Duskfire Glacier the ladder

As soon as her stomach emptied, Druid whispered, I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. Likely nobody heard it, above the hubbub in and around the medicine den.

She closed her eyes as Lane instructed Heda to go fetch some food, a thought which made her stomach pinch. Swallowing, she only opened them again when the medic said her name. She said she’d changed her mind about going to Rivenwood in person; she would send scouts in her stead.

This didn’t reassure her much, though she didn’t speak. Lane exited the den and Druid pondered the instruction to rest. She registered several voices just outside and turned toward them halfheartedly. She caught a glimpse of a young male with dark fur and turned away again.

Before she knew it, Heda returned. Heda, Druid murmured, pressing against her sister with all her strength, which wasn’t very much. As much as it turned her stomach, she knew she should eat to restore it. She didn’t want to waste Heda’s gift.

Silently, she picked at the kill, eating as much as she could manage. Under the weight of exhaustion, guilt and pain, Druid then succumbed to the singular detachment of sleep.