The Caravan Inn }Open{

[Abyssal Majesty]

Asherah had been pacing all day. There was something wrong that she couldn't quite put her finger on. Something diabolical in practice, but soft in nature. The sorceress had sent her helpers to the city for the day to rid them of the potential threat. Hours passed like days it seemed as she awaited on the front porch. Imagine her shock as she saw the oncoming monk.

"..Tenkai?" She murmured as she stood from the steps, hurrying over to him. "Mr. Matsumoto is that you?"

Stopping just before him, Asherah furrowed her eyebrows, her hands outstretched yet full of hesitation. He was so bandaged up she could barely see his face, but she knew something insidious had happened. Words were failing the healer as her eyes begged for him to speak. Ash sighed out to silence her worry.

[Pandumb]

"Oh, Miss Asherah," said the monk rather weakly. "I knew I'd find you here."

Tenkai stopped in his tracks as she came closer, her arms outstretched. Asherah was quite a friendly soul, but Tenkai was very cautious about his disease. He would not risk spreading it to anyone, even capable healers like herself. Somewhere deep inside of him he could tell how truly dire this malady was, and it was not something for him to take lightly in the least.

"Please, don't come too close," said the monk. "My illness is a bit more severe than it looks." That was saying much, considering how bad it already looked with him. "I don't want to risk spreading it to anyone. I was wondering if you had any more of those potions you gave me."

[Abyssal Majesty]

"My dear.. Please, come with me to my shop. I'll set up a seat for you there."

Skirting to his side, she gestured towards the inn while her other hand floated above his back, honoring his request to stay her distance. Once there, she did indeed set up a seat for him, laying some very comfortable cushions down from her own study to ensure he wasn't in any more pain than he had to be.

"Now, Mr. Matsumoto- may I call you Tenkai?- What is it exactly that ails you? I'm afraid.. That by the look of things that the potions that I gave you before won't be of much help.." Pulling up a seat for herself, she sat in front of her friend. "Would it be too much to ask to see..?"

[Pandumb]

Antique Queen

"My dear.. Please, come with me to my shop. I'll set up a seat for you there."

Skirting to his side, she gestured towards the inn while her other hand floated above his back, honoring his request to stay her distance. Once there, she did indeed set up a seat for him, laying some very comfortable cushions down from her own study to ensure he wasn't in any more pain than he had to be.

"Now, Mr. Matsumoto- may I call you Tenkai?- What is it exactly that ails you? I'm afraid.. That by the look of things that the potions that I gave you before won't be of much help.." Pulling up a seat for herself, she sat in front of her friend. "Would it be too much to ask to see..?"

Tenkai did not waste time heading into the Inn, thought he did so at his own sickly pace. It was obvious the disease had weakened his limbs, putting an unhealthy gait in his step. He was careful as he sat down on the cushions she laid out for him, but he figured his robes would be enough prevention to keep anything bad from happening.

"I don't know too much about it myself," said the monk. "I was infected during a fight with a horrible creature. A daemon. It struck me and infected me with something it called the 'gift of Nurgle'. My spirit energy seems to be keeping the disease from spreading to others too readily, but I can feel it draining me. It feels like the illness is more than just physical."

The monk looked reluctant to allow Asherah to see what had happened to his body. He was afraid that exposing it might put her and others in the area in danger. There was so much about the disease he didn't know, but his spirit had not yet crumpled under the weight of his illness. It would be enough to prevent her from being infected if all she intended to do was look.

Carefully Tenkai removed his robes, exposing his upper torso and the other garments he wore underneath. He still wore the same battle outfit under his robes as he usually did, but every inch of flesh that was usually exposed was now wrapped up in gauze. The gauze had become bloody over time, but it wasn't the typical red shade of blood that was usually expected. His blood now had a darker, brownish color, no doubt a result of the disease. He removed his steel gauntlet and the rest of his kimono top so that nothing remained on his upper body but the gauze wrapping.

