Glasses:

How observant is the Professor?

Perception:  5

Totally oblivious to what later became known as the ‘Black Feather Incident”, the Professor continues his routine and prepares to bed in for the night.

"Yes tis real Shae, but i canna speak to any accuracy o anyting"

Maxine would never impose herself on the growing relationship between Berrus and Shae (even if she would noticed their quiet evening promenade), so, the pare was quite safe from her curiosity. If Shae would want to talk, she would come. For now Maxine was busy with the usual evening routine, just more quiet - still full of the that feeling of flying.

Shae could feel the weight of her mental health in question most days, but lately there have been triggers. She dare not approach anyone in fear of burdening them further. She continues and would continue the path of least resistance for their sake. The medic didn’t necessarily like the box she’s been placed into, but understood why. 

She also didn’t know what she was expecting to get out of the conversation with Berrus, but she at least took comfort in his care to ask. Her eyes would waver from his and she’d look back to the feather. “I will lose Kam... I am losing Kam...” Admitting that out loud brought home the realization that the magic they had come to rely on her for healing, could be fading away with him. And without that, what good was she to them? She has nothing unique to offer at this point. Shae felt naive. She’d open and close her mouth a few times trying to decide what or if she should say anything else. But Berrus was a man of few words, so why throw out more? What’s done is done. 

Berrus face softens. Tentatively almost shyly he reaches out and brings Shae in for an embrace.  Holding her he whispers. "I dinna tink yell lose Kam lass and remember yeve been the one keepin most o them on their feet so to speak"

Shae would tense only briefly as she had not expected Berrus to reach for her. But as he did, and she’d finally register that it was an embrace, all her tenseness would practically melt and her head would find his chest. She’d curl up against him to rest in silence, accepting the comfort of touch, his words and his belief that she wouldn’t lose Kam. “Thank you.” She’d whisper softly. Although she still maintained the reality from her dream that Kam was mortal, Berrus reminded her that she at least could still manage with what she had right now. Kam isn’t gone yet.

But now there was something new... someone else...

And with every ripple you create, he is closer to being mine.

Turning over the feather yet again, there was still plenty weighing on her mind. She could still hear the voice from behind the darkness. Though wrapped in her protectors arms, Shae felt safe. For now...

Your actions have consequences, and you are being watched...

Berrus rubbing Shaes back and holding her

"Tis goin te be alright lass, we'll get oot of this place soon  leaving the i hope unspoken

With the march of the day having been long and exhausting but otherwise uneventful, the evening is welcome respite for the exhausted crew and those of you still recovering from injuries. By now, the jungle has hardened most of you that you barely register the scrapes, bruises and insect bites anymore. Even the more seriously injured seem to be less impaired by their injuries, definitely thanks to the careful attention given to them by Shae, Maxine and Fang and the ease of transport with the Professor's floating disk.

Although Fang joined you originally as a hunter and warrior, his knowledge of the local flora has been invaluable, and you've been able to restock your supplies of medicinal plants, roots and berries, to cover a wide variety of injuries and sores. He spends the evening hours weaving a wicker shield, and then covers it with the thick alligator hide. Working with his hands kept his mind sharp, and helped as he started taking the first watch.

The more attentive notice that Shae has been withdrawn all day, but with Berrus nearby, none approach, instead enjoying the cooked meal, stretching out their sore muscles and bedding down for the night. The atmosphere is generally one of muted optimism. Everyone knew that you were a day's march away from the coast. Thanks to the folding boat you found at the hag's hut, the coast could well mean salvation for the long-suffering crew, but what could be and what was had a habit of being the difference between a fairly pleasant day and barely making it to the next meal.

Anyone want to do anything else, or can we pass on to the night?

Shae would lean in to his touch, she had not expected him to say more, but a smile would break her lips from the continued comfort. She believed she was alright here. Though, Shae would kind of chuckle at the last half of his sentence. It's not like Berrus was trying to be funny. She knew he meant physically, this space and place, but surprisingly, here in the Chult, she wasn't so much afraid of what was out there as much as she was the voices in her mind. "If you can find a way I can vacate my mind, even for a time, that's the escape I yearn for..." Because thinking back to the groups conversation conversation back in the cave, where would she even go from the Chult? She had no place to go. And no matter where she went, the voice(s) always followed. Sleep used to be an escape, but then the dreams started.

Perception 13 Fang

Perception 23 Mushu

Fang, you notice a couple of snapping branches in the distance, sharp across the low droning buzz of the insects at night. Alert, you keep your eyes on the perimeter, but after half an hour or more, whatever was approaching has leftyou and your party alone. Curious what it was though, Mushu darts off in the direction of the sound. After receiving his signals, you quickly approach too, to find a set of large prints in the clay around your camp.

Please give me a nature check to identify what animal this is. You get no advantage for this roll, since it's not a creature typically found in swamps.

