Moonsong Glacier through the fog of an early morn

His heartbeat quieted. He pulled in a few more uneven breaths before he felt grounded once more, releasing the nameless fear that'd gripped him for a moment. He made a low sound; apology, perhaps, or reassurance she hadn't asked for. Maybe he was the one that needed it.

A tiny shiver wracked his body. This one had nothing to do with his mood.

"Have you ever seen an ice bear?" he asked her, becoming more and more aware of the sharp hurt at his flank. He thought blearily that he should have asked Chickadee to send a healer back. It hadn't hurt as much then, though — and he could not yet detect that telltale reek of decay. It was only healing. Slowly. Poorly.