< thearchitect > Seeking assistance

[emet_sulk]

[ Attached is a picture of one of the spider nests in the Red Hills. It's from a wary distance but there are no spiders visible; only their many, many webs. The picture comes with a VOICED message: ]

I had thought to tackle this task myself, but I quite overestimated the number of arachnids here. I would like to collect some of this venom for myself in addition to what this quest asks, and for that I require some help.

[ A pause. ]

A healer would be a boon but I care not so long as you are capable.

Comments

[emet_sulk]

[ He throws himself forward, under the arc of the venom. Luckily he avoids that initial spray, but the spider isn't thrown off so easily. It adjusts itself and spits more at him as he's picking himself up, catching the arm he throws up as well as areas of his upper body. ]

Argh...!

[ The townsfolk had not been exaggerating when they said it was a serious paralytic. He grits his teeth, muscles seizing up where the venom has landed upon his skin. ]

[troubadamsel]

Hang on! I'll heal you, but you must keep moving!

[ Her hand glows as she races to his side, grabbing his arm and trying to run with him. ]

Is there any way we can collect the venom on the ground?

[emet_sulk]

[ At least his feet still work. His good hand holds tight to his weapon as he staggers after her. It's not something he can easily replace if lost.

His other arm continues to be wracked with pain. He speaks through gritted teeth as he answers: ]

Even if there was, I'd rather not deal with impurities from the soil.

[troubadamsel]

Ugh... too true, it'd be awful to have this whole endeavor be for naught over such a small thing!

[ But how else to collect it? This is bad... but for now, she needs to focus on what she CAN do - and that's heal! She grabs his arm, gently, forcing her power into his arm. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ He'll thank his lucky stars later that it hadn't been a proper bite. The venom slips off, dripping to the ground - a curious effect which gives him an idea. But that spider is still there, chittering away. ]

...Watch out!

[ He abruptly shoves her backwards as another spray of venom comes their way. Using his off-hand, he fires a ceruleum bullet at it and manages to strike its side, knocking it off the web and on to the ground. ]

I have an idea! [ he calms out to her as the spider struggles to regain its feet. ] I'll let it bite me and collect the venom that way. When you heal it, the venom should seep out of the wound and we can collect it!

[troubadamsel]

What?! Are you mad?!

[ THIS was his grand master plan?! If she'd known this was what he intended, she never would have agreed to this!

But what choice do they have now? She grits her teeth, clearly displeased... ]

Ugh... fine! But know I'm doing this under protest!

[emet_sulk]

[ In fairness, he only just came up with it! ]

'Tis only one. I would not go with such a risky plan if we were surrounded. Now, ready yourself.

[ He approaches the spider, carefully avoiding its attempts to spray him. Once he's close enough, he reaches out with his left hand and inches the rest of the short distance tensely.

Though he's expecting it, he still flinches when the spider lunges forward and sinks its fangs into his forearm. ]

Argh!

[ His gunblade swings forward from the right, blade glowing with blue, ceruleum fire as it bites deep into the creature's side. The spider releases him and screeches, fleeing back to its nest. Emet-Selch collapses where he is, fingers locked around the handle of his weapon, struggling to breathe as the poison works through him. ]

[troubadamsel]

[ Once the creature is out of sight, Maribelle runs to his side, hands on his arm... but there is one issue she's noticed. ]

When it seeps out of you... do you have something to put it in? Otherwise, it'll just fall back to the ground again!

[emet_sulk]

Glass...vials. On my belt.

[ With great effort, he points to the row of small glass vials fastened securely in a leather holster attached to his belt. ]

[troubadamsel]

At least we came into this slightly prepared...

[ Thank goodness! One arm comes to his sleeve, beginning the healing process - the other unhooks a vial and holds it under for capture. ]

[emet_sulk]

[ As her magic works its way through his arm, he breathes a quiet sigh of relief as the paralysis eases. The bites are not pretty and it's even more disturbing to see the venom flow backwards out of the wounds, dripping down his arm and into the vial she holds. ]

'Tis certainly not a strategy I would like to employ on the regular. You have my thanks.

[troubadamsel]

[ Maribelle feels her stomach twist, but manages to keep down her breakfast. ]

... Once you're able to move, we should leave. We don't need that creature coming back for seconds.

[emet_sulk]

Agreed.

[ It only takes a little while for all the venom to finally leave his system and for the wounds to seal under her care. It feels strange being able to stand after being wracked by paralysis pains only moments ago. ]

I'll take the vials. Let's leave. I can see them crawling back out.

[troubadamsel]

[ Maribelle tries to suppress the urge to scream. No, please, no more spiders! Ever, actually! ]

Y-Yes, let's be on our way! Take care with those vials - I never want to come here again!

[emet_sulk]

[ He rolls his eyes a little but hastens her away, keeping his weapon ready to beat back any faster spiders who think to pursie the beyond the webs. Once they're safe, he slows and exhales. ]

It seems they've given up. Thank you for your help. This should be plenty to start with.

[troubadamsel]

[ She exhales as well, lightly wiping sweat from her brow. ]

... I suppose that could have gone worse, but I'd prefer not to think about it. I hope you never have to put yourself in that sort of danger again.

[emet_sulk]

I make no promises.

[ Who knows what kind of creatures they'll run into in the future? ]

You may rest at my campsite for a while before you return to the city, if you like. 'Tis quite the distance away on foot.

[troubadamsel]

... I'd like to stay with you until I know you're all right. Even with the venom out of your system, you must be feeling awful.

... If I may.

can wrap it up I think

[emet_sulk]

I feel quite well, actually. It isn't as though their venom destroys the organs. But as you wish.

[ It sounds a trifle formal, perhaps, but he isn't one who easily opens up. He turns and continues on towards his camp. As he says, she is welcome to remain until she's satisfied. Even if the silence may be awkward to her, he doesn't seem to notice as he becomes engrossed in his alchemy.

Quite a fruitful day, all told. ]