"Not the most auspicious of beginnings," Hoa Sen says, boots still dripping. "But we are nonetheless gathered here. I expect that the other aneen should, in fact, be found. Even if it's not carrying salvage, it's a valuable animal. Canthus can spare nothing to haste. Have any of you skill with animals? Or tracking, for that matter?"

“Nothing but speed and endurance”, shrugged Artor, “And a willingness to help”

In reply to Artor (msg # 91):

Radwa shakes their head. "Not that I know of, no - I hadn't gotten to see it before things happened," they explain, as they started to polish some more clear synth. "Fortunately the fire was localised so I didn't lose any of the parts and io I already have."

Once certain that Bloor and Kal are alright, Mayhew turns to those discussing the trip into the Veil. He takes a couple of steps toward them and bows.

"I'm Mayhew," he says proudly. "I'm lending my skills and courage to the expedition into the Veil.

"Wright, is there anything that you need for the creation of your vehicle?"

He stops suddenly. "Where's the other aneen? Half the plating and other salvage I collected is on it!"

Remembering the tracks he spotted earlier, he begins looking for signs of where the panicked aneen went.

OOC Edit to add the worry about the missing salvage.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:12, Sat 29 June 2019.

Mayhew is easily able to pick up the trail of the missing aneen, on a path that leads eastward out of the aldea.

Knowing he is not that hard to miss, Artor sighed and followed the squirrel who seemed to have the path

Confident that there is no threat from the fire, Derrick re-emerges from the barn as he slips his weapon back into his belt. Hearing the other discussing pursuing the missing aneen, Derrick glances over at Agatho to assure himself that his companion has things well in hand before following Mayhew on the trail of the missing animal. As he catches up, he takes the chance to introduce himself. "Hello, I am Derrick. I hope you won't mind if I tag along. I may be able to help reign in the beast."

The armor-clad lattimor meets up with Blorr and they engage in some form of greeting embrace that looks like it would be uncomfortable for humans to perform.  Low rumbles of their whispers carry briefly on the wind.  Blorr shoots one more concerned look toward the barn before allowing the male to lead her back to the main community.

Regent Aldrege nods to Hoa before accompanying the group that's walking along back with Kal.  He's limping far more than he should be, though it's possible that's just for show.  Soon, the camp is quiet and empty, apart from Radwa, Hoa, and Agatho in the oasis of light that is the barn.

"Agatho, this is the Scouts' Camp. As you can see, circumstances have left us many vacancies. You and your companions can take your pick of bunks, separately or together. That building contains the necessaries for cooking, that for bathing. We have bedding and can manage rations enough to sustain your bodies. If we are sparing with them, it is only because we must ensure that our expedition can be fed."

The kasunda turns to Radwa. "Are you sure you are well, Radwa? Was it just a dangerous cypher that so paralyzed you?"

In reply to Hoa Sen (msg # 100):

Radwa nods. "Yes, I'm all right. It wasn't a cypher or anything, I just..."

They pause their polishing and sigh. "... it was a bad reaction to something I wasn't expecting, that's all. I'll be fine. I'm glad everyone else is all right."

Hoa Sen's expression makes it clear she's not entirely convinced, but she doesn't press the issue. "I hope the others find the aneen. We can't spare any salvage, even if its utility is for the nonce only a possibility." She smiles. "I understand you were able to get the synth spinner working again. That will be a boon for Canthus."

'For a time.' That's always added to these statements. Hoa Sen thinks about Tannin and Ulhe and what the Order could have done to preserve this place. The threads are growing so thin. But it won't do for Hoa Sen to show the fragility of that hope. She'll grieve later, in the quiet moments of the night, in her morning training. If what hope remains is to endure, then it must be...sheltered.

Radwa pauses at the mention of the synth spinner. They go over to a nearby bench where a multicoloured vase spun from synth stands proudly, bright yet unfilled.

"Oh yes - that will help enormously. I was given this in thanks," they reply, turning the vase to show off to Hoa Sen. "I showed him how to access the manual again should something go wrong and I'm not here to fix it, so hopefully everything will work out well and he won't need to do repairs again."

They pause in their speaking and look off into the distance, slowly lowering the vase in their hands. "I hope the aneen didn't go far..."

In the quiet past twilight, footsteps can be heard approaching the scouts camp.  A figure cloaked in gloom approaches the barn

The older man turns his attention from the conversation to the approaching figure, and he observes quietly with both mundane and empathic senses...

Agatho senses a calm confidence tinged with worry as a older man with grey hair and a curled mustache comes into view with the lights of the barn.  He wears a stole over well-made clothes.  The man moves toward Hoa with deliberate strides.

