Swiftcurrent Creek twelve years a slave

She saw his eyes flash and her large ears fell backward as he growled, though she understood his agitation wasn't meant for her but those who'd done these things to her. Nonetheless, her tail fell limp against her hind legs. It was difficult to keep her head held high and not let these things take some sort of toll on her. They hadn't broken her but they'd definitely done a number on her.

"I know. I know." Bones's voice was still soft. She shifted her weight. "I'm here. I'm not going anywhere for a long time," she promised, "and I'll be yer friend 'til the end of time, Ira. But..." She chewed her lip, which was still chapped and healing from a split a few days ago. "I don't think I can be in that kind of relationship now or maybe ever. I'm sorry. Ye deserve more anyway. I'm damaged goods now." To offset these dark words, Bones smiled to show Ira that they'd taken her shine but not her shimmer. She was still herself and still happy to be here, alive.