Eden was out and about.

She located the herb she required easily, the brightly green wide leaves a welcome sight. She settled in, her belly stretching already, to dig up the motherwort. Anyone that had dealings with pregnant women would know her scent had changed to match them. She wondered what other packs were expecting - and if she'd ever know. Having kept herself secluded for a few weeks, even a month or two, had done little for knowledge.

The Plunder was behind her by a few steps. Time's Cavern and the beach are in sight still; just in case. She hadn't been outside in a long time. Since even before the Pirates raided Habari, she found she had some time alone - at last. It had been all work and pack-related stuff. When the pups came, what could she teach them? How to be a doormat? A worker bee? It was good to have a work ethic, but she needed space. At least she could prepare for these pups.

Motherwort would be useful, but she needed more herbs. Perhaps the Plunder could spare someone to escort her to a suitable location to gather later.

"Speech"
1/3 - gather herb (motherwort)

AS HER OWNER...
ignis praetor is allowed in any thread, even ones marked private
baelfire, diablo, rivin and aresenn are also allowed due to being her children

Gavroche had decided it was time to do some herb hunting. So, with his bag awkwardly slung over his head Gavroche set off away from the Orchard, there where his final destination would be he didn’t know. Soon, he and Bellamy were going to make their trip to the Armada. He wasn’t sure if they would be accepted, but Bells wasn’t worried about things. If one pack wouldn’t take them in she was sure another would. It seemed she was getting back to her feisty old self, much to Gavroche’s relief. He was after the herbs Bae-Syl had mentioned now; Bellamy would need them, if only for her peace of mind. The male refused to let anything get in the way of his mate’s success. They were stubborn about each other, though less so when it came to their own happiness. It was funny, really, how they were so ready to fight for each other. But he supposed that was normal when it came to someone you loved. The tiny winged male made his way into one of the most plant-rich lands he knew in boreas - Fern Gulley. He knew the gulley was useful for healers of all sorts, with many different herbs growing freely. But the lavender was what the male would be after, his green gaze sweeping the land. James was looking as well, though Jessie was hanging from her usual perch behind his ear and sleeping. She had grown used to being in sunlight while she slept, though she didn’t bother opening her eyes when Gav was out and about during the day. When Gavroche saw the purple flowering plants he set towards them only to quickly pause. It seemed there was a female near them, digging up another plant. Gavroche keep his distance, wanting to be respectful, his voice soft as he called to the femme so as to not startle her. “Hello there,” He called. ”I hope I’m not being a bother, miss. Do you mind if I come closer? Those purple flowers near you, the lavender, I need to collect those.” He hoped that she wouldn’t mind the company as she worked to harvest her own plant, motherwort, he noticed. It wasn’t a surprising plant given her current state. He recognized the shifted scent immediately from when Bells had fallen pregnant. He had heard some females got moodier when they were pregnant as well, goodness knew Bells was, but hopefully, that wouldn’t be the case here. While he was sure more lavender grew here he didn’t want to spend all afternoon looking for it when some were right there. —------------------------------------------- Gathering an Herb - 1 / 3 (Lavender) Meeting Someone New - 0 / 3 (Eden) "Speech" 'Thought.'

She gives a gentle start at the voice. A small man with... wings? He approached her but held off invading her space. She appreciated that. Quietly getting over his winged appearance, she remarks inside her mind he doesn't seem to mean her harm. He is just after the lavender. So he could be a healer... "Oh, uh, yes. Go ahead, sir" Eden gives permission, moving her body lightly to the side to allow him room "I'll just collect this." She dipped her skull into the motherwort's location and began to dig.

Her small paws were good for that. She quickly made a pile of dirt, avoiding the lavender as she went. That was for the man to gather. Though if there was indeed any leftover, she would collect some as well. For calming herself down, or others in the Plunder. They seemed to enjoy their own chaos though. But, lavender was still good for sleep. The motherwort, however, would naturally ease her process of childbirth. It would be her first litter... Perhaps her only one.

