*Nomi, carrying three empty waterskins, walked briskly across the open center of the camp, halting abruptly as two small children darted into her path, giggling gleefully and shouting at one another. She shoos them on their way, watching them continue their game for a moment or two before paying attention to where she was going. The woman smiled widely under the wind- and sand-proofing piece of wine-colored cloth that covered her face; the rest of her was mostly obscured by swathes of buff- and dun-hued fabric. It was different enough from the rest of her surroundings that she didn't get lost, though. The reason for her smile isn't immediately obvious, as fetching water wasn't the most popular of chores, but she'd volunteered this afternoon with ulterior motives in mind. And speaking of ulterior motives... There was her brother's tent, not to mention her brother himself, fiddling with a saddle as was his wont when he came to these gatherings. Nodding to him, she lifts the skins and speaks.* Might I borrow your wife?

~~Inside the tent, Neets sits crosslegged, fiddling with the dark, face-concealing veil. He still wasn't sure quite what to make of this whole strange situation...he didn't mind playing at being female for Beej...in fact, it was actually kind of fun. And on the other hand, it meant he couldn't really speak to much of anyone, since there was a chance of betraying the secret. His head lifts as he hears Nomi's voice, and he gets to his feet gracefully, despite yards of extra fabric hanging around his thin body.~~

#Beej blinks and looks up from his self-appointed task, momentarily confused. After a second or two, he grins back at his sister and shrugs.# "I don't know... Ask her." #He inclines his head towards the structure behind himself, glad that he'd remembered to use the feminine pronoun. He doubted that Nomi would either notice or be bothered if he slipped up, but you could never be sure just who was where, around here. The man stretched a bit, then considers his relative again.# "You want me to come along?"

*She nods, taking a few steps closer to the tent, watching it rather than Beej.* I shall, and no, not particularly. *Her smirk is hidden, but the light sarcasm that laces her words is quite audible. Whether it's for the words she next says, or for the idea behind them is difficult to tell.* I wish to speak with her of womanly things.

~~Neets, not caring to be talked about, or, for that matter, run the risk of giggling over -being- talked about, steps out of the tent and inclines his well-wrapped head towards Nomi. Biting back a few errant chuckles at the thought of discussing "womanly things", he purposefully keeps his voice light. It was nearly high enough in timbre to pass for female anyway...but it never hurt to be careful.~~ 'lo. D'ya ne'd som' 'elp?

#Laughing, he shakes his head.# "Womanly things? I think I'll be content with that explanation for right now." #He glances over his shoulder as Neets emerges, then looks back up to the woman standing before him.# "Hello." #His grin is bright, the word at least as warm as the sun shining down on them.# "There you are..."

*As always, it took her a moment to puzzle over Neets' oddly-accented words. Flipping a pebble at her brother with a toe, she nods to the other 'woman' and holds out one of the waterskins.* Hello... Yes. It's about our turn to gather more water. *The Standard words carry a fair amount of accent as well, and she knows that 'gather' isn't exactly the right word to be using in this context, but she doesn't seem to mind, much.*

~~He waits, shuffling feet in the sand, for Nomi to digest and translate his words. Her own aren't so hard to understand, though he does return Beej's beatific smile while he's listening to them. Small fingers close around the skin, and Neets nods, ready to follow her lead.~~ 'les go th'n.

All right. This way... *She waves a farewell to her brother, politely ignores any overt mush between the two, and turns, heading back much the way she came.*

#For his part, the trader is quiet as they depart. Feeling somewhat disgruntled by his inability to give his lover what he considered a proper send-off, he settles for sharing an image of them kissing that's more than half memory. His voice is deceptively smooth as he bids them adieu, turning his attention back to whatever he'd been working on.# "See you in a little while..."

