Chapter Two: The Hippocampus on the Cracked Lintel

Felor decides not to hang around by the girl's room - it didn't make sense to crowd her. If they were going to gain her confidence, it would take a bit of time. Instead, he mills around outside, unsure of what to do. The others' investigations hadn't turned up any obvious clues. The house was empty, but not ransacked. The inhabitants, presumably, slaughtered and burnt. The livestock left but horses taken. Meals half-eaten - was whoever had done this known to the inhabitants? They must have left the building of their own accord before being killed.

As the barbarian had said - this was no mere bandit attack. Did the witch-cult do this? Were they looking for something? That didn't make sense given the untouched state of the house. Or for someone?

Felor's shivered thinking of what must have happened here. He hoped the girl had been safely hidden away and not witnessed it first-hand. For want of anything better to do, Felor returns to the fire pit and says a prayer over the bodies, wishing their souls peace in the afterlife, asking Fjorgyn to protect the girl, and vowing that he would find the killers if possible.

How long would it take to fill in the fire pit as a grave? Was it something dug just for the bodies or was it there already?

"Maybe the girl's been lighting the lamp, and eating the food," says Zangua from outside the room, looking down the hallway as though he would see someone else there. "Two plates, maybe someone else hiding in this big house."

Zangua begins to walk, muttering "Bloody hells," under his breath. "Gonna check on the cow," he says, flatly, and continues out without waiting or a response.

The fighter pauses right outside the door. He takes a few deep breaths and stares off into the sky. Then he shakes his head and returns to the barn to see if the cow has any milk.

Zangua fetches a bucket and approaches the cow. He tries to remember how to do all this, warming his hands under his leather and furs. Then he sets to work.

"Well done! I can't wait to see how the story ends." Vad says to Mordred with a smile as he slowly walks back into the room.

"Our friend is getting you some milk right now, Little One." he says as calmly as possible as he approaches the girl, crouching when he gets a short distance away (not close enough to grab her) so that he can look her directly in the eyes. "Is there anything else we can get you before we leave? We could take care of the metal man if you'd like."

"Easy, easy, Little One. The metal man is not outside and even if he were my friends and I would protect you. I promise!"

Vad glances back at Mordred and mouths "Trent?".

Turning back to the little girl he asks, "Are there others here than need our help as well, Little One?"

"I'm sorry, Little One." Vad says as he stands up. "I won't ask anymore questions for now, but if you need anything, anything at all, you be sure to let me or one of my friends know. Ok?"

Walking out of the door he pauses by Mordred and asks quietly, "What in the hell happened here?"

Zangua leaves the cow be, satisfied with the little milk he was able to acquire. He returns to the house to prepare it.

Leth listens to the girl's story with growing horror and rage.
Is she talking about the crown cult? She must be... We knew they were capable of terrible things, but this... He can't accurately describe his thoughts and feelings, even just within his own head.
"My friend is bringing you some milk, okay? Does that sound good?" Is all he can ask. He has more questions, but the poor child is clearly traumatized, and he doesn't want to push her. Better to wait til Zangua gets back with the milk; perhaps that would give her some comfort and make it easier for her to communicate to them.

"Disease, or poison," mutters Zangua in contemplation. "Burnt the bodies to contain the infection, abandoned the house and fled with the horses in a hurry. Accidentally left her behind."

He holds out a cup with a little milk. Zangua takes back the cup after the girl has emptied it. "Best not to give her too much right away, given her condition. Overfeeding will cause her system to go into shock."

If it looks like she's calmed enough and ready to talk some more, Leth will ask:

"Where did the metal man come from? Did you say he was coming back?"

"I stand corrected," says Zangua, mumbling about his previous theory. He shakes his head at the girl and speaks in a softer voice, "In a bit, hon. Let's have that settle in your stomach for a bit."

If she'll let him, Leth will hug her.
"It's okay. We're here now, and we'll keep you safe. I promise." He says, trying to comfort her as best he can.

The girl in the barn has to have been Zora. The witch-men came looking for her, and when he couldn't find what he wanted, started killing people and threatened to come back later. I'm not sure I understand what she means about bad blood... but whatever that was, it spooked the remaining villagers, so they burned the dead bodies and fled... but where to?

"Do you know where Nonna went? Maybe we can help you find her."