Dainty paws would carry her next to Ara as they made their way to the Orchard. Elohim had told her of what this place looked like during the Spring and she knew she couldn't miss it. She had asked Ara to come along with her, partially because she felt like she might still need the help after her recovery, but mostly because she liked her close proximity. She'd grown so used to it she was sad when she was away. Arrow marked tail would wag lazily as they walked along, they had no need to hurry. They'd left before the sun had arose and would easily make it before the sun set on that same day. She walked with a small smile tugging at her lips, a subdued excitement running over her skin as thew would draw near the flowering trees. Already she could smell the heady perfume, and the thought of the sight would entice her to pick up her feet. "We're almost there, can you smell them?"

The orchard was familiar to her, and she was anxious to return upon Novel's suggestion. She had a sneaking suspicion that she might go almost anywhere Novel led her, for she trusted her companion deeply and knew she could not lead her into danger. Instead, danger was something it seemed the two of them were all too keen on avoiding -- they were healers by nature, studious and purposeful, oriented toward helping and minimizing the harm they might inflict on themselves and others. It was refreshing to spend time with someone so much like her. She did not have to pretend to care about anything she truly was not interested in around Novel; and she did not have to contain her thirst for knowledge either.

The journey was quiet but comfortable all the same. They discussed the kind of flowers and plants they might find there -- with the arrival of spring, there was so much new life, it thrilled her to know she could begin to collect a new store of herbs. She was also eager to explore around Ludicael's territories more, and the lands that bordered her home, to know where certain herbs grew if she ever found herself in need of them. She was lucky that she hadn't needed to use her skills on anyone who was truly hurt, but she was prepared even still.

The walk was pleasant and relaxed, though she was grateful when the orchard came into view. She found her own tail waving happily where it lay at her hocks, excitement beginning to ebb into her veins. It had taken them nearly a full day to get here, but she was not tired; instead she felt energized as the air filled with the scent of flowers and wildlife. The song of birds filled her ears, and she turned to nudge Novel with an almost playful smile. "It smells wonderful," she noted with a gentle laugh. "First one there wins." She was mostly teasing, as she knew Novel was not fully herself yet -- close, but not quite. Her gait would increase dramatically, but she wouldn't break out into a full run, merely a rapid walk as she made her way to the orchard.

The quiet chat of herbs had occupied their time as they walked, both girls were excited for the spring months. Life would return to Alacritis and with it the ability to gather for their stores once again. She had not incredibly need for most herbs, but the ones used for everyday occurrences were running dangerously low. Slowly they would get built back up, but today wasn't for healer work. They were just going to enjoy the day together, the weather was perfect and the flowers smelled incredible. As she spoke Ara would nudge her gently, "It smells wonderful," she would add her giggle to the other girl's "First one there wins." She knew that Ara was kidding with her mostly, though she was quite able to keep up with the increased gait. She wouldn't be beating Ara there, but it was likely she would arrive quickly afterwards.

Ara was not competitive by nature. Winning meant too much attention -- and she preferred to remain on the sidelines, relatively unnoticed and quiet. Even now, she felt no urge to beat Novel, even though she easily could have, and she found herself only gaining distance for a moment before she let her pace slow until she was back by Novel's side. When they had first met, she had felt a vague desire to impress her, but now she didn't feel that urge; instead she was impressed by her, awed by her strength and courage that she had shown when she was near death. "We both win," she told her with a soft chuckle, bumping her shoulder lightly with her nose as they went.

Their pace was a gentle one and she was happy that they didn't have to rush things. They had already spent so much of the day just making their way here; she was certain they wouldn't be in any rush to return home before the day came to a close. Ara wouldn't mind spending the night here at all. The air was delicious to her nose and the sights were just as lovely, the colors vibrant as they drew nearer, the landscape riddled with beautiful plants and foliage. A smile was offered to Novel beside her as the grass seemed to thicken at their paws as they made their way into the orchard. "What do you want to look for first?" Either for herbs, or just flowers, or even the fruit that was said to be abundant here. The aroma in the air was not just floral, but sweet too, making her feel a gentle rumbling in her stomach at the prospect of food.

