As he said, just a flesh wound

You shine the light where Russ lifts his arm and see where his crimson tunic is stained a darker shade of red. The velvet is torn, and beneath you see where he was cut somehow. The abomination's tentacles didn't appear to have any spines or hooks, at least as far as you could tell while you were watching. "I need to probe the wound... how did they even draw blood?"

Russ winces again when you begin to poke at his side. "Ah! Easy, your fingers aren't as delicate as they appear, you know."

He doesn't see your scowl. "Don't be such a baby." It's actually not bad. You've suffered deeper gashes in training and your skin still managed to heal up just as soft and supple as before. "There, I'm done, see?" You stand and wipe your bloody fingers on the hem of your skirt.

"And what kind of song will they be singing about me? If it's a sad one, I do hope you shed a few tears for me."

You scoff to disguise a smile. "I won't have any tears for you, tonight. You'll be fine, we just need to get that properly dressed so it doesn't fester." That's assuming there aren't many more of these things and that you don't get overwhelmed.

There's a long moment before either of you speaks again. When he catches your eye, you can see that he's disappointed. "What's wrong?" The question comes out a bit more pointed than you meant it to be, but he doesn't seem to take offense.

"Oh, it's nothing. I thought there might be a blessing or some sort of,"

"Magic?" You interrupt Russ. This type of question would typically annoy you, but coming from him, you find it oddly charming.

"Forgive me. It was rude of me to presume, and foolish to think that,"

You interrupt the man again - some part of you takes pleasure in cutting off the long-winded swordsman. "Don't apologize, Russ. It wasn't presumptuous, it was prudent. But the Burning Rose doesn't trade in magic. Her power is a gift given to her faithful, and she gifts us all according to our needs. As a paladin, I can ask for only the simplest blessings, nothing that your body isn't already mending on its own. And besides..." You chuckle, almost unable to proceed with the next part. "I'm not sure how the virgin goddess would react to a prayer on your behalf."

You're not sure in the dim lamp light, but could Russ actually be blushing? "Well, we've all got our priorities. And as I said before and you agreed, I am, in fact, just fine. So, shall we venture a bit deeper and make sure that there aren't any more of these creatures?"

You've had enough fun at Russ' expense for the time being. "Agreed. I find it unlikely that alone was able to collapse a tunnel." He nods as he walks past you. You let him take the lead this time, intending to swap places when you come across another of the strange monsters.

You're only a few dozen paces away from the scene of your previous battle when Russ whispers back to you, "I don't suppose I could convince you that the wanton sexual exploits of my youth are behind me and I'm committed to a life of celibacy?"

You're not sure if the notion is more shocking or disappointing... "It's not me you'd need to convince. Why, found a woman you're trying to impress?" Real clever, Sabine. That didn't sound overeager at all.

He takes a few more steps and then stops. When did he begin favoring his wound again? "Ah, I'm always trying to impress some girl or another... it's just... are you sure your goddess doesn't have a blessing to spare?"

You can hear the strain in his voice. You can see his legs wobbling. Oh goddess, the wound wasn't that bad - what's going on?