"Speech"
2/3 - gather herb (motherwort)
0/3 - met new wolf

AS HER OWNER...
ignis praetor is allowed in any thread, even ones marked private
baelfire, diablo, rivin and aresenn are also allowed due to being her children

Gavroche breathed with relief as he was granted permission to harvest the lavender. It is a worry off his mind, and with that, he relaxed a bit more. The woman didn’t seem to hold any signs of aggression at all, instead being on the polite side. Even as she went to work to dig up the motherwort she seemed mindful not to accidentally damage the lavender, something Gav was grateful for as he padded closer and began to inspect the plant. The purple petals of the flower were vivid, shining with health, and didn’t appear to have suffered at all despite the cooler temperatures of early spring. Then again it was always warmer here in the south. “Thank you.” He made sure to thank her kindness, his green gaze shifting over to her for a brief moment. Then he looks back to the lavender itself. He knew Bae-Syl said it could be used to help calm Bells when she wasn’t having her trauma symptoms. He knew the scent was calming, and when consumed it could aid in restlessness and depression. Either way, it seemed like a handy herb to have readily available for his mate. James peered over Gavroche’s head at the plant, curious, as the tiny wolf set to work carefully scooping out the soil around the plant. As he worked, however, he couldn’t help but feel curious about the femme he was beside. He began to speak, his tone friendly. “I certainly didn’t expect to find someone else knowledgeable about herbs here when I set off today,” He began with a soft chuckle. “Though this area is quite wonderful for herbs both helpful and harmful. I’m sure you already know about the motherwort you’re digging up. It’s a wonderful choice when you’re expecting. My mate relied pretty heavily on the stuff to ease her pregnancy.” He spoke about the herb with calm confidence, his gaze sliding back to her. “Sorry, it’s probably a bit rude to just start up a conversation without introducing myself first, isn’t it? My name is Gavroche Kedieo; It’s a pleasure to meet you.” —------------------------------------------- Gathering an Herb - 2 / 3 (Lavender) Meeting Someone New - 1 / 3 (Eden) "Speech" 'Thought.'

He thanks her and moves closer. Eden shifts away from him to give the man space. An ear is listening to him as he speaks of the herbs and his mate. She smiles politely but kindly. "Y-Yes" she admits openly perhaps for the first time. It certainly helps that he can tell she was pregnant; others are often too 'polite' to acknowledge such a thing "this shall be my first litter" Eden lowers her head to place the motherwort to the side, gripping it gently in her jaws as she picks it up "I am a healer, so I should be prepared. More than others." She recalled that she didn't need to be a master healer, just a knowledgeable one.

"And no, else I would be guilty of such a thing myself" the woman chuckles "I am Eden, of the Pirate's Plunder" her green eyes flickered to the south, giving a nod to the border "though I hold no ranking of one" she admits with a silly little shrug "not yet anyway" she displays a gentle ambition "I just joined the Plunder in winter with my... ah, partner" What exactly was Ignis? She kept the ruse up, afraid someone would get hurt challenging his hold "is your mate why you are gathering the lavender for?" Eden added, curious about the man's partnership and his devotion. If only... she had such a thing for herself.

"Speech"
3/3 - gather herb (motherwort)
0/3 - met new wolf

AS HER OWNER...
ignis praetor is allowed in any thread, even ones marked private
baelfire, diablo, rivin and aresenn are also allowed due to being her children

