It was loneliness that ultimately drove her to the edge of the resident pack's borders, lingering just far enough that she would not be considered a trespasser.
Zada wasn't one for loneliness, but then she had never been quite this alone before. She wasn't sure what kept her here, really, watching the pack borders occasionally like a creep and spending the rest of her time either hunting or lounging. It wasn't a difficult life, but it wasn't satisfying.
The tall she-wolf sat back, forest-green eyes fixed ahead as if someone would magically appear. She half-hoped that would be the case.
She appeared like a sylph, as if Zada had somehow wished her into being-- an unrealistic thought, but how could she be anything but a fool when her breath was catching in her throat like this?
The girl was hurt, and suddenly her heart lurched in her chest. She was up on her paws the next instant, approaching the other wolf slowly so her intentions would not be mistaken.
You're hurt-- why are you so far from your pack?
The question was gentle, full of concern, and it was obvious from Zada's expression that she was not used to whatever feeling was spurring it.
Zada felt a flush of irritation at that-- not towards the girl in front of her, but towards the pack members she had never even met. What was the point of a pack, if there was no unity? Her heart flared with sympathy for the other wolf.
They just don't care? What happened, exactly?
She sniffed towards the wounds on the other girl, adding as an after-thought: I am Zada.
Part of her was just hungry for knowledge, curious to know what had happened, and why the pack didn't seem to care for one of their own-- another part was ready to feel outraged on the other wolf's behalf. She took another moment to glance over her, noting the beautiful blue of her eyes-- and the pain in them.
The ease with which Brienne divulged the information would have surprised Zada, but she was more caught up in the actual words.
Why am I not surprised?
She couldn't help rumbling, her tone wry. Men in power always sacrifice something for it.
She took another step towards Brienne, further assessing her condition.
But it is only a foolish one who sacrifices a loved one.
Zada's voice was quiet, deep but feminine and velvety. Let me tend your wounds, little one. I will be gentle.
Zada moved closer as soon as the girl flopped down, setting about first cleaning the worst of her wounds. She was gentle but firm, and she knew the cleaning would hurt some. She pressed against Brienne to provide warmth, gently washing away the grime from her wounds, then from the rest of her.
Zada wasn't invasive with her cleaning, only touching on the areas that needed it the most. As she cleaned, she listened, digesting every word and not pausing to comment until it seemed the delicate girl was finished with her outburst of emotion.
I'm sorry, little one.
For a moment, she could not look at her-- she had paused from cleaning her neck to say it, eyes fixed on the horizon. No answer I can give will soothe the hurt, just as it would not heal your wounds.
Pine-colored eyes met dynamic blue-- all at once she saw steel, ice, the ocean.
But no one deserves to feel that.
Zada asserted fiercely. Words didn't seem enough, so she bent her head and pressed her muzzle into the girl's neck softly. It was a small point of contact, but she hoped it would offer some comfort.
In the back of her mind she knew it was important to find herbs for the infected wounds, but Zada couldn't find it in her to pull away from the tiny girl. She felt if she tried, her heart might break too.
So she curled up with Brienne gently, surrounding her with warmth and softness. Eyes closed, she listened to her breathing, her heartbeat.
In truth, she had never done this. Nothing close. Zada had never been affectionate, never felt the inclination. It just wasn't an interest of hers, but all at once she was finding she did have a heart. It simply hadn't been beating until now.
These were the last thoughts to cloud her mind before she dozed off, comfortably tangled with Brienne.
Zada had risen long before the other girl. She resolved to hunt for food and herbs before Brienne awoke, hoping to help the weakness and infection before they set in too far.
She wasn't far when she heard the wail, carrying a leaf-wrapped bundle of meat and herbs. As soon as she heard the call, her pace quickened to a run until she was nearly upon the girl. She dropped the bundle near her and pushed her nose into Brienne's neck fur.
Are you alright? Has something happened?
Her voice was full of frantic concern.
Just as quickly as she had discovered it existed, Zada felt a cold spike through her heart. Oh, this little thing she loved was so broken.
Somehow it only made the adoration ache more fiercely.
I am real, little one.
She moved closer, gently. And you are safe with me.
Don't apologize. You have been through so much...
Zada shook her head and moved to grab the two rabbits she had killed, dropping them next to Brienne. I will stay with you until you ask me to leave. Please try to eat while I put these herbs on your wounds.
With that, Zada turned to chew up the marigold and comfrey root into a paste. She delicately pushed the paste into the wounds, inexperienced but possessing a precise and gentle touch. The wad of spider webs she had gathered lay tangled in the grass, and she wasn't certain they would still work after she had dropped them. With some fussing, Zada removed the debris and got it to stick over the worst of the wounds.
When she was satisfied with her work, she sat next to Brienne and watched around them for signs of other creatures.
Archiving now!
Zada was quiet, feeling a spark of pride and a rush of relief when Brienne ate what was given to her.
At the girl's words, she nodded slowly. I understand. You need only come to this creek and call for me when you desire my presence. I will answer your call.
She waited a bit longer, inspecting Brienne once more, briskly as if it were her job-- but not begrudgingly. Then, with a gentle lick to the tip of the other girl's ear, she turned and was gone.