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TEIS' LAB - LATE MORNING
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Narrator: It's been a frustrating couple of days. Supplies for her work were supposed to have come in by now, though for some reason the latest caravan responsible for transporting them simply hasn't arrived. Teis hasn't quite heard the buzz around town yet. Still, she doesn't want to break her working routine, so despite that, she's in her lab at her usual time, tinkering with her side-projects. Ant farms? Check. Miniature garden she's been using her nature magic to grow and tend to? Also check. The one and a half remains of Tarbin's cursed mana crystals? Safely stored away. The Soda Machine? On the main bench for now. Her Mana Condenser v2, v1 of which blown up? That's what she's currently working on!
Rondelethia has her own issues. Supplies aren't getting through, and her suppliers are getting antsy about even attempting deliveries. So prices are going up, which needs her to rebudget everything and..well, it's a nuisance. Rondelethia comes in to Teis's lab, with a small crate of supplies. Not delivered today, but in storage. Back-up supplies. There's no nearly enough as she'd like, since this was all stuff she'd been siphoning away from each delivery, and they've not been here long enough to build up enough of a back log, but it was something "Hey. Got you some of what you need" She pats the boxes "Make it last. We might not get more for a while" The magi-tech supplies are low weight, high value. Juicy targets.
Teis flips up her lenses, looking over at Rondelethia and the supplies briefly. "Oh, good. What happened, anyway?" Teis questions, picking up a mana crystal nearby for the time being. "Had to put things on the back burner... "
Rondelethia: "There's been an attack on the caravan running deliveries. Our consignment was taken. These are from storage" She gestures to the boxes "We don't have much, so you'll need to make them count. I don't know when we'll be getting more"
Teis: "An attack? That's awfully rude." Teis frowns. "I guess that's... Something we never had to deal with in Sarn."
Rondelethia: "Respite doesn't have a large standing army to deter such things. That's probably going to change, which..well, it means higher prices in the long run, paying for guards and such. There were also a number of people killed in the attack" She rubs her cheek "I'm sure once a caravan fails to report in, there'll be messages sent out, and it'll get cleared up, but in the meantime, you should budget what you've got"
Narrator: What little emotion was left in Teis' face rapidly drains upon hearing about the deaths. Despite not being responsible this time, she can't help but have feelings of her involvement with Melia come flooding back to her. "... Oh." She lowly voices. "... I. Um, I guess just forget I even complained." Teis goes quiet, save for the short incantation as she robotically holds up her crystal to her Mana Condenser. Nothing visually is apparently happening, though Teis waves the crystal around the Mana Condenser from all possible angles for the next few moments.
Rondelethia: "Our personal problems are still there, even if there's..bigger issues. Complaining about one, doesn't cheapen the other..but..what are you working on now?" She peers at the small apparent ritual that's going on.
Teis: "Just... Ever since Melia, that is, the elemental... I've been thinking about death a lot. It's... Not worth whatever they took." Teis sighs. "Just... Saving the Mana Condenser design into a schematic for when this version inevitably fails. I don't want to have to reverse-engineer version 3 out of version 2's remains like I had to do for this one... " Teis explains, with limited enthusiasm. She finishes waving the crystal around, finishing up with another incantation. Then, she places the crystal on the desk next to the Mana Condenser, where it projects the spitting image of the device in an illusionary form.
Rondelethia smirks a little at the illusion "Impressive, but you know there's pen and paper in the drawers too, right? I'll eventually have to draw this up on blueprints if it makes it that far." She teasing gently. Rondelethia is the one that has to translate all of the techno-wizardry into instructions that anyone can follow, it's not really Teis's 'job' "But, I suppose this is a step in the right direction. You'll put me out of a job yet"
Teis points her hand across the desk, clicking her fingers. She floats a small ntoepad from the desk, past herself and then to Della, depositing into her hands. "I did that already. This is version 1's remains. Re-constructing this version out of that was a nightmare... " Teis explains, looking to her crystal. "Can't exactly rotate a drawing. But this?" She reaches for the crystal, physically turning it around 180 degrees. "This? I can look at it from any angle I want. Much easier. And far less work to create."
Rondelethia: "I've read your notes before" She looks over them, and squints a few times "Well, I'll take some time today, and put all this down on paper. It might be less work to create, but if it can't be reconstructed from paper drawings then it's a problem" She hmms "And a proper drawing doesn't need rotating anyway" She's a little miffed even! "It's all basically step by step instructions on how to put the machine together"
Teis: "Don't catalogue that one." Teis requests, pointing her finger at the notepad, though not clicking yet, waiting to see how Della would respond first. "It exploded the first time I ran it, hence remains."
