//------------------------------//
// 12 Suturing Seamstress 
// Story: Libera Mé 
// by EZTP 
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12



It was not safe at night in the Everfree Forest. Rarity would not normally have waited this long but the monster had been insistent on the conditions of her invitation. Nopony was to know it was there or had been there, she was not allowed to leave its sight, she could not call out in any way that would attract attention and she would listen to every word while they trekked through the forest.
The more remarkable thing was how the monster moved, while its paw caught on a rock every now and then it did not stumble. Despite all the damage it kept light on those paws, moving with poise and precision over the floor. She could not help but think what these monsters could do and what they were capable of.
Each second for her was horrible, her eyes were wide yet she could not see much. Every hoofstep was foreboding, terrifying. She jumped as something under her hoof cracked, the monster was undisturbed. She could see it walked with its blade drawn,  and she now worried what was happening, if it was going to hunt her. She continued to edge onwards feeling the presence of her two escorts, disturbingly silent as they made their way through. The monster and the wolf were both larger than her yet not a sound was made from either of them, she could only focus on the large wolf and where it was leading them.
“Everything alright?” she whispered to the monster.
“Be silent.” She froze watching its movements, it glanced to Crystal. Rarity never felt such fear then when two small yellow eyes emerged from the dense brush, it was horrific to witness an animal of such size, the enormous tusks and razor teeth. She edged closer to the monster unable to breathe properly. It sheathed the blade surprisingly undisturbed, holding her shoulders with those icy claws, “It’s alright Miss, see Crystal?” The wolf, while watching the large animal did not display any aggression, “We are safe, it does not want to fight us. What is that thing?”
“G...giant boar.”
“Oh come now, I find it quite interesting.” Rarity could not chuckle, a sharp exhale her only response, “If Crystal growls Miss Rarity, then you can be afraid.” It released and she started to feel the skin crawl, searching the area as the scape slowly grew dimmer. She whispered now to the creature.
“What happened to those wolves you ran from?”
“We are not in their territory and my cuts have been masked by the pain relief remedy,” She could still smell the sweet paste, “Do not be afraid Miss, you are quite safe.” A bird taking flight startled her and she spun around nearly tripping over the creature. She felt silly but she saw it had done the same, the blade drawn again and its claw grasping her firmly on the shoulder. It swallowed hard and sheathed it once more, “I would like to move a little bit faster please, this area is not familiar. Follow Crystal, I am right here.” Almost on cue the wolf slowly headed to Ponyville. Rarity followed wearily with the creature behind. She would normally never had waited this long. It was not safe at night in the Everfree forest.


*


Princess Luna arrived in Ponyville to relieve her sisters daytime guards with her own. There were no changes to be noted in the residents activity, to her relief. Admittedly the scare of the Queen had instilled greater panic in her than that monster ever could. Like any other population though all Equestria was focused on the novelty of the new monster and not on the true threat of Queen Chrysalis. Now the streets were deserted as she landed, sadly nopony wanted to be out enjoying her night. Any town bordering the forest had undergone a self imposed curfew where after the suns setting it was unsafe to be outside. No more night time celebrations or late dinner parties, any and all ponies wanted to be in their home when the lights faded. Even the well lit streets were devoid of life.
Luna had been relieved to tears when Applejack had returned. There were many reasons to be overjoyed. Applejack had not been eaten, the monster had eased her burden and pain, the most important reason though was that the monster had done it. She, Princess Luna of the night had persuaded that beast into an act of compassion. Of course Celestia would not believe her. Lately they were barely speaking, more fighting over the monster and the proper course of action to follow. It had been strange to see her so upset over what had happened. Normally Celestia was the mark of patience and compassion, that animal had sadly reminded her though of times long passed and reopened on old wound.
Princes Twilight Sparkle had been busy lately perfecting her spells. Luna could never say it aloud but it annoyed her that the young alicorn had so easily assimilated into her new routine while balancing the task of apprehending the monster. Her spells had grown more daring lately, she had forgone the notion of capturing it now and was looking at how she could prevent it from entering Ponyville. Despite the evidence she was certain the beast was still alive and well, correctly so. Her latest escapade was a specialised magical barrier that would let only ponies though. Her spell to uncover changelings though had proved invaluable, it was simple to learn and effective, now every unicorn in the kingdom was required to wield it. Luna was annoyed but at the same time proud her friend had risen so well to the challenge.
