Shoe Thief

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Master Bedroom --> Tap room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn woke short of breath, tense, unsure if she was breathing in or breathing out. She must have been loud though, as Lizbeth was already up asking if she was okay. Thankfully Kathryn was already in a panic, as seeing Lizbeth in her current form would have drawn a gasp from the half giant. It was in that moment though she realized how tense she had gotten from her dream. Her hand was beginning to ache from how hard she was holding the dagger under her pillow. The silver blade she liked to keep close, just in case. And Kathryn looking at Lizbeth now could only think of the words Cecily told her the night before. "She died, you know." And here she was. Looking only a stone's throw away from returning to the dead. "I'm... I am okay. Just startled is all. I hope I didn't disturb you." She may look different. Unwell even. But she was still the same girl that had been assisting Kathryn these last few months. The same girl that she had been training with blade and shield. It was only a matter of time before secretes that were kept closer to heart came out. "Try to get back to sleep yeah? We got a busy day tomorrow." Kathryn said reassuringly to the small bean. Before returning to bed herself. She had to fight to return to sleep. Much of the remaining night was spent eyes closed fearful of what she had seen.

She did eventually fall back asleep. Though it felt like it was only minutes. She felt well rested enough. Ish. She felt terrible but she thankfully felt okay enough to take on the day. Then Kathryn realized to her horror, she has a room mate to contest with this morning. She had to change into her armor now! Which meant kicking Lizbeth out, or going out in her sleep wear to find somewhere to change. How could she be put in this position?! Right... she tried to shield Lizbeth and now she was in this position because of it. Only when she sat up, Lizbeth was already gone? Well, that solved that problem. Setting up her weapons, armor, other gear including her nets, axes, the sending stone, one of the cursed looking daggers from their new undead work buddies, and the other bits and bobs she could fit into her belts, she quickly had to find a home for it all on her person. Hammer, sword, her axes, one silvered one not, the silvered dagger, rope, shield, and an assortment of other things. Dressed in her under clothes, the padding that sat between her and her armor, her armor over top of that in several layers, the tunic that sat over that, and her cape that helped keep her warm while in her full kit. Then came her friendship ring, the wooden hammer necklace Kosara gave her, the magic amulet that turned booze to healing potions, her two water skins of water and brandy, her gauntlets, then before she could put her helmet on she had to make sure her braid would be covered. Or she would have a nice convenient pull string going down her back that some arse could pull down mid fight and knock Kathryn out. Once that was safely tucked, she placed her helmet on with her back on spare gear and snacks under her arm. Was it a lot? Yes. Was it well placed, packed, organized? Abso-fucking-lutly! The bulk of anything Kathryn needed was right at arms reach! And the spares were all packed away in her pack!

Coming down the steps sounded like a massive creature with an even bigger will of ill intent was stomping down the stairs as she stepped down into the tap room, having to bend over to not bump her head again. "Good morning Lizbeth, you're looking well and truly prepared for battle. At this rate I'll be able to stop holding back on you in no time." Some of it was teasing the younger girl like a sibling, but a lot of it was pride. Kathryn knew how much of a force of nature she could be in a one on one battle. If the bones she accidentally broke on BB were to mean anything to that statement. Not that BB couldn't give her a run for her money. She was far stronger, but he was fast, and had some martial arts tricks up his sleeve that Kathryn simply had no reliable counter too. So thought there was some teasing, it is important to mention that Kathryn holding back still never meant she allowed Lizbeth to win. She still had to earn her wins. She still had too play things carefully. Kathryn could still not go all out on Lizbeth. If she returned Lizbeth to Cecily bruised, beaten, bones broken, teeth missing, and with the happiest smile only gotten from a small child who was having the time of their life through extreme danger, she didn't think it would go over well.

"You seem to be doing rather well this morning, did you sleep well?" Kathryn asked warmly before taking off her helmet and setting it down on one of the tables, then grabbing herself some breakfast, and taking a long sip strait from the bowl. "This is really good Lizbeth, thank you so much!" Like a classic noble woman, Kathryn had few skills outside of her combat skills. Her cooking was limited, her baking was a tad better, but she had no real skills in cleaning or other house work. That actually left her a bit worse off than most noble woman. Many still did some house work around their homes. Kathryn couldn't even do that effectively. When Master Urmdrus arrived, Kathryn was quick to let him in, and he was quick to get to his business. "Uhm... good morning..." She said a bit meekly as he went about, ate some food, drank some brandy, showed Lizbeth her new stuff, then promptly left. "I uh... Have a good day!" She called out to him as he left.