Rondelethia: "Do you know why it exploded?" She peers over it "Overheating somewhere? There's a lot of power going into a pretty small space..."
Teis lowers her finger. "Sort of. I know where the failure point was, and I know why it was, but not... How to fix it. I am, however, 98% certain that when I turn on version 2, it'll also explode, just... Somewhere else. Gonna take a lot of iterations until I get this right... These things usually take up entire rooms, and the smaller ones use very expensive components which we simply don't have... I'm having to make do with what we have. But... It's not easy."
Rondelethia: "Can you just reduce the power input? If it's a failure point issue, then just drop the power down low enough that it can't break, and keep an eye on where the strain is. I know you like doing things practically, but I'd prefer it if you were working in theory until you had some sort of belief that it would function. For a start, it's cheaper. I don't mind you using up materials, but at least try to theorycraft instead of throwing everything at the wall, and seeing what sticks"
Rondelethia: "I can make diagrams of all of this, lay out where everything is cleanly, so you can see where everything is moving against each other. That should help."
Teis: "I mean, I can, but... Not exactly dealing with regular power here. Magic is fickle, and doesn't like being stuffed into crystals... Prefers to permeate." Teis sighs, taking off her mana lenses properly now. "But... Honestly, I think I've just been... Looking at physical things too much. I think I'm getting burnt out... " Teis pauses, licking the back of her paw a couple of times and wiping her forehead. "Maybe if... Supplies are low, it's a good time for me to take a few days off?" Teis looks at Della expectantly.
Rondelethia: "Hey. I'm not your boss. You don't need to ask permission. I only have a problem when you use all this," She gestures about "For personal stuff too much, since, technically, that's embezzling funds. Just..don't...blow anything up, or try to break any deathcurses or something" She pokes Teis's nose "If you're taking a few days off, you are to relax, go...hang out with Enver or something."
Teis: "Yeah, I know, but I... Felt like... Asking." Teis' eyes cross to follow Della's incoming finger, blinking her eyes back into focus on Della's face the moment of contact. She steps forward, hugging Della. "Thanks Sis. I'm glad you're warming up to him."
Rondelethia accepts the hug, and returns it "I never didn't like him, but..you still have to tell Father" She gives her a squeeze
Teis: "Ah... Aaaaahh... Haaaa." Teis replies, holding the hug for another moment or so before breaking off. She moves to start putting away her mana lenses and protective equipment, simply letting the notion of telling Father hang.
Rondelethia doesn't push the point "Anyway. For the moment, shoo. Go..be immature and stuff. Leave me to worry about all the other problems"
Teis: "Hey, it's not like that. Just a little burnt out, mkay? Nothing more." Teis slightly pouts. "I'll be back with fresh eyes."
Rondelethia: "Nothing wrong with burning out. If I had someone to be immature with, I would, now, again. Enjoy your time off work"
Teis: "You have me. But I digress. Love you, Sis."
Rondelethia: "I know, love you too~"
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RESPITE LIBRARY - EARLY AFTERNOON
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Narrator: The caravan failing to get through was a major issue, as well as the reports of sickly plants, and indeed, an uptick in ill health in general. Ultimately however, it wasn't his role to 'interfere'. Merely report. It wasn't an easy position, but the Librarians having a staunch policy of only ever observing its what kept them safe, and able to record information in times of great stress. Which isn't to say that he was no help. The library was always a safe haven for any seeking or delivering information. Currently, Aurelius was hovering up in the beams of the building, inside, scritching a few more runes into the surface. With hostile magic outside, it was more important than ever to shore up the defences.
Dorri had been up in her tower for too long, it seems. With only trip down to pick up a pre-ordered supply drop at the base of the mountain a couple of months ago, it had been almost two seasons since she had set hoof in town. She was overdue for more supplies anyway, but the sight of the burnt caravan from her telescope accelerated her plans to come visit. Taking a particularly sheer path down the mountain to make sure no one was lying in wait for her, she found herself in town in the middle of the day. The fear in the air was palpable and with all of the gate guards extra busy and none she knew in sight, she continued into the town, unsure of who to talk to to find out what was going on.
