Geralt continued to use his abilities to haul buckets even as the others fell to exhaustion or soreness. Though it was getting quite strenuous on his mind and his fingers, and he even had to take a short break when his hand cramped up, he was determined to see the task through to the end as long as Lucien kept going. He didn't speak to the others, but when he saw them dropping out he took more and more buckets as a way to pick up their slack. By the end, he had almost ten going at any given time, though he did have to take that number down to six once they were nearing the home stretch. Though chores like this were not taxing on his body, his mentally stamina did falter a bit as he continued to strain his abilities. The parasite inside of him had more and more of a hold the weaker his faculties became, the voice was louder, and a headache had developed behind his right eye.

Once they were finished, he dropped all six of his empty buckets into a pile on the ground for the carnies to collect, and immediately took a seat. He placed his thumbs and forefingers against his forehead and began to massage his temples, clenching and opening his fists to alleviate the soreness.

Illyana had taken a seat some time ago, helping every now and again. She merely chuckled at Aurel's comment, too out of breath to really answer him. Once she had caught her breath, she set to preparing fresh water for everyone as they worked. She'd filled a bucket, brought it to the mess area they'd set up and boiled it for several minutes, then placed the bucket back in the water to let it cool, then passed it out among everyone. When she saw Geralt move off to take a chair, and noticed the slightly annoyed expression on his face, she even offered him some. [color=598527]"You look like you could use some water...here,"[/color] she said, offering him a full glass. Though she would not describe her attitude toward him as sympathetic, per se, she of anyone knew just how bad headaches could be. She suffered from them frequently, especially when she was working, and sometimes when visions came to her unbidden. Still, she had been impressed with how long Geralt had been able to keep it up without showing any signs of tiring until the last half hour. If she had used her abilities straight like that for so long, she'd be nearly catatonic by this point. She was much more frail of body than he, but she knew that he had to be powerful just based on his longevity.

A wave of rage passed over the Magician as the girl's voice split his head open. She was soft-spoken, and obviously trying to be quiet, but it would have been better if she had not bothered him at all.

[i][color=9e0b0f]She sees your weakness, she laughs at your pain. This little girl's powers are far beyond yours. She pities you.[/color][/i]

Geralt looked up at her, removing his hand to show his eyes, which were alight with anger. He reached for the glass, eager to get her away from him, but paused when he caught a glimpse of Lucien heading toward them. He forced himself to smile, and blinked hard so he could make it reach his eyes. [color=crimson]"Sorry, dear,"[/color] he said, taking the glass from her gently, [color=crimson]"Just a bit of a brain shake...that's all. Thank you,"[/color] he raised the glass to her, then sipped the water. It helped, somewhat, but hydration was not what he required.

[i][color=9e0b0f]Apologizing to this creature like the worm she believes you are...you should be standing above her, making her suffer...and yet you sit and cower like a crooning child. Pathetic.[/color][/i]

Geralt shook his head as if to clear it of a fog, squinting in the light, then took another full gulp of water. He could feel the flask in his pocket pressing against his chest, and longed for the liquid within to burn down his gullet and ease his pain...but he had to wait, if Lucien was approaching, for the right time.

Illyana noticed just the tiniest bit of darkness in the man's expression when he looked at her, it sent a chill running down her spine. Though he replaced it with a smile soon after, she let go of the water glass before he had fully grabbed it, and stepped away from him so she was out of arm's reach. She nodded her response to his thanks, then moved off quickly to help the others, looking at her feet as she scurried away.