Esgean busies herself around the cave to make it into a shelter and get a fire going. Then she and Rejke resume their search for berries and other edibles.
"It's always possible," Jhessa replies to Kevan, reciting information in a teacher-ish kind of way. "Folks of many religions and different races often do inter people with treasure according to their own customs and traditions, not to mention the personal preferences of the deceased." She looks the halfling squarely in the eye. "I don't think you are suggesting this, I'm sure you're just understandably curious, but even if they were, those would not be our possessions."
She frowns, lines wrinkling her usually smooth brow and she feels considerably less perky than usual. "Sorry Kevan," she apologises. "I don't mean to scold, or patronise. My mind's been elsewhere this past day. I guess I'm just worried about what comes next." She tosses her hair in a golden wave, as if to literally shake off the dispiriting mood that has been engulfing her.
Looking around the cairn you find no religious marking, no sign seal or insignia that would reveal who was laid to rest here. The rocks are overgrown with vines and grass.
As Jhessa responds, Kevan would know that it is custom for followers of a deity would be buried with their holy symbols and potential weapons of their deity. Also family members typically would bury their dead with jewelry and family heirlooms.
Esgean is able to put together a makeshift shelter in case it were to rain this evening, along with gathering berries that are a sweet treat compared to the dryness of the tomb.
As you get settled in for the evening, you know that tomorrow you would be able to make it home and see your friends and families.
The evening comes and goes mostly uneventful.
Though there are two that wake up rougher than the previous night. The wounds on Rejke continue to look worse, and the areas on Felix begin to reappear and fester.
.
.
.
.
Esgean wakes early as always. Rejke growls softly and its plain to see that her wound is not healing and is getting worse. The young druid notices the same festering sore reappear on Felix.
"We must return to the village as fast as possible. The elder clerics will surely be able to mend these wounds." She's more hopeful than sure.
After meditating on spells she produces a haul of Goodberries:
Enough to heal her own wounds through out the day and at least Rejke's scrapes and sores, if not the more serious plague in the bobcat's body.
Felix nods at Esgean's suggestion. The plan was already to return, so he had no reason to put aside caring for himself in this case. They need to safely escort Roldare and Dimira home, after all.
"I'll be fine after a few days of rest at home," he tells the others. "Rejke too!"
That evening while "gathering firewood" Kevan pokes around the cairn for a way in.
Kevan looks around the cairn. You do not see any traps. This is off the beaten path, and from how overgrown it is, you are not sure when this happened or where the remains might be.
You continue your trek through the woods and Esgean can get you back on track. You regain the trail just south of where the fallen tree was and you fought the band of orcs that turned out to be an illusion from Holgast.
Following the trail leads you to where the woods break and your home hamlet of Kassen is revealed. There is something different about seeing your hamlet, there was an innocence to the world when you set off and now upon arrival you have flashes of those who have been left behind fallen in the tomb, flashes of the creatures you face off against. Skeletons, zombies, a shadow, giant frogs, living golem, and an undead lord that slain Kassen when they both were alive.
A blast of a horn snaps you out of what was and grips you right in to the present. It is a look out on the parapet. As you arrive through the gates the citizens arrive with a different demeanor. They are celebrating as they continue to pour out from their homes and the streets.
There is an overwhelming sense of joy and pride in seeing you return. But then there is slowly a wash of realization come over them. They see that Herskor is not with you and that Roldare and Dimira are with you and look terrible.
Jonark Uptal, the mayor of Kassen, has a stern look of confusion; “What has happened?” looking around he realizes that there are too many people around and he pulls you into the Temple of Erastil. As you enter Jonark turns to a the acolytes on duty; “No one gets in here.” then he looks around; “PRASST!” he yells for the Priest of Erastil, Father Prasst.
Looking with heart ache in his eyes; “Please, what happened?”
The battle against the illusion seems like it was a lifetime ago. Esgean remembers with shame what she predicted at the time, that there would be more tests by their mentors but none of them would ever be put into mortal danger. How foolish she had been, and how she had learned.
She lifts poor Rejke and carries the bobcat cradled in her arms the last several miles through the wood, feeding her a goodberry while taking one for herself.
When the town of Kassen finally rounds into view through the thinning canopy she is overcome by relief and tears stream down her face in choked sobs.