Dorri soon found herself at the new library, it having been only being an idea of the newly arrived lorekeeper when she last visited. She pokes her head inside and looks around. "Loremaster?" she calls out. What was his name again? She couldn't remember, of course. It was a quick meeting last summer, so it had slipped her mind in the interim as the procession of the stars and planets in the sky had taking over their natural real estate in her mind over the intervening months.
Aurelius: "Ah, above you Dorri. If you can hold for just a moment" He takes a deep breath, and rubs his thumb over the rune, straining...and a tiny crumb of magic enlivens the rune. It's all he's capable of, but with it, another little stitch of power keeps everything together. As she waits, she could feel the difference, inside the library, the atmosphere is palpably different. There's a cool relaxing feel to the air, with none of the waft of the city, just that papery smell throughout. "My apologies" Aurelius lands down near his desk "The runes are rather taxing, but required"
Dorri nods. "I understand. I can lay some very basic ones. I don't have much talent for it, but it was just make stones more stony, so it's something they wanted to do anyway." She shakes her head a bit, the small smile on her face falling away. She approaches the desk and looks the avian over. "Forgive me, but your name has slipped my mind, Loremaster. I saw the burnt out caravan from my tower... what's going on?"
Aurelius: "Aurelius" He inclined his head "A caravan was indeed attacked recently. The contents stolen, and a number of people either hurt, or killed" He frowns gently "Details are scarce at this time, but I believe countermeasures are already being employed. This matter may escalate however. I would be concerned for your safety, as you are on your own"
Dorri sighs. "I feared as much. I should talk to a guard captain. I can see a lot from the tower, so maybe it would help?" She shakes her head. "I don't know how people handle this much excitement. I'm happy being a hermit up in my tower, so why do things have to keep happening and mess that up?"
Aurelius: "Those who don't have, wish to gain it. Some of those are not picky about who they hurt in the process" As to the other question "Information is always useful, but I would be afraid you may become a target. Wishing to help is admirable, but your own well-being must be considered too"
Dorri gives a little grunt and digs a hoof stubbornly at the floorboard. "I'd like to see them try to come at me. You think I've lived alone on a mountaintop most of my life without knowing how to fight? Nah. I'll do what I can to help. The problem is getting the information to the folks who need it. Still takes at least a day to get to town from there..."
Aurelius: "I don't doubt your ability, but one person is always vulnerable. There is a reason this library is not protected by just one spell" He chuckles "Well, the main one is I can only manged the most feeble of magics, but the metaphor still stands" He muses softly "There may be a way" He stands up from his desk, and walks down the aisles, pulling out a particular book "This book details a method of linking two parchments, such that what is written on one, is reflected on the other. The Loremasters use it to communicate, it does rely on the other side preparing their document again, after each message" Birdy grumbles "But if done so, I believe you could pass on a message. There are limitations, but the book explains it well"
Dorri cocks her head and eyes the book appraisingly. "Interesting. It would certainly help out. Of course I'll not be of any use if the guard don't want my help... I should go find Captain Louma..."
Aurelius: "If you wish, I could receive your reports, and give them out. You would need someone who knows to clean the receiving document in any case" He does not address the matter with Louma
Dorri gives a little nod. "Of course. I think that would be useful even beyond this current situation." She reaches into her shoulder bag and pulls out a large rolled starchart. "Here's my latest, by the way." She looks back to the book in the bird's hands. "Would you show me how to use it?"
Aurelius: "Of course" He opens the book to the relevant page, and starts giving the class of 'Sending 101', for Dorri..and indeed, anyone in the library who wanted to listen...
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RESPITE FALLS - NEAR THE BARRACKS - AFTERNOON
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Brunilda walks down the street, the elephant having been enjoying a couple of days off. As she gets nearer to the barracks, she slowly notices a certain sort of... tension, about the Guards she sees. Something seems to be up, but she has no idea what that something might be. Shrugging, she just continues down at her slow pace, no real goal in mind for the moment.
Nesseth jogs at a decent clip out of the barracks, clearly doing something semi-urgent as he checks in at the barracks for updates from the scout patrols that don't include him. Even though there's a big bit of duty at hand, he's still needed to do his regular duties as a guard, even if it does mean he needs to make numerous pitstops on his patrols during the day.
Brunilda pauses upon seeing Nesseth come toward her at a decent clip: "H-hey, Nesseth. Where's the fire?"
