"I tried earlier to identify the cloak and failed. I can try again if you like..." Pakak says but sounds less than sure of his ability to do so.
He also would have taken the time to transcribe some of the enemy's spells into his own.
"Pakak, you are better at magical items than I. Can you take a look at Chief Sull's morningstar?"
Pakak eyes the weapon carefully, casting detect magic"Mmm..."
The dwarf's face turns into a scowl. "I apologize. That is TWO failures on my part in what should be basic work for a wizard."
Ryu listens in with a relaxed air about the division of wealth and gear.
He doesn't really seem to be interested one way or the other, however. If he really wanted something, he'd take it without so much talk. But there's not really that much out there that he wants right now.
So long as he's being treated on equal terms with his companions, he doesn't really mind either way.
Indeed, it seems that for all of these ideas on wealth he doesn't really seem to care as much about the coin as he does about what the coin represents; specifically - a respect for his talents and efforts.
So long as he feels his talents and abilities are being respected, he has little to say about the matter, and in fact, what he'd even do with such money he doesn't even know. Most likely he'd spend most of it gambling for amusement or wild parties to share it all with his friends.
After all, Ryu is like many wild and reckless men that civilization calls "barbarian"; and like them, and like nearly any true barbarian he lives; he loves; he slays... and he is content.
However, as this dwarf Millorn comes around, he watches the interrogation with an almost amused detachment.
He doubts much that they'll get anything useful from the lad, but he's been wrong before.
For now he'll content himself with watching his companions work at the task of speaking to the dwarf.
When - and if - an opportunity presents itself, he may interject; but for now he can't think of a reason why he'd need to.
Zeriax stands closeby as the conversation takes place, but does not interfere. He does seem however to be particularly attentive regarding the dwarve's reactions.
To the ones closeby he comments - "I have never mastered the art of rethoric... The few situations where I have ever to forcefully gather information, I made it perfectly clear that nothing would stand between me and my focus - at the time, it had a positive outcome" - he states matter of fact.
The group walks in on Millorn with the guard trying not to laugh. He turns to you all, Good luck with this one. We removed the gag but kept him bound as we did not want him to choke. however, Ever since up he awoke he has been spouting off nonsense and threats that are quite impossible. For starters he threatened to turn me into a dung beetle and a chair at the same time so he could sit on me and make me carry him around. Then he started going off on how he would like to stew me for days and add darkmantle tongue to the stew to liven it up. Good luck with him. with that he takes his leave and exits the area for you to have your time with Millorn.
Turning to Millorn you see him eyeing you all for a few seconds before he spouts off again. I knew it was you. Millorn always knows. You can try to hide but I know you are with those crusading fools from the surface. You tried to stop me once but failed. I will succeed. Oh yes I will succeed and you will all come to rue the day that you tried to stop me.
Oriana and Zeriax, you both are quite sure he is mad for loneliness and from some trauma in his past.
Maelchar, Sir Gartih and So'rien, through sheer tenacity and stubbornness you manage to wheedle out the information from Millorn though it is a long process as Millorn is prone to rant on and on. It is through the rants that you learn that he was a wizard with a bright mind on the surface. However he lost his wife to an accident and devoted his time to study a way to raise the dead and return them to life through study and magic instead of through the gift of the gods. His research was called blasphemy and was exiled. He continued to research in Kenebras sneaking in at night until he was caught. He escaped them and fled to the underground to become stronger so he could turn to carry out his research. Once done he plans on raising a whole army of people and take over Kenabras for himself.
The interrogation lasts nearly an hour what with all the cursing and threats and rants repeating himself over and over again.
When Ryu realizes that the dwarf is insane instead of just evil his bored indifference changes.
He seems to treat the dwarf's ranting with an almost quiet dignity.
He doesn't offer pity, but this is clearly because he does not want to seem disrespectful to someone touched by the gods.
He hopes that the dwarf will be made whole soon, but he will have to wait to see what happens next....