Tonight the routine would be the same, a quick inspection of each town to ease the minds of the residents then on to her nighttime duties. She did however want to stay  focussed on Ponyville. It was beyond doubt the beast was interested in the town for an odd reason. After the night before though she did not fear it anymore.


*


“So once more Miss Rarity.”
“Fine. I will casually trot my way home and you will follow. If I see any chance you may be spotted I am to employ my talents as a ‘thespian’ and distract any and all ponies. Happy? Please don’t make me say it again.”
“Will your absence not be noticed?”
“Well Twilight is too busy so I don’t think so, I made it very clear I would be out late today. My parents know I can take some time on my retreats. Once I simply slept at the pool for an entire night.”
“Fascinating, you really like that place don’t you?”
“I do. It is not unusual for ponies to be out this late. In fact the day before yesterday I gave a little speech how we should not let one such as yourself scare us.”
“Well that worked out nicely, you were very brave screaming back there.”
“That was only surprise.”
“For me too, a deafening one.” Rarity laughed. There was one specific issuer she was yet to address.
“Please do not hurt anypony. My home is but a few minutes in. You can use the alleys and-”
“You keep your focus and I will mine. I hope I don’t regret this.”
Rarity was relieved to reach Ponyville once more, the familiar sight of Twilights barrier honing over the sleepy town. As she had hoped the streets were deserted and the only movement came from the guards patrolling the area. Princess Luna had fewer soldiers than Celestia, this made the terrifying task ahead less intimidating.
“I forgot about the magic-” The monsters arm passed effortlessly though, its companion as easily. Rarity was astounded and annoyed. Twilight was very proud of that spell, it had kept all manner of creatures out, even Fluttershy’s animal friends. She was happy Twilight could not see this. Passing through to the bridge around the main street, she saw the monster had taken cover in the trench, artfully clinging to the side. The wolf was especially terrifying. When it held still it was nearly invisible, the glimmering body under the light seamless as it lay on the surface. She lowered her head to the hanging monster and whispered quietly keeping an eye out for the guards.
“Well that was sorted out then. I don’t want you to do anything...”
“Brutish?”
“And I don’t want you using that knife.”
“I will not unless it is necessary.”
“No, not at all. Alright?” A stubborn grunt and she savoured the victory, “Thank you. Ready?”
“Do not forget Miss Rarity.”
“Fight to be free yes yes.”She slowly trotted up the path cautiously, trying to be as collected as possible. It was not forbidden for a pony to be out late but she was alone after all. She took a deep breath to calm herself and headed to her home. Glancing back the monster was gone, its wolf vanished along with it. Every slight movement caught her eye now, she knew they would not hurt her but to imagine those two beasts could hide this well. She did not know where they were.
She passed through to a smaller street connecting to her house, she had to hold back a scream when the monster surprised her. It gently lowered itself from the roof with a grunt to land on its knee clutching its side. Those wounds were having greater effect, she could see it by the strained face and by the dark droplets underneath it.
Now the soldiers of Luna were patrolling the night, they were unfortunately too late to capitalise on the changing of he guard. At least if they were seen there were half as many to concern herself with. The thought of it both terrifying and thrilling; being caught aiding the monster. Princess Celestia would most likely banish her for this if they were found out, at least it seemed so from Twilights description.
The creature followed closely behind Rarity as the guards passed by. She gracefully swayed past the lights sticking to the shadows avoiding all patrols. The monster lightly swept after her, the wolf still unseen. Rarity wanted to laugh at the odd bobbing motions it made to avoid the scattered obstacles but had to suppress it to maintain their cover. It suddenly paused and hugged the wall of a nearby building as two pegasus guards flew overhead. It was well hidden underneath the overhang of the roof, Rarity could not help feel disturbed at how well it hid. Blending in was not its gift, but the fact that its bulk could be so well concealed was disconcerting. It had complete control over its own body. It pulled to the shadows quickly as a pair of unicorn soldiers approached, disappearing into the darkness.
“Good evening M’am, wonderful night for a stroll. Where are you going?”
“Evening Sirs, I was just...visiting a friend quickly.”
“Be cautious Miss, keep away from the borders of the forest.” Rarities heart stopped beating as the light of the guard washed over the dark spot where the monster was. She sighed with relief though as it illuminated only the wall. Now she was worried where the monster was and what it was doing.