Nesseth slows a bit as he jogs towards Brunilda, but doesn't really stop. "Just... just checking in on the scouting reports. Looking for word about Louma or tracks from the missing caravan. Nothing yet."
Brunilda tilts her head in slight confusion: "Word about... Louma?" She glances at the Barracks, noting Nesseth is not exactly the only Guard agitated: "...wait, missing caravan? What's going on?"
Nesseth shakes his head a bit as he breezes past Brunilda and back towards the wall. "Can't stop to chat, got to get back to my post first. If you want to know, come along."
Brunilda blinks, and starts following Nesseth, her curiosity definitely piqued more than a bit. "Coming, I reckon..."
Nesseth does what he can to set a pace to the wall that Brun is able to keep up with while still talking reasonably evenly. "There was a caravan that went missing earlier this week, along with a couple of reports of distant explosions and smoke on the road. We went out to see what was going on... found the caravan, burned, occupants dead or missing. On the way back, Louma vanished. No contact since that trek, a couple days ago."
Brunilda looks at Nesseth, her frown deepening as the two walk: "...uh. That's definitely not good. No idea what's behind this?"
Nesseth shakes his head. "Nothing. Evidence that Louma got attacked and captured, but nothing else. Waiting for the scouts to discover tracks that show which direction the captives and their captors went."
Brunilda tightens her palms into fists: "...someone is in need of some halberd justice, it seems." She lets out a low growl.
Xochi is waiting coiled near Nesseth's post. She isn't looking towards the approaching duo, instead staring upwards at the sky, head cocked as if listening for someone, and hands folded in front of her.
Nesseth starts to mount the stairs that lead up to the wall's topside, taking them two or three at a time just to get back to his post faster. "More than just someone, a whole lot of someones. There were about ten or eleven guards escorting the caravan from Bairnell with guns and blades. None of them survived. Can't have been a small bandit party."
Brunilda follows Nesseth up, her expression darkening: "They can not hope to match our strength, can they Nesseth? We'll find Louma and bring her back."
Xochi turns at the two voices approaching, unfolding her arms as the lizard crests the top of the steps. "Nessth. I... pardon me, for some reason I thought you would be asleep here?"
Nesseth draws to a stop where his patrol left off, noticing Xochi on the wall apparently waiting for him. He trails off on his explanation to Brunilda as Xochi's question gives him pause. "I don't know, Brun. We've no idea what we're dealing... uh... hi, Xochi. You... thought I'd be sleeping up here?" He glances towards Brunilda, "I don't doze off that often up here, do I...?"
Brunilda looks at Xochi, then at Nesseth with a small smirk: "Your reputation precedes you."
Xochi bows her head, "Apologies... I have never known you to sleep as such it is just something I..." She looks at Brun and smiles, "You are Brunilda, yes? We have not talked much, but I try to remember names."
Brunilda nods at Xochi: "Yes, that would be me. Nice to see you again."
Nesseth shrugs a bit. "I mean... I do doze off once in a while. Usually during slow parts of the day, though... and usually out of sight of anyone."
Xochi frowns, considering this for a moment. "Nesseth... you have witnessed me... hear things, yes? I remember hearing the voices as a child, and then a long period of silence. But of late, it seems... I am hearing them again."
Brunilda looks at Xochi in slight surprise, but holds her curiosity in check for the moment as she listens.
Nesseth nods at the question. "I've seen it twice so far, yeah. Both times up here on the wall, in fact." He tilts his head a bit, "Why, is something wrong?"
Xochi nods, the gravity of her words etched upon her face. "I have been hearing a familiar voice. It is distant, and I cannot make out the words, only the... feelings. It is full of fear and concern. Small hopes, and a great love." She looks between Nesseth and Brunilda. "It is Captain Louma's voice, coming from... somewhere to the west. I cannot say from where, but... distant."
Brunilda blinks in surprise: "You hear her? Are you sure? I mean, not doubting but..." She trails off, turning to look at Nesseth.
Nesseth listens intently, considering the information Xochi is delivering. "Louma's voice... out to the west... so closer to the desert, hm?" He frowns after a few seconds of thought, "...You're not hearing her voice because she's dead, right? The last time we'd heard anything was from... one of our dead ancestors."
Xochi shakes her head. "No, this is... different. More urgent, and distinct... Like hearing laughter, or a child cry. I understand the emotion even without words. It is so... distinct. There are other voices as well, which I do not know." She lifts a hand to her head as if holding a migraine. "But... I know Louma. I recognize her voice."
