The usual evening sounds of the forest were like a blanket of comfort to listen in on. The songs of birds, calling to their young ones as they brought the evening meal. Soft footfalls of deer moving in the distance. Even the light rustle of leaves in the trees as they swayed to their own inner music. All of it was relaxing to one particular shewolf as she moved quietly, pausing to look up at movement in the trees with curiosity. Rain Song watched a squirrel dash along the branch of a tree only to fly into a mighty leap and land in another tree before returning to it's hollow, way up high.
Ears swiveling around as she watched the acrobatics, Rain Song moved along once more, sniffing the ground to make sure the tracks she followed were the correct ones.
She wasn't the most social of wolves, still learning how to be brave enough to find her voice when surrounded by the small, but growing group of wolves that had taken her in, known as the Swiftfell. But she tried! And she was even growing more accommodating to the other wolves she assisted most, finding she could speak up more when around them.
One such wolf had been catching her curiosity as of late, wondering what sorts of things a healer actually needed to treat the injured and sick. It had taken a lot of internal battling on her part, but Rain Song had finally managed to leave the safety of the nesting area they had been using - they had yet to find a place to settle and begin building a pack - to follow the trail of said healer. Sun and Moon help her, actually asking to join him wasn't even a question she was capable of accomplishing. So, she was stuck resorting to following. Or stalking. It probably could be viewed as such.
Innocently, Rain Song continued to trail a distance behind the healer, a slight perkiness to her step as the idea of learning something new peeked her interested just the tiniest bit more than her shy nature.
Quote:
I hope this is an okay start and Sparrow doesn't mind a silent stalker |3;
Posted: Fri May 31, 2019 3:56 pm
With his nose low to the ground, a brown and white wolf stalks through the woods. Loosely slung over his back is a small green satchel on a long woven cord; it swings gently from his belly, occasionally brushing the groundcover as he ducks under fallen trees and low hanging branches. He travels as quiet as he can manage, sniffing at the ground, occasionally looking left or right. The wolf thoroughly examines his surroundings, searching for his quarry.
There! Just ahead, he spots his target. Without hesitation, he pounces, snapping his jaws around the neck of his prey. Triumphantly, he straightens holding his prize: a fragrant red flower.
Sparrow, gentle-wolf herbologist of the Swiftfell pack is gathering various plant specimen today. With their medicine stores running particularly low, it is imperative that he return with as much useful material as he can find. He tucks the flower into his bag and pauses for a moment to take stock of his finds, counting various different plants, blossoms, roots, and leaves.
Each step she took, her paws fell lightly into the paw prints she followed, ensuring she was heading in the correct direction. She paused to sniff the prints, just to make double sure it was the correct set. Then she continued about, ears becoming more alert as she heard the sounds of another creature up ahead. Could it be their healer? A small spell of anxiety slowed her steps, making her crane her neck forward to try and peek around the shrubs and things that obstructed her view. Just a little more...
And she saw the brown and white wolf suddenly pounce on something. For one small moment, she was afraid maybe she shouldn't have followed and that this was a hunting trip and he'd probably be so mad she'd interrupted his kill.... except... that wasn't a mouse or a hare. It was... a red flower?
Now Rain's curiosity took over, head tilting a little as she crept forward, lower to the ground out of reaction. She sniffed, trying to catch a scent of the strange flower he held in his jaws. As she watched, the flower was placed in a bag slung along his back, something she hadn't noticed there before.
Feeling the tiniest bit of courage, Rain quietly spoke the question on her mind, "What will the flower help do?"
Pandora Talie
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:52 pm
“This one is a mild sedative, good for minor aches and pains-” Sparrow replies in an even tone, stopping abruptly. Ears pricked, wait a second, he turns to get a better look at the newcomer, “Who’s there?” He can half see another wolf through the shrubbery, crouched low. A gentle breeze finally carries the wolf’s familiar scent to his nose, “Rain Song, is it?” Although theirs is a small pack, Sparrow has only been around for a short time and he’s not that familiar with everyone yet.
"Really?" A soft voice replied, her curiosity very much evident in her tone. Such a simple flower could do all that? Ears straining almost as much as her neck, Rain shifted forward a little more, trying to see the healer wolf. And any other flowers that may have been around.
For a small hesitant moment, Rain almost crouched down further to try and hide herself. But the other wolf already knew she was there. And was speaking to her. So, with some effort, Rain Song stood up slowly and shyly approached.
"I-I'm so sorry to intrude!" She instantly apologized, tail tucked under and brushing against her belly. "And... yes. I am Rain Song. And you're.... Sparrow, right? The new wolf that joined our small group?"
Taking a few shuffling steps closer, the khaki wolf sniffed at the ground and towards the bag across Sparrow's back. "I... was wondering, if it would be... okay for me to watch you?" She paused, let her words sink in and realized how they sounded. "I-I mean... follow along? I would like to learn about you. About healer's! A-And what they do!" If it was possible to blush, Rain would have been bright pink. Instead, her ears were flattened in embarrassment and she held herself almost submissively.
