Though he was still convinced that everything that happened the night before was his fault Indigo still made his way back to Iolaire’s garden. Not to spend his time wasting the day away like he had been before, but to ask her what he should do next. He felt most terrible about leaving Asla and what was supposed to be a perfect night between the four of them. When he first got there he could see what she expected and the three of her brothers had disappointed her greatly.

Indigo didn’t know how to fix any of it or start making it back up to her. Indy was a terrible brother, and he hoped his aunty could help him be not a terrible brother. His sister and him were supposed to be partners, but all he’d done for her so far was take. He looked quite downtrodden as he arrived at the stone cottage early in the morning. He’d already finished the care for his garden, something he couldn’t forget, now he’d try and figure out a way to get back on track with Aslatiel and his brothers. ”Aunt Io?” He called out softly as he knocked against the cottage door and peered into the garden.

Io had been up above the garden, clearing the area around the little pond when she heard the soft voice of Indigo call out. He seemed more hesitant than usual. Brushing dirt and bits of grass off of her white toes, Io called out to the boy, letting him know where she was. Something seemed wrong today. He was usually a little shy, but he looked upset. The woman's brow furrowed slightly. These kids... There was always something wrong. Whether it was a hurt paw, an attempt to throw oneself from a cliff or the aches and pains of growing... there was always something. The only one that hadn't sought her out for negative reasons was Aslatiel.

Io would allow Indigo to come up the hill to her. Together they would work on clearing the weeds and tall grass from around the pond as they talked. Within the little body of water, a few little fish swam. She'd chosen these fish specifically for their cleaning abilities. They ate algae and would keep the water clear by doing so.

The sound of her voice pulled him from the cottage to the furthest depths of the garden, his black paws carried him where she worked by the pond. Indigo’s movements were slow and his vibrant sapphire eyes looked at the ground as he approached. Indy felt ashamed of himself, and he couldn’t meet his aunt’s eyes. Instead he looked to the pond, his demeanor completely different than normal.

He came here for a reason but he struggled with deciding on the right words. He didn’t like to ask for help, he didn’t want to be a burden. Iolaire wasn’t immediate family, she was slightly removed from the situation but she was also an adult that would give him real advice. ”I made Aslatiel upset. Or..” He wanted to take all the blame, especially if it meant they could all be friends again. ”My brothers and I made Aslatiel upset.” He sighed softly and sat back on his little purple rump, eyes still glued to the pond.

Indigo wasn’t entirely sure how to explain fully. ”Asla made us a perfect campfire and dinner and it was all wonderful. But Azure was mad at Mort, and Mortis tried to leave but I could tell that he was crying…” He got ahead of himself, he had no idea how to explain the intricacies of what had happened the previous night. ”I went after him instead of staying to eat with Aslatiel and Azure.”

Indigo spoke and Iolaire listened. The woman was touched that he had come to her with his problems. It was good to know that he trusted her enough to do so. So Mort and Azure had been at it and had ruined the night that she helped Aslatiel plan. The girl had been so excited about having a night out with her brothers... There was a lot going on between the two eldest brothers, she knew, though it seemed that no one knew the specifics. Zee had spoken to her about it and she had seen the change in the pair herself. It was a difficult situation to deal with.

"If Mort was crying, you did well by going after him. Asla would understand that." Or at least she should. "Mort is a sensitive soul. He's going through a hard time right now and we all have to be patient with him until he sorts it out." It was important to be supportive as the winged boy worked to fit all of the pieces together in his mind.

"As for Aslatiel... I'm sure she was upset that her night was ruined. She worked very hard to prepare that for you boys. That was even her own kill." She was sympathetic to the boys plight. He had been torn between siblings. It wasn't an easy place to be in. "Have you talked to her yet? I'm sure she's confused as well."

His aunty seemed to pick up on his story well enough, he had no idea how much inside information she had or how well she truly understood his words. When he finished she spoke confidently, that he had done well by going after his brother, and that his sister would surely understand his reasoning. She mentioned his brother going through a rough time and Indy’s ears fell to his skull. He didn’t miss the emotions in his poor brother, it did seem like he needed support.

Indigo hesitantly brought his gaze up to his aunt as she shifted the conversation to his sister. The main reason he had come to his aunt for help. He didn’t want his little sibling upset with him. ”I never meant to upset her. I really did want to eat the pig…” Though it was a selfish reason his mouth watered at the thought of the food he had missed out on. Indy didn’t often refuse food, and to have left the feast without eating was saying something. He had been very worried about Mort.

”No..” he confessed, kicking the ground with a dark paw. ”She didn’t seem like she wanted to talk to anyone.” Which included him, and he felt bad for it. It was all his fault, he should have stayed and supported his sister. Mortis was so sad though.. He second guessed his decisions again, even though Io told him he had chosen correctly.

