Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

Gaelin would go with Valeera up to her den after grabbing some food and sit in the warm pool. The ash, dirt and blood would seep off his body as he lightly scrubbed his burnt skin.  He'd welcome Aryn and assure her he was okay before exiting the pool and pull out his cot from his bag.  He'd carefully lay it out next to Valeera and nibble a bit on some of the food he brought then down a pint of ale and fall fast asleep.

"You're not a monster Mucor.  You had a great idea.  One that may have actually saved our lives.  There's no telling how hard it would've been to fight Daegon inside the tower.  What you did saved millions of lives...  Even if one or all of us had died, we knew what we were signing up for.  The rest of the world wouldn't get that chance if it were up to Daegon.  You stopped all that.  You single-handedly killed him... by outsmarting one of the most intelligent mages we've ever encountered."  She stands and walks over to pick up the silver ring and brings it back to Mucor placing it gingerly in his burnt hand.  "You've proved everyone wrong.  The unlikely, scary, and slightly smelly minotaur known as Mucor saved them.  Not some other handsome or beautiful adventurer... compassionate, humble, and adorable you.  Now... get some rest and I'll see you in the morning."  she says with a smile and give Mucor a small light kiss on the top of his burnt head then exits the temple and the grove to rest in her chambers.  

Torq will escort Alexandria and Juliana to the priests and acolytes to have their wounds examined and healed.  After that he'll take them to their quarters and either stay with them or leave them depending what they wish to do and rest.

Mucor would smile and stand up as Aryn goes to leave... walking with her to the entrance of the small monastery. "Thank you... again." He would say with a smile. "I do hope you are right... that Daegon is dead." He would pause a moment before continuing. "You make it sound as though I saved the world.. but.. I want you to know that... YOU... "Mucor would pause for a microsecond as if calculating his words "..guys.. are my world." The minotaur would add with a snort. "What I do... I do to protect all of you.. my friends. He would finish before turning around and heading back into the small stone building. Occasionally releasing an "ow" or "ouch" like a badly sunburned human trying to avoid moving as much as possible.

The acolytes and priests aid as much as they are able, still dealing with the injured from the morning’s battle but ensure Torq that the twins should make a full recovery after they rest. Alexandria and Juliana thank Torq for his caring and request that he retire to his own chambers for the night to make sure they all get some sleep, but to set aside some time the following day for some extracurricular activities. The sun sets on the castle, though work continues towards the repair efforts. You find sleep comes quickly but you each feel restless trying to keep still from aggravating your wounds.

You wake in the morning as the normal hustle and bustle of the castle begins. Those sleeping within the keep smell the deliciously appetizing aromas of meats and vegetables being prepared. You stretch and move slowly expecting more pain but find that your bodies have healed over quite rapidly. You may say you even feel better than you’ve ever felt before. You each make your way to the dining hall in your own time and find a large assortment of foods before you. Each causing your mouth to water since you chose to rest since the thought of eating seemed painful to most. The ale is cold and the food delectable and you fight the urge to relax, knowing the full day you have ahead of you, but you let the feeling creep in for just a few minutes as you each sit around the table.  The time is 8:00 am.

(Welcome to level 15! Congrats! )

Gaelin will open his eyes slowly at 6:00am, the warmth of Valeera feels amazing with the cool breeze that randomly gusts through the den.  He looks over to see Valeera in her human form and smiles.  He'll sit up stretch his arms ruffling his hair a bit and kiss her head as he strokes her long red hair away from her face.  "Good morning beautiful.  Ready for breakfast?"  he whispers in her ear.  They'll take their time getting down to the dining hall but will still arrive earlier than most.  He'll grab some bacon and eggs with potatoes and biscuits.  His body was starving but he would pace himself as he ate and drank.  When the others arrive he'll say, "Well... that was one of the best nights sleep I've had in a long time."

Mucor would wake up inside the monastery, laying on a bed that sculpted into the side of a living tree growing out of the side of the stone building. After a quick dip in the pond to clean off any lingering soot and charred bits of fur, he would make his way to breakfast. "Well my hair is starting to grow back" He would say with a smile.. looking as though his whole body was military buzzed haircut. He would then begin shoveling in handfuls of food, eating as though he hadn't eaten in a week.

