Thomàs looks at you all and says: "Ellesmera is the best rider of us, she should go with you in that case. " The quiet woman with the short cropped her bows her head in recognition. SHe exudes a quiet confidence at the task at hand, but looks at you all to see whether you were happy with that plan.

Ellesmera speaks briefly, adressing Gyselle: "If you want to do this, decide how much of the bark we'll take with us, and get ready."

“I think half of it would be good. Just in case something happens to us. We don’t lose everything we’ve collected. The saplings to be replanted should stay with the rest of the group.” She looks apprehensive as she says this, but makes ready to leave unless someone speaks against this plan of splitting up. 

Thia fell incredibly silent, chewing on the inside of her cheek. She'd didn't like the idea of splitting the group just as much as she disliked the concert of separating herself from a copy of these notes, let alone her originals. It made her heart race with anxiety. The alchemist would have to inhale breaths through her nose to give herself time to think about it all logically so that she wasn't just giving into her impulse stubbornness. She knew they needed to hurry and her being ill was part of slowing them down.

Hugging her notes to her chest, Thia's eyes would look far away and thoughtful. She was more than willing to push herself, but that would be even more reckless. Closing her eyes for a moment, she'd exhale before opening them and looking to the group. Her expression was soft and everyone could tell this was difficult for her, but also was an expression of her trust and respect for all of them them.

The medics eyes would find Gyselle's, nodding in sincere appreciation for, and in agreement with, her suggestions. "I'd like to request that you, and Tarian, make personal copies that are to be kept only with yourselves and aren't to be duplicated." She'd swallow, knowing that may sound a bit pompous, but the Cleric's opinion, along with Tarian's were a life saving ones, and she wholeheartedly understood.

Inhaling her next breath, Thia would step forward to Tarian. "You're the best rider and, as you are now, will make the best decisions to get to camp in a timely fashion." She'd nod in respect for her leadership. She'd reach a hand out to place on Tarian's arm. "I trust you most with ensuring the safety of the information, integrity of the shipment and coordination with Gyselle for the distribution and administration of the medicine." Giving her arm a squeeze in appreciation. "Take at least half of the stores." Whatever was safest for them to carry.

Blue eyes would find Corti's and she'd move to her. "I would like you to stay with me..." Thia sounded a bit sheepish, but if her illness did take a turn, or something did happen, she'd want Corti there. They could make any tweaks to the recipe if needed and she'd pass on the originals to her beloved friend.

Per Thia’s suggestion, Gyselle tries to make a copy of the notes on the cure as quickly as she can. She considers also making a copy for Tarian but decides it would be better for her to make her own copy. 

A cold drop wormed down around Tarian’s spine and she squirmed a bit uncomfortably. Was it just the rain or a cold sweat?

That went easier than I thought, but at the same time not as well. Then again, I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting.

Tarian shrugged off her thoughts and donned the mask of grim resolution she’d gotten well used to wearing. “If that’s decided, then, we’d best be getting the horses ready. I’ll make a copy as soon as Miss Gyselle is done, Miss Thia.”

Tarian moved to grab her things from where they sat deep in the cave, and briefly paused by Corti. “I know you’ve always got an eye open, and I trust you to watch over Thia. It’s them I can’t quite trust. Be safe,” she whispered, and clapped her hand on Corti’s shoulder.

“I don’t know if a full half of the supplies will be good.” Tarian sorted the bags containing the tonic’s reagents. “We’ll be going for speed, so we don’t want to burden the horses. But we should take at least a quarter at minimum, or… maybe we can afford to take a third?” Tarian looked to Thia briefly with a look that begged a suggestion. “We’re just trying to get there quick enough to care for the worst off.

“And I hope you two are ready to go hungry, Miss Gyselle and Miss Ellesmera,” she looked to the other two. “If anyone needs to eat, it’s the horses. Leave every extra pound behind that you can afford to leave.”

Corti had stuck close to Thia over the past day watching the artificer just as closely as, but with much less expertise than Gyselle. When the suggestion to split the group is raised Corti  thinks it over and slowly nods, I don't like it much either, but this does seem to be the best result. She watches Thia's response and nods again at her caution. They'd clearly seen that not everyone in the Marshal's camp was to be trusted.

At Thia's request, Corti would gently lay a hand on the side of Thia's head, "Of course I'll stay with you." She gives her friend a grin, shifting her tone, "I'm not about to leave you here without any music! That would be barbaric."

