The Exploits of Misfit Company

Stella laughs softly. "Thanks, Yvan. I think I would've been dead if I'd gone down that gullet."

A low chuckle can be heard from the goliath. "Possibly... but we made a promise to Furlong to keep you safe, so we would've fought even harder to get you out. Plus..." He briefly glances over to Kasha(saurus?) and Bixby, then gives Alys' thigh a light squeeze. "We have some pretty capable healers on our team. I believe you have have been more than fine."

Alys' eyes would bug out in horror as she had made the assumption of Stella's condition perhaps a little too early. The rogue was so quietly confident and independent, the wizard was often guilty of assessing her surface or more obvious wounds than truly checking in on her. She'd watch from her peripherals as Stella would treat herself with her ointment. It'd allow the elf to continue her current commitments to mending with assurance she had her own tricks up her sleeve. The elf would enthusiastically nod along with Yvan's compliment to the rogue's fancy footwork. She had quite the twinkle toes! A small smile would appear on her face.

When Alys would feel the warmth of Yvan's hand on her thigh, her face would flush immediately, cutting off her apologies. As he addressed her, and gently reminded her that she had nothing to apologize for, the elf would look up at him. He was right. Her smile would tug a little at the corner, deepening her dimple in her cheek. She could feel some of her anxieties let go, replacing it with the comfort of his words. She'd finish up her bandaging with more sure hands, giving him a more confident nod when he'd thank her. "Of course."

The wizard would look over to Kashasaurus, and should she be within reach of her nuzzling of Vastra, she'd want to offer a Kasha her own pet of thanks. She'd smile to the druid. At any point in time, should Kasha desire to demorph, she could. Alys would drop the spell for her. But looking over at her surrounded by Aryn and Obsidian, she couldn't help but adore the dynamic trio in all their glory. It was always a pleasure seeing Kasha wild and free.

Alys' attention would skip back as quick as her heart when she'd feel Yvan's gentle squeeze on her thigh and her ears would go hot. She'd offer a bashful smile with an affirmative nod. As long as Kasha was okay and Bixby is close enough, the elf agreed they would always be fine. Her hand would find Yvan's to return a soft squeeze. His mention of their promise to Furlong was a another gentle and important reminder of their resolve to keep Stella safe. And it slipped her mind as well as Stella slips away into the shadows. "Then Stella gets bandaids too!" She'd try her hand at adding a little energy to her words.

The cleric would slowly get up and make her way over to Stella, taking her time to fuss over her and review everything out loud in detail as she'd tend to their rogue. Alys would be extra attentive to where she was stung, topping her off with some oil and bandaids should she need.

Healing kit 3/10 for Stella if she'd like: 8 + hit dice

As Alys tends to her, Stella gives the half-elf a soft smile. "Thanks, Alys. I'm practically back to normal now."

With Obsidian steering the Ultrakashasaur, she'll let the baby dragon rest on her head while she sniffed the air. She thundered slowly around the group, like on watch, looking over everyone with her bright green eyes, but if Bixby got to close to her for any reason whatsoever it was very clear she'd snap at him no holds barred. Otherwise she paid no mind to him, but stayed with the group letting Obsidian steer her wherever he wanted. She would let anyone pet her if they wanted and she would nuzzle anyone whom she wanted to show affection towards. Obsidian would make a point to have her get up on the dead worm and roar loudly, as if a king and queen had claimed a small area of territory.

"Bixby, was there a reason why you had chosen to walk off during the battle?"

"One of us, in hindsight, one with the ability to heal at least should be well away from such immediate danger." Bixby replied honestly, having just turned away from keeping a wary eye on Kasha. Even if he kept a fair distance upon seeing to Vastra, awaiting for any others to yet request further mending, the whole theft had left its mark in its own way. "Add on to its methods, and the rather foolish actions of my own to actually dare directly engage it, I thought it better to retreat -- at least far enough that it would go out of its way for me. And if had, the rest of you might take advantage of that." He then narrows his eyes just a little at Vastra. "Which raises another concern... why had you not done the same? Why not reposition at the very least to avoid becoming a potential liability to the others. The beasts reach was not so great that this at least you could not have done so."

