The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning

As Fern walks into the infirmary, her eyes take in wounded Rudy. He is awake, his golden yellow eyes staring at nothing in particular as she moves toward his bedside. Aqua eyes linger on the bandages around his neck, momentarily get lost in blood-stained memories. Rudy’s tired voice breaks through her foggy mind and pulls her back into the moment. A guarded smile appears as he suggests she go meet others. Shaking her head, Fern says, “What and leave the most interesting wolf in the Hallows all by himself? Besides, your brother entrusted me with your care. Means I have to make sure you get back on paws as quickly as possible.”

The words are supposed to make him smile, to make the situation lighter but they are weighed down by sadness. He is hurting and she feels alone. Fern wishes she could run far, far away and never look back but something keeps her here… Rudy keeps her here. Moving around his bed, Fern tries to fluff the furs that support his body, attempting to make the injured wolf more comfortable. There is a bowl of water near his head and Fern takes it away to rinse and put fresh water in.

With her back turned to him, Fern asks, “Can I bring you some food? Are you in any pain?” Mentally, the gray girl kicks herself. Of course he is in pain, who wouldn’t be pain after all that. Stuttering, she tries to correct herself,  “I… I mean… more pain than usual. Would you like me to get Gwynevere? I can get her if you want.” Returning the fresh water to Rudy, Fern shifts from leg to leg, unsure what to do with herself. Her sleep addled brain does not pick up on the tension in Rudy’s body or the fact that a bright ooze is starting to pool by his ears and run down the side of his face.


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