RP:To the Heart to Save the Heart
Part of the Time Heals All Wounds Arc
Synopsis: After Penelope's trip to Cenril to study about the desert, she seeks out someone who she trusts by nature. Kailani. The desert mallow is the last ingredient on Nel's list. The two druids and the half-elf Ruari take a journey to find the plant. In the midst, Penelope connects to earth, all the while falling into sinking sands and setting flame to mummy-like terramancers.
A pigeon comes bopping into view with a letter that has a familiar gold, waxed seal. A P.H. is labeled on the seal. The pigeon just blinks waiting for Kailani to take it. If Kailani does not, it will follow and bounce along behind her.
Dear Kailani,
I know this is short notice, and I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t think that you were one of the strongest individuals I’ve come to briefly know. As you know, I’ve been caring for a boy who is incredibly ill. There is one last herb I need that is in the heart of the desert. My plan was to only go with my apprentice Mr. Erickson, but I fear that I’m not in my right state of mind lately. Mr. Erickson has convinced me that we cannot handle this alone since the desert is one that is vague to us, as well.
If you get this letter in time, and decide to join us, we will meet at the edge of the desert at dawn in two days time. Where we practiced fire. If I don’t see you, just know, it is okay. It’s a last minute journey, and I wish you well.
Sincerely,
Penelope Halifax
Sea of Sand
(1/2) Dawn was soon to come, and Penelope and Ruari Erickson linger with small packs on their back in the beginning of the sea of sand. Penelope carries a white carved bow around her torso with arrows on her back and a dagger at her hilt. Her medical satchel remains on her other side and on her back rests a pack with sleeping arrangements, water, and whatever else one would need in the desert. The healer wears what she wore prior to the desert—a red tank-top with loose fitting pants to move easily in and let the air through. After all, it is the desert. Either way, from afar, if Kailani came, she would notice the two bickering. More of a playful banter, but still all the same. “Put it on, Ruari. Do you want to blister and get sun poisoning?”
(2/2) Ruari reflects similar supplies except no bow and instead he keeps two throwing daggers equipped. The man also wears loose fitting clothes. A loose chocolate t-shirt, loose pants that formed in a way like Hollow-equivalent joggers. The man is very tall, dark hair, and scruffy. By now, the apprentice is pulling away from Nel with a crinkle in his nose and pushing the short healer away. “Stop, I could do it myself. You’re not my mom for Sven’s sake.”
(1/2) One of the more effective ways to get Kailani’s attention is to put some manner of animal within her line of sight. The bird definitely is not ignored and Kailani is quick to observe the initials on the letter. As she removes the note from the pigeon, a smile crosses her lips but it does not linger for long. The contents of the note are quite concerning to Kai. Penelope was not on her right state of mind? Part of the druid is not surprised, based on past encounters, the other part was hoping that things had improved for her fellow healer. The bird is released back to it’s owner after Kailani pens a response back. “I will be there,” is written on the very same note Penelope first wrote to her.
(2/2) Kailani does indeed arrive just as the two begin their bickering session, and she’s so quiet in her approach that they just might not hear her. Then again, that vivid blue hair tends to make her hard to miss, even when distracted. Kailani lifts a brow as she listens to the pair. For this trip, the druid has packed considerably lighter. At least, Penelope might perceive it as that way. The truth was, their last trip to the desert was Kailani packing heavily, she was not sure what Penelope might have required for comfort at that time. This time there is no camel, no extra blanketing, whatever the druid feels like she needs she is carrying...and she is not carrying much. When she has chance enough to ask, she will voice a simple query, “What herb are we in search of?”
Whatever concoction Penelope had made, Ruari is now dabbing on his face. An equivalent to sunscreen. Nel did not need more freckles on her cheekbones, and Ruari, well, he did not need to start earning sun spots. With the paranoia, the blue-haired druid is no surprise to the healer and eyes shift immediately to Kai. “Hi,” a cool breath starts with a small content, almost-relieved smile, “you got the letter.” The girl then clears her throat and pulls out a folded piece of paper from her flowy breeches. On the folded piece of paper is a botanical drawing of a bush with several buds. “A desert mallow. It’s a bush that has orange flowered buds. Since we are in the desert, they are obviously a little rarer to come across. It’s a cough suppressant and considering the boy I’m healing is coughing up blood, it’s important—and well, it was on the ingredients for an antidote. This is the last herb I need for him, but we also need to be careful because.. quick sands, old tombs, and the works.” Nel offers the parchment to Kailani if she wants a closer look at the properties. “Oh! Also, Kailani, this is Mr. Erickson, my apprentice and one who is actually a more skilled when it comes to trouble.” Ruari would give one of those short waves.
