ssshhh...
...ssssshhhhh...
Vekka has dreams of Nethys, which for some reason become particularly chaotic towards the end of the night.
Suddenly jolted awake by Lan, Kazuki gazes at him in confusion. He then hears the footsteps. Or is it just the wind gently banging a branch against the side of the house?
"What is that? What's going on?"
He grabs his wakizashi on the floor next to him, jumps to his feet, then glances about in an attempt to find where the sound is coming from.
There is a blood-curdling scream!
Auntie Wu's House is Haunted!
Everyone looks over at the door - CLICK - did it just lock itself!?
"Auntie Wu! Your house is haunted!"
Sigurd dreams of an armor-clad warrior wielding a glowing glaive that shines in the sunlight. She cuts through a swath of demon hordes with a single swipe. The huddled masses thank her profusely, but she simply raises a finger to her lips as she fades from their vision.
Kolphanir, she has saved us!
Maybe we hallucinated?
She bid us to be quiet. Just say it is a secret...
The survivors mumble amongst themselves just as a scream rings out.
He groans awake. "Wh-what is it?"
Well, Kazuki's nerves were already rattled from the crimson mist, but now, it's really bad.
He grabs his head as the scream wracks his mind with excruciating pain...
"Aaaaauuuuugggghhhh!!!"
Hai Er-Hua begins to DIE of FRIGHT!!!
Hai Er-Hua and Darius pass out - the color in their skin sheet white - their little hearts overshocked!
⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕
BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Door to Auntie Wu's House: Locked (Interact to Unlock) and Shut (Interact to open after unlocked)
Haunt ID: Religion (Trained, DC 15), Occultism (Trained, 15)
Disable Haunt: ??
Lan @ Fatigued @ x damage
Kazuki @ Fatigued, Frightened 2, Unarmored @ x damage
Darius @ Unarmored, Unconscious, No weapons, Dying 2
Hai Er-Hua @ Unarmored, Unconscious, Weapons stowed, Dying 2
"Wind" or "Voices"
Auntie Wu @ Fatigued, Prone, Unarmored, Weapons stowed @ save pending
Sigurd @ Fatigued, Prone, Unarmored, Weapons stowed @ 3 damage
Vekka @ Fatigued, Prone, Unarmored, Weapons stowed @ save pending
⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕
"Disembodied Voices"
Disable DC 17 Religion (trained) to ward yourself from evil or DC 18 Performance to drown out the spirits' voices
⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕
The Party is Up!
"Who still LIVES and doesn't DIE!!!"
The wind picks up - all of Auntie Wu's belongings are swept as massive currents break the cloth covering the windows and strew about light weight objects!
Kazuki is unable to see anything, even as his ears bleed!
Vekka starts awake to some loud noise and deep confusion. He's a deep sleeper, so he may not have properly heard whatever it was that roused him.
What is going on?
First he looks around to get his bearings. Standing up immediately doesn't seem prudent at first. Where is the trouble coming from?
He feels weighed down by the fog of interrupted deep sleep.
Then he grasps for his sword where it lay nearby his bedding, and stands up.
He can see some of his companions are already at it though, and sees Hai Er-Hua and Darius on the ground. Still asleep or incapacitated?
"Hold fast, everyone!" Sigurd sees his brother and his protector, unmoving and pale.
"Shizuru, give us the courage to last to the morning dawn." His Divine Font unleashes a wave of sunlight.
---
The spirits screech at Sigurd's use of divine energy!
"Ha HA! You cannot exorcise us. Come, let us into your Mind!"
Sigurd frowns as he realizes something unnatural has resisted his efforts. "No, we will not."
Lan bides his time. Vekka prepares himself, standing, then sees Sigurd revive both Hai Er-Hua and Darius.
Auntie Wu reels from the deadly whispers in her mind!
⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕
BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Door to Auntie Wu's House: Locked (Interact to Unlock) and Shut (Interact to open after unlocked)
Haunt ID: Religion (Trained, DC 15), Occultism (Trained, 15)
Disable Haunt: ??
