Things move quickly in Amazonia. Getting together the expedition to the Gash of Fenris only takes as long as is needed to gather the supplies, really, even though it means little time to practice riding Vykarin-back. Still, the various mounts seem suited to their riders: Wild Eadwig for Tasha, golden-hued Albinka for Layth, and somewhat laconic and purple Oinone for Aaron. The young Vykarin are still dwarfed by their elders, Euphrosyne's battle-scarred Konstancja and Lucia's Hudak. Several more of the younger Vykarins serve as cargo carriers.

Along with Lucia and Euphrosyne, the latter's children are also part of the troupe. Warrior Doreen, and her older brother Gyes, a Guardian. Eidothea, the daughter of Alcyone, and the Guardian Endre make up the last of the Kerebos muscle.

There is no fanfare for the group's departure, as they leave well before dawn to cover as much ground as possible on the first day. Heading due north, they move quickly on the road, only slowing when they cross the boundary into a neighboring clan's lands – but this far out, they aren't accosted by any patrols. By late morning, the last of the cultivated lands surrounding Dianus give way to the trackless, grassy expanses of the Amazonian steppes, the mountains of the Sinh range looming ahead to the north.

The rest of the day is fairly dull, save for running across a herd of gagrumphers that stampede. It takes all of Tasha's control to keep Eadwig from giving chase to the six-legged, squat pseudo-reptiles, each one half as big as a Vykarin and sporting nasty-looking tusks. For the most part, the party travels with the supply animals in the center, along with Aaron, Tasha and Lucia in the lead, and the Warriors and Guardians spread out to the sides. Layth is given the rear-guard position for the day.

By late afternoon, the Vykarins are starting to grumble, and camp is pitched. The tents are made of stitched-together hides, with the fur facing inward, and are only about as wide as two Warriors – and since there are only three tents to share, it means at least three to a tent. No fire is started, even though the evening winds off of the mountains are cold.

Layth, for his part, did as much riding training as he was able before departing. Even though they left before daybreak, Layth did say goodbye to Aisha before leaving and promising to return to her as quickly as he can… and even said goodbye to Calli as well. There's no dispute as he's assigned rear guard duty and he focuses on doing just that; falling back on old caravan training with regards to protection: watch the horizons and always listen. When camp is finally declared, he dismounts and assists setting up the tents; though with the way he walks it is obvious he is feeling the effects from the ride. With the tents complete, the almost-white Lapi looks now in the direction of the mountains, the wind blowing back his thick fur.

Tasha spent most of her preparation time overseeing the supplies and checking, then re-checking, to make sure everything was as it should be. Unusual for the Vartan, Tasha seems to be taking this trek quite seriously. She worries over items and personnel when only Layth and Aaron can see, and takes time to pray before the journey. During the long haul she questioned the Amazonians about culture, etiquette, and general information about what to expect up north. When the camp is finally set, she dismounts, rubbing her butt, wings flapping to shake off so much disuse. "Oi," she mumbles, shifting this way and that to work her sore muscles.

"Takes some getting used to," Aaron says as he notices the lingering effects of the ride on the others. "I think the Warriors must have behinds that are as tough as boiled leather, but I've never had the courage to actually find out." He too spends some time stretching his legs after dealing with the supplies for the night. A few of the Vykarin have left to go hunting already.

Layth shakes his head and returns his attention to the camp. "Lucia, how fares your injured leg? Given the nature of your wound, I am concerned the long periods of fixed position may cause problems with the muscle," the Lapi says to his white 'cousin'. To Tasha and Aaron, he adds, "And if all of you wish, I can walk all of you through some stretching exercises to hopefully loosen muscles."

"It is no stiffer than before," Lucia notes, patting her leg. It's still bandaged beneath her silvery armor, but mostly for support. "Hudak has been obstinately gentle with me."

"The little guys are more jouncy, but the bigger, older ones have more of a rolling gate when they aren't running," Aaron notes.

"We can do tha' while we review our plans, o'course," Tasha answers Layth. She walks over to join him, right hand reaching to adjust the shoulder pad of her leather armor. "'Ow long out are we, Lucia? I'm itchin' to get where we're goin'."
"Still, take care to stretch it out well before you sleep," Layth advises with a mild smile, "Like all of us, Hudak cares for your health and will be certain you take proper care of yourself whether you wish it or not." To Tasha, he nods, noting, "All right. Let me make sure Albinka is well and I'll begin some basics. Expect it to hurt some." He takes a few steps away to see to his mount. "How are you faring?" he asks the armored female as he pats over her shelled and unshelled areas, checking for tender spots.