Pandora Talie
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2019 6:59 pm
Sparrow nods at Rain’s mention of the flower. When picked at the right time and given in the right dosage, the red flower’s seeds can knock most animals out cold. I will have to mention that, he thinks, watching the female approach. The brown wolf flashes her a friendly smile.
Patiently, he listens to her request, nodding and making affirmative noises. It’s a more than reasonable demand, and he is a little confused about her shyness and hesitance in its asking.
“Certainly, a little company would be nice.” Sparrow beams. Although it’s nice to get away sometimes, he has been alone for most of the day, now. Also, he’d be lying if he said that he didn’t find her interesting. With that, he turns to resume the hunt, “I’m a strong believer in honesty about medicine.” Then remembering what he was thinking earlier, he adds, “And, you’d best avoid eating those red ones unless you’re prepared to lay down for a nap.”
“Next item on the list: Mushrooms!” With a little more bounce in his step, Sparrow continues onward into the forest.
He... said yes! She could follow him and learn what things he could teach her. This was quite exciting for the shy wolf that she couldn't help the happy wag to her tail and the much more relaxed posture. The longer she was able to spend around others and get to know them, the more comfortable she became.
"Thank you! And I do agree. A little company is always nice." Especially in her case. She so despised being alone. But that was why she had begun hanging around this group of wolves, hoping that they might assist her in no longer feeling so anxious in large groups. Or feel so alone any longer.
"I must admit, I don't know much about medicine. It's why I was so curious about what a healer does. And... how."
Hearing his warning about the red flower, Rain nodded her head vigorously. She glanced at the spot he'd picked the flower from, making sure to avoid any more for now. "That is good to know! I will remember that." She paused, listening to the next item on his list. "What can we do with mushrooms?"
Pandora Talie
Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2019 7:13 pm
“Ah, that depends on the mushroom we’re talking about,” Sparrow bobs his head, “today, we are looking for two different types.” Low to the ground, the wolf sniffs around, seeking out familiar fragrances. He doesn’t get far before stopping and casually picking a small brown mushroom.
“It isn’t one of the ones I’m looking for, but this one is commonly eaten by many animals,” Sparrow says before flipping it into the air and swallowing it in one bite. “Some mushrooms have powerful medicinal effects, others are food.” He solemnly adds, “But you shouldn’t just go around picking and eating mushrooms. Some are deadly poisonous.”
Using his muzzle, Sparrow shifts his bag a little, “The kind we are looking for today are good for bringing down swelling.” Travelling at a brisk pace, again, “It kinda looks like a pale leafy fruit plant?” Grinning sheepishly, he tries to explain.
Rain followed along, slightly behind Sparrow and watched him curiously. She wasn't sure what he was sniffing for, but the khaki wolf lowered her own nose to the ground to sniff about. There were many different scents! And this wolf knew which one they were seeking.
"Are there really that many different mushrooms out there?" She asked, stopping quickly as he picked up a small mushroom that was brown in color.
Blinking in surprise, Rain wasn't expecting him to suddenly eat one of the mushrooms so quickly! The smaller wolf moved closer to sniff at the brown things. They smelled earthy and a hint of something else. Delicately, she leaned forward and picked one to nibble on and enjoy. While it wasn't a mouse, it wasn't too bad. She pocketed the useful information into a part of her brain that would always remember the scent of these mushrooms.
"I wish I had known about some of these before. Would have made finding food as a pup easier." She mused shyly, not one that usually shared much about herself. "And I will most certainly take your word for that! If I don't know it, I won't eat it." It was a good rule to go by, right?
Picking up her pace once again, she keeps up with Sparrow, nodding at his description of the mushroom they are looking for. "Pale leafy fruit plant."
After a couple minutes of quiet searching, Rain glanced back at Sparrow. She was surprised at how comfortable she felt around him. "Have you traveled around much?" She asked, in an attempt at conversation.
Pandora Talie
Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 5:51 pm
With more than a hint of excitement, Sparrow starts to wag his tail, thoroughly pleased that Rain also decided to eat the mushrooms. It’s not everyday he comes across someone so open minded about this type of thing.
His ears droop at her next statement. “Did you have trouble finding food as a pup?” He asks with some concern. Although his parents were certain to teach him how to survive on his own as soon as possible, he was also familiar with the feeling of going without for a while.
“Traveled?” He nods, “I have quite a bit, actually. I’ve spent some time along the Northern Forest. I followed the river east for a while.” He trails off somewhat before adding, “We never got that far, traveling that way, though… my folks and I, that is.”
The brown wolf’s eyes wander to the trees overhead as they sway in the gentle breeze. The light filtering through the canopy is slowly falling lower towards the horizon, as evening deepens.
Rain felt her own excitement building in reaction to Sparrow feeling the same. But just as quickly as it started to bloom it flitted away in the wind with his concerned question. Rain didn't answer right away, ducking her head a little and considering how to answer. She did not like putting things on others, but this wolf made her feel at ease and not so anxious. Maybe it would be okay to share a bit of her past with him?