Kazuki @ Fatigued, Frightened 2, Unarmored @ -12 damage, +8 healing
Auntie Wu @ Fatigued, Prone, Unarmored, Weapons stowed @ save pending
Lan @ Fatigued @ -12 damage, +8 healing
Darius @ Unarmored, Unconscious, No weapons, Wounded 1, +8 healing
Hai Er-Hua @ Unarmored, Unconscious, Weapons stowed, Wounded 1, +8 healing
"Wind" or "Voices" @ no damage
Sigurd @ Fatigued, Prone, Unarmored, Weapons stowed @ -3 damage, +8 healing
Vekka @ Fatigued, Prone, Unarmored, Weapons stowed @ -7 damage, +8 healing
⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕
"Disembodied Voices"
Disable DC 17 Religion (trained) to ward yourself from evil or DC 18 Performance to drown out the spirits' voices
⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕ ⚕⚕⚕
Auntie Wu and Lan are Up!
|
VITALITY LASH [◆◆] CANTRIP 1
CANTRIP CONCENTRATE MANIPULATE VITALITY
Traditions divine, primal
Range 30 feet; Targets 1 creature that is undead or otherwise has void healing
Defense Fortitude
You demolish the target’s corrupted essence with energy from Creation’s Forge. You deal 2d6 vitality damage with a basic Fortitude save. If the creature critically fails the save, it is also enfeebled 1 until the start of your next turn.
Heightened (+1) The damage increases by 1d6.
Am I reading that right?
"Aaaugh!" Auntie Wu's startled cry of pain joins the chorus of everyone else's as she's jolted from her slumber. While she's still reeling, processing, Sigurd heals everyone and her mind clears just in time to hear a creepy disembodied voice taunt: "Ha HA! You cannot exorcise us. Come, let us into your Mind!" All the hairs on her body stand straight up. What kind?! What do we do?!
"Everyone! Pray! It'll ward you from the evil! Or shout real loud to drown it out! Or both!"
Still lying tangled in her blankets, she grabs her shield and begins praying. Loudly.
She's trying too hard for formal wording, which is not her specialty, so the prayer falls flat.
Auntie Wu - proud owner of a Haunted House - consults her knowledge of the spiritual, and tries to exorcise those inside...
Darius freezes in place - panic courses through his body!
Hai Er-Hua keeps her eyes closed, hoping it'll all just go away...
Lan!
"Mewling. Ha ha ha HA! Your god has no power over us! Not Here! Not now! You don't even know where and when you ARE! Ha ha ha HA!!!"
Seeing as everyone is okay, Lan will make a hand sign to ward off the haunt.
◆◆ vs DC 18
◆ Glass Shield
"Fumeiyoshi - NO!"
Terrified of Lan's hand sign, the remaining spirits run off screaming!
Auntie Wu's house settles completely (for now...), and with only a couple hours left, the group takes a moment to brush themselves off...
Party Status
Kazuki @ Fatigued, Frightened 2 @ -4
Auntie Wu @ Fatigued @ Full
Lan @ Fatigued @ -4
Darius @ Full
Hai Er-Hua @ -6
Sigurd @ Fatigued @ Full
Vekka @ Fatigued @ Full
...they hesitate to bed themselves for the remaining couple hours, taking a moment to discuss.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Fumeiyoshi - NO!"
Terrified of Lan's hand sign, the remaining spirits run off screaming!
Why would Lan use- Fumeiyoshi?
Sigurd did pray to Shizuru, and Auntie Wu asked Pharasma to help, but the spirit resisted. Maybe those were not the deities to appeal to.
"Excellent work, Lan. I am in awe of your divine expertise. How did you know Fumeiyoshi was their weakness? I have much to learn..."
Once he has an answer, he turns to his young brother Darius and Hai Er-Hua. "Are you two alright?" He sees the signs of mental stress wounding them and frowns. "Can anyone help them?"
Sigurd is glad he didn't have to unsheath his weapon, for once. "Auntie Wu, thank you once again for letting us rest here. How many more monsters would have ambushed us had we slept outside?" He hesitates. "As soon as we reach the Matsuki Estate, we should look for your family. I... forgot they live elsewhere."
Once the thrill of battle dies down, Sigurd rests until sunrise.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Well, I figured that it takes one to know one, you know ... ha ha ha ..." Lan looks around nervously. "An evil thing wouldn't be scared of good, because, that's what they do, they fight evil. But an evil thing might be scared of an evil thing!"
Lan encourages everyone to finish their rest.
Lan will alternate breathing fire on Kazuki and Hai-Er Hua and Refocus as they're sleeping.
Healed by the power of Pheonix, Kazuki stays up while the rest get their final wee hours.
5th Watch (2hrs) @ Kazuki
Awakening to dawn fully rested, and with their Harrowing Experiences strengthening their Resolve!
After the early morning fright, Kazuki wakes feeling a bit better, however, he's still a bit nervous about all of the hauntings and evil creatures roaming about.
