Otter Creek Does it hurt to feel so high?

In Etienne's position, Dusty Rose wasn't sure he wouldn't have tried to tear the face off of whoever disturbed him — so he was prepared to face some backlash for his efforts, no matter how good-hearted they might be. He flinched just a fraction when the wolf turned toward him, but he was still ready to catch him when arms came around him.

"Oh," said the coywolf, sympathy dripping from the little word. He wrapped a paw around Etienne in turn and held him back, wondering what news could have brought on this kind of reaction.

Without knowing, he didn't really have any commentary. They were Being Sad for the moment, and he would only try boosting Etienne's spirits when they were done Being Sad. So he didn't rush it. He only held on, heedless of any blood or tears that might stain him.

It felt like hours later when it finally seemed like a good time to speak.

"Do your paws hurt real bad?" he asked, deciding to address the most easily processed hurts before anything else.