Tenkai slowly began to undo the wrapping around his torso, revealing a truly horrific sight. His greenish-tinted flesh was beset with necrosis, rotting as if he was not truly alive at all. Lesions and buboes sprouted here and there like flowers in a field, oozing with pus. Worst of all was a jagged gash on the left side of his ribcage that had scabbed over badly. It almost looked like it was healing, as if to make a mockery of Tenkai's condition.

That was all he would show her. It was all she needed to see, and more than he was willing to risk. For all intents and purposes he looked like he should have been undead, but he was still very much alive. It was what made the disease that much worse, with the infection taking root in his spirit as well as his body.

[Abyssal Majesty]

Tenkai Matsumoto

Her eyes narrowed with a certain pain as he revealed the damage. It as nothing to shake a fist at, and on this rare occasion, Asherah did not know the outcome. In her mind her searched for perhaps some information on this Nurgle. She had read a vast some of tomes in her life time, and only a few she could remember of ever spoke of it. It was something she wasn't used to seeing, and for the ancient who had witnessed much, it was more that worrisome.

"This is no gift.."

Almost a whisper. Looking down, Asherah tucked away much of the flowing bulk of her garments, she didn't want it to get anywhere it shouldn't, next she reached behind her on the counter for a pair of gloves. She hated the things, but if it provided anymore defense it was something she'd have to get over. Soon, her eyes focused on his own.

"Tenkai, I know you are weary of being in contact with someone, but for me to learn just a little about it, I need you to trust me. As a healer, you must understand that I am here for you, no matter the circumstance, even if it means risking infection as well. And only with your permission will I proceed." Her lips thinned slightly. "Alright?"

[Yusa Misaku]

♫ Y U S A ♫

Maybe you were always beyond my reach and my heart was playing safe
But was that love in your eye I saw or the reflection of mine?

It had been sometime since the fire demon had ventured this way. And though the male couldn't touch the ocean due to his species he did like staring at the wash, from a safe distance of course. Coming upon the site the male stopped and looked around. It had hardly changed from how Yusa remembered it.

I'll never really know for sure, you never really gave me time
Give me time, won't you give me that time!

[Pandumb]

Antique Queen

Reluctance was certainly heavy in Tenkai's features, or at least what little Asherah could see of them. He had come to her to seek healing, or at least anything that could assuage the pain, but he didn't want to put anyone at risk. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he caused such suffering. Still, there was a part of him, a sort of growing desperation as he searched for answers about what was wrong with him. It didn't take any special senses to tell that he was at war with himself.

"I do trust you," said Tenkai. "You're a very charitable person, Miss Asherah. You only wish to help me, as many others have. But I also can't risk infecting good people like that. I...I don't know..."

There was a heavy risk involved with what he sought to do. He needed help, but he knew how that desire could harm others. Was he being selfish? Would it have been better for him to face his fate alone? No, that couldn't be it. There had to be some way.

"What do you intend to do?"

[Abyssal Majesty]

"Just a physical love, I don't think my normal abilities could even make a dent.." Holding up her hand, she pointed to it and wiggled her fingers. "It's another reason I put on gloves. I can't heal with gloves, so you needn't worry about any adverse reactions." Pausing a moment to let him get used to the idea, Ash smiled softly as to reassure him. "It'll be brief."

Scooting up her seat, the healer leaned forward before reaching out her hand towards his torso. There were no signs of hesitation now, she was sure of herself, and knew she needed to show him that. He would be able to feel her touch, but it was more than soft, it was the pressure one used to greet a child or a baby. They searched each of the noted areas, her eyes documenting the various signs of decay and infection. While it didn't look good, there were still small signs of hope.

"All right.. I believe that'll do. I think I know but.." She said calmly as she sat up and stripped her hands of the gloves. "What other symptoms ail you? Do you have any trinkets or amulets that are helping you thus far?"

As clinical as the woman sounded, she meant well.

"But most of all what would you like from me?"