Maelchar shrugs and looks to Garith, takes him off to the side away from Millorn's hearing, though the rest of the party can be privy to the conversation as well. "His tale is sad, but he is clearly not in his right mind. Though evil, he is helpless, and I would rather not slay a helpless creature. Perhaps the Descendants will succor him and keep him, magicless and secure, and maybe even exact a cure for him somehow? I don't know. I have no clear solution for what to do with him now."
Ryu shrugs, watching the dwarf.
"He's old and weak; other than magic he's likely not going to be a threat to nobody," he says with a casual but quiet voice.
"But for him to cast he needs a spellbook, right? Well, we got his spellbook, so I reckon that by the morning he won't be able to do much of any casting at all, if I'm right about how magic works..." he says.
He nods at Maelchar.
"Yeah, if they can keep an eye on him, it should be pretty easy to keep him out of trouble," he says with a confident nod at Maelchar's wise suggestion.
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"Indeed. It is only through divine interventions, or the strange ministrations of the upper echelons of druidic circles that the magic to raise the dead can be accessed, without tryly reality warping powers of the greatest Archmages. If the Descendants are willing to keep him here, and support him, he may yet be saved and shown reason."
Garith's eyes are dark as he suggests this for he adds, "Yet a madman in posession of magical powers is a truly dangerous being and i fear what may come to pass were he to escape again..."
You realize that you do not know what Millorn is all capable of with remaining spells. Also you have heard of paranoid wizards that have learned to prepare a limited number of spells without their Spellbook. Either of these situations could apply to Millorn so he may not be as helpless as some might think.
"A broken mind if I have ever seen one... Desperation can lead one to do the most astounding of things, even against one's nature" - the monk comments to Oriana.
"I have heard about the divine being able to heal the dementia in the soul, but I have always wondered about the fine line between true madness, what I would call a dettachment from mind and reality, and the actual demented acts one may take, but consciously pursuing an objective"
Pakak looks sympathetically at the Milorn's plight, and bends down, "I am sorry for your loss, but you must know some things are better left to divine magics than arcane. I say this not to insult you, but because I know that you loved her and would not wish to hurting her with a tool less suited to the proper task."
Then he looks at the others, "Though he has lost many resources, we cannot be sure he is helpless. Some wizards learn how to prepare spells even without their spell book, it is rare, but the knowledge exists. Further, he may yet have spells that remain in his reserves. Cantrips, in particular, are easy to call forth. I would ask mercy for this man, but I thought all should know the full risks."
"Point is; he can still do magic, so he's still dangerous, even without his spellbook," Ryu says with a shrug.
"But so is any prisoner, magic or no - all they need is a rock to beat someone over the head with, you know?"
He thinks a moment, then continues.
"So, this guy's going to be problems for whoever has to keep a handle on him. If he turns his life around, it won't be so bad, if not, they may need to put him down - whoever takes care of him, that is."
"I figure whoever that's going to be - if they know the risks, they'll have to decide that part for themselves."
"As for me; hell, man, if we keep him it's trouble on all sorts of levels; but if we leave him, that's got problems, too."
He scratches his chin.
"Anyhow, I ain't saying nothing we don't already all know now; point is - what's to be done about it?"
Ryu is clearly ambivalent to the issue for the most part, and will back whatever decision his Clan... er; his companions eventually choose.
As of now, he's fine with letting the dwarf live with another chance; but if the dwarf steps out of line again - he's finished. But until that time, he sees no problem with giving him life, though it's clear that his personal opinion is that he's less eager to haul him through tunnels and caverns until he knows that the magi can be fully trusted.
"This is a deep, twisted madness that has taken root and gnarled over a multitude of years without his love and living beneath the surface undertaking foul magic to raise the dead. His will, even corrupted by madness, is bright and strong. It would have been kinder and wiser to have killed him cleanly in battle. He is not to be trusted." Oriana's voice was low and dispassionate.
