Frost Lingers

Paladin had taken his daughter – the term still gave him a mixture of warm fuzzies and butterflies in his chest – out to the stream, with his gathering pouches cinched to his back, though for gathering ice and snow rather than herbs today. As they padded along the path, they conversed, catching up and learning more about each other while Kayode and Ime trailed behind, less than thrilled about the cold weather. Neither Mandrill nor Lemur were meant for such weather, but they withstood it for Paladin, their friend.

Legacy, Paladin found, had a love for travel and exploration that reminded him of Kaija and Arne, and she was dedicated to bettering herself in her healing skills. He was utterly giddy with paternal pride that she was so determined to do good in the world, and he had no doubt she would succeed. He just hoped to see her find herself there before he passed.

Her mother’s Chapter would remain in the West of Boreas, to continue her training alongside his own lessons with her and the healers of the pack, and he looked forward to being the one to give her her first marks. He glanced aside at her black-marked features, and the dazzling eyes that looked so much like his mother’s. It was like his mother had come back in this girl in some way.

The stream came up in sight, and he led her along the stream to a still, quiet spot that ran through the woods around the hillock. The winter chill had set in enough to freeze the water, and with the fresh layer of snow, he had plenty to work with for a lesson. A crunch of light paws caught his attention and he turned to spot a new face, but one Aurielle had told him about, so he called out with a smile, “Hello, Audra; care to join us for a lesson in cold use in healing methods?”

He didn’t mind widening the lesson to two students, and a glance at his daughter told him that she was all for the change in plans, so he looked back to the woman, snowy tail tapping the ground gently. Audra was a small woman, much like his yearling daughter, but of a timber coat and honey-brown eyes. One of more naturalistic appearance.

Wordcount: 387 | Total: 849/1500