Wind, pine trees, the scent of frost and snow and distant herbs. Caedes began with a low, rumbling growl that slowly erupted into a summoning howl as he called forth a few souls from the pack. He waits for them, his massive frame taking a seat as he contemplates his words for them. He watches as they trickle in, and once they are settled in to listen he begins.

“Welcome.” The brute speaks, his voice resonating with the authority that came with the rank of Effendi-Haakim. He is clear and steady as his gravelly tones ring out. “Healers – aspiring, accomplished, what have you. I’ve called you here today for a purpose. The pack relies on us to gather the herbs that will soothe wounds and cure ailments,” A pause, one in which the corners of his lips curled ever so slightly. “Not to forget the significance of identifying poisons and toxins as well.” Of course a poison monger like him would make a mention of lethal measures… Caedes stood, visage calculative and detached as he regarded each wolf in turn. “Think of this as an assessment. A test of your skills. I urge you all to venture into the territory and find any useful flora you can. The north is desolate and unkind, do your best.” He would be taking part as well.

Guidelines for Expansion: Led by a Master Healer, at least three other pack members (so four total) must find and collect four different herbs (3 rounds from each participant) that could reasonably be found in the land you intend to expand into. (Choices to find: Boneset, Dandelion, Valerian Root, Yarrow, Jimson Weed.)

"speaking"

Aurelia listened to Caedes' words with a dismissive flick of her ear, her cyan eyes glinting in the light reflecting off the crystals of frost. His voice - calm, commanding, and gravelly - barely cut through the white noise of her own thoughts. As he issued his challenge, she suppressed a groan, the prospect of venturing into the bleak and unrelenting wilderness for herbs was not attractive to her. But she liked Caedes well enough, so she decided to humor him, shaking her silvery coat as she rose from her seated position.

The taste of bitter frost hung thick in the air, nipping playfully at the cerulean-blue markings on her slender frame. The scent of pine trees filled her nostrils, a harsh yet somehow comforting aroma that marked this frigid wasteland as home. And with a lingering stretch, she took off- using her senses and intuition to locate anything of use.

"Aurelia Veratti"

Nila wasn’t accustomed to being summoned by anyone other than her Kaino. In fact it left a strange taste in her mouth. But nonetheless she did as she was bid. Answering Caedes’ call. She knew him. He was close to Kaino, so she felt slightly more at ease despite how she felt out of place amongst to saxe brood.

Listening intently as he addressed them as a group she didn’t say anything. Keeping her eyes trained on the scarred brute before her. She wasn’t here just to be here. He’d called them for a reason. And she drank it in. Each word until the challenge was put forward. Herbs and plants. They were on a hunt for useful supplies.

When he was done speaking Nila would rise from her sitting position and dip her head in understanding and acceptance before she pushed deeper into the pines. Eyes of sunset scanning the ground and brush carefully as she began her search.

Cierzo listened intently as Caedes, the lead healer of the pack, issued his reason for summoning them. Her heart raced with nervous anticipation. The authority in his voice was undeniable, each word carrying the weight of his rank. She knew she had to prove herself, to show her worth as a healer despite her meek demeanor. She had been commanded by her master to heed the lead healer's call. But to face Cifarelli’s kin on her own? Thank the gods she had not run into the Sultan thus far.

When Caedes mentioned the importance of identifying poisons and toxins, Cierzo's ears perked up. It was a daunting task, but she knew a bit of healing herself; so maybe it was not all bad. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge.

As Caedes finished speaking and stood, his gaze sweeping over the assembled wolves, Cierzo felt her skin prickle. She feared any other taking a liking to her. Cifarelli was one thing, but more of his family? Cierzo desperately wanted to go off on her own already, have a moment to herself, and complete her task. So that is what the delicate woman did. She rose to her paws, and hastily set off in a different direction than the others. Her eyes scan for something, anything to bring back.

””

The wolves dispersed, each heading in different directions, their eyes scanning the landscape for any hint of flora amidst the frost and snow. Caedes watched them go, a mixture of cool detachment and stern expectation in his gaze.

