RP:Safe and Home

Summary: Penelope brings Kailani back home to Orion after a very intense battle with Xioctl.

Laurel’s Lake

Several days had passed since the final battle in Frostmaw, where the Warrior's Guild had finally managed to put an end to the threat that they had been trying to defeat for far too long. While they might have been victorious, the costs to the city of Frostmaw was high. Many businesses were destroyed, homes were completely annihilated, and too many lives were lost. In those several days since the battle, Kailani had not managed to return home to Orion. This might not seem unusual, as she did not want to chance bringing Grimclaw into this battle, so getting home would take her longer. But this long? Maybe Kailani had opted to stay behind to help with the wounded? But surely she would have at least let Orion know, somehow? The realiry was that, even though Kailani fought hard, she did not walk out of that crater unscathed. She did not walk out at all. She in fact had to be carried out of that abysmal pit where she was brought to a Frostmaw triage. Poor Nel was tasked with the chore of trying to get Kailani home as she was the one with the most knowledge about Kailani's life out of the bunch who were present in that fight. It would be on Nel to get Kailani back to Venturil, a task the druid could not offer help on. She was barely coherent during the times that she was conscious. The root that had bore into her chest near her heart had done quite a number on her. She had not been made into a thrall, but she was still left fighting the effects of that moment even if Xicotl was dead. Combine that with the extreme loss of blood and the sheer amount of energy expelled between all the battles Kai had taken part of in only a short amount of time? It was no wonder that Kai was in desperate need of rest during this recovery.

Penelope kept her best to keep an eye on the druid throughout their time in Frostmaw. Kailani lay unconscious for those days after Krice put her in a cot in the triage camp. Penelope could not do much, but enough to guide other healer’s around her with that stupid broken arm, she inherited in the fight. The destruction of Frostmaw was not a ‘calm’ thing to take in, but villagers had been pulled from the ruins. The healer’s saved as many as they could those few days. Uniting families. The Ardelian was exhausted with the amount of chaos that swarmed around them, eventually, however, it was time to transport some of the patients to better resources–Kailani was one of them, and Penelope was going to make sure that Kailani got the best care she could. Her friend needed the best. The Kelay clinician was adamant. Annoying, even with her big mouth. The druid set the more experienced druid on a medic wyvern back Venturil where Kailani resided, and all the while, Penelope observed that intense wound the blue-haired woman inherited. Even though Kailani was in and out of consciousness–barely–the Ardelian made sure to pump fluids. Check vitals. Have restoration healer’s observe what was going on internally before lifting off to Kailani’s home. Once the wyvern would come to a land, Penelope would slide off, as a medic team was able to guide Kailani off safely as well in a carrying medical cot. The freckled clinician would be near--arm in a sling, and hopefully, by that time, there would be such a ruckus of arrival that whoever lived with Kailani would be alerted. Afterall, a wyvern was a huge beast.

Meanwhile at Laurelle's Lake..

Orion is pacing back and forth next to a large fire while muttering under his breath. Aspen, a "baby" blue dragon, and Grimclaw, a magnificent white griffon with deep black markings, rest next to the blazing fire. Aspen looks just a tad bit smaller than Grim at this point as they lay right next to each other. Each step Orion takes increases the volume in his voice. Something about 'shouldn't have let her go' but 'she's her own woman and that needs to be respected'. Then there was the excuse of why Ori wasn't with Kailani. The mumbling continues as he slips into the woods close to the lake where the family has shared many, many memories so far. Grim and Aspen watch Orion carefully until the trees take the bardbarian from view. "Because the key to a healthy relationship is to have time for YOURSELF!" suddenly booms loudly through the lake causing a few wandering animals and birds to scatter immediately. It was true. Orion never wanted to smother Kailani and sometimes they both need to venture out without their better half. He wasn't arguing this fact when he suddenly throws a tree, yes, a tree, from the woods to over the lake at which they reside. Grim and Aspen barely bat an eye as a few branches land around their resting area. Orion reappears in a huff and points a small axe towards the children, "Grim. Aspen. Let's go. We can't sit around any longer." Normally the two kiddos would huff and puff about it and Orion would have to bribe them with belly rubs and fresh deer meat, but they can sense Ori's worry. Plus, mama has been gone way too long. They spring to their feet immediately and start spinning in circles and snipping at Orion's hands. "Alright, alright, steady.."

