---

At last! At last! I can't believe it, she's finally awake! I have so much thing to write! But to avoid me getting carried away and forgetting things. I'm going to contain my own joy a bit longer and start everything from the beginning of the day! It’s not the time to left detail out.

It started like all the others since I found the young vixen. I checked on her, had a breakfast consisting of a few pieces of salted meat while Sorda explained our tasks for the day and finally prepared our equipment to accomplish said tasks.
But today. The tasks were a little bit different from the other days. Irlen would have to go hunting, like always, but also had to do some recognition of what was close to the manor. I had to go ice fishing on the lake we passed when we arrived, so nothing new here except the location. Serena, for her part, was to join us a little before sunset to cut down the trees that Irlen had found during her recognition. Otherwise, during the day, she would help Sortor and Sorda with their search of the manor to provide protection in case someone was hiding somewhere or a group arrived while Irlen and I were out. For Sorda and Sortor. They had to go around the manor. Open the multiple locked doors to facilitate the search and just make sure everything is optimal for the next days. They also had to make an inventory of the food and wood we have, that didn’t count the furniture of course. We aren’t supposed to burn it, after all.

So we spent a good part of the morning doing our respective tasks. Those inside made good progress and Irlen and I add a good day. The fishing brought in two large fish in the morning and another one at the end of the day. This may not be much, but considering where we are, I am quite happy with the final result. But despite my few catches. It's nothing compared to what Irlen as hunted. Indeed, she struck gold. She was lucky to have stumbled upon a herd of caribou. In the herd, she told me that one was weaker and therefore not as fast as its fellows. She was able to shoot it with a well-placed arrow, but soon realized that she now had a sizable problem on her shoulders. It was not a small game that she had with her. She couldn't just put it in her bag and carry on as if nothing had happened. To carry a beast that was probably twice her weight. She was going to need help. That when she returne to the manor and asked Serenna to come and help her bring back the catch. Serenna simply refused, saying that it wasn't her job to take care of the food and that she would have to fend for herself... So, Irlen took the sled we used for the vixen and meet me at the frozen lake.
I of course went to help her. When we got there, it was a beautiful sight to see and a bit terrifying. She had hit her target in the neck, piercing it. The caribou had run a little bit after the impact, but for a very short distance. Otherwise, the catch was a nice one, I must admit. A bit thin compared to the other ones we saw on our way, but still plenty of meat to feed us for a few days. It was much more impressive than my two fish, even if they were quite big for what they were!

Once it was tide up, we make your way to the manor... Yes, I still had to pull something with that sledge... But It was, once again, for a good cause, so no harm done. We were in for a long ride, but we spent the trip talking about everything and anything, so it went by quickly. I have nothing of worth to add, so let’s get to the best part!
At the manor we put our catch in the cold room, so it can stay frozen. Irlen was going to work on the caribou meal, so I decided to leave and try my luck with more fish. But first I went to get my salted meat from my bag, and that’s when I saw her.

She was sitting on the couch, the blankets behind her like a pillow, as she held one of the cushions against her chest. She was looking out of the window in the distance, but when I came in, she turned her head to look at me. Her face was neutral, emotionless. Almost without feeling. She must have been extremely confused about where she was at the moment, and more importantly, who I was. So I sit on the couch with her to explain to her what happen when she was out

I told her that my name is Vix, that I had found her almost dead, buried in the snow. That my group and I have decided to bring her in our journey in hop of saving her life. I also gave her a short summary of the wounds she has. Plus, I told her that she was free to leave whenever she wanted, but that I strongly advised her to stay here with us. After all, we have food for her, and she could rest more safely here than outside. I also advised her that if she indeed decides to leave. For her own interest, she should let me know. We can give her some food, water and wood for the road. Additionally, I told her that I could teach her how to make a makeshift shelter in the snow if she didn’t know how, but before ending everything. I repeat to her that she should wait to heal more. She still very weak and have important injury than can be easily deadly in this kind of place but if she decides to stays with us until we leave. She would have time to heal, and I would be able to guide her to the Abastam port, making her travel easier. From which I could pay her a place on as boat to return home wherever that was, but I must say that, in my own excitement, I didn’t really realize until after my really long monologue that despite my explanations. I received no real reaction from the vixen. She did some minor thing like looked out the windows. Occasionally glancing around if I moved and she was coughing here and there. Which seem to bring her pain as her breathing was short, and a bit forced, also every time she coughs, she tightens the pillow closer to her chest with indicated that she indeed have broken ribs. The pain of everything she went through must have gotten to her. But I digress, except those little things. Nothing. No real fear, no real indication of stress. Even when I sat down on the couch, she didn’t move away from me or anything... Maybe she doesn't understand my language? After all, the notherland are quite isolated... I will give her a couple a day to warm up a bit before making any conclusion about her health, maybe her throat is swollen, and she is still too weak to react to external stimuli or something
After my introduction, I also gave her a summary of our little group so that she would have a little head start on the others when they inevitably get back in the living room. I didn’t want her to get scare, especially from Serenna…
After that, I stayed with her for a while. Even If we were not talking. It was just nice to see that I didn’t suffer in vain… And also because I wanted to be sure she wouldn't just run outside at the first occasion... She is looking outside quite a lot, and I wouldn’t want her to leave so soon... but sadly, I add to go back to the lake as the sun eventually went down. So, I left her the rest of my dry meat in case she felt like eating something with my canteen of water. The water was certainly very cold from my road out, but it was still drinkable. Then I went fishing again.

