Ya Hate to See It

Aurelia stood amidst the vast expanse of Vericona Plains, her keen eyes scanning the landscape as her pack settled into their new territory. The move to the western territories had been a necessary one, offering new hunting grounds and fresh resources. However, amidst the excitement of exploring their new home, Aurelia felt a faint itch at the back of her neck.

As Aurelia continued her survey of the sweeping plains, a persistent itch nagged at her skin. She brushed it off at first, thinking it was just a stray leaf or twig caught in her fur. But the sensation grew more insistent with each passing moment, distracting her from her duties. Frustrated, she finally gave in and reached up to scratch at the spot, only to feel a small, hard bump nestled beneath her thick coat. Her curiosity piqued, she examined the foreign object closely, wondering where it had come from and what it could be. Aurelia's heart skipped a beat as she felt the small, crawling sensation on her skin. With a sinking feeling, she realized what it was - a tick. Irritation and frustration surged within her; ticks were always a pesky nuisance, but with the recent move to unfamiliar territory, she had no time to deal with them. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and focused on staying calm. She needed a plan of action before any more of these blood-sucking pests could latch onto her skin.

With determination in her steps, Aurelia set out to gather the necessary herbs for treating the infestation of ticks. The tall grasses rustled and swayed with each step she took, but her keen sense of smell guided her towards the plants she needed. She plucked yarrow, a commonly used herb known for its strong repelling abilities against insects. The vibrant green stalks held tightly onto small yellow flowers, their sweet scent filling her nostrils. Moving on, she spotted the silvery leaves of wormwood peeking out from behind a nearby bush. This potent herb was crucial in killing off the stubborn ticks that had taken her on as their unwilling host. Lastly, she came across some comfrey - a soothing herb that would ease any irritation caused by the pesky bites. With all the necessary ingredients gathered, Aurelia was ready to take on the task of ridding herself of such nuisances.

With a small bundle of healing herbs carefully balanced in her arms, Aurelia made her way back to camp. The rich scent of ripe earth and tall grass wafted up around her, tickling her nose and enticing her senses. She found a comfortable spot on the ground and settled down, the soft rustling of her fur blending seamlessly with the gentle swaying of the grass. She took a moment to center herself before beginning to treat her tick bites. With practiced movements, she carefully crushed together yarrow and wormwood into a fine powder, using a smooth rock as her mortar and pestle. The powerful scent of the herbs filled the air, a potent mix of sharp and earthy notes that immediately awakened the senses.

Gingerly, she used her sharp claws to scrape the thick, paste-like mixture onto her paw. The concoction was a combination of finely ground herbs, mixed with a sticky base that clung to her fur. With slow and calculated movements, she delicately applied the herbal poultice to each tick and subsequent bite, making sure to cover every inch of the irritated skin. As the cool and soothing texture of the herbs seeped into her pores, an immediate sense of relief washed over her. The persistent itch and inflammation began the process of gradually faded away, leaving behind a sense of calm and relief.

With delicate hands, Aurelia carefully measured out a handful of comfrey leaves and placed them into a small collection of water. She watched as the tanins and healing properties seeped into the water, turning it a deep, rich green color. The aroma of earthy herbs filled her nostrils, promising relief and soothing comfort. She let the leaves steep in the water, allowing the potent tanins to infuse the liquid with their medicinal properties. Taking a cautious sip, she felt the bitter liquid slide down her throat, providing instant reassurance despite its slightly unpleasant taste.

As Aurelia finished the last sip of her tea, she leaned back against the soft grass, letting the warm sun embrace her skin. The subtle blend of herbs and spices danced across her tongue, working their magic with vigor. With a peaceful sigh, she closed her eyes and let herself become one with the sounds around her - the gentle rustling of the tall grass, the melodic chirping of insects, the distant call of a lone bird. As the soothing effects of the tea spread through her body, she felt a gentle release from the persistent itch that had plagued her. In its place came a wave of serenity and contentment,

820 / 800 words

"Aurelia Veratti"