Before the trio can start their search and rescue mission, there is a disturbance in the sky. Grim and Aspen stop immediately to turn their focus above. Orion holds a hand to his side, resting it on top of a large axe that hangs at his side. The boys back towards Orion but remain between the sudden arrival of the wyvern and their father. "Who.." The trio keeps their distance while Ori whispers, "Steady, boys. Steady.." Orion was resisting the urge to go run over to the newcomers to see who they were and why they were unloading someone on a cot at their lake. And then it hits him..

Under different circumstances, Kailani would have been absolutely thrilled for Penelope to have the chance to meet Orion. After all, the blue-haired woman is quite fond of the younger druid, enough to count her as both a friend and, to an extent, a student. Kai would have at least preferred to be able to give Orion and Penelope proper introductions. Maybe she will be able to soon, for as the cot is unloaded from the wyvern, the blue-haired woman seems to stir from her restless slumber. It’s unclear how aware she is of her surroundings for even though her eyes have fluttered open for the moment, she has not said anything. Her gaze seems transfixed on the sky above her rather than anything that is happening around her. As Nel as seen in the past, there is a high probability that Kailani will drift back into some semblance of a sleep but for the moment it seems like Kailani might be processing where she is and how she got her. After a short time of studying the sky above her, Kai’s attention trails from the team removing her cot from the wyvern’s back, to the wyvern she was transported by, to Penelope, before finally coming to rest on her cherished family. She wanted to say something but all she can manage is a tired half-smile before she ends up falling unconscious again. Kai was here though, and she was on the mend. In time, she’ll be back to normal.

Penelope makes sure to watch over Kailani who seems to have her eyes open as they walk with a couple healers. “It’s okay. We’re getting you home.” Ruari being one of those, since after this, they would be going back home as well leaving the healer’s up in Frostmaw who were not on the frontline end of things to take care of the rest. Then besides Ruari, there was another random male carrying Kailani’s cot. Once the group was coming onto the grounds of the lake, Penelope held up her hand that was not caught up in a sling. “Halt.” Orion is there in the distance, and she is not sure who the man really is, or if he knows Kailani at all, but then she sees Grim. Then, Penelope knows. “It’s Kailani…” The Ardelian says. “She’s… going to be okay, but we need a solid place for her to rest. Can you help? I’d like to observe her further, if that is okay. I’m Penelope. Her friend, and… she’s taught me quite a bit of knowledge. We are very familiar.” The tired clinician then looks over her shoulder at Ruari who is helping carry the cot. “That’s Ruari, he’s also with me. He’ll be able to get a better look at her too. Can you help us?” With the cot, she meant, so the other random healers can set off back on the wyvern back to Frostmaw while Penelope and Ruari stay.

"Halt," says Penelope. Orion? Halt? On OriKai land? The bardbarian slips between the two animals standing in front of him, giving them each a soft pat on the head while doing so, "Stay here boys, but stay ready." Aspen and Grim keep their eyes locked on the small group of people arriving but mainly at the wyvern, looking for any indication of an attack. Any sudden movements and those two are attached to the wyvern's throat. Orion calls out to Penelope while stomping towards the group, axe pulled from his side to carry on his shoulder. With every other step Orion takes, thunder rolls in the distance. "Halt yourself. Who do you th-" He's suddenly cut off by Penelope as she states Kai's name. Orion closes the distance between him and Penelope rather quickly, but instead of answering Nel's question, he walks right up to the cot, nearly bumping the random healers out of the way as tosses his axe to the side. He grabs the cot immediately, "Kai, you're home. The babies are here too. Stay with us." Ori's bright green eyes lock on to Penelope. Manners, Ori. "I'm Orion, Kai's, uh.." Normally one would be able to notice his flush red cheeks, but the bearded one kind of let himself go while Kailani was away. There's also a serious lack of flowers in his beard. "...lover."

Orion points his chin towards a cabin across the way then lets out a loud whistle to the children. "Let's get her inside. I have clean water in there already." Ready or not, the cot is heading towards the cabin. Ruari better hold on. There's only a couple things in the world that can stop Orion's willpower and one of them is passed out. The thunder fades with Ori's determined footsteps while Aspen and Grimclaw make their way to the cabin as well. Whoever stands in the doorway by the time they get to the entrance might get trampled. Mama's home. Once inside, Ori carefully directs Ruari towards the bed covered with various pelts and super fluffy pillows to place Kailani down carefully. Orion stares at Kailani while asking Nel, "What happened?"

