Porcupine Ridge wizened and weary

His blue eyes drifted, and Diane became hyper aware of the fact that Novak wasn't quite listening anymore. He had noticed her weakness, and immediately worried after her. The blush on her face was palpable. "Well, Vuk.. um," she mumbled, her words failing as the plated wolf drew forward slowly, nose outstretched for her wound. She stiffened, eyes widening to the prospect that he might touch her, but all she felt were the quick brushes of expelled air as he examined her leg by scent. He looked up at her, his eyes so gravely serious that she had to look away. His blue eyes—for a moment she had felt like she was swimming...

"It.. It was someone from the other pack that our pack chased off yesterday. I—," she choked, swallowing down an awfully dry lump before speaking again. "I mean, it was my fault. I wouldn't have gotten bitten if I.. if I didn't just charge into battle like I knew what I was doing. And I barely remember the whole thing (it all happened so fast) but I think... I think he apologized to me."