JENNA: * Jo remains with Milna and Nana for the entire time it takes them to cross the desert. Milna admits confidentially that the task was slightly more difficult than she thought, but she's recovering. The thief-girl seems largely unchanged when she appears by the fire during meals, except perhaps in the sense that her movements are less mechanical, and her expressions are slowly returning to normal. Graham takes in her progress without comment, at least until Nana starts talking about a secret that they're keeping until later. For some reason, any mention of it causes Jo to go red and hide her face, and Milna finds herself constantly shushing the girl.

JUSTIN: * This does manage to keep Shane curious, and though a blush on Jo's face usually means trouble for /both/ of them, he is just glad to see the woman returning to normal. As promised, he's done his share of the watch and more, trying to take it as seriously as he can, so as to keep his mind off other matters. He is, however, curious enough to try asking Graham just what Milna and Nana have been doing to shake Jo out of her stupor.

JENNA: * The pattern continues until they reach the edge of the desert, and the wagons roll onto the grassy fields nearer Prontera. The last push was made by daylight, as the climate rapidly became more temperate. When everyone's settled in for the evening, fires burning in preparation for meals and the late night watch, Nana and Milna suddenly hustle Jo back to the wagon, amidst the woman's almost frantic protests. Graham scratches his chin, watching them thoughtfully. "Well, I wonder what they're up to."

JUSTIN: "You mean, they haven't told you, either?" Shane tilts his head, finding this surprising for some reason. He is fairly used to being the only one left out of the loop, as is the story of his life. "I don't suppose this is the secret Nana kept insinuating about..."

JENNA: "Eh! Probably is. Milna's very good about her secrets, what can I say." He rubs his nose, settling his back against a nearby rock and then folding his arms. "Glad we stopped early, though -- I'm hungry." The activity in the wagon seems frantic, judging by the sound of Jo's protests being overridden by the others. It's several minutes before Milna steps out again, difficult to see in the shadows, though it's plain she's changed her clothes. She tuts, putting her hands on her hips. "Come /along/, Jo," she says impatiently.

JUSTIN: * Shane cranes his neck to see into the shadows near the wagon, one eyebrow arching as his curiousity begins to climb rapidly. "Yeah... I'm hungry, too." But obviously not as interested in food at the moment as he is in whatever is going on across the way.

JENNA: * It's clearly taking some persuasion to get Jo out of the wagon, but between Milna's insistence and a quick shove from Nana, the thief-girl eventually exits the wagon, followed shortly by the youngest of the three. Nana dashes forward, revealing herself to be in costume -- most likely for a dance. "Ah!" says Graham. "I see!" Nana pirouettes for his benefit, and Milna comes forward a little more slowly, murmuring impatient encouragement to Jo. "No, dear, you look /lovely/ -- now come along." It takes a forceful shove to get Jo to the front of the group, stumbling just into the ring of light from the fire. She stands there awkwardly for a moment, clearly unsure how to hold herself, as she's never worn a dress like the one she's wearing in her entire life. The fabric seems to know, to her dismay, exactly how to hug her curves, and the colors, even in the wash of firelight, complement her skin and hair surprisingly well.

JUSTIN: * Shane all but squawks in surprise, sitting up straighter from the rock he's lounging against with Graham. He tries with little success to keep his eyes from widening at the sight, never once having thought he'd see Jo wearing something of the sort she is now. "Jo! You've been holding out on us!" He says with apparent cheer and amusement, grinning at the poor girl.

JENNA: * At this, Jo's face heats considerably, and she takes a step back, the skirt of her dress swirling dramatically, as it clearly does with the slightest breeze. "I'm changing back," she declares quietly, but Milna does not release her arm, and Nana dashes over to her with a cry. "Miss Jo, you promised! You promised!" Milna pushes her forward again, murmuring "You'll do fine, you'll do fine."

JUSTIN: * Shane abruptly slumps back against the rock and shuts up, looking mildly guilty for his little outburst. He removes his hat and tucks it against his chest in silence, averting his eyes until Jo manages to reclaim her composure.

JENNA: "You'll keep a beat for us, love?" Milna calls out, snapping an example to her husband, who bows from his sitting position, straightening to bring his hands together in imitation. "Good choice," he remarks, but no one responds, as with his continued clapping, they've begun to dance. It begins slowly, as Graham seems to know the meter he should keep, and the steps are somber. It only picks up speed, however, the whirl of colored cloth belying the simple steps. Jo and Milna flank the younger child, but it's clear that Jo is meant to be the main attraction, and after some uneasiness in her initial steps, she loses herself in the quick, sultry motions of the dance.

