MIa reaches in her pack, finding a second potion of CLW.
"Here you go."
Verim stays still for a moment, thinking harder than he has ever had to do in a few days at Wendaug's suggestion. Before, when they exchanged words there was a certain tell in the wording, playfulness. But now he wasnt so sure, the wording was odd. He could jokingly call the bluff and do one of his own, but where would be the fun in that.
He breathed out and calmed, maybe it was how she was communicating care? Building some sort of trust was always the first step. With a few drops of sweat beading his brow he started off with a hearty laugh.
" Well, Well. If I didnt know better I think that's a warning to be careful from you , My Light from Beneath. However, in that case you should do the same, don't act like I didn't see you rush that demon at close range. Just because your worried about me doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about yourself or that there isnt someone who does so for you. " smirking at the end, he looks down at her for a second and suddenly drops to the ground legs folded, staring at her midsection up. Leaning a bit her gives her access to his wound.
" Listen I might be a glutton for punishment but someone has to be the person to stand against the demons or enemies. Someone will always have to be the 'Fodder' for lack of a better word. I just intend not to be weak Fodder in the end.. To protect others. I get that you might even have some pent up emotions against me, so this little pain is nothing compared to what you might be feeling. And I take full responsibility for that, so please, go on. I will bear with what my choices are... just afterwards, can I have that kiss, Eh? " Giving a smile after all the serious talk as if to lighten the fact she might be harming him.. Alot " I trust ya' ,make sure you dont mess up this wonderful BODY! Haar harr " slapping a portion and then wincing in pain, though he clearly has scars from battle long past.
" I won't die until you have some Honey Mead and a fine dinner as sweet and satisfying as your lips. "
Luci downed the offered potion before strapping the shield on properly (and trying to distract herself from Verim's latest attempt at wooing Wendaug).
"Anyone mind hanging onto my old sword? I'm feeling a bit weighed-down at the moment."
After Verim takes a seat, Wendaug begins to stitch his wound, though occasionally you could swear there was an extra jab of the needle.
+3 hp
Verim releases a small yelp and winces every so often from Wendaug's treatment, but surprisingly enough it is overall tame. Wendaug's talent in such matters was top class almost as if she had done this multiple times. Verim was impressed on many levels. He overall had the serene feeling of being doted on by a warm yet strict female figure and a relaxed smile appeared upon his face, one which he didnt need to hide. Which might be why he could have sworn she suddenly would dig a little to deep into the flesh.
After the process seemed finished he stretched the area a bit to test the waters, rotating his right shield-arm for any signs of difficulty. The Swelling had gone down and the stitching was close to the best he'd seen, beat only by his Mother. The words tumbling from his lips in Awe, " No pain... Amazing.. " as he notices too late and begins to stand up " Thanks... It wasnt a bad experience at all. Your pretty good, I wonder what other surprises you might have. "
He looked over to the rest of the party who also seemed to be recuperating.
Mia kinda sighs with relief, as the others are recovering from their wounds. The little bird popping up again at her shoulder from underneath her hair, watching it all.
"Tallina...could you please tell something, about anything, it seems the flirting's hanging in the air again."
She smirks if Verim would look surprised.
Verim raises a brow at that and chuckles, almost popping stitch " Well you are a child, rather flirting than blood anyday. All she's doing is fixing me up, there hasnt been the sucking of teeth yet, YET. "
Slightly a vein is twitching on her temple, but at least her hair is conceiling it.
Appearances deceive....i just happened to be born this way.
Tallina looks around, the flirting was a little heavy but her stomach grumbled a bit. Loud enough for her to cover it in front of Luci. Perhaps this market still has some food, even if it is rotten.
"Hmm, well perhaps you could grab me some of the food from the market. It may be a little old, but nothing a bit of magic cannot fix. If Laris could clean my pot with that cleaning spell we can have a feast tonight of whatever we find in the market stalls. How does that sound?"
"Sounds great to me."
Mia goes past the stands, choosing veggies and fruits.
Fish only if it 'could' be purified.