Ara didn't need to speed up much, and Novel's legs would not have any need to speed up. Of course they would both reach the orchard at the same time, and her features would light up at the other girl's words. "We both win," She would lean into the brief touch, their pace once again slowing at their approach. They didn't have anywhere to be, so as Novel's bright blue gaze would take in the brilliant flowers that coated the canopies. She would take in the delightful smell as she walked by Ara's side, excited to share the experience with the girl. There were few others who held the same mindset as she and Ara, so any time she spent with her was lovely. Especially in a place such as this. Bright eyes were widened as she let herself take in the sight. "What do you want to look for first?" She would let her gaze shift to Ara, her lips pulled back in a small smile. "Just enjoying the flowers first I think." She'd say in wonder as her eyes were brought back to the beautiful flowers.

Life was wonderful -- she had no complaints at all. Though her parents were slowly declining in health, it was not surprising due to their age, and she was not one to dwell much on the inevitable; at least not before it even happened. They were comfortable and happy, and so were her siblings, as far as she knew. And it seemed in the presence of Novel, a smile permanently painted her delicate features, lighting up the girl's normally stoic facade. They were kindred souls, and nothing felt forced around her. Once, when they didn't know one another as well, she had felt hesitant at showing her how much she cared for her, but now affection seemed to come readily and with little abandon. The brief moments of contact filled her with warmth that she could not describe, and she cherished her presence deeply.

Novel was in no hurry to explore -- or do much of anything at all, though Ara didn't blame her -- and she found herself laughing gently. "Good," she noted with another gentle nudge to her friend's shoulder. Slowly they would walk together into the orchard, and her head tipped slightly to the sky, marveling at the different trees and flowers here. Nothing in particular jumped out at her, but the entire scene was peaceful and inviting. "Shall we bring some back home?" She was in no hurry, especially not to gather anything of importance, but she would not hesitate to gather a flower that Novel liked. They might wilt after a few days, but they might provide her den with a floral scent until then, hopefully brightening her day when she saw them upon awakening.

Novel had no complaints about the way her life was going then, she had new aunts and uncles on the way, she was recovering even more every day from the illness, and her best friend Ara was there at the orchard with her, ready to spend the day in a beautiful forest. She really couldn't have asked for much more. Spending so much time with Ara had done well for the young Destruction girl, she found the loss of her father and brother were much easier to bear while she was in the girl's presence. Ara would only agree with her first plan, mismated ears would swivel to take in the gentle sound of her voice as her ocean blue gaze found the brilliant flowers that would encompass the canopy. "We really should, they smell so good!" She'd gracefully continue forward, her focus obviously on the delightful sights around her. "We should come back when all the flowers turn to fruits." she was already thinking of the future, knowing that even seasons down the line that she's want to enjoy's Ara's company here.

Ara marveled at how easy it was to smile around Novel. Even around her family, she was generally fairly serious, reserved and composed. But it seemed useless to even try to contain her joy around her best friend -- it seemed to spill over regardless, a smile that illuminated her features for all to see.

Usually she preferred to have a plan or a goal in mind, even if it was a small and meaningless one. To collect a certain herb, to simply scout for flowers, anything -- but she didn't need an excuse to spend time with Novel. It almost made her feel selfish, to simply do nothing with someone for the sake of enjoyment alone. She knew she didn't need to feel guilty, but it partially made her time with her that much more thrilling. She felt her stomach turn with excitement at the prospect of coming back here in the summer, when the flowers all turned to fruit, and they could perhaps try some of them. Her smile grew, the expression twitching at the corners of her lips, and she felt her tail wagging gently behind her. "Let us find some flowers, then," she said, slipping beneath the underbrush. The orchard was quite overgrown, and though it was quite beautiful, the vegetation was too dense to navigate with ease. But there was no need for everything to be easy, was there?