I returned to the manor a little after sunset with a new catch, which I took to the cold room once again. I then went back to see the vixen, but she was now the number one attraction in the manor. Irlen and Sorda were both visibly pleased to see her awake, Irlen in particular, who was pacing the living room. Not quite sure where to turn and Sorda could barely keep his tail in place for more than a couple of seconds. I could almost swear I heard purring, but I may be wrong.
Both of them were talking vigorously, sometimes to the vixen, who never answered, sometimes to each other. The question that came up most often was what she could be doing so far away in the tundra, but they receive no answer, nor reaction. Just like I did a couple of hours sooners. Sortor for his part was standing by the fire, watching the scene, silent. He watched her with squinted eyes. He must have been unsure of how all this sudden attention was going to make her behave, but the vixen did nothing. She looked at them with the same cold stare I had when I talked to her earlier. Not reaction. Even when Sorda put his hand on her shoulder to shake her gently. Trying to get her to react. She didn't do anything more than a quick wince as she just looked into his eyes, then at me before finally looking out. That when I decide to intervene. Although the scene was funny to watch, I didn't want our two eccentrics to scare her too much or to hurt her. So I told them to leave her alone, that she had to rest if we wanted her to get her strength back. That she would talk to us when she was ready and her injury would be better. She had been through a lot, after all. It seemed to work, as they all get to the kitchen for in preparation for the meal.

I was able to take advantage of our solitude to take care of the vixen. At first, I wanted to put a blanket over her shoulders, to keep her warm, but I quickly realized that it was useless. Her body was already extremely warm and i fear that adding layers would probably just be uncomfortable for her, so I didn’t add anything on her, but still, I wanted to check her wound. So I asked her if I could look at her wound, but once again. She didn’t say anything, but she did make a little “yes” with her head, so I got that as a permission to do it! With was realize amazing to see that she answered to a question! A slight movement, yes, but that meant that she can understand us! But I digress…
I’m… A bit stressed to write that but... I had to move her cloth to check her… It was not the first time I did it on her. I mean, since the start I couldn't do any other way, but she was out at those time. For me, it was like any dead body that you search, nothing out of the extraordinary... but now she is looking at me, she is warm, she is breathing... It felt wrong doing it, but I had to be sure that her wound didn’t get infected... I know I could have asked her to do it, but I didn’t want her to get naked and be seen by the other, so I stress, and I did the first thing that crossed my mind. After all, what else was I supposed to do? I’m no cleric after all, I rarely cure other person wound... but at least she didn’t seem to mind, she didn’t react a bit, staying emotionless like always, and I’m happy to report that there is no sign of infection in any of her wound! They, in fact, show sign of healing! The cream had finally started to take effect and her skin was reforming but sadly. I didn’t have more fresh bandage to put on the wound, but I think it should be fine. She isn’t bleeding profuse and the skin is forming. She is on as good start

Finally, we had our supper. Irlen brought each of us a nice juicy piece from the caribou. "The catch of the day" as she cheerfully said. She even brought a quite the bite for the vixen, so I didn’t have to give her mine. A piece that she did end up eating. It was delightful to watch her finally eat something. Even if she did it very slowly as despite her sharp predator fang, she wasn’t able to cut through her meal. Leaving her no other chose than to rip off some chock of it. The whole process was long and visibly demanding for her, but she did finish her meal none the least. Which is a progress I must write about!

After our meal, I played cards with Irlen and Sorda. We played a card game from Irlen's village, which I obviously had no talent for. I was lucky that we didn't bet anything. I would have lost all my fur! Besides, all was not bad. I had a spectator with me, and a nice one with that! The vixen watched us play from over my shoulder for a good portion of the evening. That also another progress, as I didn’t think she was going to stand up on her own for at least two or three more days, but after we finish eating our meal in the living room and Irla invite me to play the game. She gets up in one swift move... At first, she seems OK, but it didn’t take long before her leg start to shake, and she fell back on the couch. That’s when I try to help her to get up, but she only growls at me, so I let her do it on her own and to my surprise. She indeed succeeds to get up on her like five try? Maybe six? True be told, I didn’t count, but the important is that she did get up! And on her own with that! After that, she was able to walk slowly, which is quite alright. All in all, I’m happy for her. Since she wakes up, she is recovering way more that I would have ever imagined. But I digress... I must stop writing about her and also note what the other did…

So, starting with Sortor. He spent the evening with his head in one of the many books in the library. A book about the northern tales and legends, I think. If I go by the cover. I didn’t read that one, but let's just say that, considering the quantity of books we have here. He had way more than enough for the rest of the stay.
Serenna, I didn't see her all evening. A little after the meal, she left for the basement, and we only saw her again when we went to bed. I don't know what she did down there. I just hope she didn't go and take a second share of meal. Don’t want to waste anything on her.

But all in all, we had a great evening together. Warm and cozy with good food, but all good things must come to an end, and we finally went to bed. As for the vixen, she gets back to her bed, the couch, during near the end. She was obviously exhausted, so we didn't disturb her or ask her anything when she leaves us. It was clear she was simply getting some well deserve good night sleep. So after we were done playing card, so simply added a few logs to the fire before and got to catch some sleep... Just after I have written all this! Don’t want to forget any detail during my sleep!

---