Hero, Don't Kill The Demon King! Chapter 1: Lives Not Yet Thrown Away

[Xinnidy]

"Hmph..." Well, Agni would prefer no further damage to his face, so he quickly complied. It stung a bit, but was far less hurtful than any scaly fistfuls. "I just hold myself to the standards I was raised. Nothing less." It seemed his behavior made the fox curious... or perhaps she was just like that with everybody. It was still hard to trust these demons. "Here I was going to give myself a pat in the back for making out of this fight unscathed..." He closed his eyes, letting Asami finish her administering.

He could hear Marina crying... whatever it was for, Agni was already upset.

[Michelaar]

Tears were all that came out of Marina. To be frank, she looked like she was slowly losing it to Gabriela. Understandable, since she was still so young, and already forced to fend for herself, and blamed by every side for what has happened. Truth to be told, Gabriela started to feel a little bit for the hero. She wanted to comfort her, but with all these other demons watching, she would feel a little watched and uncomfortable. So Gabriela decided to wait for a bit, and when things have calmed down a bit, she would speak with Marina about everything, in hope that she would feel just a little better. Provided that vampire lady didn't tell someone to keep watch on Gabriela at all times of course, which she wouldn't even put past Lavinia at this point. She would probably have been arrested if it wasn't for Asami, who seems a little shady herself.

She kept herself to herself, and just listened to what's been going on. This battle was the first time she killed a human being... It didn't actually feel too bad. It was a scary thing to get used to, mindless killing. Hopefully this would be over soon, but it's probably not that easy.

[Nanami Touko]

"Those are some very smug standards, Agni. Lower yourself a bit for us peasants, won't you~?" Asami poked fun at his ego a moment, turning towards the group. "You didn't get hurt by the enemies, at least~ Let us be off, Agni! Your hero awaits, covered in tears!"

---

A wound she couldn't shrug off... "When that day comes, we may all be too far gone, Nessraya. Pray I remain reckless." As for Xalrei... The dragon(ewt) had brought herself over, and while she looked moderately battered, most of her injury appeared magical. "You should be able to handle her, Nessraya. Looks like the worst of it is a burn from light magic. If you believe you require my help still, then inform me, but..." Marina had stood, so Lavinia picked herself up, heading towards the wagon. "If we are to make it to Aensbrook to find horses and proper rest, we should start moving right away. At least, as you said, to get away from the bodies. I will do as much of the heavy lifting as I can."

Turning back to their new friend a moment, Lavinia gave him a look over, before acquiescing to his request. "My name is Lavinia. Head Knight to the King, Thesephine. I'm sure you've heard a few others, and the rest should be willing to share themselves." To the wagon she went, ready to hoist their supplies.

Speaking of 'the rest'... A tail snuck its way around Bladen's leg, as one mischievous chin came to rest on his shoulder. "Who's a 'pet', Crow~? My name is Asami. You may, or may not have heard of me..."

[scorri]

Lavinia, huh? A good name, he supposed. The position was more impressive. It seemed like this whole thing was truly supported by the King then, not just some rogue group that had joined with the hero. The hero who had still not given her name...

He was turning to her to ask again when a warm presence and a furry tail appeared around him. A slight flinch and he spun around to face the fox. A roll of his eyes was the only response to the crow insult but her name drew a verbal response. "Asami? Ha, sure. The spirit thief, ghost spy, she's totally not a myth. I'm sure some people believe you're the mythical Asami but I don't believe in children's stories."

[GoldsbroTSG]

The conditions seemed fair for Bladen, considering him being scared out of a tree got him into this mess in the first place. She nodded, "I'll see what I can do about that,"

Funnily enough, he posed a good point. How did she feel about the 'Hero' term now? She wasn't sure what to think in regards to it, anymore. To her, it was just another word until she really proved herself deserving of it again. In response to Bladen, "My name is Marina. Marina Fairchild." She shrugged, "I suppose whatever you're most comfortable with, you can call me whatever you want."