~~Amazingly thankful for the veil all of a sudden, as a flush settles over his pale skin, Neets returns the favour by thinking of something else which involves lips. Steps light, he follows Nomi, studying the skin in his hands till they're well-past the tent.~~

*The skins were more like large jugs, about the same shape as a golf bag, but only two-thirds of the height. When filled with water, they were about 24 inches in diameter. They were smooth from several years of intense use, polished to a middling brown color. It was impossible to know what sort of an animal the hide had once belonged to, and an obvious, waxed seam ran down the side of the tapering neck. Other than glancing back to make sure her companion was still following her, Nomi walks silently, apparently wanting to get away from potential eavesdroppers, intentional or otherwise before she speaks.*

#And, if one were paying close attention, they might hear someone gasp in surprise before snickering madly to themselves...#

~~Still unused to keeping his footing in loose dirt ad sand, Neets isn't as quick as Nomi. The burst of surprise from his lover is felt, and quietly stored away as another point in his favour. Eying the watering hole up ahead, and the skin in his hands, Neets raises an eyebrow. He had a dreadful feeling that he was going to get wet.~~

*She slows her pace to match that of Neets, silently chiding herself for having forgotten that s/he wasn't from around here. Her own expression, or what can be seen of it, anyhow, seems a bit distant as she looks ahead. That place was nearby, but always had a tendency to add mud and sand to the water, which she didn't like. Besides, if her hunches were correct, they'd need a little longer to talk. Maintaining her course, she speaks at last, tilting her head a little.* You know, I must tell you that I am surprised to see you again, and not surprised, all at once.

~~Glancing over, Neets blinks in surprise.~~ 'ow com'? ~~More than just errant curiosity in that tone, those words...more like deep-seated wondering, and a real desire to know what Nomi has been thinking of whenever she glanced his way.~~

Well, it was such a surprise that Blackwater brought you here the first time.... *Trailing off, she seems to take a completely different tack.* You know, you are the first person he has brought with him? And since he brought you again, it does not surprise me, because it proves what I thought the first time. That you must mean much to him... *She blinks at her convoluted words, frowning. She knew what she wanted to say, and she hoped that conveyed it. She -was- curious as to just -who- was lurking under the fabric and once more railed against the custom that dictated how everyone was to dress when they met like this.*

Oh. ~~Clutching the skin in one hand, the other delves into the folds of cloth, resting in the almost-pocket created by them.~~ A'g'ess so. A'me'n...~~There's a pause, then an inward shrug. Go for broke, right?~~ I lov'im. 'e lov's me. S'jus' ri't.

*A small rock, misplaced by time, a child, or an animal, is kicked a few feet ahead.* He should have told you... *Nomi looks sharply at Neets, a frown creasing her forehead.* I would have expected him to. *The frown smooths out at the following words, her smile returning.* -That- I expected... And why would it not be right? *The question is innocent enough, the woman veering off to the left, heading for a small basalt column that looks rather out-of-place*

Mebbe 'e did...mi'ta ferg't'n. ~~Thinking he understands her words, Neets nods and adjusts the veil.~~ S'not th't't wou'dn' be ri't...s'jus th't't fits... ~~Frowning slightly, he wonders if the language barriers will keep the true meaning from his words...especially on something he's so vague about.~~

He must have. *This she sounds certain of, before she quiets and works out what he said.* It fits. *This concept is turned over, accepted with another quick nod.* And you are happy? *Her voice is light, almost teasing in tone, Nomi seeming happy enough to change the subject for the moment.*

~~Nodding, yellow eyes sweep the landscape and find it somewhat lacking, if fairly peaceful. How could Beej's family find their way around this huge...place? It -still- made him feel a bit queasy to stray alone further than earshot from the tents. The sky just seemed so -big- out here. Jerking his attention back to Nomi, he nods again, smiling.~~ Yes...v'ry 'appy. ~~The teasing is noted, a small tendril of embarrassment working its way through his thoughts.~~

*Some five meters hence from the first meter-and-a-half tall stone pillar is another, approximately the same height. That was part of how they kept from getting lost, at least in this portion of the world. The landscape doesn't really register with the young woman, who keeps half of her attention on her compatriot.* Good. *She grins at him again, glancing off towards the horizon after a moment. Her next question should produce an interesting reaction...* Have you considered children?

