Need a Little Ray of Sunshine

Paladin nodded at her question. “I was trained by the Nomads—My mother’s people. The red mark on my forehead means I have reached a point in my healing training where I can learn more advanced things. It’s only half a mark since I’m only a yearling, but I’m told that I’m a prodigy.” Absolutely no cockiness registered in his voice at the words of his prowess, only a calm certainty of it. He wasn’t one to doubt the Nomads when they said they thought his skill was exceptionally high for the craft. He added with a slight smile, “The Nomads are a large series of groups that travel, and they are the most elite of the healers you could ever hope to encounter if you’re in need. If they have colored marks between their brow points, they signify their status as A healer of the Nomad.”

He caught her next question but waited until he moved to cup his toes around the root and paw it deftly from the water, letting it land on the shore. “Blue Flag is also known as Iris. In spring, it has stalks with blue blooms with drooping petals. Smells quite nice really.” His tones fell easily into the gentle teaching nature, taking his time to allow the learning to take in what he said and process it.

He shifted and stepped from the water, flipping the hide he’d brought along in such a way that it fell moderately flat open on the snow, nudging the root onto it and studying her again. “It can be used for quite a few things, really—Indigestion, relieving vomiting and nausea… It can help break a fever, and a poultice can be used to ease the pain and swelling of sores and bruises. But,” And here those fathomless sapphire and bright amethyst eyes turned serious, “It should never, ever be given to a pregnant wolf. Not unless the litter isn’t healthy and it’s safer just to abort the litter. Never give it to nursing mothers, either. It can help to heal wounds as a poultice, as well.”

He lowered his head, nudging the flaps of the hide together and taking it in his teeth, but paused, head cocking slightly as he gazed at her. “Would you like to walk with me while I try to scrounge a few more of these out of the water?” It would certainly help take his mind off of things, and by now, he had ascertained that she wouldn’t attack him unless provoked, and he could trust his gut on that. He didn’t trust her, but he wouldn’t send her away.