Araatris: An hour later, Wrune kneels beside Rhese, his hands glowing softly as his senses explore the scythe’s power. The young druid grits his teeth.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn crouches down and hands him a strip of leather, “Here. Bite down on this.” Rhese takes it with a grateful glance. She walks back to Nysse.
Araatris: Rhese catches his breath a few minutes later, when Wrune pauses and looks over at Verune. “It’s likely that I can slow it, but… look at him.”
Rhoelyn: Despite the cold, Rhese is covered in sweat and his face is pale. Rhese removes the leather from his mouth, “I can deal with it, Wrune. Do it.”
Araatris: Wrune frowns. “I’m not sure the benefits outweigh the risks, here. It’s …” he struggles for words. “… far deeper in you than Nysse.”
Rhoelyn: “Do we even have any other options?” Rhese looks desperately between Wrune and Verune. The elder druid nods, “It is time that we found your claws.”
Araatris: Wiping some of the sweat from his forehead, the younger druid sighs. “Verune, it doesn’t make any more sense when you say it than the cat did.”
Rhoelyn: “You found it once–.” “Nysse! What are you doing?!” Valerio shouts worriedly. Nysse responds petulantly and hoarsely, “What does it look like?”
Araatris: Nysse kicks out of the bedroll, wincing. “I’m not laying here a second more. Once someone helps me up.” Kaerryn grins and takes her hand.
Rhoelyn: Nysse stumbles into Kaerryn as she stands. The warrior chuckles and grabs both her arms to support her, “Feeling like a newborn colt yet?”
Araatris: Nysse snorts. “You don’t even know. Every muscle hurts.” Val steps up. “You could rest more. Y-” She interrupts with a decisive shake of her head.
Rhoelyn: “If you want to help then get me some herbs for pain, but Elune help me, I am going to walk around this camp.” The huntress glares at Valerio.
Araatris: The draenei grins and holds up his hands. “I surrender! I surrender. Let me see what I can find.” He turns away, muttering under his breath.
Rhoelyn: She releases Kaerryn and takes a few unsteady steps back. Searching for Rhese, Nysse turns and makes her first goal the trio off to the side.
Araatris: All three of them smile to see her up and moving. Rhese is the first to speak, teasing. “You look like a pup trying to find her legs, my lovely.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse sticks her tongue out, “It feels like it, too. I’m hoping moving will make it better.” She falters as she tries to walk faster. “Ack!”
Araatris: Wrune manages to catch her elbow before she falls. “Take it slow, please. I’m really tired of healing you, today.” He grins. Rhese stays put.
Rhoelyn: “I’ll try. It just feels like I haven’t moved in forever.” Nysse grins sheepishly. She carefully twists to look at Rhese adoringly, “Rhese.”
Araatris: His smile for her is genuine and warm, but he doesn’t approach. “It’s good to see you up, Nysse. We’ve been worried about you.”
Rhoelyn: She stops about an arm’s reach away before looking at Verune, “Can I touch him if I’m careful or is it too risky?” Nysse tilts her head curiously.
Araatris: “It’s best that you don’t.” Verune shakes his head. “I’m sorry, but we still understand very little.” Rhese grins weakly. “I’m not safe, my lovely.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks at Rhese sharply, “You are perfectly safe, beloved. You are not what it is doing to you.” Remembering the others, Nysse blushes.
Araatris: He smiles fondly. “Still…” “Yes, I know.” Nysse sighs. “I’ll keep my hands to myself.” Kaerryn wanders up. “You can touch me all you like!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse laughs, “Thanks, Kaerryn, but it’s not the same. I wouldn’t mind some time alone to talk to him though.” Her stomach rumbles, “And food?”
Araatris: Kaerryn throws up her hands. “Not it.” She then points at Rylana. “Short timer. You cook. I’ll watch to make sure you don’t poison us all.”
Rhoelyn: “Thanks.” Nysse walks over to a nearby tree when Verune offers his support. “I’ll steady you.” Verune drapes a cloak on her after she sits.
Araatris: Nysse stares expectantly at Rhese as the others wander away. Scratching at his stubble, he sits across from her, just out of reach. “My lady?”
Rhoelyn: She speaks softly, “Thank you.” At Rhese’s surprised expression, she continues, “Maybe it was wrong to shift me, but to me that was a gift.”
Araatris: Rhese frowns. “I don’t see how. I hurt you and practically kidnapped you for weeks. If th-” Nysse interrupts, shaking her head. “Let me finish.”