She has not the voice to speak, but looks for her father and brother and collapses into their arms.
Felix is thrilled to be back home, and he is self-consciously enjoying the adulation from the other townsfolk. He hugs both of his parents, doing his best to not crush his miniscule mother against his metal armor. When the mayor and other townsfolk begin to notice who is with the returning youth -- and who is not -- his smile slips. When the mayor pulls them into the temple, he indicates to his parents that he needs to go, and offers a mournful nod to his parents to indicate that things to Kassen's tomb did not go as planned, and he needs to let the mayor know.
Looking with heart ache in his eyes; “Please, what happened?”
Felix takes a deep breath, his weakened sate evident, and tries to summarize.
"Our town's founder, Kassen, was interred in the tomb along with his slayer, a man named Asar. Members of an orc tribe called the Empty Hand invaded the tomb to steal pieces of a cursed artifact buried with Kassen and Asar. Asar's grave's disturbance caused him to rise as an unholy undead warrior. When the townsfolk that you sent ahead to prepare the tomb for us arrived, Asar was waiting for them. Dimira and Roldare are the only survivors from that encounter."
Felix pauses out of his respect for his slain townsfolk. He fingers trace the symbol of Iomedae's sword and sun across his body.
"When the six of us arrived to retrieve the Everflame, Asar's evil had also caused other, lesser, skeletons to rise. We encountered them, plus other dangerous animals from the area. Asar had taken Dimira prisoner, so we worked our way through the tomb to find her. When we reached the innermost depths, Asar was waiting for us. We slew him and his raised minions, but Herskor fell in that battle.
"Iomedae and the other gods of Honor and Valor be with him."
Felix pauses again, out of respect for his fallen friend.
Kevan looks around at the gathering crowd and is rather pumped up by the whole affair. Of course, Herskor was lost but he died in battle, how else would the warrior half-orc have preferred to die. Then there were the stories to tell. He was about to proffer the lantern when the mayor called them into the temple.
After Felix's summarized story, Kevan says, "Mayor, Sir Felix is far too humble. Your servants," he says indicating the group, "Entered the tomb and were accosted from the very beginning by creatures of evil. Initially we had to overcome the training traps..." unless stopped, he goes on to explain in detail the events of the tomb search highlighting everyone's heroic actions, adding some, and totally leaving out the room with the shadow monster which was their only defeat. Even when telling of Herskor's sacrifice he speaks of the telling blow the half-orc gave Asar before being struck down and how this mighty blow allowed the others to fell the creature. He of course mentions how taken Kassen was with his, Kevan's, own valiant efforts and entrusted him with the everflame, at which point he offers the lantern.
The arrival in town is not the return that Jhessa had dreamt of, had gossiped about, had practiced for. But then she had known for some time it wasn't going to be. As the crowd's excitement turns to confusion mingled with fear with the realisation that something is horribly wrong, the group is pulled aside by the mayor.
Felix is first to give an overview of events, before Kevan embellishes them in his own style. Jhessa nods along, adding murmurs of agreement or encouragement in the right places and tries not to roll her eyes or smile too much as the halfling finishes his herocic narrative and hands over the everflame.
"I think Felix and Kevan have largely covered the main points," she says. "It was apparent from early on that something wasn't right - what should have been a test was a far more deadly challenge. We were able to piece it together but it wasn't until Kassen's spirit spoke to us at the end that we had the complete picture."
She pauses, not desperate to go on about the quest they have been charged with and the new threat. Wiping her sweaty hands on the bottom of her dress, Jhessa continues. "Most importantly, while we were able to put Asar's spirit to rest, a larger threat remains." She adds to Felix's overview of the situation and the mission that Kassen had charge them with: the hammer of Bhazad Khrar, the orcs of the Empty Hand, the missing elven sorceress. Jhessa has spent a fair amount of time wondering exactly how big and how serious the threat is and concluded that she just doesn't have enough information to know that. In her opinion, wisdom lies in admitting what you don't know and she hopes that the mayor will also share this view so decides that honesty is the best policy - Kassen seemed to feel it was both urgent and serious so she wants to convey that but without causing unnecessary panic.
