Emberwood Did you wonder where I've been all night

The woman stepped back from him, meeting his gaze. Her eyes seemed confused, strange, away from the world as though in another place entirely. Taikon licked his lips nervously, shuffling for a moment on his paws to redistribute the weight so he might feel more comfortable. It didn't help. His tail was drooped, waving slowly, curiously behind him.
She answered, still unsure, and he frowned. Taikon swallowed, a wad of something running uncomfortably down his weak throat. Is.. can I help?, he asked. There was a strong, powerful, overwhelming temptation to move closer to her, to shelter her from whatever demons chased her. But he held fast, knowing his intimidating stature over hers. His eyes were kind, soft. She had not been expected.