Brunilda nods slowly, then shrugs: "It's... well it's not much, but it's still the best lead we got, right?" She turns to Nesseth, not sure of anything just yet, other than her growing desire to do something about this.
Nesseth looks over at Brunilda and nods. "We've a definite direction, now. I've been having the scouts searching mostly to the north and east, since that's more likely a place for a hidden bandit camp or something, but if they're somewhere to the west..." He shakes his head after a moment, "That's probably why we've not picked up any real trails yet."
Nesseth looks over at Xochi again. "Any idea how far out Louma is, Xochi? Even just roughly?"
Xochi lifts her head to listen, then points in the general direction. "That way... but I cannot tell how far out." She lowers her head in a bit of embarrassment, "I am not so good with distances. I am unsure how much it would matter if I were."
Brunilda looks westward for a moment, then shakes her head: "However far, we will find our way there. For Louma and for Respite."
Nesseth follows Xochi's finger out towards the west, then nods. "It's a good direction to focus on, at least. We just need to pick up a trail, and the fresher the trail, the better we can narrow the search down..." He sighs a bit, rubbing a hand against his neck, "...Xochi, could you keep an ear open for all of that, and let me know if there are any changes in the direction? We might be able to get a better sense of where they're going, that way."
Xochi nods. "I am listening... I am sending my own prayers to the Ancestors, and to the Sun and Moon to give strength and protection to those who are asking for it. I do not know what has happened., but if there is anything more I can do, please, let me know."
Brunilda nods slowly and gives a small smile: "I imagine we will. Thank you."
Nesseth nods in turn. "Of course. Brun, if you could run to the barracks and tell them I want the scouts to shift their search to the west, I'd appreciate it. Not sure if I've got the energy to make another run back immediately."
Brunilda nods at Nesseth and gives a quick salute: "Will do." She looks at the two, then nods and turns to head back towards the barracks to spread the word.
Xochi turns to look out west again in the direction she indicated with a sigh. "I am sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, Nesseth. Thank you for listening to this old snake once again."
Nesseth hums as he gives Brunilda a salute, then turns to look westward again as the pachyderm departs. "Right now... I'd rather have this kind of news than no news, Xochi. Until your bit of information, we've been turning up completely empty-handed on leads."
Xochi dips her head. "They are suffering, but I do not know why. What has happened, Nesseth? What has happened to Captain Louma?"
Nesseth sighs. "There was a caravan that was supposed to arrive a few days ago, something like the one you arrived on. Civilians, armed escort, supplies being delivered... They never arrived, so we went out to search. We'd found the caravan destroyed about a day away from town, and most of the folks were missing. On the way back to town, Louma vanished, too. We're thinking she's run afoul of whoever captured the caravan, and ended up captured herself."
Xochi listens, growing more concerned as the pieces fall into place. "Then the voices are... Oh..."
Nesseth nods. "Some of the others that got captured, most likely. Maybe even a couple of the people that didn't survive the initial attack..." He sighs again, "I wish we could just march out to find them and deal with everything in one go, but that'd just increase the body count, and might not even work. So, we're trying to take things methodically, making sure we don't leave anything to chance."
Xochi frowns. "Do you think... whoever is behind this, could they be reasoned with? Perhaps there is something they want?"
Nesseth shakes his head. "I don't know, I'm afraid. The only people we suspect are behind the attack aren't anyone we know of from before this. Not bandit rabble, no one from Bairnell, and definitely not from Froge's hometown."
Xochi is silent a moment, then nods. "Then I shall ask you the same in return, yes? Whatever you learn, if it may avoid conflict and save our friends... know that I am willing to go to these people in peace."
Nesseth nods. "Once we find some stronger leads, or if we actually find the people that attacked the caravan, we can figure out where to go from there. I hope things will turn out okay, but... well... I'll keep you updated on what we learn, Xochi."
Xochi smiles to Nesseth. "And I... shall continue to listen. I do not have much choice in the matter, but I do not think I would choose differently if given the option. Perhaps this is why I heard the voices? That or..." She pauses. "I still have something I wish to share with you... something you deserve to know... but this is likely the wrong time, still?"
Nesseth tilts his head, nodding. "Oh, yeah... I remember you mentioning that before. I'll defer to your judgment on the matter, Xochi, since it's something you want to tell me."
Xochi nods slowly, "A truth about myself you deserve to know, after the trust we've gained, I feel... strange keeping it secret from such a good friend. I only hope it shall not change our relationship."