“Are you alright M’am? You appear a little-”
“Oh I’m simply fine darling!” she giggled. The soldiers exchanged looks, “Now if you don’t mind I am rather tired and simply at my end today.”
“Please allow us to escort you home, such would be our honour.”
“Oh that’s quite unnecessary assure you.”
A roar in the distance sounded followed by shouting and panicked calls. “Get home now M’am!” The soldiers galloped off to the sound and Rarity saw smoke being illuminated by a bright flickering glow. She made to follow them but a sight stopped her, Crystal was seated still proudly by the corner. Now that she knew the shape she could see the animal but it was scary how well hidden it was. That transparent body made sure it could not be seen no matter the background. Crystal looked at her and with a slight whimper stood up.
“Hurry now, that will not distract them for long.” She had to scream into her hoof with the shock, the monster was right beside her.
“Wha...wha...what did you do?”
“Some cherry stand went up in flames, really have to consider fireproofing around a town made of wood. They will put it out but they will need a lot of resource to do it. Hurry before any come back.”
As intended the chaos had diverted the attention of the soldiers, she galloped across the street to her home with the moonlight shining on them. Rarity was nervous  of the fact that Princess Luna might be able to see them. She galloped faster and the monster quickened its pace in response, hearing the padded paws of the wolf beat with its companion. She was relieved to see her entrance to the workshop, the most stylish house on the street that nopony dared copy. She gently pushed open the door, the wolf darting past and nearly knocking her over. Rarity was grateful Opel was having an overnight stay at Fluttershy’s for a flea problem. The creature bowed its head slightly to pass in, even though the doorway was tall enough. It looked at the floor first and tried to wipe its odd paws on the mat. Rarity shut the door and locked it galloping to the back to do the same closing blinds and curtains wherever she could.
“You have a charming home Miss.”
“You like it?” she said enthusiastically, “I was going for a rustic comfort theme with a little style of mine thrown in and a dash or two of daring colours!”
“Better than stone walls. Charming,” it repeated bluntly. It made its way across the room to the fireplace and threw some of the logs on the side in. She went to it and helped light it with a simple bit of magic, she did however notice how quickly its arm recoiled from her when it saw her horn glowing. She was surprised to see a faint singe on the hide.
“I’m so sorry, let me look.”
“It’s fine, nothing at all.” It raised its head, “Are we the only ones here?”
“Pardon?”
The creature faced the doorway leading upstairs drawing its blade, “Are we the only ones here?”
“My sister is staying the night but thats all,” Rarity realised it as soon as she said it, Sweetie Belle was here tonight, what would she do if she saw Rarity with this beast? Her thoughts were interrupted when the door opened to reveal a sleepy filly. The creature quickly sheathed the knife and shuffled to the front door.
“Rarity?” she said sleepily, “Where have you been?”
“Oh Sweetie! I’m so sorry!” She galloped over and tied to hug the guilt away. “I forgot you were staying here tonight! Please forgive me! You must have been so worried!”
“No I wasn’t.”
Rarity felt a little hurt, “You weren’t? Not even a little?”
She shook her head, “Nope, princess Luna said...” Rarity had tried but the curious filly had seen past her to what stood at the entrance.
Now Sweetie Belle, it is time for good little fillies to go to sleep.”
The fillies mouth hung open and before Rarity knew it she darted towards the monster. “Wow Rarity! Is that a new pet? Its perfect!” her enthusiasm was unfounded as she rushed past Rarity, past the creature and hugged the crystal wolf, her short legs unable to reach around its neck. The wolf wagged its stub enthusiastically licking Sweetie Belle. Rarity stood with her mouth agape but laughed as she saw the creature had the same expression.
“Youth,” it sighed, “We can learn so much from them.”
Rarity was focussing on the wolf with her little sister, Sweetie Belle was petting it furiously jumping over and effectively torturing the poor thing. The contrast of the large beast and the little filly only emphasised the odd situation. She did not want to leave her alone with this creature and its pet wolf without anypony to supervise them. She was effectively hoping that this creature was genuine and not tricking her into something. After a few minutes thought she concluded two things to bring her solace; firstly if the creature had wanted to harm her it would have done so in the isolated springs. Secondly the creature did not stand to gain anything by harming her. From its perspective it had trusted her enough to walk into the heart of a town guarded by soldiers with orders to subdue it on sight because she offered to help it. She relaxed and went up her stairs to fetch some materials.
