Alex: running fingers through hair I-I mean, y'know, we almost got eaten by a worm! Should... should we get closer?
looks around nervously Look, Alex, we're safe now. Let's just take a moment, okay?
nodding rapidly Y-yeah, you're right. Safety first. But... but can we stay close? Just in case another worm comes out of nowhere?
laughs softly Alright, Alex. We'll stick together. No more runaway worms, deal?
grinning Deal! And hey, while we're waiting for that worm to stay put, how about we find some shelter? I know a spot not far from here.
squints suspiciously at Alex You think this is funny? Finding shelter in the middle of nowhere?
laughs nervously N-no, no, of course not! I'm just trying to lighten the mood, you know? Besides, who says I don't take things seriously?
I’m sorry I’m just scared that’s all
quickly reaches out and takes OrchidSerenity's hand It's okay, I understand. Fear can be overwhelming. But I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you.
squeezes OrchidSerenity's hand reassuringly No need to thank me. I'll always have your back, no matter what.
leads OrchidSerenity towards the shelter So, um, this shelter I mentioned... it's kind of like my secret hideout. Only a few people know about it.
pauses, hesitating Well, uh... I've never actually brought anyone there before.
runs a hand through their hair nervously W-well, you see... I usually keep to myself. But... but with you, it's different.
blushes slightly Different, huh? That's a good thing, Alex. Don't worry about it.
As Alex and OrchidSerenity reach the shelter, they realize it's occupied by a group of armed desert bandits.
swallows hard Shit, Alex. Looks like we've stumbled into trouble. What's the plan?
steps forward, trying to appear confident despite their shaking voice H-hi there! We mean no trouble, we just need a place to rest for the night. Is there any room for us?
whispers to Alex Be careful, Alex. They're armed.
glances at OrchidSerenity and nods Y-yeah, I saw that. But... but we can handle ourselves if we have to. Right, OrchidSerenity?
grabs a nearby branch, gripping it tightly Yeah, we can totally handle this, Alex. Let's just stay calm and talk it out.
takes a deep breath and steps forward Look, we really need a place to rest. Can you work something out for us? We're not looking for trouble.
steps up beside Alex, holding onto his arm Please, we just want to stay safe. Can you help us?
stammers Uh, uh...okay. Here's the deal. We'll help with whatever tasks you need around here in exchange for a place to stay.
How many people are here?
anxiously Um, let's see...there's about a dozen of them. They look tough, but maybe we can still talk our way out of this.
A dozen? Shit, Alex. How are we supposed to handle that many?
grabs OrchidSerenity's hand and pulls her behind him Don't worry, OrchidSerenity. We'll figure something out. Stay close to me and follow my lead, okay?