"Of course. Follow the corporal, they're headed there now," Taskhand Thelyss says, pointing off toward the bugbear that is headed out of the square. He then turns to the rest of the group and listens to Shayone intently. "A discovery in Jigow connected to the Betrayers' Rise? Strange. There have been quite a few people from all across Exandria showing up and asking about the temple lately. Perhaps it is all connected, some twist of fate... well, normally, I am not authorized to allow civilians into the Rise. However, perhaps I could make an exception for the noble souls who joined us in the defense of our town. I must warn you though, the temple is a dangerous and mostly uncharted place... we've lost several good soldiers trying to explore its depths. Demons, monsters, and more lurk in the dark, and they seem to replenish their numbers faster than we can slay them. Are you absolutely sure you want to go there?"

Meanwhile, Nexus catches up to the corporal and joins them in their jog to the infirmary. It turns out to not be too far from the main square and occupies three different single-story buildings each marked with a symbol of an open hand alight with magical energy, a common symbol for healing in Dynasty territory. Outside, Irvan, Maggie, and Galsariad are seated on the ground or leaning up against the wall, each of them bearing a grim countenance. Each of them has at least one bandage on their bodies. The ogre and the mage are bickering with one another as Irvan just absent-mindedly throws his dagger into a nearby wooden beam 

"... thought you said you were a seasoned warrior who could watch our backs, well, a fat lot of good that did for Ayo. Maggie Brighteyes, the great protector!" Galsariad scoffs.

Maggie scowls in return. "How was I supposed to know she would break off like that and cause a diversion? She was out of my reach before I could do anything. But you, with all that magic at your disposal, couldn't do anything either. So don't talk to me about failing to protect Ayo, mage, for you're just as culpable."

Galsariad seems to take this retort hard, cursing in elvish as he walks away from the infirmary for a moment and heads past Nexus without a word. Maggie and Irvan shoot Nexus doubtful looks as she heads into the main infirmary. "Hope things turned out better for all of you than it did for us..." Irvan says, returning his focus to his dagger tossing. He looks shaken by whatever he's experienced.

Inside the infirmary, the walls are lined with shelves that hold old books and medical supplies. There's a small office in the back, its door ajar, and the air reeks of magical poultices. The main floor is crammed with narrow cots, nearly every one filled with a wounded patient. In the corner, a familiar blue-skinned orc is lying on a cot and being tended to by a goblin in heavy armor, his hands aglow with magic. As it fades, Dermot opens his eyes and spots Nexus. 

"Oh, Nexus, thank the Luxon you're alright," he sighs with relief, beckoning her to join him at the unconscious Ayo's bedside. Ayo is, indeed, badly injured - deep bite marks cover her arms, legs, torso, and neck. It looks like the bleeding has stopped, but the superficial wounds still remain. "The priest running this infirmary and I did what we could to keep her from death's door... we think she'll pull through, but... still, it's hard seeing her like this. The priest ran off to grab some more bandages... Um, are you and your party alright? Nobody badly hurt or... Luxon forbid... gone?"

In the headspace that Nexus is in, currently, she doesn't do much more than acknowledge the group outside the infirmary with a nod of her head. She is concerned for their injuries too, yes, but they're all still outside the infirmary, so they must be far better off than her childhood friend. Entering the building, the medicinal smell of herbs, poultices, and books does a smidge of good toward calming her nerves. As does seeing Dermot tending to Ayo, who she beelines toward, only taking care not to get in the way of others within the facility. 

She doesn't immediately inquire how Ayo is doing, instead letting her eyes actively scan over Ayo. Noting the bitemarks--the injuries that look deep and like they cover a good portion of her body. It's certainly hard to see her like this. Harder still to be able to do nothing to help. But, she holds back her emotions somewhat so she can answer Dermot, who can likely tell she's stressed about the condition Ayo is in. "We're quite well, Dermot---None of my group suffered severe injury, and we had some guards helping us in our battle. We might have a few scraps and bruises, but, certainly nothing like this." 

