Travin moves to Ward cautiously and touches his convulsing body, he mumbles some words in celestial and casts a spell.

Ward props up on one arm "I- If an i-item, was yo-our only hope. The-n you a-are as useful a-sss a tree stump." Ward says, continuing to slowly rise. "They w-would have go-tte-nn here soon eno-nough. Now, w-ee kno-w wh=-aat to p-prepare." Ward says, managing to just get up to one knee

As Johnathan begins walking he responds to Ward. I wouldn’t expect a robot to understand feelings, you have no soul. Thats why they couldn’t control you. You took my property for your games and lost it because of it. No maybes, no what ifs. This is what happened. We will never know now, I hope your game was worth ruining any chance for me to be normal. I hope it was fun. Johnathan continues walking into the woods.

"NOTHING IS NORMAL YOU IDIOT! I am a rob-bot, but tr-u-ust me. I have a soul. I fe-el it in there every, single, time I CUT DOWN THESE POOR BASTARDS. I wa-anted to rest. I d-iid my job. I sav-ved those people there." Ward says pointing towards the town. "The r-reason I am still alive is I have se-en things just as bad a-as th-em. I have done wo-worst things than you could imagine. F-for what we have learned, I would send a thous-sand to their death. I have. Now, we know what another t-thing we face is. I will find a way to get your item back, trust i-in that. But I want y-you to know. If that is the only reason you fight, is to fix yourself. Then you a-and I are here for VERY different reasons." Ward says, finally fully standing up and looking towards Johnathan

"Slowly now Ward, yeh? What they dids, it drained Ward's vitalities hmm? This feeling will not subside quickly... Travin can see whats they did, yeh yeh, that they could have done much worses, this was nothings to them... Nothings at all" Travin bends forward a little and offers a helping hand to stand up, though it seems strange and ineffectual as Trav is so much shorter than Ward, once stood, Travin will offer Ward the 10ft pole that Johnathan rejected earlier, though he takes the iron pot from it and stashes it away, hoping that Boulder Chilled Stephen Austin did not recognise it.

"Thank y-you Trav. The-eese bastards. Know s-suffering, know pain. Not War. I-I will show them War." Ward says, grabbing the pole and using it to keep himself steady.

You really don’t understand. Johnathan stops walking and returns to Ward. I want to kill everything. I see they’re blood pumping in their veins and I want to kill them. He points to others. I have dreamt of draining everyone in this party. Every night. Every god damn night. This is a curse, a hunger that’ll never sleep. I will end up killing people don’t you understand?He begins to tear up again. I can never go home to my family because I know I will hurt them. I don’t want to be normal to fit in. I want to be normal so I can have my life back. This mission was always gonna be a one way trip. After I saved the unicorn I was gonna end my life to stop the threat. I was gonna make up in my failings and die. That was my fate. That was until I found the Orrery. It gave me hope, a future where I could see my family again and not hate the sun. He pauses as his hands begin to shake. I… huh. I don’t want to kill people. I don’t want this poison in my soul. And if that is something that you can’t understand then we are very different indeed.

"I cannot understand what your family means to you, not because I lack one, but because mine is long dead. I have had my life taken from me, believe it or not. I was supposed to be a gardener, to bring life back to the home where my maker lived. When war came I was forced to change, I used my power to do horrible things." Ward says, growing a rose in his hand before the thorns grow far larger, overtaking it and taking the nutrients away from the flower as it withers. "I killed all who were in my way to protect my people, and a great many did not deserve it. If you find a way to cure this, then I wish you luck with it. But that must not be what you rely on. You must control it, because that thing inside you is not the vampire, it is influenced by it, but it is a part of you. The part that wishes to take everything it wishes, regardless of consequence. And even if you kill the vampire, that beast is different, and it will still remain. You must learn to control it, because you cannot kill every form it takes without becoming a shell of yourself." Ward says, grabbing Johnathan's shoulder and looking him in the eyes.