“Please wait a moment I’ll be there shortly.”
“Where are you going?”
“I will need my special needle for the...job.” She glanced at her sister then to the monster.
“Not a problem, I will enjoy a brief conversation with this little lady.” Rarity knew what it was doing, the monster was highly intelligent and despicable. It was using her sister, such an action reminded her why it was sought after by Princess Celestia. Sweetie Belle had always been a good judge of character though, if she was not afraid Rarity would accept it, “Miss Rarity? Everything alright?”
“Oh I’m fine...sort of.” The creatures eyes narrowed and it marched to her, each step shaking the house. It grabbed her foreleg and held her close, whispering angrily.
“Now you understand this. I draw the line at children. If you think me so sadistic as to harm anything that innocent then I will take my leave of you now.”
She was stunned, “I’m...sorry.”
“She is very safe with Crystal. That is a child, do not ever think me capable of something so vile, do you understand?” She nodded both relieved but afraid of that cruel stare.
“Rarity?”
“It’s alright Sweetie Belle. This is a friend.” She was released from the grip and stepped to her sister.
“Is that the monster everypony is so afraid of?”
“Yes little one, do I not frighten you?” It lowered itself to her for emphasis.
“You look really funny.”
“Sweetie Belle!”
“Hold on Miss Rarity. Do I?”
“Your muzzle is all weird and your face is scratched up. Did you save Rarity again?” Rarity could not help being embarrassed at her sisters comment.
“Not at all little one, Miss Rarity is actually about to save me.”
“How come?”
“That is because my outfit is a mess.”
The little filly looked over the torn garments, “That’s Rarity alright.” She glanced back to the wolf, “Is that your puppy?”
“Well she is my friend, her name is Crystal.”
“Can I...play with her?”
“Don’t hurt her alright, you have to play gentle.” Gentle, thought Rarity, it’s a rock solid giant wolf.
“Okay!”
The monster looked up at the lighting as it swayed under its steps, for its size it was deceptively heavy. She wondered if that might be what gave it such strength and resistance to magic. She dismissed this focussing on the true reason she dared bring it here; it had been badly hurt, perhaps with any luck she could help it and it would not be as hostile. The reality was she was trying to befriend it. The creature she saw today was not the same one in the castle cell. She had a lingering suspicion though that it was deceiving her. She would soon test that when she had to patch it up herself. No pony else could know it was here, at this time charm and subtlety was required.
She gracefully went up the stairs, dropped her bag in her room and grabbed her emergency sewing kit, it had everything she would need; tweezers, a needle and Nylon thread. Sometimes it was a good thing Rainbow Dash had so many accidents. She never had to treat the pony but watching the doctors fix her up was very educational. She took the first aid kit from her bathroom and headed downstairs. She reached the bottom to see Sweetie Belle was waiting eagerly for her with a huge grin. Rarity was shocked to see Crystal was sniffing around a sack of gems she had foraged the other day and the creature frantically trying to pull it free with little success. The wolf was far too strong for it. It saw her panic stricken face and looked around nervously, the wolf pulled free of the sack and did the same, they were searching out the windows as if expecting something to burst in any moment.
“Its alright.” she quickly spoke. The creature and the wolf eased and within seconds the wolf was trying to get in the sack again.
“I’m terribly sorry. Get back you beast!”
Rarity had to laugh at their ridiculous behaviour, “It’s quite alright darling. Let her play around if she wants to.”
“She’s trying to eat them. Let go!”
“No no please, theres more where they came from, plenty to go around.”
The creature pulled away from its battle and Crystal sat down tearing through the sack to get at the gems, crushing the hardened jewels in her teeth.
“Your lucky we have a patient host,” the creature scolded the wolf. Crystal simply looked up with a lowered head and the biggest, saddest eyes. The creature gave up up patted her on the head allowing the feast to continue in peace.
Sweetie Belle was giggling watching the two go at it. Rarity had to admit it was surreal, the contrast she now witnessed was almost impossible to believe.
“What did you need Sweetie?”
“Oh nothing, I just wanted to ask if we had anymore sacks of gems.”
“Lets not overfeed her alright?”
“Okay...” She was visibly disappointed.
“Why don’t you get your friend some water. I’m sure she’s thirsty after eating.” Rarity lowered her head to whisper, “And for pony’s sake put down some newspaper.” It was spooky that the wolf looked at her when she said it.
