This is a private RP between the herd members of the Healing Grove. The primary POV is Zenith with brief moments from Pandora, Andromeda, Ephemeris, Galux, Zodiac, and Centaurus. All are owned by Nayci.
-----
Early harvesting season was in full swing by the time Zenith finished eating and getting ready for the day. Already familiar and soquili alike were on the move in the crisp early morning air, the sun barely peaking over the mountains and through the morning cloud cover. Summer was quickly approaching, and everyone knew that if they didn’t move quick enough, they wouldn’t finish in time before whatever was left would wilt away and be wasted. This Zenith was well aware, having been taught all the tips and tricks to harvesting quickly and efficiently by his family. Pandora being the most prominent of his teachers. Despite being the leader of their herd, and having so many roles to fill, Zenith watched in awe as his aunt got down with the rest of them in the gardens to ensure that everything was pulled and stored for safe keeping. She never let her status keep her from supporting those below. Not that anyone viewed themselves and others as below her and the immediate family. It just wasn’t in their nature. Their was a healing herd, everyone was important.
“If you keep standing there doing nothing we’ll run out of time young one.”
Zenith blinked his mind back into the present, having found himself staring at the copious amounts of plants, herbs, and vegetation ready to be picked and set aside in the multitude of baskets the familiars of their herd had gathered or made if they had hands. The raccoon familiar who spoke to him was already pulling vegetation out of the ground and putting it into a small basket that was upon their back.
“Right, right. Sorry!” he quickly moved into the first row of herbs, using his paws to make quick but careful work around the plants, ensuring that nothing was damaged.
Having come into young adulthood some few months ago, this was the first year Zenith could really help out in the harvest. He had finally filled out and gotten past his gangly and uncoordinated teenage years. All the lessons taught to him came into the present as he pulled a nearby empty basket and began to fill it. Nearby, his uncle Ephemeris was coordinating with those who had filled their baskets, taking stock of what they had, and where it needed to go in order to be preserved. Many of which were being taken into nearby covered caverns in the hillside, safe from the elements like the sun that was starting to loom over them, heating the air as they worked. Already, Zenith could feel the changes in weather despite the coverage of the trees and other greenery. Summer was definitely coming within the days.
“You’re doing well this year,” Pandora’s voice broke the silence as she worked behind him in another row of herbs and mushrooms, “I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you, auntie,” Zenith answered in kind, “it feels like summer is coming sooner every year at this rate. Will we finish in time?”
Pandora briefly paused and looked upwards, a light breeze ruffling her mane, “I have faith in our friends and family. We’ll make it. Plus, with your father and Galux as additional support this year, we have some additional hooves and claws.”
Zenith hummed in agreement as they moved row to row. Healing herbs, healing food, minerals, and more. Everything was moving fast as him, his aunt, and others worked as a well oiled machine. Basket after basket moved with efficiency between Andromeda gliding through with multiple baskets in his claws to Galux having baskets hanging upon the multiple branches on his tree. Their mates were not far behind them, either ensuring that the baskets didn’t fall or carrying some themselves upon their backs. As for Centaurus and Zodiac, there were in the trenches with him and Pandora, harvesting and reading the baskets to be moved. Familiars who couldn’t help with the harvest, were supporting their herdmates in other ways. Some bringing water, others helping Ephemeris with taking stock of everything in the caverns as it came in.
Afternoon quickly came and went, and the sun with it, but between all of them in their various roles, the sun’s heat didn’t deter them. The impending sweltering heat of the coming days would be avoided and they could both enjoy what they accomplished over the prior months as well as help those who came to them for aid and needed it most. By the end of it, despite the sweat upon Zenith’s brow and body, he felt accomplished and proud of the work he and everyone did. There were a few bits left, but nothing that would cause concern or a lack of need as those still in the ground were hardier and could wait. As the sun dipped to the west, beginning to cast the warm glow of the sunset, everyone took a moment to relax and regroup, food and water being the primary focus.
“What is left, Ephemeris?”
“Not much in terms of the early harvest. A few strawberry plants left and other early fruits and vegetables, but nothing we can’t take care of before the summer starts.”
Zenith breathed a sigh of relief, “I’ll work with the others to get those completed tomorrow. We should only need a few hands.”
“Excellent, I’ll hold you to that Zenith.” With a nod of his head, Ephemeris made his way towards the south side of their grove with his mate, hushed words floating between them.
“How is everything with the summer plants? Do you need support there?” Pandora’s voice once again brought Zenith’s attention back to her.
“We may need some additional water support for the tomatoes and cucumbers, but nothing over the top.”
With a nod of her head, Pandora passed that task to Zodiac and his mate. Zenith did a full body stretch as he got up from his resting spot, his wings shaking to break the feathers apart so the wind could caress each individual quill and cool them. Looking at his family and those whom he cherished most, Zenith smiled to himself. They would be able to help so many soquili and familiars this year. Maybe even more than they had last year. Who knew, maybe even a kawani or two. The thought filled him with joy and a renewed sense of purpose. While he may not be the most adept in healing, he had found his purpose in gardening the things that would bring comfort and support to others.
And that, he felt, was priceless.
-FIN-
Word Count: 1085
