un: absterge | video

[downswing]

( Two men and a xenomorph walk into a tavern —

...alternatively, stumble down a woodland road, breath staggered, seemingly drained — if not by the weight of the enormous forest creature they carry, bled and bound to a makeshift pallet of decayed logs, then by the constant, jittery effort to evade the strikes of its tail.

The Doctor drags the animal’s wooden bed by long, loosely woven strips of ripped cloth. Lan Wangji holds the pendant with one hand and his own cutting strings that fetter the beast with the other.

For their trouble, the creature’s tail lovingly smacks the Doctor on his flank, then thwaps Lan Wangji’s temple, on the swing back. It growls its thanks after, before settling into a... disturbing... purr... that seems to indicate the time to nap is nigh.

The Doctor, then: ) It's settling down a bit already! Just needed a proper looking after, really, like anything.

( Well said, Doctor. For your effort, have a nice, friendly, sleepy tail smack on the back. So Wangji doesn’t feel jealous, the snoring beast peers over his shoulder, drenching it in a sea of... drool. He sighs. )

We bear one of the Beastmaster’s creatures. Feral, wounded. Enemy of the Huntress in the woods.

( Who should have been long culled, but don’t let Lan Wangji’s long-suffering expression convince you of that. The enemy or their enemy, so on. )

It requires... healing to resume duties. We number those who know the care of animals?

( ooc: ...sorry, cave buddies, just going to park Fido in the back real quick! Any veterinarians in the house? )

Comments

[downswing]

Assume it the scale of... ( EXCUSE HIM, GOTTA GET FACE-SMACKED IN THE TEETH AGAIN. ) A young ox.

[3point0]

Definitely some rope to tie down the tail. Are you two okay?

[downswing]

It lacks precision with its bites.

[3point0]

Nevermind, I should know not to ask. Hey, is your husband around?

[downswing]

( Must everyone address him so — )

Not among us.

[3point0]

What? Did something happen to him?

[downswing]

The Huntress brings those chained to death into her service.

( Softer: ) The forests do not suit him.

[3point0]

But he's okay, right? Just somewhere in town?

[downswing]

You care for his welfare.

[3point0]

Yeah, of course I do. He's a solid guy. Is he okay? Are you okay?

[downswing]

We prevail. ( A pause. ) And you?

[3point0]

I'm fine. All right, I've found some rope, where are you two at?

[downswing]

North of the cave. Slow progress to avoid unsettling its injuries.

un: yiling laozu

[weifinder]

Such kind concern! Ah, Buckbuck, have you had any troubles with the, hm. Has the forest called to you at all?

[3point0]

Only a little bit, but I've been putting things in my ears to drown it out.

Wait, have you?

[thedreamer]

Perfectly okay, not to worry. Enjoying the scenery on our way back.

More importantly, are you okay?

[ Yes, the man not currently dragging a large creature through the forest; is he okay? ]

[3point0]

Yeah, I'm fine. I did find some rope, where are you two?

[thedreamer]

Just a bit north of the cave. Have you been this way before? Tread carefully. Honestly, best if you stay back by the forest's edge. We're really alright.

[ Debatable. ]

[3point0]

No, but don't worry about me, I'm pretty great with rough terrain.

[thedreamer]

Don't worry and I'm pretty great with — is often not the comfort people think it is. Not that I'm doubting you! Tricky business, though, this forest.

How good are you at shouting? You know, if you get into a jam before we reach other. Voice carries well? Strong inflection? No recent bouts of laryngitis?

[3point0]

Extremely good at shouting. I've got a lot of experience.

[thedreamer]

And running? Top marks, I expect! What with your profession.

[3point0]

What, do you think firefighters can't run?

[thedreamer]

No doubts whatsoever! In a race, we might even be perfectly matched.

[ Amazingly, he refrains from saying just who would be in the lead. It's obvious. ]

Better yet, we'll be partners in the next semi-annual relay race of Akhuras! I'm excellent at handing off the baton.

[3point0]

Err, we will? Sure! It'll give me a good opportunity to train up.

It's hard to work out here with no equipment.