Siren wasn’t often without someone watching over her shoulder. The girl could admit to her obvious disadvantage when it came to being in danger, but her tiny hedgehog was much more help to her than anyone could ever realize. She sensed vibrations even better than Siren did and the both of them could be on alert when something big was coming. She wasn’t far from safety either, and though she was small Siren could move quickly. As long as her mass of fur didn’t trip her up.

Part of her mind had to be devoted to staying away from trouble, as was the curse laid on her. Maybe Deathbelle didn’t believe in the curse, but she could feel the one passed down from her grandfather. She and both of her brothers. Inc was likely dead, as dead as their father likely was. Chimera held tightly to his own share of the curse, his silvery eye… The tiny she wolf sighed heavily as she made herself comfortable beneath the canopy of one of the willow trees. The leaves were all a brilliant yellow that faded into a deep orange and the light of the evening sun cast shadows on the fiery landscape.

Eventually she’d gather some plants tonight to start trying to make herself a store. Maybe she’d truly settle down someday and have the apothecary she so hoped for.

Out of that fiery landscape traipsed a dark figure. A slender slip of a woman complete with a well stocked pack bouncing against her side. A happy little hum reverberated through the dainty lady's chest as delicate paws kissed the grasses between the willows. She was feeling particularly pleased with herself today. Cicero had taken stock of all of her siblings recently. Each was whole and alive. No new wounds or missing body parts to be seen. She counted herself lucky. You never could tell with the Aracari's. They were a troublesome lot. When last she'd left them, Cicero had thoroughly drugged the bunch to sleep just so she would have some peace of mind. What? She was a very good sister. Very good indeed. Today, like most days, Cicero was on the search for mushrooms. Fancy little mushrooms that were good for the mind. Good for the soul. Good for terrifying the hell out of yourself too if you did it wrong. Or right. Some people liked the nightmare land that hallucinogens could unlock. She'd had a few horror filled experiences but Cicero much preferred the happy, colorful trips. The mind altering, deep, deep thinking, emotion eliciting journeys. Those were her favorite. Ducking beneath the long, whispy branches of one of the willows, Cicero was surprised to see a small wolf resting beneath. A little frown pulled out her lower lip and she made a contemplative sound. "Well I didn't plan to meet anyone today, but hello just the same." Dark ears flicked forward. My, the girl really was quite small, wasn't she? "Speech"

Siren was used to doing nothing and being alone, it was only recently that she was reunited with Chimera. She had someone to really worry about her again, he understood her like none other did, despite the vast differences in brother and sister. She didn’t know where she’d go or what would happen to her, but sometimes she wondered if she really could read the future. She’d had a dream about being with Chi again and then the next day she’d found him. She’d seen him get beaten in a dream and hadn’t warned him that day. Now she saw him in a cage, and she didn’t like it. This dream didn’t feel as fixed as the others though, so maybe there was still time to change it.

The tiny girl was deep in thoughts of the future and the different paths that lay sprawled out before her. This way or that judging correctly from her current standpoint was near impossible. Lucky for her, Siren’s thoughts would be interrupted by a dark figure appeared from behind the draping foliage. The little white hedgehog rolled its eyes in exasperation, Siren hadn’t noticed it attempting to gain her attention.

Her aura was a glistening bronze, what Siren associated with the royal colors but still more vibrant than most of her family. ”Greetings,” Siren offered back with a nod, unallowed to forget her lineage and origins as a princess. ”Well, what did you have planned then, stranger?” She asked sweetly with the slightest tilt of her head in question.