Indigo was upset and rightly so. They'd ruined all of their sisters hard work. Iolaire could understand why, but she doubted that the children had that same level of understanding. When you were that age, it was all about you and how you felt. Not so much how others felt. Indy said that he had wanted to eat the pig and Io nodded in understanding. She was sure that he did. The events that had transpired weren't his fault. "Don't blame yourself, Indy. This wasn't your fault. You did what you thought was right and running after your brother who was obviously hurt was right. Aslatiel will understand. You just need to talk to her."

Io's head gave a slight tilt and one silver brow raised. "In the mean time, you could think of ways to make it up to her. Maybe finish what she started. A night for the four of you." It seemed like something that the girl would appreciate. "Talk to your brothers. Make them behave for her sake." Iolaire doubted that the girl would hold the event against her brothers. She could tell that the three dire pups were the tiny girl's world. "If you need help preparing, Roan and I could help you just as we helped Asla."

Iolaire seemed to be the best adult to cme to with his problems, she was very understanding. He didn’t know what to do, but she made sure to tell him that he shouldn’t blame himself for the outcome. He did the right thing, Mortis needed him. Even if he really wanted to enjoy his sister’s dinner helping out his poor sibling was the correct choice, even if it was hard. He’d been in a lose lose situation and he made the best decision possible. ”I hope so.” Indy muttered softly, hating that his sister was upset with himself or their brothers.

Iolaire was quick to suggest what he could do in the meantime, if he started planning now the boy could recreate the thoughtful night. He wasn’t a hunter, but he knew that his brothers were more than he was. After he spoke to his brothers he could ask Io and Roan for help in finishing touches. ”You’re right, I should!” He felt that the idea was the breakthrough. There was light at the end of the tunnel and he could make his sister happy again. The difficult part would be to convince his brothers to get along. ”Do you think Az and Mort will listen to me?” He questioned softly, knowing the rest of his task would be easy.

Enthusiasm struck Indigo as he realized that he could recreate the ruined night for his dejected sibling. He had so many options as to what he could do. He could get food from the cache. He could hunt something fresh. Roan could hunt something for him. They could have their night on the sand. They could have it on the grassy plain. The world was Indigo's oyster. He just needed some help from his aunt to pry it open.

That enthusiasm soon faded as he wondered about his brother's participation. "Make them. It's not always about them. Part of growing up is doing things that you don't want to do because it's the right thing." Reaching out, Io bumped the purple pup lightly with her muzzle. "If they love Aslatiel, they'll do what they need to to to apologize for being big babies." Not able to control herself, both forelegs wrapped around Indy and she pulled him into an embrace. "You're a good big brother, Indy. Aslatiel and the boys are lucky to have you." She gave him a light squeeze, her cheek rested on top of his head. In that moment, she both wished for her own children and missed her brothers long past.

The young boy obviously worried most about getting his brothers to get along with each other and him for their sibling. Indy hadn’t talked to Azure since that night either and he wasn’t at all sure how he would react. He’d abandoned him on the beach too, and his words hadn’t been kind when he left. Still, he managed to smile as Iolaire called them big babies. They would do this for him and for Aslatiel because they loved her.

He leaned into Iolaire as she wrapped her slender limbs around him, he enjoyed the embrace and felt proud at her words. He didn’t know what she lost in her life, but he was here now. ”Thanks, aunt Io.” Indigo returned softly as he tried to wrap his gangly arms around her in return. The confort was appreciated and he hoped he wouldn’t let her down. He always wanted to be there for his siblings, and whatever he could do to see them smile he was going to do.

As Indy embraced her, Io smiled and placed a kiss to the top of his head. "You just explain to your brothers just how you did to me. Tell them that it's for Asla and it's not about them. They should listen." She grinned. "If they don't, you send them to me. Aunt Io will set them straight."

Gently releasing her hold on the boy, she motioned for him to follow her outside. "I'm glad you came today. I have a gift for you." Leading the purple child around the side of the cottage, she made her way up the hill to a few plants that were planted in various dishes. Selecting one, she placed it before the boy. "To go with your collection of tea plants." Eyes sparkling, she waited for him to ask questions.

She gave him a motherly kiss on the top of his head before reassuring him again that he could convince both Azure and Mortis to work together for their little sister. He didn’t have to worry about it in the end though, if he couldn’t manage it then Iolaire would. All he needed was to send them to her if they didn’t cooperate. This was for Aslatiel though, surely they would.

Io unwrapped him softly, and grabbed his attention with ease as she suddenly seemed to remember that she had something just for him. Indy’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he followed after the woman. She led him to the back of the cottage and without wasting any time deposited a potted plant in front of him. Instantly Indigo was alight with joy and questions. His vibrant violet tail wagged excitedly at his hips as his eyes sparked. ”What’s this?!” He practically jumped out of his skin as he began to inspect every leaf.

Indigo was always so excited. Today was no different. Having put the plant before him, the boy bounced and wagged, instantly perking up from his former melancholy. He asked what the plant was and his aunt would explain. "This is called Stevia. Once it's fully grown, you can harvest the leaves. You dry these leaves, grind them into a dust, and you can use them to sweeten your tea." It was a good alternative to honey which wasn't always readily available.

