Yuto smiles seeing the reunion of Riftun and Kelda. He remains silent for the most part, letting the more expressive ones conduct the conversation. He does though listen attentively to how safe Kelda is and once things get calmer, he asks "H-hi Kelda San, I-I am Yuto... ho-how did you end up he-here?"
Once it comes back to looking for a place to rest, the Tian proposes "Let's he-head back up the way we came in"
There is, however, a few nasty looking cuts on her flank, and a few fingers look pretty badly broken. He also notices a fair few less significant injuries - scratches and bruises across what flesh is exposed.
Kelda nods briefly at Andochtuir's praise of Riftun. "I can walk. If you have healing to spare, I would take it." After a moment, she shakes her head. "The others died to the drake outside. Or drowned when it took down our boat."
She pauses, looking pointedly at the equipment in the southwestern cell. "I would have my equipment back before we leave."
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Teruko steps back to allow Riftun full access to his friend, thinking a friendly face might be just what she needs. "We're all glad to find you alive. Riftun was very worried." On a much more selfish level she's glad they found Kelda now, and thus don't have to make any difficult decisions about whether or not to keep looking.
Her brow furrows slightly as Kelda asks about her equipment. "Of course. Do you need assistance in donning your armor? We can also carry anything you don't wish to carry yourself."
"As for healing, we were planning on visiting an...acquaintance. Spivey is a lyrakien who has been protecting the nearby graveyard, and has generously offered us healing. We've made significant progress clearing out this portion of the dungeons, so I don't expect any fights on the way out." (She tries not to think about the day before when she'd also expected no fights, only for them to be ambushed by an ettercap.) "However we do have wands available, if you would prefer healing right now."
"She has difficulty walking... I'd suggest we use at least one wand charge on her legs or spinal cord, whichever of the two contains the problem. While either Yuto or I could carry her, that wouldn't be ideal if we were to get into a fight again." After speaking, the elf produces his wand and heals Kelda once.
"I hope that makes the pain more managable for now. Spivey has powerful healing magic that should take care of the rest. If not, we have other options when we get there."
After putting the wand back in its writs sheath, he inclines his head towards the two ulfen. "Oh, and my condolances for your losses, of course."
Kelda shoots Andochtuir a glare, before nodding in grudging gratitude. "I can walk on my own." She says shortly.
"A-a-a d-d-drake???" Yuto is captured by this piece of information, specially when added to the fatal end of Kelda's expedition. He does resist though the urge to ask how she did survive "I-is the drake in this dungeon?"
Either way, the young man has all the motivation he needs to abandon this place for now "Let's go" he starts walking back when he remembers about the recent tunnel they discovered "W-we can try the other tunnel that leaves to-to the river. I-it might be more secure than the main gate" as Teruko remembers their previous fight, Yuto gulps.
"No. I killed it outside." Kelda eyes Yuto skeptically, before shaking her head.
Riftun blushes slightly at Andochtuir's praise and shakes his head, "I-I really didn't do much, you guys took the brunt of the fighting." He sighs but smiles at seeing Kelda able to support herself. He doesn't make any further move to support her as he is well aware of how fiercely independent Kelda is.
"I thought that drake had the marks of your handiwork on it Kelda! You'll have to tell me all about it when you've had some chance to rest, of course." Riftun chirps, just happy that things finally seem to be working out, he can't wait to get out of here as soon as possible.
"W-we can try the other tunnel that leaves to-to the river. I-it might be more secure than the main gate"
"Do you remember seeing a way up from that beach? Other than the secret tunnel it might have only been accessible by boat." Teruko doesn't want to discount the suggestion, but neither does she want to walk all the way down again only to turn around.
"You found the tunnel? Did you kill whatever was in the chamber it led to?" Kelda asks, reassessing the party's capabilities.
"I don't believe we are talking about the same tunnel." Teruko closes her eyes for a second, visualizing the layout of the castle. "The one we're referring to is to the northwest and appears to have been an escape route leading to Bunyip Bay. There weren't any creatures inside. Not surprising, given how well-hidden both the entrance and exit were." Opening her eyes again she studies Kelda's face. "If that is the tunnel you're talking about and we were simply fortunate in not encountering the creature, then that decides our route. If it's not, we can talk more about this creature later, after everyone has been healed and had a chance to rest."