"I got the letter," Kailani confirms and then admits, "I tried to write back to confirm." Less because she was concerned that the note did not make it back to Penelope, and more because she wanted to demonstrate that she was at least half-way attempting to behave like a "civilized" person might. You know, by confirming appointments and such. When Penelope first names the plant they are looking for, Kailani furrows her brows. The name did not immediately bring any sort of plant to mind, but as Penelope describes the desert mallow, recognition crosses Kailani's face. The druid bobs her head in a nod when Penelope explains all of the potential hazards they might face within the desert. She knew, but it never hurt to make sure everyone was reminded of these details. They move past the details of the mission and on to introductions, something that Kailani tends to struggle with...as Penelope surely well knows from numerous interactions with the druid. "Hi," she says to Mr. Erickson. "Nice to meet you." Is this improvement, Penelope? Is Kailani doing better at people-ing? The druid looks to both of them, not entirely sure if they are leading the way or if she should start striding forward. "Have you two done research on the location? Or are you hoping that I might have an idea of where contained somewhere in my mind?"
Penelope knew. Knew that Kailani had a hard time with introductions, but practice with socializing never hurt anybody, right? Well, maybe. Nel was outspoken more than most, but also attentively patient to balance out the words spilled from her mouth. So yes, Kailani, it is improvement, and the healer even has a small smile to prove it. As the druid asks specifics, the freckled one opens her mouth partially in a pause. “Well,” the Ardelian begins, “I spent time in several libraries. Cenril's specifically only because they have a grand geography section and... I know a guy. I know that the mallows are in the depths of the desert. Past the quickest of sands. Also, speaking of old tombs,” moss eyes glance towards Ruari who is giving her a glare. Obviously she did not mention something important to him. Avoid the dangers until last minute, right? “Sounds like these mallows were very popular in desert culture because, for one, a lot of aid, and two, plants are normally pretty scarce in the desert. Hence, a lot of these bushes are not far from these said ‘tombs’. Where to find the tombs, well, I’m guessing the deeper the desert we go, the likelier we will come across one? I read something about… past some rolling dunes? I sort of maybe fast-paced researched. Limited time and,” a date. Penelope went on a date which she preferred it to be one of study for the sake of time and comfort, but… dinner was good, too, right? Brain food and playful banter. A slow attempt that Lanara would approve of. The healer was trying to get used to being okay with the idea. “And... yeah,” she finishes as Ruari gives her an odd look. He had no idea where Penelope had been lingering these days. The girl then looks to the almost-endless sand of sea. “Let’s go. I wanna make sure that we can make some head-way,” she starts to walk through the sand. They could talk and walk. Penelope was a go-getter.
A date? When was the last time Kailani was even on a date? Please don't ask the druid this question, it's not a detail that she can easily recall. Kailani has a long way to go before she'll be even remotely close to being able to handle this level of girl talk...Lanara will always be the best at it though, and she would certainly approve of this slow attempt. The druid is far better at understanding the urgency of their mission, and so they would press on and begin their travels. Walking and talking was something that Kailani was more than capable of, she might even be getting slightly better at conversing...That or she is just becoming more comfortable with Penelope. "I am glad for this. I spend a lot of time traveling, yes, but the deserts are not a place a traverse on a regular basis. I don't know it as well I do other lands...But I am very confident that two druids who also boast the title of healer will be able to navigate these sands. It will be challenging, but..." Kailani is looking at Rauri for a moment. One because she realizes that she is entirely unfamiliar with this skill set...And two because she noticed the way that he started glaring at all this tomb talk. "We will be fine." What other choice did they have? If they failed to find this herb, then Penelope's charge would probably not survive, no?
