Leslie raised his head as he heard movement nearby. He wondered if someone had snuck into the cove during the night. His settled upon the shadow that he could barely make out. But before he started growling he recognized the scent that was in the air.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF4000">Nyla.</span></span>Leslie's on edge posture instantly melted away, though once she was in the sunlight he could tell something was wrong. For one, she was a mess, as if she'd slept out here all night... she couldn't have though, could she? It gets terribly cold late at night, the poor girl would be freezing. Leslie looked up at Nyla as she limped towards him; another sign. He made a soft purr-like noise on contentment, but it soon faded with how upset and hurt the poor girl sounded. What could have happened to her that had scared her so much like this?<br/><br/>He protectively curled his warm fuzzy body around the young girl, his tail around them both.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF4000">Shh, shh, it's okay. Why are you crying, Nyla? Is something wrong?</span></span>His gaze then caught on the bruise on Nyla's face and it almost sounded like he made a gasping sound from shock. 'She's injured more than just a limp.'<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF4000">What happened, Nyla? You're hurt and bruised up. Did something attack you?</span></span>The leopard's gaze shifted from the visible bruises on her face, neck and arms. A low growl built in his throat.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF4000">Someone hit you. But who would do such a thing? I have seem marks like these on other humans, I have seen fights amongst shapeshifters. The bruises remain even after the fighting is over. But what happened to you?</span></span><br/><br/>Erika padded over towards her sibling, her eyes on Nyla. She too was worried for the younger girl's sake.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF0080">Is she badly hurt? Will she be alright?</span></span>Her pure white coat glistened in the sunlight like it was made from newly fallen snow, dotted with dark, shadowed spots. Her gentle silver-gray eyes were filled with worry. If an animal could feel such emotions, she did not know. But She and Leslie weren't just animals, their human sides still hungered and felt things that were impossible for normal animals to feel. The white leopard laid down beside Leslie, laying her head against Nyla gently, making a sound whining sound.<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF0080">Are you in pain, Nyla? Are you suffering from the bruises?</span></span><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #BF4000">I think she's had enough questioning. Don't bother her, you may upset her further.</span></span>