The Tiger Within 347 A Tigress's Pain

"It is alright. Its mainly Skin Pain. I haven't transformed in a while, I have been under such tight security." Kyera explained and Clovis frowned deeply.

"That can affect your health?" he wondered aloud. Mordrin had joined them by this point and answered for her.

"Yes, it can turn to a almost excruciating pain. Just as staying beast too long can destroy her mind. Kyera, change for a while. Father and I made sure the less loyal guards moved on. Whether you be tiger or human here, your safe." Mordrin offered knowing the pain, he had seen her in it before. Truth be told, he didn't want to see it again.

Kyera nodded and stepped back, standing beside clovis she changed form. Her body blurred and awkwardly found its way back to shape. The pains made it hard for her muscles to slip back into place as her musculature shifted. However after several moments she stood as a tiger beside them. Her wounds from the battle more noticable. Swollen muscles and bruises could be seen against the thick fur in the way it lumped over the damage.

Her motions were small and a bit jolty as she moved into the water and just stood in the stream. One shoulder was inches higher than the other. It was obvious her fight had not been a easy one. Raina looked guilty as she began gathering flowers. Clovis looked out at Kyera then at his daughter knowing he can't leave her side. Mordrin saw this.

"Raina, why don't you and I gather herbs? There are some really good medicine plants that can ease her pain. Can you help me find them?" Mordrin asked and Raina's little face lit up. She nodded and he led her away, giving the grownups time to talk.

Clovis slipped his shirt off as well as his pants, leaving a lower layer of shorts on before slipping into the water. It was warm, this stream fed by a hot spring. It was surprisingly relaxing, no wonder she had stepped into the water.

He walked to her side and knelt down beside her. Clovis gently worked his fingers along her back, from shoulder blades to hips trying to relieve some of the pressure and pain. Kyera looked back at him with those sad, but grateful eyes. She turned around and settled her head on his knee.

"I am sorry you were forced to leave by what happened. I had no idea they were going to crash our wedding." Kyera offered an apology but he shook his head.

"Kyera, you had a rougher time at that wedding than I did. All I ask is are you sure you want to marry me? I don't want you to regret this later. He must still care if he took the time to crash our wedding." he explained watching her expression. Kyera's heart throbbed with pain as those cold eyes flashed through her mind.

"Verone and I were always close, I will admit that seeing him at first did confuse me and make my heart stop." she admitted looking out at the water flowing downstream. It was so much like her emotions right now, a slow swirl of different components spinning and bubbling in a confusing medley.

"I see." Clovis felt a tightness in his chest, his hand casually caressing her side. The soft fur feeling rather nice under his hand.

"The weird thing is, I never regretted the marriage. My first thought was to protect Raina and get back to you." Kyera admitted feeling a bit shy about it. She had never expected him to mean so much to her. Clovis slid his arm around her and hugged her Tigress Form one armed.