Unfortunately, talking to Asami about sneaking up on Bladen would have to be held off for another time. Almost like clockwork, she was already sneaking up and giving him hell again. Behind everything Marina was feeling, a small snicker managed to escape. She couldn't help but find a little bit of joy in the kitsune's antics, even if at the cost of their new companion. "I hope you're fine with her just a little longer, Bladen." She turned to Lavinia, "We do need to get moving. What do you need me to carry? Whatever you need me to grab, I can grab it."

[Xinnidy]

"Smug standards? I simply want to be the best version of myself." Agni continued to shrug off Asami's words, admittedly relieved that his nose had stopped running. "But yes, let us be off..."

---

And boy, was Marina a mess once he got there. There was hardly time for her tears to dry, and her apologetic look towards... a monster Agni was not familiar with was puzzling. "Marina... you can't keep going like this, feeling sorry for yourself." It was too many times, so soon. She was a girl before a Hero, evidently, and now that she had seen a second opinion... But still, to throw away everything Coeton gave you so readily...

"You are a leader... or at least meant to fulfill that role, since this mission was given to you by the Demon King herself. You already have been proving how sorry you are by taking the task and seeing it through, you should raise your head higher. You are risking your life among the demons." She was in need of a lot more comfort than he thought... this wasn't Agni's specialty, but he had to see her improve somewhat. "A leader who feels hopeless will make their followers feel hopeless. You don't deserve that fate."

[Ether]

"Hmm? No no, I meant administer initial care to anyone else that might be in need, while I look after her. But things appear to be mostly under control." Nessraya replied, sighing at Lavinia's response... it was so... Lavinia of her. 

"You'll make Marina cry again, if you take a dire wound." The succubus added, before stepping over to Xalrei and baring her staff.

"Alright, do tell me if anything still hurts after this. I'm going to start with general recovery, but you took quite the knock." She noted, working her magic.

[Ursali]

Marina seemed to have found the strength she needed to stand back up, at least for now. That was good. Hopefully, she would be able to hold onto it moving forward; it wouldn't do to have their leader crying on the ground after every fight for... whatever the reason had been this time.

"I'd rather she not cry over more demons than she already has." Xalrei replied, sweeping the warning under the proverbial rug. "Eh, I've had worse... Probably. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and all that."

[Nanami Touko]

"Marina wouldn't cry over me." Lavinia shrugged off the comment, turning to the hero just as Agni arrived. "She understands that, Agni. Trust her... She's strong. She knows she is. As for what you can carry, try to take down one of the tents, and see if you can manage to carry that. It's definitely going to rain, hopefully we have proper time to get away from the area before it starts to pour... Not that I wouldn't mind the water. Soak the blood off, despite the risk of rusk on our equipment..."

"Also, Bladen. She is Asami of the Dawn. Tease her more and you'll find yourself at her mercy... Good luck." Lavinia smirked and went about collecting what she could from the wagon.

"And you didn't believe me... I suppose we'll be seeing a lot more of each, Bladen~" Asami giggled, gently swiping her tail against his cheek as she passed him by, begrudgingly moving to aid in carrying supplies.

---

It was near midnight, now... The clouds hadn't broken, and a drizzle was starting. Luckily, the tents didn't take long to setup, and were covered in tarps, so no one would be sleeping in water, tonight. Save for Lavinia, who had taken this time to remove her armor, set it beside a tree, and splash herself with rudimentary water magic. Soaked to the bone, she sat herself against the old wood, and began using a, once again rudimentary, wind spell to dry herself off. Not a proper bath, but it would do for now. Spell going at her hair first, she retrieved a cloth from a small satchel on her belt, and began wiping the blood off of her armor. The burn marks... She'd have to see a specialist to remove those.

"Laviniaaaaaaaa," Asami called, poking her head out of one of the tents, "are you really going to stay out all night? The tents are warm-- Oh... Still!"