His paws worked carefully, trying not to sever too much of the root should he try to transplant the plant elsewhere. It had the winged male wondering though, just how long would an herb stay good to allow you to transfer it? It wasn’t something he’d experimented with prior but, perhaps, he’d need to give it a go sometime. There could certainly be a use for such a thing. Digging up just one of the stalks of the lavender completely he let it fall, grabbed by James’ adept hands before it hit the earth. Taking the plant in hand the pygmy marmoset moved over to the side where Gavroche’s bag hung to place it there. “Congratulations,” Gav told her as she stated it would be her first litter. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Try to mind your stress levels and take motherwort when you can.” He gave a small nod with a smile. While he had only ever gone through pregnancy with his mate, he had heard tales of females who went through their entire pregnancy and birth without the aid of a healer. This she-wolf was already in a better position than most. She introduced herself as Eden, of the Pirate’s Plunder. It was an unfamiliar name, but then again most pack names were. It seemed a touch strange that she would bear no rank yet at her age, especially as a healer. His brow furrowed at that, according to Eden she was new in the pack. Her and her… partner? He wasn’t going to pry about that, however. Her breath of hesitation told him there was more to it, but the winged wolf was too respectful to pry into a matter like that. Instead, however, she directed a question at him, and Gavroche’s ears lowered some as his gaze fell. “Yes, it is.” His body language and tone betrayed him before he even spoke the next words. “I… haven’t actually talked to most about it, truth be told. Though other healers might have advice.” He breathed out a small sigh. “My mate is… to put it simply… it’s her mind that’s hurt, not her body. She can become aggressive at times, and then, once something snaps her into realizing someone isn’t a threat, sometimes the opposite of one, she goes into a state of shock and anxiety… followed by deep sadness and guilt when all is said and done.” He lifted his gaze back to Eden. “I was told recently that the lavender should help keep her calm when she’s not having an episode. I know the scent of the plant alone can be calming and after her recent episode… I think we’re both willing to try anything. He lowered his haunch to the ground. “She was a former slave… it really did a number on her mind…” He explained. “Not the happiest answer, but the honest one.” Gavroche shifted a little. He always felt badly explaining things about Bells when she wasn’t there. He was always worried about how others would react. As much as he told her she wasn’t a monster, knew she wasn’t, the judgment of others was often looming. But would Eden fear Bells as a loose cannon, or would her empathy as a healer outweigh that? —------------------------------------------- Gathering an Herb - 3 / 3 (Lavender) Meeting Someone New - 2 / 3 (Eden) "Speech" 'Thought.'

"Thank you."

She was still getting used to the idea of being a mother... Eden didn't believe she'd have her stress levels under control any time soon. Living with Ignis was both annoying and maddening enough, she had to contend with the wild Plunder at times. They seemed to raid everywhere! Gavroche continued though and told a sad tale about his mate who had been a slave. It hit - hard.

"That sounds difficult - for both of you" Eden began "I am sorry she is dealing with it" alas, she was not so good with the mind over the body "I do not know what to suggest other than lavender. I have heard that certain plants, like cannabis, give a false sense of giddiness... But I doubt you want her hopped up on that."

She shook her head. "I don't know when she was a slave, but it takes time to heal any wound. Some of them simply never go away but are managed and controlled. It's all about finding the right dosage and herbs for her. I do advise the lavender... But it could be difficult getting it into her when she's having an episode."

"Speech"
3/3 - gather herb (motherwort)
1/3 - met new wolf

AS HER OWNER...
ignis praetor is allowed in any thread, even ones marked private
baelfire, diablo, rivin and aresenn are also allowed due to being her children