The Valkyrian looks to the north, and holds up her ears as if to listen to the wind. "We should next make camp at the foothills. We will need to be more on guard then. These open lands are little traveled, since most of the nomads keep close to the lake or to the hills where water is easy to get. Another day to get to the true mountains. The Sinha will not threaten us if we cross their path there."

"Urf!" the Vykarin huffs, wagging her tail and licking at Layth's cheek. She seems ready to keep going, and doesn't seem to have any 'road damage' to speak of.

"What's an adventure if it don't hurt some," Tasha tells Layth, grinning toothily. Following his lead, she waves her own mount over with a hand. "Oi, Eadwig! 'Ow're you? I bet you could run all the way, you could! 'Ad to hold you back from chasin' those what-nots from 'ere to Abu Dhabi!" She then leans over to rub-rub-rub his cheeks.

"And what of the barbarians which hunt in the lower portions of the mountains? Or have they finally been eliminated or moved to other territories?" Layth asks when he's satisfied Albinka is well. Then to the Vykarin, he whispers, "Rest now, more travel tomorrow."

The rowdy Vikarin gives Tasha a head-butt, and wags his tail at the cheek rubs. This cheers him up, since he was a little disappointed to be left out of the hunt that some of the others went on.

"They are the biggest threat we face until we reach the higher elevations," Lucia says to Layth. "We can hope that we will appear too strong for them to challenge, or else are too fast for them to follow."

Tasha staggers at the head-butt, but hunkers down to try and wrestle the wild Vykarin to the ground. Once she gets him down, or him her, she uses him as a head rest. "I've got a few trick up me sleeve if it comes to tha'," notes a reclining Tasha, "I bet they've never seen my like before." After rubbing her nose, she asks, "So it's the barbarians until the mountains, an' other clan patrols? An' once we reach the mountains, it's the weather?"

"I hope we do not encounter my mother. Though if I would even recognize her and any other siblings would likely be difficult," Layth comments as he returns to a spot near a tent and sits down. Instead of sitting cross-legged, he puts the pads of his feet together which splay his knees out to the sides. "Join me if you wish," he tells Tasha, Aaron, and Lucia; then grunts as he presses down on his knees, forcing them flat to he ground and stretching out the tendons of his inner thighs.

"That is the way of it, Aldara," Lucia replies to Tasha, before getting to her knees to face Layth. Aaron also joins in, fairly used to tortuous exercise by now. He watches the other Amazonians as well. Euphrosyne is grooming Konstancja, who seems to be grooming one of the younger Vykarins in turn. Doreen and Endre have vanished into a tent already, while Gyes and Eidothea prepare a cold supper.

Tasha sits up, using her mount's noggin for support, which makes her grin mischievously. "If I spend much more time with you, Layth, I'm goin' to be able to stretch me leg behind me 'ead!" She mirrors his motion, if not his grunting. Tasha's own sound of pain comes off as more of a growl, fit to come from a Vykarin.

"The goal is to force your knees down as far as you can without injuring yourself. You take it to the point it burns, then stop. Hold there for a minute, then pull your legs back further and press down again until it hurts. This stretches out your inner thighs effectively," Layth explains, "After this it is hamstrings and outer thighs." With only a mind wince, the Lapi then pushes his legs down again as he pulls his feet back a bit closer to his body.

"And what do people wish to do for sleeping arrangements? I am amenable to anything," Layth comments in between applying pressure to his knees.

Aaron does his best to keep up, but clearly can't match Layth. Lucia is careful of her bandaged leg, but doesn't complain about the pain. "I think the Guardians and Warriors will share one tent," Aaron notes. "Taking turns on watch. It's pretty clear that Eidothea and Endre are a couple."

"Layth, you, an' I can share a tent," Tasha tells Aaron. "S'not like we 'avn't done it before." Having been exposed to Layth's special brand of stretching for a while now, the Vartan is able to keep up fairly well, despite her limited exposure to refined stretching techniques. The woman's limberness seems to stem entirely from hard work on the airship, where she had to fly in and out of rigging, and otherwise navigate complex rope-work.

"I will sleep with Euphrosyne," Lucia says. "Although we can take Xavier as well, if you two want some privacy," she notes to Tasha and Layth.

"And I assume you will also share our tent, Xavier? That would, of course, leave you alone with Tasha while I take a guard shift." Layth says to Aaron and arches his brow a bit. He also looks like he's suppressing a small grin. He releases his knees and now sits a bit up, pulling his feet under his backside before settling down. This leaves him sitting on his feet and calves, thighs together in front of him.