Raising her left hand, brushing back some of her white locks behind her ear, she comes to settle at Ayo's bedside. Like family visiting folks in the infirmary are keen to do. "I heard a little from the group outside while I was walking up. Something about breaking formation. I'm not surprised entirely, of course, but....Usually she's the sort that can gauge whether or not that's a good idea. Did something happen for her to break formation like this? And how are -you- doing, Dermot? You're even closer to her than I am."

It's now she turns her gaze on him, trying to get a read how torn up this situation has him, little good that it does her with her own nerves still shaky.

"I don't know that we've got much of a choice," Shayone replies. "We were a little too busy with the fight to make proper introductions. It's Shayone Daev’yana, sir --" she says, mindful of the others in the room. "-- not actually reporting for duty."

"Oh, well, it's true, everyone is a bit shaken up about Ayo going down... guilty consciences, you know? You know how she gets when she sets her mind to something - she'll go for it without even thinking. She saved the lives of some of the wounded soldiers, but she... well, you can see. Silly girl... I'm doing alright, actually. Considering everything. Just trying to stay focused on making sure Ayo makes a strong recovery. Then maybe we can bring up the morale of the others outside... I'm glad to hear you're all alright, though." It's as he says. Considering everything, he seems to have a steady resolve. As he finishes his sentence, a drow woman in common clothes and a cloak fastened with a pin in the shape of a black wing arrives with bandages. 

"Friend of yours?" She asks Dermot, who nods. "I'm Sautha, I'm in charge of this infirmary. Would you help us bandage this poor girl up?"

Thelyss' eyes glint in recognition. "I know that name... Yes, I remember now. You led a squad into the Rise many years ago! We all assumed the worst when you never returned... You're the first of the consecuted souls to come back, to my knowledge. You still want to head back into the temple after all that? You're quite brave. All of you. Well, I will grant you all passage. But not now. I need to oversee the securing of the defenses and make sure no more monsters make it into the city today. And you all will want to rest up and prepare yourselves for your descent. Report to me tomorrow and I will grant you a writ to get you into the Rise. If you have any questions about the temple before you enter it, you can ask some of the scholars that have some here to study it for more information. Will that suffice?"

As the fellow drow woman approached, and asked if she'd lend her aid to bandaging her friend, she'd near immediately dip her head in confirmation. "Oh, of course! I'd be happy to help."

And she would! While Nexus isn't the biggest fan of the smell of blood, finding it to smell far too much like metal, her concern and desire for Ayo to recover fully outweighs that dislike. Plus, it'd give her something to do. Something to focus on aside from her worry for the woman.

Aldith had been quiet for a while, still recovering from the shock and danger of the battle. But now she finally looks up and meets the Taskhand's eyes.

"Aldith Virae," she says, her voice soft-spoken but still loud enough to be heard. "Of Rosohna. Shayone speaks truly. We have come into possession of a certain...artifact, and the answers we seek lie inside this temple."

Aldith glances the way Nexus went, hoping that the wounded orc would pull through. Though they weren't exactly friends yet, Ayo's group and theirs had been through quite the adventure together already, and you didn't go through something like that without becoming closer to each other.

Sautha, Dermot, and Nexus work together to path Ayo's wounds. As they finish up, Sautha heads off to help another wounded soldier while Dermot goes out to check on the others. Ayo wearily opens her eyes and looks up at Nexus. "Bookworm...? What's going on? We're not dead, are we...?" She groans under her breath.

Quote from MightyOwl >>

Thelyss' eyes glint in recognition. "I know that name... Yes, I remember now. You led a squad into the Rise many years ago! We all assumed the worst when you never returned... You're the first of the consecuted souls to come back, to my knowledge. You still want to head back into the temple after all that? You're quite brave. All of you. Well, I will grant you all passage. But not now. I need to oversee the securing of the defenses and make sure no more monsters make it into the city today. And you all will want to rest up and prepare yourselves for your descent. Report to me tomorrow and I will grant you a writ to get you into the Rise. If you have any questions about the temple before you enter it, you can ask some of the scholars that have some here to study it for more information. Will that suffice?"