~~Not familiar with the ways of nomads, Neets is nevertheless quite happy to stay near Nomi, half-fearing that he'll take a step too far one way or the other and be lost forever. An irrational fear, he's sure, but still... Long green lashes bat, and then again as Neets tries to think of a quick, smooth reply to the question.~~ We t'lk'd 'bout't, but'm not s'good wit' kids. 'N'm not re'dy t'ave any 'round y't.

Ah. *The ground has begun a gentle grade, here, the line of posts curving off to the right. Neets needn't worry about getting lost, Nomi wouldn't allow it.* You had best practice that a few more times, so you can convince mother and grandmother. *Her voice softens, and her conspiratorial tone disappears as they go.* It -is- difficult to keep up with children, especially if you don't stay in one place very long.

~~Biting his lower lip, a habit still not gotten rid of, Neets wonders for the thousandth time if she knows just who her brother has brought home or not.~~ 'ow d'ya do't? I ain't nev'r se'n'ya lose yer tem'pr.

Some days, I do not even know! *She laughs lightly, shaking her head.* And I do...go off the handle, some times. It's hard to tell someone how to be a mother.... They know they must do what I tell them to, and that things go more...smoothly, if everyone does their bit. Which sounds quite simple, but it isn't. *She has her suspicions, but as she hasn't gotten a chance to pin down her brother and ask him, she'll make do with trying to figure Neets out herself, for the moment.*

~~Neets listens rather intently, for someone with little to no chance of ever bearing children. Perhaps it's just a small desire to know how a family worked, when it was what could be termed 'normal', or perhaps it's just interest in getting t know his beloved's relatives.~~ A'g'ess not... Y'th'nk...y'th'nk 'e wan's kids?

They are wonderful, though, no mistake. They have such funny ideas about things... *Pausing there, her face furrows again as she ponders the question.* Blackwater? I don't know. Maybe... He spoke of having a family on occasion, mostly when pressed by aunts and uncles and other relatives. *The grade has leveled out, leaving them walking along a path at the base of a short cliff, and a faint splashing can be heard up ahead. The woman gives Neets another suspicious look, shrugging.* Children are not for the faint-hearted.

{Meanwhile, elsewhere in the story...} #A few minutes after his lover and his sister had passed out of sight, Beej gives up on the saddle he'd been working on. He's not terribly worried by the possibility of The Secret being unearthed by Nomi, since he half-suspected she knew already. His distraction was of a more immediate sort- the two children that had been chasing each other were now sprawled on the sand, howling with the earnestness of the small and not-really-damaged. Climbing to his feet, he wandered over and knelt down beside them.# "Here now, what happened?"

^^Pushing herself to her knees, his niece rubbed at one tearstained cheek with a grubby little fist.^^ [He pushed me! He made me fall down.]

~*The accused, her brother, was now glaring at her and crawling towards his uncle.*~ -=Did not! you tripped and made -me- fall down.=-

#Lovely. He looks back and forth between the twins, then carefully wiped at their tears with his sleeve before speaking.# "I think it was just an accident. Are you all right?" #They looked all right, dirty, but fine.#

^^Ghyra was pouting at her brother, but she just sighs heavily and moves to lean against Blackwater's side.^^ ['M all right. I'm hungry.]

-=I'm hungry, too.=- ~*Behni ignores the query, picking up on the more interesting thread of food.*~

"Hungry?"

