The spring brought a fresh batch of budding berries all over the grove that took up a third of their territory. None of the berries were quite ripe enough or large enough just yet to try to make wine out of–for that she usually waited till the larger, nearly over ripe fruit of the late summer–but these berries still needed to be picked to keep the temptation away from the bears that were emerging from their hibernations. That meant that while she wouldn't be making them into wines that didn't mean she couldn't make them into juices! There were plenty of younger wolves in the pack that shouldn't be getting into the harder drinks just yet, but she imagined they would enjoy having some fresh fruit juice to enjoy.

Today she had one of her youngest daughters at her side, little Ionela seemingly taking an interest in the craft of making things just like she had at her age. Her daughter had been a great help pulling the berries off of the lower branches of the bushes while she plucked the ones from the top and now they made their way back to the kitchen with a basket full of berries. "Before we can smoosh these down into juice we'll have to clean them off first," she told Nellie as she placed the basket down on the floor in front of the fireplace since that was the most open space within the kitchen that would be down on Nellie's level. "Why don't you go ahead and start pulling out any little sticks or leaves that might have snuck in with our berries and I'll go get us a bowl of water and a towel ready," she suggested before turning to go get their supplies.

"Briar Carpathius"

Ionela had basked in her mother's attention all morning, scurrying to and fro beneath the berry trees and trying her very hardest to listen to every instruction. There were plenty of siblings around to keep her attention, but Briar and Artorias had been busy preparing for... something. A raid? But now that was all over, and she was thrilled to have some undivided attention. Nellie had begged to help carry the basket back but by the time they were done gathering it was overflowing and she had settled for dancing side to side while Briar carried the basket home.

She held the door open for Briar as they went into the kitchen, glad to be of some kind of use again. There was nothing she hated more than not being able to participate! The fire in the hearth burned hot and invitingly and she quickly made her way over to bask in front of it and ease off the worst of spring's chill. Days were growing longer and she knew soon it would be nice and warm - she couldn't wait! Nellie hummed to herself as Briar set out the basket by the fire. "Thank you, mami!" Nellie chirped back to her mother's instructions and began to work through the bounty, setting small twigs and leaves aside as she did so. Occasionally she giggled and blew a leaf into the fire to watch it burn up, sizzling if there was enough moisture trapped still. "I bet it's gonna taste reaaally good," she said, refocusing her attention on pruning all of the unwanted bits and bobs from their berries.


"speech"

coding by xarae