"Thank you for the hospitality and a place to rest, Auntie." he says with a bow. He then bows to Lan.
"And thank you, Lan, for the flame bath."
|
|
Lan is Auntie Wu's new favorite person. She is utterly, completely relieved that he banished the creepy voice from her house. "Yes, thank you, Lan," she gushes breathlessly. She takes several minutes to smudge some sage and prepare her tea for the morning before lying down to her rest. She doesn't sleep well; mostly she just lies there trying to meditate, sometimes drifting in and out of a shallow slumber. Normally picturing herself ambling through the forest is a calming exercise, but tonight she cannot keep the red mist and haunting voices at bay, even in her mind.
That was impressive Lan. Vekka remarks as he looks longingly at his bedroll.
Given what's going on around this town I have a feeling we're going to need those skills again.
Sigurd's dreams continue as he witnesses the angelic figure on another battlefield. But she is not on the frontlines. Golden chains keep her bound to a rock, even as demons rage around her.
And yet, her smile indicates her pride. Three figures stand in front of her. Darius, now a young man, directs various Nephilim from all corners to support the populace. Sheela calls upon the forces of Elysium and the First World to support the forces.
And Sigurd realizes the angel is pointing at him. He looks at his katana, much fancier and ornate than before. His armor shows the scars of battle, yet it feels so strong. The light of Shizuru shines upon him from above, and with a single stroke of his katana he cuts through a demon who dared to threaten the safety of the world.
The first rays of sunlight wake Sigurd up, and he simply yawns. "Blessed be, morning dawn." He checks his katana, no longer shining brightly with Shizuru's blessings. He smiles, though. He knows that shine will return when it is ready. For now, he takes a few practice swings and exercises a quiet kata. Everyone needs to reserve their strength today...
Lan takes all of his teammates' kind words to heart as he drifts off for the final watch. Dreams of Fumeiyoshi's hand signs haunt his dreams - ghostly hands rise from the ground, protecting Lan, but providing no comfort.
YOU ARE NOTHING WITHOUT ME, a pan-directional voice echoes throughout Lan's mind. I CAN GRANT YOU POWERS THAT OTHERS CANNOT.
Lan begins running, but ghostly hands grab at his ankles as he sprints.
ABANDON ME AND DIE, the voice warns. Lan feels his shoes fill with pebbles, making every stride excruciatingly difficult. He stumbles, and the hands catch him, hauling him to the ground, and then beyond the ground - the hands pull his face beneath the surface, into darkness.
Lan snaps awake. It is daytime.
Despite the disturbing dream, and even though it is only a few hours' rest, Lan feels more refreshed after than he did for the first part of the night. He wakes up feeling stronger and more skillful. He has a renewed willingness to survive combat.
And he's pretty sure he knows how to do some magic he couldn't before - he can dispel magic and channel his fire into scorching rays. Moreover, he feels like if he tried hard enough, he'd be able to see the unseen.
He also feels a pebble in his shoe. It's an unusual shape for a pebble - it's a pearly white spindle-shaped stone, which Lan keeps in his pocket.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
That familiar eerie fog - the Mirage Mist - greets the PCs as they awake, limiting visibility beyond the immediate area surrounding Auntie Wu's home...
➤ No visibility beyond 500 feet
➤ Concealment past 100 feet
➤ Visual Perception checks -1 status penalty
➤ Sense Direction DCs +5 difficulty
...never-the-less, the party soon arrives at Matsuki Estate (W6)...
Auntie Wu @ Sense Direction
Ho Lan @ Scout
Kazuki @ Search
Sigurd @ Defend
Vekka @ Avoid Notice
The Matsuki estate is a blur of activity. Many rooms have been cleared and converted into workshops, medical stations, or sleeping quarters. The only pocket of relative calm is in the banquet hall. Here, sitting with other major figures of south Willowshore, listens patiently to all the reports coming in - farmers and city-workers, old and young, wounded and healthy, people from many walks converge to speak with the patriarch. And when he notices the you, he pauses a moment, squinting his eyes to first observe and then recognize your faces from afar, and beckons you to join him...
...food and water is brought, and the following topics are discussed - topics to which Old Matsuki refers to as "Complications":
➤ Trouble Contacting Northridge
➤ Ugly Cute is Gone
➤ Farmlands Overrun
➤ The Unlit Lantern
➤ People are Still Missing
Even with the monsters that had encamped Dawnstep Bridge removed, easy access to Granny Hu and her Trade Post (her "War Room") is blocked by Downtown being claimed by monsters. Old Matsuki admits he has his differences with Granny Hu, but making contact with her and providing available aid to Northridge is important. However, with all he needs to do here, and nevermind being shorthanded and stretched thin, nobody seems up to the task...