--Hungry. We're hungry!--

#The stereo pronouncement startles him as usual and causes a chuckle.# "Well, then, come along and let's see if we can't find some way to fix that. #Shaking his head, he scoops the two children up and heads off towards the heart of the camp.#

I kin'a lik' y'rs. A'me'n... ~~Realizing that could be taken rather badly, directed towards their mother, even if it was a compliment, Neets searches for a hasty retreat.~~ Dunno...n'v'r talk'd 'bout't much. ~~He can hear the water now, and breathes a faint sigh of relief, hoping it will divert some of the questions.~~ M'not sur' I'd be a v'ry good par'nt.

#The kids babble at one another as he carries them, listing off things they want to eat.#

[Candy!]

-=I get candy. You get... Peas.=-

[I don't want peas! You get peas. I get candy!]

-=Peas for you, candy for me.=-

"Neither of you get any candy until you eat your peas." #His voice is matter-of-fact as he tires of the argument. His mother waves to him and he heads in her direction, the children still muttering darkly about peas and sweets.#

*She studies Neets' hidden features for a moment, before she smiles and takes the compliment for what it is.* I thank you. *She just shakes her head, turning her attention to the wall of rock they were no beside.* You are a very odd person... It is almost enough to cause one to wonder if you might be... But that is silly. *Whatever she'd been about to say is dismissed with her light words, which are not intended to hurt or insult.* Ah. Well, from what I have seen, it is the people that know they cannot be perfect that often make the best parents... It is still up to you and Blackwater, though. I am sure he will tell you this as well, but do not let anyone scare...? Pressure you into having children before -you- want to.

~~Green hair left unbound falls into his eyes again, and he snorts quietly. Nomi's words don't seem to surprise him much, but he does find himself wishing she'd just out with it, if she knows.~~ M'not us'd't th's kin'a th'ng... ~~Finally spotting what he assumes is the water they seek, Neets takes a careful tally of where they are.~~ N'v'r 'ad much 'x'peri'nce wit' fam'l'es. Dunno f'I'd be be any good'r not.

--Candy!--

#Rolling his eyes, he sets the twins down and gives them a gentle nudge in the direction of a rug that lay beside the remains of a fire pit.# "No, now you know you can't have any sweets until after you have something good for you. Besides peas, what do you want?"

^*^The older woman rises from where she was sitting and crosses to where her grandchildren stand, raising her brows at her son.^*^ ||You can't ask small children what they want to eat like that, dear.||

Ah, here we are... This place comes out as 'Well Of Startlement'. *The name makes sense. After all, it's not every day you see water tumbling out of a crack in the side of a cliff. A small pool has collected under a chunk of wood someone wedged into the stone as a makeshift spout. The pond isn't very big, maybe six feet in diameter, and there must be a path back to an aquifer at the bottom, since there's no outlet stream. The green hair that creeps into view brings a longer, more interested look, but she doesn't comment on it.* What kind of thing? *Finally letting curiosity get the best of her, she stops beside the outlet in the stones and sets down her waterskins, fixing Neets with a steady gaze.* I...do not like to pry, but in this case... You are not a woman, are you? *Nomi considers the words that take her a moment to work out, before she shrugs. Continuing to speak in the same gentle, almost maternal tone that she asked her previous question.* Oh... Well, you are free to come experience the madness that makes up our family whenever you wish, if you wish.

A'kin' see why. ~~The loose locks escaping the veil cause a muffled growl, and he sets the skin down near his feet before shoving them back into place. The pool itself is studied as he does this, earning an appreciative nod. There was something stark yet beautiful about the whole scene. He's got precious few moments to appreciate it though, as he gives in and shrugs towards Nomi.~~ Not 'ardly...m'glad y'kno'. Don' do a v'ry good job of't, eh? ~~Without realizing it he responds to the motherly quality in her tone, giving her nothing but honesty.~~ Th'nks...

