Bess had long since gotten used to the sight of blood in her work as a healer, and the sight of such on his sword didn't bother her in a discomforting way. But she did wonder of the nature of the mission he had been on - did fighting and killing ever bother him? She half-wished he would share such thoughts with her if it ever left a mark on his heart, but she knew his work was always for justice, not for sport.
"I'm glad." She said, happy that at least her skills as a physician could aid him. Bess set the crushed herbs down upon the table, studying him in a scrutinizing silence for a few moments. She drew her knee up and rested her chin there, shoulders drawn close. Upon his return, she had neglected to inform him that her mentor had recently fallen ill with the Gray Death, which now left her in charge for the time being. It was a heavy burden to bear because the sickness seemed to be unrelenting, but it was a problem she had to deal with.
"Do you remember Cai?" Bess began, still watching him carefully should his wound trouble him - She was quiet vigilant when it came to matters like this. She clasped her hands together and twisted them before quietly continuing, "The town physician? He's fallen ill while you were away. I've done all I can for him, but I am worried." She paused yet again, idly settling her fingers back on her lap, "I've decided to work in his stead, at least until he is well again." Bess hated that Garric had to be welcomed home with news such as this, but she supposed it was best to get it out into the open rather than avoid the subject all together. She herself had little hope that Cai would be well again unless the knights that had gone off to neighboring kingdoms returned with a cure, but as always she would hope for a miracle. Bess was used to being able to fix all maladies - But this was one she couldn't seem to remedy all on her own.