[SWP] selcouth

[Atreus]

over the moaning bones
of those who quit and chose to remain

Atreus doesn’t turn a blind eye to the commotion around him – he’s fully aware of the rising tension between the gophers and any who draw too near, bearing yellowed teeth that could easily sever a tendon given the right opportunity and provoked enough. Until they venture too near him, he pushes them out of sight and out of mind for the time being, and focuses entirely on the sickly one now lying before him atop a scarf.

Boldly, but with a dose of caution he lowers his head to inspect it further, looking for any visual signs of injury and listening closely for any hints of labored breathing, which could aid them in finding the root of the problem. The grisly grey mare seems impatient, and as Atreus finishes his inspection he hums softly beneath his breath, offering her a cursory look as he passes her by, Asterion’s command on his mind. It’s then that he notices Fiona’s presence, the sight of her causing the poison master’s step to falter for but a moment before he continues towards the citadel. As he slips past, the corners of his lips quirk more upright but he says nothing, disappearing briefly inside in order to fetch a few of his stashed supplies, watching for vicious gophers all the while.

He returns within just minutes, setting a basket down on the soggy ground beside the varmint. Within it lay a variety of herbs: Rosemary, the very scent of which could help ease a mind into coherency and relaxation. Turmeric, which increased blood flow, warmed the body and reduced inflammation upon ingestion. A pinch of Cayenne, its spicy quality enabling the opening of nasal passages, and also stimulating digestion and improving blood flow. And, lastly, a single carrot. Without knowing the full story, it was the least he could try and do.

Taking a branch of fresh rosemary between his teeth, Atreus placed it near the gopher’s head in such a way he could breathe it in. Then, plucking the carrot from his basket, the crimson roan gripped the fine powders of the Turmeric and Cayenne, pressing it sparingly into the carrot so as not to ruin the taste entirely. Once finished, he lowered the vegetable to the gopher in an effort to urge it to eat.

“This should help get the blood flowing better than it is,” he stated as he raised his head, gazing on primarily at the grey mare and then to his fellow compatriots, from Asterion, to Theodosia, Israfel, and then Fiona and the rest. “As well as warm him back up and give him energy. If he requires further treatment, Fiona and I are certainly equipped to handle it.”

“Speaking.”

credits