3/1/2026, 9:30 PM
His stride, limping and strained as it was, had remained careful. He knew she would have caught him if he stumbled, and Alder also knew he would probably crush her beneath his significant weight if she tried. It wouldn't have done either of them any good to cripple the one healer he knew of within twenty miles.
The glittering stone about his neck bobbed rhythmically with his strained, anxious breaths as Solvi scurried off to her cache. Alder thought it a miracle Cypress hadn't noticed it and torn the thing away from him out of spite.
Although it appeared mostly fine for now, the wound on his leg had grown hotter and angrier in the span of their walk. It was difficult for him to admit, but Alder had a feeling it might have grown infected and potentially dangerous without treatment - for gods only knew what filth laid in the microbiome of his grandfather’s putrid maw. He waited shyly, head down and eyes cast carefully upon the ground in front of him for her return.
She returned quickly.
He was surprised, albeit intrigued by the herbalist’s lesson she provided as she worked. Alder supposed it was a way of familiarizing him with what she was about to do, and he appreciated the effort. It was unlikely he would remember it in the long-term but he still tried hard to look like he was absorbing the information.
It was just so hard to pay attention to her words while she was flitting busily about like a little fey-creature, quick and delicate and so beautiful he could hardly look away.
Uh-huh,he said distractedly, completely oblivious to her own nervousness. Alder liked the way her brow furrowed when she focused. Her eyes scrunched ever so slightly, ears twisting back as she set about her work, the woman’s practiced skill evident in every movement.
Her lips briefly made contact with his limb as she applied the poultice, and the sensation almost sent him into orbit.
A sharp hiss escaped through clenched teeth as he stiffened. Only Alder himself knew whether it was from pain or the shock of her touch; he would never say.
She broke the silence again, responding to his idle chatter regarding the gods and higher power as she sorted through her herbs for the next item on her list. While Alder did not personally ascribe to a particular faith - as yet - he did not necessarily deny the existence of some greater presence that watched over them all, whether it was with a guiding paw or general ambivalence.
His mouth twisted up into a half-smile. Hearing Solvi curse was about as improbable as watching a fish take flight - so far out of the realm of normal, but absolutely delightful nonetheless.
Her characteristic softness made the word 'asshole' sound almost like a compliment.
Alder hardly noticed the burning sensation in his leg. There was as equal a chance it was due to her skill as a healer as it was to his completely diverted attention toward her as a whole - whatever the case, the stinging herbs did not bother him.
Bjarki’s sudden presence gave him a quick jolt. He'd forgotten about her companion up to this point, a quiet shadow following her ministrations; it was a little unnerving watching him work his dexterous little hands so swiftly.
And then it was finished.
Alder lifted the injured limb carefully, then leaned forward to press his weight against it. Already the herbs had begun their work, and the heat he'd felt emanating from the wound earlier seemed cooler, now, likely dampened by the tightly-compacted herb compound.
No,he said gruffly. With his good limb he raised it to put his wrist up against her chin from underneath, gently turning her head to look him in the eye. The sensation of her softness sent electricity up his spine. How fragile she looked, how delicate - like she might shatter into a thousand pieces if he did not hold his breath.
He was definitely holding his breath.
Alder exhaled.
Solvi, despite her appearance, was also one of the strongest wolves he’d ever met.
Thank you.
He forced himself to breathe.
Thank you.
His eyes looked particularly wet. He blinked, and they were clear again.
Thank you. You are… you have done so much for me. Listen, Solvi, I can't stay tonight - but I'll be back. Okay?he did not explain why, but it could be reasonably assumed Alder didn't wish to encroach on the generosity of Dawnbreak's leaders. Anyway, with his leg properly treated, he could make the journey back to Northfall well enough.
When we meet again, I'll - I'll have something to give you. Promise.
He did not know it now, but when he would return to make good on his word, she would not be there.
Or anywhere else.
![[Image: UWkba3H.png]](https://i.imgur.com/UWkba3H.png)
- Alder is not actually Inuyasha, despite the evidence
