The woman's answer was not unexpected. She'd displayed classic signs of businessness-like stoicism despite her injuries, the sort that signaled a well-intentioned, if difficult patient to Mathus. Still, neither the man or she seemed concerned, so he did not worry. He did wish she'd given him a better overview of her injuries, but that would need to wait, as everyone insisted that he focus on the human woman on the table.
As she went on to offer help, Mathus offered her an appreciative, kind smile. He recognized her nurturing, caring spirit, but had to shake his head. She was upright, but she wasn't looking good and he could smell the fresh tang of blood when she spoke, hearing teeth biting through flesh.
Before he could say as much, the man cut in, offering a bit more insight into a few things. About him, the nature of their relationship, and the woman's injuries. He glanced between the two with a curious look as he washed his hands at the kitchen sink. Perhaps they were Exchange. Regardless, the man was right and he preferred the woman sitting down rather than helping.
“Thank you, but please, rest. She’s in good hands,” the doctor reiterated with a smooth, gentle tone. The woman on the table moaned. To the man, Mathus gestured to the pile of towels as he searched in his medical bag for a pair of shears. “Wash your hands and plug the sink. We need cool water to soothe the burning.” Mathus wanted to use mundane means before he reached for his magic. He went on, muttering to himself, “Though we may need to put her in the bath...” The burns were extensive. “What is her name? What are your names? Are you Exchange?” The questions were presented rapid fire, but his tone lacked urgency even as his hands moved with practiced quickness to start cutting fabric away from her burns.
As she went on to offer help, Mathus offered her an appreciative, kind smile. He recognized her nurturing, caring spirit, but had to shake his head. She was upright, but she wasn't looking good and he could smell the fresh tang of blood when she spoke, hearing teeth biting through flesh.
Before he could say as much, the man cut in, offering a bit more insight into a few things. About him, the nature of their relationship, and the woman's injuries. He glanced between the two with a curious look as he washed his hands at the kitchen sink. Perhaps they were Exchange. Regardless, the man was right and he preferred the woman sitting down rather than helping.
“Thank you, but please, rest. She’s in good hands,” the doctor reiterated with a smooth, gentle tone. The woman on the table moaned. To the man, Mathus gestured to the pile of towels as he searched in his medical bag for a pair of shears. “Wash your hands and plug the sink. We need cool water to soothe the burning.” Mathus wanted to use mundane means before he reached for his magic. He went on, muttering to himself, “Though we may need to put her in the bath...” The burns were extensive. “What is her name? What are your names? Are you Exchange?” The questions were presented rapid fire, but his tone lacked urgency even as his hands moved with practiced quickness to start cutting fabric away from her burns.