"...Maybe 'll...try?"

"Good."

Deka shows up then, with a griffon on each shoulder. "Leaving?"

"I think we ought to."

She's visibly relieved. "I'll get my stuff. Ten minutes."

Phantasm takes the opportunity to hop over to Raafi's shoulder as she goes.

One...doesn't really seem to know what to do with himself now, although he gets to his feet, and shakes himself slightly, almost trying to shake the flames away - it helps some, but not a lot, and he's mostly focusing on Phantasm.

"What happened?"

"Rogeiros admitted that he's a person. What happens next should be up to One, but we've been talking and I don't think it's very fair to ask him to make that kind of decision yet, so I suppose it's up to us. For right now I think we should get out of here - I don't think Rogeiros will try to stop us but I'm not as sure as I'd like to be, and I don't want to hang around - and find someplace cozy to stay for a few days while One gets used to the idea of it, and then we can see what sounds good from there. Does that sound all right?"

"Yeah. Deka wants - wuk - city, eventually, for college. If the apprenticeships don't work. But not in a hurry."

"We could head for the city; we'll have to camp out for a night before we reach the next town in that direction, though. Does that sound all right to you, sweetheart?"

One stops, sits back a little on his haunches, and tilts his head. "I- yes?"

"All right. I can cast something to protect Deka or me from fire, so we can carry you - that seems like the best way to get you down without burning anything, if you're all right with it. If not I can figure something else out."

"I- I'll- try? Being- carried?"

"All right. Should I ask Deka, or would you like me to do it?"

(Phantasm shifts his weight nervously on Raafi's shoulder and reaches over to preen a bit of his hair.)

"I-I don't- mind? Whichever's...easiest?"

"Deka."

    "All right. I should probably stay here, if you can go ask her."

Phantasm bobs his head and takes off.

    "Do you have any questions for me, while we're waiting?"

"...Why're you doing this for me?" It's out before One can stop it, and he twitches at asking it.

"Well, it's part of my job, for one thing - I'm a cleric of the god of travel, he gets very upset when people are trapped places. But it's also just the right thing to do, and plenty of people would do it just because of that, or because it upsets them to see people getting hurt."

One hums quietly, sort of relaxing at the words. "I- ah. What should I- call you? Other people?"

"My name is Raafi, but anyone with a medallion like this one is a cleric of Fharlanghn, and you can call us 'Traveler' if we don't remember to introduce ourselves. People should usually introduce themselves when you first talk to them, but you might have to ask sometimes, and they usually won't mind if you do."

One nods slowly, and then curls up again, not really sure what else to ask. "Thank you," he murmurs.

"You're welcome."

He stands quietly for a minute, half-turned to keep an eye on the kitchen. "Is there anything we should take care of here before we go? Any questions you want answers to, or anything?"

"I don't- think so? I wouldn't- I don't think I'd know if there was?"

Raafi nods. "Well, you can send him a letter if you think of anything later. Do you know what he was trying to do when he made you? I think I'd want to know that, in your position. I suppose I don't know if he'll answer the question, now."

"I- M'not sure. I think- trying to make...elements a tool? I think?"