Corti helps the others prepare the horses and consolidate equipment. As Tarian approaches, Corti turns and moves closer, seeing that Tarian was being discrete, "The same goes for you, Tarian. Take care out there," She smiles, patting Tarian's arm.

The first chance she gets, Corti will take a seat near Thia and play a quick song. It won't be anything fancy, just enough to get her lute in tune and ease her anxiety about keeping her instrument near such weather. She will also give Tarian Bardic Inspiration for the road.

When Tarian mentions traveling lightly, Gyselle hesitantly walks over to Thomás and doffs her plate armor. “Please make sure this makes it back to camp.” She also leaves most of the extra rations she has with the group staying behind (I have 10 days worth on my sheet. She would want a couple days worth with her at minimum.)

Having finished making her copy of Thia’s notes she’ll bring the notes and the necessary writing implements to Tarian with a bright smile on her face. Handing everything over, “Your turn!” She says cheerily, despite the horrid weather and the grim prospect to spilling up shortly looming over everyone...

Tarian, you make your preparations in silence, choosing instead to focus on the ever- uplifiting tune of your bard. Half an hour passes, and Gyselle, Ellesmera and Tarian are ready to head off. The goodbye is brief, with all of you knowing that any further delay would be contrary to the main purpose.

Thomàs had been right, and Ellesmera proves not only to be a skillful rider, but also an excellent ranger, and even though you're riding through the rain and darkness, the path underneath you seems more secure. Being a smaller group, you manage to pass difficult passages more quickly, and aving chosen the strongest horses and lightened your loads, you manage to ride on for another four hours. By now, the storm has worsened, but the flashes of lightining do on occasion highlight the top of the pass, now within view.

 Back at the cave meanwhile, Thia is resting, Corti is playing and tending the fire, as Thomàs is looking to the horses.After an hour or so, he comes back: "They need the ret almost as much as you do. Pardon me, but you seem to be doing better. Is the medicine helping?"

Con save: 21

Con save: 10

Tarian, you haven't ridden hard in a long while and you feel like you're getting tired staying in the saddle for so long, but you grit your teeth and push through the pain and the fatigue. Gyselle, you are despite all your medical training, a soldier of the Garronian army, and travelling lighter and in a smaller group, you manage to ride nearly as fast as Ellesmera and the three of you push on into the night. As you crest the pass, the rain suddenly stops and as the clouds open above you, you see the glittering evening sky beyond. The view is breathtaking, and the cold air makes the stars and the moon appear even brighter and bigger than they normally are. You take a short rest to drink some tea and give the horses a break from the climb, before you are back in the saddle and riding hard for the camp. As dawn breaks, you reach the spot where you lost one of your horses, now bloated and rotting a few hundred feet below you. As you approach, three mountain lions that were feeding off the horse dive away.

 Corti, Thia and Thomàs, as the rain ceases, you extinguish your fire and start making for the pass as well. Knowing that you've done everything you can to get medicine to the camp quickly, you take your time with the route, making sure to not push the animals any more than necessary. You ride throughout the night to make up for the lost time, and as dawn breaks, you reach the pass. Looking down, you can just about make out three little dots halfway down the mountain.

Thomàs looks at you Thia and says: "Thanks to you all, we might have saved the camp. Judging by how poorly you were doing, splitting up was the right decision and I'm sure that any of the soldiers with half a heart will recognise what you all did for them. Screw the crimson guard and their war, if they want to start any trouble with you, they'll have to deal with us Lancers first, you have my word on that!"

Con save: 4

"Thank you Gyselle." Thia would accept her journal back from Gyselle, but not let go of her hands right away. "Please take care of yourself." She knew she'd always do the best to take care of others, but Thia wanted to remind her to care for herself as well.

At Tarian's suggestion to take less than half, approximately 1/3rd to keep in mind the burden on the horses, Thia would smile softly. She knew Tarian's experience would know what's best for the travel. "I believe that suggestion is best." Nodding when she'd look over for confirmation.

When Corti had placed a gentle hand on the side of her head, Thia would lean into her touch. Her smile would grow on her face from her words and encouraging tone. A soft giggle would even leave her lips from her add. "Thank you." She was sincere with appreciation. Again, for everything.

