Laeta, too, was preoccupied - moreso with the scenery and the flowers about her, the views taking her back from the depths of her mind rather than retreating inward. Thus, Fern’s run-in was a surprise, and she jumped ever so slightly, but upon seeing the grey woman she’d considered a friend, she immediately relaxed and a wide smile curved her charcoal lips. The girl appeared a bit sheepish abkut the mishap, but Laeta didn’t mind in the least. She was as forgiving and kind-tempered as they come, any wolf who’d met her knew that in some aspect. Mel jumped too, adjusting his monocle but nevertheless offering a small smile and bowing politely to the taller woman himself. "It’s quite alright, Fern! It’s lovely to see you, regardless," The older woman said, her limbs trembling ever so slihtly from the pure exertion of holding up her body. She decided to settle back on her thin haunches, her knees creating a series of small crunching noises as she did so. Arthritis was a solemn companion of hers, one she carried far too early into her life, but the zest for merely being alive and walking left a joyous expression on her face anyways. With the badger of hers still watching over her with concerned beady eyes, Laeta took a moment to sweep her gaze over the girl, but not long after Fern inquired as to how she was doing - and whether she was listening to Mel. Lae chuckled softly, Mel’s mention leaving him with a heavy sigh that could only mean the woman was hellbent on walking as much as her body could tolerate. And then some. "Oh, I’m quite well. I listen to Mel too, he has my best interests in mind - though my dreams of exploring Auster keep me going much further than I intend to at times.” She continued to hold a smile on her lips after speaking, soon adding, "How’s Puff doing? Normally she’s with you, isn’t she?" She had a fondness for the little adventurous stoat that was practically always attached to the girl. Now she allowed her gaze to flicker over Fern’s expression. She was smiling, too, her eyes sparkling with her youth, but something darker lingered beneath the cheery surface. Smiles and laughter could only hide so much. Laeta’s brow fbegan to furrow slightly in an air of concern for the younger girl - what could be wrong? She hadn’t heard much conflict recently amongst her packmates, but she also wasn’t the king to interrogate anybody if they didn’t wish to tell her anything. Still, she couldn’t bear to think her friend was struggling with something deep inside.
Upon observing the sadness lingering within her glowing irises, Laeta paused before speaking up, perhaps careful not to open up any wounds that might already be bleeding inside, she asked kindly and warmly, "Is anything troubling you, Fern?" She meant it in the most genuine, harmless way - only prompting as much as Fern wished to tell her.
”Speech” ’Thought’
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