When she finishes, she runs her hand through her hair, awaiting the mayor's response. The events have weighed heavily on her - truthfully she feels like it's a lot to put on the shoulders of a teenager. Her confidence has been shaken but she holds onto the fact that she still walks in Shelyn's light, her goddess providing comfort and protection, and the new friendships she has been developing with her companions.
Esgean’s father looks down at the now woman who was his little girl just a few days ago. Kissing her temple, he urges her to follow Mayor Uptal. “We will be here when you’re finished.”
As your family and friends all let you go, you begin to hear voices rise among the croud; “Where is he?” it begins to get louder and more adamant; “No… Esgean…. Kevan…. Where is Herskor?” as the door to the temple closes, you see the woman who adopted Herskor and brought him in as her own.
While each of you are sharing bits of what happened, shock and disbelief continues to grow on Jonark’s face. “When Holgast returned we thought that the others were staying around to watch over you in case there was trouble.” he is thinking to himself; “Asar rose? An undead warrior?” The mayor sits and looks over the five of you as he thinks.
Father Prasst moves from between each of you as you are talking. Tending to your wounds, healing each of you. Turning to Felix and Esgean; “I will request that you stay here tonight so that I can tend to the disease you contracted in there. It seems mild but the conditions you found yourselves in were not good. You would be back to normal in no time.”
Father Prasst stands beside Jhessa and lowers his voice; “Do you know why I became a priest?” he leaves a moment for thought. He had never shared this with Jhessa before, and most people don’t know much about his life before taking over at the temple of Erastil; “I was young and training as a soldier in Tamran.” “When we completed our training we were sent off to take care of banditry along the southern road beyond the Marideth River.” Still not facing the Cleric of Shelyn; “We were caught off guard, and our captain missed the signs. We were ambushed. Eventually we fought back and defeated the band that attacked us. Many were wounded and I tried to lend them aid as we rushed to make our way back to Tamran. I felt in that moment a call to aid and defend against such reckless loss of life. I have devoted my training since that moment to follow Erastil and use his blessings to help the families, hunters, and farmers that I came across until settling here.”
Turning to check Jhessa over for the same disease that Felix and Rejke have contracted, he looks in her eyes; “The hardest thing is that no matter how trained you are and how much you call on the divine, there will be losses. Lives will still be recklessly lost.” Placing a caring hand on the upper portion of her arm; “That is a lesson that everyone must learn, but especially those who call themselves clerics or priestess.” with a smile her mentor continues checking everyone else over.
Mayor Uptal stands as he has had some realization; “Stay here. I will return with a few of the elders. I will also see to Herskor’s family and dismiss the crowd.”
With that the mayor leaves. Father Prasst motions for everyone to follow him through the temple to his living quarters. There you find a large table where he invites guest to eat. Jhessa has had many meals here with her mentor.“I will have a meal brought.” pointing down the hall; “That way, the first entry on the right, is a bathing chamber. We have three tubs. Please feel free to soak. I will have fresh linens brought for you to change into.”
"Sir, you know of Asar? What about Kassen's other companions?
"I think it was the taint of Bhazad Khrar's hammer that allowed him to raise as undead. Kassen's spirit said that he can still feel its pull even in death. It must be very powerful if he wants us to prevent this tribe of orcs to capture it."
As the conversation is wrapping up, Felix states his intention to return soon and dispose of the skeletal remains.
"In fact, there are still some hazards that remain in the tomb. Anyone from the town that want to go there should at least consult with one of us before returning."
If asked immediately, Felix will relay the encounters with the shadow, the giant frogs, and the blue fungus.
He gratefully accepts Father Prasst's offer of care.
"Ooo, a bath." Kevan says and heads to the bathing room. As soon as he is able he is in the tub with warm to hot water and soaking.
It's just as well her companions have occupied the baths. Esgean remains at her companion's side through the night. Rejke is the most dear creature to her and she will not leave the bobcat while it is still afflicted. And anyway, she prefers the cold natural waters of the river.
She listens quietly to Father Prasst; he is a kind man, with a true heart. But she finds herself longing for the advice from her own mentor and wonders what the town has planned for them next.
Unsurprisingly, the mayor seems disturbed by their report and is taking some time to work through things, seeming to speak to himself as much as anything else. Away with his thoughts, he takes his leave, promising to return forthwith.
