#gentleaureole

[serraic]

"Serra! It's good to see you. I hope you've been doing well." It's been some time since he saw the animated woman and despite how tense their conversation had been in the past, he is glad to see her now. "Are you excited for what we might find?"

“Rhys!” Serra lights up when she hears the other healer’s voice — he’s a valued friend to her, already, from their singular conversation. Out on the sea, now, she finds him a worthy companion. “Oh, you’ve come too! Hehe, how fun! Yes! An adventure at sea... going to a new place... isn’t it exciting? And a little romantic?” A beat. “Not that— I’m looking for anything new. Erk will be waiting for me the moment we dock, I’m sure. But it’s just about the energy of it all. I’m sure you know what I mean! What about you? Did you come with your blue-haired boy? If not... ooh, we should find souvenirs!” She’s even brighter, now, with the excitement of that thought. “Ohhh, wouldn’t they love that?” She can almost hear, in her head, Erk complaining that he doesn’t need more things, but he absolutely does — he hardly has anything, other than books. “We should definitely find things! Oooh, promise me you’ll come shopping with me when we dock, Rhys? Promise!”

[ridire-fain]

"O radiant goddess, cleanse these wounds and renew this troubled soul." His staff directs the cleansing magic towards Oifey's wound. The restorative magic does its work quickly, clearing out the toxins accumulated and bringing the flesh back to a healthy hue. Rhys smiles. "There, how does it feel?" He always likes to ask just in case.

There's also something else on his mind... "How did you know one of them would betray us? The guides, I mean. You picked up on it first and I really didn't want to believe it could be true, and then it was. And then when we arrived, others were saying similar happened to them too. I...I suppose it's something I struggle with, being able to tell how people will act." Even after all this time, he finds it hard to be suspicious of others.

A STRETCH OF THE IMPAIRED SHOULDER IS ALL IT TAKES TO RESTORE IT AFTER THE MAGIC, hand reaching upwards to remove the shaft of the long broken arrow from his skin. Even the toxins, as invasive as they were, flow empty from his flesh, viciousness long removed as Oifey attempts to centre his thoughts. Suspicion had only been half the solution, the rest lay behind a past he oft refuses to revisit, the Paladin feels old now, looking at the young healer that showed a braveness so many as unprepared to do so.

Oifey sighs, reaching upwards to unclip his shirt, showing a scar that traces the length of the right side of his collarbone. "Experience mostly, I was resident in Isaach for half a decade when I had my first run in with the poison in question, mind you, it was nowhere near the last." He can't help the almost self-deprecating laughter before he seals the shirt once more, standing up to clap the young fellow on the shoulder.

"A heart able to look for the good in others is a noble thing indeed, none can fault you for that, especially when you're new to a land I suspect is unlike your own." A pure heart is nothing to be ashamed of in his experience, especially in a land that is so scarred by the embers of lore. "Come, based on my experience, the best thing after an experience like this is a warm meal."

[verdantshotarrow]

♡

⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚫️ | ATTRACTION

⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️ | AFFECTION

⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️ | INTEREST

⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️ | LOYALTY

⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️ | TRUST

“Mr Rhys really is the best! He’s always kind and understanding, never patronizing me like other adults do. I really wish he’d see himself how amazing he is, because there’s so much good about him! He’s so gentle natured and a good listener, and he always likes to talk to me and never pushes me away… plus, his hugs are great too!”

“….Um, don’t tell him I said this but I’ve really come to depend on him like another big bro. That’s why I’ll try my hardest to protect him too! Because we’re family!”

[berglietz]

"O radiant goddess, cleanse these wounds and renew this troubled soul." His staff directs the cleansing magic towards Caspar’s wound. The restorative magic does its work quickly, clearing out the toxins accumulated and bringing the flesh back to a healthy hue. Rhys smiles. "There we go,” a sigh of relief, “how does it feel?" He always likes to ask just in case.

Caspar had been a great asset in the battle, but his tendencies reminded him of someone he always worried over. “You were really great out there, we couldn’t have gotten through that battle without you. I would normally ask that you not be so reckless but…our teammates needed you and I’m glad you got to them. Hopefully next time I can keep up with you.”

Troubled soul? Is that how he comes off? Or is that just part of the prayer? A cool, tingly sort of sensation glides through Caspar's body, like the air of a fresh spring morning. It smooths the furrow in his brow from his previous thoughts, clearing both mind and body.

"Heh, thanks. I feel good as new!" Pride turns his smile into a beaming grin. "I'd promise that I'll make sure to leave time for you to catch up, but I don't wanna be a liar. If there's trouble, my body kind of moves on its own."

It does so now, just a little, as he bounces on his heels. The excess energy needs somewhere to go.

"I'm glad you got to everyone to patch them up after, too. Even when people fell, you helped keep them safe. That's something I can only do with my fists. So..."

