Abby didn't know where she was. Part of her didn't want to know.

Pines stretched above her, too high for her liking. What were they reaching for? the sun? the clouds? the void between? Or were they looming above on purpose, asserting their dominance upon the tiny, foolish wolf trotting under them? She returned her dark eyes to the trail, unsettled. Nothing should grow that big.

She trod on, lost in not thought, but in a sort of white noise. nothing came in, nothing went out. Only the padding of paws on damp grass and the twittering of birdsong.


OOC note: It's pretty much bedtime for me, so expect like a ten hour delay between my reply unless you post like, 15 minutes after I do.

Meadow wanders through the maze of trees, weaving in out of their trunks, enjoying the shade they offer. Rigel flies above, lazily beating his wings to keep afloat as the owl watches for anything might be a hinderance in her path. Her eyes take in the forest, marveling at the way the trees seem to touch the sky. Birds sing their songs in the branches as she passes underneath, moving slowly but with propose.

Today, she is a wolf on a mission, having come this far North to collect a special herb called Jewel Weed, Meadow is determined not to go back home with empty paws. Her saddlebag is filled with small strips of leather to bundle the plant in for the trip home. Eyes roam over the ground, looking out for the orange blossoms that are the telltale sign of the plant.

A hoot from above alerts Meadow to look up from the ground. The scent of another wolf reaches her nose and she quickly moves to follow their path. Picking up speed, she soon sees a form in the distance. When she is within earshot, the small wolf calls out, “Hello! Are you alright?” The prospect of meeting a new friend out weighing the fear of them being mean. Always wanting to be helpful, Meadow moves closer, ready to lend assistance if it is needed.


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Abilene continued on an undetermined path, driven only by the mind-numbing repetivity. Monotony is safe. Monotony is calming. Monotony distracts you from the deep pile of shit you've inexplicably trotted yourself into.

So driven by attempting not to think, she didn't notice the smaller canid moving towards her.

She almost jumped out of her skin at the sudden greeting, a noticeable hop in her relatively steady step as she nearly skidded to a stop. She turned around, brow furrowed and muscles tense, to behold a brown female noticeably smaller than her. Uhm..." She wasn't prepared for interaction, and she paused in a desperate attempt to think her words through.

"I'm doing okay, hello."

A lie of course, hopefully not an obvious one. She stood at a standstill, allowing the other woman to catch up. She didn't see an immediate threat, even from here she could tell she was taller than the stranger wolf. Then again, that would just give the stranger easier access to her internal organs. Or her ankles. Of all the extremites possibly at risk, she hoped she wouldn't lose her ankles the most.

A pang of guilt hits Meadow as the new wolf jumps slightly at her greeting. The pretty wolf turns and furrows her brows at the overly cheerful female. Oops. The tense muscles tell Meadow that the new wolf is ready for anything. To ease her mind, Meadow offers the beautiful wolf a warm smile. The words the other female says seem to be off, not quite fitting with what Meadow is observing but she will bring that up later. When the tri-colored wolf stops to allow her to catch up, the smaller wolf moves even faster so as not to make her wait long.

When she is close, Meadow stops and offers another bright smile before saying, “Thanks for waiting for me! My name is Meadow. I was just looking for a plant. Whatca you up to?” Her words are fast, spilling out of her mouth quickly and with great urgency. If she talks quickly, then no one will find out that she is annoying and make her leave. So far, the tactic has worked great for her. Eyes sparkle with curiosity and wonder at the larger wolf. Maybe she will allow the small, happy wolf to tag along. Meadow is a social butterfly and hates to be alone.


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Abilene wasn't sure if the bright, friendly smile the stranger gave was comforting or unsettling. Wasn't that a kind of smile reserved for meeting old friends, hearing happy news, or beholding a delicious meal? Was she going to become a delicious meal?

