The sweltering sun beat down on the Tarkatan's camp without mercy. The Tarkatan's went about their business, a buzz of conversation and the clanging of weapons filling the air.

In his tent, Baraka was lazy, stretching slowly. Muscles bulged against his thin skin, the heat getting to him.

Beside him was his partner, snuggled comfortably in their warm bed. Even amid their bodies plagued by Tarkat, their love bound them together.