"I'll be fine. Someone has to keep watch, and I don't need to sleep. Take care of yourselves. The tree will provide me with enough cover from the elements, anyway."

"Fiiiiiine... Weirdo..." Asami ducked back in and flopped onto one of the bedrolls they'd brought, sighing into a little curl, and hugged her tail.

[GoldsbroTSG]

It ate a bit at Marina, knowing Agni's concerns. He knew her before anyone else, and this was much less anything she was/wanted to be before. But he was right, she couldn't keep pushing like she was. She represented way more than herself, and before she knew it, all these people following her on her journey could abandon her at any moment... for any reason. She hoped that soon, she'd be able to put this feeling of dread behind her. For now, she decided to keep her head up as best as she could.

Looking to Agni, "Thank you, Agni. I'm sorry, I'm just... there's a lot to take in, and I'm trying, one thing at a time." She gave a reassuring smile, "If you can, please... tolerate this mess of a girl for just a little longer." Unfortunately, her was of speaking about herself didn't at all show how much she was trying. Giving a nod to Lavinia, she went to go collect what she could...

---

As soon as tents were ready, and people went off to sleep, Marina very much followed, expecting to just log out until morning. It was unfortunately not the case. How long did she actually just sleep for? It wasn't even an hour, was it? Several things probably factored in, from the stresses, the unknown environment, even this wasn't even the first time she couldn't sleep out here. As well, she left all her armor on, which probably just added to the discomfort of the whole thing.

She at least had a bit of extra energy to do something, might as well make use of it. She sat up, hoping she wouldn't wake up Agni if he was already asleep in the tent with her. She rummaged in a pack of things that she was given before leaving for Vaia... pulling out what seemed like a pocket lantern. Stealthily as she could, she crawled out of the tent, finding a rock on the ground, This should work. Quickly getting under the big tree, she found herself a big enough root to set herself down on. It was wet, but... she was still too tired to stand. rummaging out a small steel bar, she used it with the rock to ignite the lantern, sealing it, and setting it to her side.

Marina let out a small yawn, but she had work to do. She unhooked every bit of armoring she could... now making a sigh of relief for how much lighter she felt. Then removing her gloves and setting them on top of everything. Her hands felt pruney and warm, likely just sweat buildup in her hands. Once again reaching into her pack, she pulled out a rag, and her waterskin, giving it a small shake to judge how much water was in it.

"Not a lot," She spoke quietly as she took a quick drink out of it, then placing her rag on the top, turning the waterskin over to wet the rag, and work on cleaning what she could, starting with the ash, dirt and blood that still made their place on her hands and face...

[Michelaar]

Remember this, little one. When the moon is out, think back to everything you did on that day. What went well? What has room for improvement? We sirens have a strong affinity to the night. Reflecting on yourself when the moon is out gives you the confidence to believe in yourself, and when you feel helpless, it will guide you on your way to tomorrow. 

This is what the village elder, a male siren named Rasmus told Gabriela when she was still a young girl. These words have echoed in her mind for as long as she can remember. This is why, every night, she would look at the moon and reflect on her day. As the sirens of siren village were usually a solitary, nocturnal tribe, the moon symbolized them. The sirens never worked for the castle of Vaia, but lived more like hermits in their village, with sirens leaving the village being almost unheard of. This is why mixed-race marriages were also not a thing. And if a siren did leave the village, they usually never returned. Of course, now, there isn't even a village to return to, and it's all Gabriela's fault. 

Gabriela's eyes began getting heavy. It was time to hit the hay for the day, as no doubt every day would ask much of Gabriela and her sturdy wings. She wouldn't want to be so tired that she couldn't function the next day, or the king's 'servants' would fire her in a flash. As she walked to her tent, she heard some strange noises. She couldn't quite put a finger on it, but Gabriela decided to investigate anyway. What if she being spied on? This was the last time Gabriela would accept that. Confronting the threat was the only option. She flew over as quietly as she could, and took a peek from atop the big tree. At most, if the person heard her, they would think she was an animal or something. When she looked down, she saw, to her surprise, Marina. It was difficult to see from atop the tree, but it looked like she was... cleaning? Instead of having the confrontation she thought she would have, she simply looked down and watched what Marina would do, as she was quite curious. She just hoped she wouldn't be found out, or she would probably never be trusted.