Once everyone was in the room for the day, Kathryn took a moment to think about how to bring up her next question. Because it could just be a string of bad dreams, or it could be... something more. Before she could think herself into a corner and freeze up with the questions, she blurted it out just to make sure it got out there. "Has anyone else been having really weird dreams recently that you're a bit concerned could be either someone else's memories or some morbid predictions of the future?" Kathryn blurted out, decided that this was too stressful, and took a shot of brandy to go with her breakfast.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House Tap Room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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At the mention of womanly figure, and going easy on sweets, Kathryn became rather self conscious as she had maybe more than one. Or two. And a rather passionate share of jam to go with it. Even taking a moment to prod her belly, feel disappointment in herself, and set down the last treat on her plate. Balanced meals were never Kathryn's strong suits. She enjoyed her drinks and sweets way too much. If she could live of cake, jerky, and whiskey, she absolutely would. "Where I am excited to accept such an item with permission of the lady of the lands, please do not feel like no one else can use it. I have a rather solid pain tolerance. If push comes to shove, I will be okay a bit sore for an evening." She said confidently, wanting to make sure others could get the help they needed if they needed it.

Back on the topic of sweet snacks, even Kosara was being careful! Kathryn was the weak link in the group when it came to sweets it seemed. However! Kathryn did resist the urge to devour the last jam smothered goodie on her plate that Kosara made. But that inner demon quickly justified her sins against her womanly figure. Its only one more treat. You'll work it off with a good workout in the morning. You're young, a treat wont hurt you. So what if you get a bit softer over time? You don't need to impress anyone but yourself! The inner demons won, before Kathryn knew it, the last jam soaked treat was gone. She had lost the battle. "I agree we need answers now before things either get out of hand, or the answers are buried before we can find them. Lizbeth and I will check out the house tomorrow after an unfortunately brief training session, starting with the study. Then we shall take things from there based on what we find." Kathryn said as confidently as she could. Kathryn did her best to hide she was up to something, but lying was never her strong suit. She felt guilty though, and she was sure it was on her face. But she wanted ever so much to protect Lizbeth, and wasn't sure the best way yet. With brief goodnights, farewells, and finishing the last sip of booze in her cup, she crawled off to bed.

The poem that Lizbeth read off to Kathryn was a little unsettling to hear. On one hand, it was kind of adorable watching Lizbeth read by the firelight while Kathryn got comfortable for the night. Laying out her assortment of weapons and gear on the floor by the dresser in a rather neat and organized fashion. But that poem... it was a little unsettling. But she was a smart girl, if Kathryn said nothing she would figure it out herself, or know that Kathryn was hiding something. That wasn't really something she wanted to do to the girl. "I can't say I know either way. If I had to guess Victoria takes inspiration from the woman for sure. That is her book right? Inspiration is a safe bet. Unless they're related, but that wouldn't exclude V trying to take inspiration either." Kathryn wondered if that was indeed the case did the bard knowingly take inspiration from the woman in the book Lizbeth was reading? Or was it subconscious? Seeing the picture in better light, Kathryn hesitated. "Well uh... wow." She said a little unsure of herself. Seeing how this sorceress was dressed, she was thinking it was something more akin to a coincidence. "Maybe not as much inspiration as I thought. Despite being a bard, I have never noticed V to wear anything so... scandalous." But that poem. That poem still bugged Kathryn. "I couldn't say specifically. However, it does ring a bit of a bell. Its a common poem to worship a goddess of death. To what extent I am a little unsure. It is not my sort of topic of study." Kathryn said trying to regain her confidence. She had though, noticed the coin of worship on Victoria in the past. Hadn't registered it until just now, but it clicked now. She guessed that meant this was the god that V directly worshiped. It made sense. Even if a little unsettling. "Good night dude, don't get too many wicked dreams. Tomorrow, we got work to do." Kathryn said confidently. Training would be short tomorrow. Maybe some arming practice. Something so that if Lizbeth had to defend herself tomorrow and Kathryn couldn't step in the young bean would have some way to defend herself.

The Dead Don't Die.

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June Fowler

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Location: MRAP
Skills: N/A

"You know, always glad to be of service." June said forgetting the meaning of humble in the effort of milking positive attention. This time from Billie. As a whole, she was on a roll. Sure, there were some people upset about the lack of "water" and "Survival supplies" in what June had brought back, but she was sent in, and she paid for it! She should 100% get a say in what was gathered! Plus she lived off this stuff on a daily basis and was just fine. Sure she probably couldn't be as aggressive in hockey as she was 10 years ago, but still! She was pretty sure that was age more than anything. While acting cool in the back of the truck she paused, took a deep sniff, and had a disgusted scowl for a moment. "What dumb ass was smoking near the fuel pumps?!" She looked grossed out and overall not pleased with it. "We have enough problems with sick people running about ripping each other to pieces, now we gotta worry about someone igniting the vapors and sending us up to kiss those fighter jets?" She paused herself, took a deep breath, tried to ignore the smell, failed, made a face, and exhaled. Her therapist told her she was too quick to judge people and lash out with her thoughts. Maybe they didn't know better? Maybe they didn't have the same IQ she did? Maybe it was drifted smoke from across the street, but taking a moment to calm herself seemed like the best course of action before she said too many hostile words. Another deep breath in, and another deep breath out. She had to remind herself that speaking her mind did not always mean it was worth being confrontational.