Kelda shrugs. "Don't know. The way I came in was from the east, but I don't know where I came in. Couldn't really see thing, either. Just felt... power and malice."
The party begins making their way into the abandoned kitchen, where they pause as they decide which route to take.
"I would suggest heading back the same way we came to avoid as many unwanted encounters as possible. We're not in good fighting shape, I'd reckon, if we stick to trying to preserve our wands," Andochtuir suggests from the front as the party starts retreating in search of Spivey - and a safer place for Kelda to stay.
Yuto goes silent as Kelda declares she killed the drake and Riftun acknowledges this possibility. The young man looks at the Ulfen in awe.
Once at the kitchen, he nods agreeing with Andochtuir and Teruko "Let's go through the main gate"
And he, very carefully, starts to lead the way back to the cemetery.
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"The way we came sounds good, even if some new enemy attacks us at least we know the layout," Torra agrees. She keeps her eyes and ears open as they progress, more than a little shaken after her latest encounter with the Phantom, and unnerved by Kelda's revelation that there may be yet another monster hiding in the underbelly of the castle.
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The heroes make their way back up through the castle, up through the throne room and out into the courtyard, where Kelda squints at the light of the sun as it burns through the thick clouds. She blocks her eyes briefly, before sighing.
The group makes their way out of the castle and back into the settlement, eventually arriving at Spivey's graveyard. The little azata floats up to sit on the gate. "You keep coming back with new people. Are you recruiting or something?" She grows serious, looking carefully at Kelda. "You're hurt. Do you want me to heal you?"
Kelda's brow furrows, but she nods briefly, and Spivey floats down beside her. "Looks like everyone else could use a bit of healing, as well." She unleashes a couple bursts of silver energy, healing the group. Afterwards, she turns to Yuto and Torra. Chanting a spell, she touches first the samurai, then the kineticist.
"There. Looks like you're all better now... how did it go in there?"
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Simply delighted at seeing his friends all healed up after their grim, near-death encounters in the basement of the fort Riftun runs up and attempt the gently shake Spivey's small hands in eager gratitude as he bows rapidly.
"Oh Spivey! Thank you! Thank you so much for healing my friends! You're truly a life saver!"The young bard beams. "This is my dear friend Kelda. She's a brave adventurer from my homeland and the one I came to rescue. W-Well, we intend to help Ameiko too but we're still working on that one..." He nods.
"We also managed to find this in the sadly desecrated temple of Desna in the fort. I truly hope this is hat you were looking for." Riftun reaches in his bag of holding and, after a bit of fumbling, manages to pull out the phylactery of faithfulness, presenting it to the small celestial being.
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Before leaving the basement, Yuto will pick up the half-plate armor from the armory and bring it with the group back to the camp.
Yuto sighs relieved as his wounds disappear. He smiles pleasantly to their healer "Thanks Spivey San" he laughs at the pun on the group being recruiting.
"Oh! It we-went terribly, bu-but also gre-great because we survived after all. W-we found an old armory, a-and we fought a strange shapeless creature. A-and we fought a giant ogre who broke my bones, I-I do not know who I survived that" he points to Teruko and Riftun who kept him up "A-and we fi-finally dealt with The Phantom"
"Ah! That's what it was!" Spivey flutters over, picking up the phylactery in both hands. "Hm..." She examines the box carefully. "Doesn't look like the cultists in there did anything too terrible with it."
She looks to Yuto, nodding gravely. "It's good to hear you survived... and the ghost bird was a terrible creature from what I saw of her."
Yuto nods and smiles seeing Spivey happy with the phylactery "So-so we found it! Well... no-now I guess it is time for us t-to go back to the caravan to re-rest"
"Bu-but we still have to come ba-a-ack tomorrow as we are still to find the Kaijitsu's le-egacy" the young man already starts to relax on the idea of a real rest.
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"Thank you Spivey." Teruko bows formally as the lyrakien channels energy across the group. "Your healing has truly been invaluable." A nearly imperceptible tension leaves her shoulders as the last remnants of pain are soothed away.
She smiles slightly at the mention of recruiting. "It does seem that way, doesn't it? At least our newest addition should be easier to explain to Sandru. We did tell him we were looking for Riftun's friend." She pauses. "Didn't we?" Come to think of it, she's not actually sure. There had been so much else to share. "Regardless, I don't think he'll mind."
