A, summer, the heat the top peek of life. Eveything grew and blossomed during this season. It was a time when young grew stronger, their bodies perparing them for the cold seasons. It was when predators became fat and strong, gaining in weight. A time where to sun kept it's rays on the earth a little while longer. The grass was green and thick, herbs grew in abunce. But it also a time of over bearingeat, droughts and sometimes famine. Prey it be that Valhalla wld not have to go through those trying times. Dark gray figure zig and zag along the land, going from one good patch of green growth to another. Sky blue eyes were intent to search out herbs needed to restock her den. She had found a solitude den, abit off from the pack but in the heart of the territory. It was a large den made of soil and rock, most likely once a bear's long ago. It offered many places to store her herbs. Located high enough to be out of any flooding zones, she had set on the task of turning the cave into a cozy den. She didn't mind so much sleeping on the hard ground, her piority was gathering. Who knew when someone might need her help. Firmly gripped in her jaws was some chamomile, chervil, dock, feverfew, goldenrod and parsley. She was very satisified in her search. But with so much, she needed to head back and store them neatly in her den. Maybe after a rest she would go out again to find bedding. Trotting at an easy pace, she moved along the borders. Some reason she felt the need to run by here every so often. She supposed it was because she wanted to greet any new commers. Or it was Cormalin's story of one of the healers being attacked. She worried one of her pack mates might be lying injured here. Small female gave herself a shake before turning into the land towards her den. If there was ever one thing she could complain about herbs, it was that they always masked other scents. She was left to rely on her eyes and ears only. With mid-sun coming the heat was getting to her. Pausing she set her bundle carefully at her paws and laid down. Just a little farther was her den, but hold herbs in your jaws meant you couldn't pant. She laid there with her eyes closed, jaws parted to let her tongue roll out and pant. She wished her fur was lighter in color. This dark gay and black attracted too much heat. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

Ivory paws carried the druid through the Valhalla territory, his gold and sapphire eyes taking in it all. He had only been in his new home for a few days so he was still learning where everything was, specifically where the best places to find herbs was. This land seemed to have an overabundance of all sorts of helpful herbs. He named each one be passed, trying to make a note of everything he found and where he found it. He supposed he could ask Erani about it, but he was sure the lead healer had better things to tend to than his curiosities. So here he was, searching out herbs and other helpful plants. The summer sun warmed his pale fur, a pleasant feeling for the thin brute. He padded along with ease, enjoying the feeling of his muscles pulling him forward. It had been a whirlwind of activity the past few days. He went from being a loner with only his siblings to keep him company to being a member of this huge pack with more family members than he knew what to do with. His whole life had been turned upside down, but he thought it was for the better. Only time would tell he guessed. He glanced up from a patch of feverfew to see a dark shape up ahead. It appeared to be a wolf and as he got closer he could hear the sound of her panting. Thinking something might be wrong, he hurried his step toward her. As he got closer he could smell the strong scent of many herbs coming from her direction and when finally arrived he saw the large pile of herbs at her paws. A healer perhaps. He smiled and dipped his head to her as he came around to face the fea, his Irish accented voice falling from his mouth as he spoke, "Greetings, ma'am. Is everything okay?" Thought Speech Others Companion

