Cedar Sweep That's a lot of damage

The hug was unexpected but greatly appreciated. She melted against him, allowing her head to be guided over his shoulder. She released soft sigh as some of her tension subsided. He didn't linger very long, though, and the places where they had touched felt even colder than before in the absence of his warmth. She wanted to ask for another hug, but that was not something she would ever do; she would gladly accept one if offered, but the thought of asking for one was far too bold a request for her. Besides, he was speaking then, soothing her worries further with his assurance that they would be okay. Doubt still lingered in the back of her mind and would probably continue to beat against whatever sense of security she was able to gather from the comfort he offered, but that was nothing new for her. She nodded at Rye and offered him another shy smile, unable to find any words to offer in return. 

When he suggested that they return home and stated that his leg felt better, a concerned frown twisted her features, deepening when she noticed how he bore no weight on his injured leg. It went against her nature to question him, though, so she just slowly nodded, gaze flicking from his lame appendage to his face. Okay, if you're sure you feel up to it, she said softly. But let me know if your pain returns, Effie added as she came to his injured side, ready to offer help if he needed it. She would have to go collect more willow bark for him if he grew too painful to continue their trek, but that was probably for the best so that he could rest during that time. She was worried this all might be too much strain for his injured leg, but it was ultimately his call to make, and she would trust his judgement.