[there's a hum of acknowledgement and agreement, before settling into the space. time eases by blissfully slowly, and he's almost dozing by the time the hisses start. they're enough to alert him to the coming need, and he leans into the kiss and brushes Basch's hair back, smiling softly.]

Don't apologise. Just take care of yourself, and I'll see you soon.

[a few days, nothing more. the howl pulls at his heartstrings, but he resists the urge to go find him. to go see him and protect him. Basch has lived this long, it'll be fine.

during the days, the priest returns to the village, keeping an eye on both monsters and the surroundings in case something should happen with the werewolf himself. nothing does, and it's good—in fact, it seems like there are fewer monsters altogether. but once he's done with his patrolling and picking up supplies, he returns to the cave to wait. he's just reading something when there's a sound near the entrance, a familiar voice seeing him perking up.]

You're back. [he's on his feet in an instant, sweeping steps bringing him up to the taller man and his eyes looking over him in plain concern. hands reach out to take one of his.] How are you feeling? Is there any residual pain?