The home that Orion very adamantly moves the party inside of is large enough that it accommodates their rather eclectic family. That is to say, both Grimclaw and Aspen can sleep inside the common area should they so choose. That may change one day as Aspen grows, but everyone fits for now. Beyond the common area is a single bedroom, the one that Orion is currently leading Rauri and the unconscious Kailani into. Kailani murmurs incoherently during the first moments that she is moved from the cot and to the bed but she silences quickly, the comfortable furs and pelts overwhelming her subconscious with the familiarity and safety of home. There was plenty of Kailani’s influence within the home, starting with the very earthy smell to the place. No doubt this smell comes from all of the plants that hang around the common room, drying out for either storage or further processing. Regardless of if these herbs are turned into salves or balms or not, everything is stored in clay jars. Yes, these are definitely signs that this is the home of the nature-loving healer. Modest. Comfortable. Cozy. Practical. Prepared. There were also plenty of elements of that music-loving barbarian who was prone to blushing. Note that big old battleaxe, there was no way Kai could wield that thing. Anyway, that is the jist of the OriKai home, where these two knuckleheads have lived for the last two years. Orion and Penelope would have plenty of chance to talk now that Kailani was settled in bed. The druid had stirred a little more since being moved from cot to bed, enough that she had managed to snuggle under the pile of furs. Her gaze was also on Nel and Ori long enough for the druid to softly murmur, “Ori be nice to Nel.” Ori was usually nice, Kai knew this, but she also knew how protective of her he was. Grimclaw manages to restrain himself but Aspen, the considerably younger of the two, seems to have a hard time following the lead of his big brother. As soon as he sees a window to do so, he’ll try and bolt between Orion’s legs and jump up onto the bed so that he can check on Kailani. Kai will react by forcing some cuddles on the still very much growing dragon, pulling Aspen half-way beneath some furs to accomplish this.

Penelope was more of saying halt to her crew rather than Orion, so when the bardbarian comes forward, she is pleased that he does. The axe on the man’s shoulder, however, makes her belly ache as she had been through the rough, herself. She would not be able to defend herself with a broken arm. The steps the man takes, Penelope looks around the area as she hears thunder. Was this the right place? He comes up quickly, which causes Penelope to stammer back slightly. Behind Nel, Ruari reaches for the handle of his sword, but the Ardelian raises a hand towards the half-elf for him to stop. ‘Kai…’ Penelope was in the right place, and the druid relaxed. “She’s home…” She repeats in reassurance, even for herself. Moss eyes connect to the bright green before her, and a lazy smile spreads across her freckled features. “Orion… I’ve heard of you.” Briefly. Time in the desert where the woman had to stay overnight. His name was bound to come up. “I’m just glad we’re in the right place.” Orion takes charge where Penelope and Ruari follow. The rest of the healers are back to Frostmaw.

Once inside, the frizzy clinician takes note of the clay jars and plants around the place. She smells the earth and nature. It smelled like… home. The forest. Comfort. Kailani was home. The blue-haired druid was placed in the bed, and Ruari lingered towards Kailani since he was the one to take charge of her on the triage scene. He had the magical capacity to see the wound internally when Penelope could not, not to mention, the healer was getting her arm set and working on resuscitating a child that fell victim to debris. Penelope finally answers, “We fell into a crater… It was dark. Very dark. I couldn’t see anything, but I knew that Xicotl was playing mind games.” She pauses. “A man named Krice got her out of the trenches, she was unconscious. She was stabbed, and by observance, it seemed to be by a thrallish root. Close to her heart.” Penelope looks grim. “She lost a lot of blood, but she’s going to take a while to heal.” When Kailani mutters breathlessly, the apprentice druid looks down bashfully. “My partner,” she looks towards Ruari, “Mr. Erickson saved her life with the work of some other healers on the side. But there is still damage internally. She’s… still healing. The thrall damage really took a toll on her body.”

Orion was all about Kailani since getting her into their bed. Heleaned over as he wiped a few hairs away from her face and tried his best to get the blankets nice and comfy for her. He acknowledged her comment about being nice to Nel by simply nodding his head. By the time he stood up, there was a running Aspen. The "little" dragon was just quick enough. Orion tried his very best to catch Aspen between his legs with the swing of an arm but the only thing Orion caught was air and a quick tap of a dragon tail to the beard. "Aspen! Down!" Too late. Kai had already pulled him into the snuggle nest. Orion turns and sits on the edge of the bed as Penelope explains what happened and what the damage was. By the time Nel gets to the juicy stuff about Kai being stabbed in the heart, Ori reaches just behind him to rest his hand on Kai's leg. Or is that a dragon tail? Either way, it didn't matter. All that mattered was Kailani was home and needs to get better soon. Once the lovely doctor lady was done explaining the situation, Ori looks between her and Ruari, "This, um, Xioctl..Is it..Dead?" There's that odd rolling thunder once again just outside as Ori mindlessly and slowly taps his foot. He's trying to stay calm and collected in front of guests. Had Kai managed to make it home by herself to tell Ori this news he might have been outside chopping wood to release a little anger or yelling at the sky..something barbaric and feral, for sure.