(1 of 3) Penelope internally notices the change of conversation, but she acts nonchalant like Kailani and herself have always been talking from the start. Maybe the healer did not want to put her in the spotlight. “I don’t know it very well, either, but I guess we will get to know it on this trip?” There was a slight, nervous cackle. “We’ll be fine. Trust me. Two druids and… Ruari is not too shabby on the magic end himself. Also, he’s skilled with combat. We’re good.” The healer sort of gives a wave of ‘psh’. Wave it off, right? They will survive, right? Death was not the problem. Well, maybe it was, for the Ardelian boy’s sake. Nel, on the other hand, did not really fear death. Only fail. The Ardelian then continues walking into the oblivion of sand.
(2 of 3) For the sake of writing, time went on. The trio walked in the blaring sun. Small plants lingered in the openness from time to time, but for the most part, sand consumed the lands. The heat was visible to the eye at certain angles when looking at the sand, and occasionally there was a groan from Ruari about water. And in the faint distance, Penelope was talking into open air. Not to anyone specifically. It was ordinary things to keep her mind sane: like building a patio for her old home, or yardwork, or convincing herself that she was in a sea of sand with Kailani and Ruari and adding enthusiasm, even though it sounded strange. Ruari would know. Nel was trying to keep her sane balance and away from thick paranoia. Most sentences were simple. One that described an ordinary life, but if anyone knew the healer would know that her life was far from the simple life she wished.
(3 of 3) With walking came wind that blew heavily in the east and west. Straight was the only answer for the three. And it was as if the earth might have been telling them something: stay on the track, of course. No funny business. Eventually, the freckled healer comes to a slow. In the yellow distance were boned carcasses of what appeared to be dragon. Suddenly, the adeptus pulls out a scroll that rolls out into a map. “I don’t know how far we’ve gone, but… I don’t remember reading about dragons,” or maybe she passed by that reading. “Err…” she looks at the two. “I didn’t prep for… dragons, if there is. I say be cautious. Keep look each direction constantly. I imagine if there are dragon bones, however, there were people. If there were people, perhaps we’re close to those tombs?” In the distance, there is a flat, lazy look from Ruari. Great job planning, Penelope.
1/2 - While Kailani was doing her best to be better with people, there were certain things that the druid was still struggling with. For example, Kailani was very used to traveling by herself and thus in complete silence. Did Penelope talk like this to herself when she was wandering alone too, Kailani internally wondered. There were some things Kailani did not respond to, at least not verbally. She'd just sort of nod her head in approval to Penelope's thought process. Sure, build a patio. This grounds great. Yardwork? Probably an important task to be done if one has a yard, which...Kailani sort of does not. Maybe the lake was her yard? Hm. The one thing that sounded the least strange to the druid was the description that they were currently in a sea of sand. Go figure. "Yes, but I think the ocean is a far prettier color." Some might assume that the woman with blue-hair and blue-eyes might be experiencing a bit of a burn out on said color, evidently not. The druid takes in a lungful of air as if to make a point, "And it smells better too."
2/2 - The message carried by the wind was not a signal that Kailani would ignore, why would she want to? Only to end up lost in the sea of sand? No, Kailani would press forward in the direction they were meant to travel, retrieving a piece of white cloth from her bag and draping it about her head and neck so that her skin and face are shielded from the sand. When they cross the bones of a dragon, Kailani is possibly the least bothered in the group, even if no preparation was made for the dragon. Dragons she knew something about and her preferred lifestyle of living off the land as numb Kailani to unexpected encounters in strange places. Penelope gives her instructions and Kailani nods in agreement before trying to get the team moving forward again. As Kailani cautiously advances, she lifts a finger to her lips to suggest that they should probably be quiet from here on out if there were dragons near by. Trust, Kailani's blue eyes were scanning, the druid was certainly looking for the subtle signs of life...Except in the case of a dragon they may very well not be so subtle. Despite concern of dragons, her weapon remains in its resting place.
