Tik Tik enjoys the soft caresses and pets of the crimson-stained fingers of her oh-so-gracious host. All the while, the kobold listens to him when he sighs and begins his pitch. "This land is an uncontested waste. It is a realm devoid of all political influence and claims to power. Here, the law is entirely about what one can carry with their own might, and those who can take what they want have control of things. This tower that you discovered… if we were to find it and to claim it as our own, we could become mighty, indeed." “We…?” Tik Tik tilts her head. Anish smirks. "Of course, I would be in charge, and you would be underneath of me as a subordinate, unburdened by the responsibilities of leadership." He scratches beneath her chin, leaning ever-so-close to her. "You would have access to so many research materials and partners. You would not know what to do with yourself, I'm sure." Tik Tik squirms, her hands upon her thighs. "Imagine it," he continues, leaning in against her ear. "You would have access to all manner of being and beast to conduct your erotic research: headless men, kobolds of all varieties, and gnolls would be just the beginning. Imagine the diversity of mindset and physical attributes that you could find under my massive network." Tilting her head back, Tik Tik just basks in the idea a moment, but she opens one eye, her mouth quirking gently. "But Tik Tik find others herself. Why need work with Anish?" Anish pats her cheek. "A good question from such an enterprising and resourceful lady." He sits back, stroking his chin. "Quite simple, I would say. Protection shall be something I can offer you most readily. You are most notorious after you've challenged the gods. Anyone who tapped into the magical network of scrying stones and divine revelation knows of the Tournament and the part you played in it. While the winner may have divine protections in place, you, my dear, are the one who coached that champion, which means you will be molested by all sorts of interlopers." Tik Tik opens her mouth. "My dear creature, it isn't all fun and games, I assure you. Once people find out where you are, they shall pester you day and night for your services and your opinions. Then, of course, there is the matter of those who would want to do you harm for their misbegotten ideals." "Ah," Tik Tik squeezes her knees. "Never think about that." "And you won't have to worry about any of that, working for me," Anish says, a gentle growl in his voice. "All you need to do is be a good girl and listen to what I have to say." He rests one hand upon her thigh and moves another up, palm open, in front of her. "I could keep you as an enslaved kobold, and I could beat you into submission through physical and mental punishments. However, it would be much more lucrative and beneficial for us of superior minds to work together as equals, don't you agree?" Tik Tik stares down at the offered hand and then back up to the man before her. She places her hand upon his, backward though it may be, and he wraps his fingers around hers, sealing the deal with a shake. It is then that the manservant returns to the chamber, bowing low before his master. "Ah," Anish says, scooting away from Tik Tik, his hands behind his head. "So glad you could return. I take it the Keeper is ready?" The servant nods. "Very well. You may escort Tik Tik there. You two have all the time that you need. Tik Tik, go and reclaim what is yours from the supply tent. I shall eagerly await your return." Tik Tik shuffles off the seat, stepping up next to the manservant. He is such a frail and pretty thing, with skin of bronze and long hair like silk reaching down to his shoulders. Tik Tik smiles and holds a hand up for the youthful servant. He glances down at her and then to his master, who shrugs. And so, the two head toward the exit, but not before the servant picks up a large leaf, which he holds with no difficulty, angling it to shade Tik Tik's gaze as they exit the sanctuary of the tent and move into the heat of the trading caravan. All around, the people buzz with the sounds and smells of trade. The varieties of beings buying and selling items being sold remind Tik Tik of the marketplaces in Anteronia, and she wonders how many things in the city have traversed these sands. Their travels end at another tent, attached to a sizable cart. The servant ushers her forward and bows. "I mustn't enter, as I was not given permission, but I shall be here if you need me." Tik Tik nods and steps past the shade of the leaf and into the covered business of the Keeper. Inside the tent is a veritable warehouse of racks, with cloth and clothing hanging up with meticulous tags written in some inscrutable script. The kobold journeys down one long corridor with smaller garments, her view filled with bright colors and intricate patterns. She raises a hand up as she walks through the path, letting her fingers flick through the soft fabrics and the many styles of dress until her claws catch on to something. She blinks, stuck a moment on the object, and she pulls it free from its hook, only to have the tattered yellow cloak flop into her arms. She stares at it, mesmerized at the sight of the long and intricate weaves upon the fabric. They look to her almost as if they were eyes staring right back at her—judging her, beckoning her to follow their gaze back to the distant shores from whence they were first sewn.