Nature, Nurture

Ah, Meadow truly was a breath of fresh air in his life! Not that things were the least bit bad - he couldn't complain, not at all - but he was beginning to feel like he might have a chance at actually being a productive, valuable pack member. It might take time, a lot of time, but this was a fresh start for him and he was beyond elated at the endless possibilities that lay ahead of him. Meadow seemed happy to help teach him, and he was forever grateful for her kindness. She suggested maybe he could visit sometimes, and she could visit the next trip; he nodded in agreement, deciding that was probably the best plan anyway. He could even introduce Meadow to his mother! He had no doubt that Eulogy would get along wonderfully with Meadow, and likewise his bird companion would grow fond of her too, he was certain of it.

"Good idea," he agreed quickly, the stutter slowly but surely beginning to lift. Generally it wasn't noticeable anyway when he spoke just a few words, but it grew increasingly hard to understand him the more nervous he could. It was a tic that would likely never leave him completely, but being comfortable seemed to ease it considerably. Being correct in his assessment of horsetail only bolstered his confidence even more. He was right, which surprised him slightly, his eyes widening as he turned to face her. "I p-promise," he assured her. "B-but my mother - is a h-healer. M-maybe I've noticed s-some things f-from her." But then again, he hadn't directly engaged in the act of collecting herbs nor healing with her - he was just acutely focused on Meadow's lessons and what she was teaching him.

Did he have any other questions? Honestly he was getting a bit tired already, and he wasn't sure how much more learning he could take today. Not from the physical walking, though truthfully he wasn't used to wandering so far from home, but just from interacting. It wasn't often he spoke to others, especially those who weren't family or at least fellow pack members. "N-not this time. This... is plenty. T-thank you, for teaching me all this," he spoke genuinely, offering her a shaky smile. He seemed to notice something, and bounded forward at a faster pace, nearing a plant that looked peculiarly like the last... only different. This had to be horsetail, right? He sniffed at it, then pulled back to examine it for a moment before glancing to Meadow to see her reaction.