Her mind raced in familiar circles, but not in the calming nor safe kind, the kind that quickly breeds contempt for structure of her own brain. She smiled back, a tentative, slight upturn of the lip. She didn't want the other wolf to think they were where going to become a delicious meal.

When the other woman got close, Abby was almost overwhelmed by the flood of words from the other's maw. It again, took her a moment to process before responding.

"Nothing." She pondered briefly again. "Walking. I'm Abilene." Her ears perk a bit, noticing the mention of a plant. "What kinda plant are you looking for?"

Watching the wolf as she smiles, Meadow feels like she did something wrong. Try as she might, the small wolf cannot figure out what she did wrong. Smiles are meant to put others at ease so it cannot be that. Maybe it is just her. That has to be it. Meadow needs to be happier. The tentative upturn of her lip has the small female relaxing a little. Okay, maybe she was wrong, it could just be the way she had appeared suddenly. Really, she should stop worrying so much.

The flood of words takes a moment to be absorbed and she waits patiently. Oh, her name is Abilene. Meadow really likes her name. When Abilene's ears perk at the mention of the plant, Meadow’s eyes light up. Making a conscious effort to speak slower and more carefully, she says, “It is a pleasure to meet you Abilene. I am looking for a plant called Jewel Weed. I have heard it grows around here. Do you know of it?” Looking hopefully at the wolf, she adds, “Are you interested in herbs?”



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Abilene allowed herself to relax. The woman didn't seem hostile, maybe a bit too observant for her liking, strangely attentive to her slight changes. maybe she was easier to read than she realised, or maybe Meadow genuinely wanted to make her feel comfortable.

Strange.

The other spoke again, but this time slower. Had Abby paused before for so long? Surely she was the one at fault, not the friendly and approachable wolf beside her. "Jewel weed..." She repeated, racking her brain for memories. God, she it felt like forever since she read about plants. Too long, in her opinion. "Heard of it, probably. Is it pink?" Having been distracted with attempting to remember old knowledge, she had forgotten about the last question. "I suppose." She answered, hopefully not too late.

Watching Abilene intently, Meadow weighs everything she sees. She doesn’t want to disappoint or offend or, worst of all, make the other wolf feel uncomfortable. The small female has always vowed to live her life by leading with kindness, joy and laughter. While that can cause some to feel or act awkward around her, Meadow still tries her best to put them at ease. Smiles come effortlessly to her and so she offers them without a second thought. Her lips rest in relaxed smile, tongue hanging out the side of her mouth as she looks at Abilene. There is no tension in her form as she stands near the tri-colored wolf.

The way Abilene says jewel weed has Meadow’s ears perking up. Hopefully she knows something that can help. When she says she has heard of it and the color of the petals, Meadow almost bounces at the news. “Yes! They have pink petals! They like to grow in forests and can be rare to find.” She offers the information freely and nods as Abilene says she supposes to the question about being interested in herbs.

Thinking for a moment, Meadow slowly proposes, “Well, if you would like, we could search for it together. When we find some, you can take half. I can also show you some of the more common plants that are good for healing. If you want.” Tail wags slowly, hopefully as she looks at Abilene. Meadow loves to share her limited knowledge on herbs and the chance to talk is always appealing to the small wolf. It is not that she likes to hear her voice so much as, it helps her to relax. Speaking helps Meadow to relieve her nervousness about being in a new situation.


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Abby allowed herself to calm further, a weight taken off from her chest. Company would be nice, she wouldn't have to rely on her own wits for a her own faulty, weird mind, a prospect much more comforting then continuing her constant walk towards oblivion. She shook herself of dew and lingering bad feelings as Meadow praised her for her admittedly minimal answer, like a teacher praises a pup for learning the alphabet. She didn't mind being treated like a pup. Left a lot less room for failure.

"Sure! sounds like a fun idea."

She started to walk, slowly, more of a suggestion of an action rather than a proper pace, in case the other woman wasn't ready to start moving yet.

