Otatso Wetlands the sweetness will not be concerned with me

adi took the moss offered, replacing the already sodden stuff with something fresh. so much blood still bloomed, darkening the bright green into an ugly, murky rusty brown. the smell of injury and panic was heavy in the air--aditya tried desperately to keep calm, even as his heart pounded hard in his throat.

at sebastian's question, he shook his head, looking miserable as he realized he'd probably just pick up the wrong plant, anyway. "i'll keep trying to stop the bleeding," he said, an audible quaver in his voice. he just kept thinking that if he had watched river more carefully, drilled the fear of god into him. . .this wouldn't have happened. he would be home and safe.

instead, the trio stood over the pup, a macabre scene. adi watched the rise and fall of the springy ribs, hoping beyond measure that river did not go still and stiff.