It's The Little Things in Life[Private]

[Vanator]

As Vanator arrived back at the cave entrance, he was alone. The faint glow of Raylin's lantern glowed from down in the tunnel, a beacon in the dim moonlight. He heard frantic voices, and stooped to peer in the small stone corridor. He could make out the three in the cramped quarters, could make out from their anxious conversation and activity around Raylin that the young woman had been wounded. As the Drykas men strove to pull the half-blood from the cave, Van stood and looked back towards the tents. He knew little of treating wounds, only what he had gleaned from Hex when he was forced to stitch her up after a glassbeak attack. Dymphna knew something of the use of herbs and plants , he had learned, perhaps the woman would have some way to help Raylin, though the older Drykas did not yet know the nature or extent of the girl's injuries. "Dymphna! Dymphna, Sama'el! Raylin is hurt, we need you!" He called out loudly. The Denusk hoped the two had not already returned to the...activities they were involved in before all this happened. Turning back to look in the tunnel, Vanator laid down his ax and prepared to help extract Raylin from the cave.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

Sam was doing his best to comfort Dymphna with his arm around her shoulders as she cried about her mother's sickles. He wished that he had his scimitar and a clear path to those who had made her cry, but he was savvy enough to know that it was more likely she would get them back if they followed a strategy rather than all diving headfirst into the caves as Kayiri had done. Sometimes it was a fine line between bravery and stupidity, and he was considering that too, though not thinking that Kayiri was stupid. Exactly. Foolish, perhaps, but certainly brave. Vanator's call interrupted all that, and he secretly hoped that having something to do would help Dymphna keep it together. He hadn't realized how fragile she could be until he saw her outside the safety of Endrykas. Now he was worried. "I'll stay here and guard... Did they take your healing kit?" He stood ready to help her gather her things, though he hoped that if anything came at their camp while he was alone, it wasn't something he couldn't handle with his bare hands and a mouthful of fervent prayers.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Eldon finally caught up with Kayiri and Raylin, though seeing them made his heart sink deep into his stomach. Raylin, though it was much too dark in that cave, and guided only by the yellowish lantern of Raylin's, he could not make out the fading color in Raylin's complexion. She looked ill though, her expression was drenched in weakness. Eldon felt himself choke as he stared at the bleeding, severely wounded girl. He wasn't comfortable with this situation, and even though Kayiri was obviously hurt, coming to the realization of just how badly Raylin was injured, made him forget almost entirely about Kayiri. Surely he could take care of himself. Kayiri wasn't much of one to be babied. Eldon, nodding as Kay's request, took his water pouch and handed it to him. He could have conjured water, wiped his face clean, and nobody would be any wiser, but hydromancy took a little bit of time, which he wasn't willing to waste when Raylin was looking to be in such a poor shape. Eldon was going to get her out right away. "Take the waterskin, and don't you dare lose it. By Caiyha's grace, I've got a lot to say to you when this is over with Kayiri. Don't you dare lose that. I'm getting her out of here." Eldon growled at Kayiri, and from how he spoke to him, it might have seemed like he loathed the younger Drykas, perhaps even despised him for being bold, but it was partially because Eldon blamed Kayiri for demanding to be first, thus endangering himself over Eldon, and not watching over Raylin, which was a man's job. Eldon wanted to chew him out right there, but there was enough guilt to have Eldon attempt to minimize the casualties to the best of his abilities. However, 'getting her out' was easier said than down. Raylin didn't look like she was in any position to move herself, not that Eldon would even allow her to attempt it anyway. She was bleeding, looked frail. Eldon, however, was stuck in a small tunnel that was too short to stand up in, too narrow to stretch his arms out in, and too inconveniently shaped to carry a woman out of. He crawled in here, he was force to return the same. Eldon, quite awkwardly, stepped over Raylin, placing his right hand and leg over her, while keeping his left on the other side of her. He was more or less straddling above her. "Listen, girl. I'm going to get you out of here, but I'll need your help. Look at me. If you can reach around my neck and hold on, I can get us out of here. I'll do the best I can to hold you up with one arm, but I'll need you to work with me. Rak'keli, strengthen her please." Eldon took a deep breath, hoping Raylin was conscious enough to understand and work with him. Eldon reach down with his left arm, wriggling his hand to the best of his ability so that he could semi-cradle the girl against his body. If she could at least help him keep her there, off the ground (mostly), then he should be able, he theorized, to get her out without tearing her open anymore. "Alright, we're moving now. Hold on tight." In any other situation, Eldon would have been panicky with awkward embarrassment, but as far as he knew, Raylin could be dying. Embarrassment could be saved for a more convenient time. Assuming everything was working as he imagined it, with Raylin snug against his chest as he slowly crawled with both legs and one handed, he would make it back to the dark night of the outdoors with Vanator already prepared to take the girl. Eldon couldn't help but wonder if these casualties would be any different if Vanator led the way instead, or even if he had made a plan and everyone followed it.