Rhoelyn: “You are incapable of kidnapping me.” Nysse ducks her head, “I wanted to be a wolf. I wanted to understand how you felt when you changed.”
Araatris: He speaks quietly, unconvinced. “Can you really say that knowledge was worth the price? I made an awful mistake, Nysse, and you paid for it.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks up with shining eyes, “Yes! All the words, all the feelings… it was so easy then. I… I imagined what it’d be like as a child.”
Araatris: With a weak grin, he says, “I can’t accept your thanks. But … I’m glad some of it was positive for you.” He looks away, hearing her screams.
Rhoelyn: She frowns in concern and starts to reach forward before withdrawing within the cloak, “What’s wrong, Rhese? I’m a little sore. That’s all.”
Araatris: He forces a smile, turning his attention back. “Yes, lovely. I’m just… it could have been much worse,” he lies, clenching his hands in his lap.
Rhoelyn: “Rhese.” She says warningly. “What happened while I was out? No, don’t try to deny it. I know that look.” Nysse looks at him entreatingly, “Please.”
Araatris: “It doesn’t matter, Nysse. It’s over, and you’re fine as long as I don’t touch you.” Rhese near-whispers, “No matter how much I want to.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles shyly, “I do, too.” She takes a nearby stick and pokes his leg, “But what happened does matter to me if it’s bothering you that much.”
Araatris: He doesn’t honor her request, instead pushing to his feet. “I’ll send one of the others over to help you up. You should sit by the fire and eat.”
Rhoelyn: “Rhese!” Nysse calls in shock, but he ignores her and sends Wrune to help her. She looks confused as Wrune helps her stand and offers his arm.
Araatris: She looks over at the paladin, her frown mixing with a grimace as her muscles protest. “He’s really hurting, Wrune. I don’t understand.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune looks away guiltily. Nysse’s eyes crease with worry, “Did I do or say something while I was out of it?” Wrune shakes his head quickly.
Araatris: Nysse growls. “You’re all doing that thing where you try to protect me, but it’s insulting. I’m not going to break. I need to understand.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune whispers, unable to meet her eyes, “You weren’t waking up. I’d missed part of the curse and it’d spread. Rhese… asked me to remove it.”
Araatris: The huntress looks at him searchingly. “That doesn’t s-” He sighs, “It’s a relief that you don’t remember. There’s a reason your voice is hoarse.”
Rhoelyn: She reaches up to touch her throat as if slowly connecting the dots, “It was painful…” Her eyes open wide, “I was yelling? By Elune, how long?”
Araatris: As Wrune helps her sit and Rylana hands her food, the young woman answers for him. “Too long, Nysse. You screamed fer way too long.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse takes the plate and sets it in her lap. She gives them a weak smile before poking at her food disinterestedly. Wrune frowns worriedly.
Araatris: He sits down beside her on the cold ground. “None of us wanted to. We made the tough choice, knowing it would only be harder on you if we waited.”
Rhoelyn: She speaks in a rough whisper, “I know that. I can see that none of you wanted to do it and I’m not angry.” She rubs her eyes, “It’s fine. Really.”
Araatris: “If it’s fine, then why do you have that look on your face?” Wrune asks gently.
Rhoelyn: Nysse bites her lip, “Because there’s nothing I can do.” She sighs and sets her plate to the side. “And everyone’s treating me like I’m fragile.”
Araatris: “Actually, it was because we knew you were strong that we made that choice for you. It doesn’t mean any of us liked it.” He looks up for Rhese.
Rhoelyn: “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” Nysse growls and then starts coughing. After catching her breath, she continues, “I’m just frustrated.”
Araatris: Val steps over and picks her plate back up, setting the herbs on it before shoving it at her. “Be frustrated and well-nourished at the same time.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress flushes and takes the plate meekly, “Yes, Valerio.” She takes the herbs and finally begins to eat. Wrune smiles gratefully at Val.
Araatris: He pats Nysse’s knee and stands, pulling Val aside. “Do you know where Rhese went?” Val points. “He slipped off. I sent the wolves with him.”
Rhoelyn: Wrune frowns, “Are you sure it’s a good idea to leave him alone? You know how he can get when it comes to Nysse.” Val winces, “And he can’t shift.”
Araatris: Rylana pipes up. “You all worry too much. That Kaerryn b-… gal went after him.” She hands food to Valerio and Wrune as well, shrugging slightly.
Rhoelyn: Wrune stares in horror, but it’s Valerio that speaks, “It could be good for him.” He takes Wrune’s plate when the paladin doesn’t respond.
