Melanie
"Mostly yes. I did leave of my own accord.." *Well she is a Kitsune. She'll love to be up to 1000 years old. And she wouldn't be here if she was his age. She's currently 112. So around 4 times his age yes. Though she appears 25. Maybe a bit older from her current state. And to Kitsunes age literally is just a number. As long as it's you know not creepy. Like they have to be fully grown for it to not be creepy.* "Uhh.. We were a fairly art-centered and kind of cut off tribe. Tended to keep mostly to ourselves and traditions."
Catherine
"Hmm... Okay, I'm guessing you know some art skills then?"

*If Yukiko said yes to this, that meant that the inkling of an idea that Alexi had forming would be able to be thought harder upon to farm a plan of sorts for her to get on her feet. He wasn't going to take control though, just little nudges here and there given that he is allowed to help in such a way. Now as for Alexi's origin, he was from a small farming village that he had but only recently left which was of course his own decision... Especially when farming wasn't really something he enjoyed or wanted to be stuck doing*

"I come from a small farming village, decided to leave it last year a little after my 26th birthday... Prolly one of my better decisions"
Melanie
"I love art yes. Especially sculpting. That's my forte. Though all I've really been able to do is carving of wood since I don't have the proper tools really.." *Shed say softly, looking up at him and into his face, wincing a tiny bit as her stomach growls painfully. She just ignores it though and says.* "If you don't enjoy farming then yes.. Leave. Go pursue your dreams."
Catherine
"Don't worry, I am. As for you though, I think it's best we get some food now"

*Alexi spoke this has he hailed over a waiter that wasn't really tending to any of the already tended to tables. He gave his order which was a simple bowl of stew, something that should cost a few silver at best. He switched his mind back to Yukiko's love for art just as the waiter switched his indifferent gaze over to her frail frame and waited for her to make an order. Alexi was happy to hear that she liked art and could sculpt wood, it meant a potential career for her once she gets the tools that she needs... He didn't know what these tools were of course but he was interested for sure.*

"As for your love of arts... Have you tried making money off of it?"
Melanie
*Shed simply just order the same thing. Not really sure what to do totally with herself right now. She's not that good at this stuff. Haven't spent years on the streets. This is a very rare occurrence. Once the waiter leaves and he asks his question she would gently brush her hair out of her face again, her ears flicking as a crash comes from the kitchen. Just normal stuff. She would say.* "I used too... Not anymore though. Since I was thrown onto the streets it's been hard. Since I can't afford anything to carve with or to carve."
Catherine
"Well, would you like some help in that? I may be able to assist you in getting back into that if you want"

*Alexi had a decent amount of savings to spend, enough to get him through potential tough times of course. He also has a stable income which was something that he relied on greatly. Speaking of such, he would have to go to a nearby bank and pick up his earned money seeing as finding a cartographer like him in the middle nowhere would be a bit tough of course. That's besides the point, he was set on giving assistance in whatever way he can and he was now making it known.*
Melanie
*Shed shrug a bit. She's not going to ask that of him. She's not going to ask anything of anyone really. She doesn't want to be a nuisance she's just trying to survive really without getting in anyone's way. Her only income is her begging. Which is barely any. Though a main source of food for her is hunting animals and such and water is one of the few problems she doesn't have as she can just drink from the river. Though she's had no energy or luck recently to hunt.*
Catherine
"Well, you think on that. For now, the best I can do is give you enough money for a few nights at an Inn... Maybe six nights could work for you?"

*Alexi definitely didn't see her as a nuisance, instead he saw her as someone down on their luck that needs a bit of help to get up and running again. Seeing as he also has quite a bit of time on his hands, he saw it fit that offering assistance wouldn't hurt. He also had a few ideas to at least increase the literally poor woman's quality of life, but he could suggest them after eating. Speaking of which, the waiter came and dropped off their food in front of them before heading off again*

"I mean I may be a little bit pushy on this and all... But I'd rather not see someone like you live like this... It's truly disheartening"
Melanie
"No you don't have too. I live fine on the streets. I think I'd actually prefer that over staying in an inn.." *Shed say softly, looking at him. Examining his face. Once the food arrives she quickly starts eating. Eating as slowly as she can force herself to to avoid becoming sick on it. She's starving.*
Catherine
"Oh... Are you sure?"

