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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 16, 2011 20:31:05 GMT -5
Reckony sat on his chair backwards, pulling himself as close to the table as possible so as to potentially increase his understanding of what Elle was saying. This would be the third time she had to explain the diagnosis to him and failing this latest of aids, he would resort to firewhiskey. Some had a mind for medicine. Pike required training wheels.
"So let me get this straight." Reckony caught the volume of his voice and quickly looked behind him in to the bedroom. Maebh was asleep on the bed, carefully wrapped in handmade quilts and embraced in the low, lulling glow of a candle. At Elle's insistence, fresh white sage hung over the door. "Let me get this straight," he whispered more softly. "She's not improving because she's been hexed? Why, how - " It was difficult for him to comprehend how so much damage had been inflicted on the young woman; she was a warrior from the depths of her heart and could defeat any army single-handed. It was a testament to her skill that she was alive at all. It was also a testament to Mosrael's rage.
"I don't know what to do, Elle. I'm not magically inclined. You say hex and my mind goes, you know, Pepto Bismol." Reckony sighed and hung his head. "Sorry, it's this pink chalk stuff that Muggles drink..."
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Post by Elle Callahan on Jul 17, 2011 3:04:44 GMT -5
Peace was often the first causality. The Second sleep. Or maybe that was reverse. Elle had been in a deep, coma like sleep when she got the news that Hogsmeade had been attacked. In minutes she was walking up to the castle. She'd just finished scrubbing when Maebh Brenandan had been brought to her. Quickly, Elle focused on the injured shopkeeper. Once she was stable though, Elle transported the woman to the Threebroom sticks. The next couple of days were crucial. Hexes were tricky things, especially the ones resistant to magic. If an infection set into the wound Maebh could easily die. She needed constant watch and Elle just couldn't give it to her. Not here, but moving her to St. Mungo's at that moment would probably do more harm than good. Maybe in a few days, let the wound heal a bit.
Elbows on the table, Elle supported her head with balled fists as she watched the pacing barkeep. He loved her, did he know that yet? She thought as he worked out his frustration.
"So let me get this straight." "Let me get this straight," he whispered more softly. "She's not improving because she's been hexed? Why, how - "
The man was hard to get in a word edge wise but Elle was sympathetic. She understood what he must be feeling and questions was just one way of expression the emotions.
"I don't know what to do, Elle. I'm not magically inclined. You say hex and my mind goes, you know, Pepto Bismol." Reckony sighed and hung his head. "Sorry, it's this pink chalk stuff that Muggles drink..."
Pink Chalk? It sounded gross. Why did muggles subjugate themselves to disgusting things? "Calm down Pike. It'll be alright. I can't magically repair the damage. Her shoulder will have to heal the muggle way. I can of course speed it along a bit, replace the blood she's lost, give her pain potion, but she'll need someone to change her bandages and watch for signs of fever and infection. Can you do that? Magically transferring her to st. Mungo's could do more harm than good at this point. She just needs rest and care."
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 19, 2011 0:56:39 GMT -5
"Aye, I can do that. I just, I just can't believe it's her, you know. Why couldn't it have been me...or someone else? She's..." Pike let his arms fall on to the table and his head fall. This was not a question Elle could answer. No one should be subjected to such a fate. He wished he could take Maebh's place.
"So infection and fever, hey?" Reckony reached deep in to his Muggle memory, picking up bits and pieces of dealing with injuries. He usually relied on his best mate for these first aid things, but that wasn't a possibility at the moment. "Swelling, discharge, darkened veins? Anything else I should be looking out for? And this pain potion. Can you leave me with the dosage details? Please?"
Reckony grabbed a quill from his counter and started making notes from Elle's directions. He glanced often in to the adjoining bedroom, as if failure to do so would result in catastrophic consequences.
"She looks cold. I have her covered in blankets and the fire's roaring. Do you think she's cold?"
