Well, that was surely that, Oskar thought, after Jane had adamantly come to her father’s defense.  Now more than ever, he felt worse for her.  Five years was a long time to be gone from home.  He couldn’t fathom the amount of worry and sadness she had experienced during those five years.  Whereabouts of her mother or his wife had yet to be mentioned by her.  Right now, that morsel was none of his business.  Perhaps somewhere down the line, after they had gotten to know each other better, he would ask that question.<br/><br/>What<i>was</i>his business, on the other hand, sat right there in front of him.  And the manner in which she came forward, head hanging, beseeching him for help only tugged on his heartstrings even more.  Oskar realized she had a knack for doing that: pulling on someone’s heartstrings.  He had to speculate if that might be another one of her<i>talents.</i><br/><br/>“Of course, I’ll help you,” he answered softly.  “I was saying just the same thing not all that long ago when I was searching for you.”  Oskar offered her as encouraging a smile as he could manage.  As reassurance, he so wished to scritch behind her ears, or her head.  But since he was unfamiliar with acceptable and unacceptable mannerisms in the wolf world, he instinctively held his hand where it was.<br/><br/>“Y’know, Jane, what I find really cool and awesome is that you are still able to communicate while in your wolf form.”  Oskar laughed with a twitch of his head, and then stated, “Cuz I can’t do that when I’ve shifted to a golden eagle.  I mean, I can understand what you’re saying, but I am unable to speak to you.”  Another chuckle later, and, “Unless of course, you understand<i>Skreee </i>or<i>Skreeeaagh.</i>”<br/><br/>A thought then brought itself to the forefront of his consciousness, and he felt like sharing.  “But I would bet a dozen of Grace’s scones that while in my eagle guise, I would be able to understand you telepathically.  Though I wonder if I could hear you while I’m flying around up there, and you’re down here.”  His eyes gestured skyward, as he wanted to be sure she understood what he meant.