Araatris: The paladin pinches his nose. “I’m going to try to remind myself that neither of them is actually a full-grown child and hope they make it back.”
Rhoelyn: Valerio pushes Wrune’s plate at him until he takes it and then grins, “You still might want to plan on healing or bandages. They play rough.”
Araatris: Nysse snorts, choking on her food as she tries not to laugh. “They’re not that bad.”
Somewhere not too far away, Kaerryn punches Rhese in the chest.
Rhoelyn: “You self-involved,” Kaerryn punches again catching Rhese in the shoulder as he stumbles back. “Coward! How do you think the rest of us feel?!”
Araatris: The druid ducks out of range, rubbing at what will soon be fresh bruises. “Will you stop that?” Tsume and Vulf flank him, uncertain what to do.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn glares, “Not until you get your head out of your–.” The wolves whine loudly. Kaerryn huffs, “Are you trying to make her feel like dirt?”
Araatris: “Of course not!” he grouches, folding his arms. “I don’t even know what you’re upset about. She’s feeling better, isn’t she? Nysse’s fine, now.”
Rhoelyn: “Not when you do that!” Kaerryn snarls and shoves him, “Listen. I’m not into all that touchy feely stuff, but she is. You don’t just walk away!”
Araatris: He stumbles back, again, his brows drawing down. “That’s all I can do, and you know it. I won’t risk anyone having to go through that again.”
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn covers her face with her hand, “You really are an idiot. I meant you should man up and talk to her. Seriously. Grow a pair, Rhese.”
Araatris: Rhese snarls a bit, his voice low as his temper frays. “Are you done? I did leave the camp alone for a reason.” He clenches his darkened fist.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn grins, “You’re getting mad because I’m right.” She starts circling him, “Do you think Nysse is so shallow that she wouldn’t forgive you?”
Araatris: “No. The opposite,” he growls. “She’ll forgive me anything, take any risk. You all will. I can’t stop you. So I need to be the one to walk away.”
Rhoelyn: She stops and stares, “Wait. Were you planning on coming back?” When Rhese doesn’t answer, “Please tell me you weren’t thinking about leaving.”
Araatris: “… no,” he sighs. “Not yet.” All his anger seems to evaporate, leaving him looking tired in the growing darkness. He steps away.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn speaks quietly, “Don’t make that mistake, Rhese. That’s not going to solve anything.” She sighs, “…and Nysse would be devastated.”
Araatris: “I know,” he sighs, scrubbing his hands over his face. “I don’t know what to do, Kaerryn. I feel like I’m drowning, and I don’t even know why.”
Rhoelyn: “It’s whatever that thing is doing. I don’t really understand, but it’s not letting you be you. Let’s hit camp. You need some rest.” Kaerryn offers.
Araatris: After a long hesitation, he nods. “Alright. Let’s go back. And no more hitting, please.” Rhese attempts a grin, but it comes out relatively weak.
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn snorts, “Fine, but I reserve the right if you start acting silly again.” The two wolves follow them, their ears flat and subdued.
Araatris: Rhese pulls his jacket tight against the growing chill as he steps back into camp, forcing himself not to immediately seek out Nysse.
Rhoelyn: Nysse’s empty plate is sliding out of her lap and her head and shoulders are bowed. Val meets him, “She’s refusing to rest until you eat.”
Araatris: He’s not sure whether to smile or frown, watching her droop sleepily, but he nods to Val. “I’ll eat something. You get her to lay down.”
Rhoelyn: Valerio nods and heads to Nysse. He kneels, “Hey.” The huntress looks up drowsily. “Why don’t you let me take that plate so you can lay down.”
Araatris: Nysse mutters, “Rhese -” And Val interrupts her. “… is back and perfectly fine and going to eat his dinner like a good boy. Now, lay down.”
Rhoelyn: He takes the plate and gently pushes her shoulder. Nysse only resists until she sees Rhese fixing himself a plate, then she smiles and lays down.
Araatris: The draenei lets her tug her bedroll around herself before he turns away, grumbling about “stubborn blockheads” and “playing nursemaid”.
Rhoelyn: Rylana wanders over to Verune and slides down against a nearby tree. “Ah dunno if it’d help, but wanna examine me? Ah’m the only one he’s changed.”
Araatris: The night elf considers her thoughtfully, crouching beside her. “It could be helpful.” When he doesn’t move, she fidgets uncomfortably. “What?”
