Otatso Wetlands hemiola

Ashlar approached the wetlands and thought of the woman he’d helped. Tried to help. He hoped that she had made it home alright and recovered, but out of respect for her wishes, he dared not go closer than this. He was not entirely sure how much further it was - she had not said. This was simply where she’d told him to turn back.

He wandered the edge of the marshy ground and poked at the greenery there, but it was all too young and new just yet. He’d need to return if he wished to find something to gather.

Ashlar began to hum, softly, as he took in the scent of peat and rot. Somehow it was comforting. The song abruptly died, however, when another step scared a bird up from the growth where it had been hiding. He hadn’t caught a scent with the strong odors of the mud masking it. Ashlar jumped and froze, then laughed nervously as it winged away. Frightened by a bird!!

Kel too was lamenting the newness of the spring growth. They weren't running low on anything they'd already stocked, not with all their careful preparation, but it would have been nice to have a wider selection. It would just have to wait. Besides, this wetland was as far as he would travel, and not the most pleasant experience he'd had.
It was better, at least, than what he'd found last time he'd gone wandering. As always, however, it didn't take long for a small bit of oddity to find him. The sound of humming nearby, then the fluttering of wings and anxious laughter. Kel had been standing still in the mud for some time, inspecting plants intently, and he still did not move from where he stood. Instead he watched with ears standing tall, and was perfectly still.

Ashlar was oblivious to the other man’s presence and watched the bird wing away, still smiling breathlessly at his own surprise. Surely none of the hunters and warriors of the Rise would have been startled!! But he did not mind.

Fluttering wings on a summer day, carry all of my troubles away… he mused quietly, picking out words that might go with a melody sometime. Worries away? Troubles sounded a little better, perhaps.

Sing your song to the clear blue sky, and far from troubled waters fly. Worries, then. He added the last bit softly, looking thoughtfully at a nearby tree. What else did birds do?

He enjoyed these games, even alone. Rhymes helped him to pass the time, though he sometimes got too distracted and didn’t accomplish as much as he should.

As watchful as he was, Kel didn't see a thing. He peered all around until he heard a quiet voice, and though he couldn't quite pick out the words, something in the tone of it made him relax. So he finally moved, trudging quite gracelessly through the mud. He passed between a few trees before he caught sight of the dark-furred wolf, and when he did he chuffed to announce himself.
He kept moving, but more slowly now. Kel gathered from his scent that he was a pack wolf, but it was nothing he recognized. So he remained wary, and would keep distance between them with his slowed pace until the stranger spoke.

Oh! How long…

Ashlar fell silent, not so much embarrassed to be caught singing as he was to be caught unawares (and potentially ignoring a traveler!). H… hey!! Sorry, I just… I didn’t see you. He smiled broadly at the other man despite the stumble of his words.

The bard didn’t move to close the distance between them, sensing the other’s discomfort, though he looked the other over curiously. Was he from the seaside cliff pack? This was fairly inland for that. The wind was against him in telling, though it probably didn’t matter.

My name’s Ashlar. I’m Hælend, for the Rise. He indicated the distant silhouette, then hesitated. Did you… um. Is there something you need? Maybe he already knew this, if he knew the woman he’d helped or Arric. At the thought of the latter, his expression lit up a bit, though he didn’t drop any names just yet.

Not a threat. Kel allowed the last of his tension to drop, but he stopped just barely within range to speak conversationally. Ashlar, as he introduced himself, didn't show any interest in coming closer. I'm Kel, from Riverclan. Was just out here looking for herbs, He paused, trying to decide how to explain his reason for disturbing the singing wolf. There's been trouble in the Valley. Has me a little on edge. Sorry I interrupted.
You said you're from... the Rise? Kel continued, deciding that he would take the opportunity to get some information out of this awkward encounter. Then he would take his muddy self right back to Riverclan and never bother stepping outside again.

Ashlar nodded, smiling. I’m Hælend there. It’s… it means I heal. Or, try to. I’m… there’s a lot to learn. He wondered if he would ever feel suited, or that the trust he was given was warranted. It wasn’t that he disliked it. He just knew he would always need to push to do his best, and no matter how hard he did, there would always be something new.

The stranger, it seemed, was similar! Riverclan. Is it near? Are you a healer as well? He asked, then fell quiet, warming a bit at even having asked two questions so rapidly in succession. He hoped he hadn’t overstepped!

Kel smiled gently, but shook his head in response to the question. No, only learning about herbs. More a counselor, He clarified. Riverclan isn't too far, though. Just over that way. A quick gesture accompanied his words, indicating the direction.
Hey, you know of any herbal remedies for uh, bad dreams? He thought to ask after a moment, seizing the opportunity to find a solution to his most recent problems without alerting Riverclan to his struggles. Kel could hardly fathom the thought of going to Faun with this, much less Ash Paw. Ashlar, as a virtual stranger, was less likely to ask questions.