Torq would get up early and look over to the twins to make sure they were okay.  Then he'd quietly exit and head to the kitchen to bring them breakfast in bed.  Once they had eaten to their fill he would make his way up to the dining hall and begin eating.  He'd toss fish, rabbits and chicken down his gullet until he was full and sit back to take in the feeling of satisfaction.  "We'll all look a bit rough for a few days.  The important thing is that we all survived.  He'll of an idea Mucor."  he says to the others then takes a sip from a mug of ale.

'I suppose... I am just glad none of you were killed in the explosion" The minotaur would reply as he looks down to his mug and swirls its contents before taking a drink. Mucor would then smile and look to the aarakocra.. studying him for a moment. "I hope I am not being rude... but I was just wondering... how have things been going with the twins? Have you found yourself leaning towards one over the other? They are both very strong and capable women. Do you think you will marry them both?" The minotaur would ask with a curious look. "Do they seem to mind sharing you?" He would continue without the slightest bit of judgment or hidden agenda. Mucor would just ask plainly.. purely just interested in the dynamic of the relationship. He would take another loud slurp from his mug as he continued to take note of Torq's beak and fancy plumage.

Aryn would wake up as the scents of food hit her nostrils and release the dagger from her hand that was under the pillow.  With a quick wriggle she loosens her muscles and bones and wallows under her covers for a few minutes enjoying the trapped heat.  After getting dressed she'll make her way to the dining hall and see her friends chatting at the table.  "Yes... do tell."  she says following Mucor up and grabbing a haunch of pork and some fruit.

Torq thinks for a moment before responding, "Things have been wonderful.  I don't think I could ever choose one over the other.  They both are unique and amazing in their own ways.  I don't know what the future holds for us and don't want to speak for them. I think if you asked them, they'd probably be open to answer the same question.  From my perspective, I think I connected with them more because they felt the same way I did.  I saw the same look in their eyes that were in mine months ago when I lost my whole family.  I didn't know what I needed at that time but seeing them, I knew they just needed someone else to share in the pain.  A way to focus their emotions and find a release.  I didn't expect it to end up the way it did.  I just wanted to help guide them so they wouldn't end up like I did."  he pauses to reflect on his past.  A tear begins to form in his right eye and he adds, "But I... I could've never imagined... how much of a blessing they would be to me.  I don't know what I'd do without them now."  Torq stops talking and slowly gulps down a few bits of meat as a second tear forms and falls off the feathers of his face.

"I am happy for you Torq... Happy for you and the twins." Mucor would say with a smile before taking a bite of his own meal in front of him. The minotaur pauses for just a second as though he was going to say something else but would just shake his head and take another bite of his food.

insight! 23 

Though it's hard to read a bird's emotions... From what you know of Torq's backstory and personality, this is the first time you've seen him genuinely look vulnerable.  It earnestly feels like he adores both Alexandria and Juliana equally.  You see a sparkle of renewed hope in him that maybe they could fill the void in his life that has been there for so long.  At the same time you also see the immense fear in his eyes at the thought of losing them.

(Mucor beat me to it.)

Insight as well:  12

"Love is a funny thing."  Gaelin says with a smile. "Shall I reach out to Varian or wait a while?"  he asks

"Might as well.  Let's get this over with."  Aryn replies.

Mucor would grab a handful of food in each hand as he gets up from the table. Munching away as he follows behind Aryn and Gaelin.

Torq would follow behind and say, "I'm gonna grab the girls.  Want me to tell Valeera too Gaelin?"

"Wait Torq... " Mucor would reply before pulling a couple items from his pack. "Here... Give these to the girls. A gift from you. I am not needing them any longer." The minotaur would add as he hands over his Gauntlets of Ogre Power and Ring of Warmth.  Perhaps they can put those items to good use. He would add before finishing the last of the food in his hand. After handing over the items, Mucor would turn to follow behind Aryn. 

"Thanks Mucor.  I think Maximus may benefit more from the gauntlets.  The girls are already quite strong but I'm sure they'll love the ring."  Torq replies accepting the gifts.  (They already have 19 strength otherwise I'd jump on em.)