Spring had arrived in Auster and, truth be told, Sota was infinitely grateful. The last year had been quite trying, from the long night to the dreary winter that followed, but once again life seemed to be returning to the continent. The plains were a stark reminder of the life that was once again beginning to bloom, filled with sweet birdsong and the smell of budding flowers and herbs. It was a wonderful afternoon, definitely a sight for sore eyes and as soon as Sota began his idle trek through the lush grassy field he immediately felt his spirits begin to lift. He had no real plans today other than to collect flowers, a hobby of his that was as unimportant as it was deeply satisfying to him. Even if nobody else appreciated his tendency to decorate the courtyard of the castle with flowers, he got plenty of enjoyment from doing it on his own. And how could he not? Sota let out a content sigh as he paused near a cluster of small daises, easily snatching a few of them up from near the root before continuing on, searching for a bigger assortment for his arrangement.

Auster’s winter had brought its challenges - from the rain soaked earth to the occasional chill from the ocean winds. But Lae enjoyed every bit of it, just as she welcomed the spring they had with open arms and bright eyes. She’s gotten a spring in her step back since the sky cleared and the sun rose, lighting the fields even as the afternoon began to make its way through the hours. Well, perhaps spring was more a metaphorical sense for her pace - the woman had recovered miraculously from her paralysis, but it would take more than a few seasons before her endurance would fully recover. Even then, her movements would likely always be a bit stiff, a tad shaky, and she would likely never be able to spring and jump again. She didn’t mind, though - she much preferred to take her time navigating the lands anyways. Within limits, of course - Mel would begin to whimper if she so much as began wobbling out of the castle’s view. The flowers were fresh and drew the woman in, her still-bony but healthier looking pelt shimmering in the sun’s rays as she twitched her nose, taking in the sweet smells. A smile lit up her lips as she glanced down at Mel, the steadfast badger who’d become her aide as well as a good friend. He didn’t mind shuffling next to her so as to help her balance, and even he found himself marveling at the lush growth the spring had brought. Though still a tad wobbly, it was clear from looking at her that the woman was getting better at walking, her steps gradually becoming less trembly and lamb-like as she paced herself through the fields. It was peaceful, the two of them making their way through the growth. It wasn’t long before they came across a familiar face - one who also was enjoying what Auster’s lands had to offer. Laeta’s face beamed about as bright as the sun itself as she spotted Sota picking flowers, her tail weakly wagging as she padded towards him, muscles twitching slightly from the exertion of her journey from the castle, but overcoming it just to see her friend. "Sota! How lovely to see you again,” She said cheerfully. She paused to glance about at the colorful array of flora, particularly the daisies that had captured the foraging wolf’s sttention. "I see you’re enjoying the flowers as well. Aren’t they simply gorgeous?" Indeed, it’d been a while since she’d seen such color in the land again - after all the pack had endured, it was nice to see some blissful sights once more. ”Speech” ’Thought’

The world was healing more and more with each passing day and Sota couldn't be happier with the change in seasons. After all The Hallows had been through they all deserved a change of scenery and he was content to help bring about just as much change in the courtyard. That was exactly why he was here, poking around through the wildflowers to see what he could drag back home. His self-appointed task aside, it was nice just to get out and explore - the spring scents were plentiful and the sun tickling his nose was well-received. He tipped his head to the sky to briefly enjoy its warmth before returning to picking flowers carefully. Though he had no issue with keeping his own company, he was thrilled to see Laeta approach. She moved slowly, but it didn't matter - she was moving, which was more than any of them had ever expected months ago. It truly was a miracle, as far as he was concerned. "Laeta, Mel," he greeted them both with that characteristic bow of his, a little too dramatic for such an occasion but he held it for a long moment before rising completely again. "They really are gorgeous! I was hoping to spend a little time decorating the courtyard today," he admitted with a sheepish smile. "I'm so glad to see you both. You're both welcome to join me if you'd like." If not he was perfectly content to continue on his own, but he was glad anyway to see Laeta out and about, no matter how slowly she might be moving.

It was indeed refreshing, and pleasant, to be up and about again. Particularly when a familiar friend happened to be in their midst. The wolf and her badger companion watched with pleasant surprise as the smaller wolf bowed in a dramatic swoop, extending the gesture for some time before rising again. Mel stumbled over his words, adjusting his monocle as he briefly offered a bow of his own. "W-Why thank you, Sir Sota," He said, though his soft words were teeming with happiness upon seeing the friend who’d, among other pack members, helped keep Laeta alive. In Sota’s own way, even without the use of medicine, he had surely helped in lifting her from the depths of her illness and subsequent paralysis with his steadfast and reliable character. He was a friend anyone would be beyond fortunate to have. Laeta simply offered a joyful smile, her tail wagging softly behind her. Upon mention of the flowers being quite gorgeous, Lae agreed with a nod, craning her neck to sniff one of the taller stalks of lush flowers. A particular set of white-dotted wildflowers, tall yet elegant, had caught her eye, along with some lavender-type flora sprouting among it. Her gratitude and zest for life shone clearly in her ruby eyes and required no words. The mere fact that she was able to turn her head and see flowers eye to eye, as well as pick them, was something she’d never lose sight of. Her gratitude for the little tasks would appear over the top for some, but understandable for anyone who’d witnessed her plight seasons ago. She was recovering, not so much in bounds as little steps..but she was getting there. The monochromatic woman took up his offer to join him in collecting some flowers, beaming as she replied, "If you’ll have us, we’d be more than happy to help." With that, she set her eye on those taller flowers, gently reaching one forepaw forward and clasping her digits around the root, mustering her strength to pluck it. It worked, and with some pride in her efforts, she lowered her head towards Mel and kindly whispered if he could help collect the lower flowers - those she couldn’t reach well with her aching joints. He nodded, his burly grey form stooping down to find a few decoration-worthy flora. Lae turned her attention to Sota yet again, realizing she hadn’t caught up with him in a while. Among other things, how was he faring with the changing of seasons? She recalled Deion, their physician, had left the Hallows, had he not? Sota seemed to know the healer decently, though Lae mainly was forever grateful to the nebula brute for sorting out her arthritis. "How have you been, Sota? Doing alright?" She asked simply, though her tone was kind and casual. She didn’t mean for anything to sound too serious. The man could tell her whatever he’d liked. Any words would do, though the woman didn’t mind if she collected flowers in soft silence, either. ”Speech” ’Thought’

