Healer? Patient? Oh, no. But she shaved his hair! It wasn't like his hair was necessarily beautiful or anything, but that just seemed like an awful practical joke you pulled on someone. Something you did to be mean. Granted, it grows back, but that takes time, and in while you're waiting, you can turn out being very . . . unattractive, and the person could easily be the butt of many jokes.

Vellia was conflicted. [b]"Y-you've been . . . taking care of him?"[/b] Vel stammered. [b]"I thought you had . . . um . . . forget it. I'll get him some water, or maybe something warm would be better, maybe? I . . . I don't know for sure, but . . ."[/b] she trailed off. [b]"You know, we've got a . . . uh, traditional healer with us, um, as well. There are a few of the other Shepherds, though, who are . . . um . . . they're not in very good shape, but she might be able to . . . uh, maybe she could lend a hand."[/b]

Vellia almost wanted to stab the table in frustration now, though she was more angry with herself than with other people. She needed to learn to not stutter all the time. It wasn't the best way to introduce herself.

[b]"I, uh, I'm sorry, I guess,"[/b] Vellia offered to the healer. She was still annoyed that the thief-girl had been using the lute like a bartering tool against its owner. She was beginning to wonder if bringing this girl along had been a good idea. But she stilled her tongue. [b]"I . . . I should have been the one in his place, so . . . um . . . I feel like . . . I feel like I should be the one to take care of him. Um. . . . Listen, if you need . . . I can help if it's needed. I mean, I can't use magic or anything, but I, uh . . . I can try to do some of the more physical labor."[/b]