“It has been a battle for us, but one worth the fight.” Gavroche managed a small smile at this. It was hard to believe that, after years of running and fighting, they were truly free. Free of the wolves who hunted them and would rather see them a bloodied corpse on the ground than alive. When he was younger the threat of the Empire loomed over him, making it hard to sleep at times. Were it not for Melanthios when he was young, and later Bellamy before she became his mate, he wouldn’t have lived near as long as he had. He was grateful for Bells, and while she had her faults, as all wolves did, he wouldn’t change her for the world. “I appreciate the honesty, Eden. And, perhaps this might come off strange, but a giddy Bells just seems... strange in my mind.” He let out a soft chuckle. “So cannabis is likely not going to be an option. I think we’ll manage though. She is nothing else if not notoriously stubborn. She wants to get better so we’ll find a way.” His ears twitched thoughtfully. He had been guilty of giving Bellamy a bit too much of the valerian root when she had had her latest episode in an attempt to get her calm and sleep… “Most of her childhood, into being a young adult. Unfortunately, the events of what happened during that time are well ingrained. I know the trauma will be with her til the end of her days but as a healer and her mate, it’s my duty to ease her suffering in any way I can. Treating her during an episode will be the tricky part, which makes trying to find something for preventive care all the more important.” Gavroche drew in a breath, glancing down at James before lifting his attention back to Eden and smiled again. “Bellamy is a fighter, she won’t give up, not after all we’ve been through.” His tail wagged a little. “Sometimes being someone’s partner you need to take the bad times with the good. It’s not always easy, and there will be times you won’t get along and drive each other nuts, but in the end, it’s all worth it. You both become stronger for it.” He glanced towards the remaining stalk of lavender. “Why don’t you talk this stalk back for your pack? Actually,” He paused, having a thought. “We could harvest this and, if you like, I’d be happy to help you find some more motherwort or other herbs as well. The search would go easier with two sets of eyes rather than one. I could use some herbs to stock up on myself. That is if you’d like. I don’t want you to feel like I’m forcing the idea. Or, if you don't mind the company, we could merely continue to talk as well. My mate is wonderful, but sometimes I forgot how much I enjoy speaking with others too.” By this point James was clambering back onto Gav’s shoulders, remaining politely silent for now. —------------------------------------------- Meeting Someone New - 3 / 3 (Eden) "Speech" 'Thought.'

"She sounds lucky to have you, Gavroche" she spoke kindly, knowing to listen to others' woes was the same as prescribing a treatment. Eden wished she had someone to talk to but was too scared and uncertain. Especially about her own emotions, hopped up on pregnancy hormones "anyone else could give up on her" she gathered the motherwort close to her chest "it takes a lot to love someone despite flaws." And she also knew... Any flaws in these children? She would love them regardless.

That is what a mother had to and should do.

"You have children, yes?" she asked Gavroche "do you mind if I ask where they are?" Eden didn't want to open sore wounds though "I'm... well, I said I was a first-time mother. I'm curious to hear another healer's thoughts on raising and preparing for a litter." She smiles warmly at the man, a bit embarrassed she asked. He remarked it was good to talk to others outside of Bellamy. She chuckled, agreeing with him. It was nice to talk to others too.

"This shall be enough; I don't want to spoil the crop" she added about the herbs "Fern Gulley is very good for herbs, but... I worry spring storms will uproot most of it."

"Speech"
3/3 - gather herb (motherwort)
2/3 - met new wolf

AS HER OWNER...
ignis praetor is allowed in any thread, even ones marked private
baelfire, diablo, rivin and aresenn are also allowed due to being her children

Eden was kind. Gavroche gave a small nod at her words, his gaze growing soft. "Perhaps they would. I owe my mate my life. She saved me from certain death… and from a life of loneliness." Bellamy was there for him when others weren't. The woman risked everything to save both of them when she could have ran, saved her own hide, without a second thought about the winged male she left behind. He knew they were lucky to have one another. They always would. At her next question he nodded. "A daughter." He confirmed. "Lucette was recently reunited with us. A hurricane hit where we were staying when she was three seasons old. Currently she and her friend have made a den out of the old farmhouse in the range." He chuckled softly. "If your children are half as wild as my Lucy, be prepared for them to give you gray hairs." If it was advice she needed on little ones he'd give it. She didn't seem keen on gathering more herbs and that was fine. Gav could respect that. The storms had been rough this season. "As mentioned prior, first and foremost avoid stress the best you can. A stressed mother's body can be harmful for her little ones. If you can find it I recommend keeping some trillium around. While rare it can help ease the pain of childbirth… and you already know the motherwort can help as well. Keep yourself comfortable and don't push yourself; rest is important, especially with little ones growing inside you." The male had become very focused, especially talking about the herbs. "As a first time, but still fairly young mother I don't suspect you'll need it but alfalfa if you find yourself lacking in milk for the little ones. Be careful with it and only take a small amount though. Too much while you're pregnant can be dangerous to the little ones." Gavroche warned, ears twitching thoughtfully. "When they're first born pups are also sensitive to temperature. They don't regulate their temperature like we do and will huddle against each other and yourself for warmth. If you only have one pup you must be cautious of this… Lucy gave us a couple scares in her first couple of weeks." Something that Gav remembered we'll. Frantically trying to warm his little girl, watching her struggle, it had shaken him back then. But his look softed again. "As for beyond that… just love them. Keep them close. It'll be all too soon before they're off on their own and having wild adventures, trust me." Gavroche laughed here. "Lucette may be small, but she acts as if she is as big as Bells. My mate is taller than just about everyone I've ever met. She's huge. Whereas my daughter and I are tiny. You'd never know it by how Lucy carries herself though." He spoke fondly of his family. His little girl had grown up far faster than he had wanted but he was proud of the young woman she was becoming. Beautiful, strong, and reckless just like her mother. Bae-Syl would have his paws full handling Lucette for sure. "I have to wonder if you and your partner have come up with any potential names yet. It always feels like the hardest part when meeting them for the first time." "Speech" 'Thought.'

