I need someone, not just anyone

He was quiet on the trip back, but even if he could complain he wouldn’t have. The boy felt like he was helping repay Gwynevere’s kindnesses to him not so long ago. Plus he wasn’t sure he would have been able to say no to those big sad eyes of hers anyway. He didn’t like seeing her like this, but there wasn’t anything he could really do beyond supporting her weight as he helped to get her home. They were eventually greeted by a frantic raven who was sent ahead to ready the herbs and alert the alpha of the Hallows of their presence.

Gwynevere thought he needed thanks, and really he didn’t. Being able to repay her, and helping a pretty girl were rewards in and of itself. He didn’t realize it was so much more than just someone to lean on. He was literally helping to keep the demons at bay behind those panicked eyes. Eventually they found the border, he could feel Gwynevere tense up as they approached but she didn’t ask him to go and he was unwilling to pull away from her. He got her home, but she wasn’t ready to be let go. Something far worse than a bite to her heel had been done to her, if that wasn’t glaringly obvious before it certainly was now. Ysmir could sense it, and he wasn’t about to leave her alone even as he crossed into another pack’s territory.

He felt her relief when they were finally enclosed behind the castle walls. However comfortable they made her Ysmir felt uneasy. He didn’t let it show, but behind enclosed like this was not incredibly comfortable. The castle didn’t have the same light cozy feel of the barn at home. Still he continued along with her as they wandered to the infirmary where Gwynevere was finally able to relax. Whatever monster got a hold of her was no threat to her now, not at all.

Ysmir helped her into the cot, and his concern returned as she was finally seen to by her companion. The boy easily lowered himself to the ground at Gwynevere’s feet even before she asked in a round about way if he could stay. He shook his head quickly, almost exaggeratedly to show he was going nowhere. Not until someone told him to leave. She needed someone at her side, and she already showed that she wanted it to be him. They were practically strangers, but the sweet girl had made a life long impression on him. He saw her struggling and the young viking felt the rage of a thousand suns that anyone could hurt a kind and gentle soul like Gwyn.