Triple A Adventuring Agency (Part5)

“Anyway, nothing broken, good. Bruised? Definitely, but I'll live.” He raises a hand as he limps over to the tree Cricket is occupying, "I'm, okay. Pretty sure that scared him off. Think you can climb down or do you want to jump?" His voice shakes with the dregs of adrenaline leaving his system. He prepares himself to catch her if she falls or jumps down.

Oh thank the gods, he's alive! But he could've died... because of me...
"You... you... IDIOT!" she shouts, her voice cracking. "That was the stupidest, most reckless thing I've ever seen! And I once tried to ride a griffon backwards!" She clambers down the tree awkwardly, slipping on the last branch and tumbling into his arms with a yelp.

"I can't believe you did that," she mumbles into his chest, her grip tightening. "Don't you dare scare me like that again, you hear me? I can't lose my first real friend to an angry deer, of all things!" She pulls back, grey eyes blazing with a mix of anger and concern. "Are you sure you're okay? No broken bones? Concussion? Sudden urge to eat acorns?"

His arms tighten around her in an attempt to be reassuring, "I'm fine Cricket, really. Some bruising, some scrapes, I think a sprained ankle, but it worked. Scared it away without anyone else getting hurt or killed. I'm—" The look in her eyes makes his heart jump, "I’m sorry I scared you. I probably should have just killed it, would've been less of a risk, it's just... I don't know. It felt... wrong."
I just needed to keep you safe.
Malbec slowly lets her go and starts collecting his discarded gear. "Sorry. Guess you'll be stuck with me a while longer. It'll take more than an angry deer and falling out of a tree to be rid of me." He jokes but winces as he crouches to pick up the small shield.

He's hurt! And it's all my fault...
"Don't you dare apologize! I'm the one who got us into this mess." She rushes to help Malbec gather his things, wincing at his obvious pain. "And stop trying to be all stoic. I've seen tougher guys cry over paper cuts." She gently takes his arm, supporting his weight. "Come on, let's get you patched up. I've got... well, I've got something in my pack that might help. Probably won't turn you purple. Probably."

Her voice softens, "And Malbec? Thanks for saving us. Even if it was completely bonkers."
I can't believe he risked his life for me. No one's ever...
"So, um, how do you feel about setting up camp by the river? I think we've had enough excitement for one day."

"Hey hey. If I can't apologize, you can't blame yourself." Malbec responds but accepts her support. "Even the most seasoned professional can get taken by surprise. Deer aren't typically that aggressive, unless it's defending young or it's rutting season. We'll just need to be more careful going forward. And paper cuts can be pretty awful. I think I've had worse, I'll probably be fine."
With our luck whatever she's got to treat my wounds will have an even chance of making it worse. I'll try to politely decline.
"There's no need to waste something valuable, and potentially problematic, on this. We should save it in case we have more trouble on the return trip. I just need a moment's rest." After his pack is picked back up he lets Cricket guide him over to a fallen log to sit down. He grits his teeth a moment as pain radiates up his back.

"Hey Cricket, thank you for accompanying me. I don't think I'd have been brave enough to come out here on my own. Meeting you was worth the sore butt."
Sigh, that came out wrong but too late.
"There's still a lot of daylight left. You sure you want to set up camp already?"

He's hurt because of me, and he's still trying to be brave. What an adorable idiot.
"Oh no, mister hero. You're not getting out of this that easily." She rummages through her pack, pulling out a small vial. "This... might sting a bit. Or tickle. Or make you temporarily invisible. But it'll help, I promise!" She kneels beside him, gently applying the concoction. "And don't worry about wasting it. I've got plenty more where that came from. Some of it might even be the right stuff!" 
His skin feels so warm...
"As for camping, well... I figured you might need some rest after your daring deer-dive. But if you're up for more adventure, I'm game! Just... maybe no more tree-jumping for a while?” She stands, offering her hand. "So, what'll it be? Onward to glory and possible lizard encounters, or shall we see if I can set up a tent without it catching fire this time?"

His face was starting to slip into melancholy but as Cricket's hands slip in around his ankle, "Ah-h," Malbec flinches at her touch and giggles as her fingers touch his leg to apply the salve,
"Ok ok, you win. Just, don't call me 'hero', I haven't come close to earning that title yet."
Ach cold hands. Although feels kinda nice on the swollen ankle.

The mystery medicine tingles but does indeed reduce the pain. Guess they would have to see if there were any unforeseen side-effects. "I've had more than enough tree climbing for a while. As long as I keep my feet on the ground, I think I can handle a bit more searching along the water’s edge. We can find a place to set up camp as we go." He takes her hand and stands but suddenly feels dizzy tripping forward into her arms.

Oh no, the medicine! What if I poisoned him?
She catches him, her arms wrapping around his waist. "Whoa there! I've got you. Maybe that stuff was a bit stronger than I thought." Her cheeks flush as she steadies him. "Um, how many fingers am I holding up? And please tell me you're not feeling any sudden urges to photosynthesize."
He's so close. And warm. Focus, Cricket!