Rhoelyn: Verune presses his lips into a thin line, “It would be best to see the scars, but…” He gestures to her chest, “he chose an objectionable location.”
Araatris: The young woman blushes lightly but starts to undo her shirt. “Ah’m guessin’ you’re old enough to know what t’touch and what not to.”
Rhoelyn: Verune smiles gently, “I will look at the scars.” Rylana nods and reveals four blackened scars running from the strap of her bra to her belt.
Araatris: The elder druid examines the marks clinically, pressing at her skin. “Wrune tells me that it fouled at first. Was it always blackened like this?”
Rhoelyn: Rylana nods, “That’s why we have t’let them heal naturally. Ah’d waited so long for my mark, but in the end it dinna happen like ah’d hoped.”
Araatris: “What was it that you hoped for, exactly?” he asks, his gaze still on the marks. His focus is split between what he can sense and the conversation.
Rhoelyn: She blushes deeper, “Ah grew up bein’ an outsider. Ah wanted to have the same connection so ah was jealous when they brought Nysse to him first.”
Rhoelyn: “Ah pushed in front of her and he knocked me aside. Like ah was nuthin’. He killed the two touchin’ her. Thought he was gonna kill me, too.”
Araatris: Verune looks up at her face. “Why didn’t he?” The elder frowns, thoughtful. “Why would the wolf spare you, even give you what you wanted?”
Rhoelyn: Rylana shakes her head, “Dunno. Ah was talking to Nysse before he showed. Maybe cause ah dinna touch her? Or maybe it wanted its own pack.”
Araatris: At a soft footfall behind her, Rylana turns, tugging the edges of her shirt together. “Or maybe you just didn’t seem like a bad person to him.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana flushes, “Ah dinna realize you were listenin’.” She sighs, “But maybe ah shouldna let Wrune help me after all. Ah still haven’t turned.”
Araatris: Rhese grins a bit and points at his long ears. “I have good hearing. I’m sorry for interrupting.” He turns away, but Verune says, “Wait.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana buttons her shirt as Verune continues, “Do you remember any of your time as the wolf clearly?” Rhese pauses and looks over his shoulder.
Araatris: “Clearly?” The younger druid pauses without turning. “No. But I remember some moments with more clarity than others. Why?”
Rhoelyn: Verune glances at Rylana, “You remembered this young lady. Perhaps your moments of clarity could offer insight to what the cat said.”
Araatris: Rhese sighs and turns back. “It’s doubtful, but possibly. After her former Pack captured us, things got confusing quickly. I don’t know why.”
Rhoelyn: “You were fighting it. We–Ah kept expecting you to give in.” Rylana stares at Rhese thoughtfully, “Wanna see what happens if ah touch the marks?”
Araatris: “No.” “Yes.” The young druid looks at his elder uncertainly, repeating himself, “No, Verune. What is that going to teach us? Nothing useful.”
Rhoelyn: “It’s not like you can infect me. Ah’m already one of your Pack.” She pushes off the ground, “Anyway, no loss to you all if something happens.”
Araatris: Verune stands as well. He looks at Rhese searchingly. “The idea makes you very uncomfortable. Why?” The other druid frowns. “I’m not sure.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress steps in front of Rhese, “Am ah touchin’ you or not?” Verune lays a hand on her shoulder, “Are you afraid of harming her?”
Araatris: “Of… of course I don’t want to hurt her.” Rhese frowns, crossing his arms. “I’m tired of hurting people. I’m just tired. Period.” He steps away.
Rhoelyn: Rylana sighs and frowns, “I’m sorry, Alpha.” She steps forward quickly and grabs his blackened hand, then freezes mid-motion staring at him.
Araatris: “Nng!” Rhese stiffens instantly, his back arching as he strains. Even as Verune moves, vicious thorns burst from the ground around his feet.
Rhoelyn: Verune dives to the side, tackling Rylana on the way. The thorns shoot up and spin as if looking for something. Rylana cries out, “I’m sorry!”
Araatris: Rhese chokes, sinking to his knees as the scythe’s marks crawl, writhing, across his skin. More thorns and bruised flowers sprout around him.
Rhoelyn: “Rhese! Let me up, Val!” Valerio leans on a struggling Nysse. “Stay still! They’ve got it under control.” The thorns begin to wrap around Rhese.
Araatris: Wrune rushes over as Verune shoves Rylana at Kaerryn, growling, “Remove this one.” The elder kneels, pressing his palm to the ground.
