hi, hello, i like plants!

Even with the arrival of spring in Auster, it was hard not to approach everything with a sense of wariness. Something- or many things- were not quite right these days. Even the bright spring sun wasn't quite as they remembered it being, its light unable to fully penetrate the blood-red hue that stained the sky. As they headed north, determined to help bring home answers, they found their gaze stuck for a long time on the horizon, noting the way it contrasted so sharply with the landscape below, painted various shades of green as the world welcomed spring's return.

They slowed when the scent of strangers reached their nose. Herajika wasn't far off from where they stood, scavenging for some mice near the stone foundations, having caught sight of one of the tiny things slipping beneath a piece of upended stone. Just up ahead, Seiko spotted a small wolf, bounding through the flowers. The child's guardian wasn't far off either.

As reclusive as the Tojo-Kai wolf was, they couldn't help but wonder what- if anything- these strangers knew. Keeping a respectful distance, Seiko let out a bark of greeting. They didn't want this older wolf thinking they were a threat to this child. That wouldn't be a good look for them nor their family.

Moving cautiously through the luscious vegetation, slowing to idly sniff at a cluster of unrecognizable wildflowers, Seiko noticed the child picking through some plants. "Good morning," Seiko greeted the boy, feeling about as awkward as they felt. Talking to strangers was not their greatest strength, but sometimes it had to be done. "Are you some sort of... herbalist?" Conversational, like they were talking to a full grown adult rather than a child. Seiko definitely didn't know how to talk to children.