The air had steadily begun to warm during their journey, shifting from the temperate weather of Illium to the sticky heat that clouded the coastal cities and towns of Jhun'k'ai. The nature of the heat would likely change the further East they travelled on their journey, shifting into and a parched and arid heat, pulled water from skin as the world slowly shifted into a desert that felt entirely endless. A place where the heat saw no pause between day and night, scorching the world on all sides. Should their journey lead them into the Dead Waste, they would need more than a guide.

As the week long travelled finally ceased and the duo were given the ability to stand on solid ground, the rich hive of Juhad erupted before them. Whilst its streets were not alien to the elder of the pair, the time between his last arrival on its shores had felt too long. The smell of life within the city hung in the air like perfume, bringing with it the memories of a childhood on the eastern shores. Reminding an aging man of a youth spent abroad where the secret political games of the Western kings was no concern, and the hidden rules at play in the desert seemed simpler. It wasn't the petty sport of the ruling class that mattered in their current journey, though it was the source of their travel.

Rhoynar guided Illinfer by the arm from the dock and onto the crowded streets that exploded into the markets of the vast city. The city of Juhad opened to its naval guests with a vast courtyard of vendors, exploding with the expansive and vibrant spectrum of silks, cloths and rugs, often variegated in design and colour. The selection stood out in high contrast to the bleached walls of the buildings surrounding, each of them brilliant white as it reflected the sun that lingered almost directly overhead, baring down on the city which paid it little mind under their creatively created shelters within the market. The man continued to hurry through the markets, stepping between the crowd underneath the cloth roofs that decorated the streets. Its design forced the heavy perfumes and spices to linger, catching on the clothing and skin of those who travelled though. It was heavy on the head, lasting in the nostrils as the pair escaped the restless and spirited agora as travellers and residents alike haggled with vendors for their goods. 

The clamour of the new world had seemed only larger than the furor that had developed within Astipor: a newly formed sanctuary for many that could afford the travel aboard ships from Juhad or Olas. In the former, the world felt more alive than before. Here was a world were the Western tongue was no longer common, but a language spoken by sailors alone. The Second East was a portal to more languages than knowable, though so many spoke a prevalent dialect, that danced along the air between the citizens across the city and deserts beyond. To hear ones mother tongue spoken so freely had felt comforting, adding to the distant memories of childhood yet the knowledge he had of the ancient world they were standing upon added an anxious fear. Time passed differently in Jhun'k'ai, it always had. Self-made kings and empires fell overnight as the power-hungry continued to squabble and fight for the riches they felt rightful to; his father had been right in choosing conquest in the West, where the games of the powerful travelled slowly.

They soon settled into an inn, taking rest in the shade to allow Illinfer the moment to recapture her senses. He gave her leave to rest for a few moments whilst collecting food and drink, opting to choose food closer to her palate than might be provided the further they travelled from their home. Shouldering the door open, he was soon greeted with his partner's panicked uneasiness. 

"Here," Rhoynar offered as he placed a tray onto the table between them and sat onto the cushion lounge opposite. "You'll have already noticed the heat, you'll need to drink." He soon unsheathed his sword and set it by his side and relaxed in silence, taking in the natural chill of the shade the inn provided. It wasn't perfect, but it certainly helped. After a few moments, he spoke again, offering Illinfer a suggestion of their first potential direction in their quest. 

"We should check the temple first, the monks there collect knowledge from far places most have never heard of. I've never seen their library but it is said to be stretching far into the sky, with walls of tomes that pass back in time beyond the Gods we know. If anyone is to know where we might find what Grey was asking of us, its them." He paused to take a sip of the fruit wine he had purchased for them. "I don't know if you saw as we made port: the large temple on the hill." It had stood far from the ocean's edge, standing high on a hill with a forest of trees surrounding its walls from whatever may have chosen to threaten it. Its walls, whilst far from sight, had been tall columns, stretching high above the citizens that passed towards its doors. 

"We should head there once you're comfortable. I can understand this place is... Different." Rhoynar laughed. "I had the same reaction of your country when I first arrived. The culture is different, bland in comparison."