Mina walks with the rest, as others state the confusion as to why the three are still asleep Mina realizes the thought never occurred to her.  She watches as the others do what they can to help the fallen and the inner turmoil bothers her.  Why is she so distracted?  Was it the fact the witch wanted her blood?  

She wishes she knew a way of removing poison, but breathes a sigh of relief when Rixian steps forward and says he is able to do it.  She waits and crosses her fingers that this will do it.

After Leeta states her theory, Kullogal ponders her words and examines the victims farther. Yes, he's sure she's right though he's also fairly sure that the people would wake up after a while.

As Rixian takes initiative to remove the poison from the three who look the healthiest, he starts with Akyan.

The drow grimaces, gritting his teeth before opening his eyes. Then he sits up quickly, "What in--gah!" He starts only to cringe in pain from both his arm and his head. Holding a his right hand to his forehead for a moment, he remains still while a wave of nausea washes over him. After that subsides, he moves his hand to his arm and looks around seeming slightly disoriented. "What the hell happened?"

Moving to Twig and Telron, he is able to heal the two at about the same time.

The young half-elf suddenly shoots upward into a sitting position as Rixian starts to take his hand away. "Guahhh!" She yelps, "Uhhhoooo" She groans when the sudden movement causes her to get lightheaded. After a moment she shakes herself, and stares wide-eyed at the fire genasi. "Huh?! Where am I?! You...you were at my house...Telron!" She looks around, then seeing her friend, she crawls over to him.

Telron groans then sits up slowly, only to be grappled by Twig. "Guh..What?" He says blinking and clearly confused. "T-Twig..S-stop your s-squeezing...to hard-"

"I thought you were dead! The plant dogs!" She says as she continues squeezing the remaining life out of him. Tears of relief stream down her face as she does so.

Still dazed, Telron looks around as best he can, eyes blurry he gazes at each of you. "Who....?"

Mizu gives Akyan a blank stare that essentially says ‘what do you think happened?’. But he doesn’t answer, instead turning his attention to Twig and Telron as they wake up.

He’s not the greatest at social interactions, so he does the only thing he can think of to let the kids know that they’re out of danger. He walks over and places a hand on each of their heads and says flatly, “Don’t worry. You’re safe now.” 

Even though his tone might not sound comforting, Letta would recognize this as him mimicking his Master, Ashtar. Though, Ashtar would have knelt down, Mizu is short enough he just walks over and stands in front of him. What he just said were the first words Ashtar ever said to him, the first words he heard after his near-death experience in the icy wastes outside his birth home. She might not know that fact, but she’s definitely had Ashtar pat her on the head and has seen him do the same thing with Mizu. Which is funny considering Mizu absolutely hates it when anyone else treats him ‘like a kid’. Everyone would remember his reaction to Zale patting his head—though he seems to have forgotten that in the moment. 

Ashtar might have stayed there for a moment with his hands on their heads, but Mizu doesn’t. He just gives each of them a ‘comforting’ pat, leaving his hands there just long enough to tell them they’re safe, and then backs off. He blinks, waiting for reactions and for everyone to be ready to move. 

Leeta gives the fire genasi a pat on the back (nope, she's not that tall) lower back, exclaiming "Fantastic! Those hands of yours are truly blessed, Rixian!". Looking much less worried now that all the vines are burnt, and most of the survivors have regained conciousness, the mini monk then turns to the half-elves, who look especially malnourished. "What do we do with them? Should we wait to treat them until we are back in town?"

She can't help but smile when Twig hugs Telron so tightly that the kid has to protest. But when Akyan asks what happened, the halfling suddenly remembers that she was a bit angry with him ...

Quote from FairIthilien >>

When Mizu mentions that Akyan has entered the forest on his own Leeta snorts, clearly annoyed.

- Well, of course! Why wait for us so we can enter the forest as a coordinated force? Much better to go on his own and risk his life stupidly! I just hope he knows what he's doing and that he doesn't end up in trouble. This town doesn't need another body submitted to public display... 

