As Mariah traversed the expansive grassland, her steps were measured and deliberate, her senses attuned to the subtle shifts of nature around her. The vibrant hues of early autumn painted the landscape with warm tones, a stark contrast to the looming chill of the approaching winter. Despite the beauty surrounding her, Mariah's thoughts were consumed by her recent encounter with Caedes, the enigmatic wolf whose presence seemed to unsettle her to the core. The memory of their interaction played over and over in her mind like a relentless refrain, each word exchanged etched into her consciousness with vivid clarity. Caedes's piercing gaze, his cryptic words lingering in the air like a haunting melody, left her grappling with a mixture of unease and fascination.

As she walked, Mariah found herself drawn to the small creek that meandered along the eastern edge of the expanse. The gentle babble of flowing water provided a soothing backdrop to her tumultuous thoughts, offering a moment of respite amidst the vast expanse of nature. With the sun casting long shadows across the grassy terrain, Mariah paused by the creek, her gaze fixed on the shimmering surface of the water. Here, in the heart of the prairie, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, she sought solace and clarity amidst the tangled web of emotions stirred by her recent encounters.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Elysia had remembered passing a gully of flowers and herbs after the syndicate moved from the plains to the moor. She had taken mental notes to return there. Because surely some of the things there could help the band. Even if she herself didn’t know anything on the topic of herbs and healing, someone else must.

And she could easily collect the plants and herbs at random to be stored until someone with a knack for healing could sort and use them. At least that’s what she told herself as she found her way into the gully.

Meandering through the various plants she looked around. She really had absolutely no clue how anyone could remember all the different types and what they do. Shaking her head she mumbled loudly to herself ”I don’t even know what to fucking bring home with me”

With that she started to pluck random greenery from the ground until she was content with the plants that now peeked out of her leather armor as she made her way back home, towards the stream at the edge of the gully. That was how she knew she was heading in the right direction.

As she drew closer her eyes fell upon a red and black frame in the distance. Pausing, she debated if she should be bothered with them. But then she decided they could know something about the random plants she was carrying home. ”Hey! Do you think you could help me?” she called out




"Ely & Ezekiel"

Lost in her contemplation, Mariah was startled by a voice calling out to her. She turned to see a wolf approaching, her fur a striking red and black against the backdrop of the grassland. Mariah watched as the wolf drew nearer, a curious expression on her face. She had never met this wolf before, but there was something about her presence that felt familiar, as if they were connected by some unseen thread.

"Hello," Mariah greeted, her voice soft yet welcoming. "I suppose it depends on what it is that you need help with ..." She studied the assortment of plants peeking out of the wolf's leather armor, with a raised brow. After a few moments, she returned her attention to the other girl's amethyst gaze. "I'm Mariah." She offered, concluding it would make things easier to address one another after providing and introduction.

"Mariah Mendacium"

Elysia offered the woman a smile of her own. One meant to keep the interaction kind and relaxed. Under any other circumstances Elysia might have acted like her mother had always taught her to be - Domineering. But she always knew it was easier to catch flies with honey.

“I’m Elysia” she greeted the woman she now knew as Mariah. Before she turned her attention back to the random array of herbs and plants she now carried.

“If it’s not too obvious… I’m not a healer. But I want to help my family stock up on herbs to help out…would you possibly know if these are things I should be bringing home?” She tilted her head like a puppy asking for help. Hoping it would be enough to coax some help out of her.


"Ely & Ezekiel"

Mariah regarded Elysia with a warm smile, appreciating the sincerity in her demeanor. "It's nice to meet you, Elysia," she replied, her voice gentle and reassuring. As she glanced over the assortment of herbs and plants that Elysia had gathered, Mariah furrowed her brow in thought. While she wasn't a healer herself, she had spent enough time observing her mother's herbal remedies to recognize some of the more common plants. "Well, let's see what we have here," Mariah said, stepping closer to examine the collection. She pointed to a cluster of purple flowers. "These are Bellflowers. They're known for their soothing properties and can be used to ease pain and inflammation."

Moving on to a bundle of green leaves, she continued, "And these are Nettle leaves. They're great for treating minor wounds and can even help with allergies if prepared properly." Her gaze shifted to a small white flower, delicate and unassuming. "Ah, and this is Feverfew. It's often used to relieve headaches and migraines, as well as reduce fever." Mariah smiled at Elysia, hoping her knowledge would be of assistance. "These are definitely useful herbs to have on hand, especially for basic first aid and general wellness. Your family will appreciate your efforts to gather them." She finished, looking for understanding in the other girl. Even if it wasn't there, all she needed to know that these were indeed useful plants to take home to someone who knew how to properly apply them.

"Mariah Mendacium"