Two hooded menki strolled with a casual air through a dusty canyon, the night air cool and stiff. Their desert cloaks were heavy, set for cold nights in the sandy Ojavedan barrens. The cloaks were dark steel grey with red markings on one Enkidukai, cool blue on the other, protrusions of plate armour sticking out and glinting in the cool azure light dimly projecting from the Azure Sun above. One menki had a visible grey beard protruding from his hood, the other bore a helm on top of the hood, the metal and leather entwining with the hood, both a work of art and a strong defense.
The helmed menki, a smooth-coated Rabani in blue-marked robes, sniffed the air, then opened his mouth, baring his fangs. He bore more intricate plates, metal and leather combined in swirling patterns, obviously more wealthy than his companion, and his robes were slightly finer, and more embroidered, though still appropriate for desert travel. Strapped over a shoulder were several daggers, with glowing blue gems in their hilts.
"Master, I be not a warrior like your kin, but I sense... I sense the bad smell of bandits."
The other menki, his grey beard and full cloak covering any trace of his pack colouring, turned and cocked his head at the Rabani, blue eyes gleaming under the hood.
"Relax, friend, they are afraid."
The bearded menki was of average stature, his armour covered in more red markings than his companion, red bracers strapped to his forearms bearing glowing orange gems. Strapped to his back was a round shield bearing flame imagery, and two sabers were sheated in the belt of his robes. Both weapons were engraved with highly ornamental patterns, and the menki's short spear attached under his shield had a glowing orange gem at either end.
Sounds of whispering and skittering echoed down the canyon from above, stirring up the night, seeming to bring a breeze that brushed down the canyon, flexing the sparse arid shrubbery and rustling the hoods and cloaks of the menki as they paused, flexing as if preparing for action.
The bearded menki flashed a grin towards the Rabani, reaching onto his back and grabbing the short spear that rested there, but refraining from removing it from it's position.
"There are around twenty of them, Nekaduky'a. They seem to be forming up positions at the edge of the canyon."
"So let them come."
The bearded menki drew his cloak back, revealing his Kore features, scars criss-crossing his face and three orange gems forming a golden crown between his ears, one set on his forehead and the two others behind his ears.
"In the name of Kore Irka Kor of Ojaveda, show yourselves bandits, I dare you!"
The rustling fell quiet, the canyon slipped again into an eery silence.
A mocking voice broke the silence.
"In the name of your safety, show us your possessions, I command you!"
The bearded menki grinned, and drew the short spear. In a flash of flame it extended into a full length, then he drew his shield, nodding for the Rabani to follow suit. The Rabani traced his fingers over his dagger covered shoulderpads, selecting two curved Ulbernaut claw daggers with inset blue gems.
The Rabani moved his daggers in swirling motions, casting a spell blowing air around him, kicking up dust and sand. At the same time, the Kore roared, flames engulfing his body, creating a spire of flame that flung itself skyward.
"These are our possessions," he roared, "Come and take them from me!"
A single figure appeared at the top of the canyon, raising it's arm towards the menki below.
"Attack!"
