The winds, they scream your name

Question me? All of your doubt feeds my desire.

Finally, a sense of calm seemed to settle over him. He had nothing to fear from her, and it was wasted energy to think otherwise. Nox blamed that sort of behavior on inexperience and hoped that he would learn to stem that ritual before he encountered someone who would react negatively to it. There were many who would take advantage of such a situation, but she was not one of them. While Nox would be the first to admit she had the capabilities of someone cruel, it was not often necessary. He seemed neither cruel nor especially formidable though he certainly tried his best to look the part. Nox thought it cute, like a boy walking around in his father’s crown. It made her wonder if he came from a distinguished family. Few held themselves with such poise and dignity. The way he spoke also set him apart: Polite but also reserved as though he were holding something back. Nox loved a good character arch and it would have been quite the treat to witness his transformation.

He apologized for his strange-behavior and she giggled softly, “Indeed, but no apology necessary.” She had witnessed far more peculiar things and who was she to judge in the first place? If he was passionate about dirt, then more power to him. Nox leaned back and allowed him the time he needed to find the words. The more they talked the less uptight he seemed. Every muscle appeared to relax, and his lungs rejoiced as the pressure was lifted from them. Ears swiveled forward upon her crown, and she kept eye-contact to reassure she was engaged and listening.  It turned out that he was a healer and not in-fact someone with a dirt-related fixation. He spoke with passion, eager to share his interests with her, which she happily obliged. Nox extended a paw to experience the sensation for herself. The soil was indeed rich and dark, likely due to the appropriate amount of decomposed material mixed into it. The crater in which nothing of magnitude seemed to grow in-fact had perfectly balanced soil. While Nox knew and cared little about dirt, he seemed very dedicated. She took in that knowledge, not for herself, but knowing others might find it interesting.

Nox nodded politely and once he finished; she spoke. “A noble profession, I know aspiring healers of varying levels of skill though none surely are as passionate as you.” She smiled softly and fiddled with the soil, admiring its quality and pondering whether she should share some personal information. After giving it some thought, she considered it might help him to know he was not alone in his dedication to nature. “Well, herbs and soil have not and likely will not ever be my specialty. Though I do understand why you admire it.” Nox inhaled deeply, taking in the strong and earthy smells nature had to offer. The air was clear and free of impurities. “My daughter Astraea, however, takes great interest in nature and science. She wishes to be a healer too.” There was a moment where her eyes flickered in intensity. Nox spoke with a bittersweet tone, recalling fond memories as well as hurtful ones. “Perhaps I might find something to hold a bit of this… loam, so she might study it herself when she returns.” If she returns... Nox looked around but found nothing of the sort. There was nothing down there but dirt, plant-life, and some rocks. She was not sure what she expected. “You said this sort of soil was ample for growing herbs?” She said turning to face him again. “Is that why you came down here for?” What other reason could he have for venturing down a steep cliffside? Healers certainly shared a common devotion for plant life. There was no depth they wouldn’t dive or cliff unfit to climb for a herb or two.

I'm gonna make my own empire.