Herbalists' Cache What a find

Shale, too, had been exploring Morningside's new home. Today, he was investigating this peculiar wide ribbon of rocks, that stretched for miles and miles northward, heading into the small mountain range to the north. It separated the plains from the maplewood, a natural border