The summer was sure to get the best of her in these grasslands. She would need the find some good shrubs to rub against to pull out any extra fur. She thought back o her old home, how different if was. She had once lived high up in the mountains. She remembers the cliffs and secret paths down to hidden meadows, the tall pines and thick carpet of the forest ground. She missed it dearly, she always would but she would never go back. How could she when her birth pack would still be there? The pack that had betrayed her and forced her out. Suddenly her head snapped down to nip at her own foreleg rather harshly but then her tongue licked the area. To anyone else it would seem a bug had gotten to her and she simply rid herself of it. She continued to lay there, letting her body naturally try to cool itself off. Soon she would have to get up and be on her way back to the den. At least there it would be cool. The sound of hurrying paw steps coming made her tense. It was just a reflex, not many here came right up to her, actually, no one had. Thinking it might possibly not be a pack mate, she had tensed. She thought of every move she might need to protect herself. Left paw reached out to possessively pull the herbs closer to her. She laid there waiting, still panting but ears twisted towards the new comer. As they neared and moved to stand in front of her, her eyes cracked open. Every part of her said she was ready should she need to defend herself. If it was Demonio, she would have known. She already knew his paw steps enough to know when he came, place she was sure he would have called out a greeting already. This wolf was new. Their voice only confirmed her thoughts. "Greetings, ma'am. Is everything okay?" She opened her eyes and looked up at the speaker. Pale as the moon besides the diamond on his head and two toned eyes. She stared up at him through clear blue eyes. There was no hostility, only curious and welcoming warmth. She couldn't help it, plus his scent said he had been with a pack for a few days at least. "Yes, I?m fine. I was just resting before moving on. It's abit hard to pant from the heat with all these herbs in your jaws." She replied. Sitting up she gave her dark fur a shake. "Your new here right? I'm Imena." She introduced herself with a small bow of her head. She left her emotions unchecked. Her heart still ached with her loss, it was slightly evident in her voice an in her eyes. She could smile warmly but it seemed to never fully reach her eyes. For once in her life, she didn't want to think of the past, did not want to hide her pain. She was tired of it, she just wanted o move on, but she was at a loss on how. There were these words that none of her healing skills could fix. And she was starting to think they never would heal. Perhaps she was cursed to love but never be loved back, to carry the weight of loss where ever she went. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

The druid had an uncanny ability to be able to see right though someone and catch any emotion that might flicker through a wolf's eyes. He had always been able to simply watch the way a wolf behaves, reacts, listen to their words, and learn more about them than maybe even they themselves knew. So it was no surprise that Cael picked up on the sadness hiding behind Imena's warm smile. The concern in his two-toned gaze deepened, but he didn't bring it up. He had learned that if wolves wanted to talk and share their feelings then they would. There was no forcing them to share, not that he wanted to force anything from her. He gave her an understanding nod when she mentioned the herbs making it hard for her to pant. "I know that feeling. If you don't mind, I'll escort you back to your den and will be more than happy to carry those for you." The summer heat seemed to be affecting the dark hued fea more than it was him, most likely because of their difference in fur color, so he had no problem helping her with the herbs. He gently scooped up the haul into his jaws, his gold and sapphire gaze landing on her again as he waited for her to take the lead so he could follow her back to her den. He padded along behind her, the journey silent due to the fact that his mouth was full of her herbs. His nose was filled with the scents of her finds. Chamomile, feverfew, goldenrod, parsley... All helpful herbs. She was most certainly a healer. Being a fellow healer himself, he was more than happy to meet the other healers of his new pack. When they finally arrived he sat the herbs down at Imena's paws, a smile crossing his muzzle and his tail waving gently behind him. "Here you are. I'm guessing that you are a healer? That's why you're gathering these herbs, correct?" Thought Speech Others Companion

There was no fooling healers when it came to trying to hide how you felt. They just had this ability to know, even if you lied about it. After all it was a healer's job to know just what was wrong. It was in the sense a gift, after all most healers weren?t fighters or hunters. So it was no surprise to Imena when she saw the concern in his eyes. She was grateful he didn't say anything but offered to help carry her bundle of herbs. She nodded and stood up. "Thank you, that?s very kind. My den is not much farther from here." She replied. Once he was ready she took the lead at an easy pace. One ear always remained turned back to him to listen to his paw steps. As they passed a creek the ground grew high around it till a cave appeared in it's side. The slight incline was easy to transcend, softened by the cool grass. As she entered the rock cave she turned to sit and wait for him. So he was new, she wondered when he had joined. After he placed the herbs at her paws he spoke. "Here you are. I'm guessing that you are a healer? That's why you're gathering these herbs, correct?" She sat there and began to sort out the herbs neatly, straighten them out. "I suppose. I have not been given a rank yet but. I'm suppose to be training under Erani. Oh...I never got your name." At her last sentence she looked up at him. She liked having others around. It kept the sorrow at bay, allowed her something to do. She had heard one of the healers had had pups and briefly wondered if she would be able to go near them. For now though she wouldn't, not till Erani approved of her and her skills. It was hard though, den mother was who she was, all she had ever known. Take it away and she was no one. She took one pile of herbs and carefully placed them in a nook high enough off the ground to keep it safe and out of any pup's reach. After nicks and nooks were filled with different herbs as well along that same wall of the cave. "So I?m assuming you just join right? Are you another healer or wishing to seek out another rank?" She asked as she turned back to him. He certainly was a calming kind of wolf, and nice on the eyes too. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

