[h3]Ranch House[/h3]

It didn’t take long for Mina to descend to the basement, and it didn’t take long for Dawn to pick up on how quickly the Good Doctor’s relief twisted into surprise and a sort of roiling disgust. Dawn lowered her bundle of meager medical supplies beside Mina as she began her work, then stepped away to allow her better access to her patient. Even from where she stood, Dawn could easily see how bad just how bad the woman’s wounds had gotten in the absence of any proper medical care. The flesh was visibly diseased, angry red streaks stretching up along the skin and disappearing from sight. 

The scent of it lodged itself within Dawn’s head. 

[color=#2d50ff]“I’m not sure,”[/color] Dawn said. Her eyes darted towards the doorway, just in time to catch the flutter of Montana’s coat as he left the basement. [color=#2d50ff]“If there’s anything still in there, that is.”[/color] Upon Mina’s instruction, she gave a brief nod, turning on her heel and slipping off towards the stairs. [color=#2d50ff]“I’ll be as soon as I can,”[/color] she called over her shoulder. 

Dawn found herself returning yet again to the ranch’s office, stepping carefully over a mess of papers that had been cast upon the floor in her hasty exit. Inside was a hat rack propped precariously against the doorframe- the finish had long since peeled away, the wood mottled and eaten at by whatever insects had called it home, but it was tall and sturdy and would likely support an IV bag without collapsing from its own weight. Her hand had just clasped about the splintered frame when she abruptly paused, shoulders slumping, eyes glazing as her mind went somewhere distance.

They had another guest.

It seemed as if Montana and Eld Fen had already gone to greet them- him- at this point, but the fact that they were receiving so many unexpected guests seemed worthy of sharing with the group at this point. Especially when the one currently speaking with their group had his mind closed off, thoughts kept hazy and left with the bare minimum of planning. Whoever this person was, he was either incredibly cautious, someone who had done his research on the Wanderers, or both. 

[color=#2d50ff][i]We have company,[/i][/color] Dawn announced. [color=#2d50ff][i]They’re outside. They don’t seem to planning against us for the time being, but make sure to be on your guard.[/i][/color]

And, she mused, one of the guests just so happened to be right next to the well. With a slight grunt, Dawn hefted up the rack, carrying it out of the room and to the basement entrance before setting it carefully against it. With that done, she headed out, taking a detour to grab a bucket from one of the few closets around. 

Upon stepping out, Dawn was met with the sight of their second guest, holding a visibly tense discussion with his greeters, and Toby and Rei watching their first from a distance. She eyed the man carefully, the mask that covered his face, then shifted to the various posters that now littered the aged peach tree in the ranch’s yard. Each bore the face of a different Wanderer, herself included. She immediately looked to Montana and Fen, brow raised, but didn’t ask any questions- only giving Montana an acknowledging nod and the others a quiet [color=#2d50ff]“good morning,”[/color] before eventually, somewhat reluctantly moving on. As much as Dawn wished to join the meeting, Mina was waiting for her. She would ask for details later.

Dawn watched the first guest just as warily as she approached the well, taking note of the crimson dripping from his hands and into the thirsty soil beneath. Just as before, she didn’t speak to the man, although her eyes never left him as she tied the bucket, lowered it down, and, with some effort, hoisted it back up again. It was only once the bucket was safely in her arms that Dawn looked away, making her way back to the ranch with a light tread. 

Several more minutes had passed before Dawn eventually entered the basement again, pushing the door open with her shoulder. One hand carried the rack, and the other was supporting the bucket, keeping it tucked securely beneath her shoulder. [color=#2d50ff]“Here you are,”[/color] she murmured,  She set both beside Mina, taking care not to let any more water slosh free from the bucket as she did so, then straightened.

[color=#2d50ff]”Do you, ah, need anything else?”[/color]

Keeping herself occupied seemed preferable than just sitting about, absently twiddling her thumbs while Mina tried to revive the prisoner.