A Game of Worlds and Chaos

The other mercenary raised an eyebrow. "Alright, American. What happens if the igni's dead? You still going to help us with profits?"

Dakota took a quick glance backwards at Artemis and gulped. "Y-yes, I will. If she's not dead, though, you'll give us some bandages and water? And medical supplies?"

Sawyer laughed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, that’s a big if.”

Artemis glanced up at Dakota, trying to placate their worry, but they might not have even noticed.

Dakota swallowed. "Right. Well. Shall we head to a tent? I find it easier to discuss business when I'm not surrounded by dirt and blood." They stifled a grimace.

Sawyer looked to the mercenary and shrugged. "What do you think?"

The other mercenary grunted and crossed his arms. "Fine. But we keep an eye on them at all times."

Dakota smiled slightly. "Thank you." They turned to Artemis and focused on her head instead of the wound. "You alright?" Dakota whispered. "I'm going to try lifting you, so, uh, let me know if anything hurts when I do."

Artemis moved her head in what was supposed to be a nod, but it wad probably impercetable. She didn't know what else to do.

Dakota decided to take the small movement as a sign of affirmation. Carefully, they slid their arms under Artemis's body, trying to ignore the feeling of dirt and leaves against their suit. They awkwardly lifted Artemis like they were holding their cousin's slightly pudgy dog.

Artemis rested her head on Dakota’s shoulder, letting her eyes flutter shut. It’s fine. Dakota will keep them safe now.

Dakota staggered slightly as they stepped forwards. They were used to calls and presentations, not manual labor. But it was fine. They could make it to the tent, right?

Still refusing to look at Artemis's wound, Dakota carefully navigated around the mercenaries.

One of them opened the tent. "Right this way."

Dakota staggered into the tent and set Artemis down as gently as they could.

Artemis tapped Dakota’s arm with her nose. They didn’t need to worry.

Sawyer folded his hands. “So, let’s talk business.”

Dakota startled at the tap. It had definitely been deliberate, right? They hoped it meant Artemis was alright, and that it wasn't a goodbye tap or anything...

Dakota fixed Sawyer with a steely gaze. "Yes, let's. First, could you provide some background information on your current business model?"

Sawyer hummed. “Oh. Big words. Well, we make all of our money through bounties.”

The other mercenary nodded. “It works very well.”

Dakota nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. How does the process of pursuing a bounty work? I assume you set traps like the one we were caught in?" They glanced around the tent for some bandages.