Ash nods at the explanation and takes a strip of the fabric Dommity brought to tie around her mouth and nose. “I still have to take a look at her.” she points out as she picks up her bag again. “But why do you hope that you're wrong?”
"because i've only ever seen the cure up in the mountain i grew up in." dom say with a look that was both scared and sad.
“I see.” Ash says, making note of Dommity’s expression. “But let's make sure whether or not this is the same sickness.” she smiles slightly, trying to be more positive. “Are there any other stages to the one you mentioned?” she asks as she kneels beside the girl's bed.
"well for the first few days it was just a simple cough, then fatigue and vomiting and now this. can you get the cure?" the man says hopefully.
Ash casts a glance back at Dommity, silently asking if what the man said lines up with the sickness they mentioned. “I believe it is possible and I will do my best.” she assures the father. “In the meantime, I'm going to leave a few things to help with the symptoms.”
dom sees her look and takes another step back, looking deep in thought "i… i don't know. i was young when it happened. i don't want to jump to conclusions, but there are too many signs" they said looking as if they lost all hope for the girl. "and if it's gotten out here then she'll either be perfectly fine… or we're all in trouble."
Ash nods at the answer and pulls out a few remedies for both the girl and the rest of the family, just in case anyone else started developing similar symptoms. “Let us hope for the first but prepare for the alternative.” she almost whispers before pointing out the medicine and giving the parents instructions on how to use them correctly.
(sorry its taking a while im trying to figure out how to get the story along)
(no worries.)
the whole way back to the lab dom looked concerned, "we ARE going to try and save her right? because I'm doing that either way, but i'd honestly like it better if you came." they say looking at her hopefully.
“Of course we are.” Ash nodded, giving Dommity a calm assuring smile. “And I am certainly coming with you. Both of our skills may be needed for this.”
"oh good… so now i should probably tell you the only cure i know grows on the mountain i grew up in…. and the mountain i've been trying to find for the past three years." dom says
Ash slowed her steps for a moment at the news before shaking her head. “You don't know where that place is?”
"well the story's kind of embarrassing but i've basically been alone in the woods since i was seven." trying and failing to hide their face in embarrassment.
Ash raises a brow at the confession and opens the door to her lab and home. “You may have to tell me that story sometime. But for now, just tell me what you remember about your mountain so that we can find it.”
"not much about the outside, except that it was kind of small, and our people were kind of isolated. sorry. but i do know that there are four mountains to the west of here that AREN'T it, if that helps."
Ash hums thoughtfully and nods at the information. “Any landmarks or perhaps it was near a body of water?” she asks as she begins to pack for the journey.
"not that i can remember. it was one small mountain in the middle of a huge forest. the years after i left are a bit of a blur, but i think it might be some way north of here" dom says. "i'll go pack up camp, and meet you back here, alright?" they say on their way out.
“Alright.” Ash nods as she starts heading upstairs to follow Dommity’s example.
later dommity comes back with a large backpack and knocks on the door "i'm ready to go when you are!" they call through the door.
Ash answers the door and adjusts the strap of the bag she was wearing. “I’m ready.” she nods, picking up a full satchel that she plans to bring along as well.
"o-ok, so we're going north right? i don't really know how many small single mountains in the middle of forests." they said sounding unsure. "we might want to move fast though. the girls sickness seems to be going a bit faster when normal."
“No. I wouldn't think there are many single mountains in that setting.” she smiles a little as she steps out of her house and turns north. “Then we should get moving.”
"i bought a map on the way here, and it looks like there are two of them a bit far north, and a close one over in the south-west. s where should we start?" dom says pulling out a map and moving closer to show her. when they notice how close she is, they take step back practically glowing a bright red.
“I brought a map too.” Ash smiles, glancing at Dommity’s map when they showed it to her. “If we are as pressed for time as you say, then I think we should start with the northern mountains. If we are wrong then we don't have to waste much time there and can return from the southern mountain quicker.” she says, explaining her reasoning.
after walking for a while north it began to get dark "we should stop here today, i'll set up camp." they say, already unpacking "well unless you can do it then i can go look for food." it said looking up at ash
Ash nods, setting her backpack down. “I know how to set up camp. You can go hunt if you want to.” she smiles back as she takes out the necessary gear.
dommity takes a second bag, leaves their pack there and goes into the woods. a little while later they come back with the small bag, full of edible plants in one arm, and two small birds in the other, "i think this checks off dinner." they say, going to light a fire "you like berries right?"
While Dommity was gone, Ash used her telekinesis magic to set up the site with two tents, a fire ring with a cooking frame, and a small pile of broken branches and twigs for firewood.
“That looks like a successful hunt.” she smiles, nodding at the question. “For the most part, yes. What kind did you find?”
"just whatever i could find this time of year, so mostly blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, probably, like, seagulls or something." they say, starting to build up the fire, gesturing over to the birds "you know how to prepare meat?"