Cael's two-toned eyes met her eye-catching, bright blue gaze as she looked up at him from sorting her herbs, asking his name. "Oh, I'm sorry about that, how rude of me. I'm Cael." He was happy to hear that she was also a healer. He had met several healers lately and it made him feel less alone in his craft. Out of his siblings he was the only one that had shown any interest in the art and they had been the main wolves in his life for such a long time. In just a short time period he had met Imena, Erani, and of course the little black and white fea Orica who had all been healers. Cael waited patiently and watched with a curious gaze as the small black fea went to and fro across the den, hiding the herbs in various crevasses around the den. It was a very nice den and the nooks and crannies in the walls seemed very helpful, especially for a healer like herself. When she finally finished with her sorting and turned back to him, he listened intently to her questions and answered, Aye. My brothers and I just arrived a few days ago. And yes, I'm a healer as well. I believe I am to train under Aunt Erani as well, but I haven't had a chance to speak to her about it just yet." He smiled and added, "Maybe we will be training together, hm?" He kind of liked the idea of that. She seemed very kind and the amount of helpful herbs she had gathered told him that she already knew a good amount about medicine so he was sure they could learn from one another. Plus, she was simply a very lovely looking fea that Cael wouldn't mind at all getting to know better. Thought Speech Others Companion

As she looked up at the white male he responded. "Oh, I'm sorry about that, how rude of me. I'm Cael." She lifted her paw to wave off his comment on being rude. "Nonsense, you helped me carry all these herbs. Its a pleasure to meet you Cael. I can't explain how greatful I am for your help." She responded back warmly. She could feel his gaze on her as she finished placing her herbs away. She couldn't be more pleased in finiding a den like this. So many times had a pup been found in her herbs when she was in her old pack. Every time nearly gave her a heart attack. Some plants could kill a pup or at the very least make them sick. Her gaze softened as she thought of home, of the pups. Pups, they held such a tender place in her heart. What she wouldn't give to have her own one day or at least help care for some as a den mother. She sat down as she asked him her questions, respectfully waiting. Aye. My brothers and I just arrived a few days ago. And yes, I'm a healer as well. I believe I am to train under Aunt Erani as well, but I haven't had a chance to speak to her about it just yet." She nodded. Ah...His Aunt? Thats interesting. Seems like everyone has family here.. She thought to herself. For a few heart beats she was jealous but just as quickly as it came it was gone. "Maybe we will be training together, hm?" His question grabbed her attention once more. God she could barely keep from squinting happily at his accent. She couldn't help it. "I'd like that. The more training together the more you learn from each other. It would be great if we did train together. Perhaps we could ask Erani about it? Oh..and please do make yourself comfortable. I know there no bedding yet..but well with it being warm enough, I've been in no hurry to get any." She said happily, this time it reached her eyes. He made her feel happy, at ease and comfortable. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