[Pandumb]

Antique Queen

Tenkai nodded in resignation once Asherah explained her intentions. It couldn't hurt for her to do that, at least. He sat still as Asherah did her work, putting everything he could into keeping himself from shirking away. She was as careful as he could expect any healer to be, and that was something that put his mind at ease. He would have to get used to this sort of thing if he was to find some way to fight against the disease.

Once she was finished, Tenkai began to answer Asherah's inquiries.

"Terrible coughing, vomiting, dizziness..." he said, the very words seeming to bring on the symptoms themselves. "A friend of mine, a mage, gave me this charm to help alleviate the pain and keep things down." He held up the small silver medallion given to him by Raien. "I haven't been coughing as much because of it." The urge to cough struck him then, but he managed to fight it, stifling it into a set of smaller coughs as he turned his head away from Asherah.

"I was hoping if I could trouble you for some of those potions you gave me before," he continued. "I drank a few of them a while ago when the symptoms started, and they helped me a little. I don't have anymore, now. Some clean bandages would do nicely, too. Don't worry about putting them on, though. I'm still capable of that."

Tenkai wouldn't let anyone else change his bandages, anyway. There was too much risk involved. He'd have to make sure to burn the old ones once he had changed them, as well.

[Abyssal Majesty]

Asherah have a few solid nods as he listed off the other symptoms, she also lightly fiddled with the charm as it was raised. It was good to know he had found another person who knew what they were doing, the pendant would help him certainly in the future, and Ash could help more.

"I'll be giving you something a little more potent as well as the other potions before. It will take me a little while to make them though. The ingredients are rare and somewhat difficult to handle, but I believe that the outcome will prove to be worth it." Standing, Asherah rounded the corner of the counter before entering a small closet covered by a simple silken drape. "As for the bandages-" she emerged with a large bundle in her arms "--how much are you willing to carry?"

She grinned. Even with a patient as sick as he, she knew a little humor could go a long way.

[Pandumb]

Antique Queen

"I'll be giving you something a little more potent as well as the other potions before. It will take me a little while to make them though. The ingredients are rare and somewhat difficult to handle, but I believe that the outcome will prove to be worth it." Standing, Asherah rounded the corner of the counter before entering a small closet covered by a simple silken drape. "As for the bandages-" she emerged with a large bundle in her arms "--how much are you willing to carry?"

She grinned. Even with a patient as sick as he, she knew a little humor could go a long way.

"As much as my satchel can hold," he said with a weak laugh. "I appreciate your assistance. I will rest here until you can restock my supply. Then I'll be on my way. Don't worry about providing me with a room. The cool air coming in from the shore is relaxing."

Tenkai wasn't lying when he said that. The scent of the rolling tide did give him a sense of peace. He was comfortable enough camping out beachside while Asherah did what she needed to do. If he were to rent a room at the inn, she'd need to burn his sheets and pillows afterwards. Regardless of her hospitality, Tenkai wished to reduce the risks as much as possible, especially when there were other visitors inside of the Inn. Spreading a disease to her patrons would be bad for business.

[Avatar of Virtue]

It was the middle of September, but the island remained warm. And while tourism was starting to quiet, and the shop keepers began to grumble, there was one man blissfully happy from it.

He was a youngish man, standing just shy of six feet with a soft, iron blue hair and golden eyes behind a thick set of frames. Over the years, he had relaxed his constant need for his wizardly robes, but his taste for finery and hidden pockets never waned, a leather vest with potion and reagent sleeves over every nook and cranny. And in his hands, not the rod he was known for traveling with, but a pram with two children inside.

Life had changed for Ziggurat Abbey in the last year. He had become a Master in the arcane arts, a craftsman of fine magical artifacts. An age old rival had been bested in their arts, and then brought to his knees in a dual to the death. A specter from his past had been put out of the world, and the oddities of his own life was finally brought to an end. But little of it mattered, when compared to the woman he'd come to know.