"As for the Phantom..." She hunts through their bags for the piece of jewelry inscribed with Desna's butterfly and offers it to Spivey. "She was wearing this. I doubt very much that she was a true follower of the Starsong, but the piece itself is beautiful. I'm sure it could be adjusted to your size if you'd like."
Spivey waves goodbye to Yuto, before looking at Teruko. She flutters over to the Kaijitsu, patting her on the shoulder. "No need to be so respectful. Relax a little! You've done a great thing, and deserve a bit of a celebration!"
The lyrakien looks at the pectoral ring. "Hm... while I appreciate the thought, I don't really need it. Maybe you should give it to a mortal worshipper of Lady Desna. The fact that you've reclaimed it makes me happy enough."
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Andochtuir smiles at the interactions between Riftun, Yuto and Spivey. "Perhaps Koya would appreciate it then, or-" he was about to mention the still comatose Ameiko, but caught himself, not wanting to ruin the festive mood. Plus, he was fairly sure he'd asked about her patron diety before, but couldn't remember if anyone ever answered - assuming it was Desna would be a gamble. Side effects of the strength brew again, perhaps...
"Never mind. A moment to relax in the caravan sounds terrific right about now. I for one could do with a wash, a nice plate of food, and a warm bedroll in the shade. I'd even not complain if Sandru were to cheat me into another round of kitchen laundry duty right about now! ...Just don't tell him I said that, thanks."
He nods towards the Azata who healed them for the second time now and realised there was quite some value indeed in being able to channel and heal many others at once. Perhaps he should study that technique, as well as positive energy spells in general more instead of focussing solely on alchemy? Spivey would not be around to help them forever...
Undecided, he thanks the Azata and turns to Riftun. "So, to our local bard I ask, is this enough for another verse in the grand tale of the caravan? Your performance surely was the highlight of the dinner yesterday, I dare say!"
Finding nothing else to tell to Spivey, Yuto will thank again the healing and then look forward to reach the caravan.
The Tian is tired and battered despite the external wounds are closed. He will visit Ameiko for the chance she has recovered, and after updating Sandru and Koya, he will look for something to eat and a good place for a long sleep.
Torra remains quiet while the others chatwith Spivey, although she nods in gratitude as the healing undoes some of the grievous wounds inflicted by the Phantom. The dwarf is still in a somber mood after her second close encounter with death.
Only on the way back to the caravan does she hesitantly ask, "So what do we do after we rest? We still don't know how to help Ameiko."
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The party leaves Spivey to her graveyard, returning back to the caravan. There, Sandru is deep in conversation with Livia, the wainwright, Haungalon, the gnome driver, and Romia, one of the guards.
Shalelu is nowhere to be seen, but Lone-Pillar nods a greeting to the party, before calling out to the rest of the caravan about their return. Meanwhile, Zaiobe has settled beneath a bare tree, some distance from the rest of the camp. Cyrus is chatting with some of the other guards, his gestures and expression quite animated.
Koya and Amaya are in the cart where Ameiko rests when the heroes arrive, but Amaya emerges and moves towards Teruko when she hears word of their return. She speaks quietly with her older half-sister.
"Grandfather? My father is there!?" Lonjiku's sharp shriek stabs into Teruko's skull.
Only on the way back to the caravan does she hesitantly ask, "So what do we do after we rest? We still don't know how to help Ameiko."
"No, but then again we did not explore everything yet. When we rest, we should continue. If we can't find anything..." Andochtuir looks away. "That would be very problematic. I hypothesize we'd have to get a highly experienced cleric from somewhere all the way here, or a similar cursebreaker of sorts, perhaps. Since this castle seems related to her coma, she would have to stay here the entire time, as well as those watching her. Should it come down to it, I hope Spivey won't mind some extended company."
A few minutes after the arrival to the caravan, Yuto appears in the area where the others are talking with Amaya. In his hands he holds a large tray with roasted meat, potatoes and vegetables "I brought some pleasantries from the ki-kitchen." the young man smiles shyly and approaches Kelda offering her one of the best pieces "Yo-you probably need this more than any of us... you must have endured a lot of hunger in that da-damped place..."
