"Aconite..." Sylvari considered the name, listening to the sound of it as she spoke it aloud, before smiling at the child. "A good name. I'm sorry if I startled you earlier, but my concern remains the same. May I please take a look at your wounds? I promise to be as gentle as I can."

Sylvari tried her best to project a calming, positive aura and was met with middling success. Most of the time she merely focused on suppressing the omnipresent lingering stares provoked by the thirst, so both concealing that and projecting another was a tall order, but Sylvari was determined to make Aconite feel as safe as she could make them. As they loosened their protective grip over themselves, Sylvari had at least a small hope that progress was being made.

Her heart was filled with sympathy. What had Aconite gone through to be so scared of strangers? As Sylvari looked at the child, she tried to remember how she acted in her teen years. Too cocky and eager by half, but that was shaped by a father who pushed me to my limits and gave me the tools to surpass them. Has Aconite only received punishment and tragedy at the hands of others?

    Aconite frowned at Sylvari's boots. They already said a few times they didn't want or need help. Seems like the both of them were stubborn enough to sit here until one of them finally gave up. Aconite grumbled under their breath and then relented. "Fine. Just be careful." Aconite grumbled out their reply, not looking up at Sylvari. They didn't do anything but sit there silently and let Sylvari do whatever she planned on doing. 

    Nothing was broken or sprained, thankfully, just some cuts. Not too bad anyways, at least not very deep. The worst was on their left arm, cutting down a moderate depth. Everything else looked bad with the blood and length of the cuts, but they weren't deep enough for any major damage. Aconite held their arm out for Sylvari, letting her do whatever she needed to do for it. 

"Thank you for your trust, Aconite." Sylvari smiled brightly at them, conveying positivity and hope as best she was able. She quickly retrieved her medical bundle and laid it out before her. 

First and foremost, she made a small fire to boil water, letting it cool to be only warm, as she dipped a small cloth in it and gently wiped away the dirt and grime around the wounds. She used the alcohol sparingly and fleetingly, trying her best to minimize its sharp sting, as the liquid worked to destroy any lingering taint from the injuries. Finally, she wrapped tightly all the cuts, no matter how small or insignificant, dipping heavily into her reserves.

Sitting back from her labors, she heaved a small sigh as she looked at her handiwork. "All done. Your wounds should begin healing on the 'morrow. Only that deep cut there," Sylvari said indicating the laceration on Aconite's left arm, "Is of any real concern. Keep it wrapped tightly and clean it every other day with pure water. Here are some more bandages, should you need them." At Sylvari's words, she produced the rest of the bandages she had, making a mental note to restock in the city.

"I'm sorry to say, I travel pretty light, and I don't have any rations for you. I'm happy to accompany you to a village and purchase supplies for you in the morning, though." Sylvari's face was wrapped in a serene calmness that had not been present for many moons. Caring for others this directly had been the rejuvenation her soul needed. Stars are nice, but sharing kindness is better.

    Aconite just silently nodded at the thanks, and sat still. When Sylvari finished, they glanced at the bandages with a sigh. "Thanks." They muttered, reaching out to grab the rest of the bandages. Aconite shook their head at the mention of food, still feeling a little off. "I have my own." They replied, frowning. They didn't want or need this strangers help. Aconite was strong enough to be surviving in the woods on their own, they could survive out of it. This help, however kind, wasn't very wanted or appreciated as it made them feel weaker, vulnerable. They didn't like that feeling. 

    It sucked. A lot. Aconite wasn't checking to see what Sylvari was doing, just watching the ground quietly. They didn't want to keep talking more, while it seemed Sylvari only wanted to hear about them. They sighed again and glanced at their hands. What the hell am I doing? Aconites frown deepened. They didn't know what that meant, either if they should speak up or try and shoo the other person far away.  

Sylvari sensed Aconite's discomfort and quickly stowed her remaining supplies in her pack. At Aconite's giving of thanks, Sylvari gave a soft, kind smile. "You are very welcome, Aconite." She gracefully stood and bowed with flourish, just as Romarii had taught her to greet nobility. "I won't bother you anymore this night. I just came out here to look at the stars, not pester you until morning, if you can believe it." Sylvari gave a light chuckle at her joke.

"I will go back to my resting place, just over there. Please call for me if you need anything." With her words, Sylvari gave one final smile and wave to the child, before retreating to where she first laid, propping her head up with her pack and gazing up at the stars. She maintained a vague awareness of Aconite's position but did her best not to stare in worry. Her heart full, Sylvari was finally able to sigh and settle into a restful state, gazing up at the twinkling lights of the night in wonder.