Then, Gus ran through shutting them all in. In June's moment of trying to calm herself, she had clearly missed something as the cops were not being locked outside. "Yo, yo yo yo." She muttered quickly raising her voice. "Id like to point out locking the dudes with the only guns seems like a really daft idea since they could probably still shoot us, or the fact that they had actually helped us get out of the city and we should be thanking them!" June was far from a cop lover, but these dudes had helped her. She held respect for that when considering it would have been rather easy to leave her behind in the chaos of things. "Or are we just trimming the fat? Cutting out people who could get in your way? Who are we gonna cut next? Anyone out spoken? People who don't have the skills you want?" She wanted to say more, now mostly targeted to Gus. She knew if they were going to start cutting the unwanted she would be high on the list. Her social skills made it so she either didn't get along with anyone, or clicked perfectly. She also lacked a lot of skills that would be helpful in a cabin environment.

"What the fuck does bit have to do with anything?!" she asked in general, hoping there was some key piece of information she was missing. June said getting more and more antsy as the situation got more and more tense. her fingers started to fidget, every step and metallic clank she heard began to get to her, any pounding noises or chewing noises began to get on her nerves. She wasn't overwhelmed yet, but through years of therapy and even more years of life, she could recognize the early steps for over stimulation. Normally what she would do in this case is isolate herself, put on some comfort music, and let herself calm down. There was nowhere to go, she was trapped in this truck, and risked being left behind to die like those cops outside if she did. Important choices were clearly being made, and if she continued to not know what was going on she was going to lose it when it came time to act on those important decisions. "You Better Have a Damn Good Fucking Reason for this mother Fucker." She said towards Gus as she stood up. With a far harsher tone then she meant. Shaking the tone itself wasn't necessarily meant for Gus. A less than perfect reaction to high stress situations. Had she not been running pure survival mode all day, had she not been faced with the reality that an apocalypse was starting, or had she the right time and space to calm herself, she could have spoken in a more level tone. Instead, she was overwhelmed, scared shitless, and couldn't process what was going on in front of her. She knew the signs though, even if late. "I... I... I..." Deep breath in, deep breath out. "...that came out a lot harsher then I meant..." her hostile demeanor quickly deflating as she returned to just stressed and overwhelmed. She needed answers, but letting herself breakdown to get them would not help anyone.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House Tap Room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn watched Lizbeth be the busy bee she was, and wished she could offer more to the girl. Kathryn knew how good she was at taking care of a home though, outside of the most basic cooking skills, Kathryn was so useless she would slow things down far more than helping. Most of her childhood had been spent learning how to be lady like with a side of her uncle teaching her how to swing a sword. And her teenage years spent learning how to fight for herself. When Lizbeth left to prepare their sleeping quarters Kathryn returned her attention to the party as Kosara made dessert, and BB and Victoria talked on Lizbeth and their mission. "Some kids are just strange. You should have seen the look on my betrothal's face when he realized he was about to get hitched to me instead of my sister. He looked so defeated." Kathryn joked trying to draw what attention she could from Lizbeth. Her chuckles and smiles were strained though, apart of her wanted to come clean about what she had learned of Lizbeth. But she also wasn't too sure on how the party would react given what they had gone through. She wasn't even sure how Lizbeth would react if she knew. That is what she should have asked Cecily. If Lizbeth knew.

The new magic items seemed rather interesting. "Amulet of the drunkard? I don't think anyone here could really be called a drunkard?" Kathryn said finding the whole idea of a magic item that turned an alcoholic into the healthiest person in the room. Right before taking a sip of the totally not cursed brandy. As for the wand... "So is it like the spell you cast on my hammer when we took it from the constable? Or is it like the opposite effect you mentioned when we discovered the hidden brewery? And if that is the case, do we wanna go back there and try the wand there? See if we can learn anything new?" Victoria did bring up a good point on maybe seeing if these belonged to the lady of the estate. Though, one was acting as Kathryn's squire, and the other was a suspect to Kathryn. BB did bring up a point that the amulet would be useful for someone who had to try and sample a lot throughout the day. "Or it could be useful for someone who gets hurt more often then they would want to admit to others. And needs a reliable way to recover without drawing too much attention." The store room again though... "So that makes our two hot spots the store room in the woods, and the basement study. Either way, we have our starting points. Another look at the store room could hopefully bring us some information."

