A one way ticket to a place that's cold and ill

Ellara watched as Asahi moved with a quiet determination, examining her owl’s chest with a delicate touch. There was something calming about Asahi’s presence, even as the pale wolf fought back the cold’s bite with her shivering. The brief hug she gave before disappearing into the woods had been unexpected but comforting. Now, after what felt like an eternity, Asahi had returned, carrying the hope Ellara so desperately needed.

Asahi placed the satchel down, opening it to reveal the spruce tips, pine needles, and oregano she had gathered. Ellara’s heart lifted slightly at the sight of the herbs. It wasn’t much, but it was more than she could have hoped for in this barren season. Asahi suggested brewing some into a tea, her words soft, the cold still making her teeth chatter.

Ellara nodded quickly, moving to prepare the tea. She took half of the herbs Asahi had brought, carefully setting them over a small fire she had kept going in the corner of the den. As the warmth spread through the herbs, the scent of spruce and oregano filled the small space, creating an earthy aroma that gave Ellara a sliver of hope. The simple act of brewing something, of doing something, made her feel more in control.

As the tea simmered, Ellara turned back to watch Asahi work, her paws grinding the rest of the herbs into a fine paste. Asahi’s focus was admirable, her delicate touch and attention to detail showing a quiet confidence that reassured Ellara. When Asahi showed her the paste, Ellara nodded in agreement.

“Yes, on his chest,” Ellara said softly, her voice filled with a quiet gratitude. “That should help with his breathing. Thank you.”

Ellara moved to her owl, gently parting the downy feathers along his chest, revealing the skin underneath. His breathing had remained steady but shallow, and she could see the slight rise and fall of his chest as he fought off the illness. With careful movements, Ellara helped Asahi apply the paste, the cool mixture seeping into the owl’s skin.

“There we go,” she murmured softly to her owl, as if reassuring him that help was finally here.

The tea was ready soon after, and Ellara brought a small portion of it to the owl’s beak, coaxing him to drink. He resisted at first, weak and tired, but eventually, he managed to swallow a few drops. Ellara sighed in relief, knowing it wasn’t a full cure, but it was something. The paste and tea would hopefully stabilize him through the night.

Once everything was settled, Ellara turned to Asahi, her heart full of gratitude. “Thank you," she said again quietly, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help.”

The den had grown warmer, both from the fire and from the presence of another who cared enough to come to her aid. Ellara looked back at her owl, whose breathing was finally easing. He wasn’t out of the woods yet, but the worst seemed to have passed.

“For now, I think he’s going to make it through the night,” Ellara said, relief evident in her voice. She met Asahi’s eyes and gave her a small but sincere smile. “You’ve given Eos a chance.”