Blackfeather Woods In a forest of lies and shadows

Potema tided the bundles up, making sure not to spill a single particle. She stole glances at the bundles Nemesis was holding as well, hoping that she wouldn't screw things up. When the older girl asked where they were going, Potema blinked. "No one has told you where the herbs go? Really?" She scoffed in disbelief. "Ilinalta's Keep. It's the pack's main herb store and the infirmary." She picked up one bundle and tucked it in the crook of her neck. "I'll show the way, then." She snatched up the other two bundles in her jaws, fully packed, and trotted off towards the Keep, not pausing or looking back to see if Nemesis was following.

The trip was uneventful, with Potema saying nothing to her helper, as she could not have with the herbs in her jaws, and would not have if she didn't. But suddenly, the princess froze, hearing rustling in a bush nearby, and a snarl that was not canid in nature.

A raccoon, larger than any she had ever seen, darted out of the bush, slamming into Potema's side, teeth grasping her scruff in an attempt to draw blood. Potema nearly dropped her bundles in shock, and, refusing to ruin her work, she held onto the herbs, using her neck and legs to try to pry the mustelid off of her.