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That small burst of laughter made Herryk feel better. He did not like to see anyone feel upset or nervous, and if he could do anything to make someone feel better, he was going to do his best to try. As they continued walking, Herryk listened to her words about the botanist in the maul. He would certainly have to visit there, especially if the need ever arose to purchase Freya another gift -- if she liked the flowers that he brought her, at least.

Herryk's thoughts turned once more to the recent battle in the clearing. As they'd followed the cloaked figure deeper into the forest, the plants around the man had wilted. For a brief moment, Herryk gave pause. Perhaps Tset might have some insight on such a thing? If not, perhaps she would know who to ask? It had been bizarre, and though Herryk hadn't followed the scythe-toting figure, he had seen the plantlife near the man wither away and die as he'd forged his way further into the woods.

When Tset spoke again, Herryk gave a terse nod. "Yes. Herryk has been sparring often. His choice in sparring partners has not been so good. Herryk has a way of only finding upperclassmen to spar with, and so Herryk's track record is not ... something to be proud of." Those broad shoulders lifted in a shrug and a guileless grin spread over his face. "It does not matter. What does not kill us makes us stronger, and if it does kill us... well, we can only come back with more determination so that it does not happen again? This is how Herryk thinks, at least."

Herryk tapped a finger against his chin as he sent Tset a sideways glance.

"This is a thing worth protecting," he said quietly, looking thoughtful. "There are many small things that are worth protecting, things that are just as important as the ones we care for. Our family, our friends, our loved ones." The draugr cleared his throat before speaking again. "Herryk does not like sparring with ghouls," he said quietly, "but if Tset ever needed someone with which to fight, Herryk would be happy to be her punching bag?" It was an honest offer -- and it would help Herryk get over his fear of sparring with ghouls. "If not Herryk, then perhaps Freya?" That last phrase was tossed out as a suggestion -- where Tset seemed quiet, Freya was far more bold. Perhaps they would even become friends? That thought brought a smile to Herryk's face.

As they moved deeper into the forest, Herryk grew more alert. If anything were to attack them, Herryk would feel personally responsible for any harm that came to Tset. After all, it was his suggestion that they explore the depths of the forest. Because of this, he was his duty to look after the ghoul. When the poludnica perked and moved quickly in the direction of a log, Herryk followed with lengthy strides.

"Freya has blue eyes," he said quietly as he approached, a smile breaking over his face. "This is a lovely plant, yes? What is it called?" He reached out a broad hand to brush a finger against a single petal. It was soft to the touch.

The smile faded as his thoughts turned once more to the scythe-wielder and the way the plants had shriveled in his wake. With a concerned expression, Herryk peered at Tset.

"In the recent fight with the hunters, there was a man. His weapon was a glowing scythe -- and where the man went, the plants died." Herryk's gaze moved once more to the flower that Tset had found. "Does Tset know why such a thing would happen? It struck Herryk as very curious." The draugr fell silent once more, his brow creased with worry.

Herryk had not been expecting the flower to burst into action, and he watched the spindles squirm into action. It was an intriguing thing to watch happen, and Herryk leaned close to peer at them. They writhed excitedly for a brief moment before slowly retracting. Herryk was instantly sold on the prospect of bringing home enough of the blooms to fill a pot.

"Freya once had a spider that she found in her room. This spider? Freya named it Benji." He gently ran a finger down one of the petals of the plant. The vivid purple was very pleasing to Herryk's eyes, and he only hoped that Freya enjoyed the plant as much as he did.

"Enough for... hmm. Three pots?" He sent Tset a sideways glance, hoping that she thought this acceptable. "Small pots, nothing too large." He tapped his chin with a finger as he mulled over her last words.

"Yes, Tset. It is very upsetting. Even more upsetting? On the last field trip these hunters were capturing students and keeping them in cages." He shook his head and gave her a stern look. "Tset must promise to be careful."