"This is a deep, twisted madness that has taken root and gnarled over a multitude of years without his love and living beneath the surface undertaking foul magic to raise the dead. His will, even corrupted by madness, is bright and strong. It would have been kinder and wiser to have killed him cleanly in battle. He is not to be trusted." Oriana's voice was low and dispassionate.
"Yeah, I hear you, Angel, but what can be done? He's not dead now, so we either leave him with these folk or take him with us; or we kill him outright now, but somehow I figure that last one's not going to happen."
"Anyhow, like I said, I don't care too much either way if we take him or leave him; but now I'm thinking what's your opinion on the matter?" he says, curious to know she's voting to bring him along or leave him behind.
"Having spared him from death in battle, Ori, I am not inclined to take his life now. And we can't take him to the surface with us. He is too much an unknown threat to us on our path, as we have no idea what spells he might have unspent that he could use to thwart our progress, or escape. He would be better off here, but the Descendants may not be willing or able to keep him confined. Still, it doesn't hurt to ask."
"Having spared him from death in battle, Ori, I am not inclined to take his life now. And we can't take him to the surface with us. He is too much an unknown threat to us on our path, as we have no idea what spells he might have unspent that he could use to thwart our progress, or escape. He would be better off here, but the Descendants may not be willing or able to keep him confined. Still, it doesn't hurt to ask."
Ryu shrugs.
"Right, so that's one vote for leaving him behind... ichi-ban!" he says with a nod.
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"We can at least keep him here until we have dealt with the enemy who have aligned themselves with the Demon-Followers. We will ask that he remain contained with his hands bound so he cannot cast most spells, and shall deal with him on the surface. I would hope that with counsel he can be healed, but until then he must be contained."
"So we shall ask, and give the Descendants proper warning of his nature and ability."
Ryu tosses a glance toward Garith.
"Hey man, thing is, if we leave him with these folks than they're the one's who'll call the shots on how to treat him; no matter what we say," he says thoughtfully.
"For all we know they put the guy in an iron mask to keep him mute; or maybe they blind him so he can't read no more spells, you know?"
"Hell, that's hardly the way I'd go, chief. But it's a possibility is all."
He reaches into his pouch and pulls out some jerky and begins to munch on it a bit.
"Look; if you really want to be sure he's on the right track to a cure, we got to take him with us. I'm not saying to do that, it's just he only way to be sure is all. But it sounds like your voting for him to stay, too."
Ryu shrugs and offers Garith a piece of jerky.
"If they're up for it, I'm fine with that; but it sounds like it's up to them now as it looks like you, Mal and maybe Angel over there are down with it," he says after taking another bite of the meat.
Oriana kept her peace, carefully observing her companions with deep golden eyes. She wondered why they would seek to put the Descendants in harm's way by leaving the raving mad and dangerous Millorn with them. If it were a more palatable option to her companions, she would have suggested cutting out the dwarf's tongue so he could not incant his spells or give him sword and battle one on one with one of theirs to the death. She knew her brothers and cousin would not end the dwarf's life now; their profound honour dictated they keep him alive, no matter what threat he posed to their group, the underground dwellers of Neathholm, or the top world of the crusaders.
Still speaking in a low and dispassionate voice,
"Earlier, Carl mentioned they had healers in Neathholm. We can talk to these people and determine the extent of their skill and knowledge. They may be able to temper this dwarf's twisted mind and rage; perhaps provide some relief, but I do not hold much hope that he can be cured of the malady - his loneliness and bitterness are too far gone. Still, I would not put Chief Sull's people in immediate danger if they cannot deal with the dwarf adequately. We must request counsel with Chief Sull once again and together find a practical solution that will benefit all. We must discover how much of a stronghold Neathholm is and what protections are in place."
"Perhaps there is some way to let him sleep, keep him drugged for a time. A wizard who cannot focus has trouble with spells no matter how prepared. And if it can ease his madness, so much the better."
Ryu takes another bite of the jerky as his eyes flick between Oriana and Pakak.
"Well, whatever you want to do; when you decide on it, I'll back it either way."
