Snippet #1467404

Cough, spit. More blood- fresh- mixing with the dirt. Torim's eyes widened and he mentally scolded himself. He should have known that the gashes weren't the only injuries; that there were other wounds hidden inside Risu's body. The Shara had fallen out of a tree, for crying out loud! And yet, the thought hadn't crossed his mind until then. The location of said wounds was relatively easy to locate, as well, seeing as Risu was clutching at the pained area.

Treatment had to be given, and soon. There was no telling exactly how bad the damage was, but Torim was sure it wasn't light. He also knew from experience (not personal experience, mind you) that internal injuries had a tendency to be worse than external despite receiving less damage.

But then came the dilemma: moving around now would make the internal lacerations worse, making them life-threatening if they weren't already; but waiting any longer meant they could be attacked at any moment and neither would have a chance at survival if that happened. Not unless Torim abandoned Risu to the beasts, but he wasn't about to do such a thing.

”Go... now, please,” a small voice whispered. The sharp tug at his clothes for balance reminded Torim that there were things to be done. While neither choice was pleasant, moving away from their current location had a slightly higher chance for survival. Not to mention, Risu was too anxious and nervous to simply sit still and allow any more healing to take pace.

Wrapping an arm around the Shara's shoulders with his hand hooked under Risu's arm for support, Torim matched pace with Risu and started forward. A final glance was cast around the area; checking for any signs of danger and any herbs that may help. Neither were found and the pair continued their march onward.

*Character view change: Risu*

Step. Pain. Step. Pain. Step. Pain. Risu sighed, glad that he could breath easier but unhappy about the constant pain. Each step made the dull ache flare up while the pause between steps would allow the pain return to just a dull pounding. But there were more important things on his mind than the constant hurt, like, 'just where had everyone else gone' and 'where the hell was he, anyway?'

”Are you sure you're okay?”

Risu blinked, vaguely aware of the fact that he was no longer moving. ”We're not moving.” Way to go, Captain Obvious. ”Why?”

The Orii'm placed a hand against Risu's forehead before listing, ”Pale, low fever, loss of balance, you aren't even walking by yourself anymore, and your breathing is strained. You sound like you're trying to breath through a straw; never a good sign.”

All very good points, but they had to move, like, now. Risu swayed, taking a step back to regain balance, when he was unexpectedly released. A second later, Torim was crouched before him. ”Walking will only make things worse. Climb on.”

Wait, what?

Risu blinked, aware that he had zoned out for a moment and was now staring blankly at Torim's back. By the way the man was crouched, with arms being held back, the purpose was obvious and Risu was never one to turn down a piggy-back ride. Moments later, the pair were moving again, this time with a faster stride.

*Character view change: Torim*

With the extra weight on his back, Torim found running awkward and, instead, settled for a fast walk. Unaccustomed to the weight of a person, he found himself somewhat off balance and thus kept his eyes focused on the ground to avoid tripping on anything. Tripping now would be dangerous; more so for his cargo rather than himself.

Despite the situation he found himself in, Torim was surprised by how calm he felt. He should have been panicking, running for his life, or screaming like a little girl (okay, maybe not that last one). So why did he feel so relaxed, like everything was going to be okay? He glanced back, catching a glimpse of Risu's face. There wasn't much to see, however, as the male had slid down so that only half his face could be seen. What could be seen, however, looked more like a sleeping child rather than someone who had almost been gouged to death.

Which wasn't a good thing.

”Hey, friend,” he said, slowing his pace but not stopping. ”Wake up.” There was no reaction and he was tempted to stop and slap the man awake. ”Friend-” STOMPITYSTOMPSTOMP Torim came to a sudden halt and felt Risu shift on his back.

“What the 'ell?” Risu slurred, blinking awake and sitting up slightly.

Torim hesitated, not sure what to do. For a moment, the stomping sound was silenced and he became aware of loud voices shouting. Part of him was excited, sure he had found a group of survivors that could help him, but he was afraid at the same time. What was the sound that he had heard earlier, and would these people really help him? But, where there were people there was hope and there was a chance that someone would have mercy on them.

He had barely taken another step when the noise started up again and the source of the noise crashed through the trees before him. He felt Risu stiffen in fear and shock and was sure his own mouth had hit the forest floor. The thing was HUGE! And hideous beyond words, but that was beside the point. The point was, he was screwed if he tried to get any closer. Heck, the Wraiths were safer than this thing!

Well, so much for trying to reach the survivors. With a sigh, Torim retreated until he could no longer see colossus and then traveled several yards more just to be safe. Once satisfied that they weren't being followed, he deposited Risu at the base of a tree. After bringing the Shara back to the world of the conscious, he grabbed at various pouches hanging from his belt in search of specific herbs and what not.

”Okay, let's see what we've got here.”