While the mayor is doing this, Father Prasst checks on the group's health. When he gets to Jhessa, he speaks quietly to her and shares part of himself that she was previously unaware of. She feels pleased that he is willing to speak to her in confidence, though the topic and the fact he doesn't initially meet her eye fills her with sadness and compassion for his struggles and his mission in response. This is certainly something she can relate to: prior to taking up the robes of an acolyte of Shelyn, Jhessa too had been searching for her own purpose in life. Deciding to let him continue talking, she doesn't interrupt.
As he carefully checks Jhessa for any sign of disease, he finally looks at her, though the words are cold comfort and echo in her head. "There will be losses. Lives will still be recklessly lost." It's a hard lesson that she has already learned from recent events but she understands why he is telling her. "I'm sorry," his words say. "I acknowledge your pain but I can neither make it go away nor bring Herskor back. This, or something like, it was ultimately inevitable. But," and she realises this is the other part of the lesson, "death is a burden carried by all and by sharing it and through faith it becomes a little bit lighter." She offers a brief silent prayer of gratitude to her deity. As Father Prasst gives her the all clear, Jhessa returns his smiles, though her's doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Father," she says quietly. "That's a lot to think on. Perhaps we could pick this up again tomorrow when I've had more time to reflect?"
As he explains to the group the location of the guest table and the bathing chambers, Jhessa says, "Please, go ahead you three. I can bathe later." To the priest, she asks, "Father, is it ok if I go to my chamber for a few minutes please? I know the mayor isn't going to want us to go anywhere but I'd like to put my things away and change."
Mayor Uptal gives Felix a side glance; “Of course we know if Asar and his companions. They are what led to Kassen’s death. Asar was the leader of the mercenaries that tried to attack Kassen.”
“Take all the time you need Jhessa, your chamber is as you left it.”
The meal that is brought around is a light one. Chicken broth with thinly sliced vegetables, soft rolls with butter, water, and hot spiced tea. Father Prasst motions to the table; “Please eat. Emotionally you might not think you are hungry, but your bodies need nourishment. Do what you can.”
He spends time moving between Felix and Rejke, casting a spell over each one; “I will need to rest before I know who else is infected, but these two are infected with Zombie Rot. But, it isn’t a form I am familiar with. It seems that Any attempt of healing you weakened state is impossible until you are rid of the disease.”
After a short time, the mayor enters the temple and makes his way to this meeting chamber. Closely behind him are four of the village elders, along with some familiar faces. Olmire, Esgean’s mentor, Jimes, Kevan’s mentor, Holgast Aldmus’ mentor, and Sir Dramott Felix’s mentor.
Mayor Uptal speaks up once everyone has gathered; “I have informed the elders what you have told me. Asar and his companions raising from the dead. Word of this Bhazad Khrar’s hammer. and that it appears to have been taken by an orc tribe called the Empty Hand.”
Looking at Sir Dramott, you notice that his hand moves from his waist to his sword hilt and back again. There is concern on his face that he is doing a good job trying to hide, but he knows more about what the mayor has just spoken about.
“There is nothing we can do as a hamlet, but we must get word to Vigil. We will be arranging a small team to ride as soon as they are able. They have been battling Orc tribes longer than I can imagine.” looking among the elders Mayor Uptal turns to the group. “I don’t ask this lightly, but it was you that defeated Asar and cleansing the tomb of Kassen, returning the Everflame. Are there those among you that would be willing to be Kassen’s Champions and seek aid and wisdom from the capital city?”
"Thank you, Father," Jhessa bows demurely and through sheer strength of will walks out of the room normally in spite of her weary body and buzzing mind screaming at her just to please stop.
Once in her chamber, she quickly sheds her clothes and feels just that little bit lighter to be able to discard them. She pours cold water from a pitcher into her wash bowl and splashes it on her face, the chill waking and temporarily pinking her skin. She then sinks down onto her bed and allows herself to sit, only for a couple of minutes, but gods be praised it feels good. Aware that she'd like nothing better than to just curl up and fall asleep, Jhessa stands and stretches. Then she performs her ablutions, washing the physical grime of the tomb away, even if the memories cling more stubbornly. Although she doesn't think she will dance tonight, she slips her red dancing dress over her head and gives a practice twirl, taking comfort in its easy fit and familiar feel.
