The cat had barely left before the snake appeared and cleaned. Belle was surprised at his speed, especially when he was injured.
"Oh no, thank you but I'm fine," she said but knelt beside him, concerned. "But are you alright? You look like you are hurt. Are you in pain?" She reached a hand toward him slowly, so he could scent her hand with his tongue and hoping that he wouldn't bite her out of instinct.
Lifting her skirt a bit, she tore the bottom of her slip and started to wrap it around the deepest of his wounds.
"Have you... all of you, always been able to talk?" she asked, curious.