Travin turns to Johnathan, he feels small as he looks up between the two members of the party who are fighting, "Johnathan will see his family again, will make saddles once more yeh! it is part of the story, but for now Johnathan needs to feast, to not holds back. Hmmm? Go do what Johnathan needs to do, no consequences yeh! the Guard will be here whens Johnathan returns." 

(16 persuasion to try to get Johnathan to drop the argument for now)

Johnathan thinks for a moment at what the robot was saying. It takes a moment before he speaks. I have controlled this. I have done my best. And as long as I stay on task I will continue to do so. But I will never stop looking for a way to cure this. Because the Orrery showed me something that I didn’t even know I wanted. I want a cure. I don’t care what gods or deities oppose me, I will see my family again and I will get rid of this hunger. I was ready to give up but the promise for a future has shown me that I am not done living. I don’t care if I end up as a shell, I will be free of this curse. With or without the Orrery. Johnathan brushes himself off and seems to stop shaking. He still looked annoyed but is a lot calmer, for now. I’m still pissed that you played with my stuff and got it taken away, but in truth that thing was too dangerous for me. I caused this storm and could’ve done much worse. It nearly made me made insane actually.  For what’s it worth you don’t seem evil to me, impulsive and crazy maybe, but not evil. I’m sure you had reasons for the evil that you did. With that Johnathan hands back the firebombs he grabbed back to Ward and sits under the shade of a tree to have a bit of a break. He sees Travin trying to help calm him. Thanks Travin, I’ll be fine for now. I think I’m just gonna sit here for a bit if that’s alright. I’ve got alot to think about.

"In truth, I was merely attempting to get the lightning to hit me that time. I think I could capture it should it strike me. And I believe we have gained a fair amount of knowledge. If I had to bet, that lot has more items of that sort, and if we use them right, we may yet find a way to free yourself. But that Orrey, should it be of them or their home, I wager it has its own hunger. I do want their heads however, they are cruelty for the fun of it, but arrogant and fools." Ward says, moving over to sit next to Johnathan. "Think I already have a way to fight them, they use Psionics, and if I was to contain a great many thoughts into one thing, could at least give them a solid scare. As well as needing to get something for your minds. What do we say about going to the college, I think we might be able to find some answers for what we've faced here, as well as some more specific interests in terms of weaponry." Ward says, turning towards the group as well when he asks this.

Turning from Ward and Johnathan, Travin casts a worried look to Kerwyn, and approaches the human with good intentions, however condescending they may be perceived "the voices are in your head too hmmm? All of this rumble of hunger ands twilight embers stuff, yeh? Is Kerwyn ok after his treatmentses? Travin didn't trust that monkey, but it seems that he didn't help Kerwyn fully either hm? Hm?" Looking to Shavaris and Delphinium for backup here, it appears that Travin has no idea what the transmission from the AURYN looks like, having never seen or noticed it happen before, "let's focus on the good thingses yeh yeh!? Look our friend Fireflight is back from his trip hmmm? Was it nice in the blue light? Hmmm? Travin found another pipe flute when's you was gone yeh! Maybe someone can play music with Travin whilst we catch our breath, hmmm.??" 

(If the group decides to take a short rest, travin will play granting everyone an extra 1d6hp)

Delphinium is left in an almost daze as their mental command leaves them unable to act.  They seem to struggle and sway against the control but unable to resist it they follow the command to not resist.  The fairy isn't able to get out of it until the beings leave with the powerful artifact in hand.  Even then they are a bit stunned as the others begin to talk and Johnathan begins to rage.  They others talk about souls, life, death, killing and more.  Delphinium, listens.  They are a bit as Johnathan rages against the loss of removing a curse.  The fairy not quite understanding what he is upset about but also fully understanding at the same time.  Delph looks to Hemmingway who seems to be listening too an nods towards the fairy knowingly.  They move to get closer to Johnathan but not too close as Delph flies right over with no fear of them and bops them right on the nose really hard!