Given the opportunity, Yuto looks to ask Kelda about what she has seen or heard down in the basement, but he prefers to wait a bit to see if others ask the questions first "W-we probably need to come back t-to the basement Torra. Unless Kelda knows so-something that drives us in another direction, or there are news on Ameiko state..." he looks at Teruko and Amaya.
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"There is the being Kelda spoke of. Someone or something that felt of 'power and malice'. I don't believe we've yet encountered any creature exuding such an aura, not even Kikonu. Perhaps that is who is responsible for Ameiko's condition." Teruko resists the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose at the thought of facing yet another powerful foe. "Riftun, could you ask Zaiobe if she knows of any creatures matching such a description?"
"Regardless, Andochtuir is correct. There are still large parts of the castle we haven't explored." She smiles, although it seems forced. "We're slowly narrowing down the possibilities. Now with Kelda rescued we can focus our full attention on the search for a cure...and the Kaijitsu legacy." The last part is added almost as an afterthought.
As they arrive she heads first for Ameiko's cart, on the off chance that there has been some change. It seemed unlikely either the corrupted shrine or the Phantom had anything to do with Ameiko's condition, but 'unlikely' was not impossible. That faint hope does not last long.
Kelda nods a brief thanks to Yuto. "It wasn't unendurable." She says simply, but takes what food he has. At the suggestion of knowing where to go, she shakes her head. "I only saw the cell and the passageway into the castle from the east. I don't really know anything more, other than rumors that there might be treasure there."
"My instinct is that she is giving us guidance, somehow." The younger woman says finally.
"Forget that, is my father alive?! Impossible. He'd have come to find us!" Lonjiku wails.
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Riftun's expression blossoms into a brilliant smile as the azata takes the item they had recovered from the temple, proud of a job well done and happy to see that they had done right by their little friend. "I'm so pleased we were able to be of assistance to you Spivey, after all you've done. You've been a literal godsend." He gushes then turns his attention to Andochtuir in response to the scarred man's request.
"I'd say we have more than enough content for me to work with i-if you all don't mind another story from me tonight that is." He giggles blushing from the half-elf's praise.
-------
When they arrive at the caravan Riftun is happy to see everything seems to be in order, he is particularly pleased to see that Zaiobe is still here, even if she has put a little distance between herself and the rest of the caravan. He has the strong urge to run over to her and ask her about how everything was but he holds himself back just barely as he has to keep Kelda close at hand in case she needs him.
The bard squeezes Kelda's hand and gives her a meaningful look that he hopes conveys to her that he's there for her should any of this be a bit too much. He would say it aloud but he knows Kelda would hate being spoken to like that in public, never being one to appear weak.
Riftun nods to Teruko and takes this opportunity to wave ecstatically at Zaiobe and call out to her in his mind.
He pauses and just smiles softly at the bird woman. "Sorry about all the questions, I'm just happy to see you."
Shalelu's absence is disappointing, so Torra settles for the next best thing, seeking out Lone-Pillar. The Shoanti guard had seen his share of deadly battles, and the dwarf is looking for some sort of reassurance that she's not in over her head. She doesn't know how to broach the topic though, so she just settles nearby in silence, the aftermath of her ordeals still obvious in her torn and bloodied clothes and in her half-healed wounds.
Yuto is happy to provide food to Kelda, and raises an eyebrow when she speaks about treasure "Ru-rumors? Who talked about treasure? Thi-this might be the Kaijitsu's Legacy, any detail might help" the man looks hopeful to the Ulfen and then to the party feeling they are maybe getting closer to their goal.
For the evening, Yuto stands around and listens to Riftun's stories, clapping again as the day before. The lively boy is making things clearly more enjoyable in the caravan.
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"Regardless, if he's waiting 'in the dark' then continuing to search the basements is our best option. Which we were likely going to do anyway. Kelda, Riftun's friend, said that when she was captured she felt a powerful and malicious aura coming from a tunnel to the east. I was thinking perhaps such a creature could be responsible for Ameiko's condition. Although if Koya detected no evil..." Teruko trails off and shakes her head. "Forgive me, I keep going around in circles. We will simply have to continue searching until we find answers."
