Fantasy Red Fever

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

Despite his vain attempts to convince the guards that his spear is merely a staff that he uses to to heal, His persuasion fell short after the guard unwrapped the cloth and revealed a sharp end of it.
Gerard was forced to put his Red-Blood Spear on the desk beside the others in order to... 'not harm' the Duke.

Spoiler: Spear

"Ah Fine... at least not my bottle of Ale." He murmured to himself, disappointed and sad that he was forced to leave his beloved spear that once belonged to his master.

Gerard followed what remained of the Party deeper into the Keep as the guards formed around them to escort them to the Duke himself. He gazed upon the two oaken doors in front of the group that leads inside the duke's home, He looked upon Loksha, a towering lizard beast and chuckles at the thought that she would struggle getting inside and cause the Guards more problems, taking a small swig of Ale in his container at the back of his waist, they venture deeper into the keep, they arrived at what appears to be the reception hall, there Gerard saw the guards came to a halt from where a man draped in blue and gold appears from the door that opened before them.

"If it isn't the Duke... we must be blessed to see such fine royal presence in our quest. No?" Gerard spoke under his ale tinted breath before crossing his arms as a sign he means no harm but respect to someone who has more authority.

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Archimedes nodded his beaked head. He would be lying if he said he wasn't taken back by the guards remarks about being hung from the battlements "I assure you, your trust is well placed" he reassured the guard. Archimedes was indeed very useless in any sort of violent action, so he couldn't pose much of a threat anyway "Id rather see myself die than break my oath" he said, his tone now much more serious, deadly serious in fact. The good doctor followed with the group silently, merely observing. He made sure to listen to all the guards words. The last thing he wanted to have a falling out with the guards, and be decorating the barracks as a morbid bauble. He had seen quite a few homes belonging to the rich, but very few could hold a candle to the dukes abode.

He fixed his black lenses on the Duke, watching him as he observed the group. He waited for the duke to finish his words before waiting for his chance to speak. Archimedes stepped forward and bowed to the Duke "Greetings, I am Doctor Archimedes Veneter, head of the Brollan Medical Academy" he explained "As a man of medicine, i am in search of a cure to this plague" he explained as he kept eye contact with the Duke. It was an interesting parallel, a man in fine robes standing with a man in a dark waxed robe.

Crumbli

 

[Shireling]

Aldous Underhill​

Aldous bowed in genuflection to his lord, "Oh great and sovereign master of these our lands, I bring to you a party of adventurers who wish to take upon themselves the knightly task of traveling the far corners of this realm in search of a balm to sooth the Fever, red-hot, which does burn through thy subjects and make a steady fire in the places where the dead rise up to Heaven. They have volunteered their minds, hearts, and arms to fighting that beast, red in tooth and claw, which prowls around your dominion and many others making wormsmeat of your subjects..."

There was a pause. Aldous had removed his hat and was holding it gingerly in his free hand, the other gripped his bow like a staff.

"As for my part, my liege, I seek to join them in self-made exile and seek this ointment. And if I fall abroad, let them report my cause aright to the unsatisfied that I died a humble servant of his lordship."

He remained silently on his knees.

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
Shireling KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach Petroshka

Duke Vayner watches Gerard's posture as he claims to be blessed by his presence. The duke becomes visibly irritable at this and flicks his eyes judgementally at the man's feet and back to his face. "Yes. I suppose you are blessed, but I am not of the royalty. I advise you reacquaint yourself with the definition of a duke." He proceeds to raise a finger with a sarcastic smirk, "Oh and uncross your arms while you're at it. We'd hate to see your posture become a hindrance." After his sassy retort he turns to the doctor. From where Marian stands she can barely make out his facial expressions but his words travelled clear enough for anyone to hear. "The Brollan Medical Academy? I've heard of such a place before. It's rarely sold as anything more than a tower for those with an aversion to magic. Tell me, did you inherit your position from your father or did you take it for yourself?" He pauses a moment for a reply to his question when Aldous presents himself before him. He seems to be in awe for a moment before reaching a hand out to the halfling. The theatrical display of servitude apparently satisfying the Duke's needs. "Rise. My valiant champion, how the bards will sing songs of your sacrifices if you fall and howl ballads in your honour if you succeed. You wish for my blessing and so you shall have it." He surveys the group once more to ensure he hadn't missed anyone's reason. His eyes fall on the enormous Loksha who seems less than spatially aware and then find the sister.
"And your reason, sister? I suspect you blame the evils of the otherside or Maerl for this." Marian looks around caught off guard by the question before setting her eyes upon the colourful man. "I uhh, well yes and no, your lordship."
"Yes and no? Such a vague response for a woman with such concluded ideals and beliefs." She takes a deep breath in and parts her lips to explain her stance before being cut off by the duke. "Those marks on your skin are permanent. You ought to form a convincing argument for when this is all over."
"If you'd give me a second your lordship, I could explain myse-," he interrupts again with a mischievous look about him, "I believe I gave you two and you failed to provide a substantial answer. Go now. Leave forthwith and embark on your quest. My guards will return to you your weapons." He waves his hand in a dismissive gesture, one that makes Marian red in the cheeks. "Your grace, her plan is written but only she can read it. She wouldn't make such a devastating sickness and leave it without a cure." He lets out a halfhearted chuckle and waves once more. "Then you'd best hurry in finding it."

Marian and the group are escorted back outside to the courtyard and the old table. The guards, no less frightened of Loksha than before, hesitantly gesture for her to retrieve her weapons first. The others are also shown to their weapons but only after Loksha had cleared away from the table. One of the guards that had lead them inside looks to the group and offers them some parting advice. "Before you leave, there's a caravan heading out to the city and up to the abbey if you're interested in catching it. Last I saw of it they were packing barrels on back. Should be enough room for you." He looks at Loksha and quickly adds, "Well most of you at least." Marian thanks the guardsman with a courteous nod of her head and makes her way over to retrieve her mace from the table. She coils her fingers around the weapon and raises it to her lips, giving it a gentle kiss before holstering it by her side. "We'll have to think it over." He shrugs his shoulders unphased by her response. "Suit yourself, sister. Won't be leaving for a little while yet anyhow. Should give you a chance to have one last look around." He turns from the group and calls, "Open the gates!" The large iron barred gates slowly rise from their resting place and make their presence known with loud rattling every heave of the way.

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Wandering Grim Hollow

"'G iomain a chruaidh-laoidh gu buaile, 'S nach fhaic mi mo luaidh a dh'fhearaibh..." Narina did not notice the flute player moving closer at first as she continued to watch the peaceful bovines while humming a more lively tune, swaying a little from side to side while bobbing her head slightly. She moved in the rhythem of which she sang the song. She remembered her mother and the other female Wulvers (on the rare occasions that Wulvers would socialise outside their families) would sing this kind of song while waulking cloth. Narina had the exterior of one simply enjoying herself but truthfully, it was driven by a sense of anxiety. While the wolf-hating woman did seem more at ease with her presence, she could not shake off that worry. Looking out towards the open land beyond the fences, the Wulver was filled with a sudden urge to just drop onto all fours and run. Just run.

