The owls are gathering
Bunni, LadyElin
Ellara
Physician
Expert Healer (165)
Master Fighter (240)
2 Years
Female
807
Sinchanted
![Critical Fail!](/images/awards/fighting/CriticalFail.png)
![Ellara Praetor](https://i.ibb.co/RjgQdSB/ddur5b9-d5c2c73e-7749-4263-9e30-992af6bf0103.png)
She waltzed through the overgrown field, her flouncing fur of strawberries and chocolate, giving her a look of decadence. Stone foundations broke the grass every so often, remnants of a forgotten time. Woodland had long ago claimed the Garden, a vast blanket of green veiling whatever structures were left here.
With a gentle hoot, one of her owls swooped overhead, its keen eyes scanning the ground below. Perching on the ruins of an ancient wall, not one but two owls landed and watched Ellara make her way through the garden with intelligent curiosity. Ellara smiled softly to her companions, but kept her eyes open for what she really came here for - Arnica.
The owls fluttered from perch to perch as she made her way deeper into the field. Ellara's pink gaze roamed over the wild clusters of herbs, recognizing the familiar shapes and scents of each one. Lavender, yarrow, chamomile, and so much more grew here in abundance, their fragrances filling the sweet spring air.
Her stare flicked to a patch of yellow blooms nestled between the stones. "There you are, she breathed, crouching low next to the arnica with the flowers just a few inches from her face, their petals nearly reaching out to grab the wet of her nose.
[ 1/3 Collected an herb (Arnica) ]
Their journey that day started early in a rather clear and balmy winter day. Beneath his massive paws, the soft ground squishes slightly, a clear sign that it had indeed been raining a lot lately. He had hoped for snow, but as the days continued with rain day after day, he began to lose hope. "Since it doesn't get cold here, at least the plants never really die," Jiro comments as they begin to approach God's Garden. It had been some time since he'd last visited the sprawling stone meadow, but it appeared the same as it had before. Flowers bloomed in varying colors. Grass grew as tall as it could, reaching high to the sky where the deer hadn't grazed upon it.
"See here, Asahi, Arnica!" Jiro points with a paw to the cluster of yellow flowers before stopping when his silver eyes land on the form of a stranger. "Greetings," Jiro calls out in the common tongue, his accent clear and thick compared to those not native to his father's lineage. "Are you here gathering Arnica too?" He questions, head tilting as he wanders over to the flowers, leaning down to pick one with his teeth before offering it to his sister for her to inspect.
![](https://i.imgur.com/U4NFdJN.png)
Ellara
Physician
Expert Healer (165)
Master Fighter (240)
2 Years
Female
807
Sinchanted
![Critical Fail!](/images/awards/fighting/CriticalFail.png)
![Ellara Praetor](https://i.ibb.co/RjgQdSB/ddur5b9-d5c2c73e-7749-4263-9e30-992af6bf0103.png)
One of her owls began hooting abnormally, and Ellara took alert that others might be nearby. It didn't take long for the pair of youths to come into view, her pink eyes softening as she saw them. "Greetings," she called back to them, her voice warm and inviting. "Yes! I am here for Arnica, too. It can be such a useful herb."
She stepped closer, her movements fluid yet calm, nodding to Jiro as he spoke and offering a gentle smile to the more cautious female that hid behind him. "I am Ellara Praetor, a healer by trade. This garden is my sanctuary, it's so peaceful isn't it? Perfect for collecting almost anything one could need."
Her gaze lingered on Asahi as she side-eyed her, her smile never faltering. Her gaze softened further, "Don't worry, the Garden is a safe place. I remember being shy about meeting strangers, too. It is good to be cautious, you are a smart girl," she said, her voice taking an encouraging tone. Carefully, she began to snip a few of the flowers off of the cluster she had found and placed them in her wool satchel. "If you'd like, I could help you find anything else you might be looking for! I am a friend, I promise."
Ellara's owls watched from their perch above, their eyes wide and curious as their heads twisted and bobbed to get better views of the two strangers.
[ 2/3 Collected an herb (Arnica) ]
Jiro listens to her words, a lazy smile draped across his lips as she speaks. "Nice to meet ya, Ellara," he responds, tail wagging softly between his legs. He doesn't prod or force Asahi to come forward and introduce herself, but instead allows her to continue to shield herself with his much larger body. "We stopped by to gather some herbs," Jiro comments as she focuses on Asahi, speaking calmly to his sister, attempting to comfort her. It makes Jiro smile, but still he stands protectively before her.