[Nanami Touko]

Marina? Had she not noticed her? Probably plenty on her mind... A little shake of her waterskin, followed by not a lot? Lavinia smirked. "If you wanted more water, you simply had to ask, Marina. You should also wash yourself off before your armor. You've still got some blood on your face..." And her clothes, and her boots, but, with how all of that looked, she'd be needed a lot more than just a wash and a clean. New clothes, definitely, and a long soak in an actual bath.

"If you wish, I could give you a good soak, but you'd be on your own trying to dry yourself off. Our supplies should have a few towels or cloths you could use..." She was already drying herself, and it would take quite a bit of time for her to finish doing that. Sparing another for Marina would cost her stamina. "Lastly... Good work today, Marina. On several fronts, really, but good work at keeping yourself together. This is a lot, let alone for someone your age. Take pride in surviving, and focus on what you wish to do next."

[Ursali]

After the tents had been taken care of, despite her already long and exhausting day, Xalrei had quickly busied herself with whatever she could think of to keep her mind off of sleep; she knew full well what was waiting for her in the realm of dreams. Hell, it had been creeping up on her while she was still awake, visions of the Templars haunting her whenever she closed her eyes. At first, her attempts to occupy herself taken the form of maintaining her equipment; however, with her energy waning as it was, there was no end to her mistakes. From nearly spearing herself to dropping what she was working on, she had done it all save severely injure herself.

Wisely choosing to stop before something serious happened, her desperate avoidance of sleep now saw her sitting at the opening of her tent, staring out into the darkness. Although she could see well enough in the dark, in the interest of staying awake, her lantern was still lit. Half of her attention was on the darkness outside her tent, still attempting to take the watch she had volunteered for earlier while staying dry. The other half was focused on the chill of the night, debating if heading out into the rain proper to wake herself up was worth the inevitable cold she would catch.

[Ether]

They had managed to make a decent amount of progress on foot... at the very least, the scent of death was no longer in the air, but after a long day of traveling and fighting, they would all enjoy the chance to actually make camp, this time. The tents were set up, and people seemed to be going about their own routines, which left Nessraya to her own devices. The day's exertions had left the demon feeling rather... drained. And while she could continue along as such, it was far from optimal to do so. In a pinch, Asami would more than likely indulge her, but the succubus was curious whether she might be able to turn any of the new blood on to the idea... perhaps not this early, but it couldn't hurt to try. But where to start... Marina and Lavinia were getting on rather well on their own, practically washing one another if a glance was to tell any truth, and the siren was watching them. Although one tent aglow with a lantern's light caught Nessraya's eye, the succubus floating over and landing gingerly just next to it's occupant, Xalrei. And she was looking quite worse for wear, my oh my. Flopping lazily against the dragonewt, Nessraya rested her chin on the taller woman's shoulder.

"You look positively exhausted, Xalrei. Whatever has you awake, instead of resting your body, hmm?"

[GoldsbroTSG]

A small jump and her eyes widening for a second were all she could really pull off from being scared by Lavinia. Was she really that exhausted. She gave a light smile in reaction, "Yeah, I should've asked, huh? I just... forgot about it after everything." Marina gave a light laugh, trying what she could to keep herself in high spirits. After Lavinia's comment about her face, she wiped her face again, hoping it got out after that. "I'll... I'll be fine. Till we find a town, or something, don't worry about me, Miss Lavinia. I can go another day or so."

