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*Drake looks at everyone who has stayed*

"I will remain here with you, but keep your eyes and ears ready for anything. DarKarath, Kels, and Arthos. If anything should attack us we must keep everyone here safe, at all costs"

*Drake will then take a few steps into the woods and melt away with the shadows*

Vaun watched the retreating back of Atrum with no expression on her face. Her guard had not dropped, nor had she moved one bit when the Beast had come for her. Rather, she had stood to face it, as calm as if it had been a fine summer day. As the group going after the Beast vanished into the darkness, however, there was an oddly stricken set to her sharp features.

"I was not blaming thee," she wispered to herself, "never that." She stood where she was, lightning yet wreathing her right hand, never moving and not reacting in the least to the other folk around her. Clearly she would not let down her walls until the party came back.

*To Kidwynn

"Yeah one usually tends to do that when they sleep" *Chuckles "I for one was out cold!"

*To Drake

"Aye Capn, I will not allow anything to slip past me and endanger the rest of the group"

*DarKarath taps his mace against his shoulder and starts a slow and purposeful patrol around the camp

*Arthos charges a ball of engery and dashs off after Claude saying*

You will need someone who can attack him from a distance, so I will join the hunt.

*Turning to folks back at the camp as he heads off into the woods*

Yell if you are attacked and need help, we'll come back as quickly as we can. Or come on the hunt with us keeping your distance from Claude. Your choice.

The journey took longer than expected. Despite its apparent weakness, the beast had moved quickly away from the trackers, much faster than they themselves could move. Minutes stretched into hours until they were actually met by Claude walking back toward them, looking haggard, his face pale. Looking ready to collapse, he was helped by his friends back toward the rest of the group.

He seemed to grow stronger as they walked, led perhaps by an inner drive and determination. By the time they reached their campsite, the sun had begun its ascent in the Eastern sky, though the cave remained in the shadows, shrouded in darkness, as if there was a ward against the light that was attempting to break in...

*After returning Claude back to the other, Kidwynn stretches her muscles in an attempt to reawaken at daybreak. Her eyes indicate a "do not mess with me nor bitch about Claude as she enters camp with him.*

*She look at DarKarth*

Luv, do you happen to by any change have some of that coffee stuff Lambic makes? I could go for a swig of that or two.

*Looks at the cave*

Well, soon as we are ready I suggest we get movin' for that thing is just daring us to defy it.

*As soon as Claude is within vocal range of the group that went after him long before we ever get back to the group*

What the blazes was that? Why would you risk this mission by not letting everyone involved know exactly what we were dealing with? While you're conscious can you control your transformations? Can you reason while you are transformed or are you taken over by that beast?

*Looking haggard and more than a little disturbed and disgusted, Claude attempts to get himself under control*

I can truly say Atrum that if THAT has ever occured before I have not been consciously aware of it. I am however thankful my fasting seems to have impacted the creature moreso than myself. Dallid and several others are more knowledgable as to this curse than I, and I have been informed a cure is being sought.

Risk this mission you ask? The side-affects of that "thing" are exactly why I came along. I by no means expect anyone to stay their hand when it comes to my well being. Throw your magics, have me walk in the lead, I shall be a "meat shield" for one and all. In case you'd not heard Atrum, while I do die... I don't stay that way for very long.

If there is any way to control the creature or this transformation, I am not currently aware of how it may be done. If you'll excuse me....

*Claude walks over to where he was keeping watch, and retreives his zweihander*

Kidwynn, Drake... my apologies. As I've said, if that has ever occured before I was not aware of it. I hope you are not injured too badly. The creature was weaker than the one that infected me, I suspect, due to my fasting. I was afraid however it would come across some sickly animals Dallid had failed to heal. Perhaps, now that the sun is arising we should decide... do I come with you, or do I turn back?

Where is Drake anyway?

*Focuses on Claude*

“I once advised Donnovan that you may be more a bane than a boon for Haven, yet held hope you might overcome the Darkness that consumes you. Your volunteering for this quest reinforced that hope, and your selfless devotion to assist in any way you can galvanized it.”

“Do not let fear of your affliction prevent you from doing good. For now you are the boon. Now is when you may aid Phantera. If you have no control over the bane, let us find proof against it. Trust in your friends.”

*Kidwynn looks at Claude and attempts to give him a reasuring smile*

Drake is back with the others. He stayed behind to keep watch and all should something else opt to attack luv.

As for injuries, don't even think twice about it. It was just crushed armor and I've already repaired it. If Drake hasn't gotten his repaired yet, just give me a few minutes and it will all be fixed.

We are goin' to have to find a way to restrain you and at night however luv for you scared the livin' daylights out of a few people.

*She looks at him*

I understand the whole "meat shield" and yes you are right you fit the description for it. Not to mention I've seen you return from the dead first hand.

*Looks at Atrum*

If we can find a way to keep the other half under control at night, then I do believe Claude should come with us. Dallid knows his condition better then the rest of us do and he wanted Claude here.

*Moves closer to Claude to help him out.*

Now come on with ya.

*Arthos pounders for some time before speaking*

When Oliva was striken with the curse, she left for a couple days and came back. While she was with us, she was fine. The periods she left us grew longer and longer and we could not find her or figure out where she was going. Towards the end before she left and never came back we figured out what was happening, but by than it was to late.
It is early in Claude illness, and there is hope that a cure can be found. Many people are working on it and if there is a cure, one will be found.

*Arthos turns to Claude*
But I'm afriad you are hastening the disease everytime your body dies. I believe thats why you have starting to transform earlier than Oliva did.

But I still wish your help in this quest, and still consider you a friend and ally. You wish to take your cuse and use it for good while you can, I respect that and honor you as a defender of Haven and a true example for the rest of us to follow.

*In a low growling voice and almost to himslef*
I have lost one member of my family to this disease and will not let it take another.

*To Claude*

So you have no control when you transform into that, and no memory of what happens while in that state?

*To Atrum*

Memory yes, well... vaguely. Distant, almost as in a fever. As for control though, no. Not over the change that occured last night nor over the creatures actions. It does seem though that my will is stronger than its. In time I may be able to use that. But to answer your questions, no I cannot control it. It is believed that this affliction is in some way related to lycanthropy, or so Roland surmised. Therefore, daylight should be a safe time for me. At dusk if I must be bound so be it. It is not as if I must be protected. Perhaps even if some sort of mancatcher can be imporvied.... hmm....

*Pugo watches form a far. He nods to Atrum as he picks up something off the ground near a fallen branch. Than he turns about and head back to check on the other without a word or a sound.*


*Once back near the other he looks to scouting the area a lot more carfully.*

*Nods to Pugo*

*To Claude*

Thank you, I hope you understand that I'm simply trying to access the situation and possible dangers thoroughly. I do think that binding you at night would be best for all involved. When we return to Haven, I have a few ideas of how I may be able to assist in finding a cure. Has Roland or Lambic been working on a cure? And have you given either any of your blood?