A Fresh Beginning

Though she was far more timid than either of her siblings, she knew that she had to meet others in order to expand her knowledge. To train and to become a true healer. It was not an easy path -- certainly not a cop-out or those who didn't want to fight or hunt, even if some saw it as that. She knew many herbs could only be found in distant lands... so far away that she couldn't even fathom how long it might take her to get there. And some were useful, valuable, perhaps even hoarded by wolves much more daring than herself. She would have to learn to talk to others and to show a facade of fearlessness and courage.

But she still felt quite nervous approaching this man and his rather larger bird companion, and though she tried to mask the hesitation she felt, it was written plainly about her childish features as she drew closer. His attention did not land upon her immediately, but instead seemed fixated on another young girl, before coming to settle upon herself. The smile that painted her features was genuine and warm, and only grew as he spoke to her, introducing himself as Bhaire and his bird as Odd. "M.. my name is Ara," she introduced herself softly, her manner of speaking proper and gentle. "What herb do you seek, sir?" She wondered why it was that she seemed drawn to kindred souls. It seemed the few she had met who were interesting in healing were gentle, compassionate wolves -- it seemed only fitting that wolves with these qualities would be so interesting in learning to heal others. Though she knew herbs could also be dangerous, made into poisons so strong that they could even kill a creature.

Her attention drifted to the other girl, and she took yet a few more steps near. For a moment, the girl struck her as a complete stranger, but quickly she began to recognize her scent, and memories of that day by the willow trees began to come back to her. "I do remember you!" She would reply, her enthusiasm quite unusual for the often contained girl. "It has been awhile." She had wanted to return to the forest, knowing that she and her siblings alike had all had a fair amount of fun -- but it seemed both of their families had been quite busy. And so much had changed.