^*^Mrs. Jones drops to one knee, smiling at Ghyra and Behni. The two of them are eying her with suspicion, which she ignores with the ease born of years of practice.^*^ ||Now, there's some leftover oatmeal, or you could have a sandwich. What will it be?||

#Beej watches his mother, vaguely remembering the same firm tone from his own distant childhood.# "Oatmeal? Cold oatmeal..." #He makes an awful face, prompting giggles from his niece and nephew.#

[Oatmeal is yucky... San'wich.] ^^She nods emphatically, before looking up at Beej to see if he's still making the face.^^

Obvious, isn't it? It's cool, and cleaner than the other place, though. *She tugs at her own veil, revealing a face that is similar to her brother's, though her features are more delicate. Wetting her hands, she scrubs at her face, then dries it on her sleeve. Nomi's face is kind before it's hidden again, the woman lifting one of the jugs and beginning to fill it.* I had wondered... You do a fair job. You are quiet, which helps add to the picture... *She sounds both unsurprised and unconcerned, which she is. So what if Neets was a guy?* You're welcome. Sometimes it would be nice to have help.

-=Sandwich!=-

^*^Turning to her offspring, she nods and stands up again.^*^ ||Small children need narrow choices, Blackwater. It worked with you and your brother and sister... Do -you- want something to eat? And where's your wife?|| ^*^Her last question is almost suspicious, her scrutiny carrying over from their last visit...^*^

"Ah-ha. I'll keep that in mind... Me? Not particularly. Thanks, though... She's off getting more water, with Nomi." #He returns to where the kids are busily poking at the sand, looking down at them, startled all over again at being related to them.#

~~Neets glances over quickly as Nomi intones those words, trying not to compare her to Beej.~~ M'not us'd t'much but t'c'ty.

^*^Henrietta eyes her son suspiciously, but dismisses the words with a wave of her hand.^*^ ||'Well enough'? I see. You know, your grandparents are here, as well as most of the rest of the family...||

"I am not discussing children any more today; not my, or anyine's opinon of them; nor the acquisition of them. Period." #He crosses his arms, pointedly not looking at her. At least until she mentions the rest of the people present. With a faintly sinking feeling, Beej raises a brow and glances up.# "So they are. What evil thing do you have in mind?"

I suppose you would be... Do the cities... *She frowns, trying to figure out the best way to phrase her question as she secures the last waterskin.* Are they much the same? *The woman lifts the containers easily, settling the straps over her shoulders with a familarity of long practice.*

As t'des'rt? N't re'lly...s'mor' pe'ple, all sh'v'd t'geth'r. S'at w'at'cha me'n? ~~Again with the mimicry, tying the skin shut and setting it aside. The water was cool...and some of it on his face might ease the faint sunburn he could feel beginning, even under the veil. Lifting it off his face after a swift glance around, Neets ducks and splashes some of the liquid over his head.~~

||'Evil'? Is that any way to speak to your mother? You're setting a bad example... But then again, when have you ever let that bother you?|| ^*^Shaking her head, she gently swats at his shoulder before sitting next to him.^*^ ||I was merely going to suggest that we have a wedding here.||

#Blackwater blinks, taking the smack in stride and snickering softly.# ''You know me, I try to corrupt as many innocent souls as I can.'' #Frowning a bit, he pokes at the small grouping rocks making up some landmark or other in the dirt-village.# ''I don't know... Let me think about it and discuss it with Nytta...?'' #Pretending that Neets was his wife was one thing... This was another one entirely. Hm.#

Ah... No, I meant... I wanted to know if cities were alike. *His description of cities matches her limited impressions of them.* One of the...dangers out here is that everything can -look- the same, and then you are lost. *The woman means it both figuratively and literally. Intrigued but not wishing to seem rude, she watches him obliquely as he dampens his face.*

||That you do, to hear some people tell it, black lamb... Of course you can, but the swifter the answer arrives, the easier it'll be for everyone.|| ^*^Mother is just as stubborn as son, which just goes to show you where he gets it from. Ghyra, having finished her lunch, crawls into her grandmama's lap.^*^

''And here I thought 'Dazzo was the one that still caused murmurs of discontent.'' #Beej's voice is dry with a touch of chagrin, his eyes following his nephew's movements as he razes the town.# ''I thought I'd wait until just before we left to tell you. I- _We_ will have an answer by dinnertime.''

