldn't help but smile as they watched the other Nin waddle away.