From her desk she selects a sheet of paper and folds it sharply into quarters before tearing neatly along the creases. On this smaller scrap she dashes off a short message:
"Isa,
Don't know what you'll have heard by now but wow - at least some of it is probably true. Praise Shelyn that we're back, will fill you in later.
Love,
J"
Folding this quartered sheet into quarters itself she slips it under Isa's door before returning to the group and taking a seat. She spoons up the broth hungrily, glad of the nourishing warmth before inhaling the heady smell of sweet tea.
When the mayor returns with various townsfolk - and it doesn't take a genius to recognise that all of their mentors are now present - Jhessa perks up, the food simultaneously having taken away some of her tiredness but replaced it with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
As Mayor Uptal explains the situation, she sighs inwardly and mentally rolls her eyeballs. Yes, we KNOW! We were there and we've been over this already. Trying to move past her exasperation, she accepts that the group are not the target audience here but as far as she is concerned, they are already committed to the task ahead having sworn as much to Kassen. Despite her mild annoyance, she carefully watches the various reactions and it seems she is not the only one biting her tongue somewhat. Sir Dramott looks as if he has something to say about the situation but decides better of it. Jhessa makes a mental note to speak to him later, or at least ask Felix to do so given it will look less out of the ordinary for him to speak privately with the knight.
"Thank you, Mayor Uptal," she says, rising, and putting on her most diplomatic voice. She plants a grim smile upon her beautiful face and gazes round at the assorted adults. "I can't absolutely speak for all of us, but the mission was laid before us by Kassen's spirit and if I can help with this task, I will. May Shelyn in her infinite beauty protect us." She retakes her seat, awaiting the others' reactions but fully expecting that they too have already mentally taken on the burden of this new quest.
Kevan, much like a dog, lives in the moment and he has an extra dose of the halfling fearlessness. As it is, he has mostly forgotten about all of the bad stuff that happened or turned it into some grand adventure with him at center stage. What he would really like to do is sneak out and see the guys at the tavern, have a brew, and tell some stories of his latest exploits. As it is, he bathes, eats, and listens to the mayor. Then...
"Mayor, as Kassen's champion, I will gladly undertake this dangerous mission." straight faced and apparently serious. Then, for some reason he winks at Sir Dramott.
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"Yes, of course," Felix simply replies to the mayor's request to travel to Vigil. Internally, his concern over his diagnosis of zombie rot wars with his excitement of seeing the world beyond Kassen.
"Mmm, this is really good soup."
News of Felix and Rejke's condition sounds dire to Esgean, who has some prowess in natural healing and can understand a thing called zombie rot cannot be easily overcome. She worries for her friends, even as she can reconcile the brevity of life and cycle of the natural world. It is no less of a weight on her heart for the knowledge.
Having bathed by herself in the river some ways upstream from town and returned moderately refreshed, with clean clothes from home, she tests the food for some reason, new habit perhaps, and finds it perfectly suited to her needs. After some time in meditation she is cheered to see her mentor among those gathered, and she summons a smile that she doesn't quite feel, although to be out of Kassen's tomb is easily the most relieved she has ever felt. There is nevertheless a burden that lingers.
Mayor Uptal confirms her fears, but immediately she thinks of her brother and father and of her new friends. Following the others she steps forward. "I don't know about Kassen's Champion, but I will stay with my friends, and give my life if need be." It was something brave to say.
Aldmus shifts in his chair before speaking up; “I will be staying here.” looking apologetically to his companions; “What we faced in there was terrifying, but we still need to finish clearing and setting things right there. I will help with that task then return to my normal life of study…”
Mayor Uptal; “I understand, no one is forced to go.”
Sir Dramott finally speaks up; “I was sent here as a scout of the army of Lastwall. The fact that there is a tribe this far south and clearly faced no opposition is disturbing. I’m still in contact with a few of the other scouts along our northern border.” looking to those who answered that they would be willing to go; “I can lead them to an old friend in Vellumis on the shores of Lake Encarthan. Shevar Besnik is a good man and he will have a good read on the land. From there we can head to Vigil by land or by the Path River.”