Aaron doesn't seem to have any input – either option is fine with him. After all, Lucia can protect him from the older Warrior, and he doesn't have anything to worry about regarding Tasha either. "I don't mind, so long as it's warm enough," he says.

Tasha cackles a little at that. "I can 'andle 'im, if 'e tries anythin' I'll chew 'is ears off," she insists. Switching style, Tasha stretches out her legs, bending forward towards her left foot toes, and stretching her left wing in the same fashion.

"Then Xavier is staying with us," Layth notes simply … then lays back. Since he's sitting on his legs, this has the effect of stretching out his thighs as well as arching his back.

Aaron tries the back arch thing once, and then just lies in the grass. "I miss sleeping out under the stars like this. Not so much that I don't appreciate a tent though," he comments.

A few howls herald the still-distant return of the hunting party. From the way the other Vykarins get excited, it probably means a successful hunt.

"Where I come from, the stars always seemed close," remarks the Vartan woman as she switches to stretching her right leg and wing. "Looks like the Vykarins are comin' 'ome, good to be with a folk tha' eat meat again."

"It is enjoyable … until it rains or becomes deathly cold," Layth comments with a small shrug. He rolls his back, then sits up and slips his legs out from under himself. "Sandstorms are not too pleasant, either."

"You won't be able to cook it though, Tasha," Aaron notes. "Can't trust fire here, not with the wind and all this dry grass."

"Not to mention a fire would broadcast that we are out here," Layth adds.

Tasha's ears wilt at that. "Travelin's not so easy on the ground, is it." She finishes stretching and returns to using Eadwig as a pillow, letting her wings splay out where they fall. "I'm goin' to grow big ears eatin' all these vegetables."

"There is plenty of dried fish," Lucia says, hoping it will cheer up Tasha. She gets to her feet slowly, and then starts towards where the others are preparing the food.

"I'll take fish," Tasha responds eagerly. She gets up with surprising speed, moving to follow after Lucia. "Lucia, 'ow am I doin' so far, you think?"

"Very well," Lucia notes. "You haven't had to give any orders, which is the sign of a good leader."

"If I don't 'ave to give orders the whole trip, I'll be right peachy," Tasha agrees with Lucia. She follows the older woman, tail wagging.

Layth gets up slowly. With a sidelong look to Aaron, he asks, "Do you think Aisha will be okay alone with Calli? I worry she may pick up habits that will displease her father."
"All of Aisha's habits already displease her father," Aaron notes, picking himself up from the ground. "She may seem demure now, out here in a foreign culture, but when on her own turf she … well, you know how headstrong she can be."

"True, I do. I am not doing well in stopping that. I must admit I do not know if I should be. It is wrong to force people to be things they are not," Layth comments as he starts slowly after Tasha. "And may I tell you something, Xavier? Between us?" he says very quietly as he looks back to the smaller male.

Aaron steps closer to Layth so they can whisper low enough for the wind to cover their voices, then nods.

"I feel unsettled," Layth admits and glances towards the shadows of the mountains ahead, "It's like waking from a nightmare you cannot remember. An unease that floats and drifts in my mind. I had not expected to feel this; but the closer we get to the mountains, the stronger it becomes. I do not wish to burden Tasha with this as she has enough to worry about."

The apothecary nods at Layth's concern, and says, "I'm not comfortable either, but I trust Lucia's navigating. She's come this way before, alone."

"I have vague memories of the lands we approach. None are pleasant,. But, we must do what must be done and I too trust Lucia. Thank you for listening and understanding," Layth notes. His pace quickens as he now moves to join the others for dinner.

Tasha sits down with the others to eat, munching on fish until Eadwig tries to steal a bite. "Oi, no! You got your raw meat, this one's mine!" A bit of a tussle later, and she's reclining on his back as if he were a giant sofa. "It's not so bad, is it. I think I could get used to this life." She pats Eadwig, and smiles.

---

The night was cold, but uneventful. There isn't much opportunity to warm up before the camp is broken down and the long march begins again. The wind isn't so bad during the day, sometimes stopping altogether so that the sun can be felt at least. Lucia whispers to Tasha almost constantly as they get closer to the hills. Often the advice comes when a river or watering hole is spotted, and the group needs to diverge further to avoid running into nomads or larger animals. Still, there are a few times when a lone rider might be spotted in the distance, too far away to do anything about, but none of them have shown any interest in pursuing.

As the shadows grow longer, Lucia advises Tasha to lead the way up a rubble-strewn riverbed at the foot of the hills.