As everyone departs, Thia would bow her head in respect and thanks. "I trust you'll be swift, but most importantly stay safe. We won't be far behind." She'd assure, waving them off.

While in the cave it was a bittersweet rest. Thia had confidence in the others, but still had an anxious heart and mind from the weather. The crackling of the fire Corti tended, and her skillful playing contributed greatly to her ability to relax, dozing off here and there.

At Thomas' first approach, Thia would sit up. It was nice of him to check in. A little groggy from her nap, she'd rub a little at her eyes. "I admit, I do feel better." She'd nod a bit. "I believe it is helping." A small tug of her lip would show a timid smile, always afraid to get too ahead of herself until there's full scientific confirmation. "Though, rest is a large part of it as well." She'd add. But in full honesty, she really was happy with what they've achieved, and confident in what they produced as a team.

There was a sense of relief when the rain would cease and Thomas would engage them to break camp to start making for the pass. Although she was still a little worn, Thia was ready to make their safe pace through the route.

When Thomas would look her way after spotting the three halfway down the mountain, she'd listen to his words. This time his words were energetic and inspiring, it was difficult not to return his gesture with a genuine dimpled smile. She honestly didn't imagine to have this kind of effect on the soldiers spirit, and it was a bit humbling. Taking a breath and sharing a look with Corti, Thia would look back to Thomas. Wanting to give the most respectful gesture in response, she'd offer her hand in the way Tarian would offer hers (one Thia herself should have accepted), to Thomas to shake. She'd keep her smile. "Thank you, Thomas. Your words have been kind and your spirit encouraging. I'm grateful for your enthusiastic support. Truly." She'd give a respectful nod. "Your help and guidance on these efforts has been a huge help in the success of this endeavor."

Con save: 17

As the daylight illuminates the path before you, Tarian is getting the hang of things, anticipating the horse's movement and working in unison with the animal, her athletic nature and years of rustic upbringing shining through fully. Gyselle meanwhile starts to feel the effects of a lack of sleep as she has to catch herself nodding off. Still, Ellesmera at the fronto f your group is driving a relentless pace, onwards towards the camp. She understands fully that pushing on and getting the medicine to the troops was more important than keeping well rested.

By around noon, your group has completed their descent and is now moving swiftly through the highlands and down towards the rolling hills. You only allow yourself a short break of about fifteen minutes to refill your waterskins and relieve yourselves as the horses rest and feed a little, before pushing on again.By midafternoon, you reach the previous location of the camp. You find three marked graves in an otherwise empty track of muddy land, beaten by dozens of feet for weeks. Looks like Arc did good work and managed to work out a plan to get the camp moving onwards toward Duskrock. Looking at the graves, Ellesmera's demanour darkens: "Good lads, of the Steel Shields. Terrible way to go."

You all push on further, making your way to the valley beyond. It is evening, before you reach the small hamlet you helped protect. Only by now, the hamlet is added to by dozens of tents and field fortifications, turning the small settlement into a temporary military installment. Riding up to the barricade, Ellesmera salutes and calls out: "Which way to the the sick?" After getting her reply, she orders "Get the Marshal there too", before speeding off towards the indicated direction.

Con save: 24

Con save: 3

“You look tired, Miss Gyselle,” Tarian said as she started unloading some of the saddlebags. “If you want to help me explain to Mister Leech about how the tonic is made, that’s fine, but you’re not touching the silverbark until after you get some sleep.” She shouldered the bags of silverbark and looked down to the halfling. “I’ll do the work until you’re rested enough to do it. Then it’ll be your turn.”

Tarian’s heels dug into the dirt hard. And so help me, if you turn into another Thia and try to kill yourself to save others, I will heft you bodily out of the hospital and tie you to a bed until you’re rested.

“Now, let’s go find your Leech.”

Gyselle looks at Tarian and nods at her statement. She was indeed very tired. It’s been quite a while since she’s had to ride that long with little sleep. In fact... it’s been... She shakes her head as she tries to remember exactly how long it’s been. But can’t quite come up with it.

She focuses back in on what Tarian is saying at “you’re not touching...” Gyselle nods along letting out a loud overly exaggerated yawn. Though in actuality she had no intention of sleeping until at least the first batch of medicine was at least started... maybe not even then.

She blinks her eyes sleepily and tags along behind Tarian asking those she sees which way she needs to go to find Othmar.