Turning his attention to the mayor; “As a defender of Lastwall against the Hold of Belkzen, I cannot say I will return.”
Nodding, the mayor addresses the four who are called Kassen’s Champions. “You all have been through a lot. Ask any questions you have of your mwntors, but the night will pass quickly and you should spend time with your family.”
Felix is very pleased that Sir Dramott will be traveling with them on their journey. He is eager to talk with him about his decision to put aside his flail and instead focus on a more traditional sword and shield style, just like Iomedae had when she was mortal. But there will be time to discuss that on the road.
Instead, he puts his empty soup bowl aside and stands to address the mayor.
"I understand that getting word to Vigil is important, and I will not hesitate in that task. However, there are the remains of our fellow villagers that still lie in Kassen's Tomb, as well as others, and their remains need to be respectfully disposed of.
"I can talk with anyone that can be sent for this task to tell them what to expect. There are still dangers in that crypt."
Jhessa is slightly taken aback that Aldmus wasn't intending to come with them. She had less sense of the half-elf than the others but she's sure his magical abilities would be useful. And with Herskor gone too, that would just leave the four of them. Let's be positive, she thinks, we'll be a tighter-knit group and stronger for that. She also realises that not everyone is likely to see the mission in the same way she does and, truth be told, she can hardly blame Aldmus for wanting to be clear of it. She meets his gaze and nods at him, aiming to convey understanding of his decision.
She is perhaps less surprised that Sir Dramott is planning on travelling with them. Jhessa didn't know much about the knight but this is exactly like the sort of crusade she assumes he would rouse himself for. And he's clearly lit a fire under Felix so she figures that at core the two must share some similarities. "Thank you, Sir Dramott," she says. "We will be glad of your guidance and your sword on the journey." She prefers not to focus on his statement that he may not return, any more than Esgean's talk of laying down her own life.
Continuing in her best diplomatic tone, Jhessa bobs slightly on the balls of her feet so as to appear taller and projects her voice to the assembled crowd. "Felix raises a good point. Aldmus alone cannot be expected to sort out everything at Kassen's tomb and some perils still remain." She swallows, not wanting to argue with the mayor but deciding to speak openly. "While speed is important, we need to strike a balance between haste and ensuring we are properly prepared. Is there not wisdom in finding information, seeking guidance wherever it may be found and partaking of sufficient rest in order to best face these grave challenges?" She hopes she doesn't sound too self-important and glances around, mostly trying to hide her nervousness and to get a sense of how Father Prasst has reacted to her words.
Esgean smiles for the first time since their perils in the tomb. Hearing Jhessa speak truth to power gives her a sense of calm; at least she knows these are dependable friends.
She recalls a fragment of conversation from the tomb, something that happened while she was consoling herself and not full in the moment.
"Jhessa, what about that map you found? The one Aldmus translated from orcish? Is there a clue as to where the invaders may have come from?
"There was also a handbill we found in the room with the exploding zombies - something about meeting at "The Lady’s Shield-Hand," a tavern somewhere.
"And what became of the newly minted coins we discovered. Did anyone chance to examine the pressing?"
"All good questions Esgean." Kevan says remembering something similar. "I was rather excited about the trip and the tomb previously. Whoever has the coins, can I see one?" Kevan asks.
"Good point, Esgean," Jhessa says - she had forgotten the map and left it in Aldmus' keeping. "It connected Kassen's tomb to the river and mentions the parts of the hammer the orcs were expecting to find in the tomb," she recalls "Aldmus can show you," she adds to the wider group but speaking directly to Sir Dramott in the first instance.
Jhessa shrugs at the mention of the tavern - she is aware that her knowledge of the world doesn't extend very far beyond her front door and doesn't really want to draw attention to it right now - but she dips into her coin pouch, searching for one of the relevant coins and passes one to Kevan. "Would anybody else like to see one?" she asks, offering a couple on a flat palm to anyone who might be able to identify them.
"Nope, not a clue as to where these things come from." Kevan says. "So much for that. Anyone else have a clue as to where the coins came from or where the Lady's Shield Hand might be found?"
Esgean shakes her head, having no knowledge of the coins or the tavern on the handbill.
