It didn't escape Asher's notice that Verissa struggled to rise, but he didn't stare at her openly. Verissa would find that in a crowded Kvaren camp where the language was partly visual, staring wasn't just rude, it could be considered eaves-dropping as well, so the people had an indirect way of observing each other that relied on subtlety and averted eyes. Unfortunately it could come across as deliberately ignoring her.

[color=707070]"There, good!"[/color] he praised the dogs when Verissa finally released them to eat, wiping the grease from his fingers to his pants, watching them scarf down the fresh bacon as their Mistress heaved herself up off her bedroll. The more Asher watched them, the more impressed he became by their stoic loyalty to Verissa, especially because they seemed younger than he had first thought.

Asher was resting on one knee to attempt bribing the ridgebacks, but now rose and looked down as he considered Verissa thoughtfully. [color=707070]"Give me your hands,"[/color] he requested firmly, and lifted his own to take them if she didn't offer them readily. He said it in Kvaren first, and then repeated himself in accented Common. It was habit he fell into from then on, letting his slave learn the words and the signs.

[color=707070]"I am used to cooking my own breakfast, Verissa, there is no need to say sorry. If I want something from you, I will ask,"[/color] he promised solemnly, unlocking her manacles one at a time and letting them fall back to the post with a metallic clatter. [color=707070]"And if there is something you need..."[/color]

[color=707070]"You said last night that my dressings will need to be changed. When that is done, you will go to the Healer's Tent to learn from Shenzi. It is good that you are skilled with medicine, for both of us."[/color] He smiled briefly, but it was gone in an instant as though he wasn't sure he was doing the expression correctly. 

[color=707070]"And then tonight you will help me with supper to save time. The Thunderfang camp is going to be moving in a few days so we have to pack."[/color] He lifted his hand to his chin, scratching his fingers through his long stubble, the thought of all the work he had to do making him feel exhausted already, especially with the deep ache in his neck and shoulder.

[color=707070]"But first, breakfast. Go, take your dogs out. Just..."[/color] he held his breath for a moment, steeling himself for unpleasant words, [color=707070]"I'll only warn you one time. Do not try to run away. You are too far from Ebonfort lands to make it back without getting caught."[/color] His tone was stern, but rather than threatening he seemed almost...pleading. He lifted his hand again, wanting to cup Verissa's chin with his thumb and forefinger to lift her face so that he could see her eyes, but he faltered at the last moment and settled for running the backs of his fingers down a lock of golden hair framing her face.

Asher turned back to the stove to tend the pancakes, flipping the first three onto a plate with his spatula and pouring batter for several more, sprinkling them with cinnamon while they cooked.