"Maybe we should take it slow for a bit. I could... I could tell you about my last disastrous potion-making attempt while we walk, ok? It involves three angry badgers and a very confused wizard." She keeps her arm around him, supporting his weight. "Just... let me know if you need to rest, okay? No more heroics today."

With Cricket's support the two partners make it past the tree line. "Sorry. Not sure if it's the injury or the medicine but ah am feeling ah little hmm, light headed. The pain is going away, so it is working. Thank you." 

After a few more yards he turns with a tipsy smile and half-lidded eyes that seemed halfway between drowsy and drunk. Malbec leans in close his breath tickling her ear.
"DOn't worry your pretty little head, I fu-fell, uh, fEEl fine. No fingers, your arms are hill-ding ME up. And No unexplained leaves or chlorophyll as far as I'm aware." He groans and holds a gloved hand to his face trying to make his head stop spinning. "Actually, camp sounds like a good idea." His voices drifts in and out of lucidity. "Badgers? Ooo that sounds like a fun story."

Oh no, what have I done? He's completely loopy!
She tightens her grip, struggling to keep him upright. "Okay, big guy, let's get you somewhere safe before you start serenading the trees or something." Her eyes dart around frantically, spotting a small clearing nearby. "Look, a perfect campsite! And no angry deer in sight. Probably." She gently guides him towards it, muttering under her breath. "Note to self: Label potions. Maybe with skulls and crossbones. Or happy faces. Definitely something."

"Hey Malbec," she says louder, "how about we play a game? It's called 'Who Can Set Up Camp the Fastest While One Person is Possibly Hallucinating?' I bet I can win!"
Please don't pass out. Please don't sprout leaves. Please don't hate me for accidentally drugging you.

Malbec has a giggle fit as they approach the clearing. "Oof that would be bad. Memories or not, I know I can't sing. The tree might drop branches just to get me to ssstop. Ooo maybe I can gather firewood that way… Boop." He fails to poke her in the nose, gloved finger poking her cheek instead. 

"Game on!" He shouts, then starts humming an inconsistent little tune. He drops his pack, looking though it for something. He pulls out a small wooden mallet. With a tool in his hand it looks like he sobers up for a moment. He stares at Cricket dreamily but catches himself. "Here you can use this for the tent. I'll work on the fire." He passes her the hammer.
Uugh, this lack of control is going to get me in trouble, I need to focus on something.
He rummages through the bag again, "Right, axe is still up in that tree ... tomorrow problem." He pulls out the hoe and swings it into the ground a few times creating a small pit and starts placing a circle of stones around it. Every once in a while, he stops his work to rest or begin a few seconds of incoherent laughter.

"Malbec! Careful with that hoe!" She rushes over, gently taking it from his hands. "How about you sit down for a bit? I'll handle the fire." 
He's so adorable when he's loopy. No, focus Cricket!

He struggles slightly to hold onto the farm tool, "Hey no, I'm fffine, I want to help." He pouts but quickly agrees to let Cricket take it and sit him down. Malbec sighs, lowering his chin to his chest and grumbles, "Ah, I hate feeling useless. There must be something I can do." In spite of his complaints he sits idly while watching Cricket make quick work of the tent. 

She sets up the tent with surprising efficiency, only tangling herself in the ropes twice. "There! One non-flammable shelter, ready for action!" Turning to him, she grins nervously. "So, um, how are you feeling? Any urge to photosynthesize yet?" 
Please don't hate me when you sober up.
She busies herself with the fire, sneaking concerned glances his way.

He hugs his knees and rocks slightly as his mind drifts through a jumble of thoughts he's unable to voice, I'm sorry for making you worry.
She really is quite skilled under pressure. I'd like to tie her up in those ropes.
Hey! None of that talk.

"Hey, want to hear a joke?” Stage whispers Cricket as she stacks up some kindling and loose sticks. “What do you call a deer with no eyes? No eye-deer! Get it? Because... oh nevermind." 

Sitting still eventually brings stillness to his thoughts and the intoxicated feeling begins to fade. He groan-chuckles at the joke. "Haha, that was awful, I love it. Sorry for worrying you, I'm starting to feel much better, just really tired. Cricket." He pauses to fight a yawn. He looks up at her with a sincere smile, "Thanks. For everything."

Oh thank the gods, he's coming back to his senses. I didn't kill him after all!
She finishes setting up the fire, her hands shaking slightly from leftover adrenaline. "Don't mention it, partner. Though maybe next time, we'll stick to my completely safe and definitely not experimental potions, yeah?"
He looks so vulnerable, I could probably... No, bad Cricket!
She plops down next to him, bumping his shoulder playfully. "So, ready for that badger story? Or would you prefer a lullaby? Fair warning, my singing might attract more angry wildlife." Her eyes sparkle with mischief, but there's a hint of concern in her voice. "Just... promise me no more deer-diving, okay? My poor heart can't take it."

"I can promise to try. Or at least that's the eye-deer,” he says with an amused smile which fades into something more sincere. “As long as you're willing to stick around and keep me grounded."