The girl didn't seem terribly bothered by her presence so Cicero wouldn't be bothered by it either. With a shrug, she continued beneath the willow trees protective branches. It was one of the larges there, afterall. At being questioned about her intentions, the monochromatic woman chuckled. "Oh, I just plan to make a little brew. Something special." Special was one word for it. The mixture what she was going to make would be out of this world. Shifting the pack from her shoulder, Cicero began removing various items. Small containers filled with different herbs a stack of strange leaves. She brought out a nice sized pot as well; one of her findings when searching some old ruins. As she set things up, Cicero spared a glance to the small, long furred girl. "Probably not a good idea for someone like you to be out by yourself, you know. There have been slavers around lately." She'd seen roving bands of wolves carrying chains and cages. Stealing this child would be an easy feat for them. Having laid out all of the items that she needed, Cicero began moving around the area, collecting dried branches and other items that would burn. She just needed enough heat to get the water boiling. Oh right, water. Taking the pot between her teeth, Cicero filled it about half way with water from one of the streams then drug it back beneath the tree. She was ready for this experience, though the girl probably wouldn't want to stick around to see it. "Speech"

”Oh really?” Siren didn’t hide her curious enthusiasm as her eyes widened in surprise and she craned her head to get a better look at what she was doing. The small girl didn’t have a lot of training, but anything to do with making potions, brewing teas or tinctures, all the way to alcohol the young princess was interested. Plants, mushrooms, poisons, she craved the knowledge but was never truly given it.

Siren crossed her dainty paws and watched the slightly larger she wolf. Though she wasn’t as thrilled with her words of caution. She couldn’t really appreciate the concern since she had no idea who Siren was or what tricks she had up her sleeve. She tried to keep her grace, and didn’t say what first came to mind. Chimera was rubbing off on her. ”Thank you for the warning.” Siren shifted slightly, only just keeping from lifting herself to her paws.

The girl narrowed her eyes as she watched the preparation, she was stunned at her own lack of knowledge here and swallowing her pride spoke up. ”Would you teach me?”

Cicero was a little surprised when the girl asked to be taught. One brow raised as she appraised the young lady. "What I teach depends on what you already know. So what do you know, ah...?" The small woman gestured with one obsidian paw. They hadn't exchanged names, so she didn't know what to call the girl. Eh, whatever. Stacking wood, Cicero took her flint and steel out and struck sparks. The hungry kindling ate up the sparks and a small fire was quickly going. With a thicker stick, the woman prodded the flames, repositioning the wood so that there was an empty space in the middle. Carefully, she placed the pot of water in the center. The water would boil in time. Time that she could use to explain things to the curious child. "Speech"

”Siren.” She offered bluntly ”You are called…?” Siren asked as she contemplated the real questions. What did she already know? Not much, especially when it came to the more mystical herbage. Siren didn’t have a real teacher, just what she picked up from passing from her mother. Deathbelle hadn’t given her any real formal lessons, but Siren wasn’t dumb. She learned from observation. ”I know very basic healing,” she explained softly, her voice naturally quiet. ”Some common herbs, but…” Her dual toned eyes returned to the project at the dark woman’s paws. ”I don’t know… brew.” Siren’s own pale brows furrowed slightly as she cursed her mother for not training her. Siren knew she had worth, but she had been swiped to the wayside.

The girl named herself and asked for the busy lady's name in return. "Cicero," she replied just as bluntly. Siren went on to explain that she knew very little. Okay... everyone had to start somewhere, they just usually started earlier. No big deal. It wasn't like she couldn't be taught, but it would take more work. And why was Cicero thinking of teaching her anyway? It wasn't like she lived here. Tomorrow she would probably forget that this place even existed. Well at least she could teach her something. "So I'm making a special brew that will show you your innermost thoughts and desires. It'll show you who you truly are." The black and silver fae began sprinkling different things into the pot that was slowly coming to a boil. "Chacruna plant," she told the girl as she added the ground up leaves. "Changropanga," she spoke another name as she added rough cut chunks of a thick, green leaf similar to aloe. "We let these boil for a few so that the thicker leaves break down a bit." Cicero settled down beside the fire, tucking her paws against her chest like a cat. "Do you want to try the finished product?" The woman flashed a grin, white teeth appearing brighter in the darkness of her face. She knew that her brew was superb, but it was always informative to see its effectiveness on others. "It's definitely not for the weak minded, but if you go through with it, it'll teach you things." Whether you wanted to know those things or not was another story. "Speech"

She was given a name, and if Cicero wasn’t expecting her lack of knowledge she didn’t really show it. Her dark features obscured much of her expression. Siren wasn’t incredible at reading wolves anyway, but she had a more difficult time with Cicero. It was odd feeling relief as she began to speak. Siren wasn’t sure she’d ever see the woman again, but she explained herself. The gold laden girl furrowed her decorated brows at the claims made of her work. Speculation played on her features, she’d never heard of anything like this. Not that she had heard of much living in seclusion anyway.