"Greetings, Lady Sen.  I've come to check on the salvage that Mayhew's expedition paid saw dearly for and to speak to the newcomers.  I am tawld that thawse willing to make the trek into the Veil were sent here."  He pauses and turns toward Agatho.  "And yet I awnly see one.  I am Wilmark Aldrege, Regent of Canthus."  He holds his left hand up, flat and palm forward.

Hoa Sen bows slightly to the regent. "The others—Artor Greythane and one name Derrick—have gone with Mayhew to find the aneen. A malfunctioning cypher startled the creature and started a small fire. This is Agatho, a healer. And Master Radwa, of course, who was able to repair Canthus' synth spinner earlier today." Sen pauses a moment, and can't quite keep a hitch out of her voice. "The new arrivals brought sad news, as well, regent. Master Ulhe and his escort have been-- They fell prey to the wilds, sir, and will not be able to grant Canthus the help I had hoped."

The older man mirrors the Regent's gesture, and nods in acknowledgment as he is introduced.

During Hoe Sen's pause, he gently interjects.

"Well met, Regent.  'Peace to you.' "

"I am grateful you have come.  With thawse you mentioned, Lady Sen, combined with yourself, Mayhew, and Master Radwa, I believe we have enough to mount a full expedition to the Shimmering Veil."  A hint of a smile touches his lips.  He then turns to Radwa.  "How is your vehicle coming along, Master Radwa?  With an expedition ready, I think I could find you all the assistants you need."

Radwa is startled to be acknowledged and actually looks up from their work as the regent addresses them. "Um, yes - it's been coming together well, and I think I'll have it ready in good time so the expedition can travel safely in it," they explain, carefully setting the cloth they'd been using to polish the synth down next to the polish tin.

"I'm very pleased to hear that.  Again, I will see that you are provided every assistance."  His face becomes pensive and he looks toward the south.  "Scouting reports along the river indicate that there is another wave coming.  Either that or the damned scalies are planning to build a settlement of some kind, which would be even worse."

He turns to Agatho.  "Our situation is becoming more dire.  Your timing could not have been more fortuitous.  Tell me, what brought you to Canthus?  What skills will take you and your companions beyond the Shimmering Veil and safely back?"

"I am an unworthy servant of the Sovereign One.  We periodically set forth on journeys from Hayrest, seeking to minister to the physical and spiritual needs around us.  On this latest journey, we received word of the expeditions and of the need behind them, and set our face toward Canthus."

"On our way here, we encountered the remains of the party that Hoe Sen speaks of.  Having gathered what tokens we could, including a map to Canthus and a letter addressed to Hoe Sen, we felt a duty to complete their final errand with all due speed."

"I am a Nano, and a Healer, and an Empath, and hope to use such gifts to bless the efforts of this expedition."

"Derrick is a Glaive of my own flock family, and Artor is a Jack and an old friend that we came across shortly before our arrival in Canthus."

Aldrege smiles.  "Excellent.  That should make for a successful attempt."  His smile falters a little.  "Even if you return to tell us that the land is inhospitable, at least our path forward will be clear.  Clinging to scant hawpes for saw long has strained the people of Canthus greatly."

He turns again to Hoa.  "Two days, Lady Sen.  I think we should be able to complete the preparations and see you all off in two days.  Again, Master Radwa, I will see you get every aid you require."  A bit of hope returns to his face.  "We shall all meet at noon on the second day to review the priorities and so that you may receive the equipment that we have worked to hard to prawcure for this expedition.  And I will break out my Anas wine.  This is a major occasion in the history of this aldea.  We shall treat it as such.  Until then."

The regent makes a quick bow, turns, and walks quickly back to the village proper.

The trio in the barn continue to stand in the awkward silence of the regent's departure.  A few small insects buzz about under the light.  The sounds of conversation and occasional bits of music waft out of the village taverns to decorate the desert's quiet.

Radwa nods in acknowledgement as Aldrege farewells everyone and briefly returns to their work before what he said actually sinks in.

"Two days? Oh my... I... I could finish it that quickly, but I'm going to need so much help with it..." they exclaim as they put their cleaning cloth down.

They turn their attention to the others, worry evident on their face. "Will you be able to help me? I'll be able to give directions and most of the pieces are ready for assembly, it's just... I'm going to be so tired..."

"I will be of limited use. Though I was once apprenticed to the Order of Truth, I could never manage to pass the examination to become a journeyman. The numenera eluded my grasp, no matter my studies. I will be happy to lend whatever assistance I may in organizing assistance; I can help arrange shifts and ensure that you do not need to interrupt your work for such...trivialities...as fetching meals." Hoa Sen announces. "Perhaps some of the others will be of more assistance."