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Post by Elle Callahan on Jul 19, 2011 1:10:39 GMT -5
He really did care for her. That much was evident. Maybe even loved her. Elle pushed aside the bitter longing. She would not begrudge these people their romance just because the person she was attracted to was oblivious to anything but injury and crime. Maybe one of these days she could convince Alex Kameren that even he could like-maybe even love someone and that expressing feelings wouldn't kill him.
"Aye, I can do that. I just, I just can't believe it's her, you know. Why couldn't it have been me...or someone else? She's..."
Elle clasped his hand reassuringly. He really had it bad and probably just realized it. "going to be alright. I know this is a shock but she's young and has much to live for. Just tell her you love her," Elle said softly, the word love coming out a little choked. If only she'd take her own advice... not that it would make a difference in her case. The person she loved didn't even know she was a woman.
"Swelling, discharge, darkened veins? Anything else I should be looking out for? And this pain potion. Can you leave me with the dosage details? Please?"
"Fever, excessively red or green coloring," she said reaching into her bag and pulling out a bottle of the pain potion. "Give her a spoonful every four to six hours. She'll also need a bandage change twice a day and anytime she bleeds through. Here's an herbal rinse to wipe the wound with. It'll help keep away infection. If you have any questions you can call on me day or night." She said giving him another bottle that was marked rinse. "Extra bandages are on the bedside table."
"She looks cold. I have her covered in blankets and the fire's roaring. Do you think she's cold?"
"I think she's just pale. She lost a lot of blood. You can place a heated brick wrapped in rags beneath the blankets to ward off chills if she starts to shiver."
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 20, 2011 23:11:33 GMT -5
Reckony was thankful for Elle's tender touch and accepted her offered hand with a squeeze. Some people were just born to be healers: Elle's immense compassion made that evident and he couldn't think of anyone else he would rather have by his side in such a situation. He looked over the bottles and bandages and ensured he had things straight in his head before continuing.
"Can I offer you some tea? Or something stronger?" Pike rose to his feet, looking in on Maebh before drawing the door half close so as to keep the volume down for her. He placed a cast iron kettle on the fire and pulled down a wax carton of root tea. "It's hard to believe that half the village is gone. By the time I reached Maebh, I could have sworn that the attack had been going on for hours, the damage was so bad. But it was a matter of maybe fifteen, twenty minutes?"
"I know you've been swamped with casualties, Elle. I appreciate that you've taken the time to help me with Maebh. I can't lose her, you know, and just having someone here has been a Merlin-send. Thank you."
He reached for two tea cups and snagged a plate of homemade cookies, placing the items on the table.
"How are you doing? I can't imagine this has been an easy day for you."
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Post by Elle Callahan on Jul 20, 2011 23:34:10 GMT -5
Speed was her friend. Dashing around like a mad woman with a jinx on her feet helped Elle get through all of the turmoil. It was only when sedentary that her mind would focus on the horror all around her. This was the first time she had seen battle. Injuries were one thing, but in a destroyed setting it was so much worse. She hadn't seen anything like this before and it made her stomach pitch like she was a ship battling an ocean of blood with waves of despair. Who would do so much destruction? What kind of person were they? In all of her young life she would never have thought anyone could be so cruel.
"Can I offer you some tea? Or something stronger?"
"Tea, please. I don't drink spirits, it messes with my medication," She said off handedly. It was no real secret that Elle had an illness. It wasn't anything particularly life threatening unless she didn't have her medicine and was gravely injuries. Her blood didn't clot which made her extremely susceptible to bruising and internal injuries.
"I know you've been swamped with casualties, Elle. I appreciate that you've taken the time to help me with Maebh. I can't lose her, you know, and just having someone here has been a Merlin-send. Thank you."
The young healer brushed it aside, her cheeks a little warm. "Glad I could help. I'm still in training, so I wasn't sure what all I could do. I haven't picked a specialty yet..." Really, she should have done so a couple of years ago. She'd been studying healing for seven years.
"How are you doing? I can't imagine this has been an easy day for you."
Elle smiled gratefully at the barkeep. He was a good person. "Better than most but I feel a bit guilty. While this is a terrible tragedy it has been a great learning opportunity for me and my fellow healers..."
