The barrens were always a place of caution. Where the sands and cracked lands resisted much against the magics that spread from Homewood and those whom sought to heal. But this place was home to two Nouls. A tall light grey on bay buck whom almost towered over a somewhat smaller black doe. They were an odd pair, the doe searched for landmarks to make down on parchment. While the buck watched their backs and carried many supplies from water and food to a few assorted herbs that were used for healing purposes. While these herbs were kind of null as the Doe was acquainted with the gift of healing. Old habits died hard even after all this time. "So much sand, its a wonder it doesn't cover the whole of Homewood." Sicily said as she paused to give a glance around.
"If is gets any worse then this, it just might over take something." came the reply from the buck.
Turning her head towards him, she could only stare before laughing. While the buck was always the serious one, he did have a sense of humor... Even if she was bad at cathing it, though some things he said were funny no matter what they were.
"Of course. And what does Bluebell think of the whole matter? Since the rescue mission, she seems to have fallen silent for the most part." She glanced at the grey Jack Hop that was perched on the buck's back.
"I just hate the heat and sand when it gets between my toes." Was all she said shaking her head, she had pulled a corner of the shelter bundle up to hide from the imposing sun above. "Hopefully we can find a good place to bed down for the night, away from the most of the sands."
The mention of finding a suitable camp was something neither Noul had considered. The buck glanced upwards towards the sun. It was about midday and there was still a good deal of time to find something. "We'll find something. Might have to make our way back towards Homewood. Some supplies are starting to run out, water mostly."
The Jack Hop shifted slightly on the buck's back to pull the cover off the basket. A couple of the jugs there were indeed empty. They rationed water for a few days before having to return to Homewood and resupply. While Sicily insisted that she carried something, she hated just walking beside the Buck like an ornament. She had traveled with Wanderlust for Vykeli's sake. She was well versed in supplies and the handling of them. She wasn't a meek doe like some in Homewood. The Barrens were her home as much as his.
"Perhaps if we do return, I can find someone to get a couple baskets Or bags from so that I can help carry things. And don't give me that look, I am sure you and Bluebell got on while I was away. But there are more of us now and who's to say there won't be more?"
The Buck was giving her a stern look as she spoke, it only made her shake her head and glance away. She wanted to do things herself as well, she could carry her own supplies, parchments and quills. Perhaps somewhere out here she could find herself a companion to help along the way.
"Fine, If you are that adamant about it. When we return to homewood we'll find the basket makers and get you a couple." The buck nodded as Sicily smiled widely. "But don't get a head of yourself at the moment. We have enough to for a few days yet."
"Oh my love, I know that. But I just like being useful. As it is, I feel like I am just following you around doing next to nothing." Sicily said pouting a little, she really hated it.
The pair fell into silence as the sun beat down on them as it always did, the slight wind rustled the white cloak that protected her form that sun. Though for the moment she wore her hood down, her ears twitching to hear whatever sounds might be out there. There wasn't much to hear besides the shifting of the sands and the occational scuttle of something.
The sun seemed slow to set as the pair reached a sparce patch of old greenery. While the green was long gone leaving behind gnarled grey husks. It seemed like this was a good place to settle in for the approaching night. The old scrub acted nicely as a wind break and kept the sands from filling their shelter.
"This place shall do for the night. Can even latch the back of the canopy to these husks that were once trees. The open back will be refreshing after traveling." The buck nodded as it seemed the Jack Hop dropped to the sand free parched ground. "This suit your needs Bluebell?"
"It does Draven, Better then sleeping in the sand." Bluebell said sitting up on her haunches, "There's also seeds around here that could prove interesting."
Draven shook his head slightly, he was at a loss of why he was gifted as a Botanic, plants really weren't his thing. But he seemed to find other uses for his abilities. He was no green hoof, but Sap had proven to help things stick together and patching up wounds. With Sicily and her healing, it might come in even more handy. Glancing up, the sun was half way to the horizon, they had time to hunt around, though Draven was ready to lose the burden of his supplies.
"Lets set up camp here and have a look around. Perhaps there's more here then what is first seen."
Bluebell hopped over and pulled at the knots to release the bundle and basket. With Sicily's help, the basket reached the ground softly and the shelter bundle was quickly untied and set up. The stones anchors were placed off to the side as strings were used to tie the back of the canvas to one of the tree husks. Shelter set up, the basket stored beneath and out of the sun. Draven straightened up and looked around, as Sicily seemed to have an idea.
"Wonder if there's other life around here. Couldn't hurt to find out, right?" She asked looked at Draven as he glanced back at her.
While he knew she had found a couple of small roots from the Grandfather tree, he himself having taken one for himself. They both had been gifted with further magics then those first given.
"Alrihght. Seems safe enough to give it a try, just be careful." Was all Draven said as he remained where he stood.
Sicily stretched slightly before she stepped beneath the shelter and folded her legs. The shade was a welcomed relief. Closing her eyes she hunted for that ball of red magic within herself. Drawing up a few strands she sent them out across the lands around them. She went as far as her magic would allow. Closest was Draven and bluebell, the biggest blots of red in her vision. Other small spots dotted her sights here and there. Some very tiny and flickered out of sight before she could tell what they were. Some slower moving or just remained where they were as if sleeping.
Coming back to herself, Sicily opened her eyes and almost felt blind after using her magic. Detect life was new and it was a lot to take in. All the black and flickering spots. Seemed there were a host of strange life here in the Barrens, more then she had first thought. Where things looked dead there was actual life.
"What did you see?" Draven asked as he peeked under the canvas.
"There is life everywhere, even where one would think there shouldn't be." was all she said, amazed that even here, life found a way.
Draven just watched as it seemed that this small bout of magic wore the doe out. It was only fair, this was one of her first goes at using it. He would stand watch as the sun sank lower against the horizon. With that oh so blue sky being painted with the colors of the sunset. Draven was content, more then he had ever been in ages past. Things were... Complete. For the time being at least...