Old Matsuki notes that several refugees have seen a horse-sized spider made of stone striding through the mist, and he believes Willowshore’s stone guardian (who up until this moment you believed to be merely a statue!) has awakened to defend the town (you can confirm this theory by reporting the missing statue). He plans on recruiting the hunters from the Silvermist Lodges (W5) to track down Ugly Cute to provide aid to the guardian beast, but currently, the hunters are busy saving townsfolk in the streets...
Gremlin Posses are reported to be ransacking farms and burning crops - Old Matsuki explains that about half of his people are off either putting out fires, fighting off the arsonists, or both, noting that most of the people of Southbank are not trained for combat and armed with farming implements. There have been fewer casualties than expected, as the gremlins soon run off and repeat their tactics against another farm (preferring that to direct engagement), but this is offset by the sheer devastation done to Willowshore's food supply, foretelling a deadly winter ahead! He is hoping someone with military experience can lend a hand...
Old Matsuki suspects that the cause of the strange weather affecting Willowshore (and thus an important step in retaking the town) is tied to the fact that, for the first time since it was lit generations ago, the Eternal Lantern (W11) has gone dark. He knows the history of the Eternal Lantern and shares with the PCs the story of how Master Zhi Hui first lit the lantern using three blessed copper coins. To relight the lantern and, hopefully, bring an end to the strange mist and unsettling crimson moonlight, the blessing of three gods must be obtained by visiting three different shrines and offering a copper coin to receive the blessing. He is hoping someone of faith (or three people!) can lend their support...
Last but not least, he explains that not everyone has yet been accounted for, alive or dead, within the entirety of Southbank. He has a list of a couple homes / homesteads that have yet to be accounted for, and is hoping to send a some able-bodied folk when he can muster the strength to do so...
Out a proper tea cup, the venerable man that sits before you sips a cold smelly drink which is clearly not tea. His body, though in the elder twilight of his life, appears to be rather sturdy, perhaps from years of pickling from the inside out. Loud and expressive with his hands, Shou "Old" Matsuki - who insists on being simply referred to as - somehow retains a sense of humor despite the leadership mantle he seems to have fallen into saddles him with a never-ending stream of "Complications" which are in need of being solved - and he finds himself shorthanded. You sense that beneath the belligerent veneer, however, a soft-hearted man worries for his fellow people, frustrated that he must remain here instead of venturing outside of his hand-built mansion (that yes he built himself!) to confront the situation in a more direct manner...
➤ Level: Two (Base DC 16)
➤ Complexity: One round to start. If you solve another "Complications", you "earn" another round!
➤ Timeframe: 1 hour
➤ Resistance / Weakness: Unknown
➤ List of Discovery Skills: Perception, Alcohol Lore, plus others
➤ List of Influence Skills: Diplomacy, Willowshore Lore, plus others
The Matsuki estate looks good. They were able to set up watches and fortify themselves well. Mr. Matsuki, er, Shou, is looking good despite his drinking issues.
"Auntie Wu, is your family here? If not, maybe we should search for those who are still missing, and check your home along the way."
When Shou calls them over, Sigurd bows respectfully before sitting down. "Greetings, Shou. It is good to see you again despite these troublesome times."
"I wish I could regale you with tales from the Reenactment Festival. But when we awoke, we were off route and beset by horrid beasts, thirsting for our blood. By the time we reached the town gates, the guards had already been overrun. The constable Peng and his police had already been captured and beaten badly. We faced a horrid beast that was... too drunk to coordinate its defenses." Sigurd's gaze lingers too much on a few of the bottles by Shou.
"Nonetheless, we are willing to help in any way we can. We have already spoken to Granny Hu. She is helping those North of the river. If we can deliver any messages of import, we will help."
"But... I would like to look for missing persons first. It's easy to get lost in this crimson mist, and we were beset several times on our way over here. I am glad to have found my younger brother Darius, but sister Sheela is still unaccounted for. And Auntie Wu is looking for her family as well. I'd like to make this our priority if possible."
Sigurd realizes he may have been too eager in his request.
Vekka walks through the door frame and a shudder travels up his body and he shakes his feathers out. It's then that you note a couple of new spell feathers amongst his natural ones. These are blue , as opposed to the green and yellow ones.
