King Elk Forest Granddad isn't doing so well

this is burke right now

the expression on his face soured even more and for a moment she worried that he was going to be mad at her, too, but with his outburst she could not help but to smile, just a little.  

burke had been the first one to really express worry or anger for her in her return. delight had been guilty and mato had just been angry with her.

but she didn't need to worry the old man with that.  she didn't know if she could lie and pretend like everything was just peachy but she wouldn't burden him with it now.  maybe if he perked up, in the spring.

i took care of them, she said, but mato told me he would make sure everyone who travels outside the borders of tindome goes in pairs now.

when he admitted to her he could no longer see something inside her hurt for him (and a little bit for herself, too — how could the only person on her side be actively dying). yes, of course, she said without judgment, do you need anything else?  herbs?  more bedding for warmth?  whatever she could do for him. she desperately wanted him to make it through the winter.

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