Her smile returned and she ran into the kitchen with a host of clattering to accompany the search for a large enough bowl.
Rarity gestured to her workshop entrance, a modest arch leading into her boutique where she designed her fashion. The room was adorned with many scrap sketches and colour combinations stapled together. She had a busy week.
The creature moved to the other room shaking the house with each step clattering plates and rocking the light fixtures that hung from the ceiling. It looked to Rarity and apparently noticed her concern, almost instantly treading more lightly, the front of its paws striking the surface first and absorbing the shock instead of the heel delivering it. She appreciated its thoughtful nature but couldn’t help giggle as it strode bizarrely as some deer through the doorway. Rarity followed it in and pointed to a couch she used to muse her own designs.
“Here if you please,” she patted a couch while placing the supplies down on the table nearby.
The creature lowered itself painfully slowly and flinched as the frame groaned under its weight. It sighed in relief as it sat down, rigid and ready in the event that the couch should collapse. Rarity opened the box and out came a brown bottle and gauze. It eyed her carefully as she placed it on the table and took out a pair of scissors. This was going to be difficult. In all her time stitching and weaving fabrics she never imagined she would have to use her skill on a living creature.
“So you’re a seamstress?” the monster asked. She nodded, wearing her glasses and fetching a blank thread. She neatly thread the needlewith her magic, the monster outwardly weary of the use of it. “Huh, I never would have imagined such insight from one so focussed on appearance.” The comment somehow felt insulting and complimentary at the same time, she did not know how to respond so chose to ignore it all together.
She reached out for her scissors but could not find them. Looking round she saw the creature was already cutting the fibres.
“Not yet.”
“I thought you wanted them out?”
“First we have to disinfect the cut.
Rarity shuddered thinking about Fluttershy’s description of that night she healed the worn wrists. Needless to say she felt apprehensive about it as this time the creature was not chained.
“You must promise me you will not struggle. I want your word.” The creature looked around and grabbed a small sewing cushion, removing the pins quickly and wrapping its claw around it.
“You have my word Miss. I will not struggle or shout.”
She tipped the bottle into the gauze and felt the cold disinfectant run though. Grabbing a towel and a fresh bottle of mineral water she sat by the creatures side. Magic was a bad idea with this thing, she would have to apply and clean it with her hooves.
“It will sting a little, ready?”
The creature nodded, the muscles in the arm tensed and she saw its claw grasp tighter around the ball it held. It closed its eyes and patiently awaited the sting. The gauze slowly came into contact with the cuts, to her relief there were no sizzling sounds. The creature exhaled sharply and she pulled away.
“Please continue, I am alright.” She pressed on dabbing the wound and the creature remained still as was promised. Its claw began to rotating the ball around in a quickening pace and she knew she should hurry. The cuts began to bleed out again, thankfully not heavily. There was still a lot of grime in the wound and she felt relieved today was the day she came upon it. When satisfied she leaned back and reached for the scissors artfully removing the thread in a swift swipe. The creature held tight onto the ball and she had to hold back a scream when the cheek fell open, partially exposing its teeth.They were a stained white flattening towards the back but sinister and sharp in front. She placed the towel around its shoulders and opened the water bottle, gently pouring it over the wound to clean it. The tongue moved to block the water from running in its mouth and spluttered slightly. Rarity began feeling slightly ill but her motivation to help kept her going.
“Maybe this will help.” The creature leaned back lowering its body to the couch, which groaned complacently. This made it surprisingly simple. It breathed deeply as she retrieved the needle, the thought of what was to come turning her stomach. It’s just like some thick suede she told herself as the needle tip hovered closer to it. Her hoof began shaking and she fought for control. The creature opened its eyes and took her hoof, its claw closing around it.
“Perhaps I should Miss, do you have a mirror I can use?”
“Umm...” she looked around and brought a small one. The creature remained laying down.
“Could you bend this needle into a semicircle please.” She did so with her magic and the creature took it from her gently pausing above its gash planning the pattern. Rarity thought back to the fibres in its face and how poorly sewn they were. She grabbed the claw feeling its muscles tighten underneath her hoof.
“No dear, I’ll do it.”
“I would prefer not, your...hooves are not steady enough.”
“I want to do it please.”
