Lessons never end

Walk | Talk | Think

Despite what little optimism she clung to, Callisto could feel the awkward tension that still hung between them like a thick fog. Her previous behavior continued to play on repeat within her mind, underscoring every look and gesture that Maximous made in his attempt at normalcy. She had been wrong to think him anything like the demon that had stolen her away two years before, but paranoia had a funny way of obliterating rational thought. She was not sure if she sensed those same residual thoughts within her mind or if it was possibly some sense of estranged guilt that caused her uneasiness, but she was sure she knew where Max's stemmed from. If only she had taken more precautions with her scent before arriving.

True to his honor and the memory of him she still carried with her, Maximous made no comment about her condition, hinted nothing at his feelings if not for the initial look of strain that had crossed his patient features. He backed away from the plant, either to distance himself more from her scent or offer her room to examine the plant more closely, but Callisto chose to keep herself seated where she was. It was best not to push things too quickly, at least in her current condition. In a kind gesture, he offered them to her, tying in her need of them after what had happened to her during her first season. It was a generous gift, one Calli understood the significance of, but she made no answer and still did not approach the plant.

She listened, silent and still, as he went on to explain what he knew of the plant. Birth control, liver, gallbladder. She logged the information away with a quick nod of her head, her expression serious and attentive. She was most interested in where he thought them found, and she was surprised to hear that grazing areas was their preferred habitat. She had been searching forests, thickly vegetated locales, with such poor results, and now it all made sense. "I hadn't been able to find any on my own yet," she remarked, purposefully leaving out the dumb luck of her companion - friend? - who had been able to find some without even realizing it, "it's probably been right under my nose this whole time."

Curiosity finally drove her to act, and rising slowly to her grey paws, the healer cautiously stepped toward the plants. It was hard to keep her attention focused solely on the plants, and her silver-blue eyes continued to sneak quick peeks at the wolf who had brought them to her, but she said nothing more as she stopped before them. Lowering her head, she sniffed, recognizing their scent, their shape, and almost immediately she could recall their taste. They might have been awful on her tongue, but their effects were proven and reliable. There was no arguing with results. Finally lifting her head back up, Callisto regarded Maximous directly, pausing a moment before she addressed him. "Thank you," she made herself say.