Sylrieth listens to all of this wolf talk as he shivers in the deep snow.  "So are these wolves going to be friendly when they wake up?  Place nice like and sit, stay, all of that?  Or are they gonna wake up and go right back to nibblin' on poor Jaylan?"

He will help by grabbing one of the wolves by the hindquarters (furthest from the snapping bits) and dragging it toward the mine.

Zefla listens to Raelyn, but if woman looks on, she'll be able tell that it is not all sinking in for the halfling.  "Well, we have rations, but not fresh meat, that is much better.  And waste of resources?  I don't understand?"  She shrugs though and assists Raevyn with getting the wolves in the mine.

She looks around the entrance of the mine, the idea of it possibly being the den of the wolves now clear on her mind.

Perception 14

Dabbert rolls the adrenaline out of his neck and shoulders as he turns toward Krumar.  

"We're uh...going to have to teach you how to poke 'em with the pointy end."  He says, frowning at Krumar's rapier.  "Honestly I'm surprised you didn't stab me with that damn thing.  Maybe you should uh...stick to shitty music when you're trying to kill something."  

He keeps his halberd in one hand as he watches Nefire and Raevyn drag the wolves to the mine entrance, and then shrugs and does what he can to assist in the matter.  He looks skeptical as the doctor sets about healing the wolves though.  He watches, listens, and takes a deep breath while trying to rub the feeling back into his bleeding ass.  

"Sorry Doc,"  He says, sincere.  "I uh...don't have much in the way of people skills.  Or uh...wolf skills.  You get what I mean.  Every time it looks like it's them or us, I'm going to make sure it's us."  

((Not sure if you all want to RP more about the moving of the wolves or Krumar's skills or anything else but I figure a description of the mine entrance is in order no matter...))

     The wooden frame building you enter is old and decrepit, in much need for repair.  One of the wolves darted inside to escape you, slipping through the partially open barn style doors.  One peak inside reveals it could just as easily darted out from a dozen other gaps or holes in the building.  In it's current state it does offer some escape from the wind and keeps the snow out from most of the building, though there are a few drifts blown in from holes on the side the wind hits.  It is cold and dark and the wind through the loose boards does make the occasional whistling noise.  There is a low level animal scent mostly buried beneath the nose chilling air but there's enough of a whiff to give you the idea the wolves likely hole up here on a regular basis.

     Stepping further inside you can determine it is actually three buildings, one built upon the last to expand the area.  The oldest, smallest is nothing but a shack outisde the mine entrance itself.  Built connected to that is the middle building, there are tools and mining implements strewn about here.  Any of real quality have been retrieved or scavenged already but there are several rusty picks and shovels and such.  The largest, newest building is the one you entered.  This building was probably built in the heyday of the mine and has several tables and benches around it, a fireplace against one wall and instruments for making some meals and coffee like drinks.  This is likely where the miners hung out before and after starting their shifts.  A place to whine and complain about working for a living as a way to wind yourself up or down...  

((Just setting the scene since the wolves were dragged in here...  Feel free to RP more if there is more to do (I believe Raevyn may be doing some healing or such?) or just let me know what is next...))

As Krumar sheathes his Rapier and dismisses Dabbert's insults, he gets an idea "When I was a wee little lad my father told me this was a dog eat dog world. Seeing that Dabbert's only good sticking things with the pointy end, I will have to prevent him from becoming the dog bone collar." With that Krumar takes out his lute and begins to sing and play

"Darken the city, night is a wire, steam in the mine shaft, the earth is afire (Do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do). LIttle wolf wants Dabbert, give me a sign. I'll catch my breathing and step aside. In touch with the ground, you're on the hunt, you're after him. Dabbert tastes like he smells and you're hungry like a wolf!!!!" 

"I genuinely don't know the answer, Syl." Raevyn would sincerely respond to the old sea dog. Only time would tell. She wanted to be hopeful, however didn't believe they logically had a reason to be nice to them after being cut down.

The doctor was too exhausted to articulate herself any further, dipping her head in acknowledgement and respect to the others perspectives. Dark circles were formed under her eyes, but she'd continue on. Raevyn cups her hands together, bringing them close to her mouth and whispers into them. A soft glow grows in her palms, then she blows. A mote of fire births life to the fire place. The living light flutters, shedding light on the subject while also casting dancing shadows about the walls with it's warmth.

Bringing her fingers to her lips, Raevyn whistles. She calls back Munin. After a few words and clicks of her tongue, she feeds the familiar a treat and sends them off to search in the (or for the) direction of the fleeing wolf within the cave.