"They didn't have any small snakes, so no special stew.", she says with a playful wink at Tallina.
Scouring the market, you find no shortage of fruits and vegetables, through buzzards appear to have gotten to most of the meat. You won't be going hungry for a while, but you may be eating vegan.
Laris smiles at Verim and Wendaug's interchange, though she does worry that Wendaug may be getting a little too attached, especially since Verim constantly throws himself into danger.
"I have a little healing left, though I think I can only manage one more spell, and I was never one for needlecraft. We may need to find somewhere to hole up soon, if Horgus' mansion is in any shape it may be worth trying to make it there?"
Mia nods at the proposal.
"Better to be hiding in a mansion than out in the open."
Verim nodded in agreement to the suggestion Laris presented stretching on more time. " Well then it seems we should get going! I think everyone had a nice rest after the bout. I regained my barrings, We retrieved some food, Stopped some Crusaders from making a terrible mistake, Killed a Traitor to Mendev and his lackeys, and struck a vital blow against the Demons here. I say ending it with returning another of our passengers to their rightful home would be a nice wrap-up to an eventful day, Don't you? " He winks to Laris and motions to Mia and Tallina on their fine job gathering food.
" That way we have a nice cozy place to enjoy a warm Dinner and share merry tales before facing this world again! I just hope Horgus has a fine Wine Cellar! " Moving to pick up his broken Glaive disappointed his treatment of the weapon caused such disrepair. " Won't be able to use you for a while Old friend, unless someone can fix you up here. " Moving back to Wendaug's side and calling out the party " LET'S GO then, I promise I'll be a little more careful as well.. don't want to waste you ladies' precious time on little ol' Verim. " rubbing the back of his neck and getting ready to leave when everyone else was ready.
Horgus scowls at Verim's remark, A fine wine cellar indeed, and I shall greatly enjoy becoming reacquainted with it. If we ever get around to going there.
Despite Horgus' continued grumbling, you manage to reach Gwerm manor without further incident.
Gwerm manor stands amid the destruction untouched. The elegantly manicured lawns and statuary standing testament to Gwerm's wealth and status. Bellowing for his guards and servants, Horgus strides boldly into the manor, only to return a few moments later looking dejected.
You might as well come inside, it would seem loyalty is not what it once was. They have abandoned me, and apparently helped themselves to my valuables while at it. There are beds upstairs and, if any care to join me just this once, I'll be opening my wine cellar. I must commend you on your service, you have manage an adequate job, above average even.
Miss Tallina, you will find the kitchen over that direction. I trust you can manage something more appetizing than worm.
Verim's face seemed upset at the announcement of Gwerm's people leaving him, " You are sadly right but it is to be expected, Loyalty during chaos falls, especially when it only comes by way of coin. Those times are real tests of faith. You might be a bit rough around the edges Gwerm, but that didnt warrant thievery and abandonment, which is something one should not think of during a Demon's assault. That is why Loyalty should be built upon a person's character.. a certain respect instead. " He seems to talk in seriousness for that moment, then shakes his head as if to come out of it, becoming smiles once more at Horgus and the rest of the party.
" Ah, Sorry got a bit heavy there for a moment, nevermind me. Well I would gladly take you up on that offer Horgus! We'll drink the night away. You see Wendaug, this man is what we up here like to call WEALTHY, so tonight we might be able to enjoy much more than I had originally planned on giving you the first time. Fine beds, baths, good food; though I regret its at another's expense rather than my own, kind of embarrassing! I guess it doesn't matter it's a treat for your fine job patching me up and watching my back all today! ", beaming in excitement at Wendaug.
" Do you have other drinks as well? Ale, Mead, Whiskey? Wait what am I saying, the most important part is.. How are you going to stay safe during this invasion if we leave you here? And if you were... robbed, How are you going to reward the rest of us outside of your resources at the estate? Not that I'm complainin' "
"If the mansion lay unguarded, perhaps we should spend a short time searching it out, and ensure that no one has left any unpleasant surprises before we let our guard down?"
