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

[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.

[thedreamer]

Next chance we get then! When we're not dodging an obstacle course of the undead. There's sure to be a lull.

[ Even given their circumstances, he will...stubbornly hold onto optimism where he can find it. ]

[3point0]

Okay, you're on. Sounds like a good time.

[ It can't all be sinking coffins, right? ]

[downswing]

...bring it meat.