I hope you are right Lunarinus. We will at least save many, the Gods willing my relatives and Master Figuroala among them. To the road as you say.
Right, right. The road's over there. Kairon mutters sheepishly. Musta been chasin' what sunshine we got left!
"Yes! Let us get going as quickly as we can! I believe every minute may count! Let's move quickly now!"
Once we get t' the river, I'm sittin' as close to front o' the boat as I can. Hate bein' on the water. Maybe it'll help me keep from sicking over the side.
After the battle, Baradim will take the time to wander through the ruins but not go and explore where the party has not yet been to. There were still dangers here after all, the possibility of the monstrous spiders and other, darker things. His eyes seemed to marvel at the way the moss grew upon the walls, how nature always seemed to come back and reclaim what had been lost. That terrible vision still remained upon his mind but as he thought of it more, it became more and more foolish.
No forest was ever truly gone, even the homes that the great and industrious dwarves had built would one day return to the earth from whence they were carved. All things returned to the spirits, returned to the elements, and would be made anew. It was perhaps this thought and the whisper of something else that only he seemed to hear as he smiled, looking up into the sky.
Returning with the others, Kanga loping behind with an almost grin upon his face, he would nod and look down at the mushrooms that were there.
"Truthfully, you would be surprised how much tea can be made from a few things. Let us scrape up what we can and begin our way back. I will begin readying out path back."
Grabbing his platinum, he would see Dolok leave behind something equivalent and chuckle to himself. He'd grab his portion of coin and gesture to Illiam for the other 14, looking back at the others.
"We should take these spare coins back, a platinum will be able to keep a family alive should their breadwinner be too sick to work...or already taken by the plague." He would wait for what the others thought of his idea. There would be orphans to feed and clothe, the impaired and sick unable to work and earn their coin to feed their families. It was up to them to help take care of the weaker members of the tribe, to ensure that they had the chance to grow strong again.
Going with whatever the group decided with, he would first take a moment to stop by the dead wolves, kneeling down upon one knee and simply putting a hand upon their cooling bodies. They were simply defending their home from intruders, protecting what was theirs. If he had been better trained, perhaps he could've minimized the loss of life. Alas, he had his own home to think of, and he would rise up again to make headway for the path they'd be taking to the river.
"Let's go, quickly now!" Baradim would call out once they were all gathered, guiding them to the road and moving quickly down the way towards the river. The heaviness of his water-soaked clothing made his body ache in protest but a grin had formed upon the half-orc's face. They were close to saving Falcon's Hollow, they were so close to success.
Baradim's uncanny ability to find the path of least resistance leads the envoy and company to the north-south road out of the mountains in no time at all. With the light diminishing quickly, the spellcasters of the group keep various magical lights both before and behind, so everyone can see. Unfortunately for all, the rain has left the "road," nothing more than hard-packed, well-traveled earth, sloggy and muddy. Thankfully, about halfway between the monastery and the river, not only does the rain stop altogether, the clouds begin to break up, and a beautifully purple sunset is visible for just the briefest of moments before night begins to fall. Many among the group start to replay their journey in their minds as they now see the adventure coming to a close. Has it really only been three days? It was the 11th of Erastus when the envoy arrived on the Silver Stream from Almas. Now, twilight on the 14th of Erastus, they are on their way back to town with all the ingredients they need to brew a cure. Truly the gods and forces of Golarion have blessed their efforts. As everyone hustles contemplatively the canopy of trees begins to show a definite edge, then, in mere moments the water of the Darkmoon River comes into view. Leaving the trees behind the group sees the brilliant display of millions of stars riding through the black, summer sky. Once again, many in the company are struck by the incredible beauty and serenity of the scene. Were their packs not laden with vital ingredients to reclaim life from death, perhaps they would enjoy camping here under the stars, but such pleasantries are left behind by all those that seek a greater good. So too the envoy must push on. The road ends less than an eighth of a mile from the sloping banks of the water. There are no docks here, but several worn paths lead from the road down to the water's edge. Paths, no doubt, created and maintained by people leaving the road to gather fresh water, to fish, or to use the river for other means of survival. Hope sits like a lump in the throats of many, dreams of reward tickle the minds of others, for some just the promise of cinnamon flapjacks calls their weary minds and hearts. Now, if the magical feather in Illiam's possession does what he believes it will, the envoy has naught but a magically ferried boat ride to go, before they reach the docks and wharf of Falcon's Hollow.
