Alaric shifted mind going on what he meeded. He'd been playing a horses ass too long lately and he needed to hunt out some herbs. It was high time he found some to fill his stores and plant his garden. He had a nice little homestead going near his den and his intent was to keep it going.
He leapt from rock to rock idly playing as he searched for the plants that grew hardy and strong inbetween the cracks. He'd not mind some dandelion though that would have to be far from his garden. Some rose hips and some raspberries. Though they were not ripe yet.
Njord felt melancholy after he and his family said goodbye to Stingray. Though Njord was proud of his son for forging a new path, he could not help but lament the presence of his boy in Moonspear. Worry, too, was a familiar friend. So much tragedy had befallen their family. Would Stingray be alright on his own?
But he wouldn’t be on his own! Stingray had all of Moontide to support him. Nassamik and Chakliux would be there, too. It was a best-case scenario.
For now, Njord found himself wandering towards Alaric’s ulaq. He still owed the man a great deal for his generosity.
“Alaric, mo chariaid,” he called out warmly.
Some of the wolves of Moonspear were moving towards the ocean. Alaric thought about it, but ultimately decided to stay here. He liked the danger that colored the mountain too much. And he had grown complacent in his time here and had set up shop permanently in a way with his herbs. Granted he could move them if he must, but he'd prefer not too.
Alaric heard his name being called and he lifted head, green eyes vibrant and happy. A small smile lit up his face.
Njord! How are you?
It was refreshing to see that Alaric’s verdant eyes finally matched the spring bloom around him! “Ah’m well,” Njord responded genially. “Our trip tae tha coast was a gran’ success, thanks tae you. Tha wolves of Moontide were so thankful for all tha gifts.”
Alaric was a generous man and Njord knew what a rare trait that was. “Ah’ve come tae make good on my promise an’ help tend yer garden. Find herbs. Stingray ‘as chosen tae move onto Moontide, so Ah hope ye dinnae mind that it’ll just be me helpin’.”
An impish grin to match the look in his eyes, he bounded towards the male to be closer.
Lidtened to his accent trying to catch the meaning behind the words.
A beaming smile. Glad to hear it.
He lifted a shoulder. I don't mind at all. I'm checking the rock cracks. I also want some dandelion, but that I'll have to plant far far away. And I'd love some berries, but not sure if they're in season. We can find something.
But.
he looked up semi serious. Are you okay? I can't imagine it'd be easy to leave even an adult child behind.?
Dandelion. Berries. Two plants Njord was familiar with. However, he was surprised by the fact they had medicinal value. He gave a stout nod to telegraph that he understood the instructions and then began to walk abreast with Alaric as his gaze surveyed the ground in search of any herbs.
Alaric seemed to be a man of both physical and emotional caretaking and broke the silence with a question about Stingray. “Och, Ah’m so proud of Stingray… for makin’ his own way,” Njord smiled half-heartedly. “But Ah’m so sad tae see ‘im go. It hasnae been easy… but I ken these are tha best circumstances. Moontide will be a good place for him.” And Njord could find peace in that.
Sometimes the simpliest plants helped with the most wicked of ailments. Take Chamomile. Something that was just all over the wilds. It could help with stomach issues, coughing and so much more. The same with Mint.
Alaric listened without saying a word. He could hear the pride and sadness in the other's voice. But if he were a betting man, he'd bet the other would be fine with this. It was just a change that had rocked him for the time being.
Good that you can find the good in it. And it's not that far, right? He can visit, you can visit. So not so terrible.
“Aye, ‘tis good he is close,” Njord agreed. “An’ livin’ with Rodyn an’ Samani… they’re good wolves an’ I ken they’ll watch over Ray.” And, at least, Njord found comfort in the fact that Stingray didn’t up and leave the Teekon Wilds altogether. It was not such a farfetched thing…
Suddenly, Njord spied a spent dandelion head. “Oh!” he exclaimed and plucked it from the earth. “Found one.”
“What of you, Alaric? How ‘av ye been?” he asked the other man.
Alaric listened, closely. So it seemed that Njord was pleased with where his son had landed. Rodyn and Samani. He had not met the latter, but the former when he had visited. And he had seemed very kind. Though one could never know. Though he seemed genuine in all facets.
It is good to have friends willing to care for your younglings.
Alaric smiled. Thank you.
He motioned at a skin he had nearby that he was placing all his herbs upon though he had little pieces of fur between so they wouldn't touch. There were some blank spots.
Alaric frowned. I find I have a restlessness of spirit as of late. I don't feel i fit in well here. I live upon the outskirts. I keep telling myself to give it time. I've mostly been a loner, but I can't quell the thought that I Don't belong here well.