Tasha dismounts, preferring to lead Eadwig by hand rather than risking falling off his back as she tries to navigate the treacherous footing. Her wings lend an advantage, allowing her to flap to keep upright when the going gets rough. "Watch yourselves, it's a foot-twist o' a road 'ere," she warns, her hooves clacking whenever she steps on a rock. "And, oi, Lucia, isn't this a great place for an' ambush?"

Layth takes the cue and dismounts as well, leading Albinka along by hand as well. At mention of an ambush, the Lapis ears swivel and tilt, listening to the terrain.

"It is that," Lucia notes, as she gets down from Hudak to lead him as well. "But it is also the last place the nomads would look." Indeed, the rising walls of the small canyon would be ideal to ambush from, a fact that the Warriors know all too well. They are more nervous than the Guardians, who likewise lead their mounts. The wind is amplified here, funneling down from the mountain and whistling through the rocks.

Tasha tucks her wings under her fur cloak as much as she is able now, sacrificing balance for the avoidance of frostbite. "Let's'ope you're right abou' tha' then. You know, I 'aven't 'ad this much cold wind in a while, an' I fly 'igh. It's like the breath 'o the gods, it is," she remarks quietly.

The cold stream that flows now isn't very deep, nor strong enough to even disturb the smooth rocks, but the signs of past flooding are all around. The wind produces even odder echoes and moans further upstream. As the group get closer, the nature of the canyon changes almost abruptly: the rock gives way to glossy black basalt, the result of an ancient lava flow. Over the ages, the floods have cleared away the softer stone and soil to leave a landscape of basaltic arches and roofs, almost like a low cathedral. The wind carries with it the scent of smoke as well.

Layth's nose twitches. "Smoke," he comments, ears folding back and hand moving to rest on his sword hilt. "Possible camp ahead."

"I smell it too," Tasha agrees. Her nose twitches as she lifts her head, "Give me a moment, an' I'll tell you where it's comin' from."

"Let me know if you wish me or someone else to scout ahead," Layth notes quietly and then waits for the report of direction.

As Lucia guides them further under the stone roof, the lights and smells of campfires can be seen in the darkness ahead. "It is nothing to worry about," Lucia promises. A rustling of the gravel bed ahead betrays the presence of someone – or something – moving to intercept them.

Layth leaves his head on his sword hilt and his ears back when the rustling reaching his ears. "You are certain about that?" he whispers.

"Well, ne'er mind then." Tasha lowers her head and peers down through the darkness. "Looks like Lucia 'as it well in 'and."

A hole in the stone overhang allows for a shaft of sunlight to reach into the open-sided cavern. Into the light shuffles an old buck, wearing nothing but a rope belt that looks no younger than him. His back is stooped, and he uses a staff to compensate for a mangled left leg. He looks over the group from Dianus, and doesn't even bat an eye at Tasha. Although, the way the lenses are clouded, it's possibly that the old man can't even see them clearly. Lucia leans to speak into Tasha's ear, and says, "Ask for sanctuary for the night."

Tasha nods to Lucia's words. Stepping forward with a clatter of hooves, the Vartan asks, "Ol' man o' the cave, might we 'ave sanctuary 'ere for the night? Our feet are sore an' our mounts tired, but we can offer to share our meals."

"Mmmmff," the old man grunts, and gestures for them to follow him. He lurches towards the fires at an ungainly pace. The younger Vykarin are rumbling nervously about being so far away from the open sky now, and often stall or stare out to the still-lit river beyond the overhangs.

"You are safe," Layth tells Albinka while patting her cheeks a few times. Feeling less on edge now, he follows after the old man, looking back to whisper-ask Lucia, "Outcasts from clans or barbarian tribes?"

"Cast offs," Lucia explains. "The old and injured, those the tribes can no longer support. They gather here, to Hospice Hearth, and wait to die."

"He's pretty beat up to live out 'ere, ain't 'e," Tasha whispers back to Lucia, giving her a questioning glance. Still, despite any misgivings, Tasha follows after the old man and remains in front of the group.

Layth's head tilts a bit at that, then nods. "I see," he says as his attention returns forward. "The useless," he mutters to himself before pressing onward towards the camp.

The familiar smells of fire and Lapis help the Vykarin overcome their anxiety. There are several fires going, and perhaps a dozen aged or maimed Lapi clustered around them. None of them have anything in the way of clothing, and in the firelight it's easy to see how emaciated most of them are.

