Bearclaw Valley And now there'll be no time to play

When the woman placed a new bundle of moss upon the wound it stung, but Indra endured the pain for the sake of physical contact. She was quickly learning that pain could be endured for better things; that this minor grievance would net her some attention, or even kindness, which was so important to her.

Praise, too.

That's good, she went on to remark as casually as she could, but to anyone perceptive (such as Arielle) it was obvious that Indra was beaming, in her own way. Will the bear want more? After. When I'm better?

She was wary about the answer - pain wasn't the best, but, having someone care for her so closely was something Indra desperately required. It was the one thing she knew in her heart to be missing from her life.