Nelu settled down by the pine tree as he watched the fire burn it's way down to hot coals. There was a chill in the autumn air but at least the wind was dying down as the sun started its downward course. He was keen to get some pine pitch made that could be used for the torches in the castle hallways. Turning his attention to the pine tree, Nelu examined it for places of injury where the sap could be easily gathered. He searched for a few moments then found a good spot where the sticky sap was leaking from the tree. Taking one of his finished bowls from his travois he carefully set it down on the ground below the injury. Hunting around on the ground he found a small stick and took it in his jaws. Carefully he stuck the stick into the injury and started gathering the sap into his bowl.

With her head start, Deluge had made it farther south than Dread could make up in a day. That's alright. It's not bad out here, the aspen trees growing tall and proud. Not the north, but not nothing. Sharp gaze on the trees, on the ground beneath his feet as he moves. It's not long before Dread's gaze finds the boy, scraping at one of the stately pines.

Considering that maybe he could take a break for now, and nearing the young man to smell the Hallows on him. Dread can't help but smile to himself... though it had been a long time since he'd set foot in his sister's house, it's still enough to give him the little push to say something to the boy.

"Don't forget to check the limbs on the ground. The processing is a bit harder, gotta boil the dirt out, but the collecting is easier." Dread's words are gentle as he addresses the young man, one of Halo's wisdoms slipping past his lips. Sniffing for a moment at a fallen limb before choosing to drag it over, holding well above the sticky, resinous end to keep it off the ground. Though some pine needles clung on, it wasn't bad, all things considered. Dread offers a kind smile and the sticky branch end to the yearling.

"Dread Fatalis"

Nelu's ears perked up as he heard someone approach. He turned, stick still in his mouth to see a young man who also suggested searching the pine boughs. Nelu smiled politely and set his stick down to rest along the edge of the bowl while the young man lifted up the sticky end of the branch off the ground. "Thank you, I'll see what I can scrap off that one moment." He scooted his bowl over to the branch then taking the stick started scrapping the resin into the bowl. When Nelu felt they had enough to get started he set the stick down.

"My name is Nelu Carpathius, are you a crafter as well?" He scooted the bowl closer to the fire before taking the stick and maneuvering some of the ash from the fire into the pine sap, stirring gently as he did so, causing the color to darken. He stepped aside so the other boy could add some ash as well if he wanted. "I'll split the pitch with you if you like."