@Gunnar! Really sorry about the wait!
Eshe headed south after her prolonged stay in Herbalist's Cache. It was nice to get out of the woods and feel the sun on her back, even in this excessive heat, and it gave her a dopamine boost that she hadn't even realized she needed. Staying in the shade had left her feeling unmotivated and depressed, and it had taken an effort for her to go. But now that she was out and about, Eshe felt like herself again.
She had been searching for poppies among the wildflowers but quickly tired because of the heat, and although she was tempted to lie down and get some rest, she was too interested in her search to call it quits.
Eshe tried to wake herself up by folding forward into a downward dog, yawning as she leaned into the stretch.
No worries. Life happens, especially with growing families
Gunnar didn't often travel far from home, but he had decided while he felt well enough to travel in the surrounding area. See what had changed and what hadn't and go from there. It was a good day, but it was hot. The old man wasn't very good in the sun anymore, so he stuck to the shadows mostly at least when he could.
He was surprised by his silent reverie by a movement and he shifted his weight and lifted his head. Startled, but he quickly calmed when he saw a wolf. A she wolf he'd wager. Older than the girls in the pack, but younger than him. But she was bigger than him, though honestly most wolves were and that was okay.
He chuffed out a greeting and stood still. Steel grey eyes taking in the details, greying muzzle and fur showing up bright in the light.
Eshe heard a chuff mid-stretch and turned her attention to Gunnar. He was an older wolf with a greying beard, and she could tell he was shorter than her by looking at him. Although he stood unmoving and said nothing, she felt unthreatened by him. After all, she rationalized, he wouldn't have chuffed if he hadn't wanted to engage with her.
She smiled, her tail waving over her back as she leaned further into her stretch, and said, "Hey!" to get things rolling.
She was like frost and snow mixed together. And to top it off honey bees had played in her eyes. Pretty girl and she seemed nice. Gunnar relaxed a little more.
hello. I'm Gunnar from Kvarsheim. I apologize if I disturbed you.
A kind smile that lit up the slate grey of his eyes. He took a moment to take a deep breath of the spring air and looked around. The grass was growing green and tall. While the trees reached their limbs to the heavens. As if stretching after a long nap.
His name was Gunnar, and he was from ... a place that Eshe didn't even want to attempt to say. She knew she'd butcher it and embarrass herself. "No, you didn't," she replied as she yawned and slowly rose onto all fours. It'd been a good stretch, and she felt relaxed. "I always welcome company." She smiled.
"I'm Eshe ... from ... nowhere in particular. I decided to take a break to stop and smell the roses—both literally and figuratively," she said as mirth danced in her eyes. "I also figured there might be some poppies in these fields, given the diversity of flowers I've seen. Do you know if any grow here?"
She seemed content and relaxed. And didn't find him threatening good. He didn't like it when other's were fearful of him. He had spent a long time becoming the wolf he was, and the peacefulness that he tried to exude was an inner strength and pride he loved about himself.
He gave a soft hmm. A healer are you? There are beyond the middle a ways.
he turned and shifted his head, and lifted a paw to point. They weren't numerous, but there was enough. He usually stayed away from poppies himself. Hated how they made him feel.
Post 100 for you!
"I am," she confirmed with a smile. "I've been practicing for a few years."
She glanced in the direction he pointed and nodded. "Would you care to join me in my search? I'd love to continue our conversation if you're willing." Eshe wasn't sure how busy Gunnar was, but she hoped he could come.
Congratulations
He smiled.
My mother was a healer, one of the best in her time.
He though briefly on his mother, wishing he had followed more of her ways. But Ash Paw had taken what Mama had taught and took to it well so at least someone was passing on Thistle Cloud's knowledge.
Gunnar chuckled.
Sure I can. Pretty lady always deserves an escort. And I savor the moments to get my brain working on things I used to know. Shall we?
He held out a paw with a grin and then waited with his tail wagging gently behind him.
Thank you!!
Eshe smiled at Gunnar's comment about his mother. "My ... parent's co-leader was the one to get me interested in medicine," she shared. Referring to Raven as "my parent's co-leader" didn't feel right. "But, she's much more than that—she was my mentor for a few years."
"Sure I can. Pretty lady always deserves an escort." Nobody had ever called her pretty lady before, and she was smitten by the compliment. "Thank you," she replied, unable to hide her bashfulness.
As they began to walk, she relaxed more now that she could re-direct her nervous energy. "Have you found other useful herbs in this field?" she asked after clearing her throat.
Gunnar listened and he briefly thought of Nerian, who he hadn't thought of for many many years. Whom he had hated as much as he loved, because she had ruined everything with Ragnar. Because the two of them couldn't leave each other alone. Because they both loved his mother, but loved no were obsessed with each other and it had slowly ate away at Thistle. But Nerian had known much of plants, as much if not more as his mother.
Erring on the side of caution he spoke softly. My mother and father had a friend like that. Who knew as much as mother if not more of plants. They had a garden together.
He chuckled and began to lead the way. No girl should ever go through life without being told they were pretty at least once. And then they also should be complimented on all the other things that were simply wonderful about them, because life was cruel as it were anyway. So why not add a little joy.
He nodded. Chamomile, and there's berry bushes along the edges. You may find some mint or lavender as well.
"A garden?" Eshe asked, her eyes bright with excitement. It'd been awhile since she'd been able to nerd-out about plants and soil with somebody. "I had one back at home—I put so much work into it." Leaving it behind had been one of the harder things she'd done, and she was eager to get settled and break ground on a newer and better one.