"Oi, sad," Tasha murmurs quietly. In a louder voice, she whispers back to Lucia, "Why don' we give 'em some of the meat from earlier? S'not like we can't get more out 'ere, an' they can cook it. Might be they're to die, it is, but they ought an' get some kind o' send off."

"What tribes come here?" Layth asks quietly as he looks over the gathering. His usual calm expression slowly starts to fade; becoming, well, a bit sad, perhaps.

"We don't eat meat," Aaron reminds Tasha. Lucia says to Layth. "None. The abandoned ones are left nearby, and some find their way here," she says. About half of the inhabitants here are former Warriors, their size giving them away. Some are relatively young, although still close to Euphrosyne's age. These are the ones that perk up at the arrival of the party.

"I always forget tha'," Tasha says with a sigh. "It's jus' so 'ard to wrap me mind aroun'. I grew up on meat!" Shaking her head, she asks, "Wha' about vegetables an' fruits? 'Ow we doin' tha' way?"

"We've got plenty of dried goods," Aaron reports. "Stocked them for trade up at the Gash settlement."

Layth continues towards those gathered. He turns slowly, eyes flowing over those living here; if one can call it living. The Lapi then lowers himself down to one knee and bows his head respectfully to them. Even if they are cast offs; they deserve respect for what they sacrificed.

"Let's see to passin' some of that out, then. At the very least, we owe 'em for the shelter. Can't be easy seein' us, all fit an' 'ealthy – like salt in an old wound, it is," Tasha whispers to Aaron.

Some are too far gone to even notice Layth, but a few of the old warriors return his bow. Euphrosyne approaches as well, while her children stay close to the Vykarins. To them, the whole situation seems inconceivable.

"I'll get some things they won't have trouble eating," Aaron notes. "You hand them out as blessings," he tells Tasha. "They may be more willing to accept them then."

"A sword," one old warrior coughs to Euphrosyne, both of her legs apparently broken and healed without being set. "Let me die in battle."

"Not yet," Euphrosyne tells the Warrior, not committing to anything.

"I was thinkin' jus' that," Tasha agrees with Aaron. To Lucia, the Vartan asks, "'Ow should I go about blessin' them? The Warriors, they were injured in conflict, weren't they? So, Abaddon ought an' acknowledge that. But, wha' about the others?"

Layth draws himself back up to his full height. He looks to Euphrosyne at this nods slightly to himself. "If she is to honor the warrior's request, then I suspect she would prefer to do it alone," he thinks to himself. He heads back to the others, asking, "Is there anything I can do?"

"Tell them they have overcome their last challenge, and are free to move on," Lucia advises quietly. "Creation from Destruction, Life from Death. Their sacrifice means others will live."

"See if you can gather them together," Aaron asks. "There might be more in the shadows, I'm sure I heard something. We're going to give them a meal."

Inclining her head, Tasha takes a deep breath and leans back. She holds it for a moment, then exhales, running a hand back through her hair. "By Abaddon, it'll be done," she swears. Turning now, she walks off to meet with Aaron and take up some of the trade goods.

"I'll fix up some soup," Lucia says, and Aaron nods. "That'd be easiest for them," he agrees.

Layth dips his head to Aaron and slips off into the shadows to gather those he can. Those who cannot walk, he will carry into the light.

There are several beyond the firelight, although two of those Layth comes across have already breathed their last. The third one, a Warrior, seems reluctant to move, but says, "You smell familiar."

Tasha offers to help with the soup, or at least to carry supplies since most of what she knows how to cook includes meat. "I'll address them all once they're gathered enough, then I think I'll go aroun' an' bless them personally. They might 'ave somethin' to tell Abaddon, or to return to the temple," she thinks out loud.

Layth pauses at this, hand partially outstretched to the warrior. "How so?" he asks quietly as his eyes squint, trying to get a look at the warrior.

"Good thinking," Aaron says, and hands Tasha a large cooking vessel. "Can you fill this half-way with water from the stream?"

Still hidden by shadow, the doe says, "You smell like a ghost. Who are you?"

"Do Vartans like shiny?" Tasha takes up the bowl, then clip-clops on out towards the stream. "Brr," she can be heard to mumble when the wind hits her upon exiting.

"No one of consequence and perhaps a ghost in many ways," Layth answers as he feels the pit of his stomach start to sink. He crouches down and closes his eyes for a moment, then takes a breath. "White Spire?" he asks the doe.

"Yes," the woman says, still not ready to move. A hand reaches up to touch Layth's shoulder eventually, though. "You are healthy, why are you here, Ghost? Have I died, and gone to a place of torment?"