*Alexi was definitely confused by this statement, how could someone enjoy the cold hard streets more than the comfortable beds that were in the Inns... It just didn't process well with the Okamimi. He did start eating though, something he had to limit himself on when going on trips due to having a very limited supply of food. That wasn't the case now though, he was in a nice Tavern and that was what counted*

"I mean if you want to live on the streets then I guess that's okay..."
Melanie
"I mean yes I want off the streets but I don't really trust myself to take care of myself in an environment like that without help. Also I don't want to take your money like that. You need your own money." *Shes just not at all wanting to impose or seem helpless. But yes she hates it on the streets but she just doesn't want to stay In an inn like that..*
Catherine
*Alexi let out a small sigh as he knew what his next suggestion would be, it would be a little off considering that they were strangers but if Yukiko felt that she needed help in such an environment then he would be the one to at least offer. He of course wasn't going to spend all his funds in her, just an amount that would be fit in getting someone off the streets... Which may be a bit of money* 

"Okay, I know this may be a bit of an odd offer but it's one that might help you. How about you stick around with me, I can help you with all that you need in such an environment as well as assisting in getting you back on your feet. Like I said, it's just an offer and nothing you to agree to"
Melanie
*She was half expecting this offer but was still left unsure of what to say, still eating slowly, already feeling better from the food. She would tilt her head a bit and look down at the table and say.* "I.. Don't know really.."
Catherine
"That's perfectly okay, please just think on it a little..."

*Alexi definitely felt like he was overstepping his bounds a little bit but he just had this drive to help her, like it felt right to do so... Maybe something was wrong with him? He didn't know and he had no way to really find out, bottom line was that he was more than willing to help which has been going through his mind so much. He did divert his attention to his food to take a few bites to refuel himself, it was then when he truly noticed the rabbit. It was a cute little thing that looked a little better fed than it's owner, it was a little expected though* 

"Anyways, your Rabbit. Mind telling me a bit about him?...Or her? I can't tell which it is from here"
Melanie
*Shed just be sitting there petting the rabbit, trying to think of what she should do. She doesn't know.. Should she allow him to help or not? Her initial response is instantly no. Though... Should it be..? He seems at least semi trustworthy and like he genuinely wants to help. But should she accept it..?* "Him. His name is Akito. He's been my soul companion for most of the time I've been on the streets.."
Catherine
"Well he looks fairly healthy for being on the streets, which is good of course"

*It was odd that Akito was in a better state than his owner, Seeing that Yukiko was essentially starving and such. It did show that she was responsible enough to care for something else despite dire circumstances, this was good in Alexi's book of course. He did have to wonder what the other's definitive decision on his offer would be though, he wasn't going to bring it up further though seeing as pushing would be a little rude of him* 

"Akito looks like a nice companion to have in such a situation as yours... You are lucky to have him in my eyes"
Melanie
*Shed nod slowly and would say.* "Yeah.. I take better care of him than myself. Granted that's easy since he can eat grass and such but yeah.." *Anyway he's more important to her than herself really by now. And supplying him with good is much easier than it is to supply herself.* "I am.. I mean he keeps me company and he's warm and soft so."
Catherine
"Well, be sure to care for yourself as well because if you end up perishing due to focusing on him a bit too much... Who would end up taking care of him?"

*This of course was a rhetorical question to Yukiko to hopefully elicit a thought on self preservation, not for herself but just so she could take care of something that she cares about... It was a dirty tactic, but he could tell that she put herself last in things that mattered which just wouldn't do in Alexi's book* 

"But yeah, animal companions are good things... They are always reliable in my opinion"
Melanie
*Shed sigh and shrug softly. Yes it was a dirty tactic and yes she doesn't care much for himself. Evil, but caring thing to do yes.* "I guess.. But I mean he'll be fine. He can take care of himself.. And yes they are. Their not going to betray you or manipulate you or anything.."
Catherine
"Yeah... I can tell you that I've never had an animal try and rob me... Can't say the same about others though"

*Alexi was attempting to brink a little bit of light hearted humor into their conversation as he waited for an answer on his offer from earlier. He truthfully felt no need to do any wrongs on Yukiko, he wasn't the kind of person to do such a thing without a sound motive, something he didn't have and prolly won't have* 

