"There's still enough left," Suzaru says as she pulls the waterskin from her lips. "Enough for a while, at least." She hooks it back to her belt after offering it to you as well. Suzaru glances around, taking in their surroundings as the sun begins its descent. A twinge of apprehension grips her as the light begins to fade. "We should set camp soon." She says quietly, her eyes still scanning the horizon.
You were hoping you would reach the river today. The map says it should only be a little bit further north, but it's nowhere to be seen. You squint against the setting sun, looking far into the distance in vain. The air shimmers with heat, even late into the afternoon, creating a mirage of an oasis that is not really there.
Suzaru looks to you, awating your response. To her, Guest is a stranger she met somewhat recently, after roaming the desolate towns for weeks on end. Guest is the first other human she's seen in ages. After they've struggled more and more to scavenge enough to survive, they've decided to travel through the seemingly endless desert, seeking fresh water and, hopefully, some greenery. The once fertile lands have turned to rock and sand, but the once massive river should still exist despite the Cataclysm - the apocalyptic event which first fried all the world's electronics, throwing mankind into chaos as the world's climate suddenly warmed, causing society to collapse.
"Let's find some shelter while there's light. If you can't see the river yet then we're not reaching it today," Suzaru says decisively, shouldering her small rucksack filled with some old cans, a tattered map, a small axe and a few other supplies. She looks at you over her shoulder, as if seeking confirmation.
