Emberwood [m]Reach for light.

Grackle's expression, contentedness mixed with flashes of exhaustion and wincing as the mask warbled in and out of existence, shifted as Bonnie spoke and then continued to do so. Her brows furrowed over narrowed lids, and the dame turned her regard from her other front leg to the wolf standing before her.

She pushed herself up from the ground, a hiss of air escaping from clenched jaws as her back leg fell and was forced up again. Scintillating twin jewels squinted out at Bonnie- stared out. Staring as she took one step toward him and then another. Staring as she came to rest just outside of his personal bubble. Undressing him with her eyes to see not the body she had quickly become so familiar with but the core, the very soul of his being.

An amused chuckle as serpentine irises finally broke from him. Grackle took a step past him, leaning ever so slightly to whisper common sense like it was for his ears only: Those without the wish to die don't throw themselves into unnecessary fights as violently as that with reckless abandon.

She continued her slow circle around him with the faintest limp, stepping to the side now to keep a comfortable distance as she did so. After taking note of all the wounds she could see, the shake still clinging to his legs, and his overall unsteadiness, she hobbled to one of the trees bordering the clearing and slid down it to rest again.

Damn, it was hard to act so nonchalantly when every fiber of her being shrieked as she moved. When was the last time she had hurt this much after a fight? Grackle wanted to lie down and sleep forever and was sure to do as much as soon as her new acquaintance had left the area.

Sit down, macho man, a command, teasing in tone but a command nonetheless, accompanied by a gesture of her nose. There's no reason to play so tough. I know you're hurting as much as I am, and I'm sure you'll find no judgment befalling yourself on my part. She hoped he would listen; the wretched beast had found a shiny new toy she wasn't ready to let fall from her claws quite so soon.

So, stronger than stone, Bonnie, she cocked her head to the side, what's your damage? What brings you out here? A question spoke in uncharacteristic earnestness. Or are we not there yet? Would you prefer me to ask something easier?