Taking the planter in her teeth, Iolaire moved back into the cottage. She placed the plant down then went to the shelf to grab a container down. "I'll only be a minute."

Indy always seemed to be swinging from one intense emotion to the other, but he much preferred the feeling of elation when Io offered him another plant. ”Stevia..” He muttered, much like he did when he was being taught about the other few plants in his garden. ”What do I use to make them dust?” He asked curiously as she led him back towards the cottage. ”Can it live with my lavender and hibiscus or should it be friends with my mint?”

Indigo settled in beside his new plant, a soft smile on his lips as he looked it over again and again. The way the leaves grew it reminded him of his mint plant, but the scent was much too different to be related. He was completely content getting to know his new plant while Iolaire worked. ”Hi, I’m Indigo.” He started, much like he’d introduced himself to the stars. ”I’m going to take good care of you, so you grow up big and strong and return the favor with your leaves.” He explained to it, much like he had with his other plants back in his small garden.

Iolaire proceeded to put a stone dish over the small fire that she kept in the corner of the cottage. Into it, she poured water. As she waited for the water to boil, she took down another stone dish and an oblong stone. Sitting it before Indigo, she placed several dried leaves into the bowl. "These are dried Stevia leaves. You just pound and grind them into a powder with this other stone." Handing the boy the oblong stone and leaving him to work, she went back to her shelves and began sifting out various leaves to place in the water that would soon boil.

Bringing down two little cups make out of small dried gourds, Iolaire carefully poured the hot liquid into each cup, straining the leaves away with some braided vines. She took the cups towards Indy and sat them down before settling herself across from him. "You just add a little bit to each cup. Add more if you'd like it to be sweeter. Oh, and wait for it to cool a bit. It's very hot." Steam rose from each cup in little tendrils. "Hibiscus and chamomile tea. Nice flavor with a bit of relaxation tossed in."

Indigo figured Iolaire would tell him where the best place to keep his new little stevia plant when they got back to his garden. She did demonstrate how he should grind the dried up leaves, the boy’s bright sapphire eyes watched her as she pummeled it between two stones and made sa fine powder. He nodded, commiting the memory as he wondered when he could get his own mortar and pestle. He used what he was given and mirrored Iolaire’s movement to create the finished product.

While the boy was working Iolaire prepared the tea, so far the boy was more interested in growing the ingredients. He would grow mountains of tea for his dear auntie. The scent that filled the air was calming and Indy’s attention was kept easily by Iolaire as she brought forward the two cups. Indigo put a tiny bit of sweetener into each cup as he inhaled the scent. ”Hibiscus!” He said excitedly, knowing he was growing one of these.

”Can I get chamomile for my garden one day?” He asked as he blew gently on the surface of the beverage before lapping at it testingly. He grinned, the taste was subtle and slightly sweet and he liked it very much.

Indy was excited that she had use hibiscus in the tea. She'd done that on purpose, of course. Holding her own tea cup between her paws, Iolaire lightly inhaled the steam that was coming up from the cup. The scent was herbal and calming. The taste would be smooth and slightly sweet. This was one of her calming blends. The woman also had a spicy blend that she preferred, but she wanted to show Indy how to use the plants that he possessed.

The boy asked about getting chamomile some day and the little woman smiled down upon her nephew. "Darling, you can have chamomile now if you'd like. It all depends on whether or not you think you're ready to care for so many plants." She had confidence in the purple child's abilities, but if he became too overwhelmed with the amount of plants that he had now, it might discourage him from getting more.

Indigo naturally inhaled deeply as he stared down into his cup, it was incredibly hot so he had to be careful. The aroma was intoxicating, and he was excited to start growing his own tea. The effects weren’t astounding, but that was little surprise when the subject was a young puppy. Indy settled further over his cup, a gentle smile playing on his features as he enjoyed his time with his aunt.

Indigo was doing well with the three plants he had at home, and now he was going to take another. ”I should wait until my stevia settles...” He mused softly, clearly wanting to give into his want. However Indy couldn’t help but indulge his cautious side. He didn’t want to kill any of his plants but, ”But maybe a little one?” He asked, second guessing himself as usual.

Io sipped her tea slowly, enjoying the earthy flavor with the hint of sweetness. She liked tea quite a bit, though the process of cutting and drying the herbs was tedious. Eventually she hoped to pass down enough of her knowledge to the younger generation so that she might be able to take it a bit easier. They could carry on with their teacher watching. It would be nice.

When Indy said that he'd like a little chamomile plant, Iolaire laughed. He was such a joy. "Well, my dear boy, I have one outside waiting for you." She often put plants into little receptacles just in case Odette or Bird or some traveler wished to have one. Finishing off her tea, Io looked to the boy. "Are you ready to plant these?" She wouldn't help him this time. Indigo would have to plant and water his newest acquisitions on his own. All while she observed, of course.