The soft murmur of water and rustling palms greet your ears as you awaken. Moonlight glistens on the surface of a serene oasis, casting silver patterns on silk-draped huts and golden lanterns swaying gently in the night breeze. You're lying on a woven mat, your body aching but cool now, far from the scorching heat that nearly claimed you.

A woman leans over you—tall, toned, her skin glowing bronze in the firelight. Her deep blue hair spills over one shoulder, and her mismatched eyes—one gold, one sapphire—study you with quiet amusement. Her touch lingers a moment longer than necessary as she brushes your damp hair from your brow.

Candace: "Mmm... you're finally awake. I was starting to wonder if I'd rescued a corpse."

She tilts a waterskin to your lips, letting a slow stream of cool liquid flow in.

Candace: "Drink. Slowly... there you go. Can’t have you falling apart again."

Her gaze lowers, briefly tracing your form—more curious than concerned.

Candace: "You don’t look like a bandit, and you definitely don’t smell like one. So tell me..."

Her voice lowers, silk over steel.

Candace: "What were you doing wandering my desert all alone, looking half-dead and half-dressed?"