Rhoelyn: Rylana mumbles, “Ah dinna know.” Kaerryn shakes her head, “Not the time, Ry. Come with me.” She pulls her quickly to the other side of camp.
Araatris: Wrune’s hands glow, and he tries to reach Rhese through the closing, thorny vines as Verune strains to control them and slow their growth.
Rhoelyn: As sweat beads on Verune’s forehead, the vines begin to retreat. Wrune’s magic reaches Rhese causing him to gasp and jerk away. “Fight it, Rhese.”
Araatris: As the paladin’s magic halos him, Rhese curls forward with a pained cry. The retreating thorns scratch at him, and he chokes for breath.
Rhoelyn: After a long moment, the vines start to wither. Rhese labors to breathe. Verune sighs and removes his hand from the ground, “How is he?”
Araatris: Wrune grabs Rhese’s wrists, increasing the golden glow around him, and manages to grate out, “He’s struggling… against everything… including me.”
Rhoelyn: Verune joins Wrune and places his hands over Wrune’s. “Rhese, let us help you,” He commands. The marks dance across the young druid’s face.
Araatris: “Val! Let me up. Please!” Nysse begs, tears in her eyes. With one last look at Rhese, he relents. She scrambles to her feet and rushes over.
Rhoelyn: Nysse falls to her knees by Rhese, “You’re stronger than this, Rhese,” She whispers in his ear, her voice cracking. “Fight it: tooth and claw.”
Araatris: It’s unclear if he hears her. Rhese shudders, his eyes wide, and manages to draw enough breath to cry out in pain, again.
Rhoelyn: She looks between Wrune and Verune, deep in concentration, and Rhese then frowns. “Rhese. Don’t you dare give in to it.” Her hands hover over him.
Araatris: He lifts his head and looks at her, pressing his fists against the ground. The marks across his face slow their frantic writhing.
Rhoelyn: Nysse manages to smile despite her tears. “I don’t need another wolf pet. I need you.” She reaches up, but doesn’t quite touch his cheek.
Araatris: Wrune nods slightly, shifting his glowing hands to Rhese’s back. “That’s it. Fight the darkness, not the light.” Their conjoined magics swirl.
Rhoelyn: “Just focus on me. You know I bet we have a letter back at Amberpine from Rhoelyn. She’s probably spoiling the pups still…,” Nysse rambles.
Araatris: Rhese gasps, managing to breathe. His gaze is fixed on Nysse, though he still grimaces with pain. The ground around him greys, corrupting.
Rhoelyn: When the vines wrap around Nysse’s calves, she doesn’t flinch, “…and I was thinking about making a den for Tsume in the hill out back.”
Araatris: The black marks across his face stop their advance, stilling. His head droops tiredly, and as some of the tension leaves him, he trembles.
Rhoelyn: “I know that everything’s been crazy, but I didn’t forget about your birthday.” Nysse fumbles in a pouch, “Rhoelyn helped me make it.”
Araatris: Verune mutters, “Not yet, cub. Don’t let go, yet. Listen to Nysse’s voice.” His power pours through Rhese and into the corrupted ground.
Rhoelyn: Nysse holds a leather necklace out in her palms. It’s knotted at the center and green beads lead to a charm of black and white feathers.
Araatris: Rhese reaches out – for her or the gift, it’s unclear – with his left hand, though the black marks have crawled down to his forearm. “N-Nysse…”
Rhoelyn: She blushes, “They’re the same feathers I use on my arrows.” Nysse dangles it so he can take it without touching her. “I hope you like it.”
Araatris: “Nysse… love.” His finger brushes the feather lightly before his eyes drift closed, and he collapses onto his side. Verune leans back, sighing.
Rhoelyn: The necklace returns to Nysse’s pouch, “Is he stable again?” Nysse tries to straighten her back and winces as she moves; she slumps again.
Araatris: Nodding, Verune reaches over and pulls the vines free from her calves. “I believe so. Though his mana is completely depleted. He’s exhausted.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse sighs, “There’s nothing else I can do. I can’t even touch him.” Nysse attempts to stand, but falls back on her knees with a soft curse.
Araatris: Valerio offers her a hand. “You can start by resting and healing so he’s not busy worrying about you when he should be worrying about himself.”
Rhoelyn: She stands with his help. Nysse nods, “I can’t take any more herbs though. I may need help sleeping through the aches if Verune is up to it.”
Araatris: The elder gives her a tired grin and a nod. “I’m quite certain I can manage that much, yet. Go and get settled. I’ll be there shortly.”