She started to stand up. This was a terrible idea. She was sure that they hated her. But as she rose, she heard the voice from the flute player which made her stop and turn her head to face her. "Halò" she responded as she slowly sat down. She recognised the greeting. Her ears stood erect as they moved around while Narina watched her with interest. As the woman opened up the cloth to reveal both bread and herring, her hawkish eyes blinked several times. Fish? Her tongue poked out of her mouth with confusion as the woman seemed to offer her a piece of the fish. Narina waited for a few moments before she reached and took the bread and fish.

"...Thank you." she told the woman. As she went to take a bite out of the fish, she stopped. She could not just rip into it like she wanted to. Her front canines were already exposed thanks to her overbite and the last thing she wanted to do was disturb the woman. With a clear of her throat, she brought up her other hand to cover her mouth as she ate the fish. As she did, she turned to look at the woman. She doubted they would get to the point where they would consider each other friends but this was a good start. ​

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

The Duke's sassy retort caught Gerard off guard. The Duke's reply was unexpected as he did not wanted to be called as such of that in the higher echelons of society even though he is, but it seems just a Sir or Lord would suffice for him.

"Huh... that was unexpected." He muttered.

"My Apologies, Sir Vaynor." Gerard could only bow as a sign of apology before returning to his usual posture as hinted by sassy reply of the Duke.

Gerard watched as Duke Vaynor addresses them along with the Sister whom he is intrigued with, after the two argued about, he remained still and attentive like a Knight waiting for orders for deployment to a quest until a signal from The Duke that they are ready to go and hope that the bards sing of their adventures to find a cure. Gerard, along with the group, were escorted back to the table from which where their weapon lays asleep. He watched as the Guards nervously motions to Loksha, The Giant Lizard being in their group, to get hers first. After that, they retrieved theirs and sent away outside after the guard hinted about a Caravan about to leave for some place, as they were about to leave, Gerard realized their merry band of adventurers were missing a few, including the Beautiful Bard that seems to have the same liking for that sweet beverage that makes one's belly warm as well that Wolf-like adventurer who was starving and spoke a familiar language that he has heard before.

"I must ask, Sister. where are the others that went with us?" Gerard looked at Marian for a bit before looking around them just in case he spots the two lollygagging about.

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Crumbli

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

"Ah. You're welcome. I guess you can speak a little Imperial language after all." Imelda smiled and chuckled softly before picking up her piece of bread. She kept a curious eye on the wulver as she ate her own share. There is something very... adorable about the way the wulver is trying to eat in a civil manner. A complete difference to the wolves she would see scavenging the entrails the hunters would dump after carving up quarry like deer or elk. Instead the wulver looked more like a shy maiden trying to look civil. Before Imelda could stop herself, she started giggling.

"Oh goodness, I'm sorry! Its just that... You... Aren't what I expected from a wolf-looking being." Imelda smiled at the wulver before pushing the rest of her ration towards the wulver. "Go ahead, eat like you normally would. I would very much like to see how you are really like. No need to be ashamed, I have seen a 3 year old child try to feed herself after all."

As Imelda chuckled at her own comment, she started thinking back to her time raising Eiri. Seeing the small, sickly infant grow up to an energetic young woman was one of Imelda's greatest joys. Possibly more than the older times when her husband Albert would return after long trading trips to distant lands. The nights where they could be together was one of her fondest memories and she cherished each day she would wake up in his arms. Back then, those were her happiest memories before they were blessed with Eiri. She was truly thankful to the Earth Mother that Eiri grew up to be a strong girl despite her frequent night fevers. Before she knew it, she was thinking back to the last time she saw her daughter... That time from more than a month back.

"But must you go alone?! I can help you, Mother! Please take me with you!" Eiri pouted and huffed. Imelda could only sigh as she looked down at the pouting 17 year old. Her old hunting cloak was almost comically oversized on her and in Eiri's hand was the hand crafted pan flute that Albert made. 'Wanted to be like her mother' was what Albert said as he gifted the girl that pan flute on her 13th birthday. That memory brought a smile to Imelda's face as she gently ruffled her daughter's hair.

"You know why. I need you to help your Aunt and Grandmother here in the village. I need you to help with the hunts too." Imelda tried to reason with her daughter. Looking at the young woman made her heart ache. Looks like what her own mother said about children 'growing up too fast' is true. Even if she a skilled huntress and is another potential Song Mother in training, to Imelda, Eiri will always be the active little girl running around with muddy feet or skinned knees.

"But you'll be alone! Father says he'll be here to help out the tribe and that you'll be going alone to look for a cure to the damned fever!" Eiri cried. Imelda could see the tears that threatened to spill in the young woman's eyes. Before Imelda could say anything, Eiri surprised her by throwing her arms around Imelda and pulling her into a tight hug. "I don't want you to be nothing but a memory..."

"Eiri..."

"Eiri...." Imelda muttered, realizing the tears that threatened to spill over from her eyes. She quickly rubbed her eyes and chuckled. "S-Sorry. I was just thinking about my daughter..."

Rumble Fish

 

[Petroshka]

Caladrielle​

Caleb had met the duke a few days ago as he was looking for people to solve the issue of the red fever, at first he was delighted that the duke had a team ready to go but quickly found out he was the only one to sign up so far. But he spotted a few unusual people walk into the villa of the, less than eccentric duke, "They're going to get a mouthful" He spoke under his voice before hoping that they wont dislike the duke so much to not take the job. Caleb really wanted to get out soon, right now there was nothing to do and he was getting antsy, he wondered what her siblings were doing and how they were. They would either be working in the cities or working their parents fields, and his noble siblings would be working in some office somewhere like the duke. He never really got to know them despite they along with Gauterit were the only ones that knew his secret, they had made sure that Caleb would never inherent anything from the Ebrimud family and he was okay with it.

Soon a maid came for him, and told him to get ready, making his expression light up with excitement, "Finally!" no more waiting! practically jumping from where he was he quickly went to go gear up in his usual gettup. Caleb made sure to keep the bandages on to keep his chest smaller, he was fortunate that his chest didnt get too large or else his secret would get out immediately but it was all good. The first thing he did was put on his padded armor and chestplate so he could untighten the bandages to more comfortable levels, the next things were the steel gauntlets and boots. Everything took a while of course to keep it all tight and not in the way, but eventually everything was put on. Some guards escorted him down to the armory where he was given back his weapons that were confiscated when he first came to the villa.