He too, then, rose and moved into the wilderness. His senses were sharp, every sound and scent filtering through his mind with precision. The forest, with its whispering pines and the ever-present scent of frost, was familiar to him. But, the search for his chosen quarry would test even his seasoned skills. But it was still possible so early into the season.

Caedes moved with purpose, his massive frame navigating the underbrush with surprising grace. His thoughts drifted to the healers. They would need to prove themselves worthy, to show that they could distinguish between the beneficial and the deadly, to recognize the subtle signs that marked the presence of a viable herb.

The sun arced slowly across the sky, and Caedes found himself in a clearing, the ground slightly softer underfoot. He paused, his nostrils flaring as he caught a faint, distinctive scent. His eyes narrowed, scanning the area until they landed on a cluster of pale, greenish leaves partially buried under the snow. Jimson Weed.

"speaking"

Aurelia, having ventured away from her packmates, moved fluidly through the harsh terrain. Her icy gaze drinking in the expanse of wilderness around her, her nostrils flaring for any hint of herbs among the frost and snow-covered ground. The scent of pine was stronger here, mingling with that of damp earth and winter's crispness. Aurelia felt a strange comfort in these scents, her mind briefly noting their familiarity before being drawn back to her task.

With each step she took, her paws pressed into the soft layer of frost covering the underbrush. The faint crunch of frozen leaves underfoot echoed around her, creating a rhythm to her search. Her cyan gaze swept over the land, focusing on the smallest of details; a withered leaf here, a patch of moss there, each inspected and left behind if found unworthy.

Then, something caught her eye. A bright green cluster that stood out starkly against its surrounding white canvas. Excitement spiked within her chest as she bounded over with quick steps, her breath fogging up in the frigid air as she bent down to get a closer look. Yarrow.

It was early for the plant, true, but the resilient yarrow had survived the winter's onslaught. Aurelia knew its value well enough, its uses plenty - ranging from staunching wounds to easing inflammation. And in her present condition, seeming increasingly likely to be morning sickness, its stomach soothing properties were a boon. And where there was one, there had to be more.

"Aurelia Veratti"

Nila was relax as each other wolves seemed to wander off in their own direction. The game was afoot. Each had been challenged and each could not come back empty handed, she knew that. This would help not just herself but the other Sidi and her dear Kaino. Resolve coursed through her as she pushed through the snow. Eyes scanning her surroundings for any herb that would be deemed useful. Anything that she could bring back that would boost Kaino’s health and position for having a helpful Sidi.

She pushed through the brush, the crunch of snow satisfying with each step. Nosing through whatever greenery she could find before moving on empty handed. This went on for some time and just as she was going to give up, ready to face the consequences she spotted something yellow from the corner of her eye. Dandelions

Pausing her minor temper tantrum she turned towards the flowers that would soon die out as winter grew into full force. Stepping closer her mother voice began to play in her head.

”if you ever find yourself on the wrong side of their temper ila, you might need these. They can help with bruising and inflammation when applied to the injury itself. This is a common flower. Remember it closely”

Bingo. Her mother had gone over the other benefits of the plant that night. Tears welled in her eyes as the memories danced across her mind. Shaking her head to make them stop she began to uproot the plants one by one.

The wintry forest was dense, with thick underbrush and towering trees that seemed to close in on her. Cierzo moved swiftly yet cautiously, her senses heightened in desperation. She needed to find something significant, something that would prove her worth, or at least that she was not useless enough to cull. As she ventured deeper into the woods, she recalled the teachings of her youth about the various plants and herbs, trying to remember which ones were useful and which were dangerous. It was so she could treat her own wounds, or that of her husbands.

After a while, she stumbled upon a small clearing. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the frosty ground. In the center of the clearing, she spotted a cluster of tall, slender plants with small white flowers. Her heart leapt with recognition – boneset. She knew about its potent healing properties, particularly for treating fevers and colds. This could be her chance.

