Bardulf gazed at the female before him, feeling his beast calm in her presence, feeling his heart race with joy. But she did not respond to his nickname for her.
"Philippa?"
A soft gasp escaped her lips. But she peeked out from under her arms and looked at him. Those grey eyes held so much fear and confusion. He understood, because he felt the same.
"It's alright. You're okay," he whispered. "Let me help you inside and we'll get you into a warm dress and a bed?"
She didn't move. Bardulf wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not.
"Philippa, can you understand me?" he asked. He reached slowly out to her, but immediately, she scrambled away. Shaking her head, she curled up against the wall and began to shake.
Bardulf was afraid to approach, afraid to do anything for fear she would run. But he couldn't leave her out here in the cold. He couldn't leave her alone when she looked so vulnerable.
"Philippa, I am going to have Lynn come for you. She's a nice girl. She will help you inside."
Again, a shake of the head.
"Would you like to go by yourself?" he asked gently. He didn't like the idea, but would do anything to make her happy.
Another shake.
He sighed.
Several pairs of feet came from somewhere and belonged to several of Bardulf's men. They went to ask something when Philippa began to convulse.
Bardulf backed away quickly as his Philippa disappeared in moments and a black wolf with tufts of white on the chest stood in her spot. Yelping, she fell back into her bottom and sat on her tail. She jumped up and began circling herself, trying to catch the tail she injured, but only managed to trip over her paws. This time, she didn't get up, but whined helplessly.
Bardulf blinked, blinked again, then gaped. She was a wolf. Like him. Like Flik and Seth and the others. Philippa was reborn a beautiful wolf!
He stepped towards her, but she yelped and scrambled away. He gave her a small smile. "It's okay, My Sweet. You won't hurt me. Just let me look at you."
She whined, staring up at him with fearful eyes. He knelt right beside her and grinned. "This is why you don't want to come with us, isn't it?"
She scowled, but that was the best he could have hoped for since seeing her and fearing the worst.
"Okay, Philippa. Just calm down. No one else will come close. Just me and you can't hurt me. So, calm down. Relax. Stop worrying and feel your new body."
Tentatively, she inched closer. Bardulf didn't move, but smiled and sat back. Gaining confidence, Philippa moved until she was in his lap, eyes closed, and tongue hanging out. Bardulf petted her soft fur and admired her new form. Out of everything he was expecting when finding her, becoming a wolf wasn't one of them. He was joyful, of course, but he didn't know it was possible.
Philippa trembled, then became a human female again. Bardulf quickly swept her and the linen up and wrapped her as many times as it would allow, then stood and carried her inside.
However, Philippa began to struggle when they entered the castle. "Hush, My Sweet." Bardulf cradled her closer, kissing her gently. "I won't let you hurt anyone. Not even yourself."
While she stopped struggling, she was still stiff in his arms. She had begun to look around, take in her surroundings.
When they reached their chambers, Bardulf set her gently on the bed. "Do you want Lynn to help you bathe, or me?"
She blinked, then, slowly as if unsure, she wrapped her arms around him. Bardulf didn't ask twice. Carrying her to the bathroom, he set her down again and unwrapped her, then began some hot water.
She watched his movements, as if memorizing them. Bardulf wanted to do the same, but helped her into the tub and made sure she was secure. Almost instantly, her body relaxed. She closed her eyes and breathed out a long breath. Bardulf proceeded to wash her down, carefully and slowly, giving her time to stop him. But she didn't.
When she was clean, he dried her off and helped her into a nightgown. He went to pull away to prepare himself, however her arms tightened. "Philippa, can you tell me what you're afraid of?"
She shook her head, holding on tighter.
Bardulf held her a moment, then decided he would wash up once she was asleep.