Dakota watched impatiently, flinching every time Ekon would relate a soft moan of pain, or when Ekon's breathing would go haywire and he'd gasp for air. It was all very scary for the poor bear.

Anasuri took her time, even though the sitution was tense. The last thing they needed was for her to mess up and cost Ekon his life. Finally, though, the arrow was out, the hole was patched up, and Anasuri gave Ekon a potion to knock him out and help him heal.

Ekon was in pain the entire time, but he didn't move and only cried out a few times. He knew he was being helped but it hurt really bad. He was also aware of Dakota watching worriedly from his corner of the room, staying out of the way of the operation. Relief flooded him as Anasuri put him back under and Dakota scooted closer.

Anasuri washed off her hands in the water basin in the corner, the blood tainting the water. She didn't pay it any mind, and simply made a mental note to empty it out, "Dakota -" Her words were aimed to give the poor companion comfort, "I can't promise anything, but the surgery went well, and Ekon should heal up well. He is safe here, and I will stay in for however long is needed to care for him and insure that no one knows he is

not well." Anasuri might fake a sickness as a reason to not leave her room.

Dakota stared at his companion while Anasuri moved about, when she began to talk, he sadly lifted his head up to look at her. He had expected as much but it still was painful to hear, even the idea of his Ekon dying made him tremble. When she finished speaking, he stood up and lumbered over, touching his nose to her hand softly and closing his eyes. After a moment he stepped away and quickly told Dava to relay a message to Anasuri. "Please tell her that I thank her for everything she has done to help us, and that we are in debt to her." Dakota huffed softly as he waited for Anasuri's reply.

Dava translated the message for Anasuri, and the young elf knelt beside the large bear, "There is no need to thank me. Ekon has already saved my life a few times, and is a faithful knight. I don't have to fear him, and that is all the repayment I'll

ever need." (and that's on her not knowing he was sent to kill

her) Anasuri stood and stroked Dava's head, "Dav... I'm going to write a message for you to bring to my father. I'll fake an illness, and say I've quarantined myself and my knight, as he was exposed to it. They are still wary from the last plague, so it won't be an issue... I hope."

((Not even Dakota knows that so um... I-)

Dakota nodded, still thankful for Anasuri's hard work on his friend, before turning around and plopping himself on the floor next to Ekon. He did not wish to return to his necklace just yet, as he preferred the physical presence of Ekon. Plus, he didn't quite know if he had the energy to escape from his jewelery again.

Anasuri left her secret room, but left the door unlocked should Dakota need her. She sat down at her desk and penned out a message addressed to her father, then handed it to Dava, "Thank you, dear..." The panda places her head on Anasuri's lap, and the girl stroked her companion's soft ears, "I'm worried," she admitted quietly, "I can only pray that I did enough."

I don't know what to do uhh

Ts to maybe Ekon waking up a little?

sure! do you want to start, so you can set the tome

of how long he has been out?