"I do, however, know every bend of that river from source to mouth," she says, referring to the map.
The Mayor Uptal is nervous. Twitching, darting his eyes between those who are speaking. You don’t get the sense that he is trying to hide anything from the group or is guilty of something, but he is wanting to hurry the group along. Maybe to remove those who could talk about what had happened this week with the retrieval of the everflame.
Looking to those who are speaking, his eyes fall on Jhessa; “Yes, yes, yes. You might be right.” he turns away from the Cleric of Shelyn; “Guidance is needed for this task. There does appear to be more than I had first imagined.” Brushing his hand around his full beard; “Take all the time you need. Aldmus will be key in helping us clear the tomb, but we have these around us who will take care of what remains.” as he motions to the mentors.
When Esgean mentions the handbill and meeting at “The Lady’s Shield-Hand,” Sir Dramott speaks up; “Where? What handbill? Let me see it.” As he reads the note Sir Dramott is shaking his head; “There isn’t any information here other than a meeting place.” taking one of the coins, if offered, he flips it over in his hand; “The Lady’s Shield-Hand” is a tavern in Vigil near the southgate. And this” holding up the coin; “Is a coin minted in Vigil.” Handing the coin back; “I don’t know what this means, but I fear that the Empty Hand tribe making it here is not the worst of it.”
"I do, however, know every bend of that river from source to mouth," she says, referring to the map.
Jhessa smiles at Esgean's response, not arrogant, simply a statement of fact. She's glad of the other girl's practicalities, something she is uncomfortably aware of that she lacks.
Also somewhat uncomfortable, she suspects, judging by his slightly hurried response, is Mayor Uptal. She wasn't necessarily expecting such an easy concession in response to her - she feels - well-balanced argument; indeed though the response is positive it felt not dissimilar to being dismissed out of hand. Perhaps the additional information being presented now has rattled him but either way she senses he's quite keen to wrap up the conversation.
As Sir Dramott weighs in on the matter of the coins and the handbill, it strongly suggests that Vigil would make a sensible first stop in trying to unravel the mystery. "Thank you, Sir Dramott, that's extremely interesting to know. It feels like we should head to Vigil then."
Jhessa yawns, arching her back and covering her mouth. It's an exaggerated movement, though she truly is bone-weary so it doesn't require a degree of acting talent that she doesn't possess. "I do beg your pardon," she says, initially to Sir Dramott and dipping a brief curtsey in apology. She then turns to face the mayor. "I can only speak for myself, Mayor Uptal, but I really am very tired. I'm sure you can all understand that it has been a long and trying few days for us. I completely appreciate it has been very important to speak to us all now and there has been a lot for everyone to take in. Perhaps some time to process and reflect would be prudent? There will, I'm sure be plenty of further discussion to come, but right now I could really use some sleep." And she really is tired, she could see the exhaustion in her eyes and her paler-than-usual skin when she looked in the mirror. She tries to lean into this, huddling into herself to try and remind the assembled adults of her youth and physical smallness. There, she thinks, satisfied that should give you a way out.
Nodding; “Right. You must be tired. Father Prasst, you tend to their wounds.” looking to the group; “Do what you must to prepare, but I ask that you keep what happened within the tomb to yourselves. We do not want to start more of a panic than needed. I need to figure out what to tell the people of Kassen.”
With that, Mayor Uptal leaves. Aldmus and Holgast follow behind along with Arnama catching up to speak with the mayor.
Jimes stands in disbelief while Sir Dramott continues to look over the map deep in thought.
Olmira approaches Esgean; “She will be well” the woman says as she scratches behind the cats right ear, cupping her head in her hand. Lowering her voice she begins speaking in a language no one else knows except Esgean.
“It is our call to keep the purity of nature in order. Those, undead, are a blight to the things we hold do precious.” placing a loving hand on Esgean
Father Prasst spends the evening tending to Felix and Rejke’s illness.
Jhessa inclines her head in acknowledgement and to bid farewell as the mayor and some of the others depart.
"Father," she addresses the priest, "are you able to send word to my parents that I am well and will see them in the morning please? I don't want them to worry but right now I'd just like to relax and sleep."
