There's No Place Like Home

Kione’s words puzzle the wounded wolf, as she looks at the colorful dog. Family? Fern doesn’t have a family… that died with Meadow. Kione’s words perplex her but Art’s completely bewilder her. Head turns to look at him, brows furrowing. Nothing to be sorry for? Was… was he listening to what she said? Pain clouded eyes watch as the big wolf steps to her uninjured side, unable to comprehend what he is doing. Her brain is slow, still trying to process what he said. When she catches on to what Art is doing, Fern opens her mouth to protest. She can walk, she walked all the way here. Art doesn’t need to carry her, she can make it. She doesn’t want to be a bother.

However, the words never leave her mouth as her world shifts, pain erupting along damaged nerves in her shoulder as Artorias slings the small wolf over his back. Gray spots swirl and dance across her vision as she clings to him, trying not to vomit the meat Kione had made her eat all over her ride. Eyes clamped shut against the pain and Fern buries her face in Art’s fur as she tries to breathe through the agony. Even with her heart pounding in her ears, Fern can hear Art speak with Kione. Artorias does not sound angry or upset and Fern feels herself relax. Something tells her that everything is going to be okay, that she is safe and no one is mad at her.

As Art starts to move, heading them back to the castle, Fern allows her exhausted body to rest. Gently rubbing her head in his fur, taking comfort in his scent and feeling of safety, Fern drifts away into blissful darkness. Her last thought before retreating is, ‘Maybe Rudy will be there when I wake up.’


"Fern"