5/2/2025, 6:45 PM
If he'd been less self-flagellating in the confines of his mind, he'd have interpreted her weary visage as a likely side effect of the woman's recent ordeal and still-healing body. As it was, Francis saw resentment or perhaps righteous anger within the lavender wolf's demeanor. He took no offense; he deemed it rightfully aimed at him for his mistakes during the hunt. He was somewhat inexperienced - months of hunting and training in this body had significantly improved his skills, but he knew that was no substitute for experience. He'd been so confident - overly confident. Sheep were easy prey, in the right circumstances. But his experience as a whole and her novelty to the dangerous edges of the woolen creatures had stacked higher odds against them than usual, it seemed.
Francis should have thought of that and adjusted accordingly, not been distracted by his pleasant conversation and the enchantingly determined air around Takala.
He wasn't going to stand here and cower or snivel beneath the weight of his guilt, though - he did not want her pity. He entered the room with the same smooth gait he employed everywhere, gaze skipping along her frame and landing on the bandaged wound for a few seconds probably too long.
Not as bad as it could have been,He replied, distracted still by his own thoughts. The hallways in the castle were mostly overgrown, although the chill had turned them mostly brown and dry for now. Come spring, the halls would be verdant jungle cut through with the clean-cut remains of the castle that had once stood, pristine and untouched.
Francis was rather fond of it in this state. However, he'd set about the task of nudging aside some of the thicker vibes that lay across the threshold of the doorway to Takala's room. He doubted she'd be down for very long, even if resting was probably wise. Better to make it easier for her to come and go. The motions cleared some of the miasma of foul guilt on his conscience, and he turned back to her with a pensive expression.
I'm sorry - I ought to have been specific. You should keep your weight off of it for at least a week - maybe two - and take things slow for a while after. As long as we keep it from getting infected, though, you should recover fully.He paused, taking a seat and curling his tail around his flank.
I wanted to see if I could fetch you anything, or...I thought you might like to stretch your legs; we have a garden, although it's a little lackluster this time of year.Francis offered a small, lopsided smile, a hint of humor in his tone.
I'd gladly play the role of the humble crutch, if you wished.
