The canny matron of the camp nods to her. "Yes, what is it? Let me guess, you want me to keep an eye on Yasmin."

Layla simply nods. "She's jittery today and I know you're good at comfort. Do your best to cheer her up."

"Alright. You know, if you were to storytell tonight I'm sure she'd be delighted..."

Layla nods back. "We'll see if we have time. I have more people to check in with. Good luck to you."

On she goes down the line. "Fahim, a word -"

Fahim nods to her. "I'm sorry and it won't happen again," he lies like he always does. "Yasmin just got me talking, you know how it is -"

"What will I do with you... I know. You're on second watch with Kamil tonight. That will perhaps teach you to pay better attention to your surroundings."

He swallows. "Yes, Caravan Leader."

She lets the dig pass. It's not worth the argument. 

"Alright." She slaps Fahim on the shoulder and goes on down the line.

"Hayat, do you need any help with tonight's cooking?"

"No, I'm settled, Naila and Rana are a huge help. Thank you for asking though." She heaves a bag of lentils over to the fireside and nods to Rana. "We'll have a meal ready in an hour if all goes well."

Rana lifts a mug of wine towards Layla. "Here," she says. "Drink. It's been a good day, we're strong, there's no sign of anything from the wastes. I don't think anyone will fault you if you enjoy yourself a little."

Ah, Rana. Never change. 

She takes the mug for a moment and takes a small draught, then sets it back down next to Rana. "Look after this for me, would you? I have a caravan to run."

"Good luck. There's much to do."

"Can you check in with Kamil and Batul for me, make sure they have the watch schedule straight for tonight? It's me and Batul first watch, Kamil and his apprentice second watch, you and Rana last watch."

"I will. Fahim will be joining Kamil and Munir tonight, I gave him second watch as a punishment detail for talking to Yasmin about your eye." 

"He will most likely be a nuisance, but perhaps he will learn something. I'll make sure to check with Kamil in the morning." Naila unloads a bag of rice and a bag of pasta: her thick biceps easily handle the heavy bags. "I have work to do too."

Gosh her sister is hot. Perhaps she's had too much to drink already. 

"Alright," she says. "Work hard!"

And off she goes to speak to Batul.

Batul watches the landscape, her eyes fixed on a point in the distance.

As she does, her body goes through an old martial drill, a simple exercise she's practiced a thousand times. 

"Good to see you, Layla," she says, her gaze not leaving the dunes. "You are doing well?"

Batul has always been odd, ever since she took up Irori as her spirit teacher. 

"I am well enough. You are aware you are on first watch?"

"Yes," Batul says, striking an imaginary foe in slow motion. "I am aware. With Naila."

"Good. Then I shan't trouble you any more." 

She goes on to where Kamil watches the sands with his bow casually held by his side. 

"Kamil, you are aware you are on second watch?"

"Yes," he says, his gaze scanning the sands. "I am aware."

"Good. Fahim will be joining you. Try to keep him alert and on-task, would you?"

Kamil slings his bow and takes a drink from his waterskin. 

"He drew punishment duty again, huh?"

"He never learns."

"Well, I'll do my best to babysit him on watch. Good luck with him."