Caleb immediately went to grab his estoc, the two handed thin sword that was crafted from abroad by dwarven smiths, the metal they used was some type of Mithril-steel alloy made to be unbreakable, the sword was mostly made for stabbing and thrusting actions but it could very well be used for normal swiping attacks. The second was a simple dagger that he used for hunting or for fighting in a tight space. The rest were simple knifes and utensils that he used for cutting food or throwing them at anything that threatened him. After gathering his supplies and weapons he was lead to the caravan finally and he jumped on a wagon, being told to wait there he examined his sword to see if it was tampered with, eagerly waiting by bending it every few seconds or so.

Loksha​

Loksha was quite amazed at the entire villa, although it wasn't as large as the sprawling temples and ziggurats of the cities back home it was still hard to believe this was all owned by one human. After the talks with the man that had requested their service, needless to say she wasn't very impressed with the man, he didn't seem strong and judging by the expressions and demeanor of her compatriots, he wasnt very kind with his words, she could only imagine what he said about her but supposed it was better she didn't know. When they were escorted out of the building Loksha was quite surprised at how fast the process was, they had just gotten into the villa a few minutes ago and suddenly they were already sent off. Normally people of higher standing would let their workers rest from what she had experienced, but she did not complain. She was trained and raised to have a high endurance and was unphased by fatigue unlike the other races she would often work with.

She was taken outside and everyone gave her a wide birth as she retrieved her weapons, if she didnt know she was literally made to be a warrior she would've laughed at the situation but the context of how these were mere guards who were probably farm workers that were hired she kept these feelings to herself. First she went for her large halberd, it was great against heavily armored foes and mounted ones as the weight would crush most creatures bones and the spikes can catch a person easily. Holstering it on her back she went for her mace which was essentially a smaller version of her halberd. The last thing was her shield which took her the longest time to put on, wrapping all the cloth around her left arm.

Crumbli KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach

 

[Vudukudu]

Beric the Moonless​

"Aye, no cause for alarm. Just getting a pipe and going on my way is all. You want that paid in gold, silver, or teeth? Got some gold teeth, too, if that's more your thing." Beric stated, holding up two coinpurses full of rattling metal coinage, and, in truth, a handful of gold teeth.

The man on the other side of the counter grunted and shrugged. "Yer silver's fine, just get outta my shop." The man replied. Beric complied, depositing six foreign coins on the counter and picking up the ivory pipe he'd picked out as well as a packet of tobacco. He'd been in Newport before, and the smoking was lackluster. Still, better than going without a pipe at day's end.

With his purchase in pocket, the lightly armored and armed Black-Hand left the shop, returning to the familiar smell of the city - death, smoke, and piss. Usually, he reserved his smoking for rest at the end of the day. Here, he just hoped the potent smell was enough to make getting out of this damned, dying city a little more pleasant. Clutched in his claw-like left hand, he eyed the public notice regarding a certain Count's search for a cure. Bloody fool's errand, this was. Best he could tell, every clever mind in the land was working on this. What good would a bunch of adventurous sorts do? Still, he supposed for everyone else it was nice to have the hope that a solution might be found. He glanced bitterly at his arm, then crumpled the paper and packed his pipe.

Sometime Later
​

Strolling out of the city, past the corpse-heaps and burial mounds, Beric weighed his sword in his right hand. The steel was new - he'd purchased it when his falchion broke after years of rough use. He'd opted to acquire an arming sword of simple design, but respectable quality. The powerful, cleaving blows of his old blade were valuable, but he'd developed quite the admiration for being able to make a solid thrust. It'd take some time to get used to the new style, but it wasn't like there was a terrible amount of danger behind every tree. The plague meant travel was difficult. Merchants with the funds to hunker down had long since quit their travels, and no highway traffic meant little business for highwaymen. He'd seen it himself: more then a few bandit groups had resorted to simple foraging, and some had even retired to remote villages. The plague was bad for business.

Making his way through Pendine County was quiet and Beric appreciated the relative energy of the natural surroundings compared to the deathly stillness of the city. Here, not a great deal had changed. Birds still flew, vermin still scurried, bugs still buzzed. Besides the rats and the wailing, there wasn't much to look out for. This place was still alive, in a way he suspected the cities soon would not be.

A life of travel, banditry, and warfighting had made Beric quite capable of a long day's march, and without further hesitation he hoofed it in the direction of the Count's manor. Directions weren't terribly necessary - all he had to do was find the road that looked like armed men traveled it with some regularity. Wheel ruts or hoof prints with heavy boot prints on either side ought to be enough of a guide.

​

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Archimedes Veneter

Archimedes looked down at the Duke, his blacked lenses staring into the Dukes eyes. He raised an eyebrow under his mask at the remark "Well, with due all respect Duke, that is wrong" he said politely "We simply use scientific means to cure sicknesses, i think you'll find its easier to teach the recipe of a tonic than a spell. And you cannot refute our results". He looked to Marian briefly as the Duke almost seemed to tease her. Archimedes was not a man who normally practiced his faith and even he viewed some of the Dukes remarks as out of order. The Doctor was silent for a good while, following the group, his doctors bag in hand and cane in the other. The occasional clinking sound came from the bag, no doubt a pair of scissors or a saw bumping into the thick glass of a vial.

He watched as Marian finished her short conversation with the guards before walking over to her "Excuse me Sister. You handled yourself well in the Dukes presence, even if he was...unorthodox" he stated in his typically warm tone. He overheard the conversation and understood they had some time, using said time he looked around before his eyes fell on the large, reptilian female. He walked over and nodded his head to her "Greetings...I simply noticed we haven't had a chance to properly introduce each other" he said, giving a slightly nervous giggle "I can tell many are wary of you, b-but i am not, i trust you" he said, giving a second nod of his head.

Crumbli Petroshka

 

[Shireling]

Aldous Underhill
​

Aldous, bowing low to the duke's blessing, left with the rest of the assembly and went out past the keep's gates to where his family home stood, hewn into the rough ground that surrounded the sturdily-constructed castle. Opening the round door, he entered inside, instantly assaulted by the smell of rabbits stewing on the potbellied stove. A plump halflingess stood stirring the pot, barefoot on the panel floor. She turned to Aldous as he entered and with a large grin exclaimed, "My boy! Where have you been, Aldy?"

"I'm going away, mother," he said simply, leaving his gear in the foyer and walking back to the bedrooms. He rifled through the drawers of his dresser and began packing, while his mother followed worriedly behind and emerged in the doorway. "Going where?" She inquired.

"On a quest, mother, for the duke," he replied again flatly. He didn't want to look at her, otherwise she might burst into tears. He took three shirts, two pair of trousers, stockings, and so forth. He packed it all into a traveling roll which he stuffed under the crook of his arm. He brought various survival tools stuck in the pockets of his duster as well: a hunting knife, a flint and steel striker, and of course he put the strap upon his lute and shrugged it over his shoulder. He finally stood up and met his mother eye-to-eye, at which point she hugged her youngest son with tear-stained eyes.

"Oh my dear boy, how I've been spoiled these past thirty and eight years. Say you'll come back and see your dear mother."

