Field Camp

JP between Lucian, Jaxx and Strangetides

Nicolaus helped the wounded man as best he could, while trying to be as small a target as possible. This was not his forte, and he had to count on the expertise of the woodsmen to get them through this developing disaster. He wondered as he if the two women had survived whatever they encountered briefly, but the present circumstance was more pressing and he focused on speed. He gasped for breath and in a low voice to the others, "Gentlemen, if the events support it and I say 'eyes', shield them immediately."

Despite being hidden, Hunter had his bow ready to quick-fire again if the need presented itself. He was a calm killer waiting patiently as he was supported by his two allies. Killing had been a long part of his life so he was no stranger to taking a life be it for a mission or just to survive. However it was still awkward to have allies he could somewhat trust. Tarmen risked his life to save him and even lectured him when questioned why. However Tarmen valued Till's life less since the risk was to great or perhaps he didn't value the man at all unlike Alexis and Voah. This system of valuing life was strange and very confusing for Hunter as he was plagued with a weird feeling in his gut. It was almost like he liked having Tarmen around. Oddly enough Hunter preferred killing the natives compared to dealing with his awkward feelings.

The waiting was worse for Tarmen than the running. At least running they were making progress, but the lack of immediate attack lent credence to the plan working.
He could hear them, distant hollers now surrounding them as the natives gave up on all pretense of stealth. An occasional roar or animal cry relayed at least two, maybe four of the tamers though it was a wild guess.
He fully believed Alexis and the Arbiter to be dead, since they had ventured toward the danger to begin with, and made a quick prayer for them. He had been growing fond of Alexis, despite her morals, and the Arbiter…. Well he was rather upset that such intelligence and beauty would meet its end over a cannibals spit.
At the end of his prayer, he looked to the assassin.
“How’s the leg, Hunter?”

Hunter whispered, "Tolerable. I have had worse, but this is the first time I have had company in a situation like this. I am not use to having allies." Hunter didn't know why he said that. He was not one to share his past with others, but right now it just came out of his mouth. He remembered in the past, having to escape in a forest after killing a Count and his escort who owed his boss money or something valuable. A lucky-weird, bad arrow shot from one of the scouts caught him in the gut and forced him to play hide and seek for two weeks in the forest as the knights and bodyguards searched for him. It was a rough time for poor Hunter, but he survived in the end. Now he was in a similar situation again only this time he was not alone. He hoped Tarmen had the skills to get them out of there and he also hoped Alexis and Voah could escape as well. It would be a pain in the butt having to explain to Sir Zane if they were missing anyone important.

Nicolaus laid low near a log, peeking out with just his eye to see into the green. He crawled over and inspected the Hunter's leg. "It's held up surprisingly well," he whispered as he adjusted the dressing, "How do you feel? Any dizziness?"

Hunter whispered, "No......... just pain. When I first got hit I used an herbal mixture of White Willow Bark, Charcoal and Yarrow leaves with flowers to plug the holes. It will minimize the pain, weakens any poison and slows down the bleeding. In the past I would find a hole to crawl into and rest for a few days before planning my next move, but that is not an option anymore." Hunter hoped that appeased the doctor since he didn't want to attract to much attention from the natives. It was still weird having others concerned about his well being. He wondered if this was a normal thing for them and what was the point of it.

Nicolaus nodded as he watched the jungle and whispered, "That was a good choice, mild pain relief, I often use for women cramping and the aches of the elderly. I will have to take care in your treatment, it mixes badly with some other common remedies."

Hunter whispered, "Thank you for your treatment. So will I be paying for your services later on or will my employer be getting the bill?" Hunter was under the impression the good doctor was not doing all this for free in the end. He was hoping the price would not be to much for his pocket.

Nicolaus glanced briefly at the man, then back into the jungle. "My services are covered by the expedition, but regardless, my survival is linked to yours, you are the expert in these things. If it helps balance your ledger."

Hunter considered the words of Nicolaus as he kept his guard up for the natives and the beasts of the jungle. It was enlightening to hear he was not going to be out of pocket when they finally got back since he made meager wages as a scout. In truth he could make a lot more money if he chose to reveal his real background to the Lord. However he was willing to compromise in being a tool anymore since a tool and a slave were only seen as disposable things to the rich and powerful. As he looked at at the doctor he wondered if he too one day could be more without the threat of being used. Sadly it sounded like a pipe dream for now. Then he replied, "I see."

"Our options seem limited, we are surrounded by unknown enemies, seemingly few in number, for now, but they have the advantage of moving freely and knowing where we are. And potentially bringing more friends. Part of our party is separated and perhaps incapacitated. And we have wounded, pardon the bluntness, it is a fact. What do you feel is our best action?" Nicolaus whispered thoughtfully in a low voice. (edited)

Tarmen had enjoyed the doctor finally speaking. It gave him time to think as he assessed Hunter’s condition.
With little sign of the natives nearing their hideaway, they might have a chance of remaining hidden. He slowly filled his chest to enjoy a few extra moments of peace before addressing the doctors’ question.
“We still have most of a days journey to the camp. We will go slow, tryin’ to remain off the natives warpath as long as possible. Stick to the brush along the river, we should be able to follow it all the way. Ready?”

Nicolaus glanced at the Hunter, then got his bearings for the journey ahead. He nodded once to Tarmen, "Ready." There was no point in discuss what came next, if they survived there would be time to worry about the rest.