"Just let me know what you're planning on, though," he adds as he munches.
Zeriax was refraining from voicing his opinion, so as not to sound intrusive in the group dynamics, but after a few moments he decides to comment - "If you would allow me a comment, I believe that, as much as we may try to avoid the topic, the best option would be to bring him along with us, and deliver him to the authorities above - I am hopeful that a measure of order still exists. For the time being, and since we need to address more immediate issues, I believe he should be kept locked and gagged, until we can return and fetch him" - he speaks his piece, then retreats again and remains in silence.
"Hmm.... so that's two to leave him below now; two to bring him topside - one to leave him drugged and one guy's saying nothing..." Ryu says thoughtfully.
"Gods damn but I love a democracy!" he beams at the group, slapping his thigh with a chuckle.
As the laugh abates he hauls himself from his position. Than he pauses to rub the knobby head of Sheildback with his forefinger, than stretches a bit.
"Right, well... this whole plan's stillborn anyhow until we know what those bosses will say about keeping the prisoner alive."
"If they don't want him; we take him anyway, and that's all there is to it."
"So now we head over to the bosses; ask them all nice if they'll keep him - if they're saying iye; that means that we do our business and press on."
He glances at the buildings, seeing their general modest condition.
"They don't look too fancy - I bet they don't even have silk ropes; likely ropes made out of hemp, neh? Well, we get some hemp fibers and bake 'em just right and give 'em over to our trusty magi and I bet he'll be so out of it he won't be casting nothing for a good while, if we need to put him under."
"Failing that we could get him a poppyseed cake, and pray there's enough seed inside to knock him out 'cause of the opiate," he says partially joking, partially serious.
"But whatever, we'll figure something out, I'm sure."
With a confident stride he moves with force to the area where the leaders of this place reside. After a moment or two, he pauses and looks back.
"Right, so you know - I'm going to go ask them if we can keep smiley back there as prisoner; you know, sort of feel them out? I'm not the best for this thing, though, so if anyone else wants to step up or step in and do it instead - for gods' sake be my guest. Otherwise, you all can follow behind and be my entourage," he says with a grin.
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"Well, these points are moot if our agreeable employer and the others will not remain here. And if they are unwilling to put themselves in danger there is no reason to bring Millorn along as we shall be making a return trip anyway."
Garith will find where the three surface-dwellers are, and speak to them. "As you are aware, the pass that will lead to the surface is held by enemies of the Descendents who have aligned themselves with demon worshipers who masquerade as Crusaders. There will be combat, but should you wish to join us tomorrow, we vow to ensure your safety, and Aravashinal's magic could make the difference in our struggles, or should you remain here in safety, we shall clear the pass and return for you. What are your wishes in this matter?"
Pakak listens, curious as to the opinions of the three, particularly the elder wizard
Maelchar shrugs and listens, though before Garith speaks to the others, he does say quietly, "I am loath to leave the other three behind as we did vow to take them to the surface with us. But if they prefer to stay here, so be it. I am still against Millorn traveling with us as he is too much of a liability and will sap our strength as a party as one of us will always need to be watching him, even in a fight."
Ryu glances around at the others and nods to himself.
As they had heard his proposal and responded, he is confident that they are comfortable with his plan so he decides to act.
Ryu will than move to the dwelling of the leader of Neathholm (I presume it's Chief Sull, but will amend this later if necessary). He seeks an audience to approach the leader and talk to this person directly; “man-to-man”, as it were.
When he formally meets with the Chief he’ll inform them that they have a dangerous prisoner with them; the dwarf who is an evil wizard (a fact that Chief Sull already knows, most likely).
At this time he will address the Chief formally; with all respect and decorum, and ask the man if he will accept the responsibility of keeping Millorn here as prisoner while they go about their business in the caverns.
He will wait politely for an answer to this; knowing that if Chief Sull refuses to keep Millorn as prisoner for them, than his party will be forced to bring the dwarf with them or kill him outright.