"Of course, mother," he said, squeezing her gently. He was a man now. The prolonged adolescence of his halfling life was drawing to a close, and he would step out into the great unknown with only his bow and a rag-tag group of adventurers to comfort him. What he would find, he could only guess. He knew that goblins and highwaymen roamed the woods, that stranger beasts still he would meet on the road. The embrace ended, and his mother patted his head affectionately, causing his hat to shift a bit.

"Come, eat with us before you go, Aldous. You'll need your strength."

And so he did, and the family sat down and ate and made merry for what was perhaps the last time. Then Aldous, loaded down with his gear, left the domesticisity of his childhood home for the Duke's stables, with rabbit stew warm on his insides and ale sloshing in his belly. He approached his donkey, Leon, and began fastening his packs onto the animal and saddling him up for a long journey.

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
Shireling KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach Petroshka

Marian was all too eager to depart from the town she'd barely become acquainted with. With the duke seemingly provoking her good faith and the guards suggesting she take the first caravan out, she has this incredible feeling that they'd somehow outstayed their welcome. The doctor shows her kindness as they leave the courtyard of his lordship the count and she makes a humble nod in acknowledgement of his compliment kindly returning the gesture. "Thank you, doctor. You handled yourself quite the same." She looks around for the supposed caravan at whatever location it may be. The only logical place for the caravan that comes to mind is the stables. She follows the path she'd originally taken to the interior gatehouse, rolling her shoulders from the weight of her shield along the way. It wasn't heavy at first but after a while it seemingly grew heavier and heavier.
As she approaches the stable there stands the caravan bright as day. Its canvas covered sides block her view of its contents but judging what the guard had said, the caravan had room enough for her party to embark. Before she can announce for the group to climb onto the caravan or even ask the driver if it were okay to do so, she hears Gerard's voice asking her a question. She looks over her shoulder to look for the members and fails to see them loitering behind. She turns on the spot in a daze and remains unable to see them about. She pales at the thoughts that come to her and clears her throat. "I'm sure they're around somewhere. I promise you, I absolutely haven't lost track of them." Sifting through her memory she recalls three faces that she can't find with them at the moment. The bard Imelda, the odd spoken Jüldraich, and the cursed woman. She recalls the last places she'd seen each of these members in detail with Imelda and the cursed woman being at the front gates and Jüldraich being at the start of the woods. Through quick deduction she concludes that Jüldraich must have turned around and headed back towards the city, while Imelda and the cursed woman never came into the town.

She takes a few paces forwards and calls out to the driver who sits slumped over on a seat at the front of the caravan. "Excuse me, sir. Might we get safe passage with you?" He looks to his side and nods at her before staring back down at the wooden floor beneath his feet. His lack of enthusiasm brings Marian to a brief pause before asking another question, "Have you seen my associates? A bard and a," she pauses again searching for the right phrase, "an 'unfortunate' woman of unusual height?" He looks back towards her again this time straightening his posture. "You mean ah two ou' fron'? Yeah I've seen 'em." Her eyes light up and a wave of relief washes over her. "Yes, them. They're in my company. Thank you so much for this. Sincerely." He shakes his head looking down at the floor again. "Don' mention it." Suspecting the driver was feeling down about the recent events or perhaps just tired, she stops herself from rushing to the back of the caravan and presses a hand against the side. "Your accent, you aren't from around Pendine. From where do you hail?" He shrugs, then sighs. "I come from a province up north. No' far off. No' much in ways of work, or pleasure, or people. Hones' jus' farms. I'll tell you more la'er if your truly in'erested." Marian nods with a sincere smile. "I'd like that."
Turning from the man, she runs her hand along the edge of the caravan's panelling until she makes it to the opening end of the canvas. Absent mindedly she climbs aboard without checking for other passengers and is quite surprised to find a young man, fully prepared for adventuring, sitting in the back just as she planned to be. Her heart skips a beat and in a freight her hand makes a sharp move towards her mace, stopping an inch or two away from the handle. She lets out a deep breath and begins to awkwardly laugh away her momentary panic. "You scared me half to death." She stands up in the back of the caravan before the young man and begins to wriggle her shoulders and fiddle with a strap designed to keep her shield fastened to her back. "I'm sister Marian. Your," she interrupts herself to curse at her straps for remaining so tightly together, then continues, "name?"

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Wandering Grim Hollow

Hearing the woman's giggle, Narina turned to look at the woman who instantly apologised and assured the Wulver that she did not need to be concerned about how she ate. Narina tilted her head to the side in confusion. Surely she would have been afraid if she saw her teeth, but her words and gestures said otherwise. Without a word, she continued to eat; now not hiding her teeth. She still restrained herself, however. She was still somewhat unsure of the woman, given her attitude towards wolf-like creatures. Narina had encountered wolves herself and she could not exactly blame the woman for her prejudice.

As she ate, the Wulver took out her dirks which were held in their holsters on her belt. She took out a cloth and started to shine them. Ewen had given the dirks to her, she had to take care of them. The last she had seen of her master, he was on what could very much have been his deathbed. As she polished, the Wulver looked ahead with a sigh. The possibility of what could have inflicted him stayed with her. Could it have been Red Fever? She did not want to consider that thought. He was the only "family" she had left. If he had actually died...

Her ears flicked as the woman spoke out a name. Eiri. She frowned slightly as she tried to pass off her distress with a chuckle, explaining that it was her daughter's name. She was a mother? With a gentle sigh, she put her dirks away. She looked ahead back towards the mountains. "...See her again." She turned to the woman with a look of sympathy coupled with vague determination, "You will." Lack of grammar aside, she meant it. Looking away, she let out a deep sigh as she tried to stop herself from falling into her memories. Having no family, she could not relate to the lady. But she could try.

To try and lighten the mood, the Wulver chuffed and wagged her grey tail as she turned to face the woman fully. She reached her hand out to her. Wulvers greeted each other by rubbing noses or sniffing each other, but Narina had watched how others do it. Despite how alien it felt to her, she still wanted to make the woman feel comfortable.
"Nairna MacCinidh" She said, giving the woman a careful and close-mouthed smile. Her tail tucked between her leg slightly in worry of rejection.​

 

[Petroshka]

Caladrielle/Caleb
​

Caleb was fiddling around with his sword when a stranger attempted to climb into the carriage, he assumed it was either a guard coming to tell him something when, to his surprise, was the woman from earlier when he was looking out the window. A smile came to his face and he was about to introduce himself until he saw her flinch to her weapon, throwing up his arms he backed from the woman. "whoa! its okay!" He chuckled to her after she had calmed down and introduced herself it was time for him. "My name is Cala-" he paused for a second. "Caleb, Caleb Ebrimud." Not sure if anyone would know the name Caleb Give the entourage a big smile he moved to the back of the wagon to make space for everyone to come in. Putting his sword in its sheath and in between his legs he watched Marian and everyone come into the caravan.

