Oliver carefully clambered on, eyeing potential footholds cautiously. Clawed forelimbs gently took tentative, birdlike hold on spines, as if he were roosting somewhat horizontally.

"Oh, no, you don't need to get me anything. Anyway, this is already something! It's a lot of help. I appreciate it. Gembound might die otherwise," he added, a little more quietly, a little more worriedly.

"Okay. I'm ready now," he added, relatively certain that he was adjusted.

They'd have a ways to travel, he felt; it was good that he'd found Phlegethon on the way.

exit Oliver
@Phlegethon

Once the crow-dog was seemingly settled down and had a solid grip, Phlegethon smoothly shoved off. It moved slowly and carefully, making sure to keep Oliver mostly level and avoid getting him too wet (it was inevitable, due to the slime-beast's more up and down swimming style than a fish's side-to-side.)

The trip would be a little slow with a passenger, but they'd manage. Phlegethon knew these swamps well, and shortcuts were always available.

;exit phleg