The slide of needle and thread through flesh was rhythmic. Almost soothing, in a way. It was a pity though, that this specimen had died so young...
Despite the autopsy having revealed no viable information on the cause of the plague, the doctor found a spark of hope still lingered in his chest. An all but foreign feeling in these harrowed times.
Someone had actually answered his request!
Reaching up with a gloved paw, Julian wiped a bead of sweat from his brow before tying off the final stitch. Despite his best efforts, the air in the clinic always felt far too warm. What with all the injured bodies pressed in close and the cut open dead...it was a miracle it didn't smell worse, too. With a sigh the plague doctor turned to face the dragons who stood awkwardly behind the autopsy table, eyes roaming over each of them in turn.
A rogue, a mage, and a hunter.
Well. One could start off with worse volunteers.
Besides, beggars couldn't be choosers. Few were willing to go out past the walls of the Hewn City these days. Reaching out he grabbed his mask from where he'd set it aside earlier and, with a squeal of leather, replaced it over his face and redid the straps.
"So, you are the volunteers I take it? I confess I've only seen Keanu around before." He nodded towards the pastel Coatl with a smile. "Your master said you would be here the last time he stopped by the clinic. As for you ladies I hope I get to know you better during the coming months. We will be working together rather closely, if things go according to plan."
The Wildclaw shifted in place but said nothing, casting her eyes back towards the door as if deciding whether or not she had the courage to continue. But she didn't bolt, and Julian was grateful for it. Meanwhile, the Imperial's icy blue eyes met his and she nodded, being the first to speak.
"I hope they do. Someone needs to figure out what is causing this disease. You are a commendable soul for trying, Doctor Devorak." She inclined her head, and his crest feathers twitched in surprise. "I look forward to working with you. All of you," she added as she nodded to each of them in turn.
Feeling his face heat up in embarrassment, the Skydancer coughed and waved a paw dismissively. Never had he been more thankful for the mask in place over his face. "Yes, well, someone had to do it. I'd go beyond the city myself but with the clinic in this state..." He trailed off, shaking his head. More and more patients arrived every day...and even more bodies piled up after them.
Despite the itch to go out and search for a cure himself, the clinic needed him. Even with the monks there were not enough healers to go around. All he could do was trust in this group of volunteers and offer them advice whenever he could.
"Well. Let's just say I'm thankful you arrived at all. Come, let me give you what supplies I can before we discuss where to start your journey."
He led them to a room in the back, learning their names on the way. Keanu was, of course, the young Coatl from the temple down south. Korcari the Imperial was formerly a merchant...though word around town stated that she was more of a thief-for-hire now. And Ronja was the Wildclaw huntress from the jungle.
Ducking through a doorway, Julian entered the storage space and looked up. The ceiling was half crumbled away but thankfully provided enough protection from the elements that the items inside hadn't been ruined. Things like bandages, food, and medicinal supplies were precious commodities these days. Three small packs, one for each of the volunteers, was all he could spare.
"I've managed to gather together a weeks worth of rations, as well as a few health pots for each of you and whatever coin I could spare," Julian said, motioning towards the wrapped parcels. "I suggest you head to the local market and see if you can find anything else you might require. Weapons, travel garb, I have none and would hate to have your corpses be the next ones on my table..."
At this Ronja's head lifted sharply, nostrils flaring. "Trust me," she growled. "They won't be." Teeth clacking irritably she stepped forward and chose her pack, and the other two soon followed.
When they were all settled Julian set about explaining what he expected of them. What to look out for in the wildlife for signs of plague, about the unexplored ruins further north that might hold some valuable loot, and what he needed them to procure for him should they happen across it. The standards, like food and medical supplies for the city's survivors, were met with nods of acknowledgement.
When he started mentioning certain herbs and items specifically related to the plague, Keanu pulled a piece of parchment from his pack and began to write them down.
They all shuddered when he asked for the bodies of the fallen, explaining the need to autopsy them in the search for a cause. Korcari's eyes shut tight and she turned her head away when Julian confirmed that meant those of hatchlings too.
Before they left he also provided them each with a Red Birdskull Wingpiece. "So the guards don't shoot you on sight when you return from your travels," the doctor explained.
Watching them go, all Julian could do was wish them luck and pray that they were able to find something to help him.
decided to be a butt and left Keanu with a grand total of TWO health. I literally was sitting here in front of my computer thinking he had DIED for a solid minute, ready to flip my table in rage, when I noticed his icon wasn't gray or curled up on the ground.
= +1,642 treasure
x15 = +3,000 treasure
x6 = +1,500 treasure
