From the Myst of the Sea (Myst)

[DM-Delfon]

You make your way through the water with ease, travelling underwater as much as you can to avoid being seen. When you get about sixty feet from the opposite bank you can finally make out the details you saw from the far bank. The closest tube is about three feet in diameter, and pouring out what appears to be murky water. To your right, there is another tube, but this one is eight feet in diameter. Judging by the fecal smell, you would say that it is a sewer exit. Oddly, you don't see any solids floating out despite the smell. The actual bank is similar to the other side, large interlocking blocks keeping the river from eroding the bank. Another road runs along the river here, with a few people walking along which could be easily avoided if you so chose.

[Myst]

Myst crinkles her nose at the stench emanating from the tube to her left. It might be disguising, but at least it's natural. Instead, Myst focuses on the three foot tube closest to her to inspect the murky water while ducking down to avoid being seen by those walking the nearby road (Stealth = 20 + 5 = 25)

 Investigation check: 15 + 0 = 15 or Perception check to inspect the tube: 15 + 6 = 21

She also takes a moment to glance left and right for signs of other tubes spewing filth into the river. 

[DM-Delfon]

Looking around the bank, you can see several more tubes sticking out all along the entire length of the river within the walls of Clifton. Allowing the river's current to pull you along, you check out a bunch of them. Most of them are just run off overflows, with the swamp so close to the North side of town the water level here is quite high. A collection of pipes with holes in them are run throughout this side of town to help channel bog water into the river and away from the houses. There are a few more sewer exits, and like before they stink like fecal matter, but there is no solid material flowing out of the pipes into the river. Almost all of the pipes feeding liquid into the river are basically clean, or at least non-damaging to the environment. There are two exceptions. One pipe that pumps runoff overflow like the others is also feeding some sort of lubricant into the water as well. A rainbow of filth floats downstream from that pipe over there. The second exception is the final sewer pipe closest to the downstream city wall. It reeks like fecal matter because actual gray water, including solids, are flowing freely into the river. Most of the sewer pipes have had vertical bars blocking entry, but that one with the solids flowing into the river doesn't.

One thing of note since you've been holding the gem this entire time. With your swimming up and down stream, you've noted that the pull doesn't always pull you exactly North. You manage to figure out by roughly triangulating that the pull is drawing you somewhere outside the walls of Clifton, North of the city.

[Myst]

Swimming from pipe to pipe is decidedly less pleasant than Myst's journey across the fresh water of the river. Here, the flora and fauna are almost entirely absent except for a stray fish here or there and some sea cucumber feasting on stray fecal matter at the bottom of the river.

As Myst emerges next to the pipe emitting the strange oily substance atop its runoff, she grimaces at the thought of Yoseph smelling her and drags herself to the opening, releasing the gem she had been clutching to pull herself up. She then hesitantly reaches her finger towards the substance, allowing the oil to coat her fingertip, and then rubs that fingertip with her thumb. She can feel the lubricating effect and she does her best to evaluate what it could be and how harmful it is, praying for guidance

Investigation check = 4 (roll) + 0 (modifier) + 4 (guidance) = 8

She also glances up, evaluating the size of the pipe. Perhaps she can follow it deeper.

[DM-Delfon]

The river water on this side of the river is brackish, both in that it's a mixture of salty ocean water and fresh water from the bogs, and because you find it unpleasant or distasteful. There are plants here, but they're only the more hardy plants that can adapt quickly to changing environments. The wildlife here is mostly things that belong in the oceans, which makes you wonder where the source of this river is located. The pipe that has that oily coating is one of the three foot diameter ones. You could climb up into it, but it's quite cramped and you would either have to crawl or crouch-walk. The thought of crouch-walking anywhere with how your legs feel right now is... let's just say, less than pleasant. The water with the oily sheen is diluted at this point, with only a slight bit of oily feel. You could backtrack it to it's source easily enough, but not from here.

[Myst]

Myst takes a deep breath, immediately regretting it and, again, scrunching her nose in distaste. She is tired beyond reason - physically, mentally, and emotionally. She must be nearing a twenty-four hour period with no sleep, she has been in heavy gravity for hours after a full night's swim, and most of her things are back at the Well-Groomed Pike. She pulls out her waterskin, still full of clean water, and gently pours it into the river. "I'm sorry to put you here, but you will be clean again soon," she says to the water sadly. She then holds up the waterskin to collect some of the oily runoff. Brighter minds than hers may be able to tell her more about what it is. She will need this sample to show them.

