Lost Creek Hollow a lonesome star in a bitter sky

*powerplays* :D

Mordecai insisted that he could manage, leaving Harlyn to bite back her negation.  Even though she'd suggested it, she hadn't really wanted him to opt for that plan.  He was weak - he'd lost a lot of blood and was likely hurting far worse than he would ever let on.  It was with trepidation that she watched him pull himself to his paws.  She stepped back to give him room to stand, but was right at his side the moment she wouldn't be a hindrance but a help to him.  She pressed herself to his side so that he could lean his weight on her and waited for him to steady himself against her before attempting to move forward.

"I'm sure there's somewhere close where we can tuck you away," she murmured, putting her nose and ears to work, looking for the smell of dank air or the sound of hollow, echoing spaces that might suggest a cave was nearby.  Harlyn had never been much of a hunter (except for when it came to plants) but fortune was on their side when after ten minutes or so the ground suddenly gave way underneath the tangled roots of a thick-trunked tree, leaving an empty space beneath (like this - I can't do imagery tonight).

"There we go... How about we stuff you in there?" she said, trying to mask her relief with humor.  She could tell by his labored breathing and the slow, stumbling step that he was not doing well.  She needed him down and resting, and she needed herself out and fetching herbs that would help him heal.  In truth, Harlyn was still displeased with having to leave him by himself, but the time had passed now for her to fetch someone to watch over him.  She needed to go, and she needed to go quickly.