Ephraim cried out in pain as a monster got a lucky blow, its claws creating three deep gashes from left shoulder to right hip. Turning, he stabbed it through the chest and then cut its head off, but the wound was affecting him, and he was slower than normal. He almost didn't notice the monster coming up behind him, and just barely got his sword up in time to block. The beast attempted to use its superior weight to crush the demigod, but it never got the chance.
Roots burst out of the ground, seeking out every single one of the monsters and wrapping around them, pulling them underground to their deaths. "We have to stop meeting like this." Another root wrapped around Ephraim gently, carrying him over to a young man wrapped in a purple cloak. Tsking in disapproval, the newcomer examined the slashes. "Hm. Not good." With one hand, he brought healing herbs to him and applied them deftly. "You are turning me into quite the capable wilderness healer. I suppose I should thank you for that."
"Enough with the joking." Ephraim gritted out, trying to block out the pain as he spoke. "I get enough of it with the others. I don't need it with you, too, Ephidel." There was an undercurrent of amusement in his voice, however, and Ephidel chuckled.
"I'm sure you do. Now hold still." After he finished applying the herbs, Ephidel ripped up the remains of Ephraim's shirt to use as bandages. That done, he stepped back and examined his work critically. "That will do for now." Turning, he made the root carrying Ephraim follow him back towards the Refuge. "You know, you really aren't giving a good example to the younger ones."
"I needed to fight." Ephraim kept his answers short, trying not to cause himself any more pain. "No one to challenge. All were busy. Monsters need killing, anyway."
"Yes, yes, spare me the spiel, I've heard it before." Ephidel glanced back at his almost-friend and smiled slightly, to show that he didn't really mean it. "Now hush, we're almost there, and I don't want to be seen."