To Esgean, Felix and Kevan she says, "I suppose tomorrow we'd also better start working out a plan: sort out any supplies we need, see if we can find out any more about these different threads we have, and ensure that things are in place for Kassen's tomb to be restored. Shall we meet for a meal at highsun?" She smiles at Esgean, echoing the girl's mentor's words, "Rejke will indeed be fine. And you too, Felix." Jhessa has complete faith that Father Prasst will be able to nurse them back to full health.
Kevan goes up to Jimes, ”What do you think? Should we go grab a pint?” As he asks as he tries to pick the other halflings pocket taking advantage of Jimes’ apparent distraction.
When he gets caught, he smiles sheepishly, ”I’m tired. That pint?”
Esgen had gone numb recounting the harrowing journey and the then being forced to think with a level head about coins and maps and taverns. But when Olimra offered her soft wisdom the young druid buried her face in her mentors robe, embracing her as if to hold onto the only milepost in the wilderness.
She nodded and gave Rejke some love before returning to her family for the evening, quietly eating while listening to her father and brother tell her of their relative boredom since she left, while encouraging her to be what her mother would have wanted her to be: a free spirit.
Balancing these ideals she eventually returns to her first thoughts; she would remain true to her friends, and fight with them, and die with them if it came to it.
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Satisfied that they will reconvene on the morrow, Jhessa hugs each of her companions in turn, quietly noting their reaction, and bids them all goodnight.
Retracing her steps back to her chamber, she knocks lightly on the adjoining door to Isa's room. She has to shush her friend as she excitably throws her arms around Jhessa and is forced to take a couple of steps back to keep her balance under the force of the crushing embrace. "Thank Sarenrae, you're back!" she exclaims. "I was so worried when we heard someone had been killed and we've all been stuck down here while you've been having your meeting. Not that it stopped Arrol from trying to eavesdrop but I think there must have been magical wards as he said he couldn't hear a word." Isa lets go of the smaller girl and steps back, locking her big brown eyes on Jhessa's blue ones. "What happened, Jhess?" she asks.
Jhessa flops down onto her bed and beckons for her friend to sit next to her. Isa hops up, folding her legs under herself as Jhessa talks her through everything that had happened. The younger girl is an attentive audience despite Jhessa's heartfelt yet perfunctory storytelling, and she gasps and cheers in all the right places. For the first time in a long time Jhessa is truly able to relax, able to be honest and unload all of her worries, knowing her friend will just listen and support her and right now that means the world to her.
She skirts around their new mission, simply saying that Kassen's ghost had spoken of further quests and adding - not untruthfully - that she doesn't exactly know what will happen next. Jhessa has been rooming with Isa for a year now and she trusts the other girl absolutely but she doesn't want to unduly worry her friend and would prefer to give her the full picture once the details have been ironed out.
Telling the story and being in the company of someone she knows well has given Jhessa a second - or even third, at this point she's lost track - wind and time seems to fly. However, after they have been talking for closer to two hours than one, she is struggling to stifle increasingly frequent yawns. "Sorry, Jhess, you must be exhausted," Isa says apologetically, burying her head in Jhessa's tangle of blonde curls and indulging in another long hug before retreating to the door to the adjacent chamber. "I'm just glad you're back. Sleep well." Jhessa manages a small smile, "Trust me, I will."
Alone, Jhessa considers on how lucky she is to have such a good friend and hopes that in time she will get to know her new companions just as well. She's already confident that they will look after and protect each other but she always wants to get under the skin and understand them better on a personal level. Well, it looks like we'll have plenty of time for that, she reflects.
She pulls her dancing dress over her head - as she suspected, there will be no dancing tonight - before hanging it back up neatly on her clothes rail, and slipping on her nightdress. She washes her face and hands and pulls a brush repeatedly through her hair. The familiar beauty routine gives her a sense of normality that has been lacking in the last few days and she recites a simple prayer of thanks to Shelyn as she performs it. Just as she is about to get into bed, Jhessa notices that the flowers in her vase had started to look a bit sad, so with a few words and a touch of her finger the roses immediately perk up and release a waft of scent, as if to signal her goddess' approval. Feeling decidedly warm and fuzzy as this time she does climb wearily into bed, her golden hair unfurls across the pillow as she falls instantly into a deep, mercifully dreamless slumber.