When Ren finally dragged her muddy, defeated body back to the Violet Rain-Caller plant, Viper was already there.
He looked her up and down.
"You did not find any herbs," Viper stated.
"I was trying to catch a pig," Ren sighed, gesturing vaguely at her wool dress, which was now more 'mud-caked brown' than 'sheep grey'. "As you can see, I didn't catch the pig."
"Apparently, in the Beast World, ham runs faster than cheetahs," Ren added under her breath.
She wiped a smudge of dirt from her cheek.
"I need something with high protein," Ren explained, her voice frantic. "Syris and Kael need to heal. I tried hunting for myself, but... well, nature humbled me."
Viper nodded, unbothered by her failure.
"Do not worry," Viper hissed smoothly. "I was successful. I found a wounded big bird you can use."
Ren's face lit up. "You did? Oh, Viper! You are an employee of the month! A gold star for you!"
She smiled in sheer relief. "Where is it?"