“Perhaps you should rest a moment. I don’t fancy you trying your best right now.” The creature sat up and held the towel to its face. Rarity tapped the sofa impatiently, “You see this? This is the finest silk in all Equestria, I spent days planning, ordering and upholstering this myself. It is my most favourite antique themed feinting couch and I will not have you staining it with your...umm-”
“Perhaps I should move then.”
Rarity pulled sharply down on its back sending it hurtling on the sofa with a crack. They held their breath, completely still waiting for it to collapse. It didn’t.
“I must do it,” she insisted. The creature relaxed in defeat and lay waiting for its stitching to begin. Rarity screwed up her courage, pinched the needle in her tweezer, and began intricately suturing the slit. Each suture had to be one to two millimetres from the edge and three millimetres apart, just like the doctors used. The creature did not move and she was grateful for it, astounded at the resilience. It had accepted her help eventually. Despite a wince or two interrupting she grew quickly accustomed to its skin and muscle. The hide was remarkably soft and easy to pierce, its blood was warm and tingled in her hooves, which made it that much more shocking.
When she was finished the creature sat up and stretched its mouth. To her relief the work held steady. She was proud of it, an intricate weave she only used for the toughest fix. She needed to place a dressing now but a light clunk on the table drew her eye to a small pot the creature had removed from its bag.
“What is this?”
“The stripped one shares many secrets with me. Including this,” The monster sighed, “Ten seconds. I do not have the strength to administer it myself. I am too...weak. I...” the creature failed to finish and looked away from her. A sickening realisation sunk in, this was the remedy that Fluttershy used.
“You want me to do it...” The creature could only nod, its breathing grew sharp and narrow. She reached out to stroke its head, “It’s alright, are you sure you want this?” It looked at the open claw.
“Would you...” once more the words failed it but Rarity rested her free hoof in it, letting it gently clasp around her.
“It’s alright,” she whispered in her most gentle voice, “I’m here.” She looked down and smiled at it. It drew its blade slowly to her horror but placed the hilt between the jaws, the cheek relaxed and was ready. The beast closed its eyes and braced for what was to come. Rarity began to gently hum a tune for it. A lullaby she often used for Sweetie Belle. It was terrifying for her but right now she needed to be brave. She tilted the small pot and the mixture slowly travelled on the cheek and over the cuts. The sound was similar to water hitting a hot pan, only the sizzling never died down. It crackled and she counted out the seconds as best she could, The concoction smouldered and smoked as she poised the water bottle over it. The noise it made was unlike any creature she had ever heard. This was the sound of the monsters agony, a scream and howl mangled into a muffled moan as it fought the urge to cry out. The claw on her hoof only held it, there was no crushing or tightening, and she felt it trembling under her as it convulsed with the pain. On the eighth second she was shocked as she heard a crack and the jaw shifted, it was breaking the hilt with the bite. It was more difficult to hold the tune watching this happen but she would.
The tenth second came and she gratefully doused it. The creature almost immediately sat up, nearly knocking her head to hold the cheek, bent over with the face tightened in the pain. It replaced the knife, the hilt did not appear damaged.
Rarity found her voice again, “So that’s what happened. Are you alright dear? Can I do something?” It took the towel and wiped its face down, still it had not released her hoof. She reached to it and stroked the top of the claw, it recoiled as soon as she touched it.
“Such weakness,” it said bitterly, “A weakling.”
“It’s over now, one is not weak to seek the help of others. Is there still pain?.”
“Careful, sounded like you actually cared that time.” Rarity laughed. The creature was sweating from the endeavour, she could feel the heat radiating from it. That experience was a pain she was grateful she never had to endure. The cut had healed nicely, the ashen white and grey residue fluttershy mentioned exposed neatly on the cheek.
“That looks much better, she reached up with the scissors and gently removed the stitch with a clean motion.” The monster looked to her, searching around to pass her a tissue from a box nearby.
“The rest of the cuts do not require the same level of attention. Thank you Miss. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you. Thank you.”
She glanced down through the torn vestment at the gash on the shoulder. It did not need stitches, already sealed nicely and on the way to recovery. “You are not weak to ask for help or to show pain. Please do not be afraid with me.” It smiled slightly and nodded, “Good, let us go sit by the warm fire and discuss your outfit, I am feeling rather cold at the moment.” It nodded and rose, the couch groaning with the relief. Something had changed in her then, there was no more resentment for this monster for its actions. She only wanted to see her promise to it through.