Her innermost desires… the thought was interesting. Siren didn’t want for much in this world, Chimera took care of her and where he could not, Dalila was there. Her material desires were few, but then she thought about her apothecary. Siren squinted slightly, but listened closely. Committing to memory everything she was shown. The truth to Cicero’s claims were yet to be proved, but she wouldn’t dismiss the recipe yet.

The chance was offered, but Siren was hesitant to accept. The girl was naturally suspicious, and Cicero hardly gave her a sense of ease. ”Hmm…” Siren hummed lightly as she debated internally. She hated to admit her reservations but she asked quietly, ”Will I be incapacitated?” Her main concerns were of her ability to function, especially outside pack lands. Strength of mind she was less concerned. Ignorance ran rampant, but not within the dainty dame.

Having decided that the leaves had broken down enough, Cicero unrolled a piece of oiled leather. Within were old, dried stems of a plant. They didn't look fancy or special at all, but they were the key ingredient. Taking a few from the bunch, she placed them within the little cauldron and they would be forced to wait again. Tucking her supplies back into the little pack that she kept with her, Cicero once again took up that sphinx-like resting position. Siren't apprehension was evident on her features and, when she asked if she'd be incapacitated, the obsidian woman laughed aloud. "Oh yes, for a few hours at least." For some of them it lasted a lifetime. She wasn't kidding when she said that it would reveal great, important things. Things that changed a wolf for better or worse. Silver eyes glittered in the flickering firelight as Cicero eyed Siren. "If you decide to try it, I'll watch over you. I don't need a guide anymore, so I'll have my own experience after yours is over with." There was no reason for the girl to trust her, but Cicero had never intentionally harmed anyone in her life. "Speech"

Siren didn’t know what she was getting into. She should have listened to her instincts and make herself return to Chimera’s side where she was safe. However, the uncertainty before her was like a challenge she couldn’t deny. Siren did not trust the dark furred woman, but she didn’t have any evidence to not trust her either. The young girl remained silent for a long moment as her dual tone eye shifted from wolf to concoction as she debated internally. Did she trust the woman to look after her for potentially hours.

Cicero wasn’t forcing her to do anything, and Siren wondered if she should take the chance. What did she have to lose? Something could happen to her, but then again something could happen to her in returning to Chimera’s side. Siren didn’t believe the other woman had dark intentions. ”Alright.” She said eventually, after much thought. ”I’ll try it.” Siren shifted slightly and allowed Cicero to present her a bowl. Siren was certain the taste wouldn’t be marvelous, but then again she had always hated the taste of herbs.

Siren was right too, the taste was awful but she drank all of the liquid. Still uncertain what was to come the girl settled into a comfortable position. Almost immediately her stomach protested, but she managed to keep the brew down to begin with. There were no instant effects, and she watched Cicero’s features carefully as she waited.

Siren couldn’t say how much time had passed when the vision began, it was soft and subtle at first. Much like the auras she saw on a regular basis, but the dream like surroundings quickly began to intensify. Eyes opened or closed she could see the world dip and change. The willow tree above her began to move and sway to different colors. Siren could see and feel the visions as the brew took hold of her.

She suddenly felt like she was no longer alone in her own head, and she struggled with the second presence that was not Cicero. The visuals shook her and she suddenly felt incredibly sick. Siren dry heaved and fought the overwhelming sensations as her mind grasped at what was happening.