[Raylin Sunsetfeather]

Eldon had caught up. Raylin could hear the vague sound of movement and stopping. She saw that a waterskin was passed over to Kayiri, and heard Eldon's angry words. She then felt a body over her own.

Raylin listned to the instructions given to her. She then slowly began to turn around so that she could face the cieling of the small cavern. She used the walls to stabilize herself. Eventually she was facing the older Drykas. She reached up and brought her arms around his neck as if she were hugging him. She grabed her shirt sleeves weakly. Once Eldon had his arm on her back she adjusted her hands so that they held the fabric near her elbows so that she wouldn't fall as easily, or so she hoped.

The young woman could feel dirt and bloody mud going into her wounds the more they moved. The stinging sensation made Raylin clench her teeth and close her eyes in pain. It wasn't until she could feel the cool autumn air on her face that she re-opened her eyes.

[Dymphna]

Through her crying and blubbering on Sam – Something she wouldn’t have done if not alone with him likely – she heard the voices calling for her. Raylin was hurt. And she, Dymphna Whitefeather, was actually needed. There was terror in that alone, if only because she was rather certain she wasn’t actually as good as everyone just assumed she was at medicine. She pulled back, looking at Sam, her eyes were wide. A tiny shrug was given in question about her healing kit. Stepping back, she took a look around to see if her bag had been dragged outside. Not seeing it, she looked back at Sam. “It’s probably in the tent still…” Trailing off, she bit her bottom lip before swooping in to grab him by the arm so she could kiss him suddenly. “Take a small pot from the water and boil it for me. Then put the larger pot back on to start heating for a boil. I’ll likely need it.” Having done that, she swept away towards the tent, pulling out her bag with her healing kit. It was strapped over her shoulder and chest. “Be safe. I…” She peered at him before dropping her gaze to make sure everything was where it needed to be in her supplies. “I’d be broken if something happened to you, Sam of the Sapphire Clan.” And with that she turned to start jogging towards the group. Getting there, she slowed, looking over those that were above ground. “What is happening?”

[Baku]

