This is an absolutely wonderful commission by  Derilect, of my character Xevren as imagined in  Flixard's world of Miiar.

Xevren belongs to me
Other three adventurers belong to  Derilect
Miiar belongs to  Flixard


And now, the story behind the piece:

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Healing is in my blood. Literally, as well as figuratively. I do not yet know if that is from the strange factors that led to my unusual form, or a gift from whoever is out there watching over us all, but in the end, I suppose, it matters not. As a Mender, I will help all I can, however I can, even if I need a little assistance in convincing others to accept one of my more, unorthodox means.

The guild had sent us to see to the aid of a town on the boarder range between the Herbivore Kingdom and the Realm of Carnivores. While they say there is peace, all accept that the deeper one goes into the Realm, the more savage its occupants often become, and it was not precisely rare for bands of such savages to attack the more outlying settlements with the goal of easy meals, and word had come that Slopeside that a raiding party of some size had been spotted nearby, and were greatly concerned. Couriers were sent ahead of us to reroute another group whom were closer, that we were to assist the town however needed, if at all.

It turned out to be a wise decision, for my companions and I arrived at a town that had clearly faced attack, perhaps more than once. The wooden palisade stood, though scorched in places, and the guards were leery to let us get close, much less let us in, until convinced we were from the guild. I must admit, I could not keep my focus as the captain of the guard told us of the situation, for I could not draw myself away from the makeshift tents filled with the wounded. If the predators were to mount another assault soon, it did not seem there were enough people left to defend its walls. The town would fall, even with our aid.

The captain, bless the man, detoured to guide the conversation towards the tents, and I gave him a silent nod of thanks, and his own slight nod told me he understood. There were so many injured, and not enough to take care of them. So many in pain, with brave souls doing all they could to help. Even the inexperienced to my eye giving what aid they could. They all knew that the town depended on them. But even with my knowledge, skill, and abilities, I had but two hands, and even my will and faith could only channel so much power so quickly. There was but one other method I had not resorted to often that I knew would be of aid.

Broaching the subject to the captain went about as well as expected, but Kaniku’s silver tongue helped ease the man into the idea. I had to explain myself to both the caretakers and the wounded as well, one by one, but I am no stranger to easing the mind of its fears, even if Kaniku has a way with words I doubt I’ll ever have. So one by one, I swallowed them whole.

Though my hands would have difficulty attending to more than one at a time, my stomachs had no such qualms, for though they naturally produce acid, with but a thought I can make them produce a healing balm, a trait I have found extends even to my saliva, which I have many a time applied to bandages or applied by hand. I have been told that my interior is quite comfortable, the air inside fresher at times than that outside, though I have yet to discern how it circulates, for it is not from conscious thought on my part.

Never had I taken in so many at one time, and though I wished to take in more, I could feel that I had reached my limit. Sixteen individuals now curled up inside me, and I could tell from their slow, even movements that none were afraid or uncomfortable, even if the accommodations were perhaps a touch awkward. I was sure that all appreciated the relief from their pain. They would have to stay the night at least, but I did not foresee anyone complaining on the matter.

However, I was rendered effectively immobile from the endeavor. I could move, if necessary, but nothing more than a waddle at most. I could not even keep my upper torso upright anymore. But I didn’t mind. That I could give aid to sixteen of the town’s brave defenders, making for fewer people those trained in healing had to jump between, was more than worth the slight inconvenience. And though I said nothing of it, my personal enjoyment was more than just in aid. I had never felt so full, and the feeling was incredible. And there would be no guilt of taking a life in the process to sustain myself. Letting them back, I knew, was going to be a touch awkward, especially those in my lower stomach, but that was a ways off yet.

As Kaniku and Hal left to speak with the town leader, I was joined the party we were to meet. We talked some, as they were curious about my talents, but I could tell they were exhausted themselves from the town’s defense, though they seemed to have avoided major injury. When I implored them to rest, they graciously accepted, and one by one found a place to rest upon me, one even quickly falling asleep on my bushy tail. I smiled at that, alongside the contentment of my full bellied, before gently easing the rest of my fluff to cover his lap and “tuck him in”. A Rabbit fellow, Harris, had begun playing a soft melody, and I relaxed in the contentment of good company.