It was at that moment that Kasha roared angrily at Bixby from her position on top of the dead worm, not appreciating the return question, or the insinuation that any member of the Misfits would take advantage of another team member in that regard, or the silly notion of keeping our distance when half of us were melee fighters. Kasha didn't consider B a member of the team, simply a straggler now, and his "tactful retreat" was not surprising or unexpected. As a druid, she could hardly care less as to why. As a dinosaur, her primal emotions were dialed to 11 while in the form of a ravenous meat eating prehistoric creature, and Obsidian startled at her outburst, struggling for a moment to regain control and "pull the reins" on her. The amount of drool the UltraKashasaur was producing was alarming, as if a tasty meal was about to be had. 

Instead, to release her frustration, she slammed her mouth into the worm and began ripping it apart for an easy meal with her jaws and teeth.

Insight(DC 20): 26.

Bixby would regard Kasha, but neither fear, anger, or remorse. There may have been some wariness there, as any small creature might have for something far larger. But between their current distance and expectations, it was manageable enough to keep even that much from visibly showing in any regard. If anything, he seemed almost confused by the roar, and would soon look around having half-expected some other threat having been sensed and on approach.

When none materializes, and seeing her start munching down on the worm soon after, he turned back to Vastra and calmly adds, "That being said, I do apologize for one thing. If you had some plan in mind, could not retreat, or developed some magic as to make fighting on the frontlines even more tenable since our fight against that orcish horde, it is understandable. And any case, it is not my place to question anyone's tactics within the group. My apologies as well if my actions caused undue concern. Rest assure that my actions were meant to be of benefit to the company."

As B would open up his response with the most logical reason, Alys would feel her heart sink. She was the one who moved into melee last, thinking that she was being strong and brave, when in fact, as someone who claims to want to heal and take care of people, she was being reckless. The elf's eyes would glance up at B as he was spitting the truth. She wouldn't stare at the changeling long though, she'd look back down at herself instead. Staring at her shiny gear that glinted in the dessert sun, Alys realized the false sense of security that came with the metal. I said I'd do better. I need to do better... B disengaged not for the reasons that were assumed upon him. Alys definitely sensed confusion, but deep down, she was just as guilty of doubting him when she heard him say the words 'I'm not needed'. She felt ashamed.

Alys would feel herself deflate a little bit. She wanted to reduce herself down to a tiny grain of sand. And even more so when she could feels the primal emotions emit from Kasha's roar. The elf's eyes would soften. Although Kashasaurus directed her raw feelings towards Bixby, the cleric would close her eyes to absorb and acknowledge every ounce of what she was giving. She'd stand still. I'm sorry. I should have done better. I need to do better... Her eyes would open slowly, to look back up at Kasha. She'd wait for her to finish her meal. After all that worm, Alys started to worry for the druids tummy. The poor girl might get bad acid reflux...

Regardless of the drool, should Kashasaurus feel as though she's had her fill, Alys would approach her with tentative steps. "Are you thirsty? Would you like some water to wash that all down?" The cleric would try to offer the warmest smile she could as she'd lift her hands up ready to welcome the slobbery nuzzle if Kasha would accept. She would be ready to Create Water and even use her shape water to feed it to the druid in big bubbles of cold water. And if Kasha would indulge her, Alys would be playful with the bubbles to try to get her to catch them. If she was lucky, perhaps even bring the smallest bit of laughter to their faces...

Alys would also send smaller droplets towards the others to refill their waterskins should they like some.

As Kasha was engorging on her meal, feelings of hunger and instinct continued to flood her mind, as if being a dinosaur truly made her mostly a dinosaur, and Kasha's personality was somewhat pushed aside or suppressed during wildshaping or polymorphing.

Obsidian saw Alys approach and offer casting a spell for her, his goggles magnifying his pupils to comical size. He pawed at KashaRex, and recognizing the command, the dino turned a messy head towards what Obsidian directed her to see. Massive bright green eyes turned to look.