How did she really feel about Lavinia's comment about her performance? Marina didn't believe she did as well as the vampire was saying, but at least someone thought so. "Thank you," she replied, a small pause, "I'm sorry. About earlier. I tried to follow your advice, but..." She yawned, then a stressed sigh, holding her head in her hands, "I'm such a mess."

Take pride in surviving, and she did manage that part. "You're right, though... I did make it out alive, that amounts to a bit. It still..." She looked at her hands, thinking about everything in the past month, "I hope I never get used to this... killing people, I mean."

[scorri]

There had been others in the group that Bladen hadn't met, and as he sat in the entrance to his tent, he considered his options. He did want to meet the dragon, seeing as her harsh words for Marina indicated that she might have similar views towards humans as he did. But even as he debated with going and talking to her tonight, the succubus was entering her tent. Not tonight then. Others seemed either busy or sleeping, as was the case with the kitsune who apparently was in fact Asami of the Dawn. A revelation that he still didn't entirely know how to feel about. Worried, that went without question, but also intrigued.

A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth, one of the first since the battle between the hero... no, Marina's forces and the demons. It seemed like his off the cuff comment in battle about Asami being a pet had set her off somewhat. And Lavinia had warned him against pushing her too much, but that just made it more interesting. Well, he would let her have the next move for now and see where things went. In all likelihood, she would quickly get bored with the young fallen, but until then he could maybe have some fun teasing her back.

Still, for now, it was time to rest. Somehow, despite his intentions, he'd ended up allying himself with the person responsible for the deaths of those he cared about. But on the other hand, he couldn't shake the sympathy he felt for her, caught in the strings of politics she had no reason to know. And stuck here in a world she didn't belong in. She intrigued him more now than before, enough to keep him around for now. He needed to know more about her and those who had pulled her strings until they were severed. But those were thoughts that could be left for another day. For now, he settled down, staring off at the wall of his tent. "Father... I'll find who is truly responsible for your death. I promise..." A quiet whisper, an iron clad vow was his prayer that night. A promise to whoever cared to be listening, all he had left to give to the deceased.

[Ursali]

Xalrei jumped. Between her split attention and general tiredness she hadn't noticed Nessraya until the succubus' had laid against her. "Gah! Don't sneak up on people like that..." She was too tired to give anything more than an annoyed grumble, though. Why is she prying? I don't know her and she sure as Hel doesn't know me. Xalrei wasn't in the mood to talk, at least not to anyone present. The people she did want to talk to were all...

"I'm taking the watch I said I would." Her response was cold, without a doubt trying to push Nessraya away. "Did you want something, or...?"

[Ether]

"You're exhausted, it's raining, and you were badly wounded... our bodies don't take well to that magic, you think I don't know about all that? Pushing yourself won't do any good." Came the rebuttal, Nessraya leaning further into Xalrei as the dragonewt didn't make any real effort to push her away in a non-verbal fashion.

"You simply looked miserable, and seemed to be fighting against your own needs. Pardon me for wishing to check up on you... you looked as though you might use some company."

[Xinnidy]

"Just don't get crushed under the weight of your own guilt, Marina..." Honestly, she seemed ready to break now. Agni wished he could see strength in her still like Lavinia supposedly did...

---

Sleep did not come easy, as expected. Agni had just killed other humans a few hours prior, for a cause that he wasn't backing up in full spirit. He sighed, shifting where he'd tried to sleep. It was almost poetic, a guilt opposite to the one Marina felt, but Agni had no time to ponder that. Tomorrow he'd be working for the Demon King again, a fate once thought worse than death. His wish was to fight demons next time, the only thing he could reasonably hope for while they were still in Vaia.

...He still couldn't catch a moment of sleep. What was he doing laid down, then?

Impatiently, Agni pushed himself up, catching his breath for a few moments before leaving the tent altogether... he breathed in the fresh air while traveling, but some more didn't hurt. The drizzle was inviting, however-- rain always seemed to soothe his mood some--, but, with the intent of not catching a cold, Agni draped a towel over his head, before his midnight walk started. There were also voices not too far away, Lavinia, and Marina as well. He could hear her voice...

