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 Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 2:05 pm
 The battlefield where the Mava'bunda and the Pridelands had clashed was a sad sight. It was hard to determine the winner, but easy to spot the losers. Dead hyenas, dead lions, and those who were as good as dead littered the ground. Svärta was probably in the latest category, he mused, but didn't laugh. He had managed to get away from the worst of it, but had decided to hide among the dead instead of running the risk of being killed on his way back. A clash with a lioness had ended badly for the hyena, but worse for that lioness. It was a small comfort that she was dead, because he had no idea how he was going to get out of this pickle. The vultures had started circling, and he was sure far more unpleasant creatures were drawing near too. Battlefields attracted the wrong kind of company. Not just scavengers, he could sympathise with scavenging even if he usually hunted what he needed. No, the danger was other kinds of scavengers, preying on the violence and strong emotions on a place like this. Svärta wasn't very spiritual and wouldn't call this danger 'hostile Gods', but he knew enough to feel uneasy. Violent happenings attracted more violence and other bad things.
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Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2011 11:55 pm
Living in the rogue lands was always a dangerous endeavor. Traveling could prove quite treacherous if one tread to close to one of the less than inviting prides. The land itself could often prove just a little perilous as word had spread to Mijumaru's lake blue ears of plague wiping out several prides across Africa. The scent of death had lead him to a minefield of corpses. Not to feast as may have been the reason for most of the others who had invaded the area, but rather to discern the cause cause of their demise. Much to his little companion's dismay.
If a plague did cause this massacre what the hell are we doing here? The pink jackal queried, giving one of the mangled bodies a repulsed look as she skirted carefully around it. Giving the corpse a wide berth to avoid contact with the bodily fluids or anything else. She didn't understand what the leopard's fascination was with the bodies of others--wounded or otherwise--and had tried desperately for the past half an hour to deter him from following the scent that had drawn him like a moth. To no avail of course. I mean.. I don't know about you, Doc, but that ain't how I wanna go out.
Without so much as canting his head over one shoulder to watch Hubala weave around the fallen bodies the medic clucked his tongue at her dismissively. Miju couldn't pull his eyes away from the horror that lay before them. Like something out of a bad dream. Pausing briefly beside a corpse to examine the grievous injuries that had certainly caused the warrior's death. His tone was grave, yet there was an excitement brewing beneath the surface that he could barely contain. He was trying though, if only to be respectful of the dead. There's no danger of plague here, look close.. this was a battle ground.
Peeling back the bloody lip of a fallen hyena with one paw Miju examined the beast's teeth, muttering to himself wonderingly. What happened here? These are some serious wounds. What were you fighting for?
Can we go?! This place gives me the heebie-jeebies! Hubala barked, staring at the leopard's barely twitching tail. She had half a mind to bite it simply to jerk him out of this strange--if not slightly creepy--daze. She seriously doubted he'd find any patients here.
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Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 3:06 pm
Svärta could hear someone move among the fallen, and he immediately ducked down in case it was something BAD coming. The sudden movement made him groan, and his attempt to hid would most likely have the opposite effect. ********. He had made it so far, and it would be really stupid to be defeated by a straggling lion. But the truth of the matter was that he could do little else than to lie here like a wounded preybeast, waiting for the inevitable.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:22 pm
Weaving around the fallen bodies with an intuitive gaze that examined each one and mentally listed the fatal wounds that had ended the warrior's life. This was truly a fascinating discovery to stumble on. The soil still rich with the scent of spilled blood. It was really a shame to see their bodies go to waste, but Mijumaru had never been the sort of healer that incorporated the body parts of other savannah creatures in his practice.
Unfortunately, he didn't have any intention of starting now.
With one last long look across the grounds the teal and white leopard had been prepared to turn his back on the horrific scene for good at Hubala's noisy insistence when a small motion caught the corner of his eye. Wait.. I think--
No! Let's go! Hubala growled between gritted teeth, trotting across the distance between herself and the dopey doctor so that she could give his leg a solid headbutt. She was tired of waiting for him! This was a dangerous place for them and it was bound to become more dangerous the longer they lingered. There's nothing promising here! The scavengers will come soon.. worse yet the scent is sure to draw cannibals. I don't feel like dealing with a band of rabid predators...
Her fur crawled at the thought, but it was too late. Miju had already trained his sights on a body that lay half-shielded by a mauled hyena. Reluctant as she was to do so, she followed, cautiously watching the area around them. At the first sign of hostiles, she would be dragging her leopard buddy out of here by the tail.
He's breathing and his body's still warm.. A quiet, analytical voice mused with interest. Black eyes having dropped to examine the ocean toned fur of the hyena under his gaze. A paw laying gently over the ribs of the wounded figure. Amazing...