He stops his bouncing and lets the words fall together properly on his tongue. "I guess I'm just saying I'm glad you're here, Rhys."

[fujins-favored]

"Takumi, are you feeling better? You went down so fast, I didn't expect to see them target you like that." It's not the first time he's seen someone fall in battle, but it's still not something he likes to see. "I'm sorry that I couldn't do more at the time. If you need anything, help with something, or someone to talk to, anything, please let me know."

Takumi turned at the man’s approach. Rhys. After Takumi had woken up—and after he’d demanded to know what became of their guides—he’d asked about what had happened. His other three companions had managed to make it out alive, at least; it was pretty embarrassing how quickly he’d gone down, but on the bright side, drawing the attention of their combatants to himself meant he’d done his job as a professor. 

He understood why Rhys was so worried, though; seeing the person you’d just healed get knocked out right after definitely wouldn’t feel very nice.

“Wait,” he said. “Hey. You have nothing to apologize for, y’know. If anything, I should be thanking you properly. I mean, you’re the reason why I’m still here, alive and breathing. People like you do some of the most important work. So—thank you.” Takumi offered Rhys a smile. “I mean it.”

[frigidsurge]

The market is busy but he easily spots his teammate near one of the stalls. He’s already made his purchases but he’s curious about what the others are buying.

“You’re Tine, right? I’m Rhys.” He smiles amicably. “That’s a lot of equipment you have. Do you have enough for everything? The prices here are…” he trails off with a sheepish laugh. “It’s more than I expected. I have some money left over though. If you need some, please take it.” He offers her his coin pouch so she can sort through how much she needs. “The more of us that are better equipped for battle, the stronger we’ll be as a team.”

Shopping had never been her strong suit

It's almost funny to think that someone could be bad at it, but between her skittishness when talking to strangers and blatant lack of experience with it, she's a chore to negotiate with.

While she doesn't regret sharing her funds back in Phinora right now, she wishes Tirnanog was large enough for an arena for her to earn a few more coins, as she's a couple of pieces short of the equipment she wants.

An unfamiliar man talks to her, a member of the same expedition.

Why would he recognize her? Likely due to her streak of bad luck in combat, considering the priestly robes.

All the same, she's glad for a friendly face.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."

She bows slightly, hiding her face in distant embarrassment behind the new tome she's obtained.

"I assure you the price is proportionate to the craftsmanship quality.

I'm Juddral; it's far more common to fix your equipment instead of constantly replacing it."

She gets a bit animated at the likely unintentional insult.

The whole expedition has been so miserable Tine can't help but feel defensive about her home continent.

"During the war, most of my equipment was inherited from my mother. It feels frankly insulting how many people just replace their gear despite the academy having smithies on the grounds."

She's yapping about a frustration she hadn't recognized earlier surfacing out of the blue.

She's not going to be able to keep this equipment, but maybe they will let her re-buy it once she reaches sufficient strength?

"I-I apologize for talking so harshly. If you are truly willing to lend a hand, I promise to pay you back once I am able."

[verseandrhyme]

Capable comrades…‎ ‎ Reliable allies…‎ ‎ Past laughs…‎ ‎

"As a healer, I like to be somewhat near the combat so that I can readily help anyone who needs it, and in turn I can rely on my allies to protect me. I just wish fighting wasn't necessary to begin with. If we all worked together, surely everyone would be better off."

Perfect Tea Time | Accepting!

"I agree. Very few people are ever truly happy at war, and it is always so disappointing that we cannot simply all agree to return to the homes we love so dearly without resorting to such displays."

Mitama sets her teacup down with a fond smile. She had argued quite passionately for such once upon a time, and scorned the very circumstances that had brought her to so many she held dear now. Would they be as precious to her if the circumstances that brought them together had been more mundane? Or is it those same flames of conflict that have melted their hearts into one?

"I debated this with a friend once. I told him that I fought because turning to hide brought me more misery. That there is no honor to be found in the clashing of blades, merely our inevitable destiny as victims of fate. In turn, he told me that he fought in order to find that coveted unity, so that when the blades are discarded, all will have a home to return to."

She chuckles and takes a biscuit for herself before pushing the tray closer to him. "I think he may have been a bit idealistic in his words...but it is nice to hear that not ever force that leads to war does so lightly."

[luminousrider]

“There now.” The aura of healing magic dissipates from Altena as her wounds close. “Don’t rise too fast, take your time. How are you feeling? Not just your health, but intense battles like that can leave a lasting impression.”

His voice is gentle as is his healing magic. Altena doesn't recognize him. Maybe he's someone that's been hired since she left? She's grateful though. Having a priest for a friend has taught her the importance of getting her wounds tended to right away.

"Thanks. I'll be fine. It's just a mock battle after all." Even if she was knocked out, it was good practice.

"I'm Altena, by the way."