Ryu’s homeland was very different; he knows proper manners and respect, but only in his homeland – most of that training and finesse translated very poorly to this part of the world, as his only teachers on local diplomacy were thugs, pirates, scoundrels and mercenaries.
Still, he does his best.
As the majority of his comrades wish to leave Millorn behind, he'll ask the leader if he will agree to this decision; but if Chief Sull will not have it so, than they must choose another way…
When approached by Sir Garith with the proposal for them to stay behind Horgus bursts out. What?! and stay in this god's forsaken hamlet to be stared at in the dark with none of you to protect me. Never. If you are to proceed onward you are taking me with you all the way to the surface without stopping. I have hired you and offered a handsome sum to get me out of here quickly. If we must spend one night here for you to recoup that is one thing, but to be left here, NO! I trust in your abilities to see me through safely.
Sir Garith you are able to control any more outbursts from Horgus and convince him to not say such things in the presence of any of the Descendants but as you can tell he feels quite strongly about leaving this place quickly.
You have aided me even though I have slowed you down. I will continue on with you and lend you what assistance I can. Who knows another well placed arrow may be the difference between victory and defeat. I will go with you on the morrow to help repay my debt to you all.
Further, I will fulfill a task that it seems none of you wish to undertake for obvious reasons. Should Chief Sull not wish Millorn here as a prisoner, I will end his life quickly when he sleeps tonight. I assure you, it will be quick and painless. It is not a deed that I want to do, but I know the price of failure all too well and the security risk that he imposes. I have had to hunt and kill from the shadows before. If you ask it I will undertake this task as you have indicated he is both evil and mad. It would be a blessing for him I think to go quietly.
Aravashinal sits quietly and ponders the possible outcomes before answering. While I would like to stay and learn more about these Descendants, I would be at a loss without a guide to explain to me what can be seen. For that reason and also as my spells may be of aid to you I will accompany you. Besides the quicker we make it to the surface, the sooner we can alert the proper people of the Iomedae imposters. I am sure that they will want this information soon to ferret out these traitors.
Maelchar attempts to assist Garith in calming Horgus and entreating him to watch his language about the Descendants. In regards to the disposition of Millorn, he listens carefully to Anevia's offer and considers it a while before replying.
"I hope it will not be necessary, that the Descendants will take on his imprisonment and care until we re-unite them with the surface world again. However, I for one, would agree to your offer. In the long run, you might be offering him the greatest kindness anyone has. I cannot speak for the others however." He looks grim and not entirely happy about the situation.
Further, I will fulfill a task that it seems none of you wish to undertake for obvious reasons. Should Chief Sull not wish Millorn here as a prisoner, I will end his life quickly when he sleeps tonight. I assure you, it will be quick and painless. It is not a deed that I want to do, but I know the price of failure all too well and the security risk that he imposes. I have had to hunt and kill from the shadows before. If you ask it I will undertake this task as you have indicated he is both evil and mad. It would be a blessing for him I think to go quietly.
"No. If someone must end his life, if that is the choice all insist on, let it be by the hand of one who is both a fellow dwarf and wizard," Pakak states gravely.
Zeriax frowns visibly at Lady Anevia's words about execution.
After a deep breath, he again comments in a respectful tone - "I still believe we are dragging these people through unnecessary danger - we should deal with the matters at hand, and then return to retrieve everyone, making sure they are conducted to the surface and security... I understand that your charges will obviously feel safer under your watchful eye, but I don't believe the safest place for them to be would be in the frontline, regardless of any wills and desires"
"And all out execution of a prisoner, simply because it seems there is "nothing better to do with him" seems a far throw from a pondered decision..."
In a matter of fact tone, he insists - "I still believe only we should be the ones moving forward"
Ryu will calmly wait for an answer about what the Chief will do with Millorn.
He is currently kneeling in front of Chief Sull, resting back on his heels; back erect and eyes proud, fearless and so confident that they may almost seem arrogant.
To some this posture may seem at once overly subservient as well as proud and arrogant; but to any with proper upbringing in his homeland, it is the absolute correct posture for a warrior in the presence of a noble lord.