"I'm such a mess."

Marina was pitying herself again. Agni sighed, slowly walking towards the two, trying to keep some silence in his steps --it would already be rude enough to intrude--. "You should believe in your inner strength, Marina." Agni offered what felt like annoyingly repeated advice in his mind, "You were summoned here, after all, which I believe is not something trivial. It's not hard to believe you trusted the word of other humans, when they brought you here, coddled you, and named you a hero. That you decided to side with the monsters when their King basically treated you as a pawn to make amends, is an incredible statement of altruism." It wasn't wrong, Marina was empathic. Frustratingly so, from what Agni experienced. It was all about turning that care into strength. "A more superficial human would not go to these lengths. You just need experience, but that will come of its own."

[Ursali]

"I'll be fine." A lie said so easily she might even convince herself given enough time. "If this was all it took to do me in I wouldn't be much of a soldier, would I? I'll go to- Oi, give me some space." Despite her protests, she made no effort to remove the succubus, secretly grateful for her presence and the distraction it gave her. Would she admit that? Not on her life.

Why did Nessraya have such a good read on her? Was it that obvious? She thought she'd been putting up a decent strong front. Maybe it had something to do with her being a succubus, she hadn't really interacted members of the race much. "Meh. You can stay if you want. I don't really caraaaahhhhh." The yawn caught her off-guard, flustering her.

[Nanami Touko]

"Father, huh..." came the whisper of a voice from outside Bladen's tent. Asami gently poked her head into his tent, smiling softly. "Anything you wanna talk about, crow~? I don't mind lending an ear, if you don't want to be alone." She didn't barge into his tent yet, knowing how quickly she'd be shooed away if she tried the forceful route.

---

They were having a talk, it seemed... Lavinia picked up her armor and moved a bit close, sitting next to Marina. By the time she'd moved, Agni had joined them, and provided Marina with sound advice. He seemed to be full of good opinions, when it came to her. The rest... Well... "Once again, Agni is right. You are quite altruistic, for a hero summoned to Xensat. The last one was... Nothing like you. Stubborn, overly zealous, almost insane. I'm... I'm very glad we haven't gotten a repeat of those times. We lost... Far too much. Now it's happening all over again..." Lavinia looked away a moment, before sighing, and shaking her head.

"Never mind that. The point is that you're plenty strong, no matter how tough this is. You'll make it through this, Marina. You've the lot of us and Agni by your side. What better could you ask for?" A soft smile followed. "As for killing... No, you'll never get used to it. Even I'm not, and I've lived a lot longer than the two of you. The only people that get used to this sort of things are those who were never truly normal to begin with. All life is sacred... Ending it, like this... I hate it. But, I have my duties. If I have to kill someone to keep you safe, then I'll see things through. Never forget that you're doing this with a purpose in mind. Now, at least..." Before, it had been a mindless slaughter at the orders of those she had believed on her side. Now they had reason to cut through the things that got in their way. I really do wonder how you'll see things, when this is all over, Marina. You are... So very curious, as a human.

[GoldsbroTSG]

She listened intently to what the two were saying to her. She felt that inner strength, and she did what she could to use it. Was it fear of abusing it? She wouldn't know until the time came, but she nodded, "My mom use to always say I was too nice for my own good." Marina got a bit of a light smile. She knew she was supported, and it helped her push out of that rut. She felt it'd still take time, but she wasn't alone like she thought she was.

All life is sacred, and Marina knew that. Of course, a little too late after what she caused, but she was glad she was able to share that thought. Nodding, she gave her own thought on the matter, "Yeah, I think... nono, I'm sure as long as I have you all at my side, I'll be okay. I know I can do this." Her voice perked up a bit, and a small thumbs-up emerged from her hand, "Thank you both. Truly."

