Deryn yawned again as Malkier directed her toward the tent, allowing him to open the flap and let her brush passed him before replying.<b>”I know all of these things. My education is not something to scoff at - they are very knowledgeable in Albion and I can tend wounds to a degree. I was just...a bit mistaken when it came to understanding what we were dealing with. I did not intend on the beastkin to transmit an infection into my pattern.”</b>That was true - she’d thought it nothing but a simple, run of the mill flesh wound.<br/><br/>She settled herself upon a cot along the opposite side of the tent, but not entirely too far away from Malkier. She remained in her tunic and breeches, and did not care to change into something else or wash up before collapsing on the makeshift bed for the night. It didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things - she was going to be asleep within seconds of laying down.<b>”I am set upon seeing this Prince about this plague. Do you think he should not know about it? It is his kingdom, after all. If anyone was equipped to handle it, it would be his advisors or he, would it not? I do not believe that a human such as myself and a winged man like you are capable of eradicating whatever disease this is. Besides, we have minimal healing abilities between the two of us.”</b>Deryn closed her eyes and let the light flicker behind her closed eyelids.<b>”We would likely do more harm than good.”</b><br/><br/>Deryn let out a rough laugh, her eyes peeking open as she gave Malkier a long look with a smirk on her face.<b>”Seeking you out? That might have been the initial intention, but please do not flatter yourself. I was much more interested in finding this village. Seems like they have an interesting sense of humor. I see why you wanted to head this way after the attack.”</b>Deryn closed her eyes again, scratching the side of her head briefly as she began to relax.<b>”Supplies, lists, planning - hush and go to sleep. We can figure that out in the morning. You make me seem like a burden.”</b>And perhaps to someone like him, she might have been, but Deryn didn’t think about that too hard. They had a duty to fulfill. She didn’t abandon her post to just have this plague continue to ravage the land without someone knowing about it.<br/><br/>She gave him another long look between slightly open eyelids, but this time, Deryn turned her body and laid on her side, hands tucked under her head as she conversed.<b>”I would have been asleep moments ago, but you keep talking.”</b>Her smirk widened into a playful smirk before she yawned a third time.<b>”Goodnight, Malkier.”</b>And Deryn rolled over to the opposite side of the cot so that he would be forced to stare at her back if he were to look at her.<br/><br/>Her sleep was an eventful sleep. Vibrant colors eroded her mind, thoughts of a plague corrupting her sweet dreams and turning them into nightmares. So paralyzed by the fear in her dream world, she didn’t make a sound, but her breathing was shallow and harsh until she slammed herself awake as Malkier nudged her in the morning. She jumped with a start, inhaling deeply with wide eyes that spoke of the fear that she’d seen. It had to be a side effect of whatever cure she’d received from the healers. Or perhaps, it was a side effect of the infection that had slowly festered in her shoulder. Hopefully, the next night, she would not have as many issues and would sleep just as peacefully as normal.<br/><br/>A frown found her face moments later though, and she watched the winged man pop and crack his bones. He then proceeded to use that damned nickname that he enjoyed calling her, which combined with her restless sleep, had her on her feet and stomping behind him with mutterings of ‘your mother taught you no manners’ and ‘I would be surprised if you’ve ever coerced a woman into your bed with as much disregard as you show  for actual names’. Needless to say, Malkier would soon learn that Deryn was not a morning person.<br/><br/>Coughs could be heard from behind Malkier as the dust his robe brought up bothered Deryn’s nose and mouth. She frowned even more so at him when they reached the tent, and just as she was about to comment on the way he walked, Malkier ducked into the tent while Deryn just gaped a bit at the guards on either side. They looked different to her, and as curious as she was, Deryn stuck out a hand to touch a spear that one held in his hands. A loud grunt had her withdrawing her intended touch and she followed Malkier inside of the tent with her head turned to the side to glare at the guard that had made noises at her.<br/><br/>She gave her welcome to the three inside - a small wave and a sheepish ‘hello’. They looked much better than she did in the morning, and subconsciously, Deryn wondered when the last time she’d had a bath was. Regardless, she stood straight until it was time for breakfast, and then she allowed her true form to be exposed. Like the glutton she was, Deryn took a little bit of everything and then enjoyed it as if it were the last meal she’d ever taste. Small moans of approval could be heard from her direction, and at one point, one of the twins gave her a weird look and she’d made an attempt to eat more quiet.<br/><br/>Deryn listened intently as the source of the plague was revealed, but her confusion and lack of understanding of the Egg did get the best of her. Waiting until an appropriate pause was had in the conversation, Deryn cleared her throat and muttered a quick,<b>’Excuse me, but…”</b>All eyes turned to her, and Deryn, usually not so self conscious, turned a bright red.<b>”Could you care to explain a bit more? I’m afraid I do not understand what this Erythnul is or who Obad-Hai is.”</b>Quickly, she ate a piece of fruit, finishing her chewing before she piped up again.<b>”And an Avatar. This is not a good thing, is it?”</b>She looked pointedly at Malkier, who had been awfully quiet.<b>”I would enjoy being more assistance, but I cannot help if I do not understand. I know that I’m not worldly and am likely more unhelpful than I am helpful, but something has to be done. I am willing and able to do whatever it takes to ensure it. It’s a promise.”</b><br/><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="92" data-username="@Malkier" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/92/">@Malkier</a>