When dessert came Kathryn was more than a little excited. Finishing her cup of brandy she set it down, looked over the flat bread like treats, grabbed a jar of jam, placed a couple on a plate, and poured enough jam on it to make a small child go "Isn't that a bit much?" Before taking a fork and attempting to cram as much of one of the flat breads into her mouth as she could. "These are so good Kosara! Thank you so much!" Kathryn said as her mood already began to improve. "These are so wonderful!" Finally, some good fucking news.

"I am going to make my way to bed, I do hope the rest of you sleep well, but after the chaos of tonight, I can hear the sheets calling to me." Kathryn said tired out. Finishing up her flat bread, scraping all the leftover jam off her plate, and setting it aside to be cleaned in the morning. "However we want to distribute the magic items or deal with them I am all for. Though it may be a good idea to hold off telling Cecily until we know a little more of whats going on around here. I doubt she would like the fact we've already broken into the study." Kathryn joked before heading outside, a new bottle of wine in her hand.

Seeing Lizbeth outside, Kathryn saw a girl who looked... no. She couldn't make that comparison. Not after what she learned. But she didn't look okay. "Hey Lizbeth, are you doing okay? Its freezing out here." Kathryn tried to say in an optimistic manner. She didn't look okay. Though she said she was, in that monotone way that someone would if they didn't want others to know if they weren't, or in the way where they stopped caring if they were or not. The smiles seemed more for Kathryn's sake than her own. "You know, we're probably all gonna be getting up at different hours for when we get into all of our tasks tomorrow. Since you and I will be working together tomorrow, and I wouldn't mind getting in a short training session before we start, want me to move your bed to my room? Its a bit less crowded? And then we can get moving as soon as we are both ready to take on the world!" Kathryn said loudly, confidently, and with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. This.. also served another purpose too buy herself time while she decided if the party should know about Lizbeth's condition.

With a confirmation from her small squire with a level of determination that made Kathryn a bit proud, Kathryn went to the room Lizbeth tended to share with Victoria and Kosara, picked up one of the beds, and carried it to her own room, placing it by the fire. Changing into her sleep wear and a coat, she rushed back out to Lizbeth. "Come on dude, let's get to be before it gets any colder. You've worked hard enough today." Kathryn said returning to her room, and climbing into bed. And... was the bed heated? Did Lizbeth warm her bed?! Holy shite... she really did go the extra mile.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House Tap Room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn gave a warm appreciative chuckle to the young woman who prepared their food. "By the gods, then you really know your stuff. It tastes wonderful too." Kathryn spoke up going through her food like someone who seemed partially convinced it could be her last meal. When BB brought up Lizbeth going with Kathryn tomorrow, the idea seemed sound to her. Kathryn wasn't the best when it came to clue catching. She could brute force only so much before things began to break that couldn't be fixed. Personal relations included. "Some help tomorrow would be wonderful. You may catch something I would miss. You are also far more knowledgeable in the history and context of the lands than myself. Between you and I, any bad guy with a passing thinker should be shaking in their boots at the thought of this team up." Kathryn spoke proudly. Plus, Lizbeth was becoming a very passable fighter. Though she never let the girl win, Kathryn was holding back less and less with their training.

When the topic of old land owner came up, Kathryn had to suppress a sigh. The temptation to humiliate him was in fact there, however, Kathryn needed money. And lots of it. "Though the tone of his voice makes him very unlikable, I would like to keep things in passable terms." Kathryn paused thinking on that a moment. "Kosara, Victoria, if he does however give you any problems let me know, I'll straiten him out." She said not successfully wooing him once tonight. She was sure that Victoria and Kosara could handle such a bloke, however she wanted them both to know that she had their back. And she wouldn't throw them under the wagon for a few gold coins. As for the local clergy issue. "Maybe we shall get lucky, and a traveling clergy man will be coming through who can... do clergy stuff." Well put. The expert of divine magic. "But we should be fast. The faster the better. Time is not our ally here."

"Don't push yourself too hard Lizbeth, you've worked a ton today and you should get some rest." Kathryn called out to the girl as she left. The small woman was very attentive. It was impressive, but she didn't want to make the girl feel like she was the party's unpaid labor. Kathryn did wonder what method Kosara had been taught, but she figured it was probably either trying to rip a head off, celestial blast, or making him see some sort of unholy images that would make her father question Kathryn's methods at making friends. Kosara did bring up a good point, they were probably being watched at all times. Or at least had the means too watch them at all times. "We should plan accordingly. We have 2 sending stones, one group should take one to the village tomorrow, and the other should remain here. Though it'll take time for someone to react, if something important comes up we may need too call out in a hurry." Like when Kathryn and Kosara were cornered by the former constable. If they could have taken the very next second to warn the rest of the party of their concerns maybe they could have acted faster. Or maybe Victoria and Marita could share their finds even faster and Kathryn and Kosara could have reacted? "I am open to whoever carries the stone. BB has one, and I can lend out mine to someone else. If something happens closer, we may need to find another way to reach out. We'll have to think of something for sure..." Another moment Kathryn wished she studied the arcana. Not that she was particularly skilled in it. However, it would have helped.

