His pained limping eventually brought him into the heart of a forest he'd never seen before, filled with smells and sounds that felt almost stifling compared to the relative stillness of the mountains. There was a humidity to the air that made his hide ripple and itch and a sweltering stink that very clearly claimed this land as a swamp. The kalona resisted the urge to cough as he breathed in the foul air, gritting his teeth as he stumbled deeper and deeper into the darkness. His swollen leg was hot to the touch now, and the stallion knew he would be crippled permanently if he did not find a healer. He did not know how long he shouldered through the confining trees, feeling their branches rake against him as though in warning. The mud sucked at his hooves, and the rank wetness seeped deep into his hide... Eventually, he caught the scent of something strange among the fetid smells here, nostrils flaring wide as he took a deep breath.
Definitely a Soquili... but something was off. The smell was almost... acidic, like toxic plants.The stallion's gait slowed to a standstill, able to hear hooves picking their way closer and closer to his location. Whoever this stranger was, they were well aware of his presence. Better to wait and confront them here, in this small clearing, than try and lose them in a forest whose paths he did not know.
--
So. Another creature lost within the swampland that they called home. Blood Taker's approach was steady and unhurried, his eyes picking over the shimmering hide of the stranger as he contemplated his next move. Sometimes, he disposed of intruders without a second thought. Other times, he drove them back from whence they'd came. On special occasions thought, he brought them back to the one creature who'd harnessed his strength for her own good. Blood Taker emerged fully from the cover of the mangroves and was rewarded with the sight of the kalona tensing ever so slightly. Clearly the strange stallion wasn't used to meeting creatures of a similar size.
"I smell your blood," He announced without pause, his bright eyes fixed upon the kalona. "Come. She will treat your wounds." He did not wait for a response, moving to disappear back into the foliage. The stranger would follow or he would not. But without a guide, it was easy to wander helplessly in the swamps for days...
--
Nemesis held himself still as the enormous kirin pushed his way out of the darkness, wary of an unexpected attack. Instead, the other spoke cryptically and began to leave, clearly expecting Nemesis to follow. His massive teeth grated together as the impudent stallion moved farther and farther away, but what choice did he have? His horns were strange, but the tail... definitely that of a unicorn's. Clearly this 'she' he spoke of was something of a healer. In silence, he followed the stallion, and as they moved deeper and deeper into the forest, he almost swore the markings on his hide seemed to glow. Impossible. With an impatient shake of his head, Nemesis limped forward. They trekked through the swamps for what felt like ages, and the kalona pinned his ears as insects whined and buzzed around his face. Just as he was beginning to demand where he was being led, the other stopped.
--
Blood Taker came to a silent stop, his ears pricked forward as he listened to... something. "Go," He spoke after a time, and his voice trembled slightly. "She is there." It was not nerves that made his voice shake but excitement. If he could, he would have remained and assisted--but She was very particular about how she chose to handle her subjects. Blood Taker was not allowed to be anywhere near, less he act upon his namesake and spoil what She was trying to do. With his take accomplished, the stallion withdrew into the shadows to resume his steady patrolling of the swamps.
--
With a low, irritated rumble, Nemesis watched the male disappear before he cautiously began to approach the little clearing ahead. From the looks of it, someone had set up residency here. Skulls and trinkets, vines deftly woven together to provide something of a shelter.... yes, someone had been here for quite some time, with their oddities neatly arranged.
--
A stranger, wandering so boldly into her domain? A delight. Truly a treat. The mare watched him unblinkingly, not attempting to hide herself as she emerged from the hut towards his location. She knew this swamp forward and back, but her craft kept her busy. Blood Taker was a fine sentry and guard, and he often brought back the most interesting subjects..... A kalona male, yes? And injured, yes... Liver Taker did not smile, but satisfaction flickered through her very being. "You come seeking aid," She spoke quietly, another pulse of satisfaction rippling through her as the stallion stiffened in posture. "Do not bother lying. Come. I will not work unless we are inside."
She turned without another glance and slipped back into the odd structure. If he did not follow, it was on his own head.
--
Another oddly marked Soquili... He could not tell if she was a unicorn in truth, but the tail alone seemed to suggest as much. He very nearly snarled as she dared to order him, slipping away as though expecting him to immediately jump at her command. Still, he did not fancy the thought of trying to find his way back out of the swamp, and his leg hurt something fierce. Grudgingly, he began to follow her inside.
--
A strong stallion, yes... but a fool, following strangers so trustingly into the dark. There was a long silence before she heard the reluctant sound of heavy hooves approaching, halting only inches from her. Liver Taker observed him unblinkingly, turning her head one way and then the other as though to give each eye an equal opportunity to rove over him.
She stepped closer to her supplies, lipping delicately at a stock of gathered herbs. Once she had found what she wanted, she dropped it on a clean mat laid upon the floor. Dipping her front hooves in a bowl of water nearby, she gingerly crushed said herbs until they were little more than a fine powder. The impatience and irritation of the stallion behind her radiated through the air, but Liver Taker still saw no need to speak to him just yet.
--
His hide twitched as the mare worked, not understanding why she was bothering with herbs of all things. "What use do I have for greenery?" He snarled. "Are you a healer or not? Use your abilities or stop wasting my time."
--
Liver Taker lifted her head at that, and she curled her lip with derision. "Do you wish for healing, or shall I send you limping back into the dark?" She challenged. "You consume this, first. Then, my abilities."
--
Grating his teeth, Nemesis resisted the urge to snap at her throat as he hobbled a bit closer. The mare merely watched him with glittering eyes, as though knowing well what he wished for. With a snort, he lowered his head, eyeing the herbs with utter disgust before he carefully lipped up the crushed mixture. It was bitter--so bitter, and he flung his head back with a revolted sound. Beyond the bitterness, his tongue now felt... fuzzy. The kalona shook himself, realizing suddenly that the fuzzy feeling was beginning to spread throughout his body, rendering him sluggish. "What... did you do?" He tried to demand, his legs buckling underneath him.
--
Oh, the joys of watching her work take hold. The mare watched silently, allowing herself the smallest smile as the monstrous stallion collapsed. "Sleep well," She murmured, watching as the awareness drained from his eyes. What a fine specimen. She would make many, many things from his... donations.