As the injured were brought out and the group gathered together to check wounds and bind them, there was a quiet calm seemed to creep over them all. Dymphna began to check the wounds along Raylin’s body while others huddled around. The wounds many, and while many had bled a lot and caused great pains, many of them were shallow, not requiring extensive care. One wound that Raylin bore would be more hindering however, the one which lined her wrist from when she had grabbed the Pycon. Both her and Kayiri’s wounds served as a reminder to those who rushed into situation, whether from rage or from trying to stop that rage. They would live, this time, at least. And they would recover somewhat quickly. While Raylin would be slow to move over the next couple of days, she would still be able to once her wounds would be bandaged. As Dymphna began her work, soon a echoing came from the cave itself, like the sound of feet skittering over the ground. Before they saw anything come out of the mouth of the cave, however, a small rumble around along the ground. Before long a pillar of earth rose from the ground, small pebbles and clumps of dirt falling to the ground as it soon reach a height of fifteen feet. Soon, from the top of it, a small figure began to rise from within it. Due to what they encountered so far, the group quickly realized that the grey color and gritty texture was that of another Pycon. The foot tall statue, resembling a female figure clad in robes, her eyes glowing a slight greenish tint as she looked down at the group. Eventually, a small smile formed on the Pycon’s lips as she placed her hands together and gave a slow bow. “My apologies to you and yours.” the Pycon’s voice rang out, entering each of the party’s ears like a soothing warm wind. “My fellow Pycons acted a little rashly when they took your weapons.” The Pycon soon gave a quick clap of her clay hands, the sound seeming to resemble to small pebbles being struck together. Eventually Pycon began to pour out of the cave. At first the group saw a small handful, as five came out, filing out to the left and to the right. The numbers eventually increased, soon becoming ten, then fifteen. Finally, when their numbers stopped coming out, thirty Pycon had come out, standing in front of the group and giving a bow. Several of them then stepped forward, laying the party’s items out in front of them before stepping back once again. “They are impulsive, but merely because something important of ours was taken not too long ago.” The Pycon atop of the pillar then continued. “My name is Alliria, and my fellow Pycon looked to gather weapons and items to help us get past the great beast that guards where our stolen item is being kept. I asked them to gather abandoned weapons or the items left behind by those who fall in the grasslands by the teeth and claws of other beasts or hands of violent men. Had I known they were going to steal your items, I would have put a stop to it.” Alliria then looked back down to the gathered Pycon, giving a slow nod. Eventually a small Pycon stepped forward, carrying a small pouch in his hands. He soon laid it down next to Dymphna’s side. “Herbs and extracts for healing, cleansing and numbing.” The small Pycon said to Dymphna. “It will help your fellow members in their recovery. Such things are easy to obtain in the caverns that run under the grasslands.” Soon the Pycon moved back with the group, falling silent once again as Alliria spoke once more. “I hope you hold no ill will after this. While I understand the anger you all must have felt for the theft, when one in your party began to rush forward with looks of rage and threats of destruction, my fellow kind simply reacted to keep the rest safe.” Alliria then explained. “We hope you hold no ill will towards us, and as a further peace offering, we hope you may consider hunting the great beast with us. The ones who took your weapon had heard discussions of you all being on a hunt, of searching for something that would help you prepare for a great hunt soon arriving?”

[Vanator]

Vanator helped Eldon pull Raylin from the tunnel as Dymphna ran up. Next Kayiri dragged himself out, and by the light of Raylin's lantern, the herbalist set about to do what she could to treat their wounds. Van took the waterskin Dymphna was using to wash wounds long enough to lean down next to Raylin. He gently lifted the half-blood's head and placed the spout of the skin to her lips, offering her a drink. Returning the waterskin to Dymphna, the Denusk moved to Kayiri, crouching down and giving him a warm smile. "I would smack you in the head and call you a foolish Zilba's ass for acting so rashly, but I think my point has already been made." It was then that activity could be heard within the tunnel, and the earthy pillar erupted from the ground. "Sam!" Van called to the tall teenager. "I think you should come here!" Though young, Sama'el had proven to be intuitive and had a good head on his shoulders. They could keep an eye out for tiny raiders from where they stood. Whatever was happening, he should be with the group. Van stood, battle ax gripped in his hand, watching the elaborate female statue arise and speak. Her glowing eyes made her eerie but her tone was eloquent and conciliatory. As the small army of clay people flowed out of the cave, Vanator stepped back, ax raised, but it was apparent they meant no harm. His eyes darted to Eldon and then to Dymphna as the small creature laid the herbs by her side, before turning back to Alliria to listen to her speak. Once she was finished, the older Drykas paused just a moment before lifting his voice. "It seems that there was...impulsive behavior on the part of both sides." Van glanced down at Kayiri before turning to the rest of the group. Whatever they did, they would have to agree as a group to take Alliria up on her offer or not. As an afterthought, Vanator turned back to the Pycon on the pedastal. "What is this beast you seek to kill?"