Once Teruko and Amaya are finished with their conversation, Teruko makes her way to the cart where Ameiko lies. Amaya would have said if she had gotten any worse, but it's still reassuring to see for herself. "Hello Koya. Amaya updated me on what happened earlier." For a few minutes she sits there, watching Ameiko's face. Seeing her lie so still brings back memories of their mother's funeral. Lonjiku had paid well to ensure that Atsuii's face showed no signs of the injuries that had killed-
Don't think about that.
"We found a lyrakien who had been taking care of the graveyard in Brinewall." Teruko's voice is upbeat, almost cheerful as she talks to Koya. "Her name is Spivey. Desna sent her visions of a desecrated shrine and she asked for our help in finding it. Which we did. Once we're completely done clearing out the castle and Ameiko has recovered, if you're willing we'd like to take you there. You could meet Spivey, and perhaps the two of you could reconsecrate the shrine."
The harpy oracle nods at Riftun in response to his wave, though she doesn't return it.
For his part, Lone-Pillar seems content to remain silent with Torra. Whether he's oblivious to her desire or just doesn't feel like answering it is unclear to her.
Kelda shrugs at Yuto. "Just that it'd been abandoned for years and went silent suddenly. The thane thought that there'd be good things to loot there." She snorts. "May be there was, but we didn't find any. Just death."
When Teruko approaches her, Koya offers the younger woman a tired smile. "I wish I had better news to share with you." She brightens somewhat at mention of Spivey. "Truly? A lyrakien, and not one just summoned briefly by a spell? How wondrous." She hesitates. "I would like to reconsecrate the shrine - or at least cleanse it of its taint, since I rather doubt travelers will be entering the castle. Might be better to erect a new wayshrine outside..."
The priestess waves a hand. "Sorry, I'm rambling. I'd be more than happy to work with her. Perhaps I could even ask her to join us on our journey. It seems a shame for a servant of the Song of the Spheres to stick around in one place..."
With the group settling in for the afternoon and heading their seperate ways, Andochtuir decides to visit a nearby stream of water, where he attempts to clear the blood from his gambeson overlay as best he could. Afterwards, he begain the slow process of undoing the plate mail and cleaning that too, finally finishing with taking a brief swim. He always found it relaxing, a brief ritual of sorts going back to his child days.
He suppressed the pang of loss and returned to the camp fresh, seeking out Sandru and the other guards to share information of the castle and the patrols, only interrupting it to listen to Riftun's performance. Finally, he went to check on Koya in the evening, prior to heading to bed.
Zaiobe's reply is sharp and feels much like an invisible arrow piercing his chest as the young man's smile waivers. He looks to the others and shakes his head at his companions. "I-I'm afraid Zaiobe isn't aware of what the creature could be... She does say there is something precious to Kikonu underneath the keep but what that is exactly is anyone's guess."
He sighs and nods to Kelda. "I'm afraid I have to go for a moment there are matters I need to discuss with Zaiobe, th-that's my new harpy friend over by the tree by the way... I actually think the two of you might get along... or kill each other..." He frowns at Kelda. "Please don't kill each other." The bard scolds half-teasingly but at the same time keenly aware of Kelda's monster-slaying urges.
"You should get to know Koya and Sandru. We'll need their permission for you to stay with us after all so please do put your best foot forward." He smiles and nods to his friend before heading oved towards the tree where Zaiobe has made herself comfortable.
"Do you mind if I sit?" He asks aloud as he makes his way up to her.
Waiting for her response before he chooses whether to sit or stand the red-headed bard cocks his head slightly to the side and offers Zaiobe a concerned half-smile.
"Seriously though, I won't judge you or anything. I really do think it's great that you're here and I'm so proud of you for trying. I-I know the adjustment period is going to be hard but I'm here to help you through it whatever you need." Riftun lowers his head earnestly looking up (or down if she perfered him to stand) at the harpy with his big blue eyes conveying both his sincerity and vulnerability at how much he's putting himself out there.
He feels the grass between his fingers and sighs looking up at the sky between the branches of the barren tree. "We had quite the adventure while we were at the keep." He says trying to move the topic onto a more light-hearted discussion so as not to overwhelm Zaiobe.
"We fought so many terrible foes but we managed to make it through because of all of their bravery." The young man's eyes linger on his group in the distance with a hint of pride. "I-It got pretty intense and scary a few times. Almost everyone nearly died a couple times. Heck, the Phantom nearly eviscerated me even." he chuckles awkwardly.