Myst then makes her way to the pipe downstream spewing gray water to further inspect, once again praying to Deep Sasheas for enlightenment.

Investigation check = 4 + 0 + 4(guidance) = 8.

[DM-Delfon]

The pipe in question is a gray water pipe. It is the final sewer pipe closest to the downstream city wall. Just like before it reeks like fecal matter because actual gray water, including solids, are flowing freely into the river. The other pipes had sewer related liquids pouring out of them, but nothing in the way of solids. The other pipes also had vertical bars blocking entry into the pipe itself, but this one has had several of it's bars deliberately cut off at the top and bottom leaving an opening a little bigger than a person would need to walk normally though the opening.

(If it has been that long you likely are suffering from exhaustion I suggest wrapping it up for the day. There is always tomorrow.)

[Myst]

After briefly inspecting the pipe - and figuring that this is the less dangerous of the two pipes spewing filth into the water - Myst decides to call it a night. Perhaps she can make it back to the Well-Groomed Pike in time to help Yoseph clean up after dinner service.

Her limbs are slow moving and rubbery as she makes her way back across the river, grateful for the cleaner water as she nears the other side. Even through the exhaustion, Myst stops to breathe through her gills for a few moments longer than necessary, savoring the rush of water through their delicate folds, before peeking her head up through the surface of the water. She searches for anyone nearby before quickly and quietly pulling herself ashore and flopping down onto the other side of the river bank, her legs refusing to move for a moment as she lays there. She then rolls over onto all fours and slowly rises. 

I rolled these with disadvantage for her exhaustion:
Perception check: 5 + 6 = 11
Stealth check: 17 + 5 = 22

[DM-Delfon]

You spend about an hour in the river, and despite your exhaustion it feels wonderful to be back in the water. You wonder how these people and make it through each and every day, crossing the river from the slums without swimming, walking up to the slope of Clifton to the Harbour Gate. Down and even steeper slope to the water and back each day.

You bide your time, and wait for the perfect moment to emerge from the water, flopping onto the ground feels so good that you almost fall asleep on the spot. It takes all of your focus just to stay awake. You struggle your way up the slope of Clifton staggering some like the sailors you saw down by the harbour. You get about half way when you see the Wayfarer’s Rest. At least it could be based on the description Guardsman Jackson gave. It will likely take you another hour to get back to the Pike from here.

[Myst]

Myst looks longingly towards the Wayfarer's Rest and her knees buckle slightly at the thought of finally sitting. But the idea of telling Yoseph that she chose to stay somewhere else... she would rather Yoseph find her collapsed on the road than break his heart. Besides, better to complete the trek tonight so that she can be awake before Yoseph. She has plans for the morning.

During her trek around Clifton with Yoseph, Myst had begun to ponder how to increase business. After seeing Guardsman Jackson suggest the Wayfarer's Rest Myst had concluded that the Well-Groomed Pike needed a similar champion. So in the morning Myst planned on approaching some of the crew at the docks who might be bribed to suggest the Well-Groomed Pike to newly arrived passengers.

The thought of helping Yoseph puts a smile on Myst's face and she stands a little taller with the renewed motivation. I just hope I can make it back without collapsing, Myst thinks grimly, her smile faltering slightly.  

[DM-Delfon]

The climb up to the Harbour Gate is terrible, your muscles burn with each and every step. When you can finally see the gate ahead relief washes over you. You stagger sideways like a drunkard, and smack your shoulder into a wall. At this point you're too tired to care. You lean there for a moment and just focus on your breathing. You become aware that someone has been following you, when they step out of the mouth of the nearest alley. Their gray cloak enveloping them like a shadow. A voice calls out from somewhere in the hood of that cloak, "You 'right there? Gecko told me ta keep in eye on ya, and yous look like ya 'bout ready to collapse." He approaches, his hands slipping from beneath his cloak, fingers splayed, palms forward to show that he's unarmed. "Looky 'ere, I've ready chased off tree tugs meanin' ta rob ya. Let me get ya back ta da Pike now, yeah?" His accent is strange, but he seems kindly enough. With how tired you are, if he had meant you harm he could have taken you at any time.

