There were times I often wondered why I did not simply bestow the rank of Maester upon Niviaq. She was certainly the most learned of the healers who lived with Spirane, but such a thing was not her desire, and as it was the case in most things, I was not a leader to force something unwanted on my pack members. Still, she was always available and willing to help teach those who wished to learn, and to aid in the decision of who might best head up their division in the pack’s hierarchy. For this I was most grateful, as I had to admit that I would for the most part be useless in such endeavors. I knew the barest scant amount of things about healing, but I required someone with a vast knowledge and understanding of medicinal practices.

Ceal’s attention had quickly moved from me to the goat, silently deliberating over the injuries as we waited for Niviaq’s arrival. I rolled my shoulders as I walked away from my sister to sit opposite of her while giving her plenty of room to do her work. There was a dull ache in the lower left quadrant of my chest where the young goat had managed a decidedly good kick before his life had been snuffed out. But when Niviaq appeared I smiled at her, hoping to mask the slight ache I felt as she came to sit beside me and Ceal lifted her studious gaze to speak to both of us. She spoke of how Meryl had been right that night after I had defeated Skully, that she’d needed to learn more and so she had gone out into the world and done so. A small smile creased my features as she mentioned that there was always more to learn.

Throughout the process she vocalized all her thoughts and intentions, which was quite beneficial to me as I was uncertain what could be done for such an injury. Inwardly I cringed as Ceal rolled the limb to familiarize herself with the break, hoping she would not do such a thing to a living breathing wolf. I could not imagine the pain it would cause. But I was glad to hear she knew of a pain killer strong enough to somewhat sedate the patient in question. She continued on, explaining each step and asking for Niviaq’s assistance. I nodded my head at the request, allowing it. All that was done here would be discussed between Niviaq and myself in the aftermath, to determine if she’d done the best she could and if the pack’s health should be entrusted to her.

My nostrils flared as she grabbed the hoof, twisting the leg and pressing the break back together. I found myself mentally praying that I never sustained such an injury. I had a high pain tolerance, but even I was unsure that I could deal with such a thing. Ceal paused then, pointedly explaining that amputation would also have been a viable solution, and I listened with interest. But she carried on then with the hypothetical healing process. Deep down I was impressed with all that Ceal had learned, but I kept a neutral face and simply watched as she continued with the wrap.

When Ceal sat back from her completed work, I stood and stepped forward, looking it over even though I could not really say if it was done well or not. It appeared impressive to me either way. Ceal spoke of how the wolf would do best to stay within her den for some time, and I recalled the labyrinthine grouping of dens she’d called her hospital that she’d once shown to me. Perhaps if she became Maester she would finally be able to put her hard work to use. The good natured, joking tones of my sister finally broke my resolve and a genuine smile spread across my features as I stepped back once more. I would allow Niviaq the space to look over the bandaging if she needed to. Whether she wished to critique Ceal’s work directly to her or to speak with me in private, I would leave up to her.