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Post by Conan Breandan on Jul 24, 2011 17:12:22 GMT -5
SLAM!
Downstairs, the door flew open, crashing unheeded against the wall as booming footsteps crossed the downstairs. Conan was not a big man, but he was in a hurry. The floorboards reverberated in his wake.
“Pike! Pike!” He reached the stairs, leaping up them two at a time. “Reckony Pike, what did you do to my sister?”
The gyspy had travelled as quickly as possible from Wales to Hogwarts, but it had taken several hours to track down a car and get as close to the wizarding school as possible. He’d arrived at the hospital wing after nearly an hour of becoming lost in Hogwart’s unfamiliar terrain, only to discover no one there knew of Maebh, or where she might be. His second location to check had been the Broomsticks. It had been Pike’s Patronus, after all.
Conan was a sight, his hair wild from the run and his dark face flushed as he breathed heavily in an effort to recover his breath. He still wore travelling clothes, these were dusty and worn from time spent on the road. Although Reckony had a full foot on him, he didn’t seem overly concerned about the barkeep. He stalked across the floor to confront the man.
“Where. Is. She.” His voice was barely controlled anger, and buried deep, an undercurrent of fear. He wanted to rip Pike limb from limb. His fists clenched so tightly that his muscles trembled. He would wait until he found out his sister’s fate.
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 26, 2011 19:51:44 GMT -5
The stage was set. Pretty glittering sets floated in mid air behind her. V was dressed in a warriors costume. Music began to pound and her legs bent with the rhythm. Dip to the right, half spin, kick out sideways, roundabout turn. It was a familiar dance she had often performed in school. Suddenly the moment was destroyed by a loud slam from off stage. Maebh lost control, her body toppled off of her toes and onto the stage her prop sword clattering to the stage. Raged burned. She excepted to hear booing but instead she heard her brother's voice. It was distant and insistent. It sounded weird, choked almost. Maebh frowned. What was Conan doing back stage demanding where she was?
Slowly, Maebh pulled out of the dream, just before the dancing pigs took stage. Rapidly her eyes blinked as she became aware of being in a strange dimly lit room. Where was she? She'd never been there before but the bed was soft. Maebh tried to move her wand arm but could barely flex her wrist as it was restrained by something. A dull pain emanated from her shoulder and upper back. Right. The masked lady's curse. She was injured and Reckony had found her. Vaguely she remembered the harrowing journey to Hogwarts. Sweet Reck had carried her the entire way whispering into her ear. And now her overprotective pig headed brother was going to kill him because he happened to be in vicinity of where she got hurt. This would not do. She really, really liked Pike, might even love him and she did not want her brother to kill him before they could figure out their relationship.
Holding back a grown, Maebh threw back the covers with her good arm and pulled herself out of bed. Through the pain killer induced fog, she managed to place her barefeet on the ground. Garbed in a long teeshirt, belonging of course to Reck and a pair of boxer shorts, she struggled out of the room, clutching at the wall for balance. Slowly she shuffled into the doorway, pushing it open. She leaned into the door jamb as the world tilted. It probably wasn't the best idea to have gotten out of bed. Maebh spotted her brother trembling as he confronted Reckony.
"Here, fool,"She croaked out, her through parched. "It isn't his fault, cor."
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Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 29, 2011 22:06:07 GMT -5
"Tea, please. I don't drink spirits, it messes with my medication..."
Pike was respectfully silent around Elle's almost non-chalant comment but inwardly wondered about the medication to which she was referring. He didn't know the nurse that well but it was his nature to want to understand his friends, new or otherwise. The same went for the bar: have a drink...tell me your story. It was how he met people. It was how they came to trust him. He quietly poured the tea.
"...I feel a bit guilty. While this is a terrible tragedy it has been a great learning opportunity for me and my fellow healers..."
Reck was about to respond that she should not feel guilty for something that would help others in the future when his thought process was interrupted by a thunderous set of footsteps. He didn't have to hear his name called to know who it was: Connan Breandan had received his patronus. Good. His sister needed him now more than ever. Pike put down the kettle without comment and stood firmly in the middle of the room, facing the door.
