Party of Four

JP with Jaxx and Cindy

The two continued on eventually though they needed to stop. River needed to rest a while and it was likely so did the palomino's two passengers.

Islana was able to spot some water and grass. So that's where she headed. Same routine of getting River to lay down to get Hunter off the horse. Once Hunter was situated, Islana took care of River.

They needed to eat, make more tea though Islana was going to start conserving the leaves, unless she found more, along with the food in her pack.

To that end she hunted and butchered small game, enough for the two of them. First a fire, then made some of the tea. She then started to cook the meat. While it was cooking she refilled their water skins.

The moment taken to walk a little further in search of any of the ingredients for the antidote was apparently worth it as her eyes caught sight of the bitterweed blade.

Having no gloves, it was two of the small pieces of cloth she had in her pack to the rescue. Islana wrapped the cloth around her hands and cut off the leaves. Then carried them back.

"I found some bitterweed blade." Showing it to Hunter.

That was one down, at least.

They would have to let River rest awhile. Islana looked up at the falcon overheard, Come

Kaithak landed in front of her. She fed it a few pieces of meat. And glanced over at Hunter. "I don't think I've done proper introductions. That is Kaithak. And my horse is River." Both animals were clearly important to the young woman.

Hunter nodded as he replied, "Forgive me for not getting up........I had a few pigeons I raised in the past. Animals are much easier to be around than people."

Islana nodded. She supposed that it was true that animals were easier but she was so grateful to know the people she called friends.

The young woman grew quiet as she thought of their friends. Would they ever see them again? What if they didn't. It wasn't a path her mind could be allowed to wander down. It was far too easy to get wrapped up in that kind of thought.

The meat was cooked and Islana cut it into small bites and helped Hunter eat some. Then helped him drink some tea.

Once Hunter had his fill, she ate her own food and drank her own tea. But she would let the tea start working and the food chase away some of the tiredness that her body felt before speaking again.

Hunter focused on eating and drinking since it required him to not gag up the charcoal. The taste was foul and dry so each time he ate or drank it he found his body trying to reject it. Once he was done eating and drinking in silence he looked up at the sky. He knew each day was a challenge to survive. In the past his reason to live was to prove he was the best of his kind. Now he wanted to live to be more than just a tool. The life of an assassin was a dangerous one and death was a very close neighbor to him always. He knew one day he would die but he preferred it when he was old and not young. Then he spoke up to Islana, "Everyday I know I can die by many reasons. However to block out those dark thoughts I focus on the mission and the options to achieve it. The mission gives me something I can achieve and live to see. I am still learning how others deal with life, but I believe that we need focus to prevent our minds from being clouded. You achieved this today by finding the Bitterweed Blade. I am sure we will find honey in time but was not sure if Bitterweed Blade existed in this place. Thank you for your efforts. I will not let them be wasted."