Kassi talks to Janno

The cave was actually more of a set of passages. The group realized that the passageways got more cramped the deeper they went. Eventually, it was figured that the ogres were too big to go that far back into the passage and simply camped just inside the cavern.

Glennon found where the ogres stashed their gold and items and counted out close to a 100 gold pieces and a few gems that probably were more valuable. At least we found some treasure out of this senseless battle, Janno thought gloomily.

Camp was quickly set up. Glennon went to go explore beyond in the passage, saying that he would be careful. Dalia used some healing spells on Janno and then got the fighter to quaff a bitter tasting natural herbal brew that would help ease the throbbing pain he was feeling. She went back outside in search of berries and other herbal remedies.

That left Janno nursing his fragile pride with the ranger Kassi. After some silence, Kassi walked over and sat down beside Janno.

"I know why you did what you did today," Kassi said. "Remember, I heard about your previous battles with the other ogres. It must be hard to lose friends like that."

"It is part of the adventuring life," Janno declared. "Unfortunately, I didn't handle it well. The ogres still upset me for some reason. All I could think of was my friend Rokko and how he died at the end and I just stopped thinking."

Kassi patted the fighter's knee. "Things happen. You survived, I believe, for a reason. Maybe because you are going to do great things in the future. You have to realize that your previous group is gone, like it or not, and move on."

Janno knew Kassi was right. Silently, he bidded farewell to his old comrades. After all, his new ones were counting on him now. "Thank you, Kassi. I appreciate the talk and the concern. You are good companion to be with and you have much more sense than I do."

Kassi laughed and actually blushed. "Well, that's the nicest compliment I've ever gotten from a male fighter. Usually, they want me around because of my looks."

"Well, you are lovely too," Janno quickly amended. "But I respect your integrity and your wisdom as well."

Kassi blushed again. "You are going to do fine, Janno." With that, she unexpectedly leaned close and gave Janno a kiss on the cheek. Then, she sat back and smiled winsomely at the fighter before getting up to leave.