Connan entered on cue.
“Where. Is. She.”
The barkeep could have answered the gypsy boy with the ire and frustration that usually accompanied their acquaintance but decided against it, instead choosing to ease his stance and talk with a tone he reserved for friends. And former friends.
"She's in the bedroom. Connan, this is Elle, Maebh's nurse. Elle, this is Connan Breandan, Maebh's brother. Elle was just providing me with some information on taking care of V during her recov-"
"Here, fool. It isn't his fault, cor."
Reckony spun around, shocked (and slightly terrified) to see Maebh awake and standing in the arched doorframe. He quickly took in her appearance, as though expecting her to collapse, and noticed - with some amusement - that she was wearing one of his favourite t-shirts and a pair of his boxers patterned with small leaping dolphins. The clothes were terribly oversized on the petite woman, but she looked adorable. For a second, Reckony forgot about Hogsmeade and went to the injured woman, gently taking her hand in his.
"What are you doing up," he whispered without judgment.
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Post by Elle Callahan on Jul 30, 2011 18:06:29 GMT -5
The questions didn't come. Really, Elle didn't mind. In fact it was better if people knew why she had to take a potion in case something happened. If she was knocked out and bleeding it could be dangerous. Her blood didn't clot enough, sometimes not at all. Pressure had to be applied and slaves to stop her from bleeding out. A simple cut could be trouble for her and she bruised far to easily.
Words poured out of Elle. She liked the bartender. He was easy to talk to. Good t his job he was. The man opened his mouth and then froze, turning to the middle of the room. What in merlin's name? then she heard it. A loud thudding like a heard of hippogriffs. Then a small man in bright but worn garb burst into the room. tension radiated off both men. They looked ready to fight, steam practically rolled off the new comer. There was something familiar about him.
“Where. Is. She.”
She. Her? Oh, Maebh. This must be one of her family. Elle watched, wondering what was going to happen. Why was the brother so angry at Reckony? Did the bartender hurt Maebh before? The man seemed to be nice but sometimes a temper was hidden.
"Here, fool,"
A soft voice drew everyone's attention. Elle did not moan, groan or exclaim how foolish the woman was being. She was far too use to this by now. Instead, Elle just rolled her eyes before making sure the woman wasn't going to faint. She did look unsteady and her face was hallow, eyes dull and burdened with heavy shadows underneath.
"Sit, before you hit the floor, and while you're awake drink this," Elle said briskly as she quickly poured a small shot of medicine and handed it to Maebh, whipping out a chair.
"It'll restore some more blood and ward of infection... Don't let her strain herself, but if you'll let me I'll be gone. No heavy lifting, I'll check on the stitches in a couple of days. If ANYTHING goes wrong send a patronous i'll be here faster than you can say broomsticks." And with that little speech, Elle tried to make her way past everyone.
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 31, 2011 16:43:02 GMT -5
Gravity did funny things sometimes. Or that was what it felt like to Maebh. Only the strong wooden door frame, probably hand made by Reckony, kept her up as the evil gravitational pull tried to throw her down.
Really she should be in bed but this was far more important. Conan Breandan was a rash man with an even more loose cannon temper than Reckony Pike. Funny how she seemed to be attracted to men who angered quite easily. Lucky for her she was so good natured.
Weary watchful eyes were pulled away from Conan as Reckony grabbed her hand softly. Through the pain she felt the warmth. This man had saved her life. She owed him, but it was much more than that. A soft smile tugged at her tired lips, lifting them gently.
"What are you doing up,"
"Saving you both from plummeting each other. Doubt my brother would believe a word if he didn't see me awake," She whispered, her voice raspy and soft. She felt extremely weak and it was a feeling she detested. It was like she was a meek little kitten. Just standing seemed to suck out energy from her like there was a dementor in the room. A bastard dementor.
