Barrier Gulch [m] Asp

there it was. qiao stepped back as the wounded rallied. she’d seen it before — cheerless eyes suddenly enlivened with newly discovered energy — only to never open again the next day. 

her gaze flits to jasper knowingly. it had been her intention to keep this flower for her own purpose, but now it withered beneath the bleeding woman’s paws. her discretion in knowing jasper’s intention now cost her the impression of her competency. yes, which is why i ignored his offer. she imparted, mourning the lost potential of the crushed specimen. 

much more happened; qiao struggled to understand the dynamics at play, particularly surrounding the man who was accosted and then released. it wasn’t until the jodai’s words sliced between them that illuminated things just a little clearer. 

as a healer, you must also know you will be my worst patient yet. qiao frowned, eyes traveling to the commanding jodai. is that far? she is in no condition to travel.

now the mercenaries advanced on the flower-bearer. until this moment qiao had not been sure of his connection — now it could not be more clear. 

qiao regretted ever coming. she waited for the crew to get their shit together, her gaze on the woman below.