[ John has a lot of things he's bottled up since that mission in the jungle, since Olduvai. The dogs are pulling them out, every fear and insecurity and turning them back on him. It was bad when Korra found him -- actually, bad is an understatement. He'd been about ready to let three of the dogs try to kill him when Korra found him.

He's only doing better now because he hasn't run into any in that high of a number yet.

There's no reply until much later, when he's slowed his horse to rest again; the beast is not enjoying this anymore than its rider is. There's an awkward grimace stuck on his face as he replies. ]

I saw. I'm on my way to Redgate; I'll let the people there know. If you can spread the word around Caer Glaem, I'd appreciate it.

[ The rest- no. No, he's not all right. ]

I hate this shit, [ he breathes, not really meaning to say it outloud. ] And Thranduil- well, he doesn't want me at Redgate. He's probably right. But I can't just...

[ One hand comes up, rubs at his face. Fuck, fuck, fuck and damn. ]

I don't know. Head's not clear. Don't think it will be until these mutts are dealt with. And I accidentally hung up on him; horse took off and then I had to bury one of the things under a small mountain of boulders.