Mending What's Broken

Sterling had been here for a week or two, now, and today was one of her daily check-ups. Paladin carried a bundle of the usual herbs he gave her each day, morning and night for pain, but over time he’d been gently weaning her off the need for it when he noticed the improvement in her sprained leg and her bruises.

By now, it was only her ribs that still had a ways to mend, and these were what he would be addressing again, today. He poked his head around the edge of the alcove and smiled in at the woman, voicing a lighthearted woof of greeting.

“Good morning, Sterling. Time for your check-up. May I come in?” As ever, his tone was gentle and soothing, low voice lilting over his words as his tail waved behind him, good-natured as always.