for sci- witchcraft, it's witchcraft

"Hm" she hummed after the woman admitted to not being infected. "That's unfortunate." It really would have been nice to have a willing test subject. Oh well, maybe the woman could still be help in other ways. Hazel gestured to the fox, who was showing signs of the 3rd variation of the Ooze. "Wolves are calling it 'The Ooze' because no matter the variation something is sick with they all produce that glowing slime. This fox has the 3rd kind. Nasty business, this one. The abscesses can run to the bone and their mind leaves them in the end." All of this was said in an airy, matter-of-fact tone.

Hazel took a deep breath and considered the woman's offer. "I could use your help," she said finally. "There are more herbs to grind in this bag here," she pushed her satchel forward and caused the bells on her wrist to jingle loudly. "And a mortar and pestle in one of the outer pockets."

She almost picked up her pestle again when it occurred to her to share the game plan. "When we are done we'll give them to our friend here and see what happens." Her last three subjects had died in the end, but two had promptly come back in spirit form so she liked to think she was on the right track. Either she would progress enough to save their bodies or she would just keep collecting souls. Either way she came out ahead.

"Speech"