Q'Barra: Into the Emerald Forest - Part II

[Dayspire]

Erin retracts her claws

Erin's gaze locks onto Matilda's through Sanae's outburst and Dargin's story. You would almost think that a chill has settled over the plantation. Erin is the first to break it, as her eyes shift to the halfling.

"I... we... welcome your aid, Dargin. But I fear we must not tarry if we are to have a chance of saving our comrades." She looks back at Matilda. "As for you... If your skills are as sharp as your tongue, we all might survive this. Be welcomed." The last is said with much difficulty and a glance to Sanae.

 

[Urko]

The party expands

The party expands
Kolbek watches the interchange between the human women with an look somewhere between annoyance and amusement. He is about to interject something when Dargin launches into his lengthy description of his dream vision. Kolbek stares at the halfling shaman speechlessly, while the two watchmen lower their weapons in awe (or perhaps bewilderment would be more accurate).

”Very well. If these newcomers want to help out, they’re welcome to do so. Just as well, with you folks being short handed now.” He frowns and chews the end of his moustache. ”One thing, though. They didn’t sign a contract with me, so if you bring them in, it’s your affair – you can subcontract or make whatever agreement you want with them.”

He is about to leave when a young human male comes sprinting down the path. ”Mr. Novilderth, sir, we’ve found a survivor. Nollis. But he’s badly hurt – better come quick.”

 

[Dayspire]

Erin

Erin looks at the messenger, her eyes wide. "Take us to him!"

Edited for Goof.

 

[Urko]

Nollis

I’m going to make what I hope is not an unwarranted assumption that everyone will follow. FYI, Erin, Nollis is the name of the hurt man, not the messenger.

The plantation worker leads the way back to the grounds and around to the back of the manor house. There is a small crowd gathered on the veranda. A table, no doubt set for the party’s breakfast, has been hastily cleared to make room for a middle aged human on a canvas stretcher. A taught-faced woman stands beside him, tightly gripping his hand. Several other workers stand by mutely.

Drawing nearer, it is difficult not to recoil from the horrific site. His face is literally in tatters and only one eye remains. His chest has been hastily wrapped with bandages, but they are soaked through. A blanket covers his mid section, but his abdomen bulges disturbingly. Miraculously, though, the man is still breathing weakly. A young dwarf girl, the same one who tended to the party last night, dabs at his forehead with a damp rag and whispers meaningless reassurances.

 

[Pebele]

(a slight backtrack to before the messenger came running...)

Sanae listened to the halfling carefully, and alternately looked between Erin and Matilda to make sure they were minding their manners. Is there always such pettiness between members of different Houses? By the Flame, this could get very tiring very quickly...

When Dargin had finished speaking, and Erin had said her piece, Sanae nodded and finally sheathed her weapon. "So it is settled then, Dargin, welcome back in to our team. We will catch you up on all that has happened later, after we deal with this current issue. Matilda, you are welcome to assist us in our mission. However, if you are to be part of the team, you will have to respect the other team members, I'll not have bickering distracting us from more important matters. She turned to Erin then. "Erin, I know I can count on you to fill in our new friends, you're much better at explaining matters than I."

Before any further discussion could take place, the messenger arrived and Sanae followed after he and Erin immediately.

When she saw the man on the stretcher, she swallowed back a dry heave. She focused on a spot on the table near his head, trying not to look directly at him. "Sir, I'm going to try to help you..." She then looked to the various people around the table, "Please, give me room, I'm going to try to help him..."

She quickly got in to position beside the wounded man, and clutched her arrowhead pendant in her left hand and closed her eyes, mouthing a prayer before placing her right hand on Nollis' chest.

If she is allowed, Sanae will use her Lay On Hands ability on Nollis.

 

[Yeoman]

(Continuing Sanae's quick backtrack)

After Sanae's verbal rubuke, Matilda turns to address Erin, "I'm sure you'll find my blade is far sharper than my wit, but I digress from the real point. Glad to make your acquaintance, Lady Erin.

After Sanae's speech about respect, Matilda addresses her as well, before they all follow the messenger about the survivor. "I'm sure Lady Knight, that you will find I have respect for all those who deserve it. But, truly I thank you for your lesson on mutual respect. I trust there will be no future issues because of you."

Upon seeing the wounded Nollis, Matilda is taken aback by the severity of the man's wounds. "Are there no healers among us? Can no one do anything to save this man?

 

[Dayspire]

Erin

Erin looks at Nollis with a blank expression on her face. He's not going to live, Sanae doesn't have the magic to bring someone back from that. Reminds me far too much of the War.

When she speaks, her voice is subdued. "Tell me what you need, Sanae - and I'll find it. Please do your best."

 

[SelcSilverhand]

Dargin looks upon the injured man with compassion and sorrow in his eyes. The injuries were terrible but there was still a spark of life left in his form. Seeing Sanae was already ministering to him, Dargin stood back and watched with interest. Learning from another healer's skills was always fascinating. He stands by in case she needs additional support.

 

[Urko]

Nollis speaks

Kolbek stands back, somewhat skeptically, while Sanae does her work. A silver glow spreads over the man’s body and some of the more severe injuries close up. He is still clearly in dire need of help, but his breathing is more regular now. When the paladin is finished, Kolbek presses forward and lays a hand gently on Nollis’ shoulder. ”Easy man, just rest.”

Nollis coughs violently, spotting those nearby with blood. He falls back wheezing. ”They were like...animals, sir. No...worse. Like demons. We were out checking the sluice gate on the fish ponds after the storm broke out. Davil heard a noise by the kef shed. Metal on metal, shrieks. We went to see – it was a couple of the new folk you hired. Young warrior and an oldster. Must have taken shelter in the shed when the rain hit. The devils had them surrounded, but that warrior fought like Dol Dorn himself. The dead were piled around him, but they just kept coming. The old man had no weapon, but he stood by the warrior and healed him as well as he could, but the lizardfolk were wearing him down faster than the old man could patch him back up. Davil ran up to help. What happened to him was...ugly. At least it was quick. After that some of the ones that had been tearing up crops broke off and came for the rest of us. You wouldn’t believe their fury. Half of them didn’t even have weapons...just dove in with claws and teeth. I was beating one away from Noena when two more jumped me from behind. That’s when that young warrior broke away from the shed and pulled them off of me. I fell in a ditch. When I woke up, the storm was gone and there was no one left. Not even...the dead.” He shudders and tries to grasp his throat. His coughing grows worse, becoming a convulsion. Several hands try to hold down him as he thrashes, moaning and foaming at the mouth. All too quickly Nollis is still once more.

 

[Dayspire]

Erin

Erin is quiet for a moment, staring at the still form of Nollis. She pulls her cloak about her as if suddenly chilled. Her voice is quiet and subdued.

"We must end this. For the sake of Light, we must end this." She turns to Sanae. "Sanae, lead us. This... murder... must be stopped."

ooc: Erin is ready to go. She'll follow the party as soon as they're ready.