Jingyi was still in the process of catching up, carrying the older sali who does an impressive imitation of a worm that Jingyi occasionally has to heft up and shift his hold on, when the wiggling gets too squirmy.

"I'm not happy about this either," he says, gaze dropping down as he follows the scent trail after Ryo. "I don't think anyone enjoys being carried as an adult."

He wonders at any exceptions?

He does eventually catch up, appearing with the trussed up sali in his arms, unharmed but rather surly looking. The off feeling hits him when he reaches Ryo, and he frowns.

"Yeah. Something doesn't like us." He glances down at the older sali. "Really hoping this helps with your head, Uncle."