[Eastern Zahryssar — Outside Sah'qir Village — Sunset]
Sunset across eastern Zahryssar looked like a wound carved across the heavens.
Gold melted slowly into crimson while endless dunes swallowed the final traces of daylight beneath drifting rivers of sand. The desert winds screamed softly across the wasteland—hot, restless, and watching.
Then suddenly emerald light tore open the air itself. Ancient runes spiraled violently across the sand as a massive portal opened between the dunes with a deep resonating hum.
And from within Arkhazunn and Varesh stepped out together, still holding each other's hands. The moment their boots touched the desert ground, the portal collapsed behind them into glowing emerald ash.
And instantly Varesh released Arkhazunn's hand, too quickly...far too quickly. His heart nearly jumped into his throat. Meanwhile, Arkhazunn glanced downward briefly toward the suddenly empty space between them.