Meadow, her tail wagging slowly and a happy smile still on her lips, watches Abilene. While hopeful that the tri-colored wolf will say yes, she is still exceptionally happy when she does agree. Almost bouncing from joy, she tries to keep her paws firmly planted on the ground. So far, things have been going well and she hopes that she doesn’t do anything to foul things up. Making a mental note to try very hard not to talk too much, Meadow instead nods her understanding and smiles brightly.

When the other wolf starts to walk, the small female takes that as her cue to follow. Moving to keep pace with Abilene, Meadow asks, “So Abilene, have you even been here before?” Hoping she is being polite and not prying, the smaller female thinks it might be a good trade to offer some information about herself. Speaking slower and putting great thought into her words, she says, “I come from a place to the south of here. The pack that I am part of live in a place called Tall Grass Plains. We are a pack of fighters and warriors.”

Meadow is so proud of her family and it shines in her talk of them. After a brief pause she looks at Abilene as they walk and adds, “Well, they are the fighters, I am a healer for them. They tend to hurt themselves more than I would like.” A soft laugh filters out and she shakes her head with a smile. “That is why I am out here looking for herbs. Always good to have supplies. Oh, look Abilene! Dandelions!” Pointing her nose at the yellow weed that is prevalent in most places, Meadow says, “They are one of the most common herbs. Do you know what they can be used for?”

Not meaning to but the tri-colored wolf on the spot, the smaller female is just excited at the prospect of sharing some of her limited knowledge on healing plants.



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Abby kept pace with Meadow, eventually rising to a casual trot. She knew she thought better on her feet, and she had a feeling she'd have to think a lot in the next few minutes, as words spilled from the brown wolf's maw. She smiled patiently, listening intently to her speak. So there were more wolves here? From the way Meadow described them, they seemed like a tough lot. Typically, Abillene didn't like pursuers of violence anymore than she liked violence itself, but if they had a lady like Meadow with them, they couldn't be so bad. She hoped.
The other wolf brought her attention a clump of dandelions. Her brow furrowed momentarily in thought at the question. "Uh, bruises?" She asked tentatively. She was sure there were more uses for them, but she couldn't recall them at the moment.

It does not go unnoticed, by Meadow, that her question about being here before goes answered. She convinces herself that it is because she is talking too much and nothing more. After all, the way that she jumps topics so quickly is sure to give anyone whiplash. As she moves into a trot to keep up with Abilene, Meadow makes a mental note to slow down and just take it one thing at a time, she nods to Abilene’s tentative reply about the common weed. Meadow explains, “Yes. Dandelions have great anti-inflammatory properties and that helps with bruises, joint pain and any kind of inflammation when applied topically. It also can help with appetite and digestive problems if you eat it. I think they are so amazing. Something so common that most wolves overlook them.”

Allowing the other female time to consider her information, Meadow focuses on walking for a few minutes. Looking up at the taller wolf, Meadow asks a little hesitantly, “So Abilene, where do you come from? Do you live around here?” Offering a warm smile, the happy female is ready to listen, if Abilene wishes to share.



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Wow. She listened, impressed. This small, affable wolf could remember all that from the top of her head? Abby felt herself get a little intimidated on how well read the woman was on herbs. She felt like a buffoon who couldn't tell flower from fruit every time she opened her mouth. Don't worry Abby, She reassured herself within her baffled brain. Maybe she just really likes dandelions? She doubted it.
"I'm not from around here, no." She replied casually, continually avoiding the question she worried would sprout into something she wasn't quite ready answer. She changed the topic. "What other flowers grow around these parts?"

Nodding as Abilene says that she is not from around here, Meadow wonders if she is talking too much. Has she put the other wolf on edge with all her rambling nonsense? Or perhaps she is just too… Meadow. Over the top bubbly and annoying. She has been told that before. Pushing the thought away quickly, she offers an easy smile as the Abilene switches topics. If the tri-colored wolf does not wish to speak of herself right now, that the shorter wolf will not press.

