mental

With a smile so timid and soft against her lips, the woman held back the wetness threatening to fall from her bright eyes. Composing herself, she gave herself a moment. A happy, simple moment. She gently plucked a few sprigs of boneset, then as many as she could carry, handling them with care. As she stood up, clutching the herbs in her jaws, she allowed herself a small skip in her step. This was a step forward, a way to prove herself to the pack, a purpose. She knew she had a long way to go, but this was a start.

With a newfound sense of rather frail determination, Cierzo made her way back to the meeting place, her heart lighter than it had been in days. She was determined to show that she could be an asset to the pack, that she was more than just a meek toy. Or at least she could be both, then maybe she would be allowed out of Cifarelli’s den more often. As she walked, she whispered a silent prayer of thanks to the gods, hoping that this small success would pave the way for many more in the future.

””