Weight off my broken back

Watching Esther with concern and kindness filling her eyes, Meadow feels her body relaxing as he takes some bites of the food. She remembers how he had been cautious to eat at first and is happy to see  how far Esther has come to now accept food gratefully. Soft smile appears as Esther stops eating to talk to her, his words reassuring and she is glad to hear his voice. While she has heard it before, the words spit at her in anger had seemed rough and his voice unused. There is still a hoarse quality to it but Meadow is glad that he at least feels comfortable enough to speak with her.

Suddenly, Esther bursts out saying he needs to tell her something and Meadow tilts her head curiously, ears perking up to listen to what he has to say. What happens next has the small healer’s features softening and eyes filling with tears. He apologizes to her. When the cruel words had left his mouth, Meadow had been wounded very deeply. She had spat back words in her heated state and the following moments will forever live in her nightmares. However, after all that, she never thought that he would apologize. In truth, part of thinks she doesn’t deserve it. Head dips down for a moment, trying to hide the tears before coming back up to look at him.

A grateful smile rests on her lips, Meadow says, “Esther, thank you so much. I want to apologize for what I said too. I was hurt by your words and lashed out. I am so sorry that you got hurt.” Head ducks again, guilt heavy on her shoulders until she remembers Askan’s talk. Looking back at Esther, her eyes meet his for the first time since he came to the hut and she notices just how beautiful his amber eyes are. Nodding her head at his assessment of the pack, she tells him, “I understand. But we are a pack that tries to help all those in need. Give others a place to heal. We do not mean anyone harm unless they come at us with bad intentions. We protect our own.”

She talks slowly, each word meant to teach and help him understand more about her pack. After a few moments, Meadow asks, “It seems like something bad happened with you and a pack. Would you like to talk about?” An invitation is given to him and Meadow listens with great empathy to anything he has to say. If Esther does not want speak of why he doesn’t like packs, she will respect that too. Either way, Meadow is here for him.



"Speech!"

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