The Heartwood the comedy is that it's serious

Holland settled beside her, having been given consult to work. He quietly glanced at the shard before answering her questions. If he was to pull it out, he wouldn't be able to talk for awhile. Best let her ask what she wanted.

"To be honest, all you need to do to keep it clean is wash it regularly" he could give her herbs, but they were precious to the Glen. And he wasn't sure what grew around here in the cold months. "make sure your mouth is clean and keep licking the wound."

He paused, just in case that wasn't enough. "If infection does set in, go to Firefly Glen. I will help then; just be on the border and call me" Holland wasn't wasting herbs on 'what ifs'. But in case that wasn't enough, he lifted his red eye to Lane. "but wild garlic does help - if you can find it."

He'd figure out what to do after he pulled the splinter out. Bending his neck, he uttered one final thing; "Are you ready?"