Layth almost sinks under the touch on his shoulder. "You are not dead. As for why we are here, we are traveling on a mission high into the mountains and have sought refuge here for the night," he answers. "Why do you believe you have gone to a place of torment?" he asks, though he feels he already knows the answer.

"Because you smell like the ghost that has haunted me for many years now," the doe says. "I will go to the fire now, if you help. I cannot move my left side."

When Tasha returns with the water, Lucia sets it near the fire to heat up while Aaron brings some vegetables and grains. Looking to Tasha, he whispers in Standard, "Are we going to leave them like this, or… I have something that will put them to sleep to pass in peace."

"You may have known me once, a long time ago," Layth admits as he locates the doe's left side and slowly hefts her up so he can help her to the fire. "A lifetime ago I was a child born of the White Spire," he continues quietly, "Once I was called Chrysanthos, before I had to be left to the mountains for the good of the tribe. A new life began for me in the snow and I was taken to the outside world. There I lived a new one."

Tasha sits down to help sort the soup materials, keeping her eyes in the grains and vegetables so she doesn't have to look Aaron in the eyes. "Well," she starts, sounding hesitant to even speak about the matter, "I'm thinkin' we ought an' ask Lucia abou' wha' they'd want. I 'eard the Warrior say she wan'ed to die in battle, an' … an' if that's what she wants … " Biting her lip, Tasha snaps a carrot in half before putting it aside and continuing speaking, "If tha's wha' she wants, that's wha' we'll give. We can ask 'em each in turn, or ask Lucia."

The woman feels disturbingly light in Layth's arms, as if she were hollow. The firelight reveals what he's already suspected, though: the fur is faded, and time has not been kind, but he still knows his own mother. "A dream, that my son survived. Long after his sisters have perished in battle. A fine dream." Only her right eye is open, and it glistens in the firelight.

"You can ask when you give them their blessings," Aaron suggests, and looks miserable for doing so. "I'm going to get some more things from the supplies," he says, then returns to the Vykarins.

"You don' 'ave to be here when I do it, Aaron. I … I can do it me'self, I'm the one who wanted this fate," she urges the small male Lapi.

Lucia keeps her thoughts to herself. Eventually, Aaron returns with Eidothea and Endre, the two youngest among them, carrying blankets woven of Lapi fur. The old Lapis seem to appreciate the feel of the blankets, and some even smile.

"No dream," Layth says as he carries the woman to the light and eases her down carefully. He looks to the faded fur. Once it too was gold, much like his markings bear … but no longer. "No dream," he repeats as he takes her right hand and presses it to his chest so that she can feel his heartbeat. He looks into that one eye, fighting the powerful mix of emotions that roll through him. "What happened to them? To you? To my father?" he asks quietly. No accusations, no angry words.

Tasha returns to preparing the meal, going about to with almost mechanical motions as she seems to turn inward. Her eyes focus in front of her, but not on any one thing. One by one she breaks carrots by hand, sorts grains, and otherwise begins making what would otherwise be an omnivore meal, except she leaves out the meat. It's a recipe her mother taught her, something to fill the bellies of sailors looking for a warm home-cooked meal to go with their ales.

"That winter was hard, and your younger sister fell ill," the fragile woman says, stroking Layth's fur now with her good hand. "Your older sisters both fell to the enemy. They were too young to be fighting, but… I was foolish in my pride. Each loss was like a blow to your father, a wound that would not heal. But… he is strong. He left us, before I was struck down. I didn't stop him, didn't want him to see me fall next. You look so much like him."

"I'll get the bowls and spoons," Lucia tells Tasha. "Some may need help eating, so I will get Doreen and Gyes to help. Do you want to feed them first, and then do the blessings?"

Aaron approaches Layth carrying a blanket. "She's had a stroke," he says in Standard after noting the paralysis along one side of her body. "Wrap her in this, it might help her feel more… cared for," he adds, offering the blanket.

"I'll do it," Tasha answers in a quiet voice. She begins stirring the soup, her free hand idling going to her neck so she can pull out the holy symbol she received from the temple. An axehead, encased in a circle. She turns it in her hands, giving her nervous energy something to do.

"The winter would have taken me too, had not some of the 'monsters' from the outside saved me," Layth admits and looks to the ground, "Since then I have been part of their world. Now I find myself here once more and, in some ways, a guardian of others. I never thought I'd see you again. I … I always thought if somehow I did, I would be angry … but I'm not." He then looks up to Xavier and accepts the blanket, then proceeds to wrap her in the blanket. "Xavier," he says, "This is my mother. Mother … this Lapi is one of the reasons I am here now."