JUSTIN: * Shane watches, at first amused, but as soon as the dance begins to gain its stride, he finds his smile growing smaller and smaller until he's just staring in stunned silence. His eyes are transfixed, following Jo's body as it steps and twirls, a strange, fluttering feeling in his chest that seems to rise and fall with her movements.

JENNA: * Jo's eyes half close as she continues the dance, feeling her steps grow lighter and easier as it reaches its peak. Then, as quickly as it sped up, the rhythm slows, and with a final flourish of fabric, all three go still. She draws in a deep breath, opening her eyes to find herself looking directly at Shane. Her face promptly goes hot all over again, though it's difficult to tell after all that physical activity.

JUSTIN: * The sudden focus of Jo's eyes shakes Shane from his dreamy stare with a start, and he almost lurches back against the rock. The red in his face is infinitely more noticable, and he can't hide it for fear of being impolite. He belatedly lifts his hands to applaud the trio, forcing a pleased smile onto his face before he can be accused of not likeing the show. "Well... I don't know what to say." He starts, poorly.

JENNA: * Graham joins in the applause, the broad grin on his face clearly not left over from the dance. Nana cheers, bouncing in a circle around Jo before hopping back over to her mother, who insists she's going to ruin that dress if she keeps that up. That said, she bustles the girl back to the wagon, and Graham mutters something about collecting the day's rations before ambling away. Jo, keenly aware of this sudden lack of support, takes a step back, gaze suddenly jerking away from Shane's. "I ... should go change."

JUSTIN: * Shane lurches to his feet abruptly, cheeks burning even fiercer when he hears Jo's voice added to his mix of thoughts. "Jo -- ah..." He fumbles, stepping toward her. "That was fantastic, honest -- as good as any troupe I've seen. I... just wanted to say so." He also wants to run away screaming until his pulse stops pounding, but he doesn't mention that part.

JENNA: * Jo's cheeks go redder, but she manages to avoid lurching backward at his approach. "Th..thank you," she manages after a moment, though she still can't bring herself to meet his gaze. "It.. it was a simple dance. Milna said it was one of the first ones she learned." She can't seem to decide what to do with her hands, twisting them in front of her one moment and tangling them in the skirt the next. "I'm sure they did a much better job of it."

JUSTIN: * Shane's hands are lucky enough to have his hat, which they are practically destroying with their nervous wringing. "I... I hadn't noticed, I -- I mean." He fears he's going to burst into flames, his face is so hot, and his pulse is deafening. "I was watching you." He backs up a couple steps, lifting his hat as though it might hide his face, despite making him look incredibly shy. "Y-you can go change, I don't mean to hold you up. But you look..." He chokes, turning and suddenly walking away to do... whatever. His last words are barely audible: "...very nice."

JENNA: "Th..thanks," Jo answers, voice similarly quiet, but she stands as if rooted to the spot for several minutes before she can break and flee to the wagon. Once inside, she's barely aware of its other two inhabitants, who are in the process of changing into their travel gear. When Graham returns, food in hand, he's puzzled to find the campsite empty.

JUSTIN: * Shane manages to find himself a large rock not too far from the wagon, clearly in plain view. It's magic, however, is that when he sits behind it, it's as if he's a mile away. He knocks his head against it half-heartedly a few times and groans, wondering why he had to be subjected to such a thing. He places his hat on his head and tugs the brim down over his face, a useless attempt to block the images in his head that continue to dance around in his mind's eye. Secluded for the moment, he indulges himself with some cussing at his own stupidity and weakness until he runs out of things to say.

JENNA: * Nana and Milna, changed and refreshed, exit the wagon and join Graham by the fire, the small family going about dinner preparations as they have for years. Jo, even after she's changed, doesn't leave the wagon, tucked in a corner with her face buried against her knees. Only when Graham bellows that dinner's ready does she reluctantly emerge, face finally back to its normal temperature as she takes her place by the fire.

JUSTIN: * Shane doesn't seem to notice the call for dinner, quiet as it drifts over the top of the rock, and he simply continues his ritual of chewing his lip and watching the grass bend with the wind. After those weeks in the desert, he is surprised he doesn't find the sight more comforting. He has a feeling he won't feel the least bit normal again until he has solid, floating rock beneath his feet.

JENNA: * When Shane doesn't appear, Graham frowns slightly, asking Jo if she has any idea where he went. She nods very faintly and gets to her feet, walking in the direction she saw his shadow retreat in until she finds the rock and the man hidden behind it. "Not hungry?" she asks, voice subdued, and jerks a thumb over her shoulder. "Dinner's ready." She pauses, glancing at him sideways. "I can bring it out here, if you'd rather."