He merely awaits a response...
In a matter of fact tone, he insists - "I still believe only we should be the ones moving forward"
"And how will we stop them from following us?"
Ryu, you seek an audience with Chief Sull and after sometime he agrees to see you. His good eye is full of tears but he is composed enough to talk to you as you are guests in his village. When he hears your request he slowly shakes his head. I am afraid that we have no place to keep him. Most of our buildings are private homes or businesses. I can not ask anyone to take him in as a prisoner and watch him. Also, if you are successful in stating our position to those in Kenebras then I will need to send runners to other groups of us in other caverns so we might gather ourselves to go to the surface. We will not have the people needed to watch him either. I am sorry, I wish to help you but I do not see how I can at this time.
At this point Carl arrives to talk to Chief Sull. Hearing your request, Carl intercedes on the groups behalf. If I may, Chief Sull, I will take the responsibility for the dwarf. I am needed here to watch and care for Dax. If I am to stay with him, I may as well watch the dwarf. It will be my part in helping those who helped a stranger in need.
Chief Sull nods his head. So be it. I would not have asked any to do this but since you volunteered I will grant your request.
Finished with the task at hand with Millorn, you all pass through a small marker and are given lodging together in a small building on the edge of the hamlet. While Ryu, Pakak and Zeriax find sleep comes to them quickly those that follow Iomedae find their sleep troubled...
From a great height, 2 maybe 3 miles, you see yourself looking down at Kenebras. Before you is a war torn landscape of the city that you barely recognize. If it were not for select buildings, one of which is a temple to Iomedae, that still remain it could be any other city that was destroyed as if by an earthquake. A sense of deep and profound sadness anger washes over you and you turn your eyes to the heavens. All you can see is clouds obscuring the nights sky. Suddenly 2 rays of light pierce the cloud cover and strike you. The light is fleeting as the stars begin to dim and their light fade from you. Without knowing why, the sadness that you felt looking down at the city is replaced and overwhelmed with a personal anguish the likes you have never felt before. You realize that you are not alone though as the three of you: Maelchar, Orianna, and So'rien are together. Before the light fades, you see it linger on So'rien and brighten with a flash before the clouds cover them completely.
Waking in a rush, your forehead is clammy and your heart is racing. What this dream, if it was a dream, means is beyond you and you go back to sleep without any problems.
In the morning you all awake to find So'rien already up and pacing. He looks pale and disheveled. Looking at Maelchar and Oriana, he speaks quickly, Did you dream last night about Kenebras? Never mind, I know already as you where with me. Instead do you remember that last flash of light? I remember it clearly for it was directed upon me for a reason. What that reason is I can only guess, but I think it means that our parents are in trouble and that I have the chance to help them. Why it is me alone I do not know. Nor do I know what has happened but I feel that so strongly. Why else would we have been shown a picture of such devastation and grief only to have it turn inward. What else could it be but our family that could cause such grief. I must find out and if I am correct I must go at once.
Zeriax mentioned that he traveled down a path of water to get here. If that water can flow down than perhaps I can traverse it back up. If Zeriax can fit coming down than Mr Shin and I can fit going up. I am sorry for having to leave you but I must. Before I go I must see Zeriax as well. Mael, protect Ori, and Ori take care of Mael. Trust in each other and trust that I will see you again.
Meeting with Zeriax, So'rien nods his head to you. I do not have much time but I have been up most of the night thinking about how best to aid you and hence my family I am leaving behind. I do not have much but I think I have figured out a way to pass on the scale we found to you. Hold your palm upright and make a small incision on the palm. Good. NOw hold still and close your eyes. So'rien takes the dragon scale and lays it across your palm covering the incision. Placing his own hand on the scale So'rien takes a knife in his other. Panting with the mental effort needed, you see him stab the knife through his hand into the scale and the incision on Zeriax's palm. The blood flowing freely from So'rien, mixing with Zeriax's, So'rien activatres the scales healing ability. With a flash of light both Zeriax and So'rien's wounds are healed. The mixing of blood should allow you to use the scale's powers now. In addition I am hoping that when I am able to return I can find you through the scale as I can still feel the power of it and its connection to me. This is the best I can give you. Use it wisely.