She recognized Alys.

Friendship. Affection. Kindness. Beauty. Do NOT eat. NOT food. Protect.

Ultrasaurus Kash exhaled a mighty snort in recognition. Kasha took a step forward and lowered her head, sniffing Alys. The life in her eyes more Dino than Kasha, but it was her, deep inside, but Dino was more in control at the moment. She drank the water messily as was expected and nipped at the bubbles, at times imitating a large dog. When she had her fill, she nudged Alys as careful as she could towards Yvan - taking one more moment to give Bixby a warning look, as if she didn't trust him in the slightest.

Stella crosses her arms and looks at Bix, the first time she's directly acknowledged the changeling in days, perhaps weeks. "Bix, for our resident diplomat, you're really crappy at understanding the effects of your words on people sometimes. Or you just don't care." She shakes her head and makes her way over to Alys.

Stella sets a hand on Alys's shoulder while the cleric begins feeding Kasha water. "You did fantastic. Without you, several of us would be seriously injured. Remember, there's not just one right way to do things. Everyone has a different way of going about stuff, including battle. Don't feel bad because yours wasn't the same as someone else's." She smiles faintly and moves away, letting Alys approach Yvan like Ultrasaurus Kasha clearly wants, and looks up at Obsidian. "You're cleaning your own fur tonight. I'll give you a hand with presti, but that's it. And maybe some extra catnip for helping Kasha with a kill." She smiles faintly.

Staring at you with a massive green eye, with her head down to your face level, Kashasaurus Ultra waits patiently while Stella dispensed terms and conditions upon the fey feline. Down in her throat, she made a rumble noise that could have possibly been a snort of a laugh, or a grunt of agreement? It was hard to tell. Either way, it was true, Obsidian was filthy. He looked down at her from his position as Jurassic pilot, giving her a look that said,

"I beg your pardon, i'm a cat commanding a huge animal that could bite you in half. How about YOU clean me?"

Of course he was joking. Mostly.

Stella grins up at Obsidian. "I get eaten, you get poofed back to the Feywild," she reminds him with a wink. "Great kill, Kasha," she adds to Ultrasaurus Kasha before turning and heading back towards the rest of the group.

Obsidian looks at the camera, deflated and with a look of very mild annoyance and reluctant agreement. Ultrasaurus Kash snorts and resumes eating the worm until she’s told to go somewhere else.

 Bixby looked as if he might argue against Stella's point, and yet what comes out is a soft, tired sounding sigh prior to bowing his head and just folding his hands behind him. "... It won't matter." He reminds quietly after a moment of silence. Then, without another word to the others, the changeling  set off to make sure the mounts were properly wrangled together if their client hadn't already seen to that, and otherwise prepare himself to move out. This time he even goes the extra mile in smoking a specially grown and blended cigar to help sharpen his focus for the job.

(Animal Handling: 14(for flavor).

After his treatment, Yvan had gotten up to inspect the gash he had carved through the creature for an escape route for both him and Vastra. He remembers how much it hurt to have been constricted within the slick walls of its throat, wondering briefly if perhaps... When he hears the roar from Kasha, his attention is immediately snapped onto her, looking around her general vicinity to see just what had caused her to emit such a core shaking roar. 

His brows furrow when he realizes it had been directed towards Bixby for one reason or another. The goliath moved away from the gash to rejoin the others and listen to what they had been talking about with the changeling. However, he is unable to input anything at the loud munching sounds coming from Kasha, digging into the worms flesh. "You shouldn't..." He tries to say to her, but she looked to be too absorbed in eating to listen. He hopes though, with Obsidian's direction, that he would reel her to the safer spots to eat, had there been any.

His attention returns to Stella when she speaks, stating her piece to Bixby prior to turning to Alys and giving her some encouraging words. The barbarian would merely sigh at the events that had unfolded when B walks away, watching him for a moment wrangle in the camels before turning to notice Alys had been lightly nudged over in his direction. Had she stumbled due to the sands or loss of balance, he would be sure to catch her or be there to provide some stability to avoid her falling. Regardless if she does so or not however, he would ask, "Are you okay?" showing his worry had she been doubting herself this time around for something B (probably) had said that he was unable to catch. "... Want to help me with something to get your mind off it?"

