Swiftcurrent Creek Lost and Confused

As she listened and kept a close eye on him for further signs of his consciousness slipping away, she thought of her conversation with Jace in which he’d described Ferdie as troubled, and why. She was coming to realise that her assessment had not been quite right; the conditions of emotion and instinct did not only rival each other in Ferdie—he thought himself above his lupine nature. At this point, she stopped cleaning his wound. Any further physical tending would wait until Razo arrived.

It seems to me you’re not in the presence of those who appreciate you, she offered delicately. In which case: why stay here? But she was not finished, and doubted he even had the energy to interrupt, so she continued with barely a pause, firm in her conviction. When you find balance in yourself, no one and nothing else will rule you. Your emotions and your instincts are blind, so you need to take charge with your mind. It comes easier for some of us than for others, but it isn’t beyond your control, she said, assuring him in her way that she did not equate her own experiences with his. Her phrasing was vague, but she sincerely doubted she’d have the chance to offer counselling of real substance.

Immediately after she finished speaking she let forth another low howl, should the tawny medic need further direction or urge. She’d known him to take his time. Glancing down at the great grey male from her sitting position right next to him, she allowed him any words he cared to add.