"But that happened days ago, not much I can do about it if I'm to be honest"
Melanie
"Someone robbed you? What happened?" *Shed ask, looking at him, mainly just curious. She's literally incapable of trusting him right now but she does feel a slight pant of worry. Though she doesn't really know why.*
Catherine
"I was almost robbed, not actually. What happened was I was surveying an area so I could draw up a map of it, it's something I profit on after all, but while I was looking around this human came out of nowhere and held a knife to my neck and demanded everything I had. I of course tried to fight back but ended up having a magic spear thing shot at me, I was on the ground after that due to a botched dodging attempt. The only reason I still have my stuff is that I lied about having anything at all... Can't say I'm proud of it but at least I'm still alive"

*Alexi spoke with complete and utter honesty as he recounted the events, he had no reason to lie about such an odd and scary event after all. He was still insanely lucky have have spoke his way out of such a situation, it was a last ditch attempt then just so he didn't lose his stuff or even his life and it did work which let him live to this day* 

"I'm still surprised that he didn't kill me then and there when I was on the ground though... It was the perfect time to do such a thing after all"
Melanie
*Shed tilt her head and nod a bit, her ears tilting forwards. Listening intently. She would nod slowly and say.* "Well... Thankfully he bought the lie. I'm surprised he did to be honest. But good that he did I guess.." *The only real thing she has of worth on her is her dagger. Which is hidden from view somewhere on her person.*
Catherine
"Yeah... Have you had anything of the sorts happen to you?"

*Alexi asked this out of curiosity of course. He didn't want to really pry too much but he also wanted to learn a bit more about Yukiko as well, he had to make a balance of sorts. Alexi also briefly thought back on how he needed to figure out how to improve his physical condition and combat prowess just so he could properly defend himself, he may have had two daggers that he knew how to use but he couldn't just rely on them all the time... He could focus on those things when he wasn't talking with someone else though*
Melanie
"A handful of times I've had my coin containers stolen from me and there's not that much I can do." *She just needs to improve her physical condition in general. She's very thin. Malnourished. And weak. Though alive at least. And capable of moving. Others can't say the same.*
Catherine
"I can see that happening... It's a sad thing that people do such things to others, can't really be helped by one person though"

*A perfect world for Alexi would be where everyone helps each other out with no questions asked, not where others take advantage of the less powerful. It wasn't like he could make a change in this though, he truthfully wasn't all to strong himself due to his own reasons... All he could hope for was a better world* 

"Maybe if people are brought together under a single cause then maybe it could be helped... But I can't see that happening"
Melanie
"I can't either. That's not really going to happen sadly. I wish though..." *Shes say slowly, looking Down at the wooden grain of the table and sighing quietly. Thinking.*
Catherine
"That's prolly the best we can do at this point..."
*Alexi spoke before falling silent, he too was letting his mind drift off and let his thoughts run a little more wild... Thinking as they call it. What he was thinking about was getting a drink or two for the both of them, he wasn't planning on alcohol though as that would be unnecessary. He did have to wonder what the did serve here in terms of drinks though* 
"Would you like a drink or something? Like water or something else of the sorts?"
Melanie
*Shed just sit back a little, watching him and watching him think and tilting her head a bit and thinking a bit herself and then saying.* "No. I'm fine thank you."
Catherine
"Okay, if you wat some later just say so though"

*Alexi shrugged the declination off like it was nothing because that was exactly what it was. He really couldn't think of anything else to really bring up or ask of Yukiko because she seemed to be pretty closed off, something that he couldn't really denounce due to her current situation and all that. Alexi had also looked out a nearby window and noticed that it was getting fairly dark, a good sign that it was near time for him to find an Inn to rest in... He did worry about what Yukiko would do though, would she accept his offer?*

"Well, I think it's about time that I call it a night and head to an inn, don't want to stay here too long. You are welcome to tag along for the night if you want someplace warm to sleep if you want as well"
Melanie
*Shed nod a bit but she's fine. And yes she's closed off and with reason. Stuck in an abusive relationship for years before being thrown out with nothing. She's not the most trusting of person and has no reason to trust him. Or anyone else really. So many people have hurt her. Why does she have reason to trust? So thus she made a decision based purely on lack of trust and not need at all and said.*
"I'm fine thank you though..."
Catherine
"Yeah... No need to mention it"