"Sit, before you hit the floor, and while you're awake drink th
Maebh frowned at the little woman. Merlin, she looked like a kid, sixth year at the most and a shot one at that. Still, she talked with authority and seemed to know what she was doing but she didn't sit. Maebh only moved closer to Reckony still holding his hand, she wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned back...she did not need a wooden chair but human contact. She did take the potion, sniffed it and then drank it down in one gulp grimacing at the taste.
"Hmmm tasty," She said dryly.
then she became serious again. "Damage report please. What has happened to my shop."
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Post by Conan Breandan on Aug 1, 2011 6:00:11 GMT -5
Conan’s gaze was hot, he had the famous Irish temper though he certainly did not have the red hair to go with it. And right now, his temper was raised in protective anger that masked a deeply hidden fear. Maebh was the one family member he had much to do with as an adult. He had spent the most time with her as a child. He had taught her that surviving meant fighting dirty, and kicking a man in his precious parts could save her life.
She never gave any hint of judging him on his-- disability.
"Here, fool,"She croaked out, her through parched. "It isn't his fault, cor."
He spun around, finding her standing in the doorway. Conan moved to support her, but the wizard brushed past him, taking her hand. The gypsy, finding the anger still seething in his blood, tried to hide his irritation by switching to their mother tongue. A dialect of Gaelic it was likely they would not understand. He gave V a look that demanded honesty. She looked like shit. Like Cousin Fredrick after he’d pissed off that dragon, though honestly more lively. Cousin Fredrick hadn’t survived pissing off the dragon.
“An bhfuil tú ceart go leor?”
"Damage report please. What has happened to my shop."
“Do siopa? Cé cúram faoi do Maebh siopa? Fuair bás leat beagnach agus tú ag buartha faoi sin siopa damnaigh!?” Honestly, he had never seen what she had in the establishment, he would always prefer the open road. Her apparent intention to settle down baffled him. He stepped closer, reaching out to touch her but almost hesitant. He ignored the man. He still thought Reckony Pike was a buffoon.
His performance the other night as he attempted to find a cure for the hex on Conan only proved it.
“Fuair bás leat beagnach, Maebh.” His temper was leashed now, his voice gentle as he appealed to his little sister.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Aug 2, 2011 18:22:50 GMT -5
So much was happening at once within the cramped apartment that Reckony found himself uncharacteristically silent. Maebh's touch was a ghostly cold and stole his attention instantly; he missed Elle slipping out of the room and only realized it when it was too late. Then Conan started to sprout out his fervent Irish. Maebh tucked in to his side. All his mind could assimilate was volume. He caught only the end of Conan's ramble...
“Fuair bás leat beagnach, Maebh.”
"I wouldn't have allowed it," Pike replied quietly, thoughtfully. He looked at Conan square in the eye, although his expression held no anger or annoyance. If the man wanted to dismiss his actions or intentions, he was absolutely allowed to do so, but the barkeep was not about to get in the dirt with him. Not today and not here. For Maebh's sake. Pike lead V to the living area, helping her to sit on a dark plush sofa that sat well-loved in the centre. Richly coloured pillows were pushed to the sides. He pointed at a similarly-worn chair in the corner.
"Have a seat, Conan. I'll bring some refreshments."
It was Reckony's intention to remain in the kitchen a tad longer than expected, only so that the siblings could gain some privacy. He had placed himself inside of Conan's wee man shoes: if he was the brother, he would not have reacted differently in the face of a sister's near-peril. He had a right to be angry and worried and tetchy. He only hoped that the gypsy man would extend him the same courtesy inside his home.
A few minutes passed before Pike returned with a tray of drinks. He handed Maebh a eucalyptus-lemon elixir and gave Conan a stiff nightcap that he himself found quite enjoyable. A tray of cookies was offered before the barkeep sat down beside Maebh.
"Your shop...you missed a hell of a bonfire, love. I'm sorry."
