Ravensblood Forest wet skin and dry bones

Nova followed the river, the sounds of running water soothing to her ears. She had tumbled down the mountain and sprained something in her right foreleg, which meant every move she made sent a jolt of pain through her body. With clenched teeth, Nova tottered along the riverside, mind a whirl of thoughts both past and present. Her musing was cut short, however, when ahead she spotted a silvery figure dip into the river and come out.

What an idiot. Didn't he know he'd kill himself like that? Picking up the pace, Nova's yellow gaze followed the creature and saw he was searching for a place to dry off and preen. He looked like shit, all skin and bones with no meat left on him. She was too far off to tell who he was from sight, but the wind that brought his scent told her enough.

"Dapper?" she called out, still many yards from him. She paused, not wanting him to see her injuries, and stood still as she watched him. Would he recognize her? He seemed feral, almost primal in his movements, but she hoped it was just a trick of the light.