*Alexi was a little disappointed to say the least when Yukiko denied his offer, he couldn't exactly blame her though because he knew nothing of her past which was something that he respected as being part of her privacy. He didn't waste no time hanging around though, he said he was heading out so that's what he intended to do as he stood up, pushed in his chair, and made his way to the door*

"If you need anything, try and find me... I'll be at a nearby inn for a little bit after all"
Melanie
*Shed stand up and walk with him. Not wanting to be in here alone. She would nod. She felt a bit tempted to go with him. As in she hasn't had human company in forever and wants to trust and spend time with people but sees no way for herself too and struggles to do so. So shes just left unsure what to do..*
Catherine
*At this state Alexi looked nothing human, he hadn't really bothered with concealing his wolf-like ears and tail which had probably made it known to everyone around him that he was an Okamimi. This wasn't what was odd to him though, what was odd was that Yukiko followed after him... Did this mean something or was she also ready to leave as well? He couldn't be too sure so he decided to just keep cool and try and figure it out*
"Is there any place you'd like me to take you to before I depart?"
Melanie
*She has no issue with this. She makes absolutely no effort to hide her white and red ears and her three white and red tails. She has no care to conceal them. She likes them if anything. And Is happy with them. And she's just trying to leave really.. Shed tilt her head a bit and say.* 
"No.. It's fine thank you.."
*She seems a little bit unsure of her decision to leave but says nothing about it and gives little sign of it.*
Catherine
"Okay, I'll be off then"
*And with that Alexi started walking away, not too fast that mad it seem like he wanted to get away from her though, just a leisurely walk towards the closest inn. He frankly wished that she had agreed to his offer, but that was only him and there wasn't much that he could do to possibly sway her mind... He wasn't one to try and change one's decision after all. This is why he walked on without looking back*
Melanie
*Shed sigh quietly and would walk off into the streets, looking up at the dark and gray sky. It's probably going to be a rough night. Though she's had worse. So hopefully she'll live. With a stomach full of hot food especially.. And she debates her own decision. Though soon drops it. She has no reason to debate it. It's over and done.*
Catherine
*Soon enough Alexi reached the inn and entered, wasting no time in heading to the counter to rent out a room for the night. He was in an urban area so when the innkeeper told that the price was 18 copper for the night he expected it and paid the due amount before taking the keys when they were handed to him and made his way to the room*

*Once he was in his room, he locked the door and slide off his coat before immediately getting to bed, he had just only got to the city just today after a long journey here so he had to recoup his energy for the next day ahead and whatever it held for him. Sleep had come easy for him that night*
Melanie
*It was much harder for her through the night. As expected. The gray clouds released their promise and started to pour during the night. Dropping temperature even more and leaving her looking for shelter. She hardly finds any and is soaked and absolutely freezing in the morning after a near sleepless night. Apart from the few times she might have lost consciousness. It's rough and dangerous. But she and her rabbit somehow do manage to survive.*
Catherine
*The morning had come and it wasn't all to great, Alexi woke to the bleak light that came through the inn room's windows. He could also feel that the temperature had dropped a little due to his room being a little colder then it was the night before, this of course made him get up a little quicker than usual because he had a few things that he wanted to check on. This of course meant that he had left the room, returned the key, and left the inn in a relatively quick manner. The first thing he noticed upon stepping outside was that the air was slightly more humid than it was the day before, this telling him that it rained during the night... This worried Alexi more than usual because his mind was still on the wellbeing of Yukiko, he didn't know where she was so he just started walking around to hopefully come across her and make sure that she was okay.*
Melanie
*It would still be gray and depressing and drizzling just a bit as he walks outside. And cold. Very cold. And after a bit of walking he would come across her, lying curled up under an awning that she found and wasn't kicked out of. Yet. Still near soaked and shivering uncontrollably from the cold and wetness of her clothes. Half asleep or unconscious just lying there. People ignoring her as they walk by.*
Catherine
*Alexi was momentarily relieved to have found Yukiko when he passed by a small awning by the side of the main cobblestone road of the city. This relief was soon washed away by the terrible wet shivering sight that was the kitsune, it wasn't something that he could just let happen and try and talk to her about it. No, it was too cold for such a thing so he walked over to Yukiko and knelt down beside her, just close enough to hear what he was about to say*

"I'm sorry for this but I can't just let you lie here"

