A/N: The Malpercio siblings need more attention.
An entire village gone, erased from existence with no rhyme or reason. That is the sight that greets the siblings when they arrive at Rasalas.
"We're too late." Pieda voices what they all know, cementing the truth in their minds. A melancholy silence consumes them, the 'what if's gnawing at their consciences.
"Let's look for any survivors." They know better than to hope, but they agree to Seph's suggestion anyway, because it's better than remaining stationary.
However, it is as they thought; there are no survivors. Ven tells them that one of the families had children, and they are all horrified. Did Wiseman's sick beliefs know no bounds?
They don't linger in Rasalas for long, for the evidence of Wiseman's cruelty laid bare in front of their eyes sickens them, even Seph. The people of Rasalas may not be dead, but they're still gone, and that is just as bad.
They're mostly silent on the way home; any conversations are brief. They're almost glad for the Sandfeeder's intervention, because it takes their minds off the fate of Rasalas.
Possibly the happiest of the siblings is Marno; dodging the beast's snapping jaws while getting in attacks of his own leaves no time for reflection. If he takes his mind off the battle for one second, he will die.
Being the youngest of the group, the fate of Rasalas is most scarring for him. He does not want to linger on it- the event makes his stomach churn, because he knows they will all end up like those people if Wiseman isn't stopped. It's a brutal truth, one he doesn't want to face, not yet.
His siblings are thinking along the same lines, complimenting him and asking him questions about his technique long after the battle is over. He answers them without hesitation, grateful for further distractions.
However, they all know, however much they want to deny it, they will have to face the truth eventually. If they didn't, their entire world would crumble.