Raeven then focuses what energy she has on mending the wolves now that they were inside. Since Krumar's choice of music energy seemed contradictive to the moment, she did her best to tune it out to try to keep her presence calm and gentle. She'd methodically begin to work. First she'd pull out an iron pot from her bag, fill it with fresh, non yellow, snow, and bring it to melt. It'd eventually boil by the fire as she worked. Sterilized water for cleaning wounds, and blood from her hands when done. Then, she'd begin to care for one wolf at a time, starting with the most severe wounds to the least. And based on the smell of the place, part of it was their den.

Eventually, when her work was complete, the doctor would bring herself to her feet. She'd wash her hands and arms up to her elbows.

     Amidst the timeworn structures, Dabbert, Jaylan, Krumar, Nefire, and Syl rest and/or explore their surroundings to varying degrees. However, it's Raevyn who wholeheartedly dedicates herself to the task of reviving the wolves on the brink of death. As if in seamless partnership, Munin, the raven familiar, takes to the skies with a clear mission - tracking the elusive wolf that had vanished into the very heart of the edifice.

     The span of time is surprisingly brief; Munin's sharp, watchful eyes alight upon a fresh trail - a smear of crimson and a fragment of fur caught on a shattered plank. Evidently, the fugitive wolf darted in and then promptly out again. With a graceful descent at the point of entry, Munin cocks its head, a silent inquiry directed at Raevyn. Does she wish for its company or shall it  venture into the enigmatic night to further search?

     Meanwhile, Raevyn herself applies her medical expertise and the contents of her healer's kit to tend to the fallen wolves. The process is neither swift nor without its challenges, yet perseverance prevails. One by one, the wolves stir from their near-lifeless state. With each subtle sign of awakening, the group tenses, but Raevyn's subtle gestures or her companions' intrigue keep them at a respectful distance. These companions, whether out of respect for Raevyn's cues or the compelling thoughts coursing through their minds, remain observant yet restrained.

     As consciousness returns, the wolves emit whimpers and cautious sniffs, their senses on high alert. Raevyn's demeanor, gentle and serene, strikes a chord within them. While not entirely soothed, their demeanor shifts towards cautious curiosity rather than unbridled fear. They retreat a measured distance, gravitating towards the structure's entrance, a halfway point between their healer and refound freedom. The first amongst them beseeches the others with impatient whines, urging them to awaken and join the world once more. A silent communion transpires among the trio, seeking camaraderie before deciding their next course of action.

     Observing from a vantage point between the mine entrance and Raevyn, the rest of the party remains still, at a distance similar to that which separates the wolves from the enigmatic physician. An intriguing symmetry unfolds, with Raevyn at the center, the wolves on one side, and her comrades on the other. Each mind entertains its own cascade of thoughts - what lies ahead? The wolves, poised for a hasty escape, also cast sidelong glances at Raevyn. Is it consent they seek? An unspoken gratitude? Their presence is woven with questions, memories, and the primal essence of their being. Scent and sound, lost and found, are they just hungry like wolves??

     ((Should Munin choose to remain within the building, it perches in the rafters, a silent observer of the tableau below. Alternatively, if dispatched to trace the fleeing wolf, Munin's keen perception, marked by a fortunate roll of 21, captures not only the escapee but both retreating wolves. Poised at the fringes of the treeline, some 60 feet distant from the structure, they maintain unwavering vigilance upon the entrance, patience incarnate.))

In this interlude, all but Raevyn find solace in a Short Rest.  You have also had enough time to investigate the building and nothing of any real value is found... It does become apparent that their are several spots near the front of the building that these wolves likely regularly den in. There is far less evidence of the wolves in the back of the building more towards the mine entrance.

Does the party wish to continue resting for a full long rest?  Are they entranced with the strange interactions between the wolves and the good doctor?  Or are they too impatient to plunge into the mine proper and wish to leave wolf issues to the wolves?

Syl finds a quiet, dry spot to sit as he watches Raevyn work her magic [it might as well be magic, given Syl's understanding of medicine] on the wolves.  

Once they awaken, he rises to his feet and keeps a wary eye on the wolves, expecting them to turn on the party the first chance they get.

Raevyn holds her hand out to the trio cautiously sniffing and whimpering before her, a 'universal' gesture of trust to allow them to further familiarize themselves with her scent. Her eyes meet the wild gaze of the wolves, gauging their unique individuality. A guide. A tracker. A protector. "For now, I require an advisor who knows these mines best. The other two, seek out and reunite with your kin." She awaits for them to settle slightly, then within the pause of the silent moment the doctor would gesture with her hands, signaling along with her requests. "Stay." With one hand, Rae commands for one wolf to remain here with her. "Free." Then with the other hand, she releases the other two to round up and ensure the safety of their brethren.

