The journey back to Desert Rose was rather uneventful. We just took a caravan back, and aside from the occasional sights of sand, cacti, and rocks nothing really happened. Once I got back, I went straight back to my mansion to find Mum and Pa taking to the new Ryozo property. It was a pretty nice breakfast we had, Maria was in a muffin coma, Petra trading techniques with Pa, and I learned a few techniques in spells from Mum. The technique taught was [Dominate Person in Oni], incredibly dangerous spell. To even prove the point, Mum used the spell on my head.
[Rest was notes on spells he learned, showing his mom the Sun and Moon Plaza as her new ownership, going to the Meishu College of Magics to visit old Professors, and of course partying with old classmates]
The day finally came, getting new orders from the Empress. We're set to go out to fight the Storm Riders in a place southwest of Desert Rose past Fofus, among hundreds of these tanned skinned beauties. On the boat, many made advances on Rad, Sol and I; I politely declined their advances, but Sol and I agree they were looking pretty stacked. Others however frowned upon us just for being men. Gotta say... not a good first impression like the other ladies, won't lie there. It took two days to travel across the desert, on one of their boats that were able to glide across the sand as if it were water... even magically was protected against a sandstorm that could have shredded our skin and the boat itself. They claimed it was divine magic that protected them... I'm inclined to believe it was the arcane. I will get back to you on that for details Novia, in case you forgot I know you read this!
To add worse for wear on the earlier, the men are separated from the women in this society. We were cast out to a smaller town outside their holy city right along the coast. It was... how to describe... based on utility over form; little bits of land were wasted on beauty. Might be beauty in their own way? Perhaps, but I prefer the dark wood and rice paper of home... I miss it.
Upon going about the town, some of the locals are mentioning a Trial, with boats. The leader of the people here is a young, unproven Gerudo named Riju, as her mother died in the raids against the Storm Riders. Perhaps impressing her in these "trials" will force their hand in taking us seriously. Time will tell. I'll write more when things get more developments. More to follow Novia.
P.S. Expect some souvenirs. Turns out they use gold and jewelry to channel their magic, maybe you could use or study them? Or heck, get some for Petra and Maria alike.