"This sort of thing lately, and in general attacks against people in this town, usually by demonic forces," Chris replies. "Aidie and I are newcomers, like you. Not local to this place. We're sharing our knowledge of medicine and nursing with the locals so that... even when we do leave, this place is better off than we found it."

Again, using the conversation as a cover for what they are doing, Chris efficiently disinfects the cut by wiping it with an alcohol pledget, and starts sewing it up neat, small stitches.

"Now, I don't think there's any venom to these things -- last week, someone got bitten by the serpent in Ophiuchus and they didn't show symptoms. But I'd prefer if you stayed here so you can report on any symptoms during the rest of the night."

They would prefer it. But they are also used to people arguing with them.