Quicksand Valley
(1/2) The map is simply held out in front of the healer’s gaze. There are a couple glances back and forth to navigate the emptiness of what the sea of sand was. Kailani was right, the ocean was prettier, and probably easier to navigate than the empty land. As Kailani’s finger gestures to silence, the others nod in agreement. Again, they walk with awareness, and eventually they move beyond the haze of heat. In the distance, the sand begins create slopes and dunes that look easy to walk in between instead. There are no signs of dragons, thankfully. Just dunes of sand. “These must be the dunes?” Nel asks very quietly with mild hesitation as they walk into what appears to be a valley—one between the dunes and slides—and the frizzy-haired druid stops in her tracks as Ruari continues. “Come on Nel. I want to get what we need so we aren’t stuck in the heart by nightfall.”
(2/2) A glance is given to Ruari. “Come back. We haven’t even—“ and in the distance, Ruari nears towards what seems to be an edge of a slope where the sand angles into a slide. The orange sand beneath his feet begins to become looser than the solidity of sand prior. Eventually, his feet are being sucked into the loose minerals. “Oh shi—“ the apprentice loses his footing before falling to his knees. Well, Ruari now appears to be a victim of Quicksand Valley. Happy day. “Ruari!” The girl hollers before dropping the map and running towards the slope that is becoming looser by each step. She slows before becoming a victim herself to the sinking sands. Her gaze casts back to Kailani before digging in her bag for something to throw. Ruari, in the midst, is going down and grasping onto earth that is moving silkily through his fingertips. Really, he does not have much time. He's already halfway buried already. Awesome.
Before Kailani can even get the words of warning out, both Penelope and Rauri fall victim to a slippery slope that sends them right into a pit of quicksand. For only a split second, it does cross Kailani's mind to attempt to push Penelope to try and solve this problem on her own. Were the elements Penelope spoke of not earth and fire? Alas, the druid is not interested in tempting fate or raising any amount of ire within either Rauri. If Penelope could not already feel the blue-haired druid manipulating the elements around them, she and Rauri would both soon experience it. The druid's footing as she scales down the very slippery slope to reach Penelope and Rauri is surprisingly stable, the woman seems to have no issue with the earth sliding beneath her despite both Rauri and Penelope struggling with this issue. As she approaches the two, the pit of quicksand begins to bubble and push both of them back up to the surface and at the same time the moisture is drawn out of the soaked earth so that by the time they are back on surface level they are resting on dry sand...for the moment. Kailani would of course not leave the pit in such a state -- she'd return it back to how it was once Penelope and Rauri are both safe. "I guess maybe I should have taken the rear..." Kailani murmurs to herself, as if not taking trying to take the lead would have prevented this little fiasco? Probably not.
One would think Penelope can do a little earthy earth magical madness, but all the magic was new, okay? Is it funny that capability escaped her mind? What a great druid who was still thinking she was ordinary. Whilst slipping in the sand, she ruffles through her bag for a rope and a grappling hook. At least she prepared for this moment. A quick wit. Not quick enough, however since Ruari was officially garbled by the sands. Luckily, Kailani was an even better link to the trio because now the sands were bubbling and the dark-haired man was resurfacing. The two now drag themselves onto the dry sand. Ruari, in the midst, coughing up powdered sand, and Penelope wide eyed at what just happened. “Whoo! Heh heh,” there was an adrenaline, shaky; hesitant laugh. “Well, that was… expected but… not so ready for. Ruari we were supposed to avoid that.” Moss eyes sort of look at Kailani. “How did you push us up like that?” Might as well learn a valuable druidic lesson in the process. Even if it was not the ideal way to learn a lesson. “I say, we try to wander up the dunes instead of walk through the valley.” The girl would then stand while brushing the sand off of herself. There were still stains since the sands were slightly damper than the dry. “At least we know now where the quick sands are specifically located, right? Let’s go.” The healer would then reach out for Ruari to assist him before taking route again.