[Myst]

Myst recalls the grey cloak she had seen out of the corner of her eye by the river. So it wasn't my imagination, Myst thinks to herself. But why did Gecko have her followed? Why is this man, clearly affiliated with less reputable groups in Clifton, willing to help her? And is it true that he even went so far as to save her from robbery?

Despite her many questions, Myst's rapid, gasping breaths make it impossible to speak. Her first instinct is refusal; after all, Gecko is clearly a dangerous man. But her wobbly legs and aching lungs might not make it back without the help and dusk is quickly descending. Unable to do much else, Myst nods silent assent and reaches out an arm, hoping this man offers her something to lean on. 

[DM-Delfon]

The gray cloaked fellow ducks under your outstretched arm, holding your left hand in his with your arm around his shoulders. He runs a hand across your back, and grabs your hip to pull you upright. After that he lets you set the pace, and with him supporting the bulk your your weight you make steady progress. You cross through the Harbour Gate, the guards there giving you a few questioning glances.

You thought that going down hill would have been better, but you were mistaken. The muscles used to climb the hill hurt so badly that you had numbed to the pain of it. Now going downhill your other muscles flair up with renewed pain. The cloaked fellow gets you to the Well Groomed Pike. He leans you on the wall, and bangs on the door. His cloak looks to you, nods once and vanished into the nearest shadow.

Yoseph opens the door a moment later, stepping past you into the street without seeing where you slid down the wall once you were unsupported.

[Myst]

Myst doesn't bother to do much other than breathe deeply and loudly to alert Yoseph to her presence. She simply rests her head upon the wall behind her while staring, unseeingly, at the place the gray-cloaked figure was a mere moment ago, drenched in droplets of water that make stray hairs stick to her face uncomfortably. Thank you for your help today, she prays quietly to Deep Sasheas. 

[DM-Delfon]

Yoseph looks worried as he scans up and down the street. He glances at the nearby rooftops and stares at the shadows that make up the nearest alleys as well. After a moment he turns to head back inside, and that's about when he notices you slumped against the wall. Your vision goes blurry as you make your prayer, and the comfort of knowing that Yoseph will take care of you blows out the candle that is your resolve. Your vision fades to black as your head slumps against your chest.

You wake in the morning after having dreams of gray cloaked men chasing you up endless hills. Try as you might, no matter where you look you can't find any sizable body of water. You see a cave to seek shelter in ahead, but as you grow closer it smells of humanoid waste. The pipe itself grows teeth and begins to writhe like a serpent, coughing out clouds of noxious gas and vomiting toxic sludge. You finally manage to wake up as the gray cloaked men close in around you, and the pipe serpent's open maw envelopes you completely.

You find yourself in your room in the Well Groomed Pike, laying in the same soft bed you sat upon earlier in the day. A damp cloth is draped across your forehead, and several more are draped across your naked body. Although you're completely naked, the wet cloths and towels are positioned so that you are tastefully covered. You see all your clothing and belongings neatly stacked and arrayed against the far wall. Yoseph is asleep in a chair pulled up to the left side of the bed, a soft snoring sound that is more adorable than annoying creeps out of the man. The fingers of his right hand are intertwined with yours, and his left hand is covering both. He is wearing a blindfold made from the same material that your coverings are made from. The sound of humming catches your attention and when you follow it to it's source you see a pointy eared child dipping strips of cloth into a basin of cold water, rolling them and setting them on a tray. She turns with the tray, and you're surprised to see an old woman's face where you expected to see youth. Her spectacles are resting on the end of her nose, and she smiles when she sees that you're awake.

She makes a shhh motion with one hand, pointing at Yoseph. When she gets up to the side of the bed she steps up on an unseen stool and whispers in your ear, "He has been awake for almost two days, only leaving your side if I threatened to tan his hide if he didn't. He still has a business to run after all." She starts to remove dried strips of cloth from around your gills, and carefully wraps new wet ones in their place. The relief wherever fresh wetness reaches is immediate. Any objection on you part is met with a stern gaze, and a forceful push if needed. She continues her work quickly, and with a deft hand. He continues down your body changing out each and every cloth on the way down. "The first time I told him to leave the room so I could wrap you he refused to go. He proposed this compromise, and I hoped you wouldn't mind." she indicates the blindfold. "I realized that humming made him sleepy, and just finally managed to get him asleep before you woke up." She smiles again once she has completed her task, "My dear, you over exerted yourself. Take it easy for another day or so. You will feel some stiffness when you first try to move. Make sure you stretch slowly" She says slowly very slowly, drawing out each sound for a few seconds, "and often until you get your land legs under you. Use this cream on your sore muscles." She gestures to a small wooden tube on the side table. "Do you need anything else before I take my leave my dear?"

