Blacktail Deer Plateau By the beat of my heart

Osprey returned Willow's gentle greeting, by nuzzling the fur on her cheek lightly. The healer hadn't changed much, since their last meeting and it was a relief to her, because amidst everything that had happened and what was going on, it was nice to have some solid ground to stand on. Even if it meant a friend you knew well and could rely on. Osprey felt sorry for the girl and the fact that in spite of her experience and knowledge, she couldn't do anything to help Atticus. It must be hard for her, even more so, when so many people expected her to do miracles.

"It's different than I expected - yes," she agreed and added with a smile. "I had a party in mind with unicorns, reindeer and shower of gifts, but there is always Winter Solstice for that." Osprey shrugged, knowing well that this joke was plain awkward and not very funny. "Willow," she began after a little pause, "I want you to know that I appreciate everything you have done for my brother and I don't expect you to do more than in your power. This is a fight Atticus has to do alone."