One in particular, a man in a bird-like mask, he had heard of such people, apparently they wear it to ward off diseases, very fitting for what they were hired to do. He was quite, abnormally tall, making him somewhat intimidating but she could not see any visible weapons on his person like the marian woman. "Greetings!" he waved at the bird man. The next to climb onto the wagon was a rather handsome man, his long, dark hair was strewn backwards and his jawline was straight and bold. His muscles were well defined and and it showed through even his clothes, awkwardly he looked like the least armored of the two, and even more unusual was that he seemed to be carrying two spears with him. Perhaps one is a throwing spear? it was quite large for one. The last to come onto the scene was a massive lizardman that he recognized was from a far southern Continent that he had once ventured through.

Loksha​

Loksha followed the elf and the others to a caravan and was in the process of climbing into it when someone spoke, "Ack tol?" Loksha stopped what she was doing halfway into the wagon when she looked at who had spoke her language. "Aswa ich ah Loksha" She told the stranger her name and he responded telling her his name. It was strange to suddenly meet someone who spoke her language but it was a nice convenience. The whole wagon shook as Loksha boarded it but quickly leveled out as Loksha found a stable place to sit down.

Crumbli Shireling KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

Gérard MácArchibald

Assured by the Sister, he replied only with a nod before he himself turned around and scanned the horizon for the two of them, only to find nothing but villagers trotting about to their daily cycle of life. With a deep sigh, Gérard waited for his turn to board the Carriage letting the others first with the exception of Loksha who he knows that she would take up a lot of space in the Caravan.

As he boards the caravan, his eyes saw what appears to be a new member in the party, a stranger clad with the average adventurer's garment, his eyes seemed to inspect him as he climb in, to which he himself didn't mind perhaps the stranger was amazed to see a spear-wielding knight or just his looks, whatever the reason his only response was to smile at the stranger, hoping to give a good impression to him as he will be working with them.

Sitting in-front of the young swordsman, he couldn't help but gaze at his armor, something feels off about it, as if there's a trap under that piece of protection, soon his gaze met with the sword that seems to be used and maintained a lot judging from the condition of its hilt. a sight that he very much liked.

"I See you're new. i'm Sir Gérard MácArchibald, a Spear-man knight who volunteered to help with the search for the cure." He said after settling the Blood-Red Spear on the floor, its tip covered with linen cloth to avoid accidentally cutting someone.

Petroshka

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

"Don't mind me. Ahahaha..." Imelda chuckled once more, forcing herself to calm down by staring off to the distance. She sighed as she stared at the clouds drifting by before falling back on her back to lie down on the grass (after quickly checking for any cowpats behind her). She watched the small puffs of white drift along the wide blue sky and wondered what was happening back home. Is Eiri keeping to her promise to help? Are they getting more sick people? Are the hunts enough to provide now that they are down in the number of hunters? She found herself now plagued with other thoughts of home. That was until her new wolfish companion offered some surprisingly genuine words of comfort. Imelda was initially surprised at the idea of a wolf sympathizing with a huntress. That idea soon brought a smile to her face.

"Ah.... Thank you, Vargar. I pray to the Earth Mother that you see your family as well." Imelda smiled before noticing the wulver's actions in offering its hand to her with what Imelda interpreted to be a smile. Shortly after, the wulver finally introduced herself.

"Nairna MacCinidh... I like that name." Imelda smiled, sitting back up and accepting the handshake, grasping the wulver's forearm with a warm smile. "Imelda. Imelda Kerrigan."

"Sorry if my handshake was a little odd. In my culture, its a sign of trust. There is an old saying about it." Imelda started to explain, unsheathing her boot dagger before slipping it under her sleeve. "In the past, they would ask the other if they have a dagger up their sleeve. Grasping the forearm would be a quick way to check. It silly if you ask me. Sleeve daggers are horrid at killing."

Imelda started laughing at her own little joke as she took the dagger out of her sleeve and slipping it back into her boot. Maybe she can learn to get along with other... less human beings. Maybe.

Rumble Fish

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Archimedes Veneter

Archimedes nodded to Marians response. Archimedes and those from the abbey didn't always see eye to eye, but he had to admit they where polite folks. The good doctor headed to the caravan and stepped in. His wandering eyes eventually fell to Caleb. He gave a small chuckle and waved back to the slightly androgynous swordsman "Greetings, how do you fare?" he asked politely, his tone a mix of kindness and curiosity. When he asked people how they where he genuinely meant it, Archimedes very rarely made empty comments.

He set his medical bag on his lap, resting his hand on top of it. The idea that peoples lives could be saved with the items inside was a comforting and inspiring concept to him and helped to ease his mind about the fever. After all much weight was on the academies shoulders during these trying times. The bird faced doctor took a moment to examine his present company, simply looking at the vast amount of interesting characters he had found himself surrounded with. He once again turned to Caleb "Quite the interesting bunch, no?" he asked, smiling warmly. Not that anyone could see him smile.

Petroshka (interaction)
Crumbli (mention)

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
Shireling KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach Petroshka Wandering Grim Hollow Rumble Fish

Marian smiles as she manages to unlock her shield from its straps that held it to her back. The shield falls to the wooden floor with a loud thump, landing on its edge, and is quickly grabbed along the top to stop it from falling face down. Once in her grip, Marian makes her way to the back of the caravan with Caleb. Instead of sitting on the jutting edges of the caravan that resembled seats, she climbs atop one of the few barrels that had been packed into the back of the caravan. She hangs her legs over the edge and rests the tips of her toes on the floor of the tray. She drags her shield over to her and tucks it behind her legs before watching the others join. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Caleb." Marian begins to settle in when Caleb speaks to the most foreign member of the party. His ability to speak Loksha's language catches her off guard and the surprise was noticeable from even the slightest glance. Her eyes widen as the two exchange a series of distinct snarls and snaps. She assumes them to be introductions but with a language so crude and violent sounding she finds little confidence in her answer.

Time passes, enough for the coach to grow tired of waiting, and the caravan begins to move from the stables. He calls out to the party stowed away within his caravan to announce their departure. With an unseen nod, Marian acknowledges the declaration and begins to count the members who were seated. From her position atop the barrel which now jolts up and down with the stones of the road, she mouths the names of every member present as her finger lands on them. When her finger lands on Gerard she lets out a sigh and jumps from her perch. Now she'd lost track of Mister Underhill. She walks to the back of the caravan and places her foot on the small ankle high board designed to keep the contents from falling out. It had been locked in place some time after they'd climbed on back. She pushes it with her foot and it makes a slight clicking sound as it presses against its latches. It's sturdy. She plants one foot on the narrow top of it and places a hand on the edge of the caravan's wooden frame. Trusting in the workmanship behind it, she pull herself up to stand only on the board and locks her right hand in place.
She swings herself half out of the back of the caravan and looks out across the paddocks. There, clear as day, stood the two women they'd been waiting for. She cups her left hand over her mouth and call out to them as loud as she can. "Imelda! Miss! We're leaving, come on!" She takes her hand away from her mouth and waves it in the air to get their attention. Once she was sure she'd gained it, she pulls herself back inside. She takes a few paces back towards her perch before realising the caravan wasn't slowing down. The coach had no intention of stopping now and because of that she knew the other two would need help climbing on board. She turns around and stands just inside the caravan waiting for the others to ask for help climbing on board.

