The Basics

Loccian was her greatest source of knowledge. Though her mother and father were very intelligent, they didn't know much about plants and herbs. They had never trained in the art of healing like her mentor had. And so she needed to milk as much information as she could from whoever offered it, while not seeming too pushy or rude. She also needed to retain the information and learn it slowly and carefully.

She began to explain that willow leaves had a use. Her favorite kind of tree! She remembered when she was merely a pup, she had snagged some of the pretty leaves and taken them home to her father. Her tail began to wag behind her as she listened to her mentor explain. These leaves were eaten, instead of applied to wounds like the lavender. It was good for aches and joint pain. "I think willow leaves would help my father," she suggested quietly. "He limps sometimes. When he returns I will try some." Her smile had faded a bit -- her soft expression was serious and determined, and she watched for Loccian's response.