Nature: 4
Survival: 8 Trying to determine which direction the creature was going, if it had been following us. And how many there were. 

You manage to determine that the tracks lead off to the north and the west, roughly to the left of your traveling direction. You're also fairly certain that the large paw marks are made by a single creature. Both of these thigns help to relax you, as it seems like a whatever approached you did so accidentaly, and then decided to withdraw back to the hills you had crossed in the afternoon.

Still, you choose to mention the tracks to Brax, who takes over the next shift, before heading to sleep yourself.

Shae, whether it's the comfort of being close to Berrus, or the universe doing you a kindness, you sleep soundly and without dreams, just being comforted by the silky blackness.

At dawn, Falx, who took the last watch, wakes you, and you start your morning rituals. The professor quickly has a kettle of tea on the fire, and between some berries you found yesterday and a few morsels of your remaining rations, you enjoy a quick breakfast. Cliff, Brax, and Bertrand are coordinating the weak and infirm, wanting to give you all a bit of space to plan the days' march.

Anything you need to do before setting off?

Fang tells Mushu to be watchful of the direction the creature headed. Then he gets ready to continue to lead the group to the water. Keeping his eyes peeled for any game he can make use of for meals later. 

Glasses:

Hearing the discussion about the tracks, the Professor asks, “Could it be the great cat we rescued?  Though I would be surprised if he followed us this far.”

Other than that, he packs up and prepares the ritual for the Floating Disk.  During breakfast, he asks, “Does anyone have an item they wish to research with the magic mirror?  I can use it once a day and it seems a shame to waste.”

Aside from almost traditional now "morning exercises" - experimenting with the potions (you want to be good at something - you have to keep practising) ( 2 - another potion of flying was very much in line with her mood) Maxine would rather keep breakfast and any morning preparations short. The sea was so close - you could taste it in the air! (And all physics in the world could not change it!) She was probably the first one ready and eager to go.

Shae’s eyes would flutter open, slowly and confused at first. Her face would flinch at the sunlight assaulting her corneas. It would take a good handful of tries for her to open up her eyes all the way. Occasionally she’d squint one, then the other as she’d try to get her bearings. It was clearly morning. Had she truly slept through the whole night? The medic would slowly sit up, feeling Berrus’ arm slip from around her. Realizing where she had fallen asleep, her face and ears would immediately flush, but there would be a timid smile on her face. She truly was thankful for the comfort and full night of restful sleep.

Glancing around the camp, it seemed as though they were the last two to wake. If her face could redden more, it would. Though, when Shae look down to their protector who was still peacefully asleep, or just pretending, she’d feel hopeful that maybe his rest was just as good. She’d rest her hand on his for a moment before leaning in to press her lips on his forehead this time. Then with a gentle pat on his hand, Shae would slip from his grasp almost reluctantly, and get up for the day.

Shae would quietly help herself to morning rations and tea. After Fang’s diligent restocking of their medical supplies, she’d make note to complete another full inventory check and review of her supplies. She was thankful for Cliff, Brax and Bertrand for taking the initiative and coordinating things for them. Though, it wouldn’t stop her from completing medical checks before they head out. While the medic picked at her food, she’d listen to the professor’s words. She’d swallow before looking up.

”Do you really think it could be the panther Professor?” She agreed it could be a silly thought, but it didn’t change the fact that she enjoyed the thought. Shae would be curious about the tracks for sure, and would be interested in reviewing them if they thought there was merit in it. 

Then silence would fall on the camp when the Professor would offer up his mirror. Shae’s eyes would glance to him, then glance away a couple times. Her eyes would then look to Maxine. She felt like she hasn’t confided in Maxine for a while, worried about her new news. Her friends demeanour had just been so jovial the last little while, between her potion of flying and being this close to port, Shae didn’t want to cast any shadows. She loved seeing the rare pep in Maxine’s step.

Shae would glance away again and sigh. She’d swallow.

”I... I do have something...” She’d start hesitantly. “But...”

Once Shae had moved away Berrus would fully open his eyes. Thankful that she seemed to have gotten a full nights rest. Berrus would after hearing about the tracks ask Fang if he could take a look at his shield and comment 

"Thi be good craftsmanship especially for in camp, im wishin we had some good metal to put long th' rim"

As those of you who are interested gather, you quickly determine that the prints are probably from a big cat or a small bear, but in any case far larger than the panther's could have been.

Glasses:

Moving over to Shae, the Professor says, "Feel free to use the mirror, by yourself if it be a private matter."  In the middle of handing the mirror to Shae, he shoots a look at Berrus and mutters to himself, "Now the dwarf has me talking like him...I have been in the jungle too long."  Snively leaves the mirror in Shae's possession and moves off, allowing her privacy to use it if she so desires.