When BB began to ask Victoria about Lizbeth, Kathryn visibly tensed. Deciding now was a good time to down the remaining brandy she had on her person, stand up, grab some more, and down most of that. Did she speak up? Did she share what she knows? Did she keep quiet not only for the party's sake but Lizbeth's? Did Lizbeth even know? Maybe she knew something. Maybe she didn't. Was this the way for a child to learn? "She's under a lot of stress at the moment. Burying herself in work to hide it. I wouldn't be surprised if her body was having a physical reaction to it all. She honestly probably just needs a good break." Kathryn said in a calmer voice than she thought she could muster. "If we're that worried, I can talk to Cecily tomorrow, see if she has noticed anything, or knows anything." Kathryn said offering up her services for questions she already had the answer too.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House Tap Room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn had to admit, whatever Lizbeth was cooking up in the other room was distracting. Yes, Kathryn was a battle hardened warrior who could go toe to toe with most foes and give them a run for their money, had die hard strength, and an unruly determination to strike down her foes. However, snacks were one of the many half giants weaknesses. Her focus was reestablished when Kosara began to share a treasure trove of knowledge on the situation at hand, or at least of their suspect. "I think you have a point on those temples. Between being a hub of information, and the fact that clergy knowledge would very much come in handy at the moment, if the roads are passable we should look." She wondered if it was more important to search the house first, or if they would have to split into two teams.

When Lizbeth called out what was for dinner, combined with an ask for help, Kathryn took two steps with enough force and determination one may have assumed she crossed half the room in those two strides, however despite that the young bean was assisted by those faster on their feet than Kathryn. "This is a simple meal for you Lizbeth? My gods I fear what you call a busy day." Kathryn chuckled out with a hint of glee, hoping it would ease the small one just a bit. Yes things were doom and gloom, but no reason to upset anyone any more than needed. Some... some upset would be needed.

"Can.... can the post do that?" Kathryn asked. Despite her years of travel, she never really had the need to send or receive post. Between her home being crushed, and her remaining family so far off they could hardly be called related, or missing presumed dead, who would she even send a post too? Her old king? Requesting a retrial? Without a lawyer or money to pay for one? And then wait for a reply be it more post or bounty hunters? No, no post for Kathryn. But it seemed that between BB and Kosara, the idea of a lich seemed possible. Albeit this overall group was a little ill-informed on the topic. Victoria as usual, was their expert on the matter. Well, Kosara was growing into that too. But Victoria knew how to use that knowledge, weaponize it. In ways Kathryn could never even come close. It was scary in a way. The limited temple usage was also a good point, population centers this small couldn't dedicate the same space to such beliefs as larger towns and cities. Hells, herself and Ser Lucas passed through several small villages where the sole shared temple wasn't even staffed, just cleaned and maintained by the locals when they had time, and the only clergy that ever held services there were traveling ones who were almost as poor as the local settlers. And their cost of business? Food and housing while they were in town, and donated coins for travel expenses.

Kathryn once everyone else was served grabbed herself a bowl, and enjoyed the wonderful meal that Lizbeth had prepared for them. "This is wonderful Lizbeth. At the rate you're going you'll be able to take care of these lands all by yourself with your home skills and fighting skills. I pity the poor bastard who crosses paths with you with anything but the up most respect." Kathryn said complimenting the cook. Kosara then piped up about dessert. One of Kathryn's other major weaknesses. Despite her best efforts, she was still rather impulsive. Sweets, were absolutely a weakness worth the struggle though.

Getting her thoughts back on track, she turned to the group getting the idea of sweet tasty treats out of her mind. "So house, clergy, post, and Madame Floquet. I do think investigating the house is the most important piece, however, we're against a clock. We don't know how much time is left. And after what happened to BB I have reservations on splitting up. However, if we are to split up, we should be prepared so that each group can protect themselves. And share what they learn using the sending stones. I have one upstairs, and BB has the other." The stone she should have had on her. "We're also not a big group. Splitting up is risky. So do we want to split up at all? Or knock out our tasks in the house or village first. I am rather in favor of investigating the house, and I think that is most important." Cecily not sharing the keys was... A problem. She didn't want to think the woman a suspect, but there was motive. And, there was potential for sabotage. How would she react when the party got into the study? What if they got back and it was locked?