Aaron boggles at the news, struck speechless. The old doe turns her eye to him, and says, "I should curse you for bringing my son back to this world, but right now I am too happy to see him one last time. To know that something of me lives on, after all, even though I do not deserve it. Take him away from here, to where he will have lots of fat children that never know the cold."

"I promise," Aaron finally says, bowing his head.

"Soup's ready," Tasha calls out, if somewhat mutedly. She pulls some bowls over to herself, and begins pouring, trying to ensure a mix of pure broth and bowls full of vegetables. "Layth, Aaron? All? I'm goin't to need your 'elp here." Of course, being what she is, Tasha's likely completely unaware of what Layth's been doing or talking about. After all, in a land full of Lapi, a Vartan is practically half deaf.

After giving Layth a squeeze on the shoulder, Aaron hurries back to Tasha. "What do you need," he whispers to her, not mentioning Layth's mother. He figures Tasha is under enough strain as it is.

"'Elp me carry some of these bowls. Grab two an' I'll get one, an' I'll move from person to person, an' you'll 'and me a bowl. If they need 'elp after I move on, we can call on the others," Tasha instructs. She hands Aaron two bowls to carry, then picks up one of her own before approaching the nearest Lapi by the fire.

Layth looks lost for something to say. So, for now he pulls the old doe against him. "Who are we to judge what we deserve in this life? Simple actions can have long consequences that we cannot see. In the end, you saved my life. And I have used that life to help others. Perhaps it was simply meant to be. Perhaps your actions will continue to echo beyond this moment in time," he tells her; even now his upbringing outside showing through.

Aaron follows after Tasha. The others have gotten the outcasts more or less sitting upright and wrapped in blankets. A few of them chatter, along the lines of "Isn't this nice?" and "I remember when… "

Off in the shadows, Euphrosyne and the old man who met them quietly carry off the bodies of the two who passed away during the day.

Tasha kneels down before the first Lapi and presents the bowl to him. "You 'ave overcome your last challenge, Abaddon blesses your sacrifice," she offers in prayer. "Take this as a boon."

Shaking hands take the bowl and spoon, as the old buck replies, "My life for my grandson's. May he live as long, and sire many fine children, and be so loved as I have been." Then he actually kisses Tasha's icon before sipping his first bit of soup.

Tasha smiles a little, finding some comfort in the old buck's words. "'Ave you anything you wish I do, words for the Temple, prayers, or requests," she asks quietly.

Layth's mother lays still in her son's arms, still whispering, "So strong and beautiful, my only son." Mostly though, her muttering is happy gibberish.

"They shouldn't feel sad for me," the old man says, without specifying who 'they' are. "I can't wait to see my Greta again."

Tasha nods a little, then reaches out to pat the old man's hand gently. "C'mon now, let's see to the others," she whispers back to Aaron, taking one of his bowls.

"Should I ever see my father some day, I will tell him you burned bright until the end," Layth promises the old woman as he strokes her cheek, his own eyes closed. "Apolline, the burning sun. Warrior of White Spire. My mother."

Down the line, sentiments are generally the same from the elders: wishes for the well-being of their children and grandchildren, requests to be remembered for the good things they did, and the occasional apology for a grudge against another. The Warriors recite their victories to Tasha, and one even thanks her for making her sister's killer let down his guard when she came upon him. All of the Warriors wish to die in battle. And then they come to Layth and the Warrior cradled in his arms, who seems only barely conscious now.

"Does she need special 'elp, Layth? I 'ave others of our party lookin' after some o' the others 'ere," Tasha tells the buck. Layth's never seen Tasha look quite so serious before, as if her rounds here have added years to her face and dulled the fire in her eyes to a low ember.

Layth has never been one to show much emotion in all the time Tasha has known him … but right now his posture, the way he holds the doe, to how he's stroking her cheek screams volumes. "I think she has gotten the one thing she never thought possible. Something impossible," he says quietly. His head rolls back and he looks up to Tasha, eyes wet. "She got to learn that her son lived. This is Apolline of White Spire, Tasha. This is my mother," he says.

Tasha's eyes widen when she sees tears in Layth's eyes, and her muzzle parts to ask a question when he tells her the woman in his arms is his mother. "Y-your, your mother?" She turns to regard the old doe, some of the haggard tinge to her face being replaced with surprise, and pain. "Oh, I … " Seeming at a loss, Tasha blinks several times before looking down at the bowl in her arms. This she presents as she says, "Blessings then, righ'? I … Blessings." She inhales deeply, and says, "You 'ave overcome your final challenge, and are free to move on. Creation from Destruction, Life from Death. Your sacrifice means others will live on. I present this bowl to you, as a boon from Abaddon." Tasha's hand shakes a little, making the soup ripple.