Despite herself Hubala couldn't help but ask. Perhaps because the lingering silence that followed Miju's word begged to question what had spurred such a reaction. What the hell is so amazing about that? He's half dead.. hopefully in another few hours he'll be completely dead.
More than half dead! These wounds.. his face.. they're a mess! If left unattended he'd surely succumb to infection and die! Hubala could have swore she heard an edge of laughter in the healer's voice as her ears twitched gingerly. This leopard.. he was a strange one. A frown befalling her muzzle as she was suddenly scolded. Excited as he was, apparently Miju still kept enough of his wits about him to notice when she was making a crack. He's not though. Nothing so wrong with him I can't fix it. So you might as well settle in. We might be here a while...
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 4:33 pm
Playing dead did him no good apparently, but the two creatures approaching him didn't appear to want to finish him instantly. Svärta couldn't decide if this was good or bad. He had started to realise that this might be have been his last fight, but he wasn't prepared to just lie down and accept it. Well he was lying down, but... Oh, to hell with it.
"I'm glad someone's amused by this," he said and growled warningly as the leopard touched a sore spot. "Now if you plan to eat me could you get on with it? I don't have all day."
The speech was probably not the best idea, and he had to stop to catch his breath several times before he had managed to say what he wanted. When he was done his mouth tasted like blood and he closed his eyes again. Perhaps he should have opted for one last bite instead.
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2012 11:08 am
Surprised by the gruff voice that greeted them the pair reeled backwards, Mijumaru more slowly than his startled pink companion. Hubala's fur ridged along her spine, wrinkling her nose with distaste towards the fallen hyena. Tone heavy with disgust at the sheer idea of such a proposal as eating the half-dead creature. Uugh!! Don't be gross! What do you take us for?! I'd rather die of starvation than take a bite out of yo---
Hubala. The teal and white leopard interrupted stern but calm as he cast a quiet stare down at the jackal. She had a terrible habit of running her mouth, though at times Miju found it charming. Correcting his potential patient with a cordial, though distracted, smile--unable to entirely look past the wounds to see the actual individual. Not amused. Intrigued. Glad to see you're conscious, though. I'd like to tend your wounds, if you'd allow it?
Strangely, though the medic requested permission there was an inflection in Mijumaru's voice that suggested he intended to care for the hyena's wounds whether he wanted help or not. Already shrugging his head out from the loop of leather that held the medicine bag around his neck, beckoning his assistant to him. Bala, bring yourself over here, I need that satchel.
Tch, fine fine! Grumbling under her breath in disbelief, wary eyes continued to watch the injured scavenger's head and jaws, skirting well out of snapping range as she approached the leopard. Adding her opinion grimly, even if Miju hadn't asked for it. Though you know this is a waste of our time, doc...
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 4:17 pm
Svärta bared his teeth and growled, but that was his only response to the jackal's insults. He'd seen the little things scavange both this and that so it wasn't too far fetched to think that they might be here for a meal. He could hear vultures fighting over something in the distance so they would have been in good company. Leopards didn't usually have to scavenge, but he had yet to meet any carnivore that didn't take an opportunity if they found it. Healing? Now that was unexpected. He didn't speak again since last time hadn't been very pleasant, but made no attempts to try to prevent the leopard from touching him either.
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Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 11:02 am
Saving a life is never a waste of time. Mijumaru assured his assistant rather valiantly or at least it would have seemed valiant if his tone hadn't been so distracted. Folding back the flap of the satchel Hubala wore as he pulled out a few things, mostly makeshift vials and other such containers. By the Hyena's silence the leopard had assumed he was given the affirmative to go about his business tending to the grave wounds, but even if he hadn't Miju probably would have attempted it anyway.
He wasn't the talkative sort though, murmuring only to himself as he tapped a bone white powder into each wound which seemed to foam up and dissolve as soon as it touched the raw flesh. Since having discovered the crushed concoction made a stellar coagulant to prevent further blood loss the medic now made a habit to keep as much of the agent available as possible. When every gash had been coated in a light layer of the pale dust the remainder was tucked away to safety. A new container taking its place though this one's contents possessed a harsh, scent stripping odor and a mint green hue. It was also rather paste-like in consistency and had a penchant for burning like hell given its sterilizing qualities. Hubala, best give him a few of those pink berries. They should dull the pain. Leave the satchel here though..
After giving Mijumaru a glance that clearly appeared to be wondering why she should care about the hyena's pain level, the little terror finally complied. Sighing exasperatedly Hubala slithered her slender frame from the straps of the bag and pulled free a branch tipped with ripe, plump berries nearly the same color as her fur. Hesitating steps approaching those powerful jaws with caution. Bite me and I'll leave you here to writhe in agony, you brute!