[Myst]

Myst is only mildly surprised at the woman's age – after all, this is just one mystery of a thousand she's seen in the last few days amidst the surface-dwellers. Myst lays quietly contemplative while the woman works, although Myst's eyes grow wide with surprise when the woman mentions that a couple of days have passed. Despite Myst's nightmares, it seems like only a few hours have passed since she arrived back here. Myst also nods her approval at Yoseph being allowed to stay under reasonable circumstances and her heart flutters at his thoughtfulness, truly touched.

When asked if she needs anything else, Myst nods towards her things stacked on the far wall. “My waterskin” she tries to say, but her throat constricts, still aching from the unnatural breathing of surface air. It takes her a few tries before she successfully forms the words. “My waterskin and money.” The words are hardly a whisper. If/when the woman comes back with her things Myst will say, “take payment.” Myst takes great pains to ask her next question with the least amount of words possible to avoid her throat-ache, “water is contaminated. What is it?” 

Her hand stays intertwined with Yoseph's. I would rather not wake him, she tells herself, not wanting to admit that his touch is comforting to her.

[DM-Delfon]

You get the feeling that between her ears and stature, she might not be Human at all.

The woman fetches your waterskin, and not understanding your intention tries to give you a drink from it. When you pull your head away, she looks puzzled and tells you to blink once for yes, and twice for no. It takes a few minutes to sort out the details with the occasional scratchy word tossed in for clarification, but you get there in the end. "I will take this back with me to my place, and run a few tests." She glances back at the pouch containing your funds and shakes her head, "We will see what I find, and decide of payment is warranted then eh?" She smiles another grandmotherly smile, and makes her way to the door.

[Myst]

"Wait," Myst croaks, mustering as much voice as possible. "Payment for healing," she clarifies, realizing the woman thinks Myst wants to pay her to analyze the water. Myst glances towards Yoseph, who clearly dished out the funds to heal her from what meager gold he had available. She looks back towards the woman imploringly. "And work? I can heal" Again, a glance towards Yoseph. He hired me out of kindness, not need. There is no need to burden him, Myst thinks to herself. 

[DM-Delfon]

She smiles again, a patient smile this time, "I do not like to repeat myself young lady. I said we will wait to see if payment is warranted." She looks to Yospeh, and back to you still smiling, "I see that is not enough for you, so let me explain. You did not require my services as healer. Yoseph saw to all your needs in that regard. He only asked me here to change your cloths out of propriety. He thought you would be more comfortable if your skin was wet, and you improved almost immediately after the first change over. I guess he was right." She shrugs as she opens the door, "As to the work, get better first. I will be back again tomorrow to check on you."

[Myst]

Myst doesn't even bother to nod as the woman takes her leave, instead resting her head back against the pillows and watching Yoseph sleep, brow furrowed as she thinks. It is a few minutes before she attempts to move, gently pulling her hand out of Yoseph's, trying not to wake him. She then carefully removes the water-soaked cloths, directing the water onto her skin with a wave of her hand, drying the cloths in the process and then folding and placing them on the side table. Her skin now glistening with a light misting of water, Myst reaches for the cream and begins to apply it to her legs and arms as she stretches, realizing the wisdom of the healer's advice to move slowly. The stretching burns painfully but the cream is cold and numbing, providing immediate relief. I wonder what's in this cream, Myst thinks to herself rotating the container in her hands to inspect it more closely.

Eventually Myst rises, still with the cream in hand, and places her bare foot on the floor, flinching back from the cold before firmly planting her foot once more.  Myst hurries towards her possessions and dresses as quickly as she dares to with her stiffness, craving the warmth and modesty of her clothing.  She then kneels next to her backpack, pulls out her Herbalism Kit, and begins sniffing some of the herbs and comparing them to the smell of the cream. Being able to recreate this cream in the wilderness would certainly be useful. 

