Pain is nothing but a contender

Vienna was, in truth, somewhat worried about Jace. True, he had never held her characteristic brightness, but he seemed more withdrawn than usual. She wasn't sure if it was his injuries or something more, but she didn't much like it.

She was out stargazing when she heard him pass. She would have missed him if it hadn't been for the low whimper he let out, his pelt dark as night and making it hard to see him in the gloom. Looking abruptly down from the constellations, her eyes narrowed, and she could barely make out his shape as he continued his descent. Without a word she got up and padded after him. If he was going to be out wandering injured she wasn't about to let him go alone. If he needed some space, that was fine, but she would still be within a short distance.

She stayed behind him, a ghost treading his footsteps, until they reached the Emberwood. There he stopped. It was obvious he was in pain, but she didn't really know what she could do for him that wasn't already being done. It was up for time to heal him now. "Jace, are you okay?" She came up beside him, brushing her pelt against his. "Do you want some company?" She hoped so. She felt like they hadn't spoken in ages.