Sleepy Fox Hollow unser warten

mahler brought @Anselm home and installed him in the den where little @Ilse had been born, inviting @Etienne to stay close as well. having moved a good deal of his pharmacy closer to tend wylla, mahler was prepared for any siege by infection which might erupt in his son's wounds.
his wife had recovered, but her fears now choked the possibility of her remaining. the illness had left her with many anxieties; the illness had stolen some small portion of her bond with ilse; and now she was determined to find a place for them far safer, without such memories.
in whispers, mahler made a plan to join her when he was able. but for now, her small silver form was lost to his blurring eyes as he turned back to sons and to daughter.
if winter came and their numbers did not rise, he would move them to the safety of what pack might take them in.
his voice was soft, soothing. ilse would simply need to be brought earlier upon their hunts, and he would rely more heavily upon etienne for the time being.
mahler hoped the old illness would not return with the snow.