[Right][H2][color=#CA9BF7]Fia Blackfire[/color][/H2][/right]
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	The morning air was cool as the sound of water softly rippled throughout the clearing. The forest trees filtered the dawn, only brightening the sky. Insects chirped, and rustling of grass as the adventurers stirred about the turned over crate. Compared to the chaos and lingering death that spewed from the dragon’s presence, or that of the earth being tossed aside by the trees themselves, this morning was rather peaceful. Clear heads knew to be wary of the hidden dangers that lingered deeper within, or even the hidden dangers that had yet to be revealed from behind. A shame that only this moment in time was almost like a vacation.
	“So, it’s a curse then, darling?” said Fia as she slowly chewed the remains of the sandwich. A few crumbs broke free of the crust, saved from free fall among the folds of Fia’s skirt. As the rest of the sandwich disappeared, the only evidence of it remaining were a small smattering of marmalade on the corner of her lips. Fia looked at Jazdia with an intense gaze as the dialog took pause. What the elven archer thought possible, and what Miwa claimed capable seemed to be in competition. It almost appeared like pain and desperation. Even for a young elf, having to live with the thorns of unknown causes from powers childish must only bring torment. Tolerance can only go so far. 
	“Then the fire offers more than just warmth against your skin. How to be so young and beautiful and to be shackled by the chains of the vengeful. Coming here was not merely obligation but to seek out the shears that can sever you from the tangles of pale emanations.” Fia leaned forward in her makeshift chair, the back of the box tilted forward digging the edge into the soft dirt. She grabbed Jazdia’s hands into her own, holding them tightly. “Not to worry, darling. I may be here for my own desires, but that does not mean I will not lend you any aid I can offer.”
	It was only for a moment that Fia held Jazdia in that position before she let go. Fia allowed gravity to take hold of the box seat again letting it fall back onto its stable face. Fia picked up the tankard of nearly room temperature tea and finished what remained from the cup. The tankard empty, Fia placed it back on the crate-made table with a soft knock against the wood. 
	“That library does seem to hold promise, if master Vesemir’s speculations are correct. An artificer you say. It’s one thing to cast magic. Among the many people I’ve met, few fully can harness mana, and fewer who harness it unbound. It makes you wonder how many are actually capable of infusing it into an object. I’ve only ever known one person capable. Maybe there is something there for you, whether a cure or information. In any case, I’m sure there will be some quality loot.”
	Fia watched as Mr. Elc stood to aid Akari in her endeavors by the riverside. The young ninja striped off her clothes and jumped into the likely cold water in her underware. Akari went about plucking fish from the riverbed and expertly tossed them into the crate provided by Mr. Elc. All the while, the other party members were starting to wake. At least mostly from the elves. The sky was getting brighter, but the light had yet peaked over the canopy of the trees. Birds chirped now, calling for their early morning partners or seeking feed for their young.
	“Hmm, it looks like our dear Stepan has engrossed himself by the water. How unlucky of Mr. Elc, his alone time with so many lovely ladies being cut short.”