Oh...n't re'lly. Se'ms lik' ev'ry one 'as't's own pers'nal'ty... ~~He offers her a somewhat shy smile, uncertain as always of how his strange looks will be greeted. Green hair was one thing...yellow eyes and his teeth were another. To that end, he's careful to keep his mouth shut when he smiles.~~

Personality? *Half-inviting him to explain, she mulls the idea. Neets' smile earns him a lingering look and a smile in return, even if hers is mostly hidden. The state of his teeth would either fascinate her or spark a bit of pity, depending on if she knew the circumstances behind them. Turning, she tilts her head back the way they came.* We should getting back...

#It was the...not really meddling, but a seemingly undue interest in his affairs that bothered him. He and Neets were happy, couldn't they just -accept- it and move on? Apparently not. Having rescued the handful of pebbles from the tender mercies of Behni, Blackwater pours them back and forth from hand to hand.#

||Dinnertime? Very good. It's not as if we'd like you to start from the beginning of your...courtship, and to do everything over again, you know.||

S'lik'...ev'ry one'v'em 'as som'thin' spec'al 'bout't. ~~Reluctant to put the veil back on now, for whatever reason, Neets smooths his hair back again, wishing he had his customary rubber band to hold it out of his eyes. Sighing, he nods at her words and positions the sheer fabric again, obscruing his face once more.~~ Th'nk'ye for 'nvit'n me.

*Nomi glances back to the spill of water, watching the glitter of sunlight where it meets the pool below.* Like this place... I've always loved coming down here. Is there one place that you favor over all? *Neets' sigh brings her attention back to him, and she plucks at the fabric around her own face.* These -are- bothersome, aren't they...? You're welcome.

'zactly. ~~He looks over his shoulder at the spring.~~ M'not sur'... T'plac' we'r stay'n now kin'a fe'ls lik' a 'ome. An'plac' wit'im is a 'ome tho'. ~~Feeling as though he's been let into her world a bit more, he nods an enthusiastic agreement.~~ D'ya 'ave t'we'r it all t'time?

''I know that. It's just a little... Well, it's a rather large decision to be making on the spur of the moment, like this. I think I'll go see if Nomi's back, yet...'' #The stones are scattered on the sand again, Beej brushing off his hands before standing.#

||It's just an idea, dear. Go think.||

*Starting back along the faint trail, keeping the stone columns on the right, she takes her usual moment or two to sort out the young man's words.* My husband has that effect on me, as well... I think it must be part of living this life, without a 'home' as most people think of it... You find it in someone's heart. *This philosophical turn doesn't seem to preclude her from laughing softly at Neets' agreement.* Fortunately, no. This is an...honoring of tradition, so we do not forget it.

S'fam'ly, th't mak's me feel lik'a'got a 'ome. N'e's m'fam'ly. ~~Neets doesn't pause to consider what Nomi will think, hearing him talk about her brother. He slips the strap of the water jug over his shoulder though, and laughs at her words.~~ S'a'good th'ng, a'gu'ss, or I'd'a nev'r gott'n t'meet ya.

#Beej nods mutely, face rumpling in thought as he wanders back towards his tent and the abandoned saddle. Children, marriage (well, a -formal- wedding, anyhow), next thing he knew he'd be getting pestered about retirement or something. Retirement... Hmm. A beachside cottage with a pool might be nice.... Faintly cheered by the thought of spending his declining years lounging around in the sunshine, his scowl lightens a bit.#

*She finds it only a trifle odd to hear about her brother from another source, especially one unrelated to herself, though she doesn't say anything.* Isn't there a proverb that says 'home is where the heart is'? *That earns a slight frown, Nomi feeling as if she's repeating herself. That wouldn't do... And the feeling that her brother-in-law's own family was not something that he wanted to discuss kept her from prying, for now.* Of course he is...Though I think it must be far easier to get used to just -him-, instead of the whole lot of -us-. *The words are somewhat amused, though, and she nods again.* Or we would have met at a rather different time and place...

