Humorousness aside they were still trying to get work done, and Lionel's tardiness had kept Quill at work for much too long already. Having seen over a dozen patients today he was in some dire need of time away from the medical ward and Lionel's arrival meant his shift was through. As Ethan was seen to Quill went about tidying up his work space, putting away tools and throwing away any soiled garments and sheets for good measure. The remainder of patients should be far less than the load they'd had to deal with this morning and should be plenty ample for a newbie like Lionel to handle. Finally removing the coat he'd been wearing all afternoon he made certain to wash his hands once again before joining the group.

"I'm sure you'll make an excellent healer one day Amuné, if you have a passion for it then it makes it all the more rewarding," Quill noted with a proud smile, then turning to Lionel and clasping the boy's shoulder, "If you kids need anything else just ask him. He's a bit green but he knows his way around the place, so long as you don't go breaking a limb or anything he can treat it. And Lionel..." he added, speaking more firmly as he turned the boy to face him, "For the love of the Saints do not wander off until your shift is over, alright? I don't want to get called down in the middle of the night again..."

"If you do then you'll be back, but as a patient this time. We're short staffed as it is," the woman added in with a threatening finger in Lionel's face, "Don't make us put you in a bed too." Quill was always much too pleasant and polite, if they kept talking to Lionel like that and letting his antics slide they'd never get through to him. Best to set the line in the sand and make sure he didn't cross it again.

"Okay, okay, I won't go anywhere tonight, I promise!" Lionel answered, putting his hands up defensively. The woman prodded his nose and he leaned back, smiling nervously when she snapped her fingers at him before finally leaving the room, a tired Quill close behind her. Once the other two healers were gone the blond's shoulders sagged and a long winded sigh passed his lips, followed by a short laugh as he turned to address the group. "So if anyone needs anything just let me know! I guess I'll be here..." he continued as his posture slumped slightly, his expression becoming one of resignation, "Until midnight... All by myself..."

Ethan would express a bit more sympathy towards Lionel if the healer wasn't the reason his head currently had a dull throb. Not to mention he was still sat in a state of undress awaiting a proper inspection and seeing Lionel sulking he cleared his throat to grab the other boy's attention. "Um... Could you look at my wounds please? I'm the only one who hasn't been checked still." Not that his were all that bad, bumps and bruises were hardly going to be the death of him. Lionel seemed to agree on this matter and only briefly glanced over him before deciding he was ultimately fine. Unfortunately he was in the case that Nymira found herself in which his clothing had been taken off to be cleaned and he was left with only a change from these people to use. Fortunately for him they fit a bit better, even if an open vest, well worn trousers and boots whose soles were falling out hardly screamed "comfort" to him. Not that he minded, anything was better than sitting butt naked in front of your friends.

Lionel would have other patients to tend to before long which left the group to disperse to their rooms for the night. With limited space for them Ethan would share a room with Amuné and Wyth, and Nymira and Asta would be made to share the other. Fatigued as he might have been Ethan couldn't rest for a long while after learning of Cedric's death. Though the tears had since stopped falling the ache in his chest persisted and his eyes couldn't stay closed no matter how heavy they grew. He kept silent throughout the night to be sure Amuné could get her rest before stepping out of the room, wandering the halls until he found his way outside. With a reserved sigh he sat himself down on the lawn and laid back, staring up at the clear night sky overhead. What was he doing with himself now? What was he even going to do tomorrow? He'd been traveling thus far going after Cedric and now the wind had left his sails and he was left with nothing, no reason to go. He didn't want to abandon everyone and go home but what more was there? Taliya's and Nymira's words rang in his ears still but he couldn't think of any reason to go on.

[hr]

When Taliya had told them she'd something in mind none of them had expected to do it so soon. Immediately following breakfast everyone had been rounded up and led out to the outskirts of Mutebo, Kensen acting as their guide for this task. All they had been told was they were on "pest control duty". Being out in the woods did little to shed any more light on the situation and when they finally stopped alongside a trail they were allowed a breather, and a chance to ask questions. 

"So... Why are we doing this again?" Ethan posed as he settled down on a fallen log, "Don't get me wrong, I don't mind helping... But couldn't we do something less, you know... Dangerous?" Fighting wasn't something he was terribly fond of to begin with and that applied to people and animals alike. If they were just regular old 'pests' like rodents then they wouldn't be sending Magi out probably, any old farmer in Mutebo could come here with a pitchfork and deal with it. Having Kensen and Gage along didn't do a whole lot to help with his concerns that they were up to something a bit more serious than simply dealing with some mice. 

"Because if you're going to be staying with us you're earning your keep runt, that's that. Taliya says you do it around here and you do it," was Gage's blunt response, narrowing his eyes as Ethan slouched and let out a sigh, "They saved your lives, least you can do is make yourselves useful. Hell for the favor we've done ya we could be asking for a lot more than this."

It wasn't so much the act of doing a favor that was disheartening but the favor itself. Why did they have to kill something? Death was already weighing heavily on his mind and the last thing he wanted to do was go and kill something. Having tried to subtly hint that he wasn't in favor of the job yet Nymira and Asta alike had voted to carry it out and majority ruled it seemed. Simple labor would be fine by him, or something like fishing that didn't mind heavily on his mind, anything that was mundane and simple. At least Amuné hadn't been made to come out with them, she'd be spared whatever job they were being given. 

"What I don't understand is why we need as many people as we have," Nymira voiced as she looked at the faces of those around her. "My clan never sends out a group larger than two unless its to kill a notorious beast in the area, and we rarely ever sent out more than one Magi. Just what are you having us fight that requires so many warriors?" Like Ethan she had been somewhat skeptical when Taliya had told them it was simply pest control and then sent them on their way with Kensen and Gage. Were it just a simple test of their ability and loyalty then just one would suffice, unless two were sent to insure they didn't try anything. But given Kensen's prowess fighting the Varuna he could likely take on both herself and Ethan easily in their tired states, so why send Gage as well? Something seemed off and the Dimuran wanted answers.