[cormac/toku/peony]
Just a random observation. I know that Merri's down for the count, but doesn't Peony get a say, or have you suddenly become the entire council by yourself? I'm seeing a lot of I and no "we" here.
While Cid can be a complete ass, please do remember he is actually very good at what he does. He does understand my methods, has been working with me all this time, and his exposure to the herb during the journey back may help us decipher how its properties sooner.