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

"Oh? It seems that we are needed, Nairna. Let us be off before they get too far, alright?" Imelda calmly stated, spotting their Little Sister of a Leader waving from the back of a moving caravan. Giving the wulver a light tap on her shoulder, she quickly gathered her things and broke off into a light sprint towards the caravan. Deftly hopping over or aside to avoid the cow pats on the grass, she turned back occasionally to see if her new wulver companion was following her. As she sprinted towards the caravan, she noticed that Marian was still standing, no doubt waiting to give them a helping hand in climbing aboard the moving caravan. How nice of the Little Sister.

"Thanks for moving back, Little Sister!" Imelda called out, narrowing the gap between herself and the back of the caravan before, with the agility of a younger person, nimbly hopping onto the back of the caravan, using her right hand to grip onto the caravan's wooden structure for support. Once she was securely onboard, she turned about and readied herself. Just in case their wulver friend needed help.

Crumbli Rumble Fish

 

[Petroshka]

Caleb Ebrimud& Gerard MácArchibald​

"A MácArchibald? unusual to see one using a spear." Caleb commented on his form, he had studied on some of the notable noble families when he was younger, and the MácArchibald family in particular were a family of mages. Aside from the unusual profession that he saw, he was more or less surprised at the looks of the man, causing him to occasionally take glances whenever he felt no one was noticing him.

"Well... my Little Brother was the one who took the mantle of being a mage, and me? I guess you can say I grew up taking a liking to the Knights I see everyday back home." Gerard replied with a slight smile on his face, he couldn't help but to smile a little as he tells more about his old hometown, but he knew that place is nothing but a ghost town now since the plague infected his father at some point and that his mother was to blame for being a carrier of the wretched disease.

Caleb leaned closer to Gerard, so he could listen easier, and so he can get a better look at his weapon. "Oh? Rather unusual for a knight to be specializing in a spear, if thats the case" Caleb had known of other knights using various weapons but spears were usually looked down upon as the common soldiers weapon, the longword was the most common weapon for fellow knights to use, which was why he himself was taught in such manners but he had known of halberd wielding knights and other polearms, even maces, or lances.

"It was my former Knight Master's spear, a unique Blood-red spear that he said brought him honor and glory, when he died in battle, I took this spear as a sign of remembrance and to honor him, I kept training with this spear and abit of the sword, but due to the lightweight and easy to handle nature, I preferred the spear for a more... suitable reach." Gerard sighed, remembering his fallen Knight Master that trained him since he was a squire on that day.

"But I know its an unusual weapon of choice for a Knight and those who usually use it were on horseback. but... hey. at least i'm unique." Gerard joked.

Caleb gave his fellow knight a warm smile after he mentioned something about the remembrance of his mentor, "ah, i see. I'm sorry for your loss. The Ebrimud family's eldar and recently fallen ill with the red fever, but we were never really too close." He looked off out of the cart not sure of what to think or to feel, after his long years of travel could he really say that this was his home anymore? Her family back in the farm might think she had abandoned them. His family with the Ebrimud's would probably hate him.

"Don't mention it. Ever since my Home was ransacked by that dreaded plague and me abandoning my old hometown to find some work as I have nothing left to go back to." Looking down, Gerard looked at the Blood-Red spear, its tip covered with linen cloth to prevent accidental cutting or impalement by its razor sharp edge.

"I hope my brother's okay... I lost everything that day..." Gerard sighed, still looking at his former Knight Master's spear that served him faithfully through his travels, he couldn't help but reminisce about the days where his family were together, despite of his father's strictness of making him be a mage but at the same time, he's glad that he is on his own now, free from them while filled with sadness that he'll never hear from them ever again as the plague took everything of value from him along with his missing brother, who he hoped he's okay somewhere in the world.

"Have you been outside of brolla by any chance?" Caleb tried to switch the conversation from something less depressing such as the red fever.

"Nope. but mostly the Northern Lands, where my family originated, usually with a group of Knights and Squires to do Patrols and make sure there are no bandits around... I admit, I kinda wish I did but... Duty calls." Gerard smiled a little, relieved that the topic was switched to something that is not the plague nor his past.

"How about you?" Gerard added.

"this is the first time ive been back to brolla for over 10 years actually..." His voice went a little quiet and rather high pitched at the emotional weight behind it all coming back at once. "Things haven't really changed from what ive seen, aside from all the death sorrounding the streets, you know?" Caleb looked at the floor, rather beaten up at the fact. "i could tell all of you incredible tales of my journeys but i dont think right now is the time."

"Its fine. I Do as well but with all of these death and dispair, I doubt it is a worth the time laughing or enjoying such exchange of honorable tales." Gerard agreed. "Say. would you like some ale? I still have some in my Flask bottle. i guess I haven't chugged it all yet. but... you can have some, im sure you're tired from a long journey." grabbing his flask before taking a short swig of sweet ale before reaching it out to Caleb.

Caleb rose an eyebrow at the knight, and reached out for it. "sure" Taking it he gave it a sip, but when it was sweet her eyes brightened up. "ohh!" After that he drank it down in a quick manner.

" H-Hey... don't...empty... it." Gerard was unable to stop Caleb as he chugged it all down. He fell silent as the last drip of ale from his flask dropped into his tongue.

"Ah well... I hope there's Ale on the town we might stop over... or maybe there's one in the Caravan stash... I still got some coin left..." Gerard thought to himself as he was distraught when Caleb emptied his flask of Ale that he kept to himself for long journeys such as this, but at the same time he couldn't get himself be angry as he looked at Caleb and saw something so pure about him, letting it go for Caleb to enjoy his apparent first time.

Caleb face flushed red when he realized what he had just done, "ah! sorry!" He quickly gave back Gerard his flask and leaned back in his seat a little more than embarrassed, he looked at the ground. "i can pay for it, i have plenty of coin from my jouney's abroad." He softly rubbed his lips of the wine he had selfishly wolfed down.

"Its alright." Gerard replied.

"No its not alright... my Ale!!!" He thought to himself.

"Besides... you looked like it was your first time, trying that beverage. perhaps we can drink together and be drinking buddies, no?" Gerard couldn't help but smile at the little glutton. patting Caleb as a sign of forgiveness although the thought of Caleb getting insulted by it crossed his mind.