The Dead Don't Die.

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June Fowler

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Location: Gas Station Outside --> MRAP
Skills: N/A

Maybe, just maybe, June wasn't the ideal member for the end of the world. When it came to fight or flight, she froze. When it came to fighting she couldn't do a lot until it was push to shove, and she'd probably need to be shoved a couple times to get going. She didn't have the stomach for killing either. Even animals she couldn't muster it. Despite being a potentially extremely lethal shot at medium range with a rifle, she'd break down in tears in the woods the only time she ever attempted to go hunting with her father. To add to it, what she considered supplies was not the same thing as what most people considered survival supplies. Three large packages of energy drinks, a butt load of gummy worms, some chips, a pack of what she is pretty sure is beef jerky but she has some doubts, and plenty of magazines with less a less than decently dressed cast on them. "Well, if you don't want any gummy worms I shall not share then." June attempted in her most over the top entitled noblewoman voice trying her best to not break down laughing at a mediocre joke at best. "Also its a fucking mad house in there. Most the shelves are already getting cleared out." There was also the fact that she paid for all the supplies she grabbed, so she figured she got a pretty solid say on what was purchased. Plus, she could live off this stuff exclusively for... She had to think about it as this was pretty close to her normal diet excluding a few microwave meals, take out meals, and whatever food the few conventions she went too offered. The humor was also a great way to hide how scared shitless she was! She got close to the infected man... did she catch it? In that moment of considering if she was infected or not, she felt herself get woozy and her arms get weak. Oh god was she sick?!

Then she remembered she was carrying several large packs of energy drinks and wasn't nearly as strong or in as good of shape as she was in highschool or college. These fuckers were heavy. Pushing her loot into the truck and heard her name. She was mentioned?! In a positive light?! Despite freezing up at first, June absolutely took the moment to accept the praise. Doing her best cool dude pose while leaning against the rear of the massive truck she smiled, tipped her non-existent hat to the Lex and spoke up. "Twas no big deal." She said in her best western tough guy tone. "Just come to me should you need assistance again yeah?" June said the western accent slipping as she leaned into the more cool dude vibes. Clearly out of her element accepting and wanting more praise.

Though she realized how cringe she must look at the moment, and decided that this was enough attention. So abruptly stopped the charade and climbed into the truck without saying a word. She did still have some manners, and would offer a hand to everyone climbing into the truck (After securing the energy drinks and snacks) and help them inside. But she had that sinking feeling again of what if that interaction had gotten her infected? Her gut felt sick, her limbs weak again, she swore she could feel her blood pressure dropping. Or rising... she wasn't sure either way how it worked... But it all felt wrong! What if everyone she helps into the truck was now infected because she spread it to them?! WHAT IF SHE DOOMED THEM ALL?! No, this anxiety wouldn't do. Grabbing one of the energy drinks she opened it and downed nearly half of it in the first few gulps. There, much better. "Okay? debatable. Alive? Sure. Clear? Also debatable. But as no one is trying to eat our spleens then you know? A bit of an improvement." She said with a strained chuckle to Kali's questioning.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Coach House Tap Room Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Warming up was a slow effort, but one that was much needed. She was thankful Lizbeth had her things with her now so she could be a little more comfortable while she stayed with the party. Kathryn wished she hadn't been so caught up in the moment and wished she had offered the items to the young girl. So when Kathryn was offered tea from the young Lizbeth she let out a warm smile to the girl. "Thank you so much my dear. I swear its getting colder by the minute out there." Kathryn said trying to lighten the mod around Lizbeth. As a whole, she worried about the girl. She worried about the tone of things when she walked in, she worried about what Cecily said when they were in private. And she was torn on what of that she should share with the party. Or even to Lizbeth herself. She did seem to be a bit better with the return of her belongings, so small victories for now. They needed something big. Not only to keep everyone safe, but because the wear that it was taking on Lizbeth was getting worse. The heart of a child could only take so much, and she'd need something big to happen to be a reassurance that everything would be okay.

When Lizbeth had offered to assemble some food for them, Kathryn felt guilty that the girl left in their charge was acting in place of a servant to them. Kathryn stood up to offer to help, but they had severe problems to focus down. She had to be present for this. "You've had a long day Lizbeth, no need for anything too complicated. Easy and simple okay?" She also figured this was Lizbeth trying to get out of the current conversation. Otherwise she would insist on not needing anything. The girl probably just wanted to feel useful with a chance to escape the horrors going on around her. Kathryn told herself she would make Lizbeth a treat or few when given the chance herself. Tonight was not likely to be one of those nights.