Once we get t' the river, I'm sittin' as close to front o' the boat as I can. Hate bein' on the water. Maybe it'll help me keep from sicking over the side.
being on a boat! I will avoid it at all cost!
"I've never been on a boat before! Is it really that bad Kairon? I would think it would be fun! But then again, all that bobbing up and down and back and forth and up and down and back and forth ... Yeah, maybe the steady ground is better. I'll have to wait and see!"
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When they reach the water's edge, Illiam gingerly takes out the feather. Just putting it on a large enough body of water should do the trick. Be ready to grab the side so the current doesn't take it away.
When Illiam drops the feather into the surface of the water, it seems somehow propelled against the flow to stay in place as it begins to grow. As this happens the feather begins to grow. As this happens the previously minute features of the feather come into focus. The rachis down the center of the feather becomes stiff and curved, as the keel of a ship, with the quill at the end shaping itself to look like a swan's head. The barbs and barbules and hooklets become visible, and the hooklets sprout feathers of their own that weave together until neither light nor water can come through. The feather doesn't stop growing until it is a ship that could easily carry over 30 men, then it waits at the water's edge.
Even in the darkling light from his spear's tip, it becomes clear that Dolok's words bring a tinge of green to Kairon's face. His pace slows and he takes a few breaths, then wheels on the exuberant redhead.
Keep talkin' like that, young'n, 'n I'm li-ble to let you swim home! Dawn's mercy! No need to make it this bad before we're in that boat!! He turns back down the roadway, still a little queasy, but he tries to laugh at Dolok's unintended affront. Urgh. . . . . Rest assured, though -- solid ground under yer feet is always better than boatin'. Wish I could take it more like our newest four-legged friend here, gesturing to the firefoot, but I dunno if I'll ever deal with boats well.
'N speakin' of "Lucky", as ya called her, Chillel -- I been tryin' to come up with a better name for 'er. Not sure why, but "Lucky" don't seem to . . . to quite fit, I think . . . . Yeah, she's lucky, I guess, us lettin' her free, patchin' 'er up, . . . . But it only seems like part o' the story, y'know? I figure a name'd be about the past and tomorrow . . . . Maybe that makes some sense . . . .
As the boat unfolded he once more noticed the power of the skyborn. Chuckling at Kairon and Dolok's good natured squabbling, Goruck pulled down his mask to gaze at the stars inquisitively. As we walked, my footsteps were too steady, and...I kept feeling something...tugging at my mind. But what? Bowing his head, the half orc murmured, "Something is troubling me. May I have a moment to attempt to decipher my ailment?"
Glancing one last time at the beautiful midnight stars, the swordsman placed his blade upright before gazing inwards. Where is it...there you are...now to see what foul influence thought it could corrupt me. Focused entirely on the hazy fragment of his consciousness, Goruck didn't notice the mud and dirt slowly crawling up his legs in casual defiance of gravity.
The scene is serene and beautiful, the falling sun giving way to a gorgeous night. Baradim watches the stars up above as they twinkle back into existence, like fireflies emerging in the night. The river bubbled nearby, soft and quietly, and there was a sense of peace for a moment before he moves towards the boat.
His eyes widened as the simple feather begins to transform before his eyes, changing into this massive boat that could fit so many upon it. He whistles softly, an impressive feat considering the tusks and jaw structure he has, and he grabs hold of the surprisingly light ship.
"Amazing." He murmurs softly, looking down at Illiam with a grin. He helps the small man get into the boat and begins helping the others as well. He waits to be one of the last ones within the boat before he looks back at the woods. He reaches up, grabbing the small wooden symbol before he speaks softly.
"Go raibh maith agat as do chuid físeanna, le do thástáil, foráil do cheachtanna. Síocháin daoibh!, Biotáille na coillte."