Leaning down to also gather another arnica flower, he hands it back to Asahi before returning his attention back to Ellara. "That's awfully kind of ya. We're still learning the different species and types of flowers and plants so any information is great," his tail wags a little faster as he smiles a little wider. "We came for Arnica as our older members often have joint pain, but I'm sure we could take some other stuff back we might not have," Jiro offers, hoping maybe some more information would help the more experienced healer in helping them explore the garden.
![](https://i.imgur.com/U4NFdJN.png)
Ellara
Physician
Expert Healer (165)
Master Fighter (240)
2 Years
Female
807
Sinchanted
![Critical Fail!](/images/awards/fighting/CriticalFail.png)
![Ellara Praetor](https://i.ibb.co/RjgQdSB/ddur5b9-d5c2c73e-7749-4263-9e30-992af6bf0103.png)
Ellara couldn't help but smile as she watched Asahi slowly warm up, even if it was just a little. It was always heartening to see a shy soul take a small step out of their comfort zone. "Arnica is certainly helpful for joint pain, but there are other treasures here, too."
She moved gracefully through the garden, her keen eyes spotting a final cluster of Arnica tucked beneath a large stone. With a gentle tug, she pulled a few flowers free and added them to her satchel, leaving enough for Jiro and Asahi as well. "This is the last of the Arnica that I need today," she remarked, glancing back to the pair of siblings.
“If you’re interested, I can show you where to find some valerian root or perhaps a bit of yarrow. Both are excellent for calming and healing.” Her offer was sincere, her tail swaying lightly as her owls continued their quiet vigil overhead.
[ 3/3 Collected an herb (Arnica) ]
While yarrow was more familiar to him, this valerian root was not. "Oh, yes, that would be good," he nods happily, glancing once more at Asahi, hoping his sister doesn't mind that they stay out a little bit longer. "We have plenty of yarrow within the woods, but I don't believe I've spotted much valerian root," Jiro tilts his head, eyes glancing around to see if he could notice any nearby.
![](https://i.imgur.com/U4NFdJN.png)
Ellara
Physician
Expert Healer (165)
Master Fighter (240)
2 Years
Female
807
Sinchanted
![Critical Fail!](/images/awards/fighting/CriticalFail.png)
![Ellara Image](https://i.imgur.com/Pld5wAo.png)
Ellara smiled at the siblings' enthusiasm, particularly as Asahi nodded eagerly. "Valerian root it is, then," she said warmly, leading them through the garden. Her movements were graceful, her paws barely making a sound as she navigated the overgrown paths.
"The valerian root grows in slightly shadier spots," she explained, her pink eyes scanning the area. "It has delicate white flowers and a distinct scent. It's wonderful for easing tension and helping with sleep."
She paused near a cluster of taller plants, the leaves broad and green, the flowers a pale white. "Here we are," she said, brushing some of the leaves aside to reveal the stems and beginnings of hidden roots. "This is valerian. The roots are the most potent part, so we'll need to dig carefully to keep them in tact."
[ 1/3 Collected an herb (Valerian Root) ]
Navigating through the field, his eyes move down toward the plant that Ellara reveals from the shade. He listens carefully, nodding to let her know that he would take the retrieval of the plant carefully. "My paws are quite large. The digging part might be suited better for Asahi," Jiro nods down to his smaller sibling. Her paws were quite more delicate than his own, he wouldn't deny when she was better at something. "I can still help though," he offers, his tail wagging softly as he steps to the side to find another valerian plant to harvest.
![](https://i.imgur.com/U4NFdJN.png)
Ellara
Physician
Expert Healer (165)
Master Fighter (240)
2 Years
Female
807
Sinchanted
![Critical Fail!](/images/awards/fighting/CriticalFail.png)
![Ellara Image](https://i.imgur.com/Pld5wAo.png)
Ellara watched with a fond smile as Asahi eagerly took to the task. "Impressive," she encouraged, her voice warm and soothing. "The roots are the strongest part of the valerian, so your careful touch is perfect for this."
She glanced over to Jiro, appreciating the way he looked after his sister. "It's good to see such a strong bond between siblings. You both compliment each other well, do not lose that!" she remarked, her eyes soft with admiration as she remembered fondly her own brother.
As Asahi continued to dog, Ellara gently guided her, pointing out where the roots grew the thickest. "Once you have a good bundle, go ahead and add it to your basket. They'll be a great help to your pack, especially during stressful times."
With a soft rustle, one of Ellara's owls swooped down to perch nearby, its watchful eyes observing the siblings with curious interest.
[ 2/3 Collected an herb (Valerian Root) ]