Why be a Wallflower?

Mariah accepts Malico’s gentle head bump and even pushes back which brings a smirk to the boy’s lips. He does not realize that the plants he crushes under his body when he flops down are of interest to her and, blissfully unaware, he questions how she is feeling. His crimson and shadow hued sister turns to face him so that he can catch the words on her lips that his ears may miss. Tail gives a small wag of thanks to her, grateful that he won’t have to try and read only the side of her lips and have to fumble his way through their conversation.

Even if she isn’t focused on making him feel good, the knowledge that he does not have to try and pretend he can hear perfectly when it is far from the truth, sets the boy at ease. When his sister talks about looking at the plants and waves a paw around them, Mal’s turquoise eyes looks around the area. For the first time he realizes that this is a healer’s garden and that is why Mar is fascinated by it. Ears pick up the fact that she is still talking and his eyes snap back to her mouth as she explains about memorizing them.

With a small nod, the boy swiftly gathers his paws underneath himself and carefully stands, suddenly very aware of where he steps. He may not be interested in the healing arts but he will hinder his sister’s interest and, if she wished to name off the plants, he would patiently listen to each and every one. However, Mariah asks what he is up to and the boy gives a small shrug of his shoulders and nonchalantly says, “Was tryin’ to catch some of the rabbits that seem to like this garden.”

It is a half-truth as Mal does not wish to rub in the fact that he can run and enjoy the day while she is usually confined to the family den. And he does often chase the rabbits that seem to take an interest in this expanse of plants. They like to raid the flowers when no one is looking. An idea suddenly occurs to the pup and, arching a brow, he says, “Hey, you’re interested in healin’ right? Would you have any need for a rabbit pelt or two?” A wicked grin curls Mal’s lips upward. Maybe he can be of use to her and her healing endeavors!


"Malico Mendacium"