Verim moved leisurely up to Laris, gave her a friendly shoulder bump and grinned, " Well that goes without saying, but something tells me if the place doesn't look in too much disarray no Demons or Cultists came. the worse might be some random looters. This is just part of our wonderful 'Escort Services,' We'll do a sweep and then relax for once! "
"Maybe the cultists found this mansion to their liking and have holed up in the attic or wine cellar....if we're unlucky that is."
Sense Motive 20?
Mia is really not fond of Horgus' arrogance, and is maybe trying to get the man a tiny bit nervous, though she's honost in her concern.
Looking into her pot filled with fruits and vegetables Tallina smiles.
"Well of course I can manage something better than worm, we don't have any of that at the moment. Although we do have fruits and vegetables. If there is anything left in the kitchen we should have a fine meal."
A thorough search of the manor reveals nothing out of place. While many valuables have been stolen, the vaults remain intact.
Gwerm seems sincere, and is relieved to find his manor intact.
Checking the Vaults located beneath the wine cellar, Horgus appears satisfied with his findings. Have no fear about compensation my good man. A Gwerm always keeps his word, and I would not worry about my safety. I always keep a well stocked sanctuary, would be a fool to not be prepared.
Disappearing into the vaults for a time, Gwerm reappears with six bags of coin. A thousand gold for each of you, as promised. Now, lets see to that wine. I have a few fine old bottles I can prepare while you refresh yourselves.
Not trusting Gwerm, Wendaug remains in the sitting room, pacing nervously. I don't like this. It is too quiet here. Why was this place untouched and will it remain safe? It would be best if we skipped the drink and remained alert tonight
Mia's eyes grow in surprise, getting handed a bag of money, more than she'd ever been able to save back home.
Verim laughed as he tossed the bag of gold into the air and ached it over an over. " I knew you were a man of your word! With this I can get a few things on my wish list, fix up that Glaive too. Look at Mia Horgus, he eyes couldnt get any wider! " he went to Wendaug to hold her till " Oh C'mon, You forget not EVERY place would be attacked by the demons as this area is a bit further from the initial hit. People likely had time to retreat and thus the Demons had better targets to hunt. Don't tell me you want to go back on our promise now? You don't have to be the one on watch, we can leave that to someone else for this one night. "
"I wouldn't plan any shopping trips as yet, we've seen no shops open for business as yet. Still, the coin is appreciated."
Mia sits down in either a chair or sofa, dwelling in thoughts a bit.
Quite alot in such a short timespan. So much death and misery...fear and burning hate.
The little bird starts singing softly, as if to lighten the mood a bit.
Weighing the pouch in her hand she places it in her pack. Grabbing her pot she heads to the kitchen with Tobongo in tow.
"Mia, could I get some help in the kitchen, we can relax when we all eat."
"Sure..", she hops from her seat to help.
Once alone in the kitchen with Mia she grabs her flint and tinder to start the stove and oven. She looks around to make sure nobody was watching or listening in.
Mia's motions take a splitsecond pause between activities.
She's onto me...i've got to be careful how to bring it.
"Age huh...i'm told i look 10 years old. I'm 16, so less childly than those who haven't noticed think.", she cuts a bit more veggies.
"As for the looks, it's kind of a birth deficiency one could say."
She holds up a strawberry slice in her hand offering it to the small animal. She may be more in tune with plant life, but she still knows what animals like.
With one person having seen through her act, her mannerism slight changes towards Tallina. More like person to person rather than Woman to child.
"Things i've picked up and had been taught by healers and the occasional traveling mage looking for distraction. My thrush is very smart, but i'm no wizard."
The thrush quickly flies towards the strawberry, knowing Mia didn't mind.
It thankfully ate it before returning to little bird behavior.
Mia decided she'd try and surprise Tallina...
"So then if you don't mind, what's your story. You are a druidess is the idea that pops to mind."
She had been going over a possible conversation with Mia in her head, trying to word things correctly in her own imaginative argument. She was stalling, the Elven surprised her, but not the contents. Give and take was part of the whole have a conversation.