It seems like Old Matsuki has his own command station, like Granny Hu's. Perhaps we can run messages and supplies between them. Vekka remarks to his companions while they are still out of earshot of the elder.
--------------------
Stepping up next to Sigurd, the tengu chuckles lightly.
The Reenactment Festival. That seems like a distant memory now.
Straightening up his expression to get down to business, Vekka offers his input.
Finding lost townspeople is of utmost importance. I agree it comes first... until the communication between North and South can accelerate the remainder of the recoveries. Lets see how easy it goes one-and-a-time and when that becomes slow.
Kazuki feels like a completely new person upon awaking. He no longer feels afraid of the crimson mist. In fact, he glares at it through the window with a lip curled in contempt, his willpower much stronger now. His friends have taught him so much these past few days; he has a newfound respect for the various religions worshipped in the area and feels a bit more knowledgeable about them.
Also, having spent a lot of time traveling throughout the town to find the way, he has learned how to follow landmarks and buildings more precisely and has learned a lot more about the town of Willowshore itself.
He has also practiced with his shield quite a bit and is more skillful in using it to defend himself.
Heading out from Auntie's with the group to the Matsuki Estate, Kazuki stops at the river to relieve himself. Upon finishing, he unsheathes his wakizashi and unceremoniously tosses it into the river.
"That old, chipped blade was bad luck anyway."
----------------------------------------------
Kazuki bows to Shou as he steps forward to address the old man.
"Mister Shou, sir. I am Kazuki Sato. Hunter of Southbridge. There is no need to recruit the Silvermist Hunters. I trained with them years ago and know their ways. I am skillful at hunting and tracking." Kazuki puffs out his chest with his head held high in confidence.
"I shall be the one to track down Ugly Cute and aid the guardian..."
With a sweep of his arm, he gestures towards his teammates.
"...with the help of my friends, of course."
"However, I agree with my friends, Sigurd and Vekka; we must find the missing townsfolk first and be sure they are safe."
With a bow, he steps back into line.
Darius runs ahead to join Sheela ahead "Where did you run off to!?" she scolds "I tried to find you!" he defends - they embrace Sigurd and each other in reunion!
Auntie Wu and Kazuki discover that their entire families are not yet accounted for... their meeting with Shou soon confirms...
"Ah" Shou "Old" Matsuki takes another sip of his tea "Where did I write it down..." he seems to be looking for a specific parchment, lost amid a pile on the banquet hall table "Nevermind, I can remember, please give me a moment..." He takes a moment - several in fact - consulting a memory that seems vast if disorganized as the parchments strewn about... but comes to enumerating the missing people ... including...
among others!!!
"I can provision you with weapons and supplies" he sets various arms upon the table "This is what we can spare" he seems satisfied with the party's developing decision to search for their missing loved ones, but also impresses his own importance on one "Complication" specifically "The Eternal Lantern must be Re-Lit! Only then can we move forward as a town to prepare for the Winter" and finally "As well as position ourselves to Solve these other Complications..." he begins to repeat himself going over them again, showing his personal priorities (after locating the "People are Still Missing") to be roughly:
➤ The Unlit Lantern
➤ Farmlands Overrun
➤ Ugly Cute is Gone
➤ Trouble Contacting Northridge
He looks towards Auntie Wu and Lan, unsure what to make of them yet...
Vekka furrows his brow a bit and scratches the underside of his beak thoughtfully.
Interesting. He doesn't believe contact with Northridge to help with the other complications.
Then, tangentially he becomes curious about Shou's tea.
That doesn't look like anything Jubei and I have shared.
Sigurd considers looking for a shortbow. "Kazuki Sato, I... would like to use another weapon when we are at range. Shizuru's teachings keep me busy, but I think I have a better grasp of more... military weapons besides my katana." He reaches for a weapon and a set of arrows. "I'd be honored if you and the Silvermist Hunters can give me a few tips on my aim..."
"Sister Sheela." Sigurd gives his family a tight hug. For a brief moment he releases some stress. "It is good to see both of you are safe."
Sheela grins. "Told ya the Reenactment Festival would be exciting!" Her grin fades a bit. "I wish it wasn't so dangerous. Obviously I can't work at the Thrice-Blessed Inn until this is over. At least Shou knows some good drinks." Darius is confused for a bit.
Sigurd sighs. "While I am happy you are here, I must depart once again. There are other families that are less fortunate." He takes a glance at Katsuki and Auntie Wu. "Stick together and help the manor in any way that you can. We will dispel the horrors that plague Willowshore."