Sota beamed at Mel's little bow in return, honestly pleased with any greeting at all he was given. Especially given the last few seasons they'd endured he felt especially grateful for everything he had now, no matter how big or small. "No, thank you," he responded quickly, still grinning all the while. The appearance of Mel was just one of many things he was thankful for. His arrival that coincided with Laeta's strange condition couldn't have been timed any better; it was hard to think of him as anything but a guardian angel of sorts. His attention settled on Laeta afterward, brightening when he paused to really taken in her condition. Perhaps she wasn't doing as well physically as he was, but all things considered, he couldn't be more thrilled with the progress she'd made after things had been looking so grim. He watched as she looked over the flowers as well, that smile barely seeming to waver. "Of course," he answered with ease. The help wasn't needed - well, the task in itself was merely a superficial one - but it was definitely appreciated. Anything to spend time with friends, especially since he'd never pictured being out here with Laeta given how poorly she'd been. Truthfully he'd imagined she'd spend her life confined to the castle walls, even trying to brainstorm a way to easily move her so she might be able to get some quality of life despite being paralyzed... but now they were here and he couldn't be happier for her. The Hallows would be a better place with Laeta like this, he was sure of it, though she belonged here no matter her condition. "I've been well enough," he admitted, between picking a few more wildflowers. "I fear I've been a bit too reclusive as of late, but I'm trying to change that." He'd never done well with change, preferring things to stay relatively routine, and the last few months hadn't exactly lent themselves to that. "I'm sure you've heard Deion left?" His voice had a touch of sadness that was hard to hide, though uncommon for the small man. He'd grown quite fond of him and his absence had been sorely felt, though he wasn't one to show it.

As Sota extended his agreement to let her help pick the wildflowers, Lae smiled, beginning to pluck away at the taller stalks that caught her eye. The air was calm, iit was relatively peaceful. The castle stood nearby in the distance, in all its stone-walled splendor. She was glad to call such a beautiful place home, particularly when the flowers decided to bloom so richly. She mustered another pull of a white-speckled flower, placing it in a pile between her and Mel. The badger that busily snuffling in the dirt for more lower-growing flowers, having picked a few beightly colored ones he set in their pile as well. He seemed to be enjoying the activity, even if he was getting a bit dirty. The outdoors had a way of refreshing the mind and body that way. Turning to Sota, she listened with a nod on occasion as he mentioned he was doing well, and that he’d been trying to get out mkre on account of him being reclusive lately. She understood - it seemed the drastic changes in the past few seasons left many unsure about what was yet to come, and staying in places they felt comfortable was all they could do. She sympathized clearly with him. And yet, he was out in these fields, which was an accomplishment as well. When he mentioned Deion leaving, the woman nodded, pausing only to pluck another thickly flowered stalk. "Yes, I had heard of his leaving the Hallows. Do you have any idea why he might’ve left?" She paused, wondering if even Sota knew why the burly physician had gine away. Things in life changed, and so did ones purpose in their packs at times - but she just had a notion that Deion was planning to stay permanently, as she had. "Were you two good friends?" She figured she would ask, though she and Deion were friendly, it was more on a doctor-patient level on account of his arthritis regimen, which Mel still helped her with to some degree. It worked well, and his treatments were the reason she was able to walk and move with less pain. Though, maybe he and Sota were friendly in their own way, she didn’t quite know. ”Speech” ’Thought’

The three of them fell into an easy rhythm together, picking the flowers that caught their eyes and arranging them neatly in a pile. Sota had no doubt it'd be just as rewarding to arrange them in the courtyard, even if their beauty might be short-lived at best. In Sota's eyes, it was still a perfectly good use of their day no matter how small the effects of their efforts might be. Even Mel seemed to be enjoying their little task, and Sota cast him a friendly grin as he carried on. He plucked another few flowers of his own, thinking over Laeta's question for a moment before responding. "I'm not sure," Sota admitted with a small shrug. Despite his dislike of change, he recognized it was a natural part of life, though it was often hard to say goodbye to those you cared about even if you knew the cycle of wolves coming and going was as natural as anything else in life. "I'd like to think we were getting there, but I wouldn't say we were terribly close yet. Still - part of me wishes he'd stayed, though at the end of the day I just hope he's happy wherever he ends up." Why he was rambling on about him Sota wasn't sure, but he finished with a slow shrug of his shoulders.