Healing Wounds

As the sun began to set, Kaelin returned with a bundle of herbs in her arms, the wolf-like man watching her with a mixture of gratitude and wariness. She approached him cautiously, her senses still on high alert, and began to prepare the healing balm. She crushed the herbs together, mixing them with a small amount of water from her flask, and then gently applied the balm to the man's wounds. The man winced as the balm touched his skin, but Kaelin could see the relief in his eyes as she worked. She applied the balm to each of his wounds, her fingers gentle and careful, and then bound them with strips of cloth from her pack. As she worked, the man watched her with a curious expression, his eyes flicking to her face and then back to her hands. "You're...different," he said, his voice rough. "I've never seen anyone like you before." Kaelin smiled wryly, her goat-like features evident in the fading light. "I'm a bit of an oddity, even in my own village," she said. "But I've learned to make the most of it." The man nodded, his eyes serious. "I'm glad you're helping me," he said. "I owe you one." Kaelin shrugged, her shoulders barely visible under her cloak. "You don't owe me anything," she said. "But I am curious - what happened to you? You said you were attacked by wolves, but...there's something more to the story, isn't there?" The man hesitated, his eyes clouding over. "I was...clearing out a cave," he said. "I wanted to make it my own, have a place to call home. But the wolves...they were protecting something, or someone. I killed them, but...it was a bigger fight than I expected." Kaelin's eyes widened as she listened, her mind racing with possibilities. "You killed a pack of wolves?" she repeated. "That's not an easy feat, even for someone with your...abilities." The man nodded, his face grim. "I had to," he said. "But it was a mistake. The wolves did more damage to me than I expected, and...I think there may be more where they came from. I don't know what I'm up against." Kaelin's expression was thoughtful, her eyes narrowing as she considered the man's words. She could see the fear in his eyes, the uncertainty, and she knew that she had to be careful. But for now, she was determined to help him, to see him healed and on his way. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in a warm orange glow, Kaelin finished her work. The man's wounds were bound and covered, and he looked...almost human again. He stood up, his movements stiff and awkward, and Kaelin could see the gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice rough. "I owe you one. My name is...Riven, by the way." Kaelin smiled, her goat-like features softening. "I'm Kaelin," she said. "And you're welcome, Riven. Just be careful, okay? The forest can be a treacherous place, especially at night."