Medicine check: 4+6 = 10
If you provide advantage from the Herbalism Kit: 16+6=22 

[DM-Delfon]

As soon as you sit up some of the cloths fall out of place, revealing much more than you would want revealed to the room. You glance back at Yoseph, still sleeping soundly to your great relief. Removing the rest of the cloths, and standing there naked and glistening in the presence of what amounts to a stranger is both exhilarating and terrifying. Stretching is both painful and relieving. The stiffness relents slowly, but it does relent more and more the more you move about. Crouching down to your possessions was a mistake, your muscles actually refuse to hold your weight and you sit down on the floor with a thump. Yoseph stirs at the noise, but doesn't actually wake up. Remaining seated, you struggle into your clothes, and with the support of the nightstand manage to pull yourself back up to standing.

The cream itself is thick and smells strongly of mint. There is a small label on the bottom of the container. In tiny script it reads: "Lavandula, Rosmarinus, Mentha Piperita, & E. Amygdalina" From your herbalism knowledge you know that Lavandula is more commonly known as lavender. It is often used as an anti-inflammatory, for pain relief, to assist with sleep, and ease anxiety. Inhaling it can help with migraines. Rosmarinus, or more commonly rosemary is also used to treat headaches, as well as muscle and bone pain. Pentha piperita, commonly known as Peppermint is also an anti-inflammatory. It's used to clean wounds, and has some pain relieving properties as well. Older people in peticular enjoy the benefits of peppermint when it's used to treat arthritis. When rubbed into the temples it can reduce pain from tension headaches. Eucalyptus Amygdalina, commonly known as Eucalyptus is used to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation in the body. These are also the base ingredients used to create Healing Potions. This container of salve could be used as the raw ingredient to make two Potions of Healing (2d4+2)

[Myst]

Myst sighs at the realization that the woman - or someone - must have paid for all of these herbal reagents. They must be worth ten or twenty times the amount of gold that Myst has in her pouch. Even if she wanted to pay it back, she couldn't. Or can I?, Myst thinks and a small, mischievous smile spreads across her still glistening face. She should be able to create a Potion of Healing which could be sold for a pretty penny. It might not fully cover the cost of the salve, but it would certainly be a start. Besides, she will have to take it easy today and she could use something to occupy her mind. 

Still seated on the ground, her long blue fingers work slowly and methodically to apportion half of the contents of the cream into a jar in her Herbalism Kit, occasionally brushing back bits of her long silvery hair with the crook of her elbow.  The other half of the salve she leaves for her own use.  She then takes a few moments to stretch her lanky, blue limbs again and directs water onto her hands to wash away excess salve before rising and making her way to the stairs as quietly as she can, Herbalism Kit in hand. Perhaps I can cuddle up with the cat, Myst thinks surprisingly cheerfully as her legs wobble and burn on her painfully slow journey to the kitchens. 

[DM-Delfon]

The journey down the stairs is indeed painful and slow. At first you tried to walk down the stairs, but you were afraid that your legs would give out and you would topple down the stairs. You ended up sitting down, and scooting down one step at a time. When you got to the third step from the bottom the cat you met before comes over and nudges your legs with it's face. Each time you try to pet it however, it walks off only to return as you try to move again. It takes you a good five minutes to negotiate the final three steps between sore legs, moving the herbalism kit, and the cat nudging you. Once you get back to standing, with considerable help from the banister, you actually find it beneficial to walk around some. You find that moving is actually stretching out the soreness from days past. Finally downstairs, you set up a makeshift potion brewing station from whatever you can find in Yoseph's kitchen. The process is long and involved, and it takes you quite a while to adapt to the surface environment. Back home potions were concentrated, solidified and taken as a capsule, but you don't have the equipment here for that so leaving it in it's not concentrated form will have to do.

After about six hours of work, you get that creeping sensation that you're being watched. Checking the reflections in pots you see Yoseph staring wide eyed at the makeshift still you've created in his kitchen.

Crafting Potions of Healing:
Potions of healing fall into a special category for item crafting, separate from other magic items. A character who has proficiency with the herbalism kit can create these potions. The times and costs for doing so are summarized on the Potion of Healing Creation table.