"Pay attention you Idiot!" Delph bops Johnathan's nose again. "Are you weak?!?!" and again. "Are you frail?!?!" and one more time "You're Johnathan!  A strong vampire that kicks ass and takes names.  You made friends that are not scared of you even though you find us tasty!  You say you do your best like it's all you can do, like you've given up!  You act like you can't see your family right now!  Do you think my friend wolves haven't thought trying to eat me?  Or try to?  Even Hemmingway did when we were younger!  We are like the best of friends now!  You don't want to be a vampire that's fine!  You are right now though!  You act like you are not in control and its impossible to have a life while you are one but here you stand with us not biting us!  That's because you are stronger then your hunger!"  They pause a bit as the fox steps up to get his attention

Hemmingway nods and adds "Delphinium is right Johnathan, they told me a bit about you.  I think you're amazing.  Hiding your hunger and fighting it that much.  I don't know what a vampire's hunger is like but for a predator like me...  It can be dangerous to be around my smaller friends when I am hungry."

Delph gets right in front of Johnathan's face.  "You want help to change from being what you are you got friends that likely want to help right here!  I'm one of them Johnathan!  But, I don't want to hear that you are too weak to control it!  If you can resist attacking us!  What in the worlds makes you think you would attack your family!"  Delph bops Johnathan in the nose again "Now, Take that hunger of yours by the balls and slam it to the ground Johnathan!  Show its whose boss and make it your *****!  You can eat and not be evil!  If you need help controlling it so you don't hurt those you care for then lets get to it!  Delph an Hemmy at your service Johnathan.  We will show you how to control hunger and not let it control you!  It'll also be a lot of fun too!"

The fox walks up to Johnathan and the robotic arm holds out the earlier cup of tea they had prepared.  Its still warm. "If your scared of being a predator that hurts your friends and family you couldn't ask for better help believe it or not.  Delph has helped reform a lot of predators to not just randomly eat and to pick when they eat rather then letting their hunger pick for them.  Much to his father's surprise I might add and he's the Lord of the Hunt."

Shavaris listens to Kerwyn as he transfers the message to the rest of them in his odd way.  Wow, a lot sure has happened.  "Ro?  He is gone?  On his own volition?  I knew him, never would have thought he would have followed those creatures for power." she hangs her head as the sorrow of the thought washes over her.  Then the thought of Greko, sacrificing himself for his friends.  Exactly what that old lizard face would do, she thinks with a small smile. 

As Kerwyn continues she stands there until the mention of the alicorn and her head snaps up.  "You must tell them we have it.  When is the last time you gave them an update?  Do they know about Travin?  Man, Lelith was a traitor?  I don't know what to say."

When the creatures arrive and render her motionless, she watches as they hurt Ward and take the orrery.  Such an awful feeling, not being able to do anything to help as the situation unfolded.  When she finally gets her faculties again, before she even can gather her thoughts, Jonathan and Ward get into a fight.  She starts to walk forward to interject, but changes her mind and stops, letting it play out between the two of them.

At Travin's question, she turns to the junkman, happy to see he is alright.  She squats down a bit to get to his level and explains to him about the AURYN and how it works through Kerwyn.  How it connects to the other bands and how when she had it in the labyrinth, it didn't work.

As for where to go next?  "We need to move away from these bodies, the scent of blood is really starting to get to me."  She looks over at Johnathan and wonders about his hunger and how he says it controls him.  Before heading down that rabbit hole, she shakes her head and says, "I'm fine with the college or heading further into the Faron woods, we just need to move."

Ward is still a bit shaky as he speaks, but slowly turns to Shavaris. "I think the college, I have some spells I need to look into, and now those bastards. Would have been one thing if they had the guts to just kill me, but their ego's really pissed me off. Plus I've got a feeling that well see them again and I think I already have at least one weapon that might work to keep them from mind-controlling you guys again. Need to do some more reading though. Plus I want to talk to Mistycomb. We can kill a whole lot of bounty hunters, but we need people behind us if we want to keep more from springing up." Ward says

Kerwyn looks to the others, as he is regaining control of his body and mind again.  “I have a headache.”  He rubs his head.  “What the hell were you guys doing with that Orrerrear thingy?  That’s what those squiddies wanted, right?  Maybe that is totally separate from what we are doing.   Maybe they observed what was happening here from another plane, knew that a very powerful artifact was in use, and then came here to get it.  But none of this has anything to do with the price of tea in Eternia.”  