"Yes. I was on my own as a pup." She finally answered, in her shy little voice. "I don't know what happened to my mother. Or if I had a family before. I just remember always being so alone." Her fur was unsettled and there was a small shiver that went down her spine before the female shook to try and calm herself again. Thankfully, Sparrow as an interesting wolf.
"Have you ever traveled outside the forest?" Rain asked, instantly curious. She herself had never been beyond the safety of the trees and the hollow. "I can see mountains to the east and north. But I have never been that way." Her gaze drifted towards the direction of the great Bluestone mountains.
With a start, the khaki wolf wagged her tail, eyes falling upon something that she hoped was what Sparrow had been looking for. "Oh! Is that the mushroom?" She asked with a cute little light step as she padded over to look down at something that fit his description. This hunting for mushrooms was fun!
Pandora Talie
Posted: Sun Jun 23, 2019 5:11 pm
Sparrow gives pause and his stomach sinks at her sad story, “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Upon seeing her reaction, he immediately regrets making her recall this painful experience. He doesn’t know what else to say, at this point, but thankfully she quickly moves on and brings up travel.
To her mention of the mountains he replies sheepishly, “No-” Sparrow chooses his words carefully, “my parents planned to continue expanding their trade routes, but we never got there.” He thinks back to losing his own parents but decides against bringing that up at this time. Unlike her, he had the privilege of being raised by his.
Shaken from his memory by her exclamation, he gratefully follows her, “Hey, good eye!” Sure enough there it was: roughly the length of his leg and nearly as heavy as he, a pale, beige and brown mushroom with a distinctly leafy appearance. “We’ll break a couple pieces off to take back with us.” Eagerly, he moves to divide a few sizable sections from the main fruiting body without completely destroying the thing.
Rain lowered her gaze in a more bashful way when Sparrow made such a kind apology for something he'd not done. But it was so very sweet and she honestly couldn't remember anyone else ever saying such a thing before. She managed to offer a canine smile before focusing on his words in response to her own question.
There seemed to be a moment that a memory caught him and Rain instantly felt bad about questioning him so. But he seemed to recover quickly enough. "I have never been beyond the forest either." She commented, perking up a little more. "But a part of me has always wondered what the mountain range is like. I remember seeing snow along the peaks on clear days." Her voice was almost wistful, but the thought of making such a journey made her anxiety creep back up. Nope. She wasn't likely to travel very far any time soon.
Well, maybe if she was able to travel and learn more things from Sparrow she might be willing to try?
His praise had her tail wagging and her posture more natural instead of hunched. "Your description was very accurate!" She stuck her nose down and gave the mushroom an experimental sniff, blue eyes lifting back up as Sparrow spoke again. Rain nodded her head and watched the other wolf begin dividing section up. Following his lead, she carefully did the same, though with a small portion.
"How much of this mushroom do you need?" She asked, just as eager to be helping.
Pandora Talie
Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2019 7:27 pm
Sparrow quickly stashes the pungent chunks of fungus in the sack to the point where the stuff is literally spilling out. “As much as we can carry,” he brightly replies.
With his sack now filled to bursting, the tawny wolf looks to the evening sky. A vivid pink hue creeps overhead, casting a similar tint upon the forest below. Nightfall is rapidly approaching. “I guess we better be heading back.” He directs his gaze towards the she wolf, “You know, this was good haul.” Sparrow pats his sack with a paw, “Rain Song, I really appreciate your help. It was nice to have some company, again—doing this, I mean.” He idly rubs his snout against his paw, as he becomes somewhat self-conscious of his recent behavior. What is coming over me, he ponders.
Still watching Sparrow from the corner of her eyes, Rain carefully broke off as much as she could without overburdening them. She gently pushed her pieces over towards Sparrow and gave him a rather pleased look. The lack of shyness and anxiety were a relief and a high almost at the same time. She wasn't sure what it was about the kind male, but she wanted to spend more time getting to know him.
Following his movements, Rain looked up at the sky as well. The lovely shades of twilight were upon them. "Probably a good idea." She agreed, not really wanting to be out here when it got dark as the area was still unfamiliar.
Looking back at Sparrow, she felt her ears lower in that shy and awkward sort of way. "I'm happy I was able to help! And learn some things." And she was happy to have spent time with him, too. Which made a whole different sort of shy and anxious feeling fill her. "I would love to help you out again, if that is okay?" But for now, heading back to the other wolves they had both been staying with was a good idea. At least until Sparrow needed more supplies!
With his nose low to the ground, a brown and white wolf stalks through the woods. Loosely slung over his back is a small green satchel on a long woven cord; it swings gently from his belly, occasionally brushing the groundcover as he ducks under fallen trees and low hanging branches. He travels as quiet as he can manage, sniffing at the ground, occasionally looking left or right. The wolf thoroughly examines his surroundings, searching for his quarry. 