 
... so she stands in front of the drow, arms crossed, and snaps, "What happened? What happened is that you thought it was a GREAT idea to enter the forest on your own! I mean, what a stupid thing to do. And for a seventeen-year-old girl to have to tell you that... you should really think twice before acting like that again! HMPF!". She glares at him for a couple of seconds, muttering something about "hot-headed drows" (in undercommon) and then turns her back just in time to see Mizu interacting with Telron and Twig.

With her anger now evaporated (it really never lasts long with her, does it?) and replaced by a warm smile and a great sense of pride, Leeta walks up to stand next to the water genasi. She gently touches his hand as she says happily, "Look at that! It's almost as if I had seen Ashtar himself!". The monk pauses for a moment, before adding, "You know, for the longest time I've this stupid fear inside me that I'd never return home having achieved anything worthy of Jezza's teachings. But I don't feel that way anymore. I think we've done a good thing here. Don't you agree, Mizu? I have a feeling that Ashtar and Jezza will be proud of us when we return home..."

Rixi jumps back twice; Once when Akyan, Twig and Telron Shoot up from their unconscious statures, and another time when Mizu moves in to comfort them himself; He instantly retreats a good distance away from most of them, despite the fact he wants to offer his comfort too.

When Leeta gives Rixi a pat on his lower back, all she gets in return was a small huff followed by his head tilted away from her as a sign of shyness. It was the least I could do. He thinks, though he wished he had the courage to say it out loud; The thoughts of him saving the wrong person has been put into the back of his mind for now whilst he and the rest relish in this small victory. Stepping back, he watches from a distance as the remaining five reconcile with the survivors. He laughs to himself as he slips back into his head and imagines his team being in the same scenario as him; He can already imagine nearly a thousand reactions to their success on this mission...

Once his imagination ends, he gives off an unnoticeable smirk as he stares at the somewhat heartfelt reunion between his 'team' and the three survivors. Of course not... they wouldn't recognise him that easily. The Wildland Shifters are only based in the Sword Coast, so of course he appears nothing more than a foreigner to them. But nonetheless, he doesn't mind a single bit. He's fine with that, as long as he can finally move on with this in peace and continue his mission before he heads back home. But still... Randy and Daisy are right. It's time to move forward. Time to move on and progress... regardless of what happened today. There is a lot he needs to do before he can return to face the shifters head on... but he'll work out something, along the way. 

"You're right. Let's go home." Rixi calmly says, making his way back with a warm smile on his face regardless if everyone's ready to move or not. Arigato... minna. (ありがとう... みんな, Thank you.. everyone) He thinks again, feeling rather thankful that for once throughout this entire journey, thankful that... he has been able to fight off his curse once again for now; He has so many things in this world that never thought he could have, minus the need to head back to Sword Coast and Japan of course. 

Gasping a sigh of relief, Rowarin is pleased that they are waking up. Seeing Leeta start ranting he can't help but chuckle a bit. They will be OK.

Rowarin gazes off lazily in the direction of the town, tilting his head slightly and allowing the breeze to wash over him - closing his eyes and taking in deep breaths. He didn't realize it at the time, but the closeness and confinement of the tomb was too much. Being in the open he feels like he can be, see, feel anywhere and everywhere. Rowarin reaches out to the great Weave and allows himself to connect with it, and let it course through his body. Those watching will notice how the tips of his fingers and strands of his white hair are glowing with radiant energies.

After allowing himself the moment, he stretches and yawns, realizing he needs a rest. Catching Rixian saunter off, he paces over to catch up. Placing a hand on Rixians shoulder, he says "Fine work there Rixi san. I didn't even think that it would be a poison, I feel like I should have known that. But you done them a good service today, they'll never fully understand how close they were to... well... you catch my drift." 

He will keep walking with him towards the town, allowing the others to start heading back also.

Akyan blinks at Leeta's sudden outburst. Then he scowls, "I wasn't planning--" He starts clearly angered at her calling him an idiot. Then he shakes his head, clearly not wanting to argue. He might have explained that he'd only been planning to scout out the entrance, but that would have only been a half truth at best. He doesn't have the energy to argue, and he can tell arguing with this mini monk will probably just make him look like a bigger fool.