She sneaks a blueberry while talking and prepping a fruit salad and smiling.
"I grew up the servant of a Lord in Erages, that's in Kyonin, until I was of age. Whole city is full of thieves, I've seen my fair share of disguises. That arrangement was for about twelve years, then I set out on my own. I've been mostly alone with Tobongo ever since I was oh, twenty at the time I set out. Not a wizard eh, a witch perhaps? Not that there's anything wrong with that. I've met several wandering the land, very nice people for the most part they want to be left alone."
Grabbing a few bowls she sets them on the counters before putting her finger to her labret.
"Well there was that one thing, you obviously grew up in or around Kenabres correct? Do you wonder why I came to such a place from so far away? For more of my story I'll need a bit more of yours."
Mia was feeling slightly....uncomfortable, but assured.
"My experiences have been witches have not been looked kind upon, lack of knowing likely. There're those that give witches a bad name, evil things is what they keep themselves busy with."
"But i'm not from near Kenabras, i'm from Aaramor, ever heard of it, the great City Fortress?
But sure, what did make you decide to come here?"
Verim sees the ladies go off to the kitchen and nods. It seemed Wendaug was still agitated and Verim tried his best to alleviate that.
" Look, I'm sure you aren't comfortable here. You are in a foreign land, an odd shelter, with people who caused this to happen to you. Wendaug, I assure you it is fine to relax. If you don't however, the stress will eventually overwhelm you.. and you may make a dire mistake during combat or collapse in upon yourself. I don't want that to happen. I might not look like it because of all the merriment I display, but I get nervous, scared, saddened, anxious. I had just learned to laugh and joke to mask it. It improves the morale of the rest of the group if while charging to your possible death, they believe you courageous and confident. Those little differences can be what lets everyone live another day. " Verim taking a softer approach than normal, still a hardy voice but clearly more sympathetic.
" You remember not long ago you said you weren't a follower of any Demon-Lord. Sometimes placing faith in another being is soothing, I for example follow Arqueros, the Golden Bulwark. One known to protect until he was no more once he choose someone. A real dependable guy, eh? There are a multitude of Deities up here that you may not have known all your life underground. Not that I'm saying you should follow one, just some have codes and morals that might be suitable for your own ideals. Gorum for War, Cayden for Freedom, Nethys for magic, Calistria for Vengeance.. or pleasure. Phew, I'm really starting to get hungry.. and have wanted that drink for a while. I'm rambling again, I must look foolish.. Well.. MORE than usual! " He smiled.
"Because the Worldwound needs me. The land is in pain. Ah, you told me where you were from, not what you did there. A little more about yourself when you come back for a little more about why I'm here or any questions you have of your own. Now smile before you go out there."
Mia takes the bowl of fruit salad to the others at the table, it takes her to stand up close to properly put it in the middle.
Darn it, why'd it have to be such a high table.
"As i said earlier, my mother....adoptive mother, was an apothecary there. I came here with her to deliver a parcel. Though who the receiver was, beats me."
"Okay Mia, a little more help if you can. Just spoon this mixture into the pasta where the muffins would go. Then I'll brush it with some water, layer it with more pasta, cut it, then we'll boil it. We'll do this a few times. See, we are eating good today."
Using her own spoon she tastes the veggie mix. She hums some nonsensical tune to herself with a smile. She turns and offers the spoon to Mia.
"Mmm, asparagus filling really is the best, the cheese isn't the right kind but it will have to do. How do you think it tastes? Delivering a parcel, that's sweet of you. I wish I knew my mother as well as you seem to know your adoptive one."
"It tastes good.
But yes, knowing your parents is often a blessing. Who knows, you might be a mommy some day."
Mia shows a cheeky but kind smile.
"Ha, maybe one day, I have a few dozen years to decide on that. I have a job to do in the Worldwound first. In the meantime you certainly seem to be attached to Verim, unless that's all part of your act."
Grabbing some of the oranges Tallina gets ready for the tricky part.
"Alright, tart, this will be tough, but if it works like we want it to should be delicious. I wonder how our guests are doing in the dining room."