Gentle hearts

The boy was interested in herbs, that was evident. He asked what each plant looked like and Scylla considered a moment, finding the proper descriptions in her vast repertoire of plant knowledge. "Yarrow grows in tall stalks and it's topped with clusters of tiny bunches of white flowers." Taking one toe, Scylla pulled the boys attention and drew a stalk of yarrow in the earth. A long stalk with small, branching puffs of flowers at the top.

"Goldenrod has similarities," she began drawing a second plant beside the first. Another long stalk with small branches, only this time, rather than rounded groupings of flowers, the flowers grew conical in shape. "And the flowers are a golden yellow color."

Hanataro spoke again and Scylla chuckled softly, raising one paw to gently ruffle the boys fur between his ears. "It's always good to be kind to family. Sometimes you have to be hard too, especially when you're a leader." Again she smiled. "I'm glad that you think so highly of me, sweet one." Hopefully he continued doing so as he grew. Scylla wasn't always the sweetest of treats.

"Scylla"