[IRP] The First of Many

[Toogee]

Paige looked around nervously as Kalin started talking about magical exertion. Though Pherae was somewhat lax to arresting mages on sight, those knights weren’t going to ignore an open discussion about an unconscious man using magic. Even if she knew a couple of their names, Paige doubted she could talk them out of enforcing the law. That was why the woman was relieved that the knights’ attention was on Glass’s body and the villagers. It seemed the townspeople were keeping quiet about the use of magic to save the village, which was great news for Shad as well as Neil. Once she determined it safe to discuss, Paige redirected attention back to Kalin.

“Overexertion then. I hope it’s not too serious; I’ve read of some practitioners that have gone into comas. Maybe he just needs rest.”

As if on cue, the cleric that had healed Paige in the schoolhouse approached the two, seeing that her aid may be needed.

“The church has been spared of damage thanks to your efforts,” the cleric said specifically to Kalin. “He may rest there safely. I can lead you there when you’re ready.” No doubt carrying him around was tiring, the cleric surmised.
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Paige was about to follow, when she heard her name in the crowd.

“Ms. Pierpont! Ms. Pierpont!”

She turned to see a trio of monks in the crowd. Paige had nearly forgotten about the errand that has brought her here in the first place! She quickly left Kalin’s company to speak with the monks.

“Friars! I’m so sorry for being late,” Paige apologized.

“No need to explain,” said one of the monks. “We heard everything. You and your friends saved this place. Truly this is the work of a higher power!”

One of the other monks handed over the trio of cookbooks, while Paige exchanged the gold needed to cover the fees.

“Are you sure you cannot stay? Pherae is rather quiet compared to the rest of Lycia.”

“We wish we could, but we must be going to Bern.” The monk chose his words carefully to not alert the knights around.

“In that case, I wish you a safe journey.”
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After saying her goodbyes, Paige approached Satsume and Orica. She eyed Glass’s magic tomes, tempted to take them to save them from destruction. Unfortunately, they already were destroyed: the pages were soaked in so much blood that they were unreadable. Her eyes shifted to find Neil elsewhere. Paige definitely needed to talk to him as well. For now, her attention returned to the knight and lady.

“I can’t thank you two enough for helping these people…and myself,” she said to the two, though the last part was especially directed to Satsume. “If you two hadn’t shown up, I doubt we’d have enough strength to fight them off.”