Turning to Mr Shin, you can all see that he has changed his form over night. Now he has a set of flippers that look strong enough to propel him through the water, strong enough to even pull someone behind and up a underground waterway perhaps.
Waking up this morning you have a nagging cough and feel chilled even though your face is flushed. I need a fort save please and each of you take...
dex damage and
con damage
"So'rien, you will be sorely missed, my brother, but I understand your need to leave. Vaya con dios, Sori."
After Sori's departure, Maelchar turns to Ori and looks at her for a long moment with tears rimming his eyes. After a long pause... he sighs and says, "I don't feel too good, and I don't know what's wrong with me, so don't get too close, I could have something catching."
The dream they had shared had left her feeling a myriad of emotions and they all warred within her. Upon So'rien's disclosure that he was leaving and going to find their parents, there was nothing Oriana could have said to sway his decision. So'rien felt the call and had to attend anon.
She embraced her twin and held him for long minutes, finally whispering against his ear, "Find father and mother and the cause of this grief, brother. I will mourn your absence, but honour your quest. Know my love goes with you, always, So'rien. Until our eyes meet again, may Iomedae protect you and Mister Shin." Oriana held back the tears that threatened to spill and clamped down hard on her emotions to stand stoic as So'rien moved away from her for whatever undisclosed time.
*********
After So'rien and Mister Shin had left Neathholm to follow Zeriax's path, Oriana faced a teary-eyed Maelchar and serious concern rose in her golden eyes.
She watched as Maelchar warned her to keep her distance -- he had some illness - Could it have been the spores on the impostors that had caused this? She had warned them but none had paid heed. But it was all conjecture for she had not examined him or noted all his symptoms.
"Brother, could the spores have caused this to happen to you?" She noted he was performing a self examination and she would have drawn closer but she heeded his earlier warning, unhappily. "What can I do for you?"
One brother had gone and now the other had contracted an illness that left him weakened. Iomedae, watch over us. Aid my brothers, please. Her silent prayer/plea filled her mind.
"Nothing that I know of... I'm not sure what afflicts me, but I feel weak and a little shaky... feverish. It's not so bad I can't travel, but know that I am not at my best. I'm hoping I can shake it off in a day or two, but I don't know. Such things usually need to run their course. I don't know about the spores, we really didn't heed the warning we were given, did we? Whatever it is, mayhap the Descendants know some cure? If not, we will have to move on despite my illness."
"And how will we stop them from following us?"
In a matter of fact tone, he insists - "I still believe only we should be the ones moving forward"
"Do you think they would simply follow us if we decided to part ways for the time being?"
Ryu strides confidently in to the others in the group.
After a good breakfast filled with hearty grains, fresh fruit, cool milk and tasty meat, he’s positive that he had everything he needed for a healthy and well-balanced breakfast.
Picking his teeth casually he bumps into the others.
” Ohayōgozaimasu lads and lasses,” he says genially.
”Sorry I slept late; had the most amazing dream about these sweet little floaty gals who took me into the clouds with them to twist around through the heavens… Damn they were fine! They had all the right curves and these really big… oh, er… ahem; yeah, well… the point is, sleep was pretty good. What about you; we ready to party?” he says eagerly about getting started.
When he hears the regrettable news regarding So’rien’s departure, he’s understandably crushed.
Sori-san was his friend; almost like a brother to him. To have them both part company was painful to him in many ways, but he merely put a bold face on the matter and pretended he was more disappointed to see Mister Shin disappear and offered gruff but completely appropriate and manly responses to a comrade who was departing.
As he listens to others he goes back to relaxing easily, ready and waiting for his friends to sally forth with the an amazing and delightful plan to do what they needed to do; whatever it would be.