"Please, tell me all about it," she asked.
He listed off the herbs in the area. "Excellent," she said, thinking of her current inventory. "I don’t have any of those."
He smiled softly and nodded. Yes it was quite large. Mother and Nerian knew more than most about plants and their knowledge together was formidable.
He tilted his head. Nerian would search for the more rare plants to put in the garden. Mother had the basics such as chamomile, and Aloe and rosemary and sage. She had Mint in a separate spot or it would have taken it all over. Raspberry hips, different grasses. I believe she even had nettle weed. There were beach plants and mountain plants. One time Nerian kept mother from death after she saved our foster sister from a mountain lion. Just with the plants in our garden and care.
He had hated and loved Nerian, but she had done well by his mother at least in aspects of care. Perhaps not her heart, but care.
"What a variety," Eshe marveled. "My garden only had the basics. I couldn't even imagine having plants from the beach." Getting to the ocean and hunting for medical supplies would be an adventure; she hoped she could do it one day.
"Have you ever been to the ocean?" she asked, her eyes shining as she looked at him. "I've never been—but I really want to some day."
His mother and Nerian had often found things near the beaches and in the forests and the place they had laid their foundation for growth was probably still in the bay. He wondered at it. But he found he didn't wish to wonder that far.
I was born near the ocean, in this land in fact. Lived near it until I was almost 2 then my mother and I relocated. I only recently came back. The ocean is gorgeous and she is her own mistress.
He thought of the crash of waves. The sound of the tide as it moved in and out. It was what he had loved and sometimes in his weaker moments missed. But he was happy to be in Kvarsheim and he loved his found family.
The ocean was here?! She hadn't seen it yet!
"Is it far from here?" Eshe asked, her voice brimming with excitement. They strolled comfortably, and she had nearly forgotten where they were going. All she could think about was the ocean.
Gunnar turned around a bit and tried to get his bearings and then nodded. It's that way.
He motioned with a paw. About 3 to 5 days of travel. 5 if you're on a leisurely stroll. Right through the forest and you hit the beach. Be careful that you don't go in when the tide is high. If the water is further up the beach. It could be bad.
Three to five days—that wasn't too bad.
"I might have to make that trip soon," Eshe said, mostly to herself."If you feel like coming with me, I'd love the company." She realized that this was a bold offer, but she knew she'd benefit by having somebody who had traveled there before and somebody that was a easy to get along with as him.
He smiled and nodded.It's a nice trip.
He thought about. I am unsure if I can. We have babies due soon in Kvarsheim and I don't want to leave so readily. But if you are willing to wake. I can make a trip later in the season.
"I totally understand," Eshe replied wholeheartedly. "The newborn phase is magical—enjoy it while it lasts." She sighed wistfully as she reminisced about it, wishing she could experience it all firsthand! "I don't have any of my own, but I have twenty-nine siblings." She paused, counting off everybody's name to ensure she didn't miss anybody. "Hopefully, I'll have some of my own one day."
She winced when the words left her mouth; why was she exposing herself so much to a stranger? Why was it the oversharing she was concerned about and not the fact that she had asked to travel with someone she hardly knew? Eshe could only imagine how pathetic that had sounded. Her ears fell flat, and she laughed nervously.
"But yes," she said, redirecting their conversation as she cleared her throat. "Traveling with somebody who knew the way would be nice."
He smiled at her gently. I think you will. I know it's quite different for females, but I am 9 or 10 this year goodness i'm not sure. And these are the first children i've ever had. But you still have a few years i'm sure. You can find someone to love in that time. I have faith.
She needn't feel bad in his presence. He saw nothing wrong with her admission and he hoped she could have children someday with someone she cared for. She deserved it. She was sweet adn kind. Had taken the time to speak with an old man.
Then we will go to the sea sometime.
Although their situations differed, his regard was appreciated and made her feel a little better about it.
"Great—I can't wait!" she replied. "It'll be nice to see you again." Then, curious, she asked, "How long do you think it'll be before you're ready? No rush, of course. The children come first!"
"Are the poppies nearby? I got so carried away in our conversation that I almost forgot about them!" Eshe asked once Gunnar had answered her question regarding the timeline. She had lost herself in their discussion and felt sad that they were probably almost at their destination.
A title of head and a glance upwards. Probably late summer early fall.
Perhaps Taktuq and the children would be old enough to go on an excrsion it was only a few days walk.
He motioned towards the fueld that was only a few more feet ahead of them. No worries it happens with good conversation and company.
A small smile twinkling of eyes then he waited for her to take what she might need.
It was a plan—she'd visit Kvarsheim when the time was right.
When Gunnar motioned towards the portion of the field ahead of them, Eshe's smile grew wide, and she galloped ahead. "Oh, what perfect growing conditions," she marveled, crouching beside the flowers. "They're perfect," she added, marveling at the purple flowers. "I'll replant a few when I establish my garden. Thankfully they'll take to most soil conditions."
She sighed happily and stood. "I can't thank you enough. This helps me so much." Poppies were the key to providing extensive and pain-riddled care; now, she could do more.
Gunnar looked forward to introducing the younger woman to Taktuq and the babies. Perhaps they'd get along.
He chuckled glad he couldhelp. It wasn't often he could help with much plant things. But he did try. And he could sometimes pull something from the crags of his aging brain.
You're welcome. I'm glad i could be of service and it helps you be a better healer.
"It sure does," she said.
They went to work and dug up the poppies. When the task was done, they parted ways. Eshe fondly reflected on their conversation as she returned to her home base in the forest.