Turning around, he calls for Kanga to follow him as they both get upon the ship and prepare to take off back to Falcon's Hollow.
Lunarinus stands slack-jawed in amazement as the feather becomes the equivalent of a small longship, her prow a carved swan. That's one useful bit of magic, that. He says and hops over the gunwale to land loudly on the deck. After helping Baradim get aboard and watching the proud cat Kanga leap the side with ease, he looks to Illiam and says, Well! How do you move this thing? We've got many miles to go before we get back to town. You mentioned something before about magical propulsion, if that's the case, I think we should set a watch and let others... those that can anyway, he looks at Kairon when he says this, sleep on the way. He pats his brother in faith on the shoulder and says, Maybe magical boats don't rock so much as the normal kind? Hoping to ease his mind, even if just a little.
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Well, it's not like I've done this before, but... As he says this Illiam takes hold of a long pole that protrudes forward from the back of the ship where it attaches to the rudder (or at least where the rudder should be, he didn't actually see if there was one), pulling it down. At the touch of the pole the boat lurches forward. He lets go immediately, and the pole returns to its previous neutral position. Just guessing here, but I think you use that thing.
Dolok finds himself pensive and too concerned about their mission to take notice of the beautiful evening and scenery surrounding him.
I wonder how Master Figueroa is doing? I certainly hope that we get back in time to save him! And well of course as many people as we can save! My family as well. I'm glad we found this magical feather. At least it gives me some hope! Now if it will only perform as Illiam said it would! Then we can get back to town quickly to save them!
About this time he looks up just as Illiam is putting the feather on the water and Dolok watches in astonished amazement as the feather grows and transforms into this large beautiful boat that looks so much like a beautiful gigantic swan! Suddenly he realizes that his mouth is hanging open in amazement, and he closes it suddenly.
"Illiam! I know you said it would become a boat to transport us, but this is absolutely fascinating! This is beautiful! So impressive! This just goes to show me how little magic I have learned so far! I know magic is powerful & capable of doing awesome things, but to create something so stunning! It amazes me to think that something that, whereas I use a part of it to burn and destroy things, another aspect of the same thing can create something so useful and fascinating!"
He goes over to the boat, and after being sure to assist the Lady Chillel in getting into the amazing craft, he gratefully accepts Baradim's help as he climbs over the side of the magical boat as well.
Once the journey gets started Dolok will try to gather both Lady Chillel and Illiam together. If he can't get both he'll settle for Illiam. "Isn't magic something wonderful and amazing?!?! Now Illiam? I believe I heard you say something about this being a one time use kind of item? Did I get that right? What a shame! So, can you tell me some more about this magic? I know so very little and wish to learn so more! Please, either of you, what can you tell me or teach me?"
The river's edge solidifying under his feet, Goruck takes Baradim's offered hand. "Es ticu, mums ir nopelnījis sev diezgan daudz goda." Inside the boat, the swordsman kneels, calmly relaxing. "Magic wonders will never lose their charm. Kairon, perhaps some meditation may help calm your tumultuous stomach?"
'Preciate the thought, Goruck. Ooooffff. Couldn't even get m' prayers in that last day upriver, though, remember? . . . Seems like months ago, though, don't it? We been through a lot since we hit those docks. We'll see if . . . Mmmmm . . . if it's any easier on me this time around. Thinkin' maybe keepin' my eyes on the shore'll help -- I get lucky enough, maybe be able to do some praying and watchin' at the same time. Got a lot on m' mind.
