Bearclaw Valley You must be, or you wouldn't have come here

She wasn't surprised when he doubted her words; she wouldn't have believed it either if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes. But it was the truth, no matter how difficult it was to process. She wasn't sure if it was better to have seen it or to be told and have to come to believe the truth with little proof; both hurt equally. 

He said he wasn't hurt anywhere else, but she never knew if he was being truthful with her about his injuries and pains; she usually just accepted him at his word because he was too stubborn and she had to pick her battles. 

She remained close for support as he tried to stand, which she realized instantly was a mistake. She wanted to get out of this damned rift, but she wouldn't rush him. Aves looked like he might throw up or pass out, maybe both. The bruin-heart moved to his side. Come on, I'll help you sit back down, she told him gently. Once she could get him back to mosskeep, she could give him something for nausea and for pain.