Twig and Telron both blink in shock when a boy only slightly older than them walks over and places a hand on each of their heads. After Mizu releases her head, Twig let's go of Telron and flails her arms over her head as if just registering what Mizu had just done. "Hey! Don't touch my hair!" She yelps. Telron laughs. Clearly Mizu's attempt to comfort them had at least calmed them down... sort of.

The walk out of the forest is far more peasant than the journey in. The evening sun now penetrates the leaves unlike before, and most of the spiderwebs seem to have vanished. You easily make your way back into town just before the sun sets. Exiting the abandoned section and entering the still habited part of town, it seems just as you left it. Though that ominous feeling of being watched is non-existant, though if you look into the windows of some houses, you can see figures looking out at you. You continue on, the Stonedog in being your destination.

"FRAYA!"

A voice suddenly calls out. Looking towards it's origin, Rowarin recognizes Nathaniel. The young man rushes towards whoever is carrying the half-elf woman and abruptly stops just before laying shaking hands on her face, as if he's worried about breaking her. "Sh-she's alive! You saved her! She's alive!" Tears of joy stream down his face as he looks at each of you.

"What's going on out there?" Bill exits the tavern, then stops as he sees the group. "Gods above you did it... Quickly! Bring them inside I have spare rooms. You boy!" He directs his last sentence at Nathaniel. "Run and get Miss Fellvor! Hurry if you want what's best for your wife!"

Stunned, the young man nods then takes off down a side road.

At this point, Twig taps Leeta on the shoulder. "Well thanks for saving us I guess! Telron and I are gonna get back to the others. They are probably worried sick about us!" The two of them wave, and run back towards their base.

Entering the tavern, unconscious survivors in tow, the few folks inside the tavern gasp upon seeing you and those you bring with you. They never before have seen anyone return from vanishing.

Mizu watches blankly as everyone talks and starts settling down, tilting his head slightly when Twig shouts about not touching her hair. His eyes shift to Leeta as she walks over and touches his hand. He averts his eyes as if embarrassed in spite of his blank face when she mentions Ashtar. He listens quietly as she talks his head turning back to her as she says she thinks they've done a good thing. 

"Yes," he says quietly in response, giving a small and rare smile--the first this group has seen from him. 

____________

Soma flies towards them as they enter town, screeching her confirmation that she carried word ahead. Mizu ignores the many glances and whispers, only paying attention to those who come to claim those they managed to save. It pains him to know that there were others beyond saving that they had to leave behind. Still, at least these people can know what happened now. 

He blinks when the Mayor sets the bag of gold on the table. ...oh, that's right... there was a reward for this mission... His eyebrows twitch downward for a moment. He isn't used to payment. Not used to taking it if offered either. Still, the order could use the money right? He looks to Leeta, his blank expression somehow managing to portray a measure of uncertainty. Should they take any of their share? Or should they just let the others have it. Surely someone else could use it more than they... right?

_______

As the day comes to and end and their quest to a close, Mizu finds himself wondering what will become of his current companions. He and Leeta will be traveling back to meet with their masters. They've succeeded on completing a mission alone, now he's one good step towards being ready for his own goal. But what about everyone else? What do they have planed? Where will they go next?

From his seat, he looks to Mina and Kullogal. Those two seem like they will stay together. Perhaps they have someone or something to look for? He looks to Rowaran. He's from this town right? Maybe he'll stay here for a little while. His friend's wife was one of the survivors, so maybe he'll stay with them a while. Lastly he looks to Rixian. The fire genasi is still a mystery to him. He clearly has somewhere else to go, more things to do. Perhaps with just as much urgency as Mizu's goal. Doubtless, this group won't stay together after this. They all have their own paths to follow from here, fate alone brought them together for this short time. Hmmm. A funny thing, fate. Perhaps it isn't always out for blood after all. 

Soma circles the group, periodically landing on someone's shoulder, cooing sadly. She doesn't want this to end here. Now that they've finished their quest, she knows just as well as her master that they will be parting ways. She's just a little more torn up about it than Mizu is. 

