<strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Fern</span></em></strong><br/><br/>Fern's life had depended many times on quick reflexes and assessment of surroundings.  These skills came into play now with eyes whirling as her body goes preternaturally still.  Eyes searching for other potential targets, listening hard for any other sounds safe their own harried breathing.  A quick glance to determine the condition of her companions assuaged her on that front.<br/><br/>"Shit!" Fern's scream echos through the chamber as she scrambles, frantically trying to rid herself of the rancid blood covering her skin, the feel of it etching a pattern in her mind, a swatch of cloth, the hem of her shirt, anything, anything at all to be rid of it.<br/><br/>Their battle with the beast over and done a new one began to rage within Fern.  The battle internal, fighting hard to contain the roiling contents of her stomach.  Clenching her jaw with eyes watering in the effort did little good as she stumbles blearily for the side wall of the cavern.  The noxious smell emanating from the blood, offal and the beast's rut proved to be the sterner weapons in this battle.  A blood covered hand seeks and finds support against the jagged stone work as battle lost, Fern adds to the reek, retching; her lunch, her breakfast, everything splattered to the floor.<br/><br/>Shaking with the lose of adrenaline and of losing her internal battle Fern slumps with her forehead against the wall.  A soft whispered "damn" her only response.<br/><br/><br/><br/>