For the moment, Kai was coherent enough that she was at least following and processing the conversation. That does not mean that Kai is going to contribute to it. It’s not like Nel was not aware of the situation, and Kai was never much for talking. That habit is only intensified by her current state, words were so much harder when she was not feeling at her best. Despite her silence, she was more than content to be home as the druidic woman felt nothing but love and concern from those in the room. The woman could also feel Ori’s hand upon her leg, and sense the way he was trying so hard to remain calm. His tapping foot was a bit of a hint. She tries to reach out toward his hand, with the hope of offering him some amount of comfort, but finds that it is just out of her reach. So she just leaves her arm resting upon her leg with her hand palm up and fingers reaching out toward Ori. Beyond these minor movements, all the druid wanted to do was rest. As Nel pointed out, that thrallish root, whatever it was, had pierced so close to her heart. Xicotl’s threat might have been neutralized, for now, but Kai’s body was still fighting off the effects of the toxins. She was at least very clearly on the mend, With enough time and rest she would be better soon, especially with Ori watching over her.

Penelope looked over Kailani briefly, calming. She knew her friend would be okay with enough rest. Orion asks if Xicotl was dead, but Penelope’s eyes lift and they're a little emotionless. “I don’t know if that will ever be possible, but I don’t think that thing will be back for a very long time. We did a lot of damage…” But also warriors took a lot of damage. Especially Kailani. “I think you have the mightiest warrior of all,” she smirks… lightly. Still a grim situation. She looks over her shoulder at Ruari who is standing idly with hands in pockets. Her expression turns back to Orion. “That being said, you’ll need to be very attentive with Kailani’s recovery. Since it was something so close to her heart, she needs to not do anything too strenuous I would say for the next couple weeks. I would do all the lifting and caring for the… kiddos.” She looks at Aspen who is snuggled with the blue-haired druid. “Fluids. Nourishment. Rest. Lots and lots of rest. I can leave some medicine for the pain. Also, you should frequently care for bandages and clean the wound periodically. That way there is no risk of infection. Other than that, it is very safe to say, Kailani is… going to be okay.” Penelope smiles as easily as she could.

Orion, not to be rude, but turned his head to look at Kailani as Penelope explained the situation. He notices Kai's outstretched hand and gently takes it in his. Gently. He practically has bear paws as hands. He leans down and places a kiss on her hand then stares at her lovingly. With that, the thunder ceases and his foot stops twitching about. At some point during Nel explaining Kai's further care, he looks to her as he listens to her directions. He even chimes in to make it known that he will be doing 'everything' around the cabin until she's healed and then a bit longer because he's the type of fella that treats his woman like a queen. And queens don't do dishes. Orion then repeats Nel's directions out loud to let Nel know he's been listening the whole time, "No lifting. Nothing but rest. Hydration. Good foods. Clean bandages always. Rest some more." Ori carefully places Kai's hand back on her leg and then stands. He towers over Nel for a moment before taking a deep breath in, "I can do that. All of that." Without warning, the bardbarian pulls Nel in for a hug, careful of her own wounds, "Thank you, miss doctor. And you too," he eyes Ruari while releasing Nel from his grip. He then 'gently' pats the man on his shoulder. 'Gently' to Orion at this moment means that it was probably hard enough to knock Ruari off balance if he wasn't ready for Ori's power. Ori's green eyes focus from Ruari then back to Nel, "I owe you both, big time."

Rest some more. That was not something that Kai needed to be told twice to do and she would need to get as much of it as she could, for she probably would not get a break from the world ending dramas any time soon. At least, not long enough for Orion’s liking. Maybe it would have been better for Kai to stick with her more reclusive habits? Before anyone knew her name, she at least managed to keep her nose out of danger. Tomorrow it would be something else, and while they managed to defeat one threat (they think), it is no secret that Caluss is still an extreme danger. For now, Kai would find sleep and it would come to her more easily today than it did when she was being cared for in Frostmaw. The comforts of home and being surrounded by loved ones. Ori would be left to show Penelope and Ruari on their way, when he saw fit.