*And with that he began to scoop her and her rabbit up into his arms, he really did hope that he didn't protest because that would make getting her to an inn harder than he would like*
Melanie
*Shed barely notice him kneel down beside her at all. Too near unconscious and just out of this world. Just curled up in the ground. Shivering uncontrollably. Once he picks her up her eyes would flutter open and shed struggle a bit for a moment before her head lolls a bit and she sinks back into unconsciousness. Just lying in his arms shivering uncontrollably and allowing it. Since she doesn't haven't much of a choice really.*
Catherine
*Alexi persevered through the struggling that Yukiko put up until she descended back into unconsciousness, though it being easier moving her in this state it was oddly suspicious. Alexi chose not to mind this though as he made haste on making his way back to the inn, the sound of his feet pittering and pattering in the small puddles upon the ground as he jogged back to the inn*

*Once he was in the building, he immediately requested a room with some sort of fireplace and somehow managed to pull out two silver to pay for it, he let the innkeeper keep the extra two copper this time around. He also took the key whilst handling Yukiko and rushed to the room so he could lay her down in a bed and get her all tucked in so she could warm up. Once he reached the room, he opened the door and went, immediately setting Yukiko down on the bed before turning back to shut the door, he didn't bother to lock it.*
Melanie
*Once he gets her into the bed and warmth, she just continues to lie there shivering. She's absolutely freezing even to the touch. Not having warm clothes and being stuck in the near-freezing rain all last light. She's cold and sickly. Her rabbit is mostly fine though. It soon warms up and just sits next to her as she lies there in unconsciousness, still freezing and not really warming up.*
Catherine
*Alexi let her lay there for the moment as he went to build and light a fire in the fireplace that was thankfully in the room, things may go better with a source of heat that he could set her by so she can warm up easier. It only took a few moments to get a decent flame built up but every second was one that Yukiko spent freezing and he frankly was intent on not having that happen so he moved her close to the fire once it was best he do so*
Melanie
*She would allow herself to be moved closer to the flames. Granted yet again not having much of a choice. The rabbit follows her. Wanting to stay close to her. She would instinctively curl up near the flames, pulling her legs up against her in an effort to try to conserve the little body heat she has. She's still frozen to the core.*
Catherine
*There wasn't much Alexi could do at this point but let Yukiko lay and warm up by the fire, he did sit near her to keep an eye on her condition though, it would be downright irresponsible of him if he didn't. He couldn't help but feel a little bit of genuine worry for the kitsune, sure he cared for most strangers and wanted all people to live comfortably... But this was a bit different, like she mattered a bit more than all the others that he had tried to help. He shook this from his mind though as he gazed down to the still shivering Yukiko, a small worried frown still upon his face*
Melanie
*Shed just lie there still half unconscious, muttering softly and incoherently every once in a while shivering badly still. Shes frozen to the core and is pale and has deep circles under her eyes.*
Catherine
*Yukiko was a sorry sight for sure, the more Alexi looked over her form to judge her condition, the more he just felt sad and sorry for her. He didn't move closer or even think of laying a finger on her though because he didn't want to violate her privacy more than he had already did when he carried her to the room, even with that he didn't care if she got mad, at least she would be alive by then*

"Hey Yukiko... Hang in there okay?"
Melanie
*Shed murmur softly in response and incoherently, her shivering having died down maybe a tiny bit. Shes still sickly and ill but it looks as if she will hopefully live. Unless something comes up. Chances are it wont though. It would take a while and possibly be bad for her health if it takes too long.*
Catherine
*There was almost nothing that Alexi could do to speed up the process of her warming up, he had no heat magic and he sure as well wasn't going to get closer. All he could to is watch and hope that the fire is enough to help and warm her up through and through, this was probably the only time that he's put so much faith in a fire if he was to be honest, he truly wanted Yukiko to recover from this literal cold she had*
Melanie
*Well theres not much she could do if he wanted to try to help more. Shes half unconscious and frozen to the core. And she would understand. Probably. She knew how close to death she was before she fell into unconsciousness. Though she also may not understand. Its up to him really... See what happens. Either risk her heath or her anger upon him. Either or.*
Catherine
""I'm sorry for this but I just want to make sure that you'll be okay..."