"But we found a friend who was willing to heal us all so we could keep going and we even managed to find my friend Kelda eventually... That's in thanks to your help in letting us know where to start looking. I owe you a lot for that, who knows what could have happened if we had to wait another day to rescue her."
Looking back into the harpy's eyes Riftun smiles. "But I don't want to give too much away. I'll be telling the story tonight and, no pressure I understand if it's too much, but I'd love if you could join us as part of the audience when I start."
Yuto thanks Kelda for her information and walks her through the camp showing her the main stuff and helping her to find a place to sleep in addition to introduce her to the main personalities in the caravan.
When she sees Koya, she joins the conversation interested to know her ideas "Yes mom, it would be great if you can bring a bit of Desna's spirit back to the place." he smiles when the woman comments about a Desnan staying in the same place.
For the rest of the night, he will take some time to write on his journal about the events of the day, and then go to sleep to be ready for what must be a very heroic and successful day tomorrow as they finally safe Ameiko. Or so Yuto wishes to think.
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"I think that would be lovely." Teruko feels a pang of guilt for not already asking Spivey if she'd like to come back to the caravan. She'll have to mention it to Sandru before they go.
"The graveyard Spivey's been tending has a statue to Desna already and might make a good location for a wayshrine. It's more accessible than the castle and less likely to get reclaimed by monsters once we leave. I'll ask her tomorrow what she thinks of the idea." She hums thoughtfully, considering how to phrase what she wants to say. "I can also ask her about joining the caravan. No matter how long she's been in one place, it's never too late to start traveling again."
"Now I should probably travel to the baths." She smiles at both Koya and Yuto before slipping out of the wagon. Once she's bathed and eaten, she does indeed find Sandru to make certain he wouldn't mind yet another addition to the caravan.
(Gods, they really are recruiting.)
Once finished with that conversation, she waits for a moment when Andochtuir is alone and approaches him.
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Now in his spare set of traveling clothes, Teruko catches Andochtuir writing notes in a journal of sorts in front of his tent, the act gently illuminated by a small oil lamp at his side. He looks up briskly at the sound of Teruko's soft-spoken voice. Noting her less than perfect bearing for once, his surprise quickly turns into a look of concern."Ah, miss Kaijitsu. A pleasure to see you. You wish a sleep tonic, you say? Hm... well, I do believe I could make something. Pray hold a moment."
He briefly enters his tent and returns with a mortar and pestle. A a nearby kettle of sorts was already boiling over a fire nearby. First, he produces a hand of assorted nuts and begins grinding it to lesser particles, slowly adding a bit of water to form a paste. "A rich source of magnesium. According to more reputable Taldan scholars, an important mineral for different aspects of sleep. It should deepen and lengthen it, enhance the effects. Of course, not enough on its own. Added to this..."
He repeats the process for a pair of herbal twigs. "Lavender in limited quantity. A soporific according to my teacher back home. Brewed it myself a good while, when my brother died. Calmed the nerves it did, but doesn't taste that good. A bit of vanilla should fix that. And finally we add a bit of warm milk. Always pleasant. How I got it preserved this far away from the civilised world..." he pauses and grins slightly. "...well, that was quite an experiment on its own, but I tested it extensively, and I haven't noticed any ill effects. It should be safe."
Mixing the parts together, he hands her the warm milk with vanilla and nutty undertones in a cup. "There. I hope you are not disappointed; while there are definitely more potent concoctions, each with *highly imaginative* names such as 'King's Sleep' and 'Sweet Dreams', those are so potent they are often described as paralytic poisons. That, and they costs hundreds or thousands of gold each dose. Perhaps fitting for one of your station, yes, but, ah..." he looks away, slightly embarassed. "A bit above what I can afford - my apologies. Truth be told, I couldn't even afford to sample the Minkaian Sencha leaves at Sandpoint. All of this I use, I tend to gather myself on the way, during scouting. Excluding the the milk of course!"
He offers the Kaijitsu heiress a warm smile which then slightly fades as he continues talking. "That said, I wouldn't be much of a physician if I didn't enquire why your sleeping fares so poorly. This tonic might help, yes, but only treats the symptoms, not the issue. While I can hazard to guess to what is ailing you, perhaps it is best to ask, and ask more if it is something you have a mind and wish to discuss?"