S'not s'bad, gett'n t'kno' y'all. Yer mum...she's giv'n me t'cre'ps...som'tim's a'th'nk she kno's. Oth'rs, a'dunno. ~~He seems slightly flustered, scuffing a little in the sand.~~ A'dunno...'ow of'en d'ya g't int'a t'city?

'The creeps'? *Sounding rather puzzled, the woman latches onto the concept of her mother giving anyone something so...odd-sounding. The bewilderment is dropped in favor of reassurance, her tone brightening a bit.* If she asks me, I shall do my best to keep the truth from her. I've looked forward to better acquainting myself with you... And everyone seems to accept you. The first time you came, everyone talked for a few days... But I think that was because you came. No one I know has speculated on you're being anything but a woman. *She tilts her head, considering the various family-groups present.* There are a few people missing... Randazzo, for one. Do you have any brothers or sisters? *His last question gets a bit more thought, calculations being made and routes being retraced in her mind.* We get to smaller cities and towns about every three weeks, I believe... And the city where Blackwater, and now yourself, lives for the most part... maybe once every six months. Not frequently...

Th'nks. ~~He can make out the camp in the distance, coming closer with every step.~~ Yeah...got two s'st'rs. Only met on'v'm tho. ~~He nods at her words, smiling.~~ Mebbe y'cou'd com'see t' 'ouse, aft'r we get't.

I wanted a sister, when I was little... *She grins as they top the small rise, noting the cluster of tents, animals and people just ahead. The curiosity sparked by the fact that Neets had only -met- one of his sisters is tucked away, something to ask her brother when they were alone... Provided he'd tell, of course.* A house? You two are going to get a -house-? *Her astonishment is honest, but not overdone.* I would like to see it. *The proximity of the rest of the family is measured carefully, Nomi realizing they would have to give up on the conversation soon...*

A'dunno min' too w'll...sh's nic'nuff tho. ~~Taking a careful adjustment of his clothing and a final, wistful look over his shoulder, Neets picks up the path to the camp again. At least nighttime didn't require the veil to be in place...and Beej -had- promised that they'd slip off for a night again, before they left. He blinks at Nomi's startled question, nodding.~~ Yea'...

Ah. Well, now you have at least one other. *Thinking that sounded a bit weird, she shrugs it off, adjusting the water she carries in order to take the jug Neets has. She reaches for it as they begin the last leg of their journey, clucking a bit over the thought of her brother in a permanent dwelling. The apartment had been something of a surprise in itself, but this...* His wanderlust must be cooling a bit. *It's mostly speculative, and the topic is added to her growing list of things to discuss with him.*

#{Back at the ranch...} Blackwater was fiddling with the saddle again, even though there was nothing left for him to -do- to it. The sight of the distant figures brins a small smile to his face and turns his thoughts towards figuring out the best direction for star-watching and avoiding curious (or wakeful) eyes.#

Yea'...~~Thinking perhaps the slight language barrier has gotten in the way again, Neets smiles cheerily as he hands over the water, even if it is hidden.~~ Th'nks...see y'lat'r. ~~Deciding it would probably be unfit to run back towards their little corner of camp, Neets settles into a quick stride, or at least, as quick as his short legs can make.~~

Thank you, Nytta. *Adding the water to her already-considerable burden, she is only able to make a semi-formal nod in the young man's direction.* Yes, I shall. Fare well! *Even though they'll most likely see one another at dinner in another few hours, she still appends the words to her statement. Nomi watches for a moment or two as Neets hurries back towards her brother, before her eyes and steps turn towards the center of the encampment.*