As he sat listening to the reports given by the twins about the information they had gained from Obad-Hai about Erythnul, the words flowed over him, the key concepts taking root, but he found that he was replaying Deryn’s words from the previous night. That she thought he felt her a burden, it was not the case, he wanted to plan to try to ensure her survival, it was quite the opposite from what she perceived. He enjoyed the teasing between them, she gave back as good as she got, it amused him, but there were moments where she took a lot of his jests to heart, perhaps that was where her statement had come from. Why it bothered him so, it could only be that if they were to travel together that they would need to be able to abide each other’s company.<br/><br/>Returning to the moment at hand, Malkier found himself grinning at Deryn’s appetite returning as she rapidly helped herself to a little of everything at the table before tucking in. The sounds she made as each mouthful began to sate her hunger, it was clear that being afflicted with that disease had more of an effect upon her physically than perhaps either of them realised.<br/><br/>As Deryn spoke gaining the undivided attention of those sat around the table, Malkier nodded at her questions for clarity and greater detail.<b>“Erythnul is one of the many Ancestors, or Gods, that exist, he stands for, the chaos of battle, rage and fear.”</b>Malkier explained holding up one of his hands like one half of a scale, before continuing as he held up his other opposing the first<b>“Obad-Hai on the other hand is one venerated by the people of Tutonia, representing nature, freedom, hunting and beasts, his link to beasts in general grants him the insight to see what has been done to those under his domain.” </b>Lowering his arms from his scale like analogy<b>“As for an Avatar, no they are not good. Ancestors are such powerful beings such as them, are unable to spend time upon this place of existence, so they will send an avatar to carry out their bidding. Thankfully though even they cannot remain here for too long as they are vastly powerful.”</b><br/><br/>As Deryn expressed her inexperience with some things Malkier shook his head<b>“No, it’s quite okay, it took me many years to understand the faith systems of other nations and become aware of different manifestations that can appear upon out plane.”</b>Turning to Imperellis Malkier spoke again, raising the issue of supplies that they might need on their trip<b>“We will need supplies to head out, can your alchemists spare any curatives for our venture? I am immune to the effects of this ailment it would seem so far, but Deryn is not and my channelling cannot cure her. Likewise something for her wounds should anything severe happen?” </b>The large treant nodded slowly<b>“I am certain we have something, for a price of course.”</b><br/><br/><b>“Of course, I have payment. Who should we speak to before departing?”</b><br/><br/><b>“Speak with Squeeker, you’ll find his ‘lab’ North from here.” </b>He gestured lazily a direction outside of the tent before continuing<b>“You can’t miss it by the smell.”</b>His face indicated that it was not a pleasant scent that they would be seeking.<br/><br/><b>“Was there anything more that you were able to glean from your communion with the Ancestors?”</b>Malkier hoped that some indication as to what they might expect would be helpful as well as an indication as to the way they should be travelling.<b>“Westward from our encampment, into darkness, like a den of sorts the creatures swarmed about in a greenish light.”</b>Imperella spoke in a far off tone as if remembering a dream of sorts<b>“The curse of madness infects many and it’s influence grows.”</b>Impalla finished his twin’s short informative statement.<b>“Well I think it would be wise to find the exact location of this ‘den’ and see how far this pandemic has spread. With the two of us we should remain undetected and be able to report back here or to the capital.” </b>Breakfast continued for a short time, with the five of them passing tit-bits of information or asking questions of each other and news of other lands.<br/><br/>As they stepped from the tent Malkier grimaced again stepping into the morning sunlight, maybe an hour or so after sunrise and he was drastically feeling the absence in his own nature that the sun took from him each day, with a quiet sigh he turned to Deryn<b>“How are you feeling?”</b>he didn’t want to push the human girl to much after her ordeal with her wounds, he knew she would scold him for showing her concern, she seemed to feel the need to prove to him that she was impervious, despite the fact he knew full well that regardless of her physical health and physique, she was mortal and had no magics to help her recover faster unlike himself.<br/><br/>One day he would pull her up on her “macho” behaviour he thought, as it would likely be the death of her if she wasn’t careful and she needed to learn to accept that her being alive gave her certain limitations. It was easier for him, those certain aspects of life didn’t affect him, food, water, sleep, breath all these things were inconsequential, he could walk until his physical form crumbled around him, he chose to rest during daylight to avoid his own vulnerabilities.<br/><br/><b>“If we need to rest another day to ensure you are fully recovered before setting out we can. If you are up to it, then I guess we had best pack out belongings and speak to this…Squeeker.”</b>He was filled with a strange sense of excitement about this venture, to be able to explore new lands, face danger and test his skills once more, along with the concept of passing his knowledge onto another in Deryn, who although she was from Albion, she didn’t seem like your typical member of the Harts nation, they were never normally so curious and adventurous, she intrigued him.<br/><br/>Tag :<a class="username" data-user-id="91" data-username="@Wren" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/91/">@Wren</a>