Deathbelle worried the volcanic winter would leave them almost a full year without fresh herbs. That fear would only be quelled with finding herbs now, and with summer falling upon them it was almost spring like. There was enough warmth she had hope to at the very least partially restock Ashen’s stores. The ivory splashed Empress waded through the shallow water between the mainland and the island that named the archipelago. Dove island. Eventually all of the islands under their control would have bridges between them. Already one was built between Nephilim and the mainland. Dove would hopefully be soon.

Slowly the graceful goddess made her way forward her frame obvious in the clear warm water. Already lilac eyes searched for her intended target Boneset. She didn’t notice her onlooker.

Harbringr swam carefully toward the largest island that made up Ashen's new territory. He carefully timed it so that a wave helped bring him to shore and then he raced onto dry land before another wave could knock him down. Once ashore he shook out his coat, sending water spraying everywhere. He could hear the sounds of birds and the cooing of doves as he moved further into the jungle-like forest. The summer had brought warmth and humidity that was much appreciated after spending the winter and spring in the dry, arid climate of the Redwater Rocks.

He heard splashing in the water that didn't seem quite like the ocean just hitting the shore. Curious he paced back toward the water where he spied his sister. Hari let out a chuckle. "I had a feeling I was being followed. Exploring the new territory as well?" He'd been pleased with the acquisition of the archipelago, less pleased with the shrine. He worried about how it would affect her grief and her mind to take ownership of such a thing but he knew he was not in any position as to counsel others on managing their sorrow. Besides, he just wanted to be in his sister's presence. He didn't want to ruin the moment with opinions that ultimately were his own concern.

Had Thistle been in the sky above her the owl would have called out to her master to let her know her brother was there. Deathbelle went without, and the sudden voice at the shore spooked her. Too much that she couldn’t hide it completely. She shook herself in the water and shook her head at him as she adorned the classic Klein smirk and brought herself from the water. She was on a mission, and she wouldn’t allow Hari to distract her. Much.

Deathbelle nuzzled his cheek when she reached him, ”not so much exploring as looking.” She offered softly, her wet tail beat slowly at her ankles. ”You’ve seen the plant life suffer as much as I have. I’m trying to replenish stores.” Her tone was a little worried, but she knew the healers of Ashen and the Armada were working to negate the weather. ”I’m searching for Boneset now.”

Harbringr strode across the sandy shore toward the green, aqua like waters that wafted in and out. They moved like breath. The ancient, steady breathing of the world they lived upon. His call had startled Deathbelle and he grinned cheekily at the reaction. What brother didn't like to startle his sister? She nuzzled him and he leaned in to nuzzle her back, enjoying her sweet perfume tinged with the salt of the sea.

He pulled back as she spoke, the grin falling slightly as he nodded solemnly. Yes, it was not hard to see how much the land itself had suffered, especially this close to the volcano. If that was his one complaint on their new lands it was that it was closer to the epicenter of the explosion than he'd have liked but he was hopeful the land would rebound by next spring. "I have and it makes me worry about this winter. I fear we're in for another rough one."

She mentioned she was looking for boneset and he grinned at her. "Well, if you don't mind an escort I'd love to accompany you. What does this plant look like? Maybe as I look about the land I can help you look for the plant."

Maybe she was being a bit distant from Hari, but he had gone and made her jump. She harbored no ill will and fell into her no nonsense tone too easily. She was allowed to loosen up now, they were in their permanent home. There was much less to worry about, and being able to relax with her siblings was a treat she should not squander. He was one of her most highly trusted wolves, she should be able to show him all sides of her. He would never betray her.

Harbringr didn’t take her matter of factness to heart, he knew just as well the threat the long winter posed. ”You’re so sweet, brother.” Deathbelle observed with a smile. Mentally she shook the negative thoughts from herself. The day was beautiful despite the ash, and she had Hari’s company. ”I’d love an escort.” She bumped his shoulder with her own playfully. ”It’s tall, long dark green leaves with a coarse texture. At the tips of the stalks are clusters of small white flowers.” It was moderately rare, but not bad. ”We’ll find it in moist soil or meadows.”

Harbringr trotted along as he walked with his sister. "Well, if they like moist soil this is definitely a good place to look." His eyes gazed skyward as he caught sight of the large number of nests in the trees. Doves of all kinds were perched high above them. Boneset wouldn't be up there but he thought it a good plan to keep an eye out on the movements of the birds. Nothing would be more displeasing than getting pooped on.

Setting his gaze on the forest floor he looked over a number of plants but nothing he saw quite fit Deathbelle's description. Some plants did look familiar but he didn't know if they were helpful or not. Either way, they weren't what she was looking for and he set his eyes back on the task at hand. "So, what is this boneset for?"

She enjoyed his presence, maybe not as intimately as she did their brother Hannibal but she trusted Hari completely. He made note that this was definitely the place to go looking for what she wished to find and she nodded, yes. Hopefully this island would hold many species they could collect and cultivate.

Her bright eyes similarly scanned the flora. Surely they wouldn’t take too long to find the plant. ”Cough, fever, if I remember right maybe constipation.” She paused, looking at him from the corner of her eye teasingly. ”Need some?” Belle joked before finally setting eyes on the plant a few meters ahead. ”Oh!” She raced up to the tall plants, there was quite a bit of a patch. She’d be able to leave some for further down the road.

Carefully Belle pulled the plant from the earth to keep the roots. She separated the roots from stalk, from leaves, from flower. It was only one plants worth so she should have been able to manage most of it, but Thistle would come at her call with a square of leather to return the items to the healers den. ”That wasn’t too difficult.”