Cuz mom won't totally lose her mind

For the first time her companion and her had left the packs borders. While they offered safety for the young girl she had needs to leave. She needed to know about the world around them. It had taken her and Jack a long time to convince her parents of this but eventually they folded. Though there were stipulations for the trips. Her father insisted Ruby watch them from above. So that was how it was today.

Though her and Jack made for the land to the east of the pack. It was pretty close to home. So she had decided that she would go here to collect something her father had made a mention of to her mother in mere chit chat. A mushroom that grew in the wood of the trees. It was apparently medicinal, from how Bae-Syl had spoke of it with Lucette. So the almost yearling had made a mental note to obtain it. Her mom could definitely use it and could also possibly tell her more about it. In Tani's mouth she carried a Pelt bag that she intended to carry the mushrooms in.

As she came to the woods she followed the sound of Jack's feet on the forest floor. He was aware what they were doing here so he didn't hesitate. The jackalope may be prickly but he wasn't gonna stop the girl from doing what she felt she needed. They were after what was called Chaga according to what she had overheard. And Jack had mentioned he knew what it looked like to the girl so she trusted her companion.

Her mom had already started her education slowly, but she wanted to do this one alone and surprise her mom with what she was going to accomplish today. The damp air was the perfect way for mushrooms to flourish. She would only need one big chunk. Jack lead her deep into the woods, both ignoring and unaware the way the mists here made the forest dark and dreary. She couldn't have her mood ruined today. It wasn't often her dad gave in, with her being blind and all. He didn't like that she couldn't see danger or rather that she seemed to welcome it. It was how she learned best. She had to work with her other senses since she had no sight, or else she would be a bump on a log like Iki was.

She stopped when Jack did though. Listening to the jackalope as he reached up a tree near and sniffed. "Yep this is it kid." She grinned as she set her pelt bag down. Working on spreading it flat, using her paws to feel the pelt and make sure she didn't leave a way for the mushroom to miss the bag when it fell from the tree. She couldn't see it so she used her nose to gently prod the mushroom after she was happy with her bag. It was spongy and weird but she was happy to also give it a quick lick. Tasted a little woody, like a tree. It also smelled strong. Okay she could easily find this again.

With that settled she grinned as she lifted her paw and slapped the tree above the mushroom. She dragged her paw down until she felt the mushroom and then she began the work of separating the shroom from the tree. She pressed down gently but firmly, and then gave it a few more slaps with her paw until she heard it plop onto the ground. It was sizeable and would work for multiple doses she bet. She waited until she heard Jack give her a hum of approval to lean down and begin to wrap the mushroom up in the pelt making a little doggy bag out of it.

Her mom was gonna be so proud she just knew it. A grin was on her face as she picked up her bundle before nodding to Jack, who took the cue to begin leading the girl home. She made her pace a gentle gaite, being careful to not lose a piece of the mushroom. She was aware her father had mentioned it because her mom was a little stressed out it seemed. So likely the mushroom was able to help with that. She wouldn't be in a hurry to get home though. She was enjoying being the woods. It felt different here than at her home. Though she felt completely safe with her father's companion overhead and Jack to make sure she never found harm.

She moved until she was out of the woods. The herb bundle still in her maw. She wasn't letting the prize of her excursion go either. She moved over the border into the territory of her family easily. She was excited to hear her mother's reaction to her forethought and independence. She bet her mom was gonna be rendered speechless for once. And that she might give in and let Tani start her training finally. She wanted nothing more than to become a healer. And this was only the beginning of her journey today. She made for the den at the falls once she was on familiar land, easily taking the lead when she was on a land she recognized. Earning a huff from Jack. She only grinned in reply and moved faster to go home.

-exit-

Word count: 894

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Art & Code by Rex 2023