Redhawk Caldera Macabre midnight.

Cinar howled, presumably for Alivia, then snatched up the fish. When he moved to her side, she bobbed her head to indicate she was ready and fell into step beside him. She didn’t need the extra support, thank goodness, but it was reassuring to have him walking alongside her in the dark. Hopefully he would see any obstacles before she tripped again.

They reached the Hobbit Hole without further incident, though the pain was pretty intense and her stomach was starting to protest all the blood she’d swallowed. Even more of it drooled out of her slack jaw as she turned carefully to face Cinar and caught his remark. Despite everything, she huffed a laugh, then winced.

-Tell the others I ran into Bushtit and we talked so long, my tongue fell apart,- she joshed right back. -I wish he’d come back with me,- she added, catching herself before she sighed and aggravated her throbbing tongue. -This probably wouldn’t have happened. So this is technically all his fault,- she groused playfully with silent, deft movements.