Flowers and herbs are her favorite subjects so Meadow easily answers the inquire, “Well meadowsweet is known to grow around here. It is another common herb. Meadowsweet is great for helping with symptoms of the flu. I think jasmine and maybe even lemon balm can grow around here too. We can…” she trails off and looks at Abilene guiltily. Ducking her head slightly she says, “I am sorry. I talk too much. You can tell me to stop at any point. I just… get excited.” She offers a small smile and allows silence to fall for the moment.



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The tri-colour woman breathed yet another silent sigh of momentary relief. The idea of explaining herself and her past felt like describing the inner machinations of a clock at first glance. She lacked the know how, the vocabulary, and god forbid she made a mistake. She had a feeling that Meadow got the message as she smiled at her again. How anyone could smile as much as the small wolf was beyond Abby.

Her brow furrowed at Meadow's unexpected apology. "No no! It's fine." She said, quite taken aback. She found it quite relaxing really. How could she describe it? It was like the twittering of birds or a gentle rustle of leaves, background noise. And yet she found herself taking in the knowledge spoken, a subconcious transfer of information. "Keep talking." She requested in a softer tone. She needed the distraction.

Looking at the tri-colored wolf, ears low, Meadow feels embarrassed for talking so much. However, her anxiety is quickly banished as Abilene reassures and tells her to keep talking. Bright smile returns as the words start to flow again. This time, she speaks slower and with less urgency. Herbs seem to be a safe topic so Meadow falls back to the subject of healing arts. She says, “Marigold is another common herb. The flowers grow in yellow, orange or red. The petals can be applied to burns or cuts and are great for bug bites or stings.”

While she rambles, the small wolf relaxes and the smile becomes easier. She adds, “You can also eat the petals to help with gum pain and sore throats.” Letting silence fall, Meadow walks in comfortable silence for a moment before saying, “I really love plants and learning of all their healing properties. It is amazing to think that every plant you pass has some kind of ability to either help or hurt those who ingest it.” With a smile she walks next to Abilene and enjoys her company.



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Abby continued the pace, content with the conversation, though it was more of a lecture. "This might seem weird, but my favourite plants are ferns." She decided to hazard a more active role in the interaction.

"They have no practical uses from what I know, but they're so strange. We had massive ones growing in the denser woods. Twice as big as a wolf." She spoke of them in a wistful tone, sorely missing the plants of her homeland. "Have you ever seen them in bloom?" She asked the smaller lady. Even if she had, she would describe it anyways.

She wondered if this place had any areas like her home, but she doubted it. From what she had gathered, the climate might've been too chilly to house the same flora.

The small healer keeps pace with Abilene, a smile resting easily on her lips. When the tri-colored wolf speaks, Meadow’s head tilts slightly as Abilene speaks of ferns. Ferns? She doesn’t know if she has seen those before. Eyes widen with amazement at the thought of a plant twice as big as wolf and she shakes her head to the question about seeing them in bloom. With wide, wonder filled eyes, the earthen hued wolf says, “I don’t think I have ever seen a fern. What do they look like?” before falling silent to allow the taller wolf to speak.

Colors dance in her head as she tries to imagine what a fern is and what it looks like in bloom. Maybe it is purple… or blue! And the leaves can block out the sun because they are so big! Mind creates fantastical images as she walks and listens to Abilene.


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"oh." She didn't think she'd have to explain what ferns were, wouldn't this continent at least have similar looking plants? Maybe ferns just weren't present here. That would be a tragedy. "Normally they look like... Little piles of intricate leaves, but the ones I grew up with looked more like stumpy palm trees." She hoped that the brief summary would be enough to at least give the older wolf an idea of what they looked like. "Well, it's not technically a bloom. They grow tiny little bumps underneath the leaves." Saying that aloud made it sound admittedly quite dull, and she fell silent as her enthusiasm sputtered and died.

[OOC note: Confused Tree ferns with Agave, Now I have to pretend fern reproduction is interesting]