 "I had hoped that once I returned some members of my family would send notifications to my previous posts but --" Shayone sighs and spreads her hands out "-- it seems there are more obstacles to recovery than the last time I went through anamnesis. I am sorry you were not informed sooner. My memory is not complete, and I don't recall what happened inside the temple, but it seems I was destined to come back. Some time to recover and talk with the scholars would be appreciated.?

Having helped bandage Ayo, she continued to remain by her side while Dermot checked on the others. And shortly after they do so, Ayo seemed to come to, immediately drawing her attention toward the recovering woman with worry evident in her eyes, but relief too. "No, you silly fish. You're in the infirmary, Dermot and the crew brought you back here so they could patch you up. We just finished wrapping you up a few seconds ago. Do you need anything? Some water? Food?"

Already Nexus was popping open her bag, reaching for her waterskin or some of the rations from the road. 

"...Some of your crew do seem out of sorts, though. I didn't exactly process what they were saying, but when you're feeling better you might...I don't know. I'm not the leader sort. Reassure them? I feel like you've always known how to talk to people better than me."

Kalhala is feeling good about the win.  Helping the new town and their people feeling grateful for their help.  Just as it should be.  He makes sure to clean off his blade before sheathing it and leans up against the wall, taking it all in, satisfied for the moment.

Then the news of the others reach their group.  Nexus gives him the briefest glance and before he can reply, she is off.  He isn't sure what to do at the moment, but listens in on the conversation about visiting the temple tomorrow.  Good.  Progress on their mission, meeting here tomorrow morning and they will continue.  But what about Ayo?

It keeps gnawing at him and Nexus isn't returning.  Finally he pushes off the wall and runs off in the direction she was headed.

Thelyss nods. "That must be frustrating. I've never heard of such an occurrence with anamnesis before, but I would not be surprised if the Rise had something to do with it... In all honesty, it is possible that word of your anamnesis arrived but got lost in the clutter... or that the messenger never made it. As you can see, things have not changed much here. It is still dangerous. But for now, at least, we should be safe. The scholars can be found here in town if you ask around, I'm sure. One is from the Cobalt Soul, the others represent parties that I am unfamiliar with. I would check the Ready Room Inn to find them. I'll also be sure to let Delez, the innkeeper, know that the Aurora Watch will cover your room and board for the evening. Unless there are any other questions, I should get back to my duties. Welcome back, Shayone, and welcome to each of you," He says with a weary smile to Aldith, Mornin, and Kalhala before the minotaur heads off to find Nexus. If there are no further questions, he joins the other Aurora Watch soldiers in their reorganization efforts.

Kalhala finds Dermot trying to cheer up the rest of his crew. The goblin is kind enough to point Kalhala in the right direction to find Nexus in the infirmary talking to a badly-wounded Ayo. "What I need is to not feel like a horizonback tortoise just sat on me," She groans as she props herself up on her arms. She tries to mask the pain in the maneuver, but she can't. "It's fine, Nexus... Hey, Kalhala. I'm glad you guys are here. I'll be okay. I guess the others are pretty worried about me, huh? Well, when you two head out, maybe have them come in, let them know I'm okay... Look at you two, you seem just fine to me. Yet just one of those things nearly did me in. If you've got any luck to spare, I'd gladly take it!"

She laughs, then winces in pain. It's clear that despite her casual manner, she seems embarrassed and upset about the situation. Ayo just smiles through it. "Now that you mention it, though, I think this fish needs a bit of water." 

Nexus looks up as Kalhala appeared, looking far less worried than she had prior to her leaving. Though when Ayo makes mention of some water, she flicks the cap off of her waterskin to offer it over to her old friend. "Yea--Yea, we can do that. I just, y'know. Had to see and make sure you were doing okay with my own eyes."

She'd not rush to leave, waiting for her waterskin to be returned, and for Kalhala to have his piece if he'd like to say anything. But all in all she seemed much better now and, at least somewhat, more relaxed post the attack they were forced to help with. If Kalhala -didn't- seem keen on sticking around, however, she'd relay to Ayo how their fight went from her own viewpoint, then gather her things to leave and inform the group outside they could head in now. 