     The wolves are hesitant and wary.  They do take turns sniffing the offered hand, sniffing and tilting heads and retreating and bumping into one another and going through the whole process a second or third time.  There is some... jostling, for lack of a better word... between the wolves as they push toward Raevyn and toward leaving and it appears almost as if a non verbal conversation is taking place.

     Finally the smallest of the trio lets out a "hruff!" and snorts, dipping their head before taking a step towards the other two to back them up, then themselves stepping back toward Raevyn.  The pair are reluctant to leave.  Perhaps it is the cold night, or leaving the smaller one behind.  But reluctant or not, the do slink out the open front door of the building on after the other.  Slowly at first but once outside they bolt away and quickly rejoin with the others.

     Being able to observe the wolves without the threat of imminent biting, it appears as if perhaps the one that stayed behind is either the runt or not yet full grown.  It is possible the pack was two mated pairs and a child...  But perhaps the child is ready to go off on their own now?  The remaining white wolf slowly, cautiously approaches Raevyn and snuffles their muzzle into her a bit, as if pushing fully into her sent and saying hello?  It's a wolf doing wolf things, but it seems friendly...  not quite subservient but... willing to listen? 

Nefire watches Raevyn intently as the woman performs her rituals and brings back the wolves.  She sees the tiredness in her friend and it worries her.

As the wolves determine who is going to stay, the halfling can't help but start to think the little wolf is a bit cute, even if it did just try to bite them.  Was this the one that bit Dabbert's butt?  she chuckles at the thought.

Slowly, as not to disturb the wolf, she walks up to Raevyn and puts her hand on her shoulder, "Do you need a rest, Rae?  You look very tired and who knows what we are going to meet down in the mine, I feel like you'd want to be at full strength."

Krumar nudges Dabbert "Uh did she just make friends with it or is she going to become chow? I am too pretty to become chow"

Quote from kqstark >>

Was this the one that bit Dabbert's butt?  she chuckles at the thought.

((Immaterial but for the record:

Quote from Kaemgen >>

   The first rear wolf (rear wolfs have the profile pics) uses it's full movement to join the pack around Dabbert and take it's own bite at the prey.  It's jaws clamp onto his buttocks and dig deep (dirty 20) doing 6 damage to Dabbert's body and untold damage to his pride. 

     The other two rear wolves both move as a team and go after Jaylan...

      There were two mated pairs and the smaller one.  First mated pair were the first wolves you encountered.  Then the rear wolves (ha!  Rear!) moved in. The mated pair moved in on Jaylan and indeed it was the smaller, energetic and ever curious smaller wolf which ran in to take a bite out of Dabbert...))

"Beats me."  Dabbert says with a shrug as he glances at Krumar.  "But we killed it once.  We can uh...probably kill it again, yeah?  Yeah.  But you shouldn't have to worry.  They don't appear to be the uh...shit eating variety."

Dab takes a breath and looks around, examining the entrance of the cave, and looking back through the tracks they've left in the snow from their approach. 

"Maybe we should catch our breath before going any further then."  He says, nodding at Raevyn, especially after Nefire brings attention to her.  "I don't particularly want to uh...go in with half dulled blades, so to speak."    

He slumps back against the wall and lowers down to a sitting position, his halberd across his lap, his head on a swivel as he watches for anything to come in from outside....or up from the depths of the mine.

Krumar nods in agreement "A rest and food with a little song to liven the mood."

While the others prepare to rest Jaylan approaches Raevyn. 

"That... that was really impressive..." he says to the enigmatic doctor. 

Having already taken a short rest while Raevyn worked, Syl is feeling chipper and restless.  If the others plan on taking a longer rest, he chafes at the inactivity.

"Hey, what say I go have a little lookie loo inside the mine?  I won't wander off to far.  Just take a quick peak and see what there is to see."  Then he pats himself and his bags down looking for a torch.  "Bah.  Tinderbox is all the way at the bottom of my backpack.  Anybody got a light?"

"I do" replies Jaylan feeling much better now that he had cleaned and bandaged the wolves bites. " I could go with you""

     Those who yearned for it certainly found a brief respite, yet Raevyn was not quite done with her duties. Raevyn, draped in obsidian attire like a shroud, the embodiment of a diminutive plague doctor, remained immersed in her task. The lone wolf, its demeanor inexplicably beguiled by the enigmatic woman, was the sole attacker left. From her satchel, Raevyn retrieved an array of implements, each imbued with purpose and history. First emerged a petite brass brazier, its well-worn exterior revealing the marks of countless journeys, yet meticulously maintained. Subsequently, charcoal, incense, and a medley of herbs and botanicals were unveiled, a composition far beyond mere culinary spices.

