dontgiveafock | [ 002 ] [ Commentlog ]

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[He'd been there for hours, back torn open from the flogging received and body a mass of agony. Joe was aware that he wasn't the worst dealt that day, but it didn't mean his pain wasn't still on the extreme. He knew he should probably sleep, that the coming days would be busy, but for the moment, the man was content to stare blankly at the ground before him.

Guilt, was what he felt the most. For Sollux, and for Nel. The woman he wanted to scream at for being so foolish, for throwing her life away when he knew there was nothing she could do. Joe had witnessed and been part of enough trials to know that there was no passing the Headsman.]

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[He looks to her then, expression serious.]

Alex and Sollux have been tended to, aye?

[ Bryn nods slowly, hands clutching what she has left in front of her stomach. ]

I don't know how to help Sollux. The skin isn't broken...and Alex I...I did the best I could.

Somethin' to drink might help the kid. Bit o'water.

[He knows she's trying to help, and appreciates it. Joe's lips quirk a little upwards, a faint smile to assure her it's all okay.]

I'll be alright lass. M'Irish.

I'll be sure to bring some water back for all of you...

[ The smile helps, though really, it's her who's trying to comfort him, not the other way around. The corners of her mouth tilt upward despite how upset she is to see everyone in the stocks as they are. ]

And I know you'll be fine. You'll just be fine sooner once I've finished with your back.

Good lass.

[He means it. Joe looks to the items in her hand.]

What've you got there?

Salve and clean bandages. Not sure there's enough for all of your back, I used so much for Alex...

[ Bryn straightens up and moves around to the other side of the stocks to get a better look at his lacerations. They're bad, but after Alex's back, she doesn't feel nearly as intimidated. ]

Well, maybe there is. If I get creative with placement...then at least they'll stay cleaner. Okay?

[After a pause, he nods.]

Do what y'can, lass. But if there ain't enough, then there ain't enough. S'alright. I appreciate y'help.

Of course. I'm glad I'm able to, rather than last time...

[ It's an easy business for her, especially after all of the work she did on Alex's back. Joe's isn't nearly as bad and Bryn methodically applies salve to each cut with a careful, gentle hand.

While she does, her eyes drift every so often to the tattoos on his shoulder and arm. There appears to be some sort of wolf or dog on his shoulder, though Bryn isn't completely sure. The three headed dog on his arm seems a little less ambiguous. Another time she might have asked if they meant anything, as she had with Asma, but it definitely not the time or place.

As she focused once more on her work, Bryn finally took note of the faint lines of old scars among the new cuts. It made sense, though it shocked Bryn to see them. It explained why he handled his punishment as he had. It wasn't the first time. ]

How long do you think they'll keep you here?

[He lets his head drop when she starts her work, expression a stony mask as he stares at the ground in front of him. Gently as she is, the wounds are still too fresh not to hurt like hell at the contact. Joe refuses to let himself react to that pain.]

A day, maybe two. S'generally the way they run things here.

[ Bryn hopes that Joe heard her when she first started with Alex, when she told him to tell her if she should stop or something. Lucky for Joe, she can't see his face from this angle. Instead, she focuses completely on his back, watching for any sign of significant flinching.

She pauses briefly at his reply, surprised. ]

That's so long though... They'll feed all of you and bring you water at least, won't they?

[ It's probably a stupid question, and Bryn's stomach is already sinking, anticipating an answer of "no." ]

[He would shrug if he could.]

Dunno. M'thinkin' not. Last time I was up 'ere I got no aid.
[A little lie there, but he's not about to incriminate another.]

[ She was afraid of that. Bryn continues applying the salve as she speaks. ]

I'll see what I can do. If you just tell me what to bring, I can do my best...

[ After all, she's definitely not leaving Alex untended for long, not with his injuries, and Joe is her friend. Even if he's done this before, it doesn't make it easy. She'll bring what she can for all three of them because to her it's the right thing. ]

[Joe shakes his head.]

If it's only a day, then all I ask of ye is somethin' to drink once in a while. I can eat when I'm free.

[ She doesn't like the idea of him not eating but she trusts him to know what he needs, enough that she doesn't argue it. ]

I can definitely do that. If there's anything else just ask, okay? The three of you can consider me on call when I stop by.

Appreciate it, lass.

[The smile he shoots her is thankful and genuine.]

Focus on Alex though, alright? I been through this before so it's nothin' new fer me. That kid though...

[ By this time, Bryn's done with the salve, and the bandages were put on carefully, covering the worst of the damage. She steps back to look at her work before moving around to face Joe again. ]

Joe, it's okay, I know. He is my focus. But when there's nothing more I can do for him for a moment, I'll be checking on you and Sollux.

[ She begins to gather up empty salve containers and such to take back with her to the Keep, leaving no sign she'd been there but for the bandages on Alex and Joe's backs. ]

I'll be back with water later.

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