Obsidian peers down at Ultrasaurus K's snoot and decides she's had enough. He "directs" her away from the dead worm, even if Kasha protested a bit. She stays in dinobot form as long as is practically possible.

Hi Kasha. Alys' eyes would soften with a smile as she'd hold on to the ultranuzzle, forcing a hug on the animorphed druid while Stella would instill her with confident words. Stella's touch was gentle and reassuring. Once again, the cleric could feel the rogue lifting her up, while also letting her own guard fade. When Stella would slip away, Ultrakashasaurus would insistently, but lightly nuzzle into her. The elf would be swept up in giggles being nudged around by a goggle kitty steering dino. And when the weight of Kasha's presence would leave her to return to her meal, Alys would of course stumble in the sand trying to catch her footing.

As if anticipating it, Yvan caught her. Instantly she'd feel herself flush again from his words. It wasn't a loaded question at all. It's hot in the dessert... She'd be able to nod assuredly that she was okay. Alys was already starting to feel bad that there was already so much fuss. Though, she would be lying if she wasn't saddened by the misunderstanding that's occurred. The elf would feel her hand reach for his but would hesitate before looking back up to his green hues. After a short pause a small smirk would cross her face. She'd hold her hand out to him in a fist near his. "Rock. Paper. Scissors!" She'd wait for the questioning look to pass his face. "For who gets to give Kasha her bath." The blonde would influx her voice high and playfully for the druid to hear her. Kasha wasn't going to get away without her proper wash either.

And once the outcome would be decided Alys would have noticed Yvan looking back at the worm over and over again. She'd cock her head to ponder for a moment. "Are you considering harvesting from it?" With that thought, the scholar would look back to what remained of the worm. Was he thinking antidotes/vaccines? Or weaponizing it? She wondered. Either benefited them. "It's worth a try." She'd pat her nose as she'd look for the best and safest spot for them to try harvesting it. Surely there was a use for the substance. Should there be any indication she was on the right thought process, the elf would reach for the goliath's hand, this time taking it in hers "Here!". With an excited smile she'll tug him over to consult with Kashasaurus where the most sour and bad spots were.

Finding some nasty spikes or what remained of its stinger, Alys would prepare a vial or container for extraction. And when Yvan felt ready to assist her, she'd try to harvest some poison.

Survival: 18 + Guidance: 4

The elf pricks herself. "Oww."

Does Alys deflate Kashasaurusrex save: 22 

Which wasn't too long. Ultrasaurus Kash began to shrink and Obsidian leapt off as the magic finally faded. He watched her revert back to her half elven form, and where once was an enormous dino, was now a filthy, blood covered druid. Her entire face was like she dunked her head into a pail of blood and guts. She was so filthy, her hair was matted to her head, and was the complete opposite in appearance to how she looked at the party. Even Obsidian, who was watching the whole thing, blinked comically at how messy she was. 

"Here you go, kitty cat." she said, like nothing had happened, kneeling to take off his goggles. "You kept me alive, and must have piloted me good. What a great team we are! An- oh my, you're filthy." she noticed. At the comment, the cat remembered he was on his own, mostly, for getting clean again, and his face showed it with a bit of annoyance. Kasha picked up on it. "Don't worry. I'll help you. Only fair, right?" 

She looked around. "Tsk. Bert. You should have known better."

Then she heard the word "bath".

"No!!" she said, firmly. "I've already had WAY too many baths this year. Way too many. Don't even think about it. Besides, the blood is good for my sk-"

Her stomach rumbled. Loudly.

"Hoo. Oh." she then looked at the worm and back to Obsidian. "Ow. How much of this worm did I eat?"

Obsidian made a face as if to say, "Uh..a LOT."

Kasha sank. "Oh no.."