Blackberry had begun to bring up several points of concern as well. Also, growing more concerning and more relevant as things began to progress. Or degrade depending who was asked. "Do we even have a way to give an answer? Or how to figure out what it'll cost?" There could be something in the study, but even then it was a bit of a stretch. But BB was also right, there was no telling what would happen if they didn't act on this information. Blackberry did have a decent idea of asking the staff of any other hidden old places like the distillery. Kathryn nodded with approval to this idea as she tried to think of more herself. "I like that idea, lets begin interrogating the staff as soon as we can. As for the study, we can look for a key, learn how to pick locks, or worst comes to worst I'll deal with the door the good old fashion way." Kathryn said determined, but with a light undertone of humor to soften the seriousness of the situation. Maybe she could force the door off its hinges, or maybe she could dismantle it piece by piece until they could get in. Cecily may have to be asked for forgiveness later. With time very much not on their side, they would soon have to push the ask forgiveness later motion if they were to save lives. She hated that, but she was getting more and more concerned of the situation. The lack of keys would also prove problematic.

Kathryn listened to his last point, but wasn't sure if there was a finer point that he was trying to get too. "So our suspects likely speak a language that so few speak, that knowing it is enough for us to put someone on a suspect list. How would we confirm such a thing though? Unless you had another idea in mind." Kathryn was far from a language expert. Even her attempts to learn goblin have proved to be a major pain in the ass. Not without some merit or progress, but it was slow going and difficult. She wondered a bit what the dragonborn's point was, if there was something comically obvious she was missing.

Hearing from Victoria that the study may already be unlocked with the help of her trade master eased one area of problems. Kathryn didn't really want to go smashing down doors until they had no other choice. Victoria showing she made up a large amount of the brains of the team explaining how the language may be relevant. Kathryn had to hide her awe and shock from being so side stepped from the knowledge. But it was a fun bit of trivia to learn from the bard. "SO whatever the source of this magic, it is probably old. Or follows old roots." Her mind came to a lich, but all she knew of them were from children's stories. Super old wizards corrupted by the power of undead magic. Always evil, always stabable by the hero knights of her story books. But they normally had a super obvious hideout in those books and stood no chance against the epic hero of the tale.

"So we have the study, we have this deal that is proving problematic, and we have the concerning connections of an old nearly dead language that thankfully a few of us know about. But that no one in living memory should be able to do these sort of abilities. With an increasingly impatient dangerous foe." Kathryn debated bringing up her theory but as her knowledge stopped at children's story books she wasn't so sure on it. "We could try and involve the Sheriff. He has more local knowledge, and is an experienced adventurer. As well, we need to start considering a list of suspects. And how much we can trust each individual while we sort out who is who." She visibly hesitated before speaking again. "Blackberry, Victoria, you may know more than me so I will run it by you two first. Could we be dealing with a lich of some kind? I can't say I am an expert but at a surface level glance I can't rule it out with my own knowledge. Or Kosara, you have some familiarity with this dude's name. Could he be something... more?" Kathryn asked posing the question to her team.

The Dead Don't Die.

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June Fowler

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Location: Gas Station Inside --> Gas Station Outside
Skills: N/A

June paused for a moment as Lex explained that she was in fact, their medically qualified person. At least to a degree. "fair, fair. Maybe the first aid kits have a thing explaining it?" She could have sworn she looked into a first aid kit once and saw something like that, then got squeamish and looked away immediately. Surely all first aid kits have them right? Or at least some... or at least some others than the one she looked in. June almost didn't have the chance to respond when the man lunged for Lex. What did June do in that moment? She froze.

It took way too long for June's train of thought to kick back into gear, being shaken up by the sound of the front door opening harshly. That metallic thud of the door swinging open reminded June that something in her had to act. Something in her could act. Seeing the man on top of Lex, June was still scared shitless. She worried about what would happen should the man turn on her, would she get torn apart too? Was he contagious? Would she end up just like him?! She didn't know, and that idea scared her. But she refused to do nothing, rushing across the lane she grabbed the fire extinguisher off the wall and turned around just in time to see Flynn knock the dude off Lex. So her reaction time was slower than a dude outside, really said something about freezing in the moment. Seeing the attacker standing now June charged the man swinging the blunt improvised weapons with a harsh screech as she swung the blunt instrument with all her force!

Only for it to wiff, missed entirely as she misjudged the distance. To her luck, or what she could claim to be expert skill, the rebound as her arms sprang forward again, the blunt fire extinguisher flying nearly strait up into the attackers chin. For a brief moment June sword she saw the dude go airborne and fall flat on his back. A second after she had accomplished her feat of strength the clang of the blunt weapon hitting the floor shook her out of her short term mental freeze as Lex grabbed her arm and began to pull.