It would be impolite to ignore someone's experience. Especially a healer with wisdom. Eden listened with full attention, giving nods where it counted to show she was still listening to him. "Thank you, Gavroche" she said softly "I already do care about them, and I haven't... thought of names" she replied honestly, shaking her head "it's not something to do yet, I think... I'll have to sit down with my partner and ask when a good time is. It feels quite odd naming a living being." To give them a name they may hate? She felt nervous.

"Or perhaps we'll name them when they are born" she added quietly, looking down at her growing belly "it feels like a big litter though" Eden admits, already feeling discomfort and other bodily annoyances "all I wish is for them to be born healthy" What sort of life will they have... "we shall both take it one day at a time." This certainly wasn't how she wanted her first litter. Not even the partner she imagined in her little fairy tale world. All she could try to do is take Gavroche's advice; love them. She would also be the patient and loving figure they required.

"Speech"
3/3 - gather herb (motherwort)
3/3 - met new wolf

AS HER OWNER...
ignis praetor is allowed in any thread, even ones marked private
baelfire, diablo, rivin and aresenn are also allowed due to being her children

Gavroche gave a small nod as Eden said that she hadn’t thought of any names yet. “I understand.” He said kindly, not pushing her. “It is definitely something to do with your partner. It was merely curiosity… while it is such a simple task it is oddly one that holds so much weight for the future.” The winged male knew he and Bellamy had thought long and hard about names. Male names, female names, wondering how many they would have in the litter, what they’d look like… “I wish you all the luck with them. Large litter or not, I’m sure they’ll be a pawful. It’s wild, raising a living, breathing little version of yourself.” His gaze softened again. “...and taking it one day at a time is a very wise decision. Take care of yourself, and I’m sure they’ll be fine.” He glanced towards the remaining lavender stalk thoughtfully. “Bells and I spoke for hours on what could be… and yet, when Lucy was born, neither of us were really ready for the tiny bundle that lay at her side.” He smiled some. “It’s normal to wonder about them before they are born, but it’s also probably for the better you follow your own thoughts with them. In the end, we ended up not using any of the names we thought of before, if I’m being honest. Lucette was so tiny, so helpless, and so perfect…” He glanced back at Eden. “May you look at your little ones the same way, Eden.” For the first time since the encounter James had started to shift on Gavroche’s back. “Sorry to interrupt, Gavroche, Eden,” The marmoset spoke politely. “But if we’re not to collect any more herbs at this time it may be best to get back to miss Bellamy.” Gavroche glanced over his shoulder at the companion and gave a small nod. James was right. As much as he enjoyed speaking with Eden, and taking a moment of pause, his mate was waiting for his return with the hope the herbs would make her feel better. Gavroche rose, the bag he wore awkward hitting his legs, and he dipped his head to Eden. “James is right I’m afraid. It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Eden, many blessings to you and yours. Perhaps we’ll meet again, one day.” The tiny winged wolf turned and, with a last glance and small smile to the femme, he chose to leave. / Exit "Speech" 'Thought.'