Caleb closed his eyes when Gerard patted him mostly feeling shame of that he had just wasted the ale of someone he had only just met. He wasnt entirely sure of where to take it from there so he decided to share something of his. Reaching in his bag he pulled out what looked like something wrapped in lenin, he opened it to reveal some sort of bread. "Sweet bread, made from a country to the south." Breaking off a small piece he held it out to Gerard. "Theres enough for everyone! i think the country was called, Olvani?" The bread itself on the outside looked normal save for its unnatural fluffiness but when Caleb ripped off a piece it had a luster that was almost shining.

Grabbing a piece that Caleb reached out to him, he looked at it in curiosity, he has never seen it before as its a rare bread from where he lived due the usual rations they were eating were just ordinary bread and sometimes sweetrolls, but Sweet Bread? Taking a small bite, his tongue was greeted with the sweetest feeling he has ever felt rolling in his tongue, he couldn't help but put on a smile as he was astonished with the bread's texture and flavour.

Loksha

Loksha watched the heavily armored one climb out of the wagon to shout at some others for a quick second before looking back inside to see two others having a conversation with each other. Perhaps she should learn the language of this land? It didnt really matter to her what they were saying though but she would need to learn to receive and follow orders anyway, Perhaps establishing relations with the armored one and the one that knew her language would be the first step into learning. Nodding to herself she was in her own world as she thought about these things, only until did the one that knew her language started to offer what looked like wheat bread out to everyone. Loksha herself was uninterested as she couldnt eat it, only meat for her.

Then a few people from before started to run onto the wagon and Loksha attempted to give a hand.

KindlyPlagueDoctor Crumbli Kokurai Gaisgeach Wandering Grim Hollow Rumble Fish

 

[Vudukudu]

Beric the Moonless
​

The further Beric wandered into the woods, the better he felt. This was the road, he was sure. Only military men left such well-beaten paths in the middle of no where. His good mood, however, had little to do with the isolation or even escaping the plague's reach. Rather, it was the knowledge he was working to do something good, maybe save lives instead of taking them.

To pass the time, as any traveler would, he turned to song. The last time he'd heard it sung was a few years ago, in a small independent kingdom to the east. To call it a kingdom was, perhaps, overstatement. Its king held dominion over a handful of nobles in a territory of no great size. Still, it was theirs. A mercenary company he'd been a part of had been called to work when a populist revolt broke out. Worn down by tyranny, the common folk had taken up arms against their lords. Their demands were simple and just - lower taxes, rights to hunt small game in the Lord's woods, nothing unreasonable. His voice broke out low and mournful, interspersed with occasional humming.

Listen, listen
Remember the wane
Of lord's fury and iron rain
We fell and fell
And sang a song
To croon a knell of right and wrong

And

My son, my son
Remember the burn
When leaves were fire and seasons turned
We fell and fell
And sang a song
To weave a cell
All autumn long

And
Down in the vale
Hear the reaper swing, the reaper swing
the reaper swing
Down in the vale
Hear the reaper sing
A tale of winter long

My girl, my girl
Remember the chill
When rains froze and snows did kill
We fell and fell
And danced along
Through icy hell
To their winter song

My love, my love
Remember the cries
When winter died for spring skies
They roared and roared
But we grabbed our seed
And sowed a song
Against their greed
My son, my son
Remember the chains
When gold ruled with iron reins
We roared and roared
And twisted and screamed
For ours, a vale
of better dreams

And
Down in the vale
Hear the reaper swing, the reaper swing
the reaper swing
Down in the vale
Hear the reaper sing
A tale of winter done.

He'd let the woman, leader of a failing revolution and mother to three, finish her song before he delivered the king's sentence. Her voice had rang so clearly above the din, but once her head hit the wooden platform it had been as if Beric's hearing failed. Of course, the crowd gathered in front of him was torn between sobbing and cheering for the end of the war, but all such sounds escaped him. That was the moment he knew his choices, not his disease, were what damned him. The gods would not forgive until he atoned.

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Wandering Grim Hollow

Narina tilted her head as Imelda told her she hoped she would see her family too. The Wulver sighed and looked towards the bovines. She hoped that would one day come true. She had not seen her family in such a long time that it felt hopeless. But... who knows. It was possible, right? As the woman then greeted her in return, and explained the meaning of that particular greeting, she tilted her head in curiosity and licked her chops as she listened. It was interesting hearing about someone else's culture. She thought for a few minutes before considering a response. Wulvers had two different kinds of greetings. One for those they knew, family and such, they would greet each other by nuzzling each other's noses, a close encounter. One she had not experienced in such a long time. And one she hopped to experience again.

Instead, she opted for the second option. Putting her forearm up to her mouth, shielding her teeth. She let out a quiet snorting sound and shook her head a little, brushing her nose against the fur on her arm. A neutral greeting. Showing the teeth for Wulvers was an invitation for hostility. But it seemed Imelda's kind did not hold those same values. Still, she did not want to take chances.

She was about to say something, when the sound of Marian's voice caught her attention. Imelda tapped her arm, making her blink in surprise. It seemed she was more comfortable in her presence than she had been before. Flicking her ears, she followed the woman to the wooden caravan. She looked among everyone for a moment before trying to climb into the caravan, struggling a little because of the ways her legs bent.

"màthair dia...!" she growled as she finally managed to get inside. She sat at the edge of the party, still not entirely sure how to feel about being here. Still. She seemed to have found a friend in the huntress. Baby steps.

Wandering Grim Hollow Crumbli
​

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
Shireling KindlyPlagueDoctor Kokurai Gaisgeach Petroshka Wandering Grim Hollow Rumble Fish

Extending a hand for Imelda, Marian finds her services unnecessary as the more mature woman moves with similar speed and graceful motions. She pulls her hand back once Imelda gains a firm grip on the caravan's structure and waits for their bestial companion. She hesitates to extend her arm for the woman for a moment, then reluctantly offers the same supportive gesture. As the woman clambers onto the back Marian places her hand flat on her back and tries to pull her up. Once on board she turns her head back to watch over the rest of the party. She notes the movements of Loksha and Imelda and realises they were all willing to help even without being asked. Their team spirit works its way into her heart and manifests itself as a grin on her face. After a moment's looking she turns back away and looks out to the small piece of the world they were leaving behind. She watches the fortress grow slightly smaller and smiles to herself, realising the caravan had now slowed from all their weight. She places a hand above her head on one of the beams and lets out a quiet sigh of relief.

They enter the forests they'd passed through before along the path the party had already travelled by foot. Marian notes to herself that the ride feels significantly faster this way and quietly curses herself for not thinking of travelling by horse and cart sooner. The trees all around keep the forest as dark as it was before if not darker and the grey clouds above begin to unleash their contents with the occasional drop of rain breaking through the leaves overhead and hitting the cover. With the rain comes a cool breeze. She takes a deep breath in through her nose savouring the cool air and its dampness. Looking out at the dead leaves and grass that occasionally twitch from the drops of rain brings a serene calm to her that she hadn't felt for a while.