Kailani was confident that Penelope would find her footing in this regard, if there was doubt then the druid would not even have the temptation to push the other healer. Rauri was coughing up sand, while Penelope's reaction was completely different. Whoo? A slow smirk pulls at Kailani's lips because that was certainly not what she was expecting to come from Nel. The question is heard, but Kailani takes a moment to gather her words before trying to explain it to Penelope. While she does this, she also approaches Rauri and attempts to check on his well being. He seems to be mostly okay, so he is offered a skin of water to help clear the sand from his throat. To Penelope, "It's a connection to the energy, remember? No spell, not like the mages. Think of it like...Morality is not black and white, correct? There is plenty of gray in between. The same logic can be applied to the elements that we attempt to harness. There are plenty of in-betweens and mixing of the elements. In general, the desert is a place where fire connects with earth." The blue-haired woman gestures to the dunes around them and then points to the temporarily dry patch of quicksand. "This is a point where earth meets water. Probably formed because there is some underground river running beneath is. It makes sense...there is an oasis not dreadfully far from us." How would Kailani know that without a map? "That water source has to come from somewhere. Sometimes water is stagnant, but normally it is a moving element. It has currents. I was able to push up by essentially...reversing the downward pull of the quicksand. A bit of help from air too." The druid purses her lips together, "This is why the better you understand nature, the deeper your connection will become, and then these things will come to you with more ease. Also practice." Did Penelope think she was going to get out of a teaching moment? Did the druid not just somehow identify water in the area. "Why don't you ask the dunes where the tomb is? Maybe the sands will feel inclined to show us. Unless you prefer to wander." Yes, Penelope dear, ask the earth.
(1 of 2) Penelope steadily listens. “Energy.” Right. Nel silently reflects on how all the elements connect one way or another. Heat makes the earth dry. Water rests beneath the surface of the valley. Moss eyes move where Kailani points. “Asking the earth?” She is puzzled by this statement. Perhaps being a mage would have been easier, but there normally was never an easy road. Eyes drift over yellow sands. In the meantime, the water that is offered to Ruari is taken. The sand clears his passage and he is up on his feet again while idly brushing the sand from his hair. Instantly, he is standing, “Yeah, Penelope, ask the earth for Sven’s sake.” A sharp look is given towards the apprentice, who also happened to be her best friend over the years. Nel then blows out a breath. “Well, okay then.” Beat. “Hey, dunes. Give me a—“ instantly she is shoved on gently by Ruari. “Not like that, Nel. –Connect-.” Moss eyes shift between the blue-haired druid to the tall half-elf. Then, she gets in a squatting position.
(2 of 2) Eyes close and gently she brushes the sand between her fingers. Warm minerals are felt between finger tips. Edith gave Nel a lesson with the energy of earth before, but there was so much to learn than a tiny seed. Magik was able to bring the druid to life when it came to connection. Passion plus the energy within the sand. ‘Where… where do we go?’ An image flashes through her mind as if the sand was tightening around her feet. Faint vibrations are felt through the earth. The winds begin to blow, and eyes flutter open towards the south. Minerals of sand off one of the dunes began to brush through the air before disappearing over the rolling hill. The Ardelian did it. She found the way. “South. We need to go south. We aren’t far. Probably a few miles out. But… there’s something walking on the surface. I felt faint vibrations. Dragons maybe since we saw that carcass? It’s where we need to be either way.”
The druid is aware of the oddness of her request...and Penelope might be right. The path of a mage might be easier. At least there were was a guild, a tower, a library full of books, spells to memorize. What do the druids have in that regard? Kailani does not delve to deeply into that line of thinking for at least one other individual seems to be understanding her. A bright smile is flashed toward Rauri as the blue-haired half-elf bobs her head in a fervent nod. "Yes. Connect." This was not a moment that Kailani was going to rush Penelope on, her fellow healer is going to give ample room to try and find the answer they are looking for. A rare show of excitement lingers on Kai's features as Penelope is met with some success. It begins to fade when Penelope explains that she felt vibrations in the earth, excitement soon replaced with concern. The druid presses their path forward southward, making a point not to stray too far from either Penelope or Rauri...lest they find their way into another patch of quicksand. "If it is a dragon we had better hope that it is small and young." The druid's mind is already turning over potential options for dealing with a dragon. "Or that the dragon can be convinced that we are friends..." Blue brows are furrowed together in thought. "You should see if you can get a clearer answer from the earth when we get closer."