Something else that now came as a surprise to her was the sudden new information about the last hero. It made her feel better that she wasn't like what she's heard of him, but she supposed that'd also add to the challenge. If he was as scum as they say, no wonder Thesephine wanted nothing to do with her. It wasn't that part that had Marina intrigued, though... It was Lavinia's tone, and the way she quickly dismissed the whole thing. Should I ask...? Before she knew it, that impulse kicked in,

"Miss Lavinia... did the last hero take something important from you, too?"

[Nanami Touko]

It would have seemed as though Lavinia froze, after a quick glance at Marina. Lost in thoughts of a time long gone, trying to recount memories, or attempting to bury things that had been ruthlessly dug back up. A hand moved, clutching her arm, and a sigh found itself escaping her. "Something important..." The memories weren't about to leave now. They were too fresh, and not about some thing. "Someone," she whispered. Time began to move again, as she adjusted herself. The tree had suddenly become rather uncomfortable to lean against.

"Marina..." How to even... Say this? The girl's strength, that they'd been complimenting and praising so heavily, would be swept away immediately. She couldn't do that. Bury them, hide those thoughts and memories. Even if they were evident on her face, giving them voice and power would thwart their efforts on day one. "No, it's, it's nothing. That's not something I can tell you about, not yet." Lavinia tried to smile, but felt the corners of her mouth fighting it, a struggle to get it to reach its peak. She managed, but the feeling was sickening. A night focused on watch would leave her nowhere to distract those feelings, either. She would have to focus on something else, perhaps divert the conversation... Her mother, was it?

"What about you?" A swift change, the question tossed back in the hero's direction. "Did you leave anyone important back in your world? We don't know a lot of how you all come to be here, but we do know you aren't of this... Dimension, I suppose." Lavinia had been curious about the other world for a long time, for different reasons previously, and now? She simply needed an excuse to focus on something else. "What was your world like?"

Edited July 11, 2019 by SnakeMomMelissa

[Michelaar]

Just as Gabriela started to enjoy watching what Marina was doing with all that water, the black and white menace came in to take a peek. Or maybe this was just what she needed to get some more information about that she-devil. Unfortunately, it seemed that the conversation was more about Marina's woes. How often has that girl heard stuff that was either "It's not your fault" or "You are a terrible person!" while she was with us? They should just leave her be. But of course, unsurprisingly, as his little princess was in trouble, Agni came to her rescue. Gabriela kind of liked him. He was quite a gallant young man. But unfortunately, Lavinia kept her mouth shut about herself, and Gabriela lost interest. She looked around and saw that some tents could most likely see her in the tree. It was time to call it a night. As she prepared for her return to her tent, her left wing became stuck in a branch. She got it out, but a few of her feathers came out and were heading down the tree. Now she was really in hot water. She flew quietly over to the camp and walked past Xalrei's tent in the progress. "You should be more careful on the battlefield!" she said before returning to her tent for a night's rest.

[Ether]

"Soldiers breathe, eat, live and die, just like anyone else. Donning a helmet doesn't change the person underneath, Xalrei. And you weren't done in, but if you don't take care of yourself and recover, next time you will be." Nessraya replied, snuggling in closer as Xalrei gave up her protests, a light giggle escaping her lips as the dragonewt was unable to hold down a yawn, erupting into a full chuckle as the siren passed by with a single quip before moving on.

"Positively exhausted... mmm... you know, Xalrei... I am more than capable of... refreshing you, if that is what you desire. I do think some energy and a good night's rest are just what the doctor ordered, no?" Nessraya teased, gingerly resting her finger on Xalrei's collarbone, slowly dragging the tip up her neck, and under her chin, ever so gently moving her face towards the succubus own, a gentle spark of magic on her fingertip leaving the dragonewt's skin tingling in it's wake. Coming face to face with eyes aglow, Xalrei would find the muscles in her face beginning to relax of their own accord, as a slow stream of magic began to unwind the tension in her body.

"Of course, in this group, I suppose I AM the doctor."