Type	Time	Crafting Cost
Healing	1 Day	25gp
Greater Healing	10 Days	100gp
Superior Healing	30 Days	1000gp
Supreme Healing	40 Days	10,000gp

[Myst]

Myst pauses in her work. A creamy white liquid is being distilled into a clear liquid, one drop at a time, so she has a few minutes to chat while she waits. She turns towards Yoseph, a warm smile on her face. "It's nice to be home," she says, surprised at how much better her throat feels. Her words are laced with gratitude and joy, despite their simplicity and the word "home" carries obvious significance.

Then, her smile begins to fade and her ocean-blue eyes swim with sadness. Condensation begins to form on Myst's skin as she nervously plays with the earring piercing the top of her pointed left ear. "Yoseph -," she begins hesitantly, "Yoseph, I'm engaged."

[DM-Delfon]

His wide eyed stare at the state of his kitchen fades, and he smiles as he leans there on the door frame, "I'm glad you're well Myst, you gave me quite a scare when I found you passed out against the outside of the building." He walks into the kitchen, examining the still you've cobbled together more closely as you hesitantly explain that you're engaged. Yoseph is quiet for a long moment, then says, "Congratulations Myst, I'm happy for you. Who's the lucky fellow?" He says all of this without turning away from the still. Is is voice a little tighter than normal? Do you want his voice to be a little tighter than normal? Did you imagine tightness where there wasn't any? You give your response and he changes the subject, "What's all this then?" He says gesturing to the still. He stops examining it, and finally turns to face you. No trace of what he is thinking can be seen upon his features.

[Myst]

Myst takes a deep breath and attempts to match his nonchalance, despite a heart thumping so loudly she's sure the neighbors can hear it. Though her face seems blank, the condensation on her skin grows, as does a redness in her cheeks. "You were right about Neptas. I grew up there and my sisters and I were engaged to the future ruler, Derenthil, when I was just twelve. My sisters are already married to him," she explains flatly.  

When he asks his question and looks up at her, emotionless, Myst's heart sinks. Maybe I misread the signs. She searches his eyes before ripping her gaze away to inspect the pandemonium she's created in his kitchen. Slowly and almost uncertainly she answers, "I'm making a healing potion from the leftover salve. So that I can repay the money you spent to help me."

Myst's eyes glaze over for a moment as she recalls the years watching the Warrior Genesi train their magic while she sat cooped up inside with her mother, learning to make potions and tend to the sick. A woman's job, she thinks, bitterly recalling the phrase her mother and father used whenever she asked to train with the warriors instead.  

Deception check to look nonchalant: 3
Insight check to read Yoseph's eyes: 13

[DM-Delfon]

You watch him closely, but he won't meet your eye. He looks uncomfortable, and nervous. A few moments of uncomfortable silence grows between you, the first bit of discomfort you've felt with Yoseph. Finally, he takes a deep breath, which he huffs out all at once. "Myst, I have a proposal for you." He sees where your mind likely went with that, and holds up his hands, "No, not that kind of proposal." He sighs again, this time letting the breath out more slowly. Once he has done so, he seems much more sure of himself, "I propose that we only speak the truth to one another. Deceive others if you feel the need, or on a lark. To protect yourself, or your homeland. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. As long as there is truth between us. You are allowed your secrets of course, but just tell me to mind my business instead of making something up. If you need to lie in mixed company, bring out the truth later. Does this sit well with you? Because honestly, we're both terrible liars." He laughs then, a nervous laugh that just snuck out of him. He smiles after though and that one is legitimate.