Brows are forward as she stares south with that mild concern. There is hesitance as she stares into that distance. The small bit of wind brushing her hair forward. Moss eyes stare at the blue-haired druid. “Convincing a dragon to be friends? Well, how optimistic. I like it.” That was true. Optimism. The Ardelian tried to steer towards light. On the other hand, the half-elf is looking completely dumbfounded. “Dragons? Are you kidding?” Although the half-elf was skilled and equipped, it was not his forte to play hero even if he was good at it. Besides quicksand. Give him another chance, Kailani. Promise. Penelope shrugs. “I won’t know for sure until… we are closer. I’ll give it another shot then,” her head nods with Kailani’s suggestion. What a good tutor. “In the meantime, mentally prep. Let’s go.” The Ardelian then begins to trek through the sands again, and she makes sure to avoid any quicksand this time. Gods forbid they fall into that trap again.
Kailani had a feeling she would be giving Rauri another chance, though she was inwardly wishing that it was under less ominous circumstances. While Penelope to seemed to interpret the druid's statement as optimism, the truth was Kailani was full of reservations. She was just putting on a stoic expression, possibly because she felt like the most seasoned survivalist of the three? And someone's life depended on their success in the mission? The truth was, Kailani did not really have high hopes that a dragon would let them pass easily. For a duration of their travels, Kailani is in her head on this subject matter. The druid finally begins to vocalize her thoughts, possibly bursting Penelope's optimistic bubble. "Many druids have a particular way with a number of wildlife species that we encounter. Sometimes we they naturally recognize us as friend, sometimes we can charm them. However, if a species is particularly aggressive, or sentient...like dragons, it is more than likely they are not to care." Kailani frowns. "Mentally prepping means that if is large enough to cause vibrations in the sand like that, regardless of what the creature is? It will be formidable. And if it is a dragon? It will likely be the fire-breathing sort." Which means Penelope may very well have to rise to the occasion. While Kailani's years have allowed her learn to manipulate all of the elements to varying extent, water is the strongest...making fire the the weakest. They would all travel on.
(1 of 3) Penelope’s optimism melted away in a beat when Kailani begins to speak. “I know.” Nel did, and this time, her voice was stern. “Listen, I know that thinking that a dragon would be friendly is insane, but this is really the only strength to hold onto. A dying boy needs me. Us, even because I wouldn’t be able to do it without you, nor Ruari.” A look is given towards the druid. One of know before a smile begins to form again. A whip lash of emotions. No one knew how to ride Penelope’s wave. Was she okay? Was she not? “We’ll make it. I’ve seen hell before. Today is not the day we die.” Not that the Ardelian actually knew that, but she was pretty keen on survival.
Rolling Dunes
(2 of 3) The three carried on. The heat grew intense as they wandered into the middle of the desert—not to mention those hills of sand they had to trek over. As time passed, however, the dunes had finally evened out. In the distance, would be a large, two-story structure made of orange rock with a single, giantly carved opening on the dusty, hand-crafted building. A tomb. Around the tomb had been the only life for miles. Orange buds sprouted off of dried green twigs. Fresh formed bushels of desert mallow entangled the front of the large old tomb.
(3 of 3) In an instant, Nel halts in her path before continuing any closer to the tomb ahead. Eyes shift to scan the area that appeared to be open with no signs of any other life except the plants that bloomed ahead. “I… swear I felt something. We were out some miles, perhaps it left?” The woman blinks at Kailani. The healer leans down to feel any vibrations again. The earth seemed still. If Kailani would check, she would feel the earth still, as well. “Up ahead,” the freckled Ardelian says while pointing a finger towards the bushels of orange around the edges of the tomb. “That’s it. That’s what we need,” it was almost a breath of relief. They made it. “Let’s approach cautiously? Take what we need and get the hell out of here? Perhaps you take lead?” She gestures towards Kailani, for Nel knew that the blue-haired druid was more equipped. If Kailani takes suit, the Ardelian would cautiously equip the white bow from her torso with an arrow before inching forward towards the plants they needed. Ruari would follow behind with his daggers. Hesitance never hurt nobody.