At first she thought the girl was going to say no and she could see the war going on in her pretty little head. In time though, Siren agreed. Cicero instantly beamed, flashing her pearly whites in the black hole of her face. "Atta girl. You'll never learn anything new unless you're willing to try new things. Go to new places. See new things." Cicero knew this from experience. She thought of herself as quite enlightened and it was her goal in life to enlighten as many as she was able to. Dipping out a bowl of the foul tasting liquid, she passed it over to Siren. "I'll be here the whole time," she assured the girl. It never dawned on the woman to ask how old Siren was because she really didn't care. Everyone, young and old, should experience such journeys. Spiritual. Mental. Physical. It made you grow in more ways than one. Once Siren drank the offered brew, the star spattered fae settled down beside the fire, tucking her paws like a cat. Then, she watched. That's all that one could do when being a sitter. She would ensure that Siren wouldn't harm herself. She'd make sure that the girl wouldn't choke on her own vomit or thrash about too madly. She would be here when Siren came out. All she had to do was wait and watch. "Speech"

Siren had almost said no, she wasn’t sure if she was completely comfortable being vulnerable for so long. The experience called to her though, and she was swiftly carried away after taking the dose. Cicero assured her she wouldn’t leave her side, and Siren let herself trust the woman that far. Not that she focused on the fact for long. Then Cicero was both with her and Not as Siren drifted into a different plane of existence.

There was another here, she couldn’t see any faces but she could feel a presence, waiting quietly as Siren was lost in the constantly changing geometric landscape. Her mouth opened slightly as she stared into a different world. She felt small and insignificant, a child, just a breath. What importance she had in herself was whisked away and she felt humbled within this capsule of time outside of time.

She had little to no sense of time, and easily distracted herself with the goings on in her mind. Eventually she was shown events that didn’t quite make sense. Chimera pulling Venom from the earth started them. This scene confused her, and as if the more she saw it the better she might get it, the moment replayed again and again. ”I don’t know what that means,” she mumbled after feeling like she had seen the moments play through enough that she could count the hairs on her sibling’s bodies.

As soon as she said the words the scene shifted again, and she was suddenly going through the island she once called home. The tiny deer she spent her time with, the tropical paradise she had run wild in. This didn’t last near as long as the previous one, and as soon as she saw it the scene was suddenly rewinding. Like they were going back before. She caught sight of her father who was suddenly surrounded by more faceless wolves and beyond these unnatural masks everything was dark. A light shined on Hannibal’s form, and as he dissolved in front of her Siren began to whine softly to herself.

It was always different. Watching others take her brew, it never happened in the same manner. Siren's stomach must have been fairly empty, for the concoction that she drank took her away quickly and completely. The sphinx sitting lady simply watched and waited. Siren's eyes closed. Her movements began to become less fluid. Cicero could tell the exact moment when the girl was whisked away into memory, future, vision. For a moment, she stilled, then she began to mumble unintelligibly. The next question was, how long would she stay in? The whole time that Siren was under, Cicero stayed where she was, her only movements were a moving paw, feeding sticks and twigs to the fire to keep it alight. There wasn't much more for her to do other than watch and wait. She would expect to hear about the pretty girl's experience after. "Speech"

Just as quickly as he appeared and disappeared Siren was taken again to somewhere else. Darkness reigned but slowly she watched as the ever changing geometric landscape returned. Slowly she began to make out the shapes and the light continued to increase. The landscape was much calmer now, the climax of her journey has been the moment that her father dissolved in front of her. Now it felt like instead of a journey towards she was making a return. The movements around her were slower, as though she was meant to think back on the journey so far. To digest and accept what she had seen.

This continued for longer than Siren could contemplate, but every moment saw a small decrease in intensity, until she was only just barely hanging onto the vision. Siren began to regain control of her body and mind, but as the last tendrils escaped her the girl was given one last foggy vision. She could hardly make it out, but she was entirely certain of what she saw. Herself, brushed out well and decorated in delicate golden jewelry perched upon a luxurious pearl throne.

As soon as she realized what she was looking at she felt like she was fully returned to her body and the present tense. Siren blinked open her dual toned eyes to find herself returned to Cicero and the tiny camp beneath the willow tree. The tiny girl took in a deep breath as she tried to full reintegrate into her body.