Cheryl
Bag, check. Rations, check. Campfire, check. The oni speared a fish on a branch and left it roasting over the flames, then stared glumly at the opened box of bottles that did not contain liquor. Just plain fruit juice.

She'd only recently been released after an unfortunate altercation (that was another story) and unfortunately for her, being caught buying an equal quantity of wine would most likely earn her another visit to the guards, which she was not all that enthusiastic about. Then again, few likely would.

The fire crackles. Senri turned the fish over, exposing the other side to the heat and then paused, ears straining. There seemed to be some unusual noises in the background.

Faint shouting, perhaps, and... The ringing of metal on metal. She didn't grow up in the area, but there was definitely no smithery around. The oni hesitates.

After a few moments, she sighed, stamped out the fire, and quietly made her way towards where the sounds were coming from.
Gregory
*The sounds became clearer as Senri closed in. What sounded like men shouting to one another, occasionally paused by a deathly scream. The sound of metal slamming against metal, as well as gunshots that rung out into the night.*

*As time went on, the total number of voices seemed to dwindle. Following along the road to a familiar area, one that led to the manor that imprisoned Senri long ago. On the side of the road, a basket containing groceries. Now, the sound leads off the trail to what seemed like a clearing.*

*Within, a multitude of bodies are found. Some are riddled with bullet holes, more than a couple torn apart with what was probably a spear. In the center stands a familiar face, a girl in an armored maids outfit. In one hand, a short sword, and the other a shield. She seemed to be on her last legs, with one too many bandits around her. Senri could count three in total.*
Cheryl
Senri was... Understandably, not in a great mood. Her dinner had just been interrupted, and now she'd chanced upon (at least from her perspective) a bunch of no-gooders ganging up on one person. Perhaps one shouldn't judge another by the quality of their dressing, but the oni never once claimed to be a paragon of virtue. Besides, since she had no ability to see well in the night, she hadn't yet recognised Raylen.

"Begone, foul creatures!"

The oni didn't bother to draw any of her weapons. She planted her feet softly but firmly into the ground, braced herself, and charged out of the undergrowth at full speed, aiming to catch at least two... Which she did. The last one barely avoided the charge, so instead she reached out with her other hand as she passed. Her hand snagged his collar.

And then she was standing over three fainted bandits, rubbing her own head and examining the newly-created human-sized impression in the tree trunk.
Gregory
*Raylen seemed relieved, a sigh escaping from her lips. Her certain demise might of just became a less certain one. However, there was still one other person next to her. The maid sucked in her breath, turned to her new opponent, and- Not again.*

*Unlike Senri, Raylen possessed quite good night vision. Though she may wish she hadn't as she finds a face she thought she wouldn't see again.*
"Not you-" 

*A few words slip out from her sheer dismay. She doesn't ease up on her fighting stance, but asks Senri something.*
"Are you a friend or foe this time?"
Cheryl
**This** Time? Did she run into an acquaintance? The oni turned around quizzically, squinted hard at Raylen, and... Oh.

*Oh.*

All the grumpiness seeped out of her.

"Weeell, I wonder what thou meanst, good lady? I'm just a simple traveller passing by that hast decided to lend thee mine aid, nothing more."

The oni was refusing to make eye contact.
Gregory
"Is that so? T-then you won't mind-" 
*Raylen is unable to finish her sentence. Perhaps the familiarity from Senri's face allowed her to relax a smidge too much. Her muscles giving in as her leg, perhaps injured, buckles under her.*

*She crashes to the floor and groans loudly after a moment.*
"Why did it have to be you? And those damn fuckers... I'm gonna be late to Master's dinner again..."
Cheryl
"Thou art injured."

Senri was not known for her brilliant deductive ability. She quickly made her way over, squatting down by Raylen and pulling out a sizeable roll of bandaging.

"Hold still now..."

With the lack of proper night vision of her own to work with, the oni clicked her tongue and struck a match, setting up a makeshift torch.
Gregory
"No shit-" 
*Raylen cursed like a sailor, her usual 'polite' mask shattered by the attack. She watches as Senri fumbles around and groans as the woman realizes she cannot see.*
"God how could this happen... I can't go back like this..." 

*But where could she go? This woman beside her must have a camp... But no, she couldn't rely on HER of all people. Why did it have to be her here...*
"I might die..."
Cheryl
"Not on my watch." There was a firmness underneath the oni's uncharacteristically soft tone, even as she avoided meeting Raylen's gaze. All the while her hands move, applying bandages to the injuries that she could (now) see.

After a while, Senri wrapped up (heh) the treatment process.

"This should suffice until I get you home." Still avoiding eye contact. "And your fellows can take over once we get there."
Gregory
"W-wait. Stop!" 
*Raylen realizes what Senri had meant to do a second too late. As the Oni lifted Raylen's skirt to see her leg, she'd find something like a tail. It looked... Damaged. Mangled. Ruined...*

*Raylen stared in quiet bewilderment. This situation was too much. She had to bare the shame of being injured, the shame of having to be saved by THIS woman. Bare the shame of failing her master and unable to complete her task. And now this? Her greatest secret, her deepest insecurity on display to this stranger. Raylen chocked out a cry. Her stoic, reserved expression battling against a sudden urge to bawl her eyes out. She put her hands up to her face and attempt to block out the world, or hide from Senri.*
"I want to die. Just let me die..."
Cheryl
"..."

Had she been a priestess, for example, Senri might have had an idea of *Exactly* What to say in these sort of situations. But she wasn't, and so she could only guess.



*What do I do here? Should I praise her for having a pretty tail? No, that'd probably backfire, won't it? Still, I can't exactly say nothing... Hm? That tail...*

What would her own mother have done in this situation?

*Probably just picked her up and went home... Yeah, that's a no.*

So Senri did the only thing that didn't seem like it'd end in disaster. She picked up Raylen in a bridal carry, and started for her camp.

"Some food in your belly should do you good, I reckon."
Gregory
*Raylen sniffled and huffed, trying to fight her tears. A gasp as she's lifted into the air by Senri. She noticeably doesn't resist, her hands occupied with hiding her face. Although she's quite quiet for the duration of the lift.*

*Raylen was quite muscular, and the metal plates in her dress wasn't helping. Though Senri could probably handle it, especially since the maid was so docile.*
Cheryl
It didn't take long at all for the oni to return to her previous camp, following the scent of charcoal originating from the long-extinguished fire. She placed Raylen on the same log she'd sat on earlier, and turned towards the pit expectantly.

Something had nicked the fish while she was gone. A wild animal, most likely.

*Damn it.*

Improvising, she dug a pot out from her bag and threw the wild vegetables she'd planned to eat into it, adding water and turning it into soup. Not a culinary masterpiece by a long shot — but it was hot, and that would have to suffice. Every now and then, she would glance back at Raylen.

"...I have to say, I didn't expect to meet my kin all the way out here."