He watches you in another growing silence, but this time the silence is one of contemplation with no discomfort at all. Eventually you nod you acceptance, and he smile grows. His smile falters a moment later as he realized that he has to share some truth of his own. He takes another deep breath, letting it out slowly. He steps forward, and takes your hands in his own. He meets your eye and doesn't look away, "I lied to you a moment ago." He begins, and he pauses once again, this time to find words that are not forthcoming, "Not about you being well. For that I'm more grateful than I can express. You really did give me quite the fright when I found you." He goes on to explain how he brought you inside, and couldn't find a wound on you. He found your belongings intact, so you were not robbed. "I apologize for going through your belongings." He knew you were tired from before he left the day before. You can tell that he feels guilty as hell for not staying with you, or convincing you to come back with him. He starts to move onto another topic then, but stops himself and actually expresses his feelings of guilt. "When you didn't wake up after a full day, I started to worry and asked Madam Aceso to come check on you." He fills in more details about how she came by, but had never dealt with someone with gills before. "I suggested putting wet cloths to hold water to your skin." He frees one hand to rub the back of his neck, "I actually thought about tossing you into the tank." He glances at the wall that separates you from the large aquarium in the dining area. He takes your hand again, and continues explaining how Madam Aceso thought you started to show signs of improvement right away. His cheeks redden as he explains how she started to undress you, assuming more of the relationship. "She then tried to kick me out of the room, but I wouldn't go. She finally allowed me to stay when I suggested the blindfold." He finally looks down at his feet, and nearly whispers, "I couldn't leave you Myst, not then anyway." He finally left your side to serve customers during his regular services, but only while Madam Aceso was there to watch over you. He meets your eye again, "I am really glad you're better. Please do not scare me like that again Myst." He smiles, and his words are all heartfelt.

You get the feeling that all the exposition about what happened while you were unconscious was just to delay the next part of the conversation. "None of that was a lie." He lets go of your hands and turns away, unable to face you while he expresses his untruth, "I lied about being happy for you." He stops speaking there, with his back to you and his shoulders slumped. You can't see his face, but you can tell from his voice that there is no trace of a smile now.

[Myst]

"I will do my duty to my family, but this won't make me happy either," Myst responds quietly to his back.

A woman's job. The phrase repeats in her mind. She would be expected to run the house, host parties, wear pretty things, and remain obedient; expected to produce Genesi heirs.

Her emotionless mask now removed, a symphony of grief, resolve, and martyrdom plays on her young face; a symphony that Yoseph doesn't see. She continues, her voice flat, "he is kind, good to my sisters, and the marriage will bring family honor. But..." Myst pauses, brow furrowed as if searching for the right words. "I will never be free." She practically sighs at the last word, the flatness in her voice gone, her brows raised slightly, as if in reverence.

She lets that statement hang in the silence while she quietly steps back toward the still, her face full of misery, as she resumes her work. 

[DM-Delfon]

You see the bones of his jaw clenching when you mention that it won't make you happy either. He puts both hands on the edge of the sink, turning to you to watch you work away at the still, "I am glad that he is kind. Your situation could have been much worse if he wasn't." His voice is sad, resigned even. He speaks again, this time his voice is filled with apprehension, "How long are you free in Clifton for?" He says free with an odd twist that draws attention to the word.

[Myst]

The word free is like a mental slap to Myst and she visibly flinches from it, her eyes closing for a moment as if in pain. She begins in her usual quiet tones, "my people and the fish we co-exist with are sick; some are vomitting blood, some have already died. Our babes are born deformed. And now one of my sisters is pregnant" Myst opens her eyes and they glisten with moisture. The image of her sister, Calipa, sobbing in a heap on the floor when she told Myst the news replays in Myst's mind. A day that should have been blessed by Deep Sasheas, turned sour.

She takes a moment, clenching her fists and blinking hard. When she re-opens her dark eyes, they are clear and bright with determination and her fists remain clenched. She looks Yoseph directly in the eyes and continues, "no one was doing anything. Our waters are contaminated, I'm sure of it. Our people are dying, but no one will leave Neptas for fear of revealing our secrets. Would they rather our population die?" The last question is asked desperately, her eyes imploring Yoseph for another explanation.

Then she turns away, back toward her work. Her hands are steady with resolve as she measures some herbs, eyeing them carefully before placing them into the clear mixture, turning the potion a deep, blood red. "The closest settlement to Neptas is Clifton, so I came here to find out what I can about the contamination. A sixteen year old girl - the only person willing to save our people. I'll be here however long it takes," she finishes absentmindedly, her mind clearly absorbed in her work once more.

Only sixteen. Yoseph inspects Myst closely, noting her lanky limbs and round, youthful face with full rosebud lips. But her eyes - they are the eyes of a wise woman, the kind of eyes that search your soul. Straight-backed, careful mannerisms, and a demeanor denoting self-assuredness disguise her age. She is honorable and empathetic. Only sixteen, but with a quiet inner strength. It is hard not to admire a woman like that.