And The Summer Blazes On

Although she was a trusting mother in her children's abilities, Aliana was also a prudent and realistic wolf as well. That was why when Strix had come running up to her in the midst of the sweltering summer day, explaining his need to plants to help keep the slaves healthy, Ali had given him just enough information and supplies to be... well, not exactly dangerous, but to teach him how medicines work and when to best apply them. Still, he was a small pup, and though almost a yearling, she felt he would still need a mother's touch assisting him. And so, Aliana gathered up some more of her own supplies—elderberry for the immune system, some fresh aloe and mint to help keep the body temperature regulated, jugs of cool spring water, and some freshly grown melons from their gardens—and loaded them into two large bags that she slung across her body. Then the ash and snow queen began to make her way to the north end of the island.

Aliana detested coming to the slave pens. They revolted her and reminded her of her past, but it was also the driving factor behind why she felt so compelled to care for the wolves that had become merchandise in Chimera's shop of sin. She knew who they were, what they had done, and why Chimera did what he did to them, but the compassionate nature of the woman's heart refused to let any of them suffer. Her mate would say she was too soft, too kind, but she didn't care. She found fulfillment in her work and in the gratitude in each of their faces. The going was slow as she was laden down with her supplies, but eventually, the queen did reach the pens. Clang! The rattling of metal being struck made her look up with a start just in time to see Cináed pound the bars of the cells and demand the slaves inside eat the berries she'd given Strix. Approaching the two wolves, Aliana gave a soft tsk tsk and fixed Ciná with a stern, disappointed mom stare. "The best intentions when applied with force are still acts of force," she gently scolded the young brute while she set down her supplies and looked to the plants she had given Strix, who was staring helplessly down at them. "The thick, shiny leaves are aloe. They're filled with a thick gel-like fluid that helps regulate body temperate and keep one hydrated."

Opening her own packs, Ali passed the fresh melons over to Cináed. "Be a dear and break those open for me, please. Distribute them evenly amongst the wolves and make sure they don't fight over them." The clouded queen then came over to sit beside her son, giving him a gentle smile as she pointed out the bundle of mint leaves. "Steep the mint with the ginseng in the water until it becomes fragrant. A mint and ginseng tea is excellent for keeping one cool and boosting the immune system," she explained, then began to break the aloe leaves into segments. "Give a piece to each of the slaves to chew on." Ali rose to her paws and gathered up the elderberries, beginning to distribute them amongst the slaves in the cells, all of whom took them graciously from the kindhearted queen without objection or fuss. Ali turned her aqua gaze back to Ciná with a little "I told you so" look. "See? Honey attracts flies far better than vinegar, Cináed."

WC: 584
Total: 1600 / 1500

"Aliana Klien"