(1/2) No offense was taken when Penelope takes on a stern tone to her voice, the druid translated this in a positive manner. It meant that Penelope was taking things seriously, not that Kailani felt like she was not...! But, it is always nice to have those assurances. When that smile finally forms on Penelope's lips, it is met in kind, and the blue-haired druids bobs her head in a nod of agreement. Today was not the day they would be dying. The trio continue their travels until they finally approached a structure in the desert. Kailani is also looking around for the source of the vibrations that Penelope was feeling earlier. If it was a dragon, and it was gone, would they have possibly not seen it in the sky? Maybe? Even from a distance? This leads Kailani's attention to the giant entrance.
(2/2) Kailani has of course brought her preferred weapon on this trip, but she makes no attempt to arm herself with the ranseur. Instead the druid begins her approach of the plants that seem to be growing around the edges of the tomb. Kai is quite mindful to not waltz right up to the entrance, instead taking a more roundabout route so that if something does burst forth from the opening...? It would not be coming straight at them. Admittedly Kailani is not entirely curious to find out if there is in fact something still lingering in the area. The want is to move quick, get in, get what they need, get out. So once the desert mallow is within reach? Kailani proceeds to try and dig up one of the plants, attempting to capture as much of the rooting as possible. If she is successful, the roots will be wrapped in a piece of burlap along with some of the earth it was growing in.
(1 of 3) The apprentice and the Ardelian follow suit with weapons ready. Ruari stealthily creeps within the entrance of the tomb to scope out the building for suspicious activity. The vault has nothing but the buried dead as any tomb would and the apprentice turns to give the women a firm nod that the vault was clear. Penelope nods along and fingers dig within the earth to pluck the roots of the orange buds as well. She would pass the herbs off to Kailani who was wrapping the herbs again. “Go, go, go,” there is a rhythmic pattern of Penelope’s voice that is soft. Go. Get out. Just in case.
(2 of 3) The tugs of roots through the earth begins to pulse underneath the ground. A faint pulse, but a vibration at least. A very, very faint one, however, one close enough to cause a larger eruption. The stone between the walls of the tombs begin to crack. Four burials, to be exact. The sounds of snapping echoes through the large tomb and decayed bodies step onto the main grounds. Bodies that look rather angry. Undead who were not happy campers due to root-pulling. Did Penelope mention that the herbs were precious to the certain undead culture? Well, maybe not. All this time she was talking dragons, but the true problem would now be these undead terramancers. "Did I mention that these were very sparse, important herbs to some desert cultures?" Well, pfft. Now, she says it.
(3 of 3) The four undead stand around the tomb before one of the undead palms lift to move the earth around Ruari’s ankles like ankle-cuffs made of rock to keep him in place. Always Ruari. Such awful luck that man, though he had blades equipped in order to throw one and stick straight into one of the undead’s necks. Well, that was easy. One down, three to go.
In Penelope’s defense, when the younger druid mentioned the word tomb? Kailani should have expected undead could be a potential trouble as well. And to some extent, this detail did register? But her mind became pretty quickly consumed with how ill-prepared this trio would be to encounter a dragon. So these foes make themselves known? Penelope gets no ire from Kailani at all. Instead the druid is taking to action. (1/3)
In a different climate, Kailani would not have to take this extra step but since they are in an area that is so devoid of moisture, the woman pulls out her water skin and dumps just a few drops onto the blade of her ranseur. From just those few drops, Kailani is able to create enough water so that the blade of her weapon is completely coated in a thin layer of moisture. A few words are murmured beneath her breath, possibly to Selene? Whatever she said and whomever she spoke to, her blade seems to glow a light shade of blue. “Fire would be quite useful right now,” Kailani points out. It is at this point she joins Ruari in the fray, working to free him from the remaining three undead so that he can find his footing again. (2/3)
At this point in time, the blue-haired druid is not putting the elements to much use herself. Ever since the druid’s eternal tree was attacked, the woman was having a harder time connecting with some of the elements, fire especially. Water came most naturally, obviously, but she was limited by the desert climate. So! Kai was going to rely on her pole-arm to assist Rauri. He took one out, Kailani was seeking to take a second out, whichever is closest to Rauri, by skewering it. (3/3)
(1/2) Well, it was cool that there was no ire because Penelope is also now taking action as well. ‘Fire would be quite useful right now’. That was one thing Penelope could do. It had been challenging to connect to the elements even more-so because the eternal tree, but the woman was close enough to fire and earth than the others. Bless her uncle for his genes and not her father. Then again, earth was… still hard to connect to. Was it all the same? It did not matter for this narrator chitter-chatter. Move Nel, move! So she does, and just like Kailani’s blade is layered with moisture, Penelope’s arrow is layered with flame. Thanks Magik for the advice, but also not-so-much because she was still lacking control. The pull and release on the arrow was fast. Krice and Linken kept on her about “steady-aim” that she really did not need to focus so much anymore. As the arrow flies, the flames on the arrow expand as if to eat up the arrow. The flames, however, are able to engulf the target’s torso. The next undead terramancer is now knocked to the ground while flames envelope it’s body until it is motionless.
