Lydia adjusted the scrap of deerskin in her jaws that held a freshly collected bundle of herbs. She'd forgotten how challenging it could be to carry plants without a pack but she didn't regret giving her pack to the younger healer. He seemed a sweet lad and he'd get a good deal of use out of it. The lands of Kesali were so lush with herbs that she felt she could finally settle down here and not need to wander so far. A roll of thunder caught her attention and she twisted her head to look at the dark, towering clouds that the evening sun illuminated. Her eyes quickly sought out Erys. The young lad had accompanied her on this trip and she was grateful for his company. While Lydia lamented the fact she had very little of a mothering instinct she promised to try and put forth a greater effort. Carefully setting down her herbs she called out to him. "I think it's time to start heading back. That storm is coming in quickly. Are you doing alright?" "Talk" "Bolla" Think

Erys liked to go out with Lydia, he was a more timid pup but he was strengthening with every day. He was closing in on his adult height, but his horns seemed to grow slower. He was filling into his proportions and beginning to really decide where he wanted to go in life. Healing had been a big part of his recovery, and after everything Kesali had done for him, the boy felt like he needed to give back.

Today he was out helping the woman who had saved his life the day he’d been washed ashore. He smiled up at Lydia brightly as she called back to him. He had gathered his own little bits of plants, a few things Lydia had dropped as well as a couple things he had recognized all on his own. He placed them at his paws to answer, ”I’m alright!” He called out, brightly colored tail wagging as he grabbed up his herbs and trotted towards her. Erys could have remained out foraging for a few more hours, but he wasn’t much a fan of storms. Already he could feel the change in atmosphere and his fur prickled at his skin.

He was looking forward to getting back and snuggling up to Lydia while the storm passed. Maybe they would organize the herbs together, he wasn’t much help at that but it did reinforce his identification skills.

Reassured by his answer Lydia smiled warmly at him and continued on their way. The storm was continuing to build and her stomach tightened. She really hoped they could get to shelter before anything broke loose but within seconds the wind came roaring through the terra. Lydia shivered as the temperature dropped violently. Overhead, black clouds, blacker than night, scudded over treetops; white, pink, and even bluish lightning ripped through the swirling clouds to strike the land below. They were just passing a small cluster of trees when a brilliant bolt struck one of the trees, the flash temporarily blinding her. She rapidly blinked trying to clear the light from her eyes only to be met with the sight of flames bursting to life on the dry tree, fueled by the winds fury. A creaking noise caught her attention as she saw a large brach twisting as if in slow motion. There wasn't a moment to think. Lydia leapt toward Erys seeking to push him out of the way of the falling branch. She was struck, a crack as loud as the thunder and in a flash like lightning she was gone, laying still while the world churned around her. "Talk" "Bolla" Think