Cael gave a pleased smile and his tail brushed against the ground behind him when she replied that she would like training with him. She was the first friend he had made that wasn't family since he had come to Valhalla and he was already glad that he had happened upon her back there. He could easily see the kindness and gentleness of her personality, certainly someone that Cael wanted to be friends with and get to know. If he looked deeper into that lovely blue gaze, however, he sensed a certain sadness there, even past the happiness that seemed to come over her after speaking with him. He thought back to their first few snippets of conversation, remembering the sadness he had seen that he had refrained from commenting on. Curiosity tugged at him, wondering what could be bothering the small, kind healer. At her invitation to make himself at home he nodded, more than happy to oblige. Something about her put him at ease and made him feel relaxed, like he had known her for years instead of for an hour at most. "We definitely certainly talk to Erani about it," he agreed. He was sure his aunt would have no problem with the arrangement and even if she did they could still get together to compare notes. He pulled himself to his paws and started padding around the den, peeking into the little cubby holes to see all the herbs she had stashed there. "How long have you been in Valhalla?" he asked idolly, turning his gold and sapphire gaze back to her darker form, a gentle smile on his muzzle as he watched her curiously. He was eager to know more about her and he was sure this was the first of many questions he would think up to ask her. Thought Speech Others Companion

She could feel him watching her carefully but she didn't want to hide from him. She felt like she would be able to trust him and confind in the white male. It was not often she could easily find someone to be so at ease with. Sure there was Demonio but he was just a friend. They both had found comfort in each other through their own depression. Neither one spoke about what had happened to them but they didnt need to. Here with Cael she didnt want to put her guard up around him but be open and let him see her for who she was. She felt safe enough to know he would not go around screaming that something was wrong with her. She laid down to clean her paws, seeing clumps of dirt there. She listened to Cael wonder around her den. "We definitely certainly talk to Erani about it," She was glade he felt almost as excited as she was about training. It would be so much better. She still felt uneasy around Erani. It was not like she disliked the other female but Erani was wise. Wise enough to easily see through her walls she put up to try and hide her pain. If Cael was there with her, all of Erani's attention would not always be on her. She wondered if he had a den yet, if not should she offer to share her's. It was lonely in here. There would be alot of room still with two wolves living in here. Plenty enough to store herbs, make two beds and still have pack mate come to be treated. "How long have you been in Valhalla?" She paused in her cleaning to think. "Since the begining of spring. Hey...Cael would you like to say here? That is if you dont have a den yet.." She replied. She ducked her head slightly embarrassed. Why was she embarrassed? She had only offered her den. She scoffed at herself mentally and returned her blue gaze up at him. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

Cael blinked with surprise as Imena tagged a question onto the end of her answer, offering her den to him as a new home. It was the last thing he had expected her to ask him, but it was a welcome offer none of the less. He had not chosen a permanent den for himself as of yet. This one was plenty big enough for the two of them and the cubby holes to store herbs in would be exceedingly helpful for them as healers. Besides that, he had taken a liking to the little healer. She had a sweet nature and was lovely to look at. He wouldn't mind spending time with her at all. "I would like that a lot, Imena, if you're sure you don't mind having me. Thank you very much." He glanced around the den, noticing again that it was very sparse. There was not a single bit of bedding to be found. It looked like she had spent all her time stocking up on herbs. He turned his gold and sapphire gaze back to Imena and gave her a smile. "How about we go find some bedding and make our home a little more... homey?" He chuckled motioned to the entrance of the den. He padded back out into the sunlight, shoulder to shoulder with his new friend, looking around for some form of bedding. He spied a taller patch of grass in the distance and directed them over to to. Coming to a halt, he pawed at the grass, feeling the soft blades bend under his touch. "How about this?" Thought Speech Others Companion

