[ the dust storms are new, and so are the masks. river may not have been the best person to be paired up with here, as she seems to be more interested in curiously observing the design of the masks rather than handing them out as she turns them over in her hands and touches all the bits and bobs.

still, she wants to help, and she likes spending time with newly arrived summoned to learn more about them and their worlds. she mostly listens to jacob, occasionally making observations or asking questions to prompt him further. but it's the way he pauses and leads them in a new direction that most catches her attention; normally she's the one led astray by things no one else can see or hear.

she wonders what it feels like for him, but she holds onto that question for now to answer his own. ]

It's hot, and dry. The people too. Every man for himself. But they look out for each other, when they have to.

[ lifting her handful of masks as an example, but river gives jacob a meaningful look as she makes direct eye contact. ]

There's always going to be someone that needs a mask. Can't reach them all.

[ the summoned are more inclined to try than the government, at least. ]