Wolf RPG

She was waiting for Speedy, the pack's physician. Inna knew a lot about nature, but knew next to nothing of plants and herbs. No one had been there to teach her, after all. Her mother had briefly gone over poisonous plants to avoid when she was a pup, but that wasn't enough. Inna watched squirrels spring from tree to tree as she waited, enjoying the peace and quiet.

The borders were where she had spent a good chunk of the morning, searching for any hints that Castor might be nearby. It was a long shot, she knew, but that didn't stop the little spark of hope that ignited in her heart every time she searched; it was always sufficiently snuffed out when she inevitably found no sign of him, but she remained persistent. 

As she slowly made her way along the edge of the territory, unable to give up just yet, her attention was suddenly drawn to one of the newer packmates. She abruptly changed her direction and headed towards the other woman, a warm smile on her face as she drew near. Speedy stopped once in front of her packmate. Hey, how are you? she greeted. She was curious to know more about this woman like she always was with new members.

Inna smiled and replied with a simple "Good." She was becoming less shy as time went on. Besides, this was just the woman she wanted to see. "It's a lovely day, isn't it?" She didn't quite know what else to say. "I-um." She gathered up her courage, trying not to spiral into anxiety. "Are- are you the one who knows about herbs?"

Speedy nodded. As lovely as a winter day can be, I guess, she replied, continuing to smile at the other woman. She much preferred spring and summer, but at least it wasn't actively snowing today. The healer nodded again in response to to her packmate's question. I am, Speedy said first. Is someone in need of a medic? she asked, concern wrinkling her forehead. She assumed that to be the reason most would ask that question. She wondered if another Kaistleoki member was sick or injured. Or maybe of friend of hers? Either way, she was willing to offer whatever help she could even with her dwindling supply.

Inna liked all the seasons equally, but she could understand Speedy's dislike for the cold. She didn't dwell on the thought as she heard Speedy's question. "No, no one is injured or sick- I just... You see, I want to learn more about plants and herbs myself. Would you be willing to teach me a bit?" 
But what could Inna do in return? She didn't know.
[font]"In exchange, I could help you collect some medicinal herbs?"[/font]

Speedy's concern quickly fell away to be replaced by relief and delight; she loved teaching others about plants. She was also excited for the prospect of having some help, especially over the summer when she would have young pups again and be unable to leave them for long periods of time. I'd be happy to teach you whatever you want to know, she answered with a warm smile. It might be a little tricky right now with her herb collection so sparse, but she could make it work. What do you already know? she asked. She didn't want to waste time explaining things she was already familiar with, nor did she want to insult the other woman by assuming she didn't know some stuff already. Of course if that was the case, that would be totally fine, but it would be helpful to both of them for the healer to know where to start.

"All I know is a few poisonous plants- the ones not to eat. Wolfs-bane, etc. Otherwise, I'm pretty clueless."
Inna's mother had taught her that when she was a pup, but Inna knew nothing else. She wanted to know everything- names, uses, ecology... And she was looking forward to helping out.

That is important to know, she pointed out. Knowing what plants were harmful could save a life just as much as knowing what plants were helpful. 

It's a little harder right now to show you all the plants, but I can start with the basics, the healer continued. Come on, I'll show what plants I have and we can talk about how I use them. She started to move, looking back to Inna after a few steps. We can start with wound care, she added. That was one of the most important skills a medic could possess in her opinion.

Inna followed, listening to and memorizing every little bit of information that Speedy gave. She absorbed the information like her life depended on it. When they had finished, Inna was exhausted from the mental gymnastics she had just completed. "Thank you- I, I really appreciate it."

Teaching was one of her favorite things to do, aside from actually helping someone when they were injured or sick. So when thanks was offered for her time, Speedy shook her head. It's not a problem at all, honestly, I'm happy to teach you whatever you want to know, she offered. I'm going to need the help this Spring, anyway, so I'm lucky to have you here, the healer continued. 

She paused over her plants, looking back to Inna. Maybe she wanted to continue? Or maybe she was maxed out for the day? She left the option up to her packmate.

Inna walked away, satisfied with her accomplishment, and exhausted from all the cramming.