Certain to make herself clear, tiny nips began plucking the berries from each branch and hesitantly placing them upon the ground within reach of his mouth. She only stepped so far though, rolling the berry the rest of the way with her nose, but it was still a little to close for comfort. You and your bright ideas, doc..
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Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 5:31 pm
Svärta was staying very still, watching the medic out of the corner of his eye. He didn't know what the leopard was doing, or if he was really in the process of saving his life. The whites of his eyes were showing and it was obvious that he wasn't entirely comfortable. Not uncomfortable enough to bite, but not a very happy camper. Whatever the leopard medic had put on his wounds stung a little, but it was bearable. He sniffed the berries, baring his fangs slightly as he did. They didn't smell like something he'd chose to eat if he had any choice, but he lolled his tongue out to get them, if only to spite the small pink creature. He swallowed quickly, but not quickly enough to escape the bitter aftertaste. Ew. This definitely didn't taste right, and his tongue started tingling in a very unsettling fashion. He narrowed his eyes and gave the small creature as much of a glare as he could muster. Did that nasty piece of work try to poison him?
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Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 1:55 pm
As if capable of reading his mind Hubala only grinned snidely at the wary glare that pinned her. Wanting to further entice whatever suspicion might have been brewing in his mind, no matter how innocent she was. Let him worry some over what she had just fed him! It was divine retribution for whatever trouble he had assuredly caused here in this land of death. If she said anything Mijumaru would be sure to scold her though, so the feisty jackal would have to settle with baiting the hyena silently. Turning from him with a dismissive flick of her plush tail, deciding to climb a small rock to keep watch for danger.
A good idea considering that the medic was lost in concentration. Filling each wound with the minty paste was time consuming, but Miju persisted tirelessly. Occasionally murmuring to himself when he came across something of interest upon his patient. Almost as if to make sure the mental note stuck by reaffirming it out loud. When finished the icy leopard took a step back to admire his work, nodding proudly. Yea, I think that'll do well. At least it'll keep infection from developing anyway..
Hubala... where are the quills I use for closing wounds? He asked without turning around or even bothering to check both the bag around his own neck or the one that his assistant had left for him. Too engrossed in his own handiwork to make such effort.
Does that mean you're almost done with this cur? The pink terror asked without hiding the hope in her voice. Nor the look that passed over her shoulder.
Something like that. Miju stated sourly, while trying not to purse his maw at his companion's lack of enthusiasm for his work. Tried and failed.
In that case, they should be in the larger satchel, bound with a reed ribbon. Though tempted to say, where you left them, Bala resisted. Glad that the doctor would soon be finished with his gesture of kindness and they would be on their way again shortly. Why do anything that might cause Mijumaru to spitefully linger any longer. Not that Hubala was entirely sure he was the spiteful sort, he'd never been before.
And if Miju had any notion of his guide's thoughts, he made no indication of it. Rooting around in the satchel until he withdrew his paw with a wince and a sheepish chuckle. Amused to have pricked himself on his own instruments. More carefully fishing out the bundle of short spines the healer carefully began to thread the sharp objects one at a time along the seam of each wound to close it. Similar to stitches, but without the thread, porcupine quills were more simple to remove without the aid of someone of his medical expertise which many of his patients often required given that by the time the wound was healed enough for the make-shift sutures to be removed, they were a long way away from the doctor who had put them in. You'll need to leave these in until, mm.. probably the next full moon. By then your wounds should be sufficiently closed that they won't need the quills to hold them. Do you understand?
Asking the hyena in a slow voice, as if not entirely certain that the dog-beast would be capable of understanding his directions.
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Posted: Sun May 27, 2012 2:43 pm
Svärta yowled in surprise and pain as the leopard started treating the first wound. It wasn't pleasant, but he could see that the little pink devil was enjoying the show so he snapped his jaws shut and endured. The next wound wasn't as bad, and after a while his whole body started feeling off. The sensation was something like the tingling in his tongue, but he wasn't quite capable of connecting the two. The continuing treatment still hurt, but he found himself not quite caring anymore, and his clenched jaw relaxed somewhat. He even laughed very briefly when the leopard chuckled after pricking his own paw. The quills weren't fun, but not too bad either, and when the leopard started to talk about them he craned his neck to see what the 'doctor' had done. Huh. He sure was a sight to see, but that last laugh hadn't been entirely pleasant so he just lolled his tongue out in a silent grin. What a mess. "Leave them in until next full moon," he repeated, "Got it. Will do if I live that long, and if I manage to get up from here. I feel a bit wobbly." That was what he intended to say at least, but he wasn't sure all the words were coming out right. He was rambling, and he blamed the pink creature, or the pink berries, or both. He should probably try standing up at some point, but he didn't think that it would be a good idea at the moment. "Next full moon," he said again, and blinked slowly. Perhaps if he just shut his eyes for a moment... He drifted away into darkness.
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