Peony felt the urge to open her arms, but repressed it. She would offer comfort if it was wanted, but for now, she simply looked over the scholar with a gentle, approving smile. "She will be all right," she told the girl. The hare's instincts would see to it. And so will you, she did not say.
She did, after a moment, turn her hand towards the girl and lift it just a bit, just enough that Ridley would see and know that she was welcome to take it. She was not a mother, not even a sister, but this was a hard lesson, and she was the best the young girl had in this moment. "Take all the time you need."