As quickly as the attack started, it was over, and Deryn took stock of her own injuries. While she was not in nearly as bad of shape as some of the others that had survived, Deryn felt the stiffness of her muscles and smelled the irony aroma of her blood. She knew that her shoulder was wounded and blood dribbled down the side of her face from the impact she'd taken back against the wagon. But she had no broken bones, was able to hold her sword firmly, and her hands would assist those that needed them. There had not been many that traveled with Deryn and Bran, but there had been enough to provide adequate numbers if something like this were to happen. There were no healers, and the knowledge that they each had was minimal at best.<b>"We have some injured." </b>Deryn stated, looking around at those that she could see with her own eyes.<b>"There was no need to bring a healer - this was not supposed to be a long journey. It appears we misjudged."</b>Bran came to stand next to Deryn and scoffed. He, obviously, did not agree.<br/><br/>Malkier moved toward her, weaving through her fallen companions, and Deryn awed at the grace he seemed to have even in the midst of such disaster. Who or what was he truly? There was a mystery to the feathered man, one that she became anxious to figure out even though he'd already given her vague answers to that very question. As his voice resonated in her ears and his concern over her well being made her cheeks redden slightly, Deryn decided that she would figure out his story, but whether that would happen sooner or later, she wasn't yet certain.<b>"Do not worry yourself over me."</b>She replied to his inquiries, quickly lowering her eyes to stare at her blood covered boots. She used the bottom of one of them to begin cleaning off the other.<b>"I've a few scratches and a nasty bite wound to my shoulder, but otherwise, I am still functional."</b>Her concern was more for the others in her party, those that wouldn't have immediate access to medicine and would likely perish without it. The attack had been brutal; there was no doubt about it.<br/><br/>She was about to ask about his well being when Malkier shouted that one of the creatures still lived. Her eyes widened as she realized he was referring to the creature that had attempted to sink his teeth into her flesh, and Deryn quickly looked down at the beast.<b>"This is not normal behavior for such beasts."</b>Deryn muttered, pushing her hair off her shoulder and away from her face.<b>"I don't know much, but I do know this much."</b>With a nod at Malkier's suggestion of killing the beast before it had a chance to retaliate, Deryn said a quick prayer to whatever Gods were listening, grabbed her steel firmly, and completed the less than pleasant task. The risk of another person dying to spare it's life was too great. The beast was likely grateful for being put out of his misery anyway.<br/><br/>While Malkier conversed with Bran, Deryn went about checking on those that were wounded. She tore strips from the covering of the wagons to help secure bleeding wounds. She assisted with prayers over the dead, even though she didn't think that any God was watching over them. Deryn had a firm belief in Fate and the Universe, two things that worked hand in hand to determine the path of one's life. Free will was something she didn't think truly existed. In her mind, life and death were predetermined, and why would the Gods worry about something that couldn't be derailed? Those thoughts and more swirled inside of her pretty little head as she worked through the harrowing tasks of treating her companions. She did her best with that very little knowledge that they all possessed, but her fingers were soft and gentle, which made it easier on those that she touched.<br/><br/>When the feathered man approached her once again, she didn't look up at him as he overshadowed her. Instead, she continued her task with the wounded on the ground, setting a broken bone as best as she could.<b>"We need to find a place for our wounded to heal."</b>Deryn stated, her eyes raising to stare up at Malkier as she finished and began to respond to his inquiry.<b>"This is not a land that I am familiar with, as you know, so it is hard for me to predict what Bran's next move will be. He mentioned returning to Albion...."</b>Deryn shook her head with irritation.<b>"I think that is the wrong choice."</b>There was something more behind the attack, something that bothered her and made her uneasy in front of the shrine. Teutonia should not be left unaware of this infestation, and based on the way Bran spoke, their original goal was about to be abandoned.<b>"But if that is the wish he has, they will follow him."</b>With Malkier's information about an encampment to the north, the seed had already been planted. Bran would never let her go willingly, not if his plans differed. She'd cause problems for the knighthood. She'd likely been seen as abandoning the cause. They were risks she was willing to take. Silently, Deryn wondered if Malkier would read into her statement - she'd used 'they' instead of 'we'. Perhaps he would join her on her adventure. Perhaps he would attempt to send her home with Bran. Regardless, the fire of determination ignited inside of her - Teutonia had to be warned.<br/><br/>She dusted her hands off and stood up from her crouch, her knees appreciative of the break. The deep scowl she wore on her face was new, obviously in direct response to that horrible nickname Malkier had given her early on in the encounter.<b>"Of course I did well.</b>" Deryn chimed with a roll of her eyes. Her arms crossed over her chest and she looked at Malkier with incredulous disbelief.<b>"Did you think I was some untrained squire or something of that sort? I might not be worldly like you, Sir, but I am still capable of keeping myself alive."</b>How true that actually was, Deryn wasn't sure.<b>"As far as jibing the old man is concerned, I have no idea what you are talking about."</b>Covering up her embarrassment, Deryn checked that her weaponry was secured at her side, keeping her eyes away from Malkier's.<b>"I was poised and focused the entire time. Never once took my eyes off the enemy."</b><br/><br/><b>"Perhaps you should have paid more attention to the enemy yourself. Had you been less worried about me being a female in the middle of a battle, I think your gear would have taken less of a beating."</b>Deryn's eyes twinkled and a smile curved her lips as she teased him.<b>"While your concern is appreciated.....I am not dainty."<br/>
</b><br/>Tag:<a class="username" data-user-id="92" data-username="@Malkier" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/92/">@Malkier</a>