Mizu lets out a quiet breath, turning his gaze downward for a moment before looking to Leeta. Maybe... they can stay for a day or two until everyone else heads out? ...No, they have other things to attend to. The world doesn't stop turning, and evil doesn't pause in its work, so they can take a break. They have work to do. Their duties never cease. Still, that doesn't mean he can't enjoy this moment, this lull in the midst of endless battles. For now he'll just watch as Soma flits about under the flickering lights within the StoneDog inn, and everyone else celebrates their victory. Lives were saved, and... perhaps friends were made along the way. That's not a gift Mizu will take for granted. 

On the way back to the town, Rixi jumps a little when Rowarin catches him off guard. He stares at him in shock for roughly ten seconds and remains in silence for a full minute, but otherwise he had nothing else dramatic to say about it. "Heh. Well, I still get what you mean. Daijoubu desu. (大丈夫です)" He chuckles, unsure of how to react to the Aasimar's gesture of gratitude. It didn't last long however, as after 10 seconds he arches his head down when he just realized that the person he save from is one of them; It was one of the mhe saved. Yet... his curse didn't react at all. So there must be something about them that's preventing his terrible fate from happening. Fine. I'll spare you three, just this once. I guess you're all not the enemies I had long think off since the very beginning... for now. It seems that you three somehow proved me otherwise in more ways than one. He thinks as his minds drifts towards Mina, Kulogall and Mizu. Thankfully that didn't lasted long either, as there was something that the paladin himself had been meaning to do whilst he rummages through his pocket, something that he wants to give ever since Rowarin became the first to befriend him and make him step out of his closed-off exterior, sort of. 

"Here." He hands Rowarin a keychain, a silvery metallic linkage a rainbow atom symbol on the very end, just like the pendant that lies above his armoured vest. "I... I wish I could stay behind and get to know you more but... well... I need to head off now, but... just... well... I-I have other things to do. I... take this, as a sign that... that we've met before, heheh." It's not often that Rixi would talk this much, let alone choose to give someone he doesn't know something of his own, so for him to do either of these means he has indeed warmed up a lot. Hesitating however, he then pulls out a second and third one, but it's not for him. "This one... for Leeta-san. And..." He stops there, but if Rowarin knows who Leeta is closest to on the team, it's for him too. Once the Aasimar accepts the three keychains, he walks besides him in silence, occasionally staring at the sky which now has brightened up since the morning. Unlike the rest of the team, Rixi deliberately pauses and comes to a standstill until everyone has entered the inn. Even if there was gold awaiting him, he doesn't need it at the moment. Money can't repair or obtain the things that he cherishes personally such as his friendships, his status as the saviour of the Sword Coast... and even his ounces of gratitude that ruminates in his head even when he appears to be in solitude.

When they're all inside, he diverts away from their destination just as everyone else closes the door behind him, before he makes his way to the main gate without letting everyone take note of where he's at; He wants to say goodbye, but he figured that it's probably best to leave them be to cherish their moment. He's not the type to try and force them into his own environment if they're not comfortable with it. Right now, he still feels largely incomplete. And only himself can make it feel right again in his own ways.

When he's almost certain that he's alone, he unpacks his glaive, spins it furiously as sparks ignite around the edges, before he then swings up and blasts fiery vortex into the sky that morphs into his group's symbol as the flickering clouds float into the sky, like the keychain that he gave Rowain and on his armour collar. A sign of his victory. Once that's done, he reshifts his polearm back behind him as he turns away and walks down, pulling off a smile that no one can see from where and how he's standing. Sure, it was a short task that was handle in a mere three days, but still, this isn't something to be taken for granted either, as per a leader's decision to chart his path.

Sayonara, minna (サヨナラ, みんな). Shapeshifting to the very end, we'll meet again. I'm sure of it. He smiles, before he slowly disappears from Withermore's grounds and towards the dock without being seen or leaving a trace of his fiery blaze, the fire fuelling his determination to move forwards and pick up from where he left off. For everyone in the town, this perilous path has finally ended; the journey has come to a close. 

For Rixian Nishinoya, however, it's just the beginning.

Rowarin, walking with Rixi, is taken back a little with the gift. Holding it in his hands, he isn't sure on how to compute what is happening - he's never been gifted before for helping a party out in such a manner. "Thank you... I... feel a bit guilty. I have nothing prepared to give to you in return as token of my thanks..." he mumbles, looking sheepishly at the floor as they walk. A few minutes pass, and Rowarin places the keychain around the shaft of his spear, and looks over to speak once more but it's already too late - Rixian has already moved on towards the dock. He smirks, and whispers to himself "Goodbye for now, friend. I'm sure our paths will cross once more."

