{SE} pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere

Cordelia

His arms came up around her to keep her steady, guiding her into a resting position to look over the burn on her arm and her worst fears were confirmed when he said that it looked as bad as it felt. The only saving grace was that it wasn't her bow arm. Still, it would make things difficult. His offer wasn't surprising in itself, but the look in his eyes was. She drew in a slow breath, tears still stinging her eyes as her flesh continued to burn, each little movement sending fresh fire through her nerves.

Cordelia considered telling him that she could manage. Not wanting to seem weak or incapable of taking care of herself, but she knew when to ask for help. This was one of those moments. Finally, she managed a nod, reaching for him with her good arm. "Please." She rasped, voice tight with pain, jaw feathering with discomfort.

Present all your pretty feelings
May they comfort you tonight

NOAH

At her agreement, Noah nodded. He contemplated for a moment which of his two larger shifts would be the best mount. He turned his head and lifted his eyes at the path they would take, surveying it while making a low humming noise of thought. Finally, he nodded again and shifted.

Before Cordelia, crouched and ready, was the reindeer. He knew the agile, cloven hooves would be far better at trotting across this hellfire terrain. Better than the bear, at least, and his lynx form was too small to carry any human being. As he crouched and waited for her to mount up, his leg (that was an arm in human form) throbbed a bit, but nothing that kept him from bringing his fellow hunter safely home.

As she settled on his back, Noah turned for the tundra, and headed home.

FIN

Life isn't always what you think it'd be
Turn your head for one second and the tables turn