     With her tools gathered and prepared, Raevyn initiated a delicate fire, a minuscule yet earnest flame that danced beneath the suspended brazier now filled with water. As warmth enveloped the vessel, an intricate diagram took form by Raevyn's hand, meticulously etched into the earthen canvas with a delicate scalpel like blade. Runes of ancient lineage coalesced with complex motifs and cryptic symbols, each stroke deliberate and exacting. A ritualistic sanctity enveloped her movements as Raevyn scrupulously erased her own footprints and any vestiges of interference that might disrupt the ritual's flow.

     Her gaze, stern and commanding, converged upon the wolf, a wordless exchange of understanding transpiring between them. Resuming her place by the brazier, the doctor introduced incense to the fire's embrace, herbs to the simmering water, a fragment of the wolf's fur, and perhaps a droplet of its life essence. With the precision of a practiced artisan, Raevyn employed an antiquated stone dagger to sever a strand of her own hair, mingling her essence with the concoction. These offerings merged into the bubbling elixir.

     Throughout the process, a murmurred incantation escaped Raevyn's lips, a hushed melody or a reverent verse interwoven with the fragrant tendrils of incense-laden air. A subtle luminance blossomed upon her left hand, an ephemeral light igniting where the ring from The Tower lay. Yet, as she began to remove the emblem, a transformation unveiled itself, a once-indivisible ring fragmenting into two. The second ring evolved, growing in a fleeting heartbeat until Raevyn needed both hands to grasp the second band.

     Turning her attention back to the wolf, Raevyn advanced with graceful steps, each footfall harmoniously resonating with the greater pattern etched around them. Strangely, the footprints she imprinted underwent a metamorphic shift, mirroring the wolf's own prints with a blink's rapidity. Offering the enlarged band, she leaned in to impart whispered counsel, a dialogue discernible only to the beast. The wolf responded with a resonant huff, acquiescence illuminated in its gaze. The band found its place, encircling the creature's neck, snug as a tailored accessory.  The ambient eldritch glow which had emanated from both the ring upon the beast and the woman both flared once... then were gone.

     Raevyn's eyes closed, a serene smile gracing her lips as the band conformed to its wearer. Beyond the building's confines, a raven's caw pierced the night, an auditory intrusion bearing a weight far surpassing its avian origins. An ensuing silence marked the dismissal of Mulnir and the culmination of a new bond, as a fresh familiar united with Raevyn. A singular, decisive clap echoed, the wolf's harmonizing bark entwined, signifying the completion of their union.

     With the ritual's climax attained, Raevyn's vitality appeared to wane, a profound exhaustion taking hold. Her newfound companion provided a steadfast presence, offering support to steady her faltering stance. A gentle touch to the scruff of fur bridged the connection, a shared moment of camaraderie. Addressing the onlookers with a weary yet contented expression, Raevyn confessed, "Forgive me... a moment's respite is in order." She and the wolf retreated to the brazier, their forms settling as sighs of relief escaped them.

(If perhaps I misconstrued Ixi's intentions, we can conveniently retcon this narrative divergence and safeguard it from her awareness.  She may have intended to keep the wolf as just a companion for now, not a familiar... Is so, this never happened and is our little secret, shhh...)

     Some observed the ritual with rapt fascination, while others endured it with an air of boredom. For those who had witnessed Raevyn, or any other practitioner, conduct a Find Familiar ritual before, the divergence was unmistakable. It carried an aura of distinctiveness, characterized by meticulous intricacy and heightened precision. Notably, the enigmatic ring from The Tower played a pivotal, albeit enigmatic, role. As for those who abstained from observation, their reward was a slightly extended period of rest.

     For the curious wanderers among the group, those who opted for a "lookie loo," an intriguing revelation awaited. Stepping across the vaguely theoretical threshold that seperated  structure from mine, an immediate sense of unease enveloped you. An arcane current, akin to a heavy cloak or the all-encompassing abyss of the ocean's depths, tightly embrace you...  If you wandered into the mines Roll a Wisdom Save!

Those who step into the mine, for narratives sake, are doing so just as Raevyn finishes her ritual and slumps down at the brazier.  If she does not get at least a short rest she'll be at her second level of exhaustion...  ((New Exhaustion rules posted on Discord)) 

Syl shivers involuntarily as he steps into the mine.  Ghostly memories of the weight of the sea and deep, pressured darkness threaten to overwhelm him as he tries to get his bearings.

WIS: 17

"Bloody hell.  Right jolly mood in this place, eh."