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

[lanclan]

Where are you now?

[downswing]

North of the cave. A slow advance, to avoid deepening its injuries.

We make do.

[lanclan]

When I get there I will take your place so you may recover your strength.

[ Since Wangji caught the damn thing and that can't have been easy. ]

un: dollhouse

[thedreamer]

Any chance you can talk him into going on ahead entirely? He's really done quite enough.

[ A foregone conclusion, more than likely. ]

I've got it from here.

[lanclan]

[ Is that a humblebrag about strength? ]

Regardless, Wangji will not abandon you, sir. I suggest you keep pace in order to lessen the chances for the beast to attack.

[thedreamer]

[ Never let it be said the Doctor isn't very sure of himself. Forget the part where he gets himself into trouble frequently. Like now for example! ]

No, he wouldn't, of course, he's not the sort. I only worry about him. And Doctor, please, not sir. Sir me is greying, wears a bowler hat, and sits still for puzzles.

[lanclan]

[ Oh, good, a healer being near Wangji is practically Xichen's ideal preference in friends for his brother. ]

Doctor. Please mind the tail of the creature, it moves quite freely. I will meet you at the mouth of Wangji's cave and take over for him.

[thedreamer]

[ Absolutely. Nothing to worry about or doubt here. A madman. An everything Doctor, that's him. ]

Spirited, yes, I agree. [ And, perfectly timed, another tail smack on the back, followed by the Doctor very lightly patting its flank to settle it? As if? ] If you're joining us regardless, be careful on your way! Please and thank you. No injuries on my watch.

[lanclan]

Kindly ensure my brother is not further injured, thank you.

[ All that matters to Xichen is Wangji handling a giant monster and getting smacked around the head by it. ]

[thedreamer]

Brother! His brother. Oh, this is a good day! On a scale of good days in the whole of the universe, this shoots us straight to the top. I'm honoured. Delighted actually! Counting down the minutes until we meet in person now, in fact.

[ Ah, yes, but there's the matter at hand and the beast they carry. ]

He'll be safe, I promise. I always keep my promises.

[ — Well. He tries. But this is one he can keep. ]

[lanclan]

[ Concerned as he is while swiftly making his way to Wangji's home, he can't help the quirk of a small smile and soft snort. ]

If you keep your promise, Doctor, I will have faith in each that comes after it.

[thedreamer]

On my honour.

[ A little salute and a smile back, but sorry to say this one is quite big and broad and possibly ill-matched for the circumstances. Because. Yes. But no thumbs up, he resists. Not the moment. His time will come. ]

See you soon! We'll be here. Waiting. Not with bells on, sorry. And not technically waiting. You understand me, though.

[ — does he though...does anyone... ]

[lanclan]

[ He really does not know how Wangji keeps attracting the same type of intelligent, spirited men as companions, but he's glad he does. ]

I believe I do. Hold fast, I am nearly with you.

[thedreamer]

Just for transparency, the moment you get here, I'll be promising your safety to him. Between the three of us, we'll manage it.

[ With their...powers combined. Or something — ]

[downswing]

Seek to conspire more furtively.

[downswing]

Respectfully decline.

[lanclan]

I am not asking.

[downswing]

I am pained to disobey.

[lanclan]

Be ready to switch out with me soon, I'm almost there.

[downswing]

Do not shame me. To be thrust in the throes of sacrificing my sect leader.

Spare my dignity.

[lanclan]

[ Ridiculous! That is a genuine monster. There is not enough time to argue with his brother, however. ]

Then at least hold the horrid beast down until Liebing can subdue it for trussing.

[downswing]

Brother.


( Please. )

[lanclan]

Didi.

[downswing]

I beg.

[lanclan]

I am here.