After Illiam shows Lunarinus how to take the helm of the magical swan boat, the paladin waits for everyone to be settled where they'd like, and then grabs the rudder. Immediately the boat propels forward at a surprising rate of speed. Lunarinus steers the boat out into deep water, just keeping the northern shore within view as a reference point. The land rushes by, and the cool breeze off the water is fresh and refreshing after such a long, balmy, mucky trudge through the forest. Kairon is intensely pleased, from his position in the prow of the boat, to realize that whatever magic created and propels the boat also gives it a smoothness that makes it feel like flying rather than bobbing on the water. At one point, his confidence increasing, he leans over the rail to see that boat is moving so swiftly that only the smallest amount of the hull is even in the water. It appears as though, if the ship had feathered wings, it might just take off into the skies and leave the water behind. Ahhh, magic. Thank the gods for it. It has provided the means of speedy and smooth transport from the dangers of the Darkmoon Wood back to Falcon's Hollow, back to rest, and back to heal the hurts of the land. The hard journey of the last few days catches up to some, and those laying on the boat's deck, with heads on packs or bedrolls for pillows find themselves drifting comfortably in and out of sleep. Is this the life of an adventurer? Equal parts struggle and peace? Equal parts combat and serenity? Perhaps the life of an adventurer is not such a terrible thing after all. As the night wears on, the sky is filled stars beyond count, twinkling and making signs in the heavens. Some see the heros of old in the constellations, others only distant fire. Waning as it is, the moon is barely more than a crescent, but it is bright white, and shows every cratered detail. At one point, about halfway through the journey tensions rise to a fever pitch when some dark, winged silhouette blocks out the stars overhead, and deep sonorous rumbling growl shakes the boat's magical timbers, but the creature passes quickly overhead and is gone. Just after midnight the lights of Falcon's Hollow can be seen on the eastern shore in the distance. Finally, at about half past midnight, the magical swan boat, with Lunarinus still at the helm, slows its approach as the wharf of the town comes into view. The boat's speed responds to Lunarinus desire, and he steers the rudder to bring them gently against one of the open northern docks. As he does so, the boat's side magically reshapes, and a gangplank in the form of an extended swan's wing, ramps down to touch the dock. This it, the quest was a success, and everyone made it back in one piece with all the ingredients necessary to brew a cure for the Hollow. Of course, it is after midnight, and most of the Hollow will be in their beds. Perhaps bedding down for the night is the best course of action? Lunarinus, Kairon and Goruck still have rooms secured at Jak'a'napes. Further up the dock a trading cog is being loaded up by some gruff looking sailors under the direction of a female half-elf captain with a sash of red silk, and a feathered cap. Sheathed at her side is a rapier, and along the other hip a well-used whip. She barks orders at the men loading cargo from one of the warehouses on the shore. Be lively about it lads! I want to be rowing for Almas within the hour, y'here!! There's a three gold bonus in it for everyone if we beat our shipping deadline! At that the sailors pick up their pace and move their heavy wooden crates and barrels with a bit more vim and vigor.
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While everyone is preparing to disembark Lunarinus grabs Goruck and Kairon. His face is heavy with emotion and he speaks just above a whisper. My friends, I do not expect you to understand this, or even agree, but I fear I must leave you here to see this thing through. I've had a growing fear in my mind ever since we slept next to the Elder Tree. I cannot explain it, but I have a terrible feeling that something is wrong with my parents. I have not been able to shake the feeling ever since that night. If the magic of this boat will last through the night and the day tomorrow, I should be easily able to glide the waters of the River Foam to the Andoshen and at least most of the way home, if not all the way. I pray Sarenrae's light will guide your hand in curing Falcon's Hollow, but for now, I must go home to see if this ill thought is more than just paranoia. The noble son looks weary and sorrowful, and it is clear he is looking to Kairon and Goruck for some kind of approval. He removes his pack, and takes out the mushrooms he'd gathered and hands them to Kairon. Shine Sarenrae's light on this town Kairon; I know you will.
Thumping a fist into his chest, Goruck nods. "Worry not, you have more than done your duty. Check upon your family, and travel assured we will finish your work." Glancing to Kairon, the swordsman glances back at the young paladin, his stern visage softening. "It was honor to claim you as a battle brother. Both of you."
Now?! You'll leave 'fore it's all finished? Abandoning me with all these heathens to convert?! At this, Kairon makes eye contact with Baradim and shoots him a joking smile. Truly, though -- go see to yer fam'ly. I more than understand; that tree was none too kind to me, too. And fam'ly before all.