JUSTIN: * Shane looks up as his illusionary seclusion is broken, turning to see Jo standing by the edge of the rock. "Oh... dinner, already?" Stupid response, considering how dark it is. "N-no, I'll come." He gets slowly to his feet, adjusting his hat so it's no longer covering most of his face, and he peeks at Jo shyly. "I, uh. I have to say, I was surprised. You caught me off-guard with that routine." He clears his throat, pressing forward before she can respond. "But, you're doing okay now? You were practically a zombie for a while, there."

JENNA: * Jo blinks at him slowly, then nods, some of her flush returning, though it's hard to see in the dark. "I.. I'm fine now. Th-thank you again. A-and I'm sorry." She pauses, not sure what she's responding to anymore, then turns back toward the fire, where Nana can be seen, waving for them to come back.

JUSTIN: * Shane bites his lip again, casting his gaze off to the grass as he steps to Jo's side. "Don't thank me, thank them. I..." He hesitates, not wanting to cause another problem with poor wording. "I would like to... talk about all of this with you, again, but... but not until you're ready to. Please, for now -- don't worry about anything." He tries to smile as he looks up again, motioning for her to lead the way.

JENNA: * Jo stares at him for a moment, frozen in place again, then nods slowly. "Not.. not right now," she manages. "Th..the food's getting cold." She starts back toward the camp at a quick clip, then slows after a moment to allow him to catch up, trying to set aside her own confusion and discomfort.

JUSTIN: * Shane follows at a much slower pace, his thoughts pulling him down like lead weights. He makes an effort to match her pace, grateful when she waits up for him, and he lets their walk continue in silence from that point. Upon reaching the camp, he moves to seat himself near the fire as though everything is normal, setting his cap aside with a quiet sigh.

JENNA: * Jo settles herself next to him, offering him his share of the food before taking up her own. She doesn't seem inclined to say anything, lost in her own thoughts, but at least not blankly emotionless as she was before. Milna seems determined to let the two have their peace, keeping her daughter determinedly busy. Halfway into the meal, however, Graham looks up at them. "You two are planning to go on to Juno, right?"

JUSTIN: * Shane looks up from his meal, turning Graham his attention. "That's the plan, as far as I can figure." He gives Jo a glance, half frowning for a moment. "Is that right, Jo?" It occurs to him that it isn't something they've openly discussed -- he's just more or less been going with the flow.

JENNA: * Jo nods slightly, swallowing a bite of food. "I have something to do there," she says after a moment, returning her attention to her meal. She glances at Shane sideways. "You want to get home, don't you?"

JUSTIN: "Of course, I just... I wasn't sure if you..." Shane swallows drily, realizing he doesn't know what he intends to say. Or what she expects him to. "But, anyway. I guess that's a yes, then." He turns back to Graham, smiling slightly.

JENNA: * Graham nods thoughtfully, taking a sip from his refilled tankard. "We'll probably need to part ways soon, then ... we're traveling to Prontera, and it's a bit out of your way." Nana makes a dismayed sound, and Jo turns to her apologetically.

JUSTIN: * Shane turns his eyes to the girl and tilts his head, brow furrowing. His response is clearly intended for Graham again, however. "We'll miss the company, even if we haven't been the best guests." He fiddles with his dish. "I guess close to Prontera, you won't have much need for our protection."

JENNA: "Mama, Miss Jo can stay with us, can't she?! She can stay!" Milna sighs, shaking her head, and glances at Jo. "Of course, we'd be happy to have you along --" Nana nods tearfully, but Jo shakes her head. "I can't. I'm sorry, Nana." Graham clears his throat, turning to Shane. "Well, it's been appreciated. You're welcome, of course, any time you find us."

JUSTIN: * Shane turns to face Graham again, the tearful pleas doing nothing to comfort him. "I'd be happy to help out again, if fate would have it." He smiles again, then shifts his eyes to his food and picks a few bites of it.

JENNA: * Nana is eventually reduced to sobbing into her mother's lap, and Jo sets her food aside, unable to finish. "I suppose we should leave in the morning," she says, and Graham nods. "Get a good night's rest. I'd let you have the pecos, but I'm afraid they aren't mind to give."

JUSTIN: "It's a generous offer, and I'd refuse even if you could. We'll make due on foot, we have before." Shane sets his dish with Jo's, apparently disinclined to continue eating if she won't. "Thank you, though." He stands slowly, giving them each a polite bow, with a lingering look on Nana.

JENNA: * Jo gets to her feet as well, gathering her pack to look for a good place to sleep, when the little girl lifts herself from her mother's lap and flings her arms around Jo, still crying. The thief looks terribly awkward, stroking Nana's hair. "I.. it's not as if we'll never come back," she offers weakly, looking at Shane for support.

