Hungry for Another One

Azure was an interesting one, Iseult had decided. On the surface she seemed to be accepting and soft; a gentle, concerned thing but… Something in the back of their mind told them that there was something lurking underneath that angelic smile. Something darker, wicked, they’d wager. However, as it was just a niggling feeling, Iseult ignored it. So far, Azure hadn’t revealed any red flags or demonstrated concerning behaviour. Subsequently, Iseult remained and (maybe) continue conversing with her- but if anything arose that caused the silver lion concern, they would leave and return to their daughters. “I suppose.” Iseult shrugged before she cast a glance back down back at the Muntjac. In all honesty, even without the Muntjac Iseult would be fine. Annoyed and hungrier, but fine. They had been hungry before, and it wouldn’t do too much damage if she was hungrier for a few more minutes. Besides, there was always worse.

At the exchange between Azure and Kerrigan, Iseult flicked her gaze over to the maned lioness- finding how she had “fluffed up” almost endearing. So they both knew each other. That tracked, but then again it didn’t make sense for them to not know each other, or at least OF each other: they were fighting in the same army after all. But I gather you’re a little closer than that. Iseult noted as they watched Azure practically bound over to her fellow Thorn and sit next to her, exchanging pleasantries. Acquaintances, at the very least in Iseult’s eyes. At the possibility of Kerrigan refusing the offer, Iseult flicked her tail. It was her prerogative, but Iseult wasn’t passive when it came to doing her duties.

“No’s not an option. You really want to risk getting that cut infected?” Her words were harsh, but Iseult was worried about the potential of the injury getting worse. Her mentor had always said most diseases were opportunistic and tended to attack when the individual was already sick or weakened. Anything would be exploited, and to be honest Iseult would rather not like Kerrigan to befall that fate. When the aforementioned lioness spoke, Iseult’s gaze softened. “I know, and it’s okay.” They were asking her to put her faith in a stranger, after all, and so it was completely valid for Kerrigan to be sceptical.

“Iseult.” They answered, internally debating if they should repeat their name with elongated sounds to help with the pronunciation, as they approached. Their name wasn’t the easiest thing to pronounce, after all. Ultimately Iseult decided not to- she wasn’t going to infantilise a grown lioness, let alone one she was going to help. “Roho, if it’s easier.” At that stage a new voice made itself present and Iseult’s gaze travelled over to the source. Another pretty lioness. One with patchwork fur and crystal blue eyes… And one that knew the duo of Thorns, rather well at that if her friendly tone was to be believed. Iseult scrunched her muzzle up in thought.

Of course the stranger knows them. Of course. Why wouldn’t she?... Actually, is this common amongst the Thorns? Are all the pretty lionesses here? Is it a requirement or something? She wondered, just in time for Mandisa to ask for her name. “Iseult.” The lion repeated smoothly for the benefit of the stranger, although their heart most definitely skipped a beat at the sight of that smile, now former smirk. Unfortunately for the patchwork lioness, Iseult saw through Mandisa’s friendliness for what it really was and their eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Ah. Another recruit attempt. I see how it is.

Iseult had no intention of joining any faction, however she wouldn’t reveal that to them. They didn’t need to know. “I’m just passing through. Once I treat your friend’s wound, I’ll be out of your hair. Now let me see…” The last statement was murmured out, mostly to Kerrigan as she shifted her attention back to her. The cut wasn’t too deep, if anything it was relatively shallow. Ever so slightly, Iseult’s muzzle wrinkled as they went through their mental list of flora with healing properties. Aloe vera. That should work, and I saw some around earlier. Seemingly satisfied, Iseult stepped backwards and stalked away.

“Don’t move.” Iseult called out after themselves, although it seemed to be addressed to all of the Thorns lionesses as opposed to just Kerrigan.

The plant had been easy enough to find, and with a quick swipe of their claws Iseut removed a few leaves. That’ll suffice, they supposed as they began to draw their claws down vertically along the leaves- removing the tiny spines sticking out. They weren’t going to harm themselves while treating Kerrigan, what kind of self-respecting healer would Iseult be then? Once all the spines seemed to be removed, then the process really began. Iseult leaned down and picked up the leaves with her jaws, and started to chew on them- wincing at the taste. The plan was to make a paste, regardless of how disgusting the leaves were, as the ingredients for salve weren’t exactly “readily available” and place it on Kerrigan’s cut. The paste would theoretically keep out pathogens and other bacterium from entering the wound and infecting it- allowing the lioness to heal quicker.

As Iseult chewed, she returned to the three thorns albeit this time from behind Kerrigan. Once the paste was deemed thick enough by the healer, Iseult… Placed it in her paw. “There,” they gently patted it onto Kerrigan’s shoulder, causing green to cling to chocolate fur.  “It’s gross but keep it on for a few days and the cut should heal quickly. It’ll dry and start cracking over time.” Having finished her business with Kerrigan Iseult retreated to her kill, watching the trio of Thorns lionesses warily.