Marian is jolted from her almost meditative state when she hears the phrase 'sweet bread' spoken amongst the party behind her. She blinks once and her eyes widen at the news of sweets among them. She turns her head to see if there was any present and when her eyes fall upon the loaf she takes a slight move towards it even without it being offered yet. When Caleb offers it to everyone Marian is the first to steal a chunk from the loaf and moves back to her new position at the opening of the caravan with the chunk pressed up against her cheek. She closes her eyes at the taste and thinks of her home in the abbey and her only other experience away from home. She mutters to herself the name of the baker in Mirane who'd introduced her to sweets years ago, "Fournier." She opens her eyes feeling blissfully sedated by the sweet that dissolved upon her tongue. She finds her only complaint is that it was gone too soon.

However her bliss is cut to an abrupt end as they pass the corpse that perched itself against the tree. The reminder of what's at stake dragged her from her story like interpretation of her surroundings and added the harsh reality she was happy forget about for a fleeting minute. She looks to the body and begins to trace the surroundings so that she might be able to recall where it rests. Being able to recall important features for the brothers and sisters in Newport would make sure he got the cremation he deserved. As she does so she notes the blood on his face again, the dirt around his rear, the colour of the tree, the condition of his clothes, and the way his chest barely rises and falls with his shallow breaths. She stops cold. Her eyes fixed on his chest which moves slightly. Her face pales and the hairs on her neck stand to attention. She blinks hard and when she reopens them she sees no motion from the man. She goes to laugh at her own nerves but stops after a single exhale when the corpses slouched head rolls to the right.

She shakily bangs her hand on the wooden frame and jumps from the caravan without letting it come to a stop. She knows this body was dead, she'd checked it. She breathes in and begins to approach the corpse cautiously. She rationalises the movements as she takes each step closer. It wasn't breathing now and its head had slumped over the once but not again. She tells herself it could have been maggots eating away at the body but sees no signs of that to be true. She takes a louder and more hesitant step closer to the body, now standing over the body with little space between the two. She lowers herself down to be closer to it and presses her hand against its forehead. She feels nothing but cold and firm skin. Skin that moves to her touch. The head pulls itself back and a fat droplet lands on the cusp of its ear. Marian, takes a step back and steels her nerves. Something was off and she could tell. She looks to the caravan which had now come to a complete stop and back to the body which looked at her with clouded eyes. She watches without taking another movement or even uttering a word. The body jerk itself up from its resting position and stands upright looking just as dead as it had before.

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

"Woah there! I got you, Niarna!" Imelda encouraged the Wulver, being careful to give her some space to clamber onto the caravan and a helping hand if needed. Once the wulver was safely on board, Imelda gave her a warm pat on the shoulder before settling on the edge of the caravan, enjoying the view of the fort and its pastures slowly rolling by before shrinking away into the distance. A rather familiar sight to her, recalling the time her village would move from one place to the next. Usually during late fall, before the frost would blanket the ground, or during early spring to avoid the minor flooding after the snow thaws. It was a calming sight for her to say the least. To be reminded of home is a good way to keep her spirits high.

"It never changes doesn't it? Oh? Seems like we have new people along for the ride." Imelda said to her new furry companion, gesturing towards the rather nervous looking addition to their merry little band. It seems that the new lad had managed to strike up a friendship of sorts with Gerard as the two were busy in a conversation. How lovely, Imelda thought to herself as she took out her flute and started playing a calming little tune. The scene outside shifting as the caravan continued on its way, the landscape going from the wide open field to thicker and thicker groves of trees. Before she knew it, they were back in the forest they walked through during the earlier part of the day. Its comforting shade now changing to that of a grim darkness as the sky began to turn overcast before the heavens started to weep the first drops of rain. With the cooling rain came a nice breeze. The air was now chill and served to remind Imelda of home once more. With a smile, she pulled up her hood and peeked out.

"Refreshing...." Imelda sighed before she heard the new lad offer everyone a piece of sweetbread. She accepted her piece with a word of thanks and nibbled on it. Dense, filling, and very sweet. She giggled to herself as it reminded her of the honey cakes one of the Song Mothers would bake for the children. As she ate, she noticed the corpse from earlier. Her mood took a slight dip as she finished her sweetbread with a sigh. Even in happiness, the state of the world finds its way to worm back into her mood. Before she could do anything, Marian suddenly bangs her hand into the caravan's wooden beam, causing the hunter to jolt with shock.

"Goodness, is something the matter Little Sister?" Imelda asked before she watched on as Marian hopped off the caravan and started to move towards the body. That was when she started to notice it. Something felt off. The darkness of the forest was starting to feel dangerous. Imelda waited for the caravan to slow down before she slipped off her perch, her boots splashing into a small, muddy puddle. She readied her bow and quickly scanned around their surroundings. It was quiet. A little too quiet.

"Little Sister? What's the matter? Is the body that fascinating?" Imelda teased before she turned to look at Marian. The small smile she had was quickly replaced with that of shock, her eyes widened as the corpse was now standing. A scant few feet away from Marian.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM, MARIAN!" Imelda screamed, quickly nocking an arrow onto her bow and sending an arrow whistling towards the formally dead body's chest. With a burst of energy, she quickly dashed forward, grabbing Marian by the arm and yanking her back towards the caravan.

Crumbli Rumble Fish Petroshka Kokurai Gaisgeach KindlyPlagueDoctor

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

Gérard MácArchibald

As Gerard finishes the bread that Caleb gave to him, he took it as a sign of apology instead, forgiving Caleb for emptying his flask of Ale, however... His attention was caught by the Sister who suddenly gave a knock on the Cart they were in and suddenly jumping out as the Carriage slowly comes to a halt.

"Geez. Be careful! You might hurt yourself!" Gerard scolded the Sister, but his words fell deaf to her ear as she went up to the supposed Dead body that they encountered before. leaning back to his seat before making eye contact with Caleb who seems to wonder to what's going on outside.

"Ah, don't mind it, the sister is giving the corpse its last rites." relaxing a bit after telling Caleb to what's going on, his blissful feeling was destroyed after he heard Imelda's shouting outside. Immediately jumping out with his spear on hand, his eyes met with a grim reminder of what a plague of this magnitude can do, a walking corpse of an infected shambles before them, he struggled to understand how the sickness was able to resurrect the dead.

"What in the name of the Divines..." his grip strengthened on his blood-red spear as he went beside Imelda who pulled the Sister back, poised to strike without hesitation, he watched as the Shambling corpse walk towards them.

"Sister, stay in the carriage, we don't want such a beautiful looking maiden who is our boss to get hurt, or worse... be infected by this foul creature." Thrusting his spear towards the Infected's chest, it appeared to have no effect on it after an arrow was sent towards its center mass. Pulling the spear back as its tip drips with its blood, he backs off towards the caravan before thrusting another one to its knee, forcing it drop to the ground after pulling the spear back.