Nesseth seems curious, if nothing else, about Xochi's statement. "A truth? What kind of truth?"
Xochi takes a few breaths, a bit of fear evident in her posturing. "We have talked of our ancestors... of the war between our peoples." She swallows, lowering her head in shame as she uncoils to lift herself up and over closer to Nesseth, lowering her voice to a whisper. "I am... not what I seem. Not a snake."
Nesseth raises an eyebrow curiously. "Not a snake...? If you're not a snake, what are you, then?" He tilts his head a bit as he looks at Xochi's long tail for a moment, "I mean... you look like a snake."
Xochi glances away, along the length of her body. "I do... mostly. Though minor illusion hides the rest. Hides the feathers. The wings. I am... coatl, Nesseth. I... am sorry."
Nesseth blinks, glancing up at Xochi from her tail, the news obviously not impacting him anywhere near as hard as Xochi probably suspected it might. "Oh, yeah... your wings. I, uh... I knew. For a good while now, in fact..." He smiles sheepishly.
Xochi recoils slightly as she lets the weight of the revelation sink in, but slowly blinks at Nesseth. "You... knew? Captain Louma...? Or... Doctor Plume, then? I cannot blame either, if they chose to trust you." She lets a smile cross her face. "You are most clearly worthy of it."
Nesseth shakes his head. "Well... yes, and no. I heard about it from Plume, but I also ended up finding out on my own. Remember that snake that was searching for coatls a while back? He wasn't exactly hard to miss, and I tracked him to your house one day. I was worried he was going to do something to you or Louma, so I was actually on overwatch on your roof, just in case."
Xochi 's expression is rather downcast at the mention of the other snake, clearly a pain point for Xochi, "Ah... Aktzin... he was... he is an old friend. At the time, I feared he had come to return me to my old 'home'. But in truth he was loyal behind what I deserved. I wish things had turned out differently with him, but perhaps it is best that he seeks his own path now."
Nesseth hums, nodding, not exactly aware of what all was involved between the two. "Maybe, but... uh... I knew about your wings since that point. Louma knew earlier, but she didn't tell me, since... well, history and all that." He smiles a bit, "I've... had plenty of time to figure it out."
Xochi laughs quietly to herself, "I apologize for taking so long to tell you the truth, then."
Nesseth chuckles and shakes his head. "It's fine, Xochi. We both have had a lot of things on our minds for the past while, after all." He pauses, then tilts his head curiously, "So... are you planning to keep your wings concealed still?"
Xochi blinks. "I... I must. Don't you think so? A living coatl... of the bloodline of the Red King... I would be a target, no? All I wish is to live, and die, in peace now."
Nesseth hums thoughtfully, conceding the point. "Fair enough... I suppose it'd be harder to pass off your wings as being a lesser coatl, compared to Louma." He smiles a little after a few seconds, though, "But... you know, maybe you could go for an occasional flight with Plume or something. They don't get to use their wings too often, so it'd probably make for some good exercise."
Xochi smiles sadly, "A lovely thought... but I have never flown. I was not allowed, and never learned. As a result, they are... atrophied, I believe is what Doctor Plume calls them."
Nesseth nods in understanding. "Muscle atrophy. Something to the saying of "if you don't use it, you lose it", I guess. But that sort of thing can be worked out of with exercises, I think."
Xochi shrugs slightly, letting her coils wind around themselves a few times before settling back down, "Perhaps... someday. I am... old. I sometimes fear too old to teach new tricks to. But perhaps someday."
Nesseth smiles. "No one is too old to learn things, Xochi. It might be a little harder, but you've got the drive."
Xochi smiles back, "It is a worthy thought, if nothing else. I have a friend who has offered to help me through a ritual to help me live without regrets... when she returns, I hope to complete that ritual, and perhaps then, I shall find myself unburdened enough to show myself to the world, and convince myself to work towards taking flight."
Nesseth hums, nodding. "And if that all works out for you, then I'll see if I can persuade Plume to take a break here and there and go for a flight with you and Louma. What with everything going on, I think everyone could do with a good break sooner or later."
Xochi nods. Unwinding once more to move closer to Nesseth, she places a hand upon his shoulder and smiles. "All the more reason to work together to save Louma and the others, yes? We shall earn ourselves this break."