*Alexi let out a sign as he saw that this simply wasn't going to work, he really didn't want to move Yukiko more than he needed to, but if she were to live to see another day he'd have to swallow his pride and give another source of heat that she could use. To do this, Alexi scooted closer to the fire before scooping up the freezing kitsune in his arms and just holding her close. She was absolutely freezing to the touch but he cared not for that, he was determined to get the chill to go away after all*
Melanie
*He could feel her physically shivering as he does this. She's frozen to the touch but she seems to shift slightly into the warmth of him simply by reaction to it. Shes so cold.. But she starts to warm up a bit more from the closeness. A little quicker. Quick enough for it to be safer for her and allow her to hopefully live.*
Catherine
*Alexi could feel Yukiko warm up just a bit whilst she was in his arms, she was still absolutely freezing which was growing more and more uncomfortable for him but he didn't let go... He just held on and let her take the heat from his body just so she could return to normalcy. Frankly this is a complete first for Alexi, not being this close to someone but instead going this far to help them, especially when they are a near stranger, he just could really watch her suffer like this so he had to take action, and that is what he did*
Melanie
*Shed shiver consistently still but is slowly warming up, after 10 min or so she stops shivering enough to be safe. Still close to him and unconscious though. Muttering softly and her head lolling into him gently. Luckily she doesnt know whats going on right now. She wouldn't really know how to react..*
Catherine
*With the shivering stopping came a huge sigh of relief from Alexi, it meant that she was slowly but surely getting better. What Alexi dreaded though was her reaction to this, from his experience, women really didn't like being held out of nowhere by strangers... And that is exactly what was happening, at least she was alive though, that's what matters*
Melanie
*And with that thought, she would shift softly, her eyelids twitching and her red eyes opening, looking up into his face, glassy and unfocused and wondering where the hell is she. Whats going on.. And she looks around, her eyes focusing as she realizes shes in an inn. And looking up she then sees Alexi and a red hue takes to her face.*
Catherine
*Alexi looked down to Yukiko to see her eyes open and her face red, it wasn't exactly the reaction he was expecting but it was better then being slapped. He was super relieved that she was awake and responsive now though, it meant that she was okay and will be okay... It was a recovery in his eyes for sure*

"Welcome back Yukiko... How do you feel?"
Melanie
*Even if she wanted to slap him she was too weak to do so. She would attempt to sit up and fail. She's too sore. To weak. And still very cold. Though not dangerously so anymore. She's just scared. Untrusting. And needs an explanation of why she's here and what happened.*
Catherine
"Hey please be careful, you just about froze to death you know"

*Alexi spoke with a tone so serious that it would be impossible to mistake it as lying, he wouldn't lie to her in such a dire situation after all. He also assisted the kitsune in sitting up before going to explain what had happened... He felt that she had the right to know such a thing*

"You were freezing out there in the rain, drenched in water and ice cold to the touch... Had I not found you, you probably would have died..."
Melanie
*Well. She can't really sit up. She's exhausted and weak and sore still. So all she can do is just sit in his arms even if she's not unhappy with it. And apart from feeling cold and ill she feels fine. Like he hasn't done anything to her. So. Whatever. She just has to trust him as she stays against him, shivering slightly still. She nods slowly and says softly.* "Yes.. I know.. Thank you. I guess.."
Catherine
"Yeah it's okay... Just please take care of yourself better okay?"

*Alexi had loosened his grip on Yukiko just enough to help make her comfortable whilst she recovered, it was probably best that she was moved to the bed seeing as she prolly didn't like being so close to him. Instead of just picking her up without any thought, Alexi decided to ask if she wanted to be moved first*

"Hey, do you want to be moved to the bed? It's probably more comfortable than there on the floor"
Melanie
"It's just hard.." *Shed say softly in response. She's honestly fine lying on the floor. She's very on much worse surfaces. And she's iffy about being close to him.. Like as stated before she does want company and someone to talk to and spend time with but she just has such a hard time talking to people so she would just shrug in response. She doesn't know what to do.*
Catherine
*The response that Yukiko gave kind of confused Alexi a little because it didn't exactly answer either of his questions, he let it go though and just sat without really changing positions. He wasn't sure what he was to do about her, she obviously couldn't exactly take care of herself because she just about died... Yet she was also reluctant to accept help as well... Was she like suicidal or something? Alexi wasn't too sure but he did know that she wasn't going back out till she was fully recovered*