Gilded Bay always had high, high hopes

Her hackles raise and she takes a few sprawling steps backwards.  The poor, crumpled man begins to hack and heave and she can feel her heart twist in the same godawful way it always does.  Why does she carry such a soft spot for these broken strays?

Because it makes her feel powerful and valued, of course.

The boy's eyes slit open.  She takes a breath and mutters something incomprehensible and parts from him, returning with herbs and food.  She does not expect him to take it now.

Hey there...