Dresden: Time Warp

Elli averted her eyes.

"I'm just really tired. Not having the mantle all of a sudden is... weird. I hurt everywhere and I couldn't make a dandelion bloom if I tried. I'll be fine if I get some rest. Don't waste the lantern on me, Holland. You might need it later, and it'll do a lot more good for the same amount of power."

Elli forced herself to stand straighter in spite of her swimming head.

"Where can we go to get some shelter?"

"Follow me," Lynnette said, leading them southwards, "After everyone is safe we can track your remaining allies."
She murmured a quick prayer to her god to aid in the healing of Elli, and felt a warmth spread through her. Placing a hand on Elli's shoulder, she felt the warmth drain out. It wouldn't heal her weariness completely, but would give the strength to get to the shelter.

John decided to just follow everyone else, while feeling guilty about the number of people that had gotten caught up in his terrible luck this time around.

After about two hours of travel, darkness began to fall. Just before the last sliver of sunlight dipped finally below the rolling horizon, a city came into view.

On the edge of the city was a small house, with bows carved into the wooden framed doors and windows.
"Welcome to Caerloyw," Lynnette began, "you can shelter safely here for the night and tomorrow we can find the remainder of your companions."

Inside the house were several straw filled mattresses, a cooking area and a small alter wth candles and more carvings. Lynette pulled some mats out of a cupboard and began laying them out on the floor.

Elli stumbled in the door and practically collapsed onto one of the mats. In spite of the healing, she had a feeling she'd survived the last hour on willpower alone. Digging through her bag, she pulled out a protein bar and practically inhaled it, pulled a jacket out of the bag, covered herself, and lay down with the bag as a pillow.

Lynnette smiled at her, then set about making some tea for her visitors. After that was on the go she pulled out some dried meat and began passing it out.

John looked around and asked his fellow Vancouverites, "So did any of you have an idea as to where we are?" He realized that the pizza was going to be free again.

"I have told you already," Lynnette stated, "you are in the city of Caerloyw in the region of Cotswolds. Perhaps if you have no directions you could accompany me to Camelot? I plan to venture there soon, and company would be most welcome."

Nomei, who had been sitting by Elli in a feeble attempt to keep watch over her, was thinking to herself. I can't lose you too. Kerry, Feora, I won't lose anyone else, But what about the rest of them? said a small voice in the back of her head. I don't want to lose them either! But Elli's.... Nomei trailed off in her own mind, until a word from their strange host pulled her away from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, did you say Camelot?"

"Why, yes indeed I did," Lynnette said, "have you been there before?"

Elli had fallen asleep shortly after lying down. She gave a delicate snore.

Nomei blanched. "Well... fuck."

John turned to the latern carrier, and asked "is that why you asked what year this is? Also, is this late or early?" As he held up the pizza.

Lynnette looked at the group thoughtfully for a moment before speaking, "ah...this would explain the strange garb, my vision and the odd language you use...you have travelled from a distant time. Curious..."

"Ancient people not being surprised by time travel is never a good thing."

"I'll admit, time travel is a new one." John added, still wondering if he'd get fired for delivering the pizza this late. I suppose I have enough time to make a fresh one...

"Very little surprises me anymore," Lynette stated with a shrug, "My god usually gives me warning in the form of visions, though those can be alarming."

Holland made an affirmative noise to answer John's question, but more or less remained apart from the conversation, pressing his mind and lantern power, reaching out with his mind to look for others. He had little faith it would work, but he needed to know they were okay.

When Holland reached out his mind, he felt the warmth of his friends present in the room around him. As he stretched further he could sense the sheer number of people in the city nearby, and there, just at the edge of his perception, he felt something familiar. The sensation was too weak for him to be sure, but it felt like Inigo was there.

Holland sighed with relief. For what seemed like the millionth time, he thanked the lantern for the abilities it bestowed him. "I found Inigo." He said to the group. "It's faint, but he's here as well. We have a new item for the itinerary tomorrow." Holland felt a wave of exhaustion runs rush through him. He realized it wasn't hum, but the lantern that was fatigued, as it's flame was slightly dimmer. No one else would've noticed, but it was evident to him. He turned to Lynnette and asked, "Is there a graveyard in this village?"

Lynnette looked at him strangely before replying, "At the edge of town to the east, though it would be unsafe to go at this time of night..."

"What exactly is out there?" Holland asked. "I am in need of... paying my respects, shall we say."

Holland ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. "I mean, we're not exactly unexperienced when it comes to dealing with those who roam the night." He said. With a sideways glance at John, he added, "Well, I can't speak for John (no offence), but the rest of us certainly are."

Lynnette shuddered and replied softly,
"I would advise waiting till morning to pay your respects. One member of your party is already injured or weakened and the monsters that roam this area at night can do severe harm even to the most experienced."