JUSTIN: * Shane seems rather alarmed at the girl's continued grief, giving Jo's glance a hasty return before stepping over. "She's right, Nana -- you'll see her again." He crouches down to the girl's height, setting a hand to her shoulder. "You know Jo is always on the move, it's only a matter of time."

JENNA: * Nana peers at him sideways, sniffling a little, as Jo agrees with him again. They are saved from further persuasion when Milna calls her daughter to bed, leading her firmly away when she won't come at first. Graham chuckles apologetically. "Hopefully she'll get all that out of her system by tomorrow morning," he says. "Don't worry about watch. Just get some sleep."

JUSTIN: * Shane stands up again, slowly, and rubs at his arm. "I'm sure she will." He grins a bit at the retreating child's back, then turns his eyes to Graham. "Sorry for the fuss, in any case." He isn't sure why /he's/ apologizing, as Jo was clearly the catalyst. "We'll see you in the morning, then." He bows politely to the man once more, then turns a look to Jo and smiles slimly.

JENNA: * Graham nods, getting clumsily to his feet, and ambles over to the wagon, slinging himself up into the seat. Apparently that is where he wishes to keep watch. Jo returns Shane's smile weakly, slipping a little further from the fire before setting her belongings down and kneeling next to them. "We should sleep," she suggests.

JUSTIN: * Shane steps over to her slowly, crouching down nearby. "Of course." He says quietly, moving from his crouch to a sitting position. "If you want some extra covering, I can get my coat..." He scratches his cheek and stares at the ground absently.

JENNA: "I'll be fine." She settles into the grass, tugging her cloak around her and resting her head against her pack, back to the fire. Her eyes half close wearily, regarding the prospect of the next few days with more than a little dread. And once they reach the city itself, well ... she isn't entirely sure what she'll do.

JUSTIN: * That answer seems to pacify Shane for the moment, who remains silent as he nestles into the grass and slings his own pack down under his head. For a while he stares into the fire, not really thinking -- spacing out, avoiding thought. He shuts his eyes eventually and sighs, hoping he falls asleep before his mind can start playing games.

JENNA: * Before long, Jo drifts off to sleep, peaceful and relaxed for the first time in a while. She's startled when Graham comes around in the morning to roust them both, sitting up sharply to blink at the lightening sky. She yawns expressively, stretching her arms skyward before getting slowly to her feet and slinging her pack over her shoulder.

JUSTIN: * Shane is equally startled when his eyes open to early morning light, not remembering when he managed to drift off. He sits himself upright and blinks blearily, issuing a yawn and a grunt before attempting to get to his feet.

JENNA: * Jo turns and is once again surprised to see Milna and a very sleepy Nana already around the fire, working on breakfast. She ambles closer before sitting down, glancing at Graham, who appears lost in thought. "Trying to figure out how much the caravan owes you," he explains, noticing her gaze.

JUSTIN: * Shane flops onto his back again, staring up at the sky and trying to ignore the coating of early morning dew on his clothing. It doesn't take long before he finally manages to get to his feet, hobbling over to where Jo and Graham are sitting and finding a spot for himself.

JENNA: * Jo makes no effort to haggle with the man, content to take what pay she and Shane are given. After he's handed it to her, she shifts toward Shane to hand him his share of it. "Well enough to get us to the city, right?"

JUSTIN: * Shane looks at it with disinterest, eventually shrugging his shoulders and nodding as he tucks it away. "Yeah, it should do us." He looks up wearily, though it's not physical weariness on his face. "You may need it more than me. I doubt I'll be going anywhere once we're in Juno. If you need it... just let me know."

JENNA: * She blinks at him, then shrugs. "I'll be fine," she says again, then turns to the fire, where the food is starting to cook up nicely. Nana has revived, this time without tears, and is helping her mother out. The sun is slowly rising higher, threatening to outshine the firelight now.

JUSTIN: * Shane huffs a quiet sigh, wondering what he could possibly need the money for, personally. He curls his legs under himself and looks up to survery the grassy landscape, small camps from the other caravaners dotting the area around them. This loses its entertainment value fairly quickly, and he falls onto his back yet again, staring at the back of Jo's head.

JENNA: * Breakfast is ready before too much longer, and Jo makes her way back over to Shane with his share of the meal, seating herself next to him. Nana follows, apparently feeling clingy, and settles herself next to Jo to eat her meal. Graham and Milna settle nearby, chatting lightly with each other for several minutes until Milna suddenly looks up, snapping her fingers. "Ah, Miss Jo -- I've been meaning to ask you! Would you like to keep that dress?" Jo sits bolt upright, staring at the woman in surprise. "I .. eh?"

