Bearclaw Valley a seminar about whether or not deer feel pain or are just sad

The call sent a rush through Stryx as she rose to meet it. Having spent the day scouring the valley for more herbs now that spring was upon them, she had taken some time to herself for a rare basking in the sun and ended up napping; Aventus' tone was insistent.

She arrived swiftly enough and saw her superiors waiting; others would come too, until they were all gathered. The news of the crazed man's demise was a shock to Stryx - strong enough to suck the air out of her lungs. Merrick seemed like the kind of manic creature who would outlast everyone. Growing old but vital, and madder by the year, until he would inhabit this valley alone save for that madness. Or so she thought.

Stryx had been wrong.

Aventus spoke of someone else, and then of the children, and as stricken as the physician felt with the loss of Merrick, she could not in good conscience allow the stolen children to come to harm; her spine straightened as soon as Aventus gave his order - and he had a look not to be trifled with - which told Stryx to be very careful.

She kept her mouth shut, clenched, and looked around for signs of doubt, or disobedience. Her eye also surreptitiously sought a route of egress should she need it, knowing she wasn't fast or furious like these cultists.

Not a word came from her; she waited, watched, and hoped her nervous energy did not betray her. The two bloodstains were not her children but they were innocent, and Stryx had vowed long ago to place value upon every life. What would killing two idiot children accomplish?