Cierzo carefully approached the plants, her mind racing with naive excitement. She knelt down and began to examine the leaves and stems, ensuring she had identified them correctly. As she did so, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. A small win.

””

Caedes drew close and knelt, brushing the snow away with a hardened paw pads to reveal the plant more fully. Its spiny seed pods and trumpet-shaped flowers were unmistakable. He examined the leaves, their shape and texture confirming his find. The jimson weed was a powerful plant, its uses in skilled hands both miraculous and lethal. And one of his favorites if used properly.

Carefully, he began to harvest the plant, taking only what was necessary and leaving enough for it to regrow. His mind wandered to the tales of his grandmother, of how such plants had turned the tides of battles and saved countless lives. He respected the plant, acknowledging its dual nature as both healer and poisoner. Just like him.

As he worked, the forest around him seemed to hold its breath, the usual sounds of wildlife subdued in the face of his silent diligence. The other wolves were out there, scattered through the trees, each on their own quest. He trusted them to bring back what was needed, to show the same care and precision he did now. They had to, if they wanted to keep their places within the Syndicate.

Once he had gathered enough, Caedes wrapped the jimson weed in a cloth, securing it carefully before placing it in his satchel. He stood, shaking the remaining snow from his fur and scanning the clearing one last time. Satisfied, he turned and began his trek back to the meeting place, his movements as sure and deliberate as ever.

"speaking"

Aurelia focused on gathering as much yarrow as she could carry without weighing herself down too much. But as she took another sweepin glance around the area, her excitement only continued to grow as she spotted more patches of it here and there hidden against the pine trees. Beneath the frigid canopy, Aurelia's breaths came out in short, visible gusts while she worked to harvest the yarrow. Her cyan eyes gleamed with triumph against the muted whites and greys of her surroundings. She was careful not to damage the roots as she pulled at the stems, knowing well that the plant would continue to flourish long after her departure if left undisturbed.

Her pile of yarrow was steadily growing, a more vibrant contrast to the starkness of winter. Her thoughts veered off for a moment as her mind briefly entertained the reality of her situation. With each passing day, it became clearer that she was indeed carrying a litter. The symptoms were there, and it left her with an impending sense of dread. Today’s outing was a pleasant distraction from that. She shook her head, determined not to dwell on it for the moment.

Crouched over the pile of herbs, Aurelia meticulously sorted through her gathered yarrow, discarding any wilted or damaged leaves that had somehow made their way into her collection. She bundled up the keeper stalks and secured them tightly with a length of sinew. It wasn't the most graceful of arrangements, but it was sturdy and it would serve its purpose. As she finished the task and rose to her paws, she made the move to return back to the meeting place to wait for the others.

"Aurelia Veratti"

With a smile so timid and soft against her lips, the woman held back the wetness threatening to fall from her bright eyes. Composing herself, she gave herself a moment. A happy, simple moment. She gently plucked a few sprigs of boneset, then as many as she could carry, handling them with care. As she stood up, clutching the herbs in her jaws, she allowed herself a small skip in her step. This was a step forward, a way to prove herself to the pack, a purpose. She knew she had a long way to go, but this was a start.

With a newfound sense of rather frail determination, Cierzo made her way back to the meeting place, her heart lighter than it had been in days. She was determined to show that she could be an asset to the pack, that she was more than just a meek toy. Or at least she could be both, then maybe she would be allowed out of Cifarelli’s den more often. As she walked, she whispered a silent prayer of thanks to the gods, hoping that this small success would pave the way for many more in the future.

””

Nila continued to grab as many of the yellow flowers in her maw as she could, she had no item to help her carry the plants like some of the others. So she’d have to rely only on her jaws for this task gently the woman uprooted as many dandelions as she could carry, grabbing them softly between her teeth to secure them.

Turning towards the meeting spot she made her way back to the others. Curious to see what everyone else had managed to find hidden in the snow. Nilas pace picked up, large paws disrupting the snow as she went.

As she entered last, she quietly made her way to the group, sitting beside a woman she had never seen before today, and placed her collection at her feet before turning her attention back to Caedes for further information.