He pauses for effect, pacing now as he is talking.  “We have the alicorn.  Right Delph?  You still have it, right?  The childlike empress, shouldn’t we find her?  Do you guys remember what we were supposed to be doing?  My mind is a little scrambled after those squid mouths got in there and rustled things around, looked in the nooks and crannies of my noggin.  How bout we get back to what the hell we are supposed to be doing?  I got that message from the Auryn - (he turns to look at Travin) and no, I didn’t make it up.  I’ve been loopy before, I’ll acknowledge that, but this was straight up communication from one of the other bands, from the Twilight Embers, and that was one of them, Rumble of Hunger, or Rum as I think he goes by.  I need to reply to him, we need to figure out what to tell them.  For one, we have the Alicorn.  But what else, besides our random friggin howling at the moon, what other news should we tell them?  We need to watch out for Lelith apparently, she is a traitor.  What news have we?  I’ll transmit the message…. Just tell me if there is anything you want me to say.”  Kerwyn keeps pacing.  

Johnathan tries his best to listen to Delphinium and friend try and cheer him up. It was strangely nice that they cared so much but Johnathan was just wanting some quiet time. Thanks for the advice, I’m just gonna need some time. And a distraction. He looks to Ward. Let’s just catch out breath for a moment then we can head to the college, we have stuff we need to research. Maybe we should try and be discrete, we are wanted criminals know. It’s around this point he hears Kerwyn talk about the other bands. We should let them know what happened in the labyrinth, especially that we have the Alicorn and know the location of the last unicorn. They might be close to Hagsgate and can get there quicker. Johnathan couldn’t help but worry about his village. It wasn’t far from the temple of time and darkness was there then that was not good. Not good at all. When he thinks about darkness he has a strange sensation in his mind, a weird thought that he couldn’t explain. Strange. Johnathan will attempt a short rest under the tree. Afterwards he will follow the others to the college. 

"Blix is no longer a threats and Jareth has his throne back! Hmmm? That's news! Travin is here now ands Stephen ands Birt ands the Hemmingway ands hmm..? Ralik is not anymore yeh? Is that what you needs to know? Hmm? Hello?" Trav seems to be speaking towards but also through Kerwyn, as if he is transmitting always. Though he does understand most of what is going on after Shavaris's helpful explanation, after which he gives his thanks.

Delph nods to Johnathan and the fairy seems satisfied for now,  "Sure.  Let's go find this college then."  They also turn to look at Shavaris as she mentions fhe smell of blood getting to her, "Same for you Shavaris.  You want help, Hemmy and I can help.  You don't need to be ashamed of eating."  They fairy seems quite certain about this.

As Kerwyn asks about the alicorn the fairy pulls it from where it is strapped to their back like a spear just their size.  "Yep.  Got it right here... ummm... as to what we should tell them... We know the labyrinth is a safe place now.  We know where the last unicorn is... we can technically revive the stallion... but ummm... there's a problem.... ummm... my dad has it." 

The fairy looks a bit worried as Hemmingway looks curiously at them and says "That's good news then, right Delph?"  Delph doesn't seem to want to answer and look incredibly grumpy, anxious and upset in a dozen different ways.  Hemmy seems to be curious what is going on "Didn't he help us get back?  Is he asking something of you?"  The fox seems confused and concerned.

Once Johnathan is more or less alone with his thoughts, Travin walks up to him, gets his attention softly then walks away into the forest a little ways, beckoning Johnathan to join him.

Whatever the junkman wants it seems important to him, important enough that there is none of the usual amusement on his face, important enough that not a word passes his lips, and important enough that Travin doesn't want the others of the group listening in.

He looks around at the trees, the flowers, the bushes, everything that comprises the forest, breathes deep and waits for Johnathan, alone.