Turning to the rest of the party, he notices Nathaniel rushing towards them. Remembering that they have done well this day, he laughs and joins in the feast. Smiling, laughing, singing with his comrades. There are times when the mood goes a bit sullen, as those who weren't so fortunate are remembered, but then the mood lightens again as drinks are poured. Whilst they are all engaged, Rowarin remembers that he had the gift from Rixian, which he goes over to Leeta to give. "Hi, I forgot to give these earlier... Rixian wanted you and I think Mizu to have these." He holds out the keychains for Leeta to take. "I guess it's his way of showing respect. Shame he went so soon."

At some point during the night, Rowarin decides its time to go home. Back to see his parents whom he hasn't seen since he left for military service. Getting up, turning to his comrades, "Folks, it has been a pleasure. I'm glad to have had this chance to work with you all. It's about time I take my leave and go home - I am sure that someday our paths will cross. And if you are ever in need, you can count on me - I will gladly help. Until then, may fortune shine on you all." He nods his head in gesture, and exits the inn.

Walking down the path, to where his family home is, he smiles as he knows that whatever is thrown at him, he can handle. For he has the universe at his fingertips.

The hours following their arrival at Withermore were a rollercoaster of emotions. There was the happiness of those reuniting with their loved ones, the sorrow of those who now knew that some of them would never return, and the general exhaustion overtaking their bodies as the tension of the previous hours finally dissipated. Leeta drifted between the urge to sit somewhere and rest for a while and her desire to join the festivities, but she soon chose the latter, especially after Bill started bringing food and drinks for everyone.

"Orange juice for everyone!' she joked, but her expression suddenly turned into a serious, determined one. "Wait a moment! You know what, guys? I’m going to have a beer. Yes, my first beer!" She was pretty sure Jezza wouldn’t approve, but her drow stepfather wasn’t there and, hells, after everything they had been through, a beer wouldn't hurt too much, would it? Leeta took her first sip, wrinkling her nose in disappointment as the bitter taste wasn't quite what she had expected. Still, determined not to let it go to waste, she kept sipping slowly while talking to everyone at the StoneDog. She first chatted with Mina and Kulogall, and then blurted out, "You two make a great couple, you know?" She scratched her head awkwardly immediately afterwards. Could the beer have made her say that? Leaving the two waters alone after this, she turned to Soma, stroking the white hawk gently and trying to confort her and reassure her that this surely wouldn’t be the last time they would all be together. As she does this, in the back of her mind, something felt amiss, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

It was only when Rowarin approached her and Mizu that she realized who was missing. Where was Rixian? He couldn’t have really left, could he? Clutching the keychain the aasimar had given them, she stared at it silently, fighting to contain the tears blurring her vision. "But... but... why did he leave? He should be here with us, enjoying this moment. He earned it, too! Damned paladin! I’ll be sure to remind him of this when we meet again. Because I’m certain we will... hic!" She pocketed the keychain safely, unaware that, in the years to come, it would become a cherished token she would always keep close —a reminder of how they all helped the town and people of Withermore.

The fatigue —or the beer ...or more likely, both— was finally taking its toll on the mini monk. She felt her energy wavering as she hugged Rowarin, making sure to say goodbye to Podrick as well, before seeing the aasimar off. It was all so sad! She wished they could have stayed together a little longer.

In the end, when only Mizu and she remained, she yawned slightly, fighting—and losing—the battle to keep her eyes open as they sat quietly in a corner of the StoneDog inn. Wasn't this where Rixian used to sit by himself? Yeah, she was pretty sure it was that same spot. The halfling leaned her head onto the water genasi’s shoulder as she muttered, "We don’t need to leave just now, huh? We can wait until tomorrow, right? Rest a little... and then head back home together," she said, yawning again. Before she fell completely asleep next to Mizu, she mused, "I love your smile, Mizu. I want you to smile more often. And be there to see it.'"

(Thank you all for this adventure! I'm going to miss these characters a lot! :'D)