''It’s okay, Augustine. You’re my friend and guest, I won’t go and make you pay for your food and lodging!'' The very notion is insulting.

''Okay…'' She leans closer to you, and you hold onto her arm with a tighter grip, having to suddenly support her away from her desk. Is she in shock?

She feels warm to your touch, with noticeable eruption of sweat all over her body. Without knowing if she needs anything, you decide to walk her out of this office; her freed hand keeps rubbing something in her bag as she mumbles a few incomprehensible remarks. Mother’s Mercy, Rey. Who goes to a grieving mom to talk about the spirit of her dead son without cushioning the blow!? Stupid!

When you emerge into the tight wooden hallway, Shigeko stops making faces with Usha, and your little blue blob immediately stares at the godstouched hanging on you.

''She’s okay.'' You preface before your friend can ask her question. ''A bit overwhelmed, let’s give her a little time, yeah?''

''Of course.'' Keeping Usha firmly in her palm, Shigeko silently leads the way down, as your doctor friend doesn’t acknowledge her tall, once-patient’s existence.

Upon re-emerging in the clinic's main hall, the atmosphere immediately strikes you as odd. The cute, short, wise fox-woman isn’t behind her counter anymore; she stands in front of a noticeably broad new arrival that dominates the scenery.

A bull woman stands by the counter, with a long and thick, curly mane of reddish-orange hair and two massive upward-curved horns on her face, giving her a fiery presence indeed. The golden hues inside her orange eyes tell of an uncomfortable amount of Corruption deep within; upon witnessing your arrival, her strong jaw splits into an ominous smile. A warrior species indeed, she has fullness befitting her species; you wouldn't be surprised if she could punch through a wall here.

''So, finally good enough to stand on your feet huh?'' She isn’t looking at you. Her legs audibly clomp on the wooden soil as you notice her entire lower half being equine, though much more humanoid than a centaur’s half.

''Oi, don’t go starting a brawl inside my house of healing.'' The much smaller fox nags behind her. I think that’s Aryel glaive peeking out from behind that woman’s shoulder, too.

''Branka.'' Your blue bodyguard growls and gently lets the fascinated Usha rest on top of your head. Mother’s Mercy, things feel tense now.

''…What in the world are you doing with a newborn slime?'' Asks the warrior-bull, so completely confused she stops moving.

''Doesn’t matter, we’re out of here.'' Answers Shigeko while crossing her arms under her chest; both women are of similar height and build. Everyone around them will suffer if they start to fight.

''Yeah? Where’s your bug friend, anyway? I'd like her back-''