WC: 313
When Terra asked him why he hadn't been there before, and if it was because he was waiting for the right person, he had to resist the incredibly strong urge to blush and look away. But it was true, or -- maybe it was. Either way, he liked the way that sounded, so he knew he would have to be strong to tell her that, even if it sounded very embarrassing to Claudius.
"W-w-well, yeah," he replied. He glanced up when he realized he had been looking away and flashed her a big grin. Take that, Terra! he thought. She had won the last round, but he would be victorious this time. He let his grin turn into a happy smile when he felt Terra latch on to his arm and steer him away. He resisted the urge to giggle when she nuzzled him because the feeling of her nose against his chin was very ticklish. Claudius hadn’t really realized it until now, but he was a decidedly very ticklish wolf. He just hoped Terra wouldn’t notice or else it’d be the death of him!
In the end, Claudius was happy to know that Terra was feeling well enough to continue. Perhaps the hot springs really would do her well. Her muscles were likely very tense, so soaking in the water would probably relieve a lot of the tension.
Even though Claudius didn’t have any formal training in the areas of healing, a consequence of his work with dyes meant that he’d picked up a bit of information about plant properties. When inquiring further about the plants he used, he’d sometimes pick up a bit more information along the way and commit it to memory. He forgot who said it first, but he knew that it would help Terra. And after all, as Terra’s friend, all Claudius wanted to do was help her.
Image credit: Artur; template from the mentors
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