Tell me about it

Fern does not see the colorful dog rip and shred the bear. Aqua eyes do not take in the ferocity and relentlessness of the dog’s attacks or the way the bear slowly dies. All Fern knows is pain and the thundering sound of her own heartbeat. For a while, all she can do is lay there and fight to get the pain under control. At times the world around will sharpen before the pain spears her brain and sends her vision scattering. Her world becomes a kaleidoscope of colors, lulling the injured wolf into a false sense of peace. Every muscle screams for her to rest but Fern refuses to close her eyes.

Suddenly, the world snaps back into focus as Fern’s sluggish mind pulls up the memories of her fighting with a colorful dog. Shit, is he hurt? Did he get the bear? The need to help outweighs her own sense of self-preservation as the gray wolf struggles to get her legs under her. A soft whimper escapes as she finally manages to get her paws under and make it to a standing position. Fire rips through her shoulder again and Fern grits her teeth against, searching for her fighting companion. Tired eyes find him ruthlessly attacking the grizzly and relief floods the exhausted wolf’s body. She allows her back legs to collapse, slowly sinking back to the ground.

When the dog finishes the fight and turns his attention back to her, Fern lifts her head from the ground and gives him a lopsided grin. She realizes his mouth is moving and it takes a moment to process his words, the grin morphing into a frown as she struggles to concentrate. When her brain is finally able to make sense of everything, she looks into the dog’s eyes and says, “It’s okay. Really. It’s not so bad.” The lopsided grin reappears even as her tired eyes droop. Trying, and failing, Fern works to stifle a yawn before adding, “You did great. I would fight alongside you any day. The bear is all yours.”

When he mentions getting home, Fern’s expression becomes sad, her voice reflecting what is written plainly on her features. “I don’t have a home. Thought I had one than that strange illness struck this land. I… I got very sick. That is why my fighting game is so off, still trying to recover.” Shame colors her last sentence as Fern drops her gaze and sighs. Shoulder throbs as she contemplates trying to tough the injury out on her own. If she shows up at the Hallows injured, Fern knows it will only further Rudy’s thoughts of her being useless.

A war of emotions takes place inside her, playing out clearly on Fern’s face. Sadness, anger, longingly, they flash across her features before settling on resignation. Once more looking into the dog’s eyes, Fern says, “There is a place not far from here. They give aid to those in need. We can go there.” With that, Fern struggles to her paws, swaying slightly when the world spins. Sucking in a breath and willing the pain back to manageable level, the gray girl looks to her companion, and asks, “Have you seen the castle that is surrounded by a vast plain of grass? The pack that I seek resides there.”

Taking a few limping steps forward, allowing her brain to adjust to the pain and exhaustion, Fern prepares for the trip. Pointing her body in the direction of the castle, the injures wolf starts the slow and laborious trek. Gritting her teeth against the pain, Fern becomes engrossed in each slow, limping step. Eventually, her pain filled voice breaks the silence and says, “By the way, my name is Fern. You are a great fighter. Thanks for all your help.”


"Speech"