(2/2) In the meantime, Ruari is wiggling himself loose out of the cuffed earth. And in the midst, one of the two undead are making a makeshift weapon out of rock. Almost like a sledgehammer to charge at Kailani and the apprentice who is now free. The undead with the sledgehammer approaches and attempts to take a swing at Ruari first who is already stumbling backwards from the earth. Next swing will obviously be targeted at Kailani. All the while, the other undead that is left is using the vines of the plants to wrap around Penelope’s ankles to pull her from under her feet. It works. The girl falls with a thud but automatically tries to ignite some of the plants in order to untangle herself all the while shooting another arrow at the next opponent who is after her. Lovely. All the trio wanted was some plants, okay? Is that too much to ask? Obviously.
Kailani may have been severely struggling, probably more so than Penelope, to bring the element of fire out onto the playing field. But now that Penelope has managed to manifest some flames? The blue-haired druid seems capable of manipulating it, but only to an extent. It will be enough though...hopefully. Flames from one of the dispatched undead terramancer leap to life and soon consume the undead wielding the sledgehammer. This happens right as it is charging toward Ruari. If it so happens that Rauri is not able to make short work of the terramancer? Kailani will be more than happy to put the flaming foe to what is hopefully it's final resting place. The range of Kailani's polearm is put to good use in her defense, sledgehammers are bulky and slow and Kailani is easily able to dodge out of the way. And in the process of smoothly sliding out of danger? Her weapon cuts back behind her so that it will ideally just behind the undead. Momentum will probably keep the undead moving for just a bit longer, but it will ideally be falling to the sands soon...to burn. Was there any undead left to deal with? Maybe one more? Or maybe Kailani was just a bit overzealous over some twitching? Whatever the case, Kailani would not be stationary. Her ranseur was not meant to be thrown like a javelin, but that did not seem to stop the druid from trying to make sure the last of the terramancers were turned into shish kabobs. When it seems like maaaaybe they are in there clear, Kailani sternly declares, "I suspect that if we stay too long, there will be more. If we have not gotten what we need, we should hurry and leave."
The manipulated flames that corrupt the undead with the sledgehammer make their way to the undead’s legs. The flames spread like wild…fire. The weapon is slow, and Kailani’s sweep catches the undead off-guard. So much, well, it falls into the sand next to Ruari. Better move, Ruari, mkay? The undead lets out some sort of monstrous, zombie screech with the flames, but eventually, the terramancer burns and shrills stop. Pity. As for the last terramancer? Oh yeah, that fire that spread from the vines crept their way to the feet of the terramancer, but this terramancer was quick-witted unlike the other ones. A brush of dust swiftly grazes over its’ feet to put out the orange whipping flames. In this moment, Penelope is just moving back to get out of the way of any other attack from the mummy figure. Though the fumbling comes to a halt as the ranseur flies through the air and sticks into the gut of the undead. Enough time for Nel to cast flames again to hopefully burn this terramancer too. Well, she hopes. Either way, none of them wanted to find out. The Ardelian scrambles to her feet through the soft sand, and Ruari stealthily moves to pull one of his blades from the first earth manipulator who went down. The druid looks to the blue-haired one, “Agreed. I think what we collected is a good enough amount for me. Let’s get the hell out of here. Take the route back where we came.” Without another word, the girl reaches down for the dropped herbs that happened within battle and moves without another glance back. Ruari follows suit. All who is left is Kailani. And if Kailani makes her move? There would be nothing but the snipped buds, save some, and burning decay. This is a Healer's Guild RP.