Familiar as a Stranger
Orica sat back a little, haunches finding purchase in the snow, but she kept her stance wide, and one paw up a bit so that the pup still had room to worm round and apparently try to fit his head into her knapsack as well. Hearing the words so well known to her coming out of a pup's mouth. Exclamations. Wonder. She remembered the first time she'd watched her pack healer busy at work - pulling green things out of holes in the earth - the only way to keep them good in those bitter cold reaches. Watching her chew them and lick them into wounds. It was magic. Real magic. She still thought so years and years later. But that first wonder? That inborn curiosity? That was something to treasure. As was the sight of a stubby pup's tail wagging back and forth.
Neptune. A lovely name. Harking back to the oceans that Orica had come to love so dearly. Oh and he was proud of his name wasn't he? Orica thought she could see that little chest puffing out. It made her smile as well, though she made an effort to keep anything remotely patronizing out of it. Children are as old as they've ever been, even at only a season or two. They're not to be made to feel stupid or less. That's not how they shine. And he was polite at that. The older she-wolf practically bloomed at his praise for her eyes. Whoever had parented this one had brought up a sweetheart. But - the question remained - where were they?
Orica was distracted for the moment with the boy's question. Did they all have different powers? "Certainly they do." She settled in. "See that one there? The color of your eyes? That's dried marigold. That keeps wounds clean and helps them heal all the faster. And that one- With the long, soft leaves that have gone dry and crinkly? Lambs ear or mullien it's called. That helps with rashes and blisters if put on the skin, or with colds and coughs if eaten - but only in small doses mind." It was second nature. Aids and helps and cures all rolling off her tongue. Whether it was just the thirst of a pup's knowledge for anything and everything, or a real interest that was sparking that day, she was happy to help it along. "Do you have any cuts or hurts, little one? Or has your mother looked after all of them?" |