she should scold him for having taken so long, for leaving her to wait in the dark. but she does not, for the sight of his trembling shoulders gives her pause. she creeps to his side, belly low, and presses her nose to his shoulder. he need not tell her what happened, how his wounds came to be. she knows, and that is enough.
ghelan, let me see your wounds. please.
he is bleeding, and his breath comes in shallow, gasping whines. she cannot help him if he falls unconscious, needs his guiding hand.
please, tell me what to do.