Ellara padded softly through the verdant tapestry of Fern Gully, her pink eyes like twin moons reflecting the myriad hues of flora surrounding her. The air was a symphony of fragrances, each note more intoxicating than the last, mingling with the soft rustle of unseen creatures weaving through the underbrush. This hidden haven was a sanctuary for healers, a vibrant mosaic of life whispering ancient secrets. Tales of rare herbs abounded, each with the power to mend or to maim, and today, her quest was for the elusive Lungwort.

Lungwort, a spectral beauty, was renowned for its speckled leaves and its unrivaled healing prowess. Nestled in the most secluded corners of Fern Gully, it thrived in the cool embrace of shadows where sunlight dared not intrude. Ellara moved with a dancer’s grace, each step a measured cadence attuned to the whispering foliage and the earth’s subtle pulse.

As she ventured deeper into the emerald labyrinth, the riot of colors began to ebb, giving way to the somber greens and umbers of the ancient woods. The air grew cooler, and the gentle sigh of a breeze through the high canopy sent shivers down her spine. Pausing, Ellara's keen eyes caught a silvery shimmer, a fleeting wisp of moonlight amidst the shadows. With bated breath and steps as delicate as the morning dew, she approached the luminescent glow, her heart thrumming with anticipation. Could this be the Lungwort, the ethereal gem she so earnestly sought? Her journey had just begun, each step a promise, each breath a prayer, in this sacred quest through nature’s enigmatic embrace.

[ 1/3 Collected an herb (Lungwort) ]

Speech // thought // Serbian

Morwenna still needed to find a good satchel. It would make these gathering excursions much easier and more efficient. She needed to get used to the idea of building her stores up properly instead of using whatever she could find on the go. The wolfdogs long legs weaved through the growing grasses. Only weeks ago they were barely sprouts in the ground but now they dared to reach her elbows.

Last time she was here she swore she had spotted some lungwort in the shaded part of the gulley. The variegated leaves had just started sprouting when she spotted them, hopefully, She hadn't missed the chance to gather a few before they bloomed.

Her wildflower eyes drank in the surroundings, and a soft and easy smile alighted over her lips. She drank in the plants swaying in the soft breeze as if they waved to her in greeting. Pressing in she neared the shady spot and a new scent wafted up to her.

"Oh hello!" She greeted the other. Ah! They were both seeking the plants! The slender woman pulled her dainty paws up alongside the other, "You've found the lungwort! I thought I left it here!" She stated warmly.

Those pink eyes sparkled in the moonlight as she adjusted her satchel, preparing herself to harvest the precious Lungwort she had just found. She moved with precision, her paws deftly opening the bag. The delicate leaves of Lungwort glimmered under the silvery glow of the moon.

A sudden, cheerful voice broke her concentration. She turned to see a wolfdog approaching with a friendly demeanor. Her wildflower eyes and easy smile instantly put Ellara at ease. "Oh hello!" Morwenna greeted warmly. "You've found the Lungwort! I thought I left it here!"

Ellara's lips curved into a welcoming smile. "Indeed, I did. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ellara," she introduced herself, her voice soft and melodic, blending harmoniously with the night’s serene ambiance. "I've come a long way from Auster to find these rare herbs. Lungwort is especially vital for my healing practices."

She glanced down at the Lungwort, then back at Morwenna. "Would it be possible to share some of the Lungwort with me? I've been searching for this herb for quite some time, and it's not easy to come by."

Ellara's eyes held a hopeful glint as she awaited Morwenna's response, her paws poised to gather the valuable leaves that could help so many.

"Ellara"

[ 2/3 Collected an herb (Lungwort) ]

Speech // thought // Serbian

The wolfdog swayed her long white cascading tail behind her. It caught the bright moonlight like an angel's wing. She drifted closer to the darker taller fae.

"I'm Morwenna! I have to admit I haven't been down to Auster yet!" She replied lightly, dipping her nose into the stand of plants. Several had begun to bloom. Drat! The health of the plants was perfect though. Yes, they would do nicely.

She pulled her head out with a startled expression and then tittered a chiming laugh.

"Oh Ellara! I'm no master of this place! Take what you need! The most potent ones will be the ones that haven't opened yet. Take a whole plant or two with you to plant closer to home too!" She replied, giving the woman a delighted smile, her purple eyes shining.

"As long as we leave more than half of what we've found it'll be fine!" In fact there may be another bundle of the lungwort a few leaps away!

Ellara watched Morwenna’s tail shimmer in the moonlight, resembling an angel’s wing. The wolfdog's presence was warm and inviting, a contrast to Ellara's darker form.

"Thank you, Morwenna," Ellara replied with a smile. "Auster is beautiful, but it doesn’t have plants quite like these."

Ellara nodded appreciatively as Morwenna explained the best way to harvest the Lungwort. Her heart swelled with gratitude at the offer to take a whole plant. "I’ll make sure to take only what’s needed and leave plenty behind."

Carefully, Ellara knelt beside the stand of Lungwort, her pink eyes scanning for the unopened blooms. With gentle paws, she began to gather the most potent ones, feeling the cool, smooth leaves under her touch.

"I’ll take a couple of plants to see if I can cultivate them back home. Thank you for the suggestion," she said, her voice filled with hope. "Your kindness means a lot. I promise to respect this place and its treasures."

Ellara’s heart felt lighter, knowing she had made a new friend and found the herbs she needed. She looked forward to returning to Auster with these precious gifts, ensuring they would be used to heal and help others.

"Ellara"

[ 3/3 Collected an herb (Lungwort) ]

"Oh, I bet there's plenty down there in their own form!" She replied, referring to plants in auster. "I've found that whatever the ailment, wherever it originated, there's a plant that'll help support the system to fight it off nearby."

She ambled toward the other stand of lungwort herbs, "Oh this one has a better abundance for us. Even a few that might travel well. They don't even have buds on them yet!" She said pointing out a few "late bloomers." The leaves were such a pretty color, she wondered if Deluge would appreciate some near the hut. She dug down along the roots to take one up herself. Along with a few good ones from the base to dry. it would be nice to have her own satchel to carry her boline and a clutch of herbs.

She smiled in thanks to Ellara, "Oh thank you! I'm glad you're eager to learn!" She snipped a few more to create a good mouthful. She nodded in farewell as she gathered up the lungwort and bounded back toward the Raiders Hollow territories of the Moors and Ridge.