Nesseth dips his head. "Exactly. I'm not resting until we get Louma and the rest of the caravan safely back to town. After all of this, things will probably feel a lot less tense, even with the elemental thing still partially unresolved. At least, I hope that'll be the case."
Xochi lowers her hand and smiles. "Then let us both do our best. As I'm sure Brunilda and everyone else shall as well. Good luck, Nesseth. I shall find you if I learn anything else."
Xochi heads off, leaving Nesseth to return to his work, while she feels a bit more uplifted in having shared her secret with a friend, even as she feels the weight of her responsibility to the voices in her mind...
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PLUME'S APARTMENT - EVENING
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Doc Plume sits in an overstuffed chair, just relaxing after a long day of appointments. They're reading through one of their well-worn romance novels, the sort of thing they'd never want to be seen with in public, but the books are mindless and thrilling and just good mental comfort food for the stressed-out gryphon.
Nesseth arrives outside of the clinic, having been all over town the past several days and barely having had time to just relax with Plume as the guards ramp up their activity in light of the brazen caravan attack and one of their captains having gone missing just a day later. He takes out a small keyring and picks out two of them as he tries to make himself a little more presentable while unlocking the front door to the clinic. He steps in and shuts the door behind him a few seconds later.
Doc Plume hears the sound of the clinic door opening and sets down their book after marking their place. They stand up and straighten their clothes out a little bit as they wait for (hopefully) Nesseth to come up the stairs. The other options are too much to think about right now.
Nesseth locks the door behind him and paces his way over to the door leading up to Plume's apartment. He flips one key down to jangle with the rest as he uses the second to unlock the apartment door. As that door swings open, he tucks his keyring back into his pocket and starts to ascend the steps. "Plume? You awake still?"
Doc Plume unlatches the door at the top of the stairs and smiles down in the half-light at their lover. "Yes. Can't sleep yet... it's been a rough few days..." They leave the door open before retreating into the apartment and putting on the kettle for a fresh pot of tea.
Nesseth makes his way up and into Plume's apartment, taking a moment to shut the staircase door behind him and lock it. He hefts a small box under his arm and follows Plume over to the table. "Got you a little something, dear. Just something to nibble on if you're feeling hungry."
Doc Plume eyes the box from the kitchen area, smiling. "Oh? What is it?" Once the kettle boils, they pour the water into the tea pot and add a healthy dose of the rooibos tea that Nesseth prefers. They leave it to brew as they walk over to give the lizard a tight hug, resting their beak on his shoulder. "Honestly, I'd just take you being here right now... at least I can have that."
Nesseth gently wraps his arms around Plume and hugs them close as he rests his chin on their shoulder in turn. "Just a couple of your favorite snacks from the bakery, is all. All the stuff going on, apparently even the baker can't sleep too well, so they've been open a bit later than normal."
Doc Plume squeezes Nesseth close. "Ah, fair enough. Probably good to have the comforts available more for folks right now..." They sigh a bit and close their eyes. "Finished with the last of the deceased today... they're ready to ship back to Bairnell when it's safe to do so." They try not to think about the stack of 20-odd coffins taking up all of the patient bed area downstairs.
Nesseth sighs quietly, just taking a moment to breathe in Plume's familiar and comforting scent, even if he does still pick up a hint of antiseptic from all the work they'd been doing. "Mmh... good, hopefully we can get the road cleared up soon. How are you feeling, though?"
Doc Plume shakes their head. "This is probably the worst thing I've ever had to deal with, at least in terms of the dead... I just hope that my work will let them all be identified so their families can lay them to rest properly." They sigh deeply. "I mean... from the looks of it, I couldn't have done much to help even before most of them died, but still... there's that doctor's instinct nibbling at my brain saying 'You could have done more. Why didn't you do more?'"
Nesseth gently rubs Plume's back through their shirt. "Yeah... I know that feeling a bit too well, now. But... over ten guards were present on that caravan, which should have been more than enough." He gives them a soft squeeze, "Only way we could have done anything better is if we'd been present with the caravan, but if that was the case, we'd also probably either be dead or missing..."
Doc Plume nods, frowning. "Right... but well..." They shake their head and just squeeze Nesseth tighter. "You're going to find them, right? Bring them back?"
Nesseth nods, still holding the hug. "Of course. I got the Commandant to set up numerous scout patrols to see if we can pick up any trails. That many people being kidnapped together have to leave marks wherever they pass through, but we have to find those marks, first."