"Thank you," whispers Apolline, but whether for the soup or for Layth is uncertain. She's certainly not reaching for the bowl.

Layth reaches out with one hand and takes the bowl from Tasha. "You have enough on your shoulders. I can help her eat," he tells Tasha quietly. Still, he doesn't ask her to leave; he waits to see if Tasha will ask anything further of her.

Euphrosyne stands nearby as well, since Apolline is a Warrior and may also request death in battle.

Tasha looks between Layth and his mother, back and forth, before she glances to see if anyone else needs her.

Everyone else has been taken care of, except for the old man with the staff. He probably can't see what's happening, but he looks pleased by the sounds and smells at least.

"I'll … I'll be right back Layth, I 'ave one more person to tend to." She reaches over to pat Layth, but holds back. "Right back," she promises. Tasha takes the last bowl from Aaron's hands, and proceeds to the old man.

"Do you need anything, Layth?" Aaron whispers to the buck.

The old man grunts to Tasha when she gets close enough. "I ain't dying, Herald. You tell Abaddon that," he mutters. "I kept the fires going for Him here, I'll keep doing it 'til He comes and thanks me in person."

Tasha pauses, taken aback by his words. It takes her a moment to recovery, especially since the old man can see her after all, but she says, "Then 'ave some soup on me," handing the man his soup bowl, "an' I'll be sure 'e knows. Keep the fires burnin' birght, s'always the darkness tha' needs 'em most." Feeling she ought to say more, but not knowing exactly what to to say, she does what she always does with stubborn male friends who insist on being brave: she punches his arm gently, and leaves him to his meal.

"The one thing that cannot be granted; time," Layth admits with a small shrug, "So much could still be said. So much lost time. I should be angry but … all I feel is grateful. I was able to be here for her now. As the man who raised me once said, and now I understand fully, you cannot wish for what could have been, but be thankful for what moments you have."

Aaron rubs the back of Layth's neck, and says, "A wise man indeed. Enjoy this night with her, Chrysanthos."
"Thank you, Xavier," Layth says quietly. He looks to Tasha, then says to the buck, "And she will have to face this too. Not everyone she will have to speak to, or carry out the last request of, will be a stranger. I feel I should say something … but it needs to be her choice, not one caused by you or I saying something."

"She's stronger than you think," Aaron notes, and looks around. "All of these people are. It's not like with young children; they all chose to leave rather than become burdens. They've just been here waiting for… the right time." He smiles to Layth, then goes back to get another blanket.

Tasha returns as she said she would, devoid of soup. She kneels down in front of Layth and his mother, and asks, "Is there anything you need, any blessin's or … Or words you would 'ave me carry," she asks, the question directed towards Apolline. "On be'alf of Abaddon, I will carry your request?"

"I no longer have any regrets," the woman whispers. "But I have lived my life as a Warrior, please bury me as one. But I will spend my last night as a mother. I hope Abaddon understands."

"Motherhood is another sort of battlefield," Tasha stammers out, before biting her lip. She sits back, then glances at Layth and asks, "You want I should leave you two be, Layth?"

Aaron returns with another blanket, which he wraps around Layth's shoulders.

"I … please," Layth answers as he picks up the spoon from the bowl brought earlier and brings the edge of it to his dying mother's lips. "You already gave her son back. There is nothing greater you could do for her now. Thank you," he adds as he now rests his chin lightly against the top of her head. If nothing else, she can hear his heart beat and know that part of her will still live on. "This is something I need to do," he adds, offering the Vartan a smile.

"I didn't do … I jus' came because … I … " Tasha swallows hard, dipping her head to his request and standing. "I'll be 'ere, if you need me," she whispers, before kissing the buck's forehand and turning walk off. For the rest of the night she busies herself helping the others here, and listening, before spending some time outside, staring up at the stars.

It isn't easy for Layth's mother to swallow, but she manages it. "Tell me what I've missed, son; tell me your life," she whispers.

"So much has happened in my lifetime. So much I have seen beyond the boundaries which make up Amazonia," Layth tells the old doe as he he continues to feed her. "As harsh as life could be here, I found so much that is the opposite outside our borders. I found a new life with a monster, a Khatta, who took me in. He was a trader and he raised me as his son. With him I've seen so many amazing things. Lands where it is forever warm; places where the very ground can flow like water. Let me tell you about the place that became my home … "