"Quite bad I am afraid," she said, huffing. "Poor boy got arrows stuck in his nostril, they did a number on his legs also, and what's above them. Gods... afraid I can't share much with you. It is too gruesome you may lose your appetite. I have done all I can: all pellars, doctors, and herbalists I could find have been summoned to fix my lovely Ted. His recovery also put a lot of burden on my Dear Olga. We employ only a handful of staff, you see."

The bodyguard snorted, not sparing Cedar another glance. [b]"No task is too big, Mistress! You can count on me."
[/b]

"That's my girl..."

Stritzel smiled, so triumphant and smug her dusted cheeks constricted like dried prunes. The bait has been reeled and Cedar's body language seemed to show that the beast-man was interested to know more. However she was also tacit enough to understand when to halt her advance, to buy her time, there was no need to rush. She retreated her hand, glancing intently at Cedar as she stood up from her chair.  

"Be a dear and visit me when you have time, I will introduce you to my Ted." She winked, fidgeting to raise her hand for Cedar to kiss. But then whirled and leave.