Being in so much pain except when she was willing to admit the need for the salve was probably not a good thing. Fang was definitely letting her know that he didn't think she was being sensible. But she hated seeing the reaction on her wife's face and in her body language about how its numbing effect felt on her hands.
The extremely bitter under-taste of the willow-bark was getting all too familiar as a result. And it might be making her stomach misbehave, though she wasn't certain.
At least people were bringing her fish to smoke, now. She wasn't quite so useless. The lengthening days even made that not too bad to do without excess clothing on, once she had the fire going.
That made her wonder again at how so many people had such odd reactions to seeing her that way. It was, she supposed, not people who'd been at the moot where she'd tried to explain about it, but there were so many people now who hadn't heard her 'speech'. She wondered whether she should try to make herself a list of people, and ask Scarlet Jay to explain things to them. Ah, but no – her old friend was doing her job while she wasn't able. She couldn't ask her to take on more when she was already trying to do the work of two scouts.
At least she got some more visitors now, and thanks to Arastal's unexpected gift, she could put something on against the cold and visit the lodge or just walk around without freezing or shocking strangers. Even though the latter part still baffled her. The extra walking was good for her, though, and it helped Fang, Breon, and sometimes also Rynel. They all needed the exercise, and to get out in the sunshine more.
And when it wasn't so nice out, thanks to Marney and Trap-Wright, she now had parchment to use for drawing, or to practice writing, or even to make lists and notes for later, to help her not forget about things she wanted to say.
The way Marney had reacted when visiting her was odd in some ways, too, but she explained it – in a way. She moved to sit beside her, leaving room for her injured shoulder, and thus also for her nervousness about touch she didn't want – and explained that the view where she'd been was distracting. And that reminded her of her Snow-Hair's visit that now seemed so long ago, and reminded her both that she missed that now-former clan-mate, and that she should try to catch Wood-Sculptor at home, or maybe in the lodge, and see how she was doing.
Going visiting was possible now, after all, and the one person who might come from far away was whoever it was Marney wanted to bring, and at least Marney could read. So she could leave a note if she was out. She did wonder who this mysterious visitor-to-come might be, but she hadn't been able to get Marney to understand her questions very well. The woman was friendly enough, but not accustomed enough to dealing with her peculiarities yet.
No matter. If she brought the visitor, it would become clear. And if it didn't happen – and she hadn't promised, but only sought permission – then there would be no sense worrying about it.