Kairon jerks his head toward a quieter part of the dock, and leads the paladin away from the group, briefly. Listen. I've meant everything I said. All of it. I ain't quite been able to sort out what's actually happenin' here -- sure, we've got what we need to fix the obvious problem, but we haven't quite gotten to the why. There's more to this than just a disease. Don't quite know how it's gonna play out, Scip. Might be I take . . . drastic steps. You're like to hear about it, however it goes down. I do anything -- anything -- like I think I'll have to, at the worst, you'll hear about it straight from me, too. Send ya letters by way o' the temple in Almas; they c'n get 'em to ya. And I'll send word, whether it goes as bad as I fear, or if it's better, and I'm just jumpin' at shadows. I hope it don't bring us to cross-purposes; gonna do what best I can.
Once their exchange is done, and they go back to the group for final farewells, Kairon trades grips with Scipio. The Dawnflower go with you, Lunarinus. Hope to see you again -- with no boat rides required! Walk in the light, brother. I'll offer some prayers for you, and yer folks.
As Baradim gets on the boat, he turns and grins at his fellow half-orc. The two of them had been in battle together now multiple times, risking their lives for the sake of their comrades as well as for the town of Falcon's Hollow. He clasps him on the shoulder and nods, speaking in the low, rumbling language.
"Mēs vienmēr bija gods. Mēs vienkārši izrādījās to paši." He says, finishing it with a pat on the large man's shoulder before moving away and towards the mountain lion that laid patiently for his master. Barking a command, the two of them would begin to train and play, every game testing another skill along the large boat.
The ride along the river was just as peaceful yet as tense as when he rode a log down with his mentor's guidance, bringing a peaceful grin to the hunter's face. He looked over his comrades that laid upon the boat, some sleeping, some resting, and he noticed that he didn't feel quite so strange for once. Perhaps it was that he was in a company of strangeness.
There was Kairon, with his peculiar accent and mannerisms. Chillel, a witch from the mountains calling upon strange magics. There was Illiam, the small trickster with a love of cinnamon and cunning plans. Of course, the local firestarter known as Dolok who burned that which stood against him. The impressive and noble figure of Lunarinus, the best representation of a paladin that the Valer had ever seen, and the stoic and immovable Goruck who guarded them and fought with incredible vigor.
Each one of them was strange in their own way, unusual yet astounding as well. It had only been three days but it was three hard-fought days. A strange friendship made with a hobgoblin, a battle against the forces of the Darkwood Vale, a small exploration of one of the ruins to the North. It truly had felt like weeks had gone by since he had been home but as he passed towards the docks, that hope to save his home began to burn brighter. He was home again.
Getting off the boat and helping others get off as well, he'd shoot a look towards Kairon for a moment before his face spread into a wide, toothy grin. He did his best not to eavesdrop upon their conversation but it could not be avoided, his head turning towards the mighty paladin.
"The spirits already bless you, Lunarinus, for you are a good man. Travel swiftly and check upon your family." Baradim says before clasping the man in a warrior's grip. He'd turn to look at the others, nodding for a moment.
"I know we are tired, I know the call of sleep within a warm bed is tempting, but we must get the ingredients to Laurel. There is no time to waste." If the woman was sleeping, she could be awoken. Sleep was something to ponder when his home was no longer in danger of this awful disease.
At the kind words and honor of his new friends, Lunarinus' eyes well, just a bit, with held back emotion. The honor was truly mine. He says to everyone. After his quiet conversation with Kairon, the only thing he says is, I'll watch for news from you, one way or another. Then, after everyone has disembarked and the whole group is walking down the docks, he calls over the gunwale, Walk in the light, all of you. Think of me when you see the sunrise! And then he takes the rudder of the magical boat, which causes the spreadwing gangplank to fold once again into the hull. Lunarinus urges it slowly away from the dock, and then swiftly downstream. After only moments, the white swan boat, and Lunarinus with it, disappear over the horizon.
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Illiam had been considering trying to sell the magical boat for a hefty sum before its magic ran out and it turned back into a feather, or whatever happened after 24 hours, but when Lunarinus mentioned continuing to Alma's, he knew his opportunity had passed. He hasn't figured out an escape plan anyway, so he didn't argue the point.
