Cortland had wandered away from his companion, still gripped by infection and finding himself more concerned by it with each passing hour. He didn't want Phocion to see that he worried— he didn't want him to see the times he set his paw on the ground forgetfully and immediately regretted it, or when he had to pause in their travels because he was fatigued. So the Mayfair boy set off on his own for the day, half-hoping to find his own solution to the problem.
The hot spring was an entirely foreign sight to him; he paused when they came into view, studying the steam rising from the water with curiosity. His approach harbored no apprehension— even when he scented a stranger nearby and turned to look. The girl, soaking herself in the water, was mottled pale and sunset; her tail was unusually short, he noticed. Overall— undeniably interesting. He moved towards her slowly, stunted as he was without the use of one paw. Hello.
He started to wonder at the ways of the world when the she-wolf greeted him as if she had expected him. Phocion had seemed so collected, too— at once he felt very small and very young. Cortland nonetheless appreciated her kindness, nodding with gratitude in his eyes as he moved to join her. He did not question the safety of it, unknown as it was— not when she was peacefully submerged.
The boy lowered himself into the water, gasping slightly when his inflamed pad hit the warmth. It brought relief, but it brought pain, too. After a few beats, he turned to study the stranger further. This time, he seemed to remember his manners. Cortland.
The Mayfair offered, watching her with eyes sparkling with curiosity.
The Mayfair nodded quietly, mulling over the woman's name. He was quiet for a time, simply soaking his paw— it was several minutes before he acknowledged what she had said. It seemed obvious from her offer that Ava possessed some medicinal knowledge, and he considered during those moments how lucky he was. A healer, it seemed, when he needed one most; it was almost romantic.
I would appreciate that.
He murmured finally, searching her eyes with unabashed intrigue. If she was to be another character in this strange story, perhaps she would be an important one. The boy could see no other reason for such an introduction— and he was nothing if not a believer in fate.