Doc Plume nods a bit. "But then Louma vanished afterwards... it's scary." They shiver a bit and press their face into Nesseth's neck. "I just keep thinking about what they must be going through... what May and the others in town with missing family are going through..."
Nesseth hugs Plume tight again. "Yeah... it looks like Louma got ambushed while flying back from the caravan, from what I found. At the very least, we can assume they're still alive, since they took hostages..." He sighs softly and shakes his head a bit, nestling more into Plume's warm fur and feathers, "It's rough for everyone, and more so for those directly affected..."
Doc Plume wraps their wings around Nesseth and squeezes again, holding him close for a long moment before pulling away as the smell of brewed tea breaks them out of their funk. "Oh... let me get us some tea..." They proceed to busy themself with that process, taking comfort in its ritualistic familiarity.
Nesseth slowly lets Plume slip out of his embrace, smiling as he watches them getting the tea ready. "Some tea sounds nice, thank you, dear..."
Doc Plume pours the tea and brings it to the table, setting it down next to the box of sweets. "Nothing like this has happened before near here, right?"
Nesseth goes to take a seat at the table, taking a few moments to open the box up so Plume can see the snacks, and so they can take the first pick. He shakes his head at the question. "No, nothing like this as far as I can recall. Occasional wild animal attacks and maybe the occasional bit of banditry, but nothing on this scale."
Doc Plume sits next to Nesseth and picks out a cranberry scone, nibbling at it before sipping their tea. "Thank you, dear. There was also Hooktail's disappearance, but that seems to have been of his own volition at least?"
Nesseth 's tail swings to the side and gently wraps around Plume's midsection as they take a seat beside him. He waits for a few seconds, letting the tea steam for just a bit before he takes a sip. "Yeah, Hooktail went out with the Explorers Guild folks, but then, we've not really heard a thing from them for over a year, now." He sighs a bit at that, "...Most likely, they're somewhere on the other end of the desert by now."
Doc Plume sips their own tea. "I hope they didn't..." They leave the thought unfinished and then look back to Nesseth again. "So have you ever dealt with anything like this before?"
Nesseth tilts his head curiously. "The caravan ambush, kidnappings and such? No. We'd occasionally come across like... the occasional looted wagon with no one there or something out on the roads, but nothing of that scale..."
Doc Plume listens and nods. "I meant more just a mass casualty event like this, but yeah... it's new to me too. I had to deal with a couple of factory fires, but even then, most of the folks got out and it was only about twice as many dead as this..."
Nesseth hums, nodding over his cup of tea as he breathes in the soothing smell while taking another sip. "The worst thing I'd had to deal with while I was with the guild was... just small-scale banditry at worst."
Doc Plume shakes their head. "At least the ones who were burned out there died before the fire got them. None of them burned to death... horrible way to go."
Nesseth nods again as he sets his cup down and digs through the box for a scone to nibble on. "I can't imagine going out like that..." He sighs a bit, "Still, I'm hoping the folks that got kidnapped are still okay. Mobilizing the guards takes a while, since it seems like everyone on the roster is being activated at once for this."
Doc Plume takes a long sip of tea. "Even that moth? The lamplighter?"
Nesseth hums thoughtfully. "You mean Kira? Yeah, she's a pretty good scout, and works well for night patrols. I wouldn't want to put her on the front lines, since a single shot would almost certainly kill her, but she might be better than Louma is at aerial scouting."
Doc Plume smiles. "Well, as long as everyone can help out." They sip their tea again and tear a bit of the scone off. "I guess I'll just wait here and do what I always do. Maybe I could teach some of the guards some field suturing or something?"
Nesseth nods. "That'd be a good idea. Most of the guards are handy with patrols and scouting, but not a lot know how to treat injuries beyond "put a bandage on it", so... if we're out there and have to deal with that, it'll be good to know a few folks can patch bigger wounds."
Doc Plume smiles. "We can worry about that tomorrow. For now, let's just... I don't know... let's just think about something else for a while if we can?" They nibble on their scone more before pouring another cup of tea.
Nesseth hums and smiles in turn as he reaches a hand out and lightly rests it on Plume's arm. "Well... I saw you chatting with a couple of the other guards out on the walls the other day. Looked like you were giving them a bit of a lecture, too. Sounds like a fun little story to be had, there."
Doc Plume rolls their eyes a bit and nods. "Oh, those two, yeah..." They start telling the story to Nesseth, getting lost in the tale as the two enjoy their time together.