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Aug 2, 2011 19:33:40 GMT -5
This was a steamy boiling mess of bulbbertubber pus. The healer had escaped, slipping out the door, Conan was trying to incinerate the place with his eyes while combating his anger. Only Reckony was offering comfort, standing quietly beside her, doing nothing. Well, not nothing as he was supporting her, but he wasn't interrogating her, questioning her sanity like Conan. Maebh loved her older brother. Merlin, he'd helped her out enough in her youth. He'd taught her how to capture an audience while reading aloud, watched her practice dancing for hours, taught her to pick pockets and throw knives. He'd been her first friend and constant enemy. But he didn't understand. She was terribly tired of constantly moving, living where each new show would take her. It was a blessed relief not having to dance for her supper, always worrying about steps, or lines. Neither would he understand why she became an undercover hitwizard. No doubt her brother would think her a spy and quite possibly a traitor to her people. He could never know why she had the shop.
“Do siopa? Cé cúram faoi do Maebh siopa? Fuair bás leat beagnach agus tú ag buartha faoi sin siopa damnaigh!?”
A flash of ire straighted Maebh's spine as she glared at her brother. "Daoine gá mo dheartháir siopa. Beidh leigheas a bheith ag teastáil, is gá dom a fhios cé mhéad atá caillte. Ní gá dom an gortaithe amháin."
“Fuair bás leat beagnach, Maebh.”
"I wouldn't have allowed it," "Ach ní raibh mé mar gheall ar Reckony --- fan, labhraíonn tú Gaeilge?" She asked, turning to Reckony, a slightly suprised assessing look on her face. She knew his family was of Irish descent but she didn't think he spoke the native tongue. What her and Conan were speaking though was more like the bastard child of mainstream Irish, understandable of course, like how someone from Mexico understood someone from Spain although words were different.
Leaning on Reck for support, Maebh allowed herself to be led into the small living room. Carefully, she lowered her self on to the couch her tender bruised but no longer broken ribs making her wince slightly.
"Have a seat, Conan. I'll bring some refreshments."
"Thank you." She whispered softly before turning to her brother.
What should she say? I love you? They'd never been very loving to each other. While they were close of sorts, there was an emotional distance between the siblings. Things they never shared or said. But this was a strange moment. It had been years since they'd been this close or emotionally involved in one another's life. It was a bit odd having her brother back hovering over her, no longer a continent away from each other.
"Thank you for coming...I-- didn't mean to scare you. I glanced away for a second and the spell boomeranged back to hit me. Stunned, I could barely doge the falling building. If Reckony hadn't pulled me from the rubble. I'd be dead. As in not here.He doesn't deserve your resentment. He's a good man, Conan and I think I love him," She said her words soft but firm. She didn't want Reckony to come between her and Conan, not when they were just beginning to get close again but she would not tolerate his hatred for the man.
When Reck sat down, Maebh scooted closer leaning into his side. She stared pointedly at her brother, then smiled weakly at Reck. The drinks were thoughtful and she carefully sipped hers.
Then he spoke and she closed her eyes in frustration.
"Your shop...you missed a hell of a bonfire, love. I'm sorry."
"Is everything gone?" If so, that would be a major setback. So much merchandise to replace, many of it hard to come by that time of year.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Aug 4, 2011 22:33:16 GMT -5
"Ach ní raibh mé mar gheall ar Reckony --- fan, labhraíonn tú Gaeilge?"
"Oh, no, sorry - I don't speak much Irish. I just know 'fuair bás leat beagnach.' My mom used it. OFTEN. 'Fuair bás leat beagnach, Reckony! Don't stick your finger in that, I swear!' You know. Kids." Reckony half-huffed, half-chuckled, feeling awkward. There was a heaviness in the air and he felt slightly responsible for it.
"Is everything gone?"
It broke his heart to hear the way Maebh asked that question. He had been so lucky that the pub and his home were spared, but he was one of a very few. He wish he had more news to tell her, but gaining access to the apothecary had been difficult.
"We were only able to make it about 5 feet in before we ran in to your ceiling beams. There may be nooks where things were spared. Anything that didn't make it, though, I will help you track down replacements."
Feeling rude for excluding his other company, Reckony tried to open the conversation.
"So, Conan, where'd you travel in from? Do you have a place to stay? You're welcome to be here with Maebh if you wish. I have a spare cot."
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