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Svajonė hadn’t realized she’d fallen asleep.

It happened more and more lately — these sudden, heavy drops into unconsciousness whenever her body demanded it. Healing took everything she had, and between the half-healed fracture in her leg and the ghosts her mind kept replaying, she drifted off without warning.

The soft crunch of someone approaching stirred her awake. Her ears twitched first, then lifted halfway as she blinked herself back into the present. For a heartbeat, she tensed—trauma had taught her to expect the worst, but Aurelia’s voice was calm and careful, and Svajonė’s rigid shoulders eased.

Oh… sorry she murmured, breath puffing weakly from her nose as she shifted upright in the nest of moss and dried reeds someone (Vidarr, she suspected) had gathered for her. The movement sent a sharp jolt through her injured leg, and she winced but didn’t hide it. Didn’t mean to be… out of it.

She listened quietly, head tilted, her mismatched eyes steady despite the exhaustion behind them. Aurelia’s introduction was formal but gentle, and Svajonė found herself dipping her head in a subtle nod of respect.

Svajonė, she offered after a moment. Though most people shorten it… Sva. Whatever’s easier for your tongue. A faint, crooked smile ghosted across her muzzle. It’s nice to finally meet you properly.

She adjusted her forepaws, tucking her broken hind leg closer to her belly to relieve the pressure. Her body still felt wrong sometimes, hollow in places where life used to be, but she forced her thoughts away from it. Aurelia was waiting.

I appreciate the kindness, she said. I… don’t think I could chase much or fight anything right now, even if I wanted to. My leg still screams at me when I stand too long, and… Her voice trailed off. The memory of blood and cold water flashed behind her eyes. Recovery’s been… slow.

Aurelia’s shy confession pulled a small, warm hum from Svajonė’s throat, something between a chuckle and a soft chuff. It loosened something tight inside her.

Well, she said gently, if this is how it’s done, you’re doing better than most. Her ears perked the slightest bit as she continued. I’m no good at… big decisions, I guess. I tend to follow my gut first and regret it later, but I appreciate that my voice is heard. She shrugged one shoulder. But I can track. Hunt. Scout. My mother taught me old ways — stories, signs, herbs that help with pain or sickness. I won’t pretend I’m a healer, but I know enough to make someone feel better if they’re hurting.

Her eyes softened. And I guess I’m stubborn. Too stubborn, sometimes.

She hesitated, then added in a quieter tone, I know I’m new here. And broken. But I want to belong somewhere. To help however I can, after I’m standing properly again. If Dawnbreak gives me a place… I won’t waste it.

Svajonė shifted slightly, ears flicking as the wind pushed cold air into the den's mouth.

And for what it’s worth… I think your sister’s probably just jealous she can’t abstain from her drink like you probably can. A tired but genuine smile tugged at her muzzle. But that’s just a guess.

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