As Deryn responded to his questions Malkier went through a range of sensations, clearly still riding out his shock from the discovery of Deryn’s wound followed by the relief that it could be cleansed from her pattern.<b>“Well clearly your sense of humour has not been affected but I still do not believe that you truly understand the severity of the situation you were in.”</b>he sighed with a shake of his head<b>“What do they teach you in Albion?”</b>Turning Deryn towards the large tent that he had been assigned, his tone becoming more lecturing as he walked Deryn through the camp<b>“A body infected or carrying a disease will not heal by any means, until the condition is removed. It corrupts your pattern preventing your wounds from healing in the normal order of things.”</b>Lifting the flap of the tent open Malkier held the fabric aside allowing Deryn to enter before following after.<br/><br/>Malkier sat on the end of the cot that he had piled his meagre possessions upon, watching as Deryn found her bearings within the tent and arranged her own things. The flicking light from the candles suspended in cradles shone off the whiteness of his teeth presented due to his smile as he thought over her response to if she would be returning home<b>“You seem very set upon speaking with this Prince about this plague. Personally I would rather resolve the issue and steer clear of nobles and the like.” </b>Letting out a gentle laugh as he continued<b>“And no, I did not expect you to pass up adventure, especially not after seeing you having abandoned your countrymen to chase after me.” </b><br/><br/>Malkier looked lost in thought for a few moments, eyes far away and seeming muttering to himself as he counted off unknown items upon his fingers,<b>“We will need to source some supplies if you are going to be travelling with me though, as my magics cannot tend to your wounds and I am not having you be put at risk again. I shall speak to Imperellis and see if any of his alchemists have supplies they can sell to me.” </b>Laying back upon the cot, the susurration of his feathers as he settled the only real noise coming from his side of the tent<b>“You should rest now though, tomorrow we shall make plans and see what has been found out by Imperellis’ people.”</b>Malkier lay there quietly waiting for Deryn to settle answering her questions as she did so until her exhaustion finally conquered her and dragged her down into sleep.<br/><br/>The night passed slowly, not needing to sleep any more was both a blessing and a curse, Malkier often wished deeply for that sensation of being pulled into sleep, but it did mean he was able to keep a watchful eye on Deryn and the entrance to their tent. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust the Starcraft, but two strangers within a foreign encampment were an easy target for anyone who might be so inclined. So it was that he lay there listening to the sounds of the night along with the quiet comings and goings of the tribe around them. He felt it coming before any physical sense registered it, the rising of the sun, how he hated this time where his whole physiology changed, he hated the feeling of being physically weaker than what his true nature was, having to exercise additional caution just because of the time of day.<br/><br/>Rising from his cot and softly padding across the space to nudge Deryn into consciousness before he stepped outside into the cool morning air, the first rays of the sun cresting the tress to the south of the encampment providing a gentle warmth. Unfurling his wings and stretching out his arms, bones and sockets popped and cracked as he did<b>“Ahhh, even after all these years that’s always a satisfying feeling in the mornings.”</b>Turning to peer over his shoulder into the relative gloom of the tent<b>“Come Young One, let us hear what they have discovered and what lays in wait for our future.”</b>Malkier strode off towards the centre of the camp and the large tent like structure that belonged to Imperellis, the hem of his flowing black robe kicking up small dust devils as he walked.<br/><br/>Nodding to the guards posted at either side of the entrance, a sure sign that someone was inside, Malkier ducked into the large tent, he had already picked up the scents of cooked meats emanating from within. Giving his greetings to the three residents within; Imperellis, Impalla and Imperella, Malkier took a stool at the table and awaited the arrival of Deryn.<br/><br/>At the young woman’s arrival she was invited to join them for the morning meal, conversation began light and inconsequential almost as everyone selected from meats, fruits, breads and cheeses. As the flurry of feeding activity settled Imperellis invited the twins to speak of their findings<b>“We have communed with Obad-Hai, he tells us that an avatar of Erythnul walked our lands and it is his corruption that has tainted the beasts.”</b>The male, Impalla began.<br/><br/><b>“Erythnul is an embodiment of hatred, rage and slaughter. It is his ‘aura’ that is causing this malady that we have seen within the Beastkin.” </b>Imperella picking up seamlessly after her twin as he paused to eat and drink.<br/><br/><b>“Obad-Hai spoke of a calling, that has drawn the Beastkin to a place of power deep within the Southern forest, but why and why only Beastkin is not clear.”</b>Finishing his mouthful Impalla continued before falling silent, apparently done imparting their newfound wisdom.<br/><br/>Malkier sat quietly, lost in thought at their words, an Avatar, that was not something he relished facing, certainly not with only himself and Deryn, they would be no match at all, they would need allies or some clever trick to overcome this ‘divine’ entity.<b>“Well , that was not news that I was hoping to hear, an Avatar is not a foe to be taken lightly. Any ideas on what we do next?”<br/>
</b><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>