Bayan, working for a man more ego and hot air than flesh and bone, was used to being sent out on ridiculous tasks. During one particular event, he was to join a party of contracted adventurers, destined for Aurum Vale on a hunt for mythril. Normally, Bayan would at least ask about the places he was sent to, but Memeyori was especially annoying that day and failed to give him a straight answer. Deciding that he wanted the job done and over with so the lalafell would shut the fuck up, he just grabbed his bag and made haste for his destination.
That failure to research would cost them all dearly.
Shortly after descending, the group met the fury of a nesting morbol and the resulting fight caused part of the ceiling to collapse, blocking off the path they had just entered and trapping the four of them inside. Despite their best efforts, the rubble wouldn't budge and they had no way out.
They were trapped in the vale for close to a week, breathing in poisoned air and trying their best to survive off of the meager fruits scattered around the toxic tunnels. Their healer was a lalafell, straight out of the conjurer's guild and eager to improve her skills. But even she ran out of magic over time. Being the smallest, Kikiku was the first to be overwhelmed by the poisonous gas of the vale and perished.
Blue Sky, a rava proud of his vibrant red facepaint and ready to sacrifice himself in the search for clean water, drank from a poisoned puddle. He survived, but his throat was so destroyed by it that he could no longer speak without pain.
Quiet Dream, ever one to swing an axe first and ask questions later, charged into a marbol nest with intent to destroy the eggs before they hatched. Little did she know that the eggs fought back; a face full of dust was enough to leave her blind.
Bayan did his best to help, but even his knowledge of the body and medicine was no match for the unfamiliar toxins of Aurum Vale. He couldn't treat them properly and, in the process, gave up every resource he had on hand to save what was left of his party.
After stumbling for days, torches gone, food and water out, and healer dead, he laid down. He was finally ready to accept that they were all going to die there alone in the dark. He had just about fallen into unconsciousness, preparing for the embrace of the night, when he felt something on his face: cool air.
Sitting up and grasping around, he eventually realized that there was quite a bit of cool air coming from what felt like an opening under his fingers. He grabbed Blue Sky and Quiet Dream, both too weak to move, and mustered strength he didn't know he had to drag them towards the air.
And just like that, they were outside once more, on their backs and looking up at a sky full of stars.
The Dusk Mother had heard him, even in this far away place.
His lips moved to offer a silent thanks before his eyes closed once more.
His employer was furious that he returned from the Vale empty-handed.