[PQ+] Nails on my skin like the teeth of a shark

The wounds that had been so startling in the heat of battle were no longer visible in its aftermath, though Tal peered at each of his teammates carefully through his Goggles to make sure no damage remained, hidden by shadows and bravado. It was a relief to realize that Hadama's healing had been enough to patch everyone back up, but he bristled as the Mer King suggested heading back. Tal looked ready to keep going--

But the Tidebreaker's revelation that he was a one-trick healing pony drew the courier up short. Tal paused to chew his bottom lip, looking from Zavien to Aurelia and meeting the latter's eyes as she backed up her King. A glance back to Zavien and the rips in his shirt finally convinced him, and the Messenger took a deep breath and then let out a sigh and reluctant nod. "Okay... yeah. That's a good point. We did do good," he added, giving Zavien a wry quirk of a grin. "No point pushin' our luck. An' thanks, Aurelia. I'll take y'up on that." He reached up to rub at the back of his neck and cleared his throat before giving a sharp nod. "Alright. Follow me an' let's head back."

---

Thank you to everyone for a great and timely PQ+!

~fin