JUSTIN: * Shane sits up alongside Jo, turning Milna an equally surprised look. He knows this doesn't exactly concern him, but at the same time he feels strangely like it would affect him. His head turns toward Jo, face changing to display curiousity at what her answer might be. "That's a generous offer, wouldn't you say so, Jo?" He tries to sound amused at her expense, if only so he can try to ignore memories of the previous night.

JENNA: * Jo jerks away from him, looking almost angry for a moment before going a deep red. "I.. I couldn't -- it's ..." But Milna waves a hand dismissively. "It's yours! I can't fit into it anymore, certainly, and it will be years before Nana can." Nana, in the meantime, is nodding in agreement with her mother. "You should! It looked really nice, Miss Jo!" Jo, attacked on all sides, shrinks back. "I.. all... all right. Th-thank you." She looks as if she isn't sure she means it, though.

JUSTIN: * Shane looks somewhat relieved when she gives her answer, glad that he avoided being brought up in the discussion. He reaches over to pat the dismayed woman on the shoulder, then goes back to his meal. "Honest, Jo. It never hurts to have another outfit, just in case."

JENNA: * She gives him a hard look. "I'm not wearing it in public," she says shortly, annoyed, and turns back to her food. Milna, meanwhile, is trotting back to the wagon to retrieve the garment, which she folds neatly upon returning, tucking it into Jo's pack. Then, patting Jo on the shoulder in a similar fashion, she leans down to murmur something into her ear -- something that causes Jo to go bright red in the face, nearly choking on what's left of her food.

JUSTIN: * Shane looks slightly alarmed at this, setting his dish down and leaning over to get a better look at Jo's face, and Milna. "What was that?" He asks, knowing full well if he was meant to hear it, he would have already.

JENNA: * Jo shakes her head almost wildly, darting a glance at him that skitters away as if the sight of him burns. Milna chuckles, leaning back, and plants her firsts on her hips, grinning. "She may tell you someday, but I don't think it's today." Jo, apparently struggling with something, gets to her feet, pulling her pack tighter on her shoulders. "We -- we should get going," she manages to get out.

JUSTIN: * Shane's face reddens slightly, wondering now if he really wants to know. Jo's abrupt rise causes him to make a dismayed face, however, that interrupts this other line of thought. "Jo, don't be so hasty. You haven't even finished your breakfast. /I/ haven't finished breakfast..." He looks back at his dish, then takes a few bites as if to emphasize.

JENNA: "I'm not hungry," mumbles Jo, patently untruthful, but she sits down again, eating her food as quickly as she can. Milna chuckles again and walks back to her husband, smiling in a self-satisfied way. Nana doesn't appear to have followed the exchange, eating her own food and watching them curiously.

JUSTIN: * Shane edges closer to Jo, watching her face with unmasked curiousity. His own food is already gone, but he's holding the dish in such a way as to disguise this fact to buy a little more time. He's uncertain he will get even a hint out of her, but his morbid interest remains regardless of the possibilities.

JENNA: * Jo doesn't seem to notice him, finishing her meal and standing again. Her face is still red, and it shows no sign of decreasing in temperature. "Thank you. For the food and hospitality," she says. "Travel safely." At this apparent farewell, Nana jumps to her feet and flings her arms around the woman. Startled, Jo does manage to hug her in return, stroking her hair.

JUSTIN: * Shane sets his plate to the side, noting by Jo's movement and speech that he's not going to buy anything. He hops to his feet, dusting himself off briefly before turning to Milna and Graham. "As she said, thank you very much for your hospitality, and I do hope your trip goes well."

JENNA: * Graham waves him off with a grin. "Worry more about your own journey." Milna nods in agreement, winking at Jo, who flushes again. Nana, apparently feeling generous, decides to give Shane a good-bye hug as well, insisting that they both come see the festival next year.

JUSTIN: * Shane is pleasantly surprised at the late, unexpected, but welcome affection, and he returns the hug generously. "I wouldn't want to miss it, Nana. I am sure Jo will do her best to be there, too." He pets the girl's hair and lets her go, stooping to grab his pack and hat, settling the first on his back and the latter on his head. He turns his attention to Jo, now. "Ready?"

JENNA: * Jo nods quickly, waving a second, hurried farewell to the group. Then she starts off walking, trying not to look like she's rushing too much. She feels a little guilty for the sudden departure, but she can't help the feeling that the faster she walks, the faster the heat in her face will go away. It's some time before she slows, slumping slightly and checking to see if Shane is still with her.