"Good luck, brother!" Darius gives a hug. "I know you'll help them like you helped me. I'll keep sister under control." The brothers share a knowing smile.
"Under control of what?" Sheela pouts. She reaches for a bottle, unable to find it before grunting in frustration. "Come on protector, we have to clean some of the bedrooms today." She drags Darius away as he chuckles and waves goodbye to Sigurd.
Sigurd waves goodbye. Once his siblings are out of sight, he pulls out Darius's gift. A half-consumed bottle of sake he swiped from Sheela when they hugged. Darius will make a fine man some day.
Sigurd hopes he can live long enough to see it.
|
|
Shortly after arriving at Matzuki Estate, Auntie Wu spotted her son, Qi, and his husband, Gao, but not her granddaughters. Before she could go speak to them, the group was whisked away to speak to Shou. She tried so hard to tell herself that the girls were just off playing with some other children in a safe room somewhere in the house, but when Shou informs her that Midori and Miyuki are among the 14 missing people, her blood turns to ice. It takes several moments of deep breathing before the roaring in her ears ceases before the fact that Kazuki's mother is also missing sinks in. She reaches over to grip his hand and gives him a steely look. "We'll find them."
The conversation continues, with Auntie Wu absorbing as much as possible and speaking little until Shou makes eye contact, waiting for her input. Taking a deep breath, she begins: "Re-lighting the Eternal Lantern is also a priority of ours. We already have two blessed copper coins, and are working out how to get the third. Obviously we have a personal interest in locating our family members first." She pauses, watching his reactions before sighing and continuing. "Few people will have the foresight to think about the long game when there are so many immediate emergencies. I understand why you want to prioritize protecting our farms. Finding Ugly Cute will help free up resources to do so with greater efficiency." She continues to watch Shou, hoping to get a read on how he's processing this conversation. She's known him for decades, but not well or deeply.
Shou "Old" Matsuki takes another sip of his tea
"Auntie Wu." Sigurd looks at the woman. "I am ashamed to admit, I never asked about your family. How many? What they look like. You've seen my younger brother Darius. Sister Sheela is also here." Anything to grant her calm and focus.
"All of us emigrated from Ustalav. My mother was from Willowshore, and she brought her teachings of Shizuru to my father, a blacksmith. Like moths to a flame, their lives intertwined and bore the three of us. I enjoyed watching father forge weapons, and mother's teachings always inspired me to do what I could for the community."
He sighs and calms himself. "My parents said it was their destiny to fight a demon full of pestilence that would infect the region had they not stepped in and slain it. My mother... made a sacrifice I will never forget. Her health degraded for months, but she told me to never lose faith. She said a guardian angel will guide her and continue watching over us in her stead."
"My father was still alive when he told us to return to Willowshore. But I could see disease and grief taking its toll on him. He didn't have much time left." Sigurd grows silent for a moment. "We all had the same dream, even young Darius: An angel inviting us to Willowshore. Asking us to continue protecting the innocent. Sheela volunteered to travel first, she's very impulsive." He chuckles to restore some of his confidence.
"Matsuki, yourself, and the missing folk of Willowshore- we must find them. We will protect them. You have my word." Sigurd nods solemnly. "My parents would want it this way. I am certain your family is thankful for your efforts as well."
Kazuki's heart sinks into his gut upon hearing the bad news.
”Mama? No. Not mama."
His eyes go wide in panic.
"We must find everyone! Especially my mama."
He feels Auntie's hand take his hand. He gives it a small shake in acknowledgment and gives her a warm smile.
"My mama is a strong woman. I'm sure she's alright. But, I am worried, of course, for her and the other townsfolk."
|
|
As the talk continues, Auntie Wu pulls a small-ish gourd from her pack and sips, considers a moment, then takes a long pull. Replacing it, she then drinks from her waterskin. After a few deep, calming breaths, she replies to Sigurd's request for a description of Midori and Miyuki. "They are young girls, 7 and 9 or so. They've been growing so fast it's hard to keep up. They're about the same height. Midori's older, muscular, with long hair. She's more perceptive than most kids her age. Miyuki has short hair and a willowy build. She's a resourceful one. They'll be okay. They'll be okay."
"Shou 先生," Lan addresses respectfully (), "We are in the process of re-lighting the lantern as we speak. In order to do so, we need to locate more shrines to the gods. Would you be able to direct us to some?"
Vekka grows silent as Sigurd and Auntie Wu continue to talk about their families. He softly repeats her self-soothing line.
They'll be okay...
People need hope.