[Raylin Sunsetfeather]

Raylin stayed still as Dymphna worked on repairing her legs. Every time one of the caltrops was removed the young woman wince in pain. The obsidian sky was soon replaced by Vanator's face. She could feel her head slowly being proped up, making her feel dizzy. It slowly went away and soon she felt the cool rim of a waterskin on her mouth.

Slowly, she reach for it with her none injured hand. She carefully grasped it and took a long drink from it. When she was finish she let out a content sigh. "Thank you." she said in almost a whisper. She had been feeling thristy for sometime now and was begining to feel a bit better now that her thrist had been quenched. Soon her head rested on the ground again and she was looking at the sky. Raylin started to feel a rumbeling through the ground and looked over only to see a pillar of earth rise from the ground.

The half-blood's eyes widened as she watched the clay woman speak. When the pycons started to swarm out from the cave, Raylin tried to move back. She didn't get to far due to the searing pain that resinated from her legs and arm. She watched as they brought out there objects. Her bow! It was brought out with the rest of the items! She carefully reached over and brought her bow closer to her. She lightly placed her figures on the cold wood. It let her feel more at ease as she listened to Alliria talk.

Once she had finished telling her story, Raylin looked over to each member of the group, trying to figure out thier answers.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Once Raylin was out and in Vanator's hands, Eldon turned around and went back in after Kayiri. Without so much as a worry about the spike through his palm, Eldon grabbed a hold of Kay's arm and began to pull him towards the entrance, half helping, and half dragging him from the small cave. He had a mind to scold him right then and there, but he had more important things to deal with. If by any chance they needed his help with Raylin, he wanted to make sure he was there. "Hurry up and get out here. We'll think up a damned plan before you go getting anybody else hurt." It didn't matter to Eldon that it would have most likely have been him in Kay's position, had he not decided to drag Eldon out by force. Kay made sure he was ahead, and as far as Eldon was concerned, he took responsibility upon himself. Once he had gotten out, he trotted back over to Raylin, she didn't look too bad, not severe at least. "How are you feeling girl?" Eldon grinned lightly as she eager drank from the waterskin Vanator offered her. He sighed heavily, one of relief as Dymphna came and began to do her healing thing. He stood up again and faced Vanator and shook his head. He was half filled with relief, and half with rage towards his comrade, Kayiri. Eldon was quick to snatch up his spear, and before he could blink he was pointing the head of the weapon directly towards the nearest little clay midget to him. He listened, somewhat, to their leader talk, but the urge to thrust and bash the life from these things was strong. If it wasn't for them, they wouldn't be in this mess, watching over a wounded Raylin, a rash Kayiri. They could be sleeping soundly, waking up early, and be hunting like they were supposed to. They were supposed to be getting ready for the Fall Hunt! Not cave diving and trading weapons! Eldon began to grind his teeth together as he glared down at the Pycon, but he held himself. "I don't like it, Vanator. Not at all. I've had about as much of these things as I can stand already." Eldon was quick to give out his opinion. He wanted to leave, didn't trust a Pycon farther as he could throw one (though he could probably hurl one pretty far), yet still he wanted to hear his cousin's opinion. Eldon, despite being arrogant, was easily influenced by certain people.

[Vanator]

Vanator's attention turned to Eldon, who was threatening the growing crowd of diminutive clay people gather. He could see his fellow clansman barely containing his Drykas temper, and it was understandable. The horseclans were rather territorial, even of the land Semele had given them. And did not take kindly to thievery as well. His eyes fell to Raylin, her wounds being tended, and scowled. Van himself upset that this had lead to the girl being hurt. The older horseman glanced back at the strange clay woman atop her pedastal of earth, then around the group and back to Eldon. He nodded at Eldon's words, acknowledging agreement. But then he raised his voice. "I understand Eldon, by all rights we could scatter the lot of them into a field of shards. But listen to her words. They have a beast to slay, we seek prey to hunt. Lets hear her out...maybe we will find a hunt worthy of our efforts." Vanator held Eldon's gaze for a moment, gauging how the man received his words. Then, his brown eyes fell to each of his fellows.