"That was quite a feat," exclaimed Zepp with a smile. He came alongside and offered support to further ease the burden of Haarp's wounded leg. The three of them walked as one, then, to rejoin the celebrating clan.
"Ah, it was nothin', cap," grinned the dizzy hero. "As long as everyone's ok and all."
"Well," replied Zepp with a laugh, "you're not okay, by the looks of it! Let's get you to Juniper for a stitch up."
Zepp took note of Orvin's silence as they laid his friend before the doctor, and his countenance as they turned away.
"You alright, Dafshire?" He asked when they were some paces off.
"That leg," the warrior said somberly, "stitches ain't gonna cut it this time. Whole thing's gotta come off or he's done for. Nothing like that gonna heal up or play nice. Ol' Haarp is gone crippled."
Zepp stood in humility at the words. He knew the wound was bad, but this... What a price to pay. Sure, the runner would still have three good legs, but that doesn't make a runner. He had no response to this reality but to lower his head in grief. He placed a hand on Orvin's shoulder and walked away to be alone.
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