Making New Friends

Gossamer wandered toward the border's edge accompanied by one of her parents companions. She had no intention of going over the border into the Weeping Woods but there were some cool plants nearby she just had to check out. A small stream crossed into Armada territory from the nearby woods. The plant in question stood a couple feet high, growing along the bank. The leaves were grouped in a number of smaller leaflets. Gossy thought it was neat looking, maybe she could take part of the plant back to aunty Io and her aunt could tell her what it was. Gossamer reached out to collect the plant but before she could grab it something large and orange popped its head up and yelled a her.

"Don't bite that, it's poison!" Gossamer whipped her head around to stare at a fox, but not just any fox, a huge fox. "What do you mean poison?"

"That plant is water hemlock, it could hurt you or kill you if you eat it. Just trust me on this kid."

Gossamer eyed the fox. "I'm not just a kid, I'm a princess! Are you a healer?" The fox nodded, sitting politely with her tail wrapped around her paws to appear less threatening. No doubt aware of the pups companion. Gossamer saw an opportunity. She wanted a cool companion like her mom and dad did.

"Say, you want to make a deal. I want to be a healer and I want to have a companion like my parents. If you be my companion and help teach me you can be part of our pack! You'll get food and protection and good things! What do you say?"

The fox considered it for a moment then nodded. "I… actually I would like that, if you don't think I'm too much of a freak. My name is Ásta."

Gossamer smiled. "No, I don't think you're a freak. I think you're cool! My name is Gossamer. Hang on, I'll call for my dad." She tipped back her head and howled for Sirius.