one

As soon as she set down the different leaves she had found, her mother immediately took them over. Piecing them together in a makeshift sling. Talyssa watched with interest as she laid out some of the largest stalks flat against the sand, only to arrange them in a manner that they would get the most use. And as Briar went to move the fragile thing over to its stretcher, the girl couldn’t help but hold her breath in anticipation. But as he was gently set back down without any instance of struggle, she released a sigh of relief.

As the plan to get him back to the infirmary was explained to her, she offered a nod in acknowledgment. Her earlier assumption that they were going to use the leaves to help transport the pup back had been correct, and when she was asked to help collect the opposite edges of their bundle, Talyssa was quick to comply. The poor boy weighed almost nothing, so it was an easier task than it should have been. Giving over her side to her mother, Talyssa immediately dashed ahead to ensure that a path to the castle was clear.

Once they reached the grand foyer, she shoved open the door- immediately calling out for assistance. “Aunt Gwen!?” Though she didn’t stop, hurrying to the right side corridor where they would find the infirmary. “Aunt Gwen!?” She called once again as she pushed open the infirmary’s door, hoping to find the healer inside and already at work.