Her blue gaze did not miss the surprized look he had. She shifted uneasily, about ready to get up and leave. She was not sure what she would say if he refused. Had she said the wrong thing? Perhaps he thought it odd she would ask him such a thing right after meeting him. But she felt like she had known Cael for a long time. Like they were old friends reuniting again. She liked his presense, calming and trusting. Not to mention he was handsome. But she was far from loving again. How could she after what had happened to her last time?"I would like that a lot, Imena, if you're sure you don't mind having me. Thank you very much." Now it was her turn to stare at him in surprize. Her tail wagged happily behind her as she grinned up at him. She would not have to spend her time only in a big den anymore. Already Cael was making a place in her heart as a trusted friend. She stood up and stretched with a yawn. She felt pent up energy was going to get the best of her soon. She had spent so much time hunting for herbs and training on her own. After all Cormalin wished for her to be all versed in fighting incase anything should happen to her. All the activity had made her body grow with more energy and she was used to it now. But when she was not training she seemed to have too much energy."How about we go find some bedding and make our home a little more... homey?" She nodded with a smile and joined him by his side. Together they headed out, with Cael taking the direction. They came to a patch of tall grass and she watched Cael paw at it. A grin crossed her face before she summer saulted into the grass, landing on her back. She rolled around abit with a happy sigh. "Perfect..." She replied and stared off across the land. She watched the breeze lightly tease the grass, a ladybug crawling up a blade. She could lay here forever. If only she could bring all these little details into her den. The beating heat of the sun, the taste of green growth, the breeze teasing and whispering. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

Cael blinked with surprise as his friend flipped into the patch of grass he had just been testing, bringing a laugh out of him and a grin to his muzzle. He hadn't had a good laugh in a while and the bit of silliness was just what the doctor ordered. Following her lead, he flopped down next to her onto his back, chuckling and looking up at the sky, watching the clouds drift by above them. Something about Imena made him relax and feel like he could let go around her. He didn't know what it was, but something about her personality just made him happy. He turned his head to look at her lovely blue gaze, a relaxed smile spread across his muzzle. "Maybe we should just make his our den," he joked with a soft laugh. He savored the feeling of the sun warming his stomach and turned his sapphire and gold gaze to watch the ladybug that Imena had been watching moments before. Coming to live with his father in Valhalla proving to be the best decision he had ever made. One good thing after another was coming into his life and he could wait to see what else was in store for him. Thought Speech Others Companion

A grin lit her features as Cael flopped down next to her in the tall grass. She loved hearing his laugh, it made her feel warm inside. She continued to watch the ladybug as it crawled around. Life was so beautiful, so delicate and tender. Her eyes looked into Cael's, relaxing under his warm friendly gaze. She felt at peace with him, able to just be her and not worry. "Maybe we should just make his our den," She laughed softly with him.If only we could bring in the warmth of the sun, the whspering breeze, the beauty of verything here into our den... She whispered and closed her eyes. She tried to soak in as much of this moment as possible. Maybe she could somehow brng everything here inside her den. She took a deep breath scenting lavender, wild flowers, could taste the earth. But how did one bring in the warmth of the sun? She opened her eyes and looked at Cael. Maybe he was the sun. Speech Thought Others

Cael Amestades

Cael felt his gaze drifting from the little red and black insect to the lovely fea laying next to him. He watched as her eyes opened, really seeing the depths of her blue gaze for the first time. They were the color of the sky that stretched above them and held the same warmth that the sun was currently blessing them with its comfort. He thought he could get lost in that gaze if he looked for too long. Blushing lightly, he turned his gold and sapphire gaze away from hers so he could roll over onto his paws. He poked at the now slightly flattened grass with a forepaw, but decided it was still fine to use for bedding. Gathering up a large bunch of it in his jaws, he bit down and pulled away at the same time, tearing the grass from the ground. He almost hated leaving the small bald patch on the earth, but the two of them needed the bedding. He gave a silent thank you to the earth before glancing to Imena and heading back toward the den. He placed the pile of grass he had gathered on one side of the den when they got back, spreading it out a bit with a forepaw. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He looked happily to his new friend and waited for her to place her part of the bedding as well. His gaze drifted around the den, happy to have their little bed there now. It brightened up the floor of the den a bit. "Something about a bed just seems to make a den a home to me," he commented with a smile, his tail wagging easily behind him. He had only known Imena for a few hours, but he felt like he had known her for years. He felt completely at home and at ease with his fellow healer. Something about her just drew him in and intrigued him. Thought Speech Others Companion