#fenixtj

Jessica gets the news she didn't want.

No sooner did the prisoner get dropped off, then those escorting them were attacked

And she hasn't asked the big question yet... did anyone die, Chimerically, or otherwise?

Well. She asks.

"Thane Coy," Says the thane before her, "He did what trolls do. He held the line so the rest of us could retreat"

"Coy?" she looks stricken "Is he... "

"So close to death right on the spot we thought he was a goner. If it werent for Otem's people suddenly coming out of the hsadows and buying him time, we'd not been able to get him here. He's with Fontaine. There was poison in the arrows. We're still not sure he'll make it" The Thane in question looks uncomfortable. A local boggan, one of Rosa's many relations "I was the one who got to take the report to you"

"Was anyone else hurt? What happened to the attacking party?"

"They withdrew when they get injuries back"

"Our people didn't pursue, correct?" she motions he should come with her, and she sets off for Fontaine's spa.

"No, Countess we focused on getting our injured out of there"

He follows

"Good. You did the right thing." she goes into the spa "Coy?" softly.

Coy is the palest blue you've ever seen, as he is held up by Fontaine , floating in the healing waters. on the other side , not caring she got wet, is Constance

"Constance, what do you need?" she whispers to be heard but not to disturb "Anything."

"I need my love to be healthy" She says "And I need time to calm myself so I don't .." A breath "I know you want peace, Countess. But if I had my hands around the throat of the one who shot him and poisoned him? I wouldn't stop squeezing"

"And I would understand. Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind too. Take all the time you need and want. I am making your responsible for his recovery and that is your duty now."

A nod "Thank you"

Fontaine says "He'll live .. but recovery will be slow. The chimerical poison on the arrow would be worse if it hadn't passed through him"

"Can you tell us anything about that poison?"

"If you're asking do we have an antitdote specicifally for it? No," Fontaine says "But I can tell you it's eating away at his mein from the inside out, it promotes atrophy at a rapid rate"

Jessica looks vaguely ill. "Ok. Good to know."

"I think it's meant to rob a troll of his strength even if he lives" Fontaine goes on "He'll feel helpless even after he recovers..."

Constance has stiffened at this talk

"Or maybe not." Jess squashes firmly "Anything is possible."

"True. Otem is asking the elders if they know of anti toxins specific to this. " Fontaine nods "A good man"

"He is. Please work with him, of course."

"Of course" Fontaine returns his focus to his patient ... the water seems to be lapping out bits of poison, like a tide removing a sweat from a body

"Fontaine, do you need anything?" gently.

"No. I told Constance that but she refuses to leave so I have to wear pants ALL the time" He sighs "it's good though. He'll want to see her when he wakens"

Constance nods at this

"I will let you work, then." softly "But let anyone know if you have any needs. They will be supplied."

And she withdraws, with a concerned look at Coy.

She runs into Otem, he sees her "You have been informed?"

"I have. Are you ok? Your people?"

"Some injured as well, not as badly as your thane Coy. "

"How can I help?"

"For now, we have them tended to" He assures "I hope to have antitoxins for your people in return"

"That would be welcome. I would like to offer your people something in return as well, if it's welcome."

"Otem, let's talk. I want to know what happened. Can you call your people in? I want to talk to my people too."

"My people are healing at the village now" He says "My apologies. "

"No apologies needed; they have the help they need, that's the point."

"I would like to hear what happened from your people's point of view, when you can share it. For now, come hear ours?"

Jessica sends word that those involved should gather.

"of course" he nods

Some can't gather, they're heaing, but a few do. Including that boggan

Jessica welcomes all, thanks them, ensures they are ok and that everyone has food and drink available. "I want to hear what happened, please. However you want to say."

There are confused looks, and some glance to the boggan

"I told her" He assures them all

"He did. But individual perspective are valuable."