Quickly the woman's humor of a shell returned, replying to Flynn with a two finger solute with her free hand she spoke up. "Right as Rain Captain." June said in her best English sounding accent. Not realizing she was shaking as she spoke and was dragged. Then Lex Mentioned the loot. And June's excited face broke. "Shite, my booty!" She joked trying to suppress her fear. as she took a step back to the leaning tower of snacks grabbing it with both arms, but doing her best to still stay in the grip of Lex. Something about a woman who didn't freeze under stress taking the time out of her day to make sure she didn't get left behind was reassuring. June despite carrying the tower of loot stayed close enough so Lex could still keep dragging her by the arm as they ran. She didn't have to be told twice to get the hell out of the way of the dudes with guns as they dealt with the problem.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: The Big House --> Coach House Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn wasn't super sure what sort of response she was expecting when she asked Cecily if she was sure about Lizbeth's fate, but her reply was... telling enough. The woman was sure that for at least a moment, Lizbeth had died. And now, she wasn't. Kathryn let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, and looked up at Cecily. "My apologies, I didn't mean to get so invasive. It's just... a lot of information." As Cecily finished up, Kathryn stood and gave her a curt bow. "Thank you for all of your assistance, and your hospitality during these trying times. As we go about making sure things are okay, please come to us for anything. I would love to return the favor if possible." Kathryn let out trying to reassure the older woman as best as she could. Kathryn hesitated after Cecily left. She was a woman who could take on most anyone in a fight if she was smart. She was someone who emotionally wanted to be supportive. Someone who wanted to be firm and commanding when needed. She however was inexperienced in regards to social tact. Sure she could be friendly, but friendly only got so far.

Stepping back out into the weather, Kathryn strode through the snow rather unpleasantly. Her height and her limited survival skills made it so at least the walk as a whole wasn't too deadly, but she had a feeling should the weather take another turn for the worst she was going to be in trouble, best to get back inside as fast as her legs could muster. She at one point had almost lost the trail despite how short the walk was, but the snow drifts made it considerably harder to find her path. Thankfully, it wasn't too long before Kathryn found herself returning to the Coach House.

On her way back she noticed Kosara and Victoria entering the coach house again, not wanting to be outside any longer than she had too, Kathryn didn't call out yet, figuring she could catch up once inside. She was freezing, her coat was nowhere near heavy enough for what Kathryn needed in this weather, and she was ready to drink herself into a deep sleep after the events of tonight. Stepping inside she didn't realize just how much force she used to open the front door as it slammed into the wall behind the recently swinging door. Inside then stepped Kathryn, forced to bend over to fit through the door way. Shutting the door behind her before speaking. Ripping off her winter gear and hanging it over a chair near by she walked over and sat as close to the fire as she could, taking a solid look at everyone in the room. "Sorry..." She said shortly, not realizing she was shivering. Dresses even with a coat are terrible for the cold. There was a heavy air in the room she could see on everyone's face. Something... had happened, or been discussed. Kathryn guessed she wasn't the only one with a lot of information to process. Then she spotted Lizbeth. And almost reflexively, she hesitated before she could muster the words. "How are you holding up Lizbeth?" Kathryn spoke gently like an older sister trying to make sure the young one she cared for was okay.

The thought of young Lizbeth having passed on, and then returning did unsettle Kathryn. But seeing the spooked girl before her, the girl she had spent the previous months training as she acted as a fill in squire, Kathryn was all that much more convinced this girl had been given a second chance in a world where second chances like that didn't come up too often. She would do her best to make sure the small bean was able to make the most of it. Waiting for everyone to return and settle back in, Kathryn stood up, poured herself some brandy, took a rather hefty sip and did her best to not sound exhausted. "Alright then. We're back in the thick of things. Cecily has agreed to give us some access to the estate so we can figure out what is going on, and prevent more carnage. We've been directed to start in the former master of estate's study, though she did not have a key for that room." She looked about the room at the allies and friends before her. "Assuming I hadn't made an ass of myself for nothing, let's make sure we are all caught up to date with each other yeah?" She supposed Lizbeth was already involved more than she would have liked. Keeping her out now would likely cause more harm than not. "I also propose we check out the master bedroom or bedrooms if there is more than one, servant tunnels, and any floor plans of the estate we can muster. Old ones especially. If there are more hidden rooms and facilities like the one we found a couple months ago we should know about it. Old letters may also come in handy. Cecily may not like us poking around so much so lets be polite about it." Kathryn said pondering ideas and taking a sip of her drink. "Other than dealing with forces who we don't know or understand their full motive, what do we know so far?" Kathryn asked the group hoping that maybe the group had found something out while Kathryn gave a rather extreme performance.