A Quick Nap

He was generally a good judge of character, and he hadn’t missed her intense apprehension at the talk of learning to fight. He didn’t push on the topic, not yet, instead grinning at her admission, tail sweeping in a slow wag of approval. “That is an admirable goal in life.”

He listened as she spoke, and as she trailed off, he paused, meeting her eyes directly, giving an earnest smile. “You are welcome to stay the winter, and, should you decide to follow a path that leads beyond Valhalla, my Queen, Aurielle, will never force you to stay. Nor would you be thrown out on your ear for the slightest transgression. She is fair, and she is just. In the end, your voice, and your choice, are your own, and they matter.”

His voice was low, gentle, and he padded forward, letting her keep pace with him if she wished. Often, he found, thinking went better with movement. He wouldn’t be insulted if his offer was denied, though he’d do what he could to send Audra on with a better chance of fending for herself. He had spare packets and jars of first aid herbs and salves, though his previous glance at her satchel did leave him wondering if it would fit them.

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think