Armond’s feet dragged with every step, feeling like every limb was filled with liquid lead. His vision continued to fade in and out, at times making it hard to see his tan guide among the sands. Only the glint of her jewelry and her blue robes kept him from losing her.

“Come now, come,” the little kobold said, waving him forwards. The blue suddenly vanished from his sight, Armond blinking and rubbing his eyes. Only after they had a moment to focus did he realize he was standing before a simple tent, little more than waist high. Falling to his knees, he crawled inside to find the kobold unwrapping her silky garments.

“W-what are you doing? Where is the water?” Armond puzzled.

“You will drink in due time,” she said, looking back at him. “But we must commune first. You were pushed to the point of exhaustion, a lucid place where your grasp on this plane is weakest. Drink and you will loose your chance to learn why you are here. Discard all Earthly things and you will find what you seek.”

“Earthly… things?” He cocked his head.

“Yes, Earthly things,” she replied, eying him over. “You weapons. Your equipment. Your… clothing. Only then will you be as you are, bringing nothing but your humility and your will.”

-TB