Rhoelyn: “Thank you.” Nysse leans heavily on Valerio on the way back to her sleeping mat, then stays to settle her in. Verune watches them, but doesn’t rise.
Araatris: He pitches his voice low as he watches Wrune continue to work over Rhese. The young druid huffs for breath.“What is your assessment, Aron?”
Rhoelyn: Wrune clenches his teeth, “Stable, but barely. If it starts progressing at the pace it was before, we don’t have long to figure any of this out.”
Araatris: Verune curses under his breath. “Do you think there is any chance of pushing it back?” “Without or without driving him mad from the agony?”
Rhoelyn: He grimaces at Wrune’s question, “Then it is time to seek out the spirits like we did when he was younger.” Verune stands and looks at Nysse.
Araatris: The huntress shifts her position, grimacing as her muscles protest. With a sigh, he walks over and crouches beside her.
Rhoelyn: Nysse looks up. Verune smiles tiredly at her, “Are you ready?” At her nod, Verune gently brushes her forehead with his magic. “Rest well.”
Araatris: As her eyes drift closed, she thinks idly about how the soothing, drowsy spell feels a bit familiar. Verune turns his attention to Rylana.
Rhoelyn: The young huntress stares quickly at her feet and wraps her arms around herself in an attempt to make herself smaller. “Ah said ah was sorry…”
Araatris: Kaerryn stands beside her, hands on her hips. Verune regards her coldly. “I no longer feel inclined to believe your innocent act, girl. Truth.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana grumbles, “Ah wanted him to become the Alpha, but ah wasn’t sure touching him would work. Ah feel like ah’m stuck until he changes.”
Araatris: Kaerryn grabs her shirt and yanks her to her feet. “You getting your mangy mutt form is more important than him getting to be HIM, you mean.”
Rhoelyn: “Ah’ve been waiting my entire life and if he’s cured so am ah! It’s not fair!” Rylana struggles against Kaerryn. “Ah can’t be accepted like this!
Araatris: “You could have been.” The warrior lifts her off her feet, snarling in her face. “He offered you a place and this is your thanks, you ungrateful-!”
Rhoelyn: Kaerryn slaps the girl with a loud crack. Rylana eyes shimmer, “Ah know! Ah know ah shouldna dun it.” Her voice drops to a whisper, “Ah was scared.”
Araatris: Verune chimes in, stern and cold. “Your place in this Pack is revoked. We will cure Rhese and take the scythe away, and you will have nothing.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana twists towards Verune, “If you do that, you might as well kill me.” She sobs hysterically, pawing at Kaerryn’s hands. “Just kill me!”
Araatris: Kaerryn scoffs, unphased by her hysterics. “What Pack would keep a mutt who’d betray her Alpha? Who’d hurt’im instead of helping?”
Rhoelyn: “Ah get it already. Ah’m trash. So why aren’t you killin’ me? They will if you donna.” Rylana makes a desperate grab for Kaerryn’s knife.
Araatris: The warrior presses her palm over the hilt, preventing the young woman from drawing it. Verune speaks, “You have information we need.”
Rhoelyn: She sniffles, “Fine. Ah’ll tell you anything ah know if ya promise to kill me quickly. “ She rubs her eyes roughly, “They sure won’t after this.”
Araatris: The elder druid nods and turns to Kaerryn. “Bind her, again. She’s our prisoner.” Rylana gasps, “But-!” He glares. “It’s been a tiring evening.”
Rhoelyn: Rylana sullenly looks at the ground and holds out her wrists for Kaerryn. “Yes, sir…” She submits to her hands and feet being roughly tied.
Araatris: Verune leaves them with a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Valerio pats his shoulder and hands him his bedroll before checking on Wrune.
Rhoelyn: “Is he stable enough that you can rest?” Val kneels by them. Wrune nods reluctantly, “We need to move him near the fire. Can you help?”
Araatris: “Of course.” Between the two of them, they set up a bedroll by the fire and man-handle Rhese into it. He barely stirs, pale with exhaustion.
Rhoelyn: Valerio pats Wrune’s shoulder. “You get some rest, too. Kaerryn and I can handle the watches.” Wrune nods and heads to his own bedroll.
Araatris: Kaerryn tosses a blanket carelessly at Rylana and heads over to Val. “I’ll take first watch.” She slings her axe over her shoulder and wanders off.
Rhoelyn: Verune gestures towards the last bedroll, “Valerio, you can use the bed. I’m content to rest on the ground.” They all settle in and rest.