Your eyes regain focus. For a moment you fear the street is on fire, until you realize you're lying on your back in pain, staring at the setting sun, sending streaks of orange across the sky. Something else is there, among the sporadic clouds and red streaks. One hand. You pick it up and are helped to your feet by a figure with long blond hair.
"Lucia Vilde," they say with a slight nod. You recognize the ornate jacket, even more delicately stitched up close. "I'm afraid your efforts to quell the mob have suffered a small setback. Namely, your intense desire to kill me and then kill all my theatrical companions in the Erebian Players."
Head throbbing, you pick up your dislodged mask and look at the consequences. Two residents of Thornback Hollow lie bloodied and motionless at the foot of the caravan steps. Alice is crouched over one of them, rubbing her arm. A man in decorative robes is moving among eager groups of actors, speaking in a foreign language.
"Actually, it didn't go their way," Lucia observes with a slight shudder. You notice a cut in your leggings and a dark spot.
"I can help with that," you say, nodding to the source of discomfort. "I'm a better doctor than an orator."
Lucia laughs, and the two of you lean on the steps of the nearest caravan. You use a small tool to cut through the stained material, exposing a shallow scratch on Lucia's lower thigh. Nothing to worry about.
"You were lucky. Gods be damned, that was a mess."
"The coward who caught me with a rock was lucky," says Lucia. "I didn't see their faces, otherwise they would be lying next to their companions." They move towards the bodies on the steps.
"You are quite skilled with a sword. Did you learn that on stage?"
"What? Oh..." You hear them laugh once more. "I have a role with the Players, but it's like a hired blade."
You suggest watering the grass with a little wine and then producing some frankincense from one of your medicinal pouches. "Mix this with some melted cobbler's wax, let it cool, and apply it to the wound. It will heal well without, but it's best not to risk infection."
As you relay your medical instructions to Lucia, Alice joins you. She rolls her shoulder back and forth, her face creased in some discomfort.
"This one will hurt in the morning," she tells herself. "I couldn't do anything for the other two, they're heading straight for the morgue wagon." She looks at Lucia. "Your new friend here knows exactly where to put a blade."
Lucia makes a gesture of thanks from the steps.
"Not necessarily a compliment," says Alice. "I have better news. There is no sign of the Awakened Death among the caravans. Turns out we are still better at identifying a source of illness than an angry mob."
"On this matter," says Lucia, "I would like to point out that this sword arm of mine can scare away undisciplined peasants, but it cannot prevent a disease. Until the quarantine is lifted, we are all in danger."
"We're doing what we can," says Alice.
"You've demonstrated that," Lucia responds with a graceful shake of her head. "Indeed, you are one of the few bright sparks Thornback Hollow has to offer." They stop, adjusting the feather in her hat. "Well, you and the deities of this realm. I don't believe it, but your fluidity is quite liberating. Gender can be so exhausting, can't it?"
Before you can respond properly, Lucia's name is called from the farther of the two caravans. You look up and see a bearded man pointing at Lucia. "Duty awaits," they say, "but if I can help you in the future, don't hesitate to call." With a wave and a bow, they depart.
Return to the Sanctuary