Ayo drinks from the waterskin and listens intently to Nexus' retelling. "Sounds like you all handled yourself well... I'm glad," she sighs. "Anyway, I'm not gonna force you to play nurse all day. You two go ahead. Tell my friends to come and see me. I'll be fine, just you wait."

As Kalhala and Nexus go to leave the infirmary, a voice calls out that stops them in their tracks before they reach the door. It belongs to a badly injured drow Aurora Watch soldier. Her body is covered with wounds that look very similar to Ayo's. She weakly salutes you. "Wait, please... If you're headed out, please take this to Kalym at the Wall of the Unforgotten... it would mean a great deal to me," She murmurs as she presses a small object into Kalhala's hand. It is a small tiger's eye stone that has been carved into the shape of a rabbit. The name "Naevyn Tasithar" is carved into the bottom. The soldier then collapses back into her cot, too exhausted to say or do anything else.

After a while, Kalhala and Nexus leave, tag in Ayo's group to go and see her, and meet up with Shayone, Aldith, and Mornin in the square where Verin Thelyss and the other Aurora Watch are trying to clean up the area and arrange transport for the wounded and what is left of the dead. 

Once the party has reconvened, Morninglight will speak up, his low rumbling voice addressing Nexus first: "She is alright?" He gives a slight nod in response to whatever she says. He dresses his party next, "We should keep moving. The guard said to go to the Ready Room Inn. Shayone, you have been here before, sounds like. Do you know where this inn is?"

"I appreciate it, as do my friends, Taskhand," Shayone says. "We'll make inquiries at the Ready Room." As she's not in uniform or present in a military capacity she suppresses the urge to salute, letting him go with a firm nod of thanks.

When the rest of the party returns, Shayone nods at Morninglight's question. "Yes, it's been a few decades, but in a place like this that means little." She'll lead the way to the Ready Room Inn.

Happy to see that his friend is going to be alright, Kalhala turns to leave with Nexus, but is stayed by the drow soldier.  The weak salute means a lot to Kalhala and he returns it fully.  He takes the small object and nods to her, "You can count on me.  I will take this cherished item to Kalym at the Wall of the Unforgotten, you can rest assured."

He then follows Nexus out, turning the item around in his hand.

As they meet up with the rest, he gladly follows Shay to the Inn, looking forward to a drink with his friends.

Nexus waited outside for Kalhala, and once they rejoin the group she looks far less worried than she had when she left. Mornings question receiving a nod and short, "She's a little worse for wear, but she'll pull through. Just...Needed to see it for myself."

That said, she was definitely ready for rest. The day and it's events had drained her, and nothing sounded better than a glass of wine and a good book at the moment.

You all regroup and head to the Ready Room. A large barn with a steeply pointed roof looms over the battered structures at the center of town. Over the double doors hangs a sign that bears the name of the inn written in Undercommon, Orc, Goblin, and Common. Inside you find that the ground floor contains piles of tools (lanterns, shovels, ladders, and the like) and a dozen wooden stalls that have been turned into curtained sleeping quarters, each one holding five wooden cots. A rope-and-pulley hoist functions like an elevator, allowing access to a spacious loft where the proprietors have equipped a bar and surrounded it with two dozen stools that are mostly occupied by a few patrons.

A young male drow mans the bar and upon seeing you invites you all up the lift. "Welcome! Beer's a copper, a fish and rice bowl will cost you 2 coppers, and a cot is 5 silver a night."

There aren't many people in this place aside from some grim-looking townsfolk drinking away their sorrows, but Nexus does notice a familiar female tiefling with long, curly hair dressed in brown and blue robes who currently has her eyes glued intently on the book in front of her, seemingly oblivious to anything going on around her.

In response to the drow's call, Morin approaches with a fistful of coins and says "One of each." And drops the coins on the counter. While waiting for his meal, he'll notice the Tiefling and approaches her table. "I know you." He says as he digs under his cloak to reveal the Periapt around his neck. "Thank you for this. It has helped me."