Walking from the docks into town, Illiam wonders if they're heroic return will convince Jake to fire up the griddle tonight, or if the flapjacks will have to wait until morning. He also wants to get the ingredients to Laurel as soon as possible, so that he can get a dose of the cure and not need to worry about the disease himself, not to mention the prospect of claiming a reward.
Of course, the local firestarter known as Dolok who burned that which stood against him.
"Good Sir Lunarinus! It is a shame to see you go! But I understand the need to check on one's family. I still have nigtmares - and even appalling daydreams dare I say?!? of that awful night under that horrendous tree! I am anxious to check on my family and Master Figueroa as well, but at least my journey is over, while you have a ways to go yet. At least it seems the Dawnflower has blessed you with swift, secure transport to your destination. I hope you arrive quickly to find your concerns are but naught! And while I am not necessarily a follower, I wish the blessings of the Lady be upon you! It has been an honor to be at your side."
"Yes, I agree with Baradim. We must get these ingredients to Lady Laurel & see what needs to be done next to get this 'tea' brewing so as to heal as many as possible! Just a little more hustle now! Hopefully this will all be over and we can get some rest soon. Of course, we will still need to find the cause of all this tragedy and see what needs to be done to deal with that as well."
Lunarinus, you are a true hero and embodiment of virtue. It has been my honour to fight by your side. And I thank you on behalf of all those of Falcon's Hollow for what you have done. Go and deal with whatever threatens your parents, and if you need help get us a message. Hopefully we are near finished here, and I for one will answer your call.
Kairon keeps his gaze on the swan boat until the river bears it out of sight, and then turns to the others.
So. Laurel's, then?
And after a beat, he adds: Just now think I finally figured out what was so odd about all this: why weren't any of the sick in town goin' to the priestess for care? Or did I miss something?
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Kairon keeps his gaze on the swan boat until the river bears it out of sight, and then turns to the others.
So. Laurel's, then?
And after a beat, he adds: Just now think I finally figured out what was so odd about all this: why weren't any of the sick in town goin' to the priestess for care? Or did I miss something?
Yes, Laurel's with all haste. I suspect people did go to the priestess for care, and her skills and magics were not capable of curing this dreadful sickness. I will certainly be miffed if we discover that everyone in town has been cured and we were only sent on our quest because nobody thought to ask the local priestess if she could cast Cure Disease. Or if it is some fool's idea of a prank.
The short journey to Laurel's Roots and Remedies brings the group past the den of vice that is The Rouge Lady, not to be confused with the rogue lady, who is a female thief of infamous notoriety. Located directly across the street from Brickasnurd Hildrinsock's general store, The Goose 'n Gander, and adjacent to the well lit Low Market, the Lady spills the noise of raucous music, light, and a waft of smoke out into the street, even at this late hour. Several men sit on the Lady's front porch, scantily clad girls sit on their laps, caressing them affectionately as they watch them throw dice and play cards. All the stalls in the Low Market are locked up tight, but the center of commerce is still well lit, and a two-man patrol of guards stands at the base of the hill, right next to the Tribunal, across the market from Jak Crimmy's Jak'a'napes. Walking by the place causes several members of the group to start salivating, ever so slightly, at the mere remembrance of Jak's cinnamon pancakes. Outside of Laurel's Roots and Remedies things are quiet, and dark. The nearest street lamps are at the juncture of the three main thoroughfares north and south, and up the hill atop the palisade wall guarding The Perch. There are no lights on in Laurel's shop, nor above in her living quarters, but then again, most decent people are already asleep.
Kairon moves around Roots and Remedies until he is beneath the window closest to Laurel's sleeping area. φως. He renews the light on the head of his spear, and lifts it as high as he can to begin tapping on the windowframe. He begins calling out, raising his voice just a bit beyond his normal conversational tone, Laurel . . . Laurel . . . Laurel . . . Laurel . . . , in the hope of waking her without too much trouble.
Walking behind the cleric, Goruck takes in the men sitting outside the Rouge Lady in disgust. His nose crinkles as he thanks the god he lacked some of his clans-men's near bestial sense of smell. "Man's vices always seem to follow him."