Torra is content to sit in silence and reflect on the events of the day, away from the hustle and bustle of the caravan. After a while she flops on her back and watches the clouds, fingers digging into the earth beneath her.
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"Thank you. I'm certain this will be potent enough; I'm not interested in taking anything that is described as a paralytic poison." She takes the cup with a grateful smile, albeit one that quickly fades as Andochtuir asks why she hasn't been sleeping well. "I've been having nightmares, that's all. Nothing particularly unusual."
She's tempted to leave it at that, but there's something about Andochtuir's calmly professional demeanor that encourages more. Staring at the oil lamp she elaborates. "This magic is relatively new to me. I didn't seek it out, it just appeared. I keep dreaming that we're in a battle, people are injured, they're begging me for healing...and the magic disappears as quickly and unexpectedly as it came. Then everyone dies. They trusted me to keep them alive, and I failed them."
"We've been lucky so far. No one's been hurt beyond our ability to heal. But it's come so, so close. What if next time-"
She falls silent for a moment. "Thank you for listening. If there's any cure for bad dreams, I would be happy to take it. Otherwise," She holds up the cup. "I'll drink this and try to get some rest. It will no doubt be another difficult day tomorrow."
"I saw that you brought your friend back. Now you're looking for more. I wonder, how long will it be before you've found everything? A day? Two?" Her voice almost sounds disappointed, though it's impossible to tell exactly why. "I'll listen to what you'll share with the others." She adds, after a moment.
When Teruko approaches Sandru, he seems somewhat exasperated at the new arrival, but accepts her provisionally - if Lone-Pillar and Shalelu approve of Kelda's presence, he's willing to take her on.
He sighs. "I... understand if you have a desire to leave... and while I will be sad to see you go your comfort and happiness take precedence so I encourage you to do what's best for you but... I-I would greatly prefer you stay. I would like to give you a reason to stay."
"You're welcome," The half-elf says as Teruko rises to leave. "It must be difficult to be forced to rely on something you do not understand. To then also be the closest thing we have to a healer on the battlefield, while in the camp many look to you now that your sister has fallen ill... that probably does nothing to dissuade such anxiety or fears."
He takes a moment to consider and looks at the night sky above. "I wish I could do more. Dreams are fickle things and not my area of expertise. However, if it does help, from what little I know, recurring dreams of inadequacy tend to be based around something. A perceived personal failing, a trauma... something among those lines. Similar thoughts and symptoms occur often amongst us soldiers and guards with survivor's guilt. If that reminds you of something, some aspect of you or your past deeds you are unhappy with and from which such negative feelings regarding yourself could spring, perhaps it would be worthwhile to confront these at the source. In the end, forgiving myself for being unable to save Ancuradh is what helped me get over my own nightmares, for one."
The day passes relatively quickly, cooling as the sun sets. That night, Riftun regales the caravan with the tales of the party's fights in the basements of the castle.
[bigger]Toilday, 26th of Rova, 4711[/ooc]
The following morning is even colder than the previous, and the caravaners are quick to light fires and huddle around them for warmth. Spending overmuch time outside is like to be a tad troublesome.
As the heroes prepare to return once more into the walls of the castle, Sandru calls a meeting. "Good morning, everyone. I just wanted to let you all know that Kelda here is going to be joining us for the time being."
"A few months. I want to go north again soon." She adds.
Sandru nods, and Koya offers her a smile. "Welcome, then, Kelda. It's always a pleasure to meet more companions on the road."
Yuto gets close to the others, trying to get some extra warmth, while smiling at the news "We-welcome on board Kelda. Will you join us exploring the rest of the ba-basement today?"
Short after the meeting and making sure to have a good breakfast "It can be our last one" the Tian dresses up with his armor once more and sets himself ready to finish exploring the basement on search of a way to recover Ameiko.
Kelda eyes Yuto dubiously, before looking to Riftun, a question in her face.
The next morning Teruko seems subtly more rested and ready to continue than the previous day. When Yuto suggests Kelda join them, she eyes the Ulfen warrior with some concern. "Your assistance would be appreciated, but do not feel you need to join us if you are not feeling well enough." She slightly inclines her head towards the caravan. "You might speak with Elvina. She came with us, the first day, but stayed behind the second due to a lingering injury. There is no shame in that."