A beautiful woman who set his heart to shudder, who's spirit inspired his work, who's brilliance challenged him on a daily basis. The love he felt for this woman had brought him from the shambling mess of a child he was into the fullness of being a man in his own right. What's more, this woman had given him two children. He was proud of this family, and he remarked upon their beauty daily.

As he wandered the shelves of his local book store, his fingers traced the arcane tomes, researching the works of many of his own contemporary. At this moment, a crack spread through about the quiet of the book store. The larger of the two infants squirmed in his seat as he angrily tried to work free a sharp bubble in his lungs. A serene look crossed his father's face as he lifted the child upward, placing him and his swaddling against his chest and rocked gently, singing a tune in their native Toikan.

[Abyssal Majesty]

All the while the woman watched her lover toil over his son. Her wild, yellow eyes looked upon them as if her life was a dream. It was.. Perfect. A man to protect the family, two more beautiful children to call her own. What more was there? With a gentle smile, Asherah looked down upon her tome, glazing over the vast amount of information. Her finger slid about in a quick manner.

"Ziggy~" Ash sang out flippantly, though with sincerity. "Baby, I want to start collecting things. Dangerous things."

Looking up, she rose from her place to cross over to him, giving him a few pecks on his cheek before lovingly nuzzling her face into Oriel's belly while making happy noises. The baby burbled happily at his mother, snotting himself as he stared at her wide eyed. From her usual island garb, she pulled out a towelette and wiped at his nose with great care. Rell was sound asleep in her makeshift carriage of luxurious materials and a wicker basket. Asherah expected the infant to slumber after her grand ordeal that, no doubt, would shape her life to come. In a smooth movement, the mage looked up and planted a loving kiss upon Zigg's lips, briefly sliding her tongue in for a surprise. The kiss was short as she pulled away and toiled within her book once more.

"I don't know, maybe we can find items that aren't so good and hide them away. Or open a shop somewhere other than the Inn? I think it would make for an adventure!"

[Avatar of Virtue]

He leaned in, trying as always to linger while she spoke, failing as always. Asherah was always a mile of minute, and with tourist season shifting to a close, her intensity, her vivacious nature, became even more alive. As much as one can while holding a still snuffling infant, Zig would swoon.

"Dangerous, eh?" A brief chuckle flitted out as he kissed his son's forehead, rocking carefully. He took his role as a parent with a grace he didn't possess a year and a half ago. In between quiet shushes and careful strokes against a wisp of cotton candy blue hair. "You sound like your daughter, sometimes." It was not a malicious comment. Asherah had known quite well that in the time since they'd met, Zig had come to be rather close to Fayble and Terran. And while he never pretended to be her father, he was proud of her like one, and was in awe of her strength, physically and spiritually.

"Still." He pressed on, slowly dipping over the stroller to set the now sleeping babe down. "It would be nice for a change of pace. Magic item crafting does become somewhat tedious..." His own production had slowed dramatically since tourists - and thus adventurers - had headed away from the island. "And I wouldn't mind getting out there again..."

His finger rested against Oriel's palm, his thumb carefully stroking his son's wrist.

[Abyssal Majesty]

"I mean, the Inn is our home and all. But why not venture out a little bit? Huh?" Closing her book, she set it to a table and fixed her top out of habit rather than necessity. "No matter where we go we'll always have a place to stay. Hell, we could even tap a few more portals back to the Inn if we need anything~"

Moving towards Zig, Asherah aptly wrapped her arms about his middle, pulling him close to her so she could rest her chin on his chest to look up at him with her stunning golden eyes. It was like a new couple planning a hopeful new vacation, testing the waters of the aspect. Though, as much as Ash would poke and prod, she awaited her lover's approval.

"C'mon Z~" Somewhat outing out her lips, the mage started to sway in her place a little bit. "We can easily take the kids.. And when we can't, I'm sure Fayfay and Terran would look after them for a few days. Plus~ I know for a fact HoH will be starting sooooon~ Think of all the opportunities in Latent~? Ahh?"