Leaving Kairon to wake the proprietor of Roots and Remedies, the massive half orc gestures Baradim over. "Did you decide on wanting to learn the tongue of the black fey?" As he talks the swordman glances over his group. These are more than good people. These are paragons, exemplars of the greatest aspects of civilization. Perhaps my blade should be bound to their wise hands.
A tingle in his mind spurring a small jerk, Goruck asks his fellow in a low tone, "I've had something weird sitting of the edge of my consciousness, do you have any advice on what it may be?
Upon seeing Kairon's actions and realizing what he is trying to do, Dolok will wave his hands in the air as he loudly proclaims: "Informuoti Mus!" and the familiar dancing lights will appear, all 4 of them bunched in as close to the window as possible, so as to try to focus all their light into the window.
Baradim travels with the group, eager to find the alchemist and begin to start the process of creating the cure. There was an ache in his limbs, tiredness pulling him to the shack on the outskirts of town that was his home. Even Kanga looked wearily up at him, the half-orc shaking his head with a wry smile.
"Not yet boy, we're almost there." He murmured as they passed the Rouge Lady. His father was a frequent comer and goer to the place, betting his money away and losing it in drinks, gambling, and the girl of the hour. He despised the place but he knew it was a place that would exist no matter what. Men and women had their vices and there would always be those that supplied them.
Watching Kairon and Dolok try to summon Laurel, he'd shake his head and wait. Subtle attempts would be fine to start with but the hunter would not leave until their cure was being made. Tomorrow morning may be too late for some.
As Goruck gestures him to come closer, Baradim studied the man's face for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"I do. To know the tongue of one and not the other is to invite danger. These woods...they are my home. My real home. I must know the dark fey's tongue, so I can fight them well." When Goruck asks his next question though, Baradim's head tilts for a moment and he studies the mighty half-orc for a moment. "Strange? Strange how? Tell me more."
Giving a return nod, Goruck rumbles, "Then I will teach you their tongue. It will take time, but our remedy may take time as well. Thankfully, the two share a similar base, so it may take less than it did for I."
Clenching his fist, the tattooed half orc shakes his head. "Just before we stepped on that boat, I felt something...intrude on my mind. It didn't feel dangerous though." Glancing back at the two trying to rouse the lady alchemist, he turned back to face Baradim. "The moment we touch land again however, the tugging was back."
The massive swordman crosses his arms, defiance written across his armored visage. "Es baidos, mans prāts nevar būt mana. Jūs esat gudrs cilvēks, labi piedzīvojis ar dabas dziesmu. Es cerēju izņemt dažus sagely padomu."
After what seems an inordinate amount of time, repeated, increasingly voluminous attempts, and raps so hard on the window that Kairon is worried he'll break the glass... there comes no answer. Not even the slightest stirring from inside Laurel's establishment.
As soon as Illiam shifts into Roots and Remedies he knows something is wrong. The shop is a catastrophic mess, vials, jars, papers and ingredients litter the counter and floor, and one of the shelves has been slammed over onto the ground. Likewise telling, there is no answer to his call.
Illiam easily finds the twisting lock mechanism on the inside and unlocks it, opening the door to the street, and bellowing for his companions to come and take a look.
Upon hearing Illiam's bellowing, Dolok realizes instantly that something is wrong for Illiam to be acting in such a way so he runs to the open door. The lights, will actually arrive almost instantaneously whe he hears the screaming.
When Dolok gets there and sees the mess, "I knew there was someone or something else behind this disease! They are trying to stop us from curing it! Didn't Laurel have several of the needed ingredients? Someone who can recognize them, quickly! Check to see if those ingredients are still here! Goruck! Baradim! Please search the place to make sure no one else is still in here!"
Hearing Illiam's shout from inside the building, Kairon jogs around to the front door and rushes into the room. He barely pauses long enough to take in the scene before he dashes past the counter and begins ascending the stairway in the back, the light from his spear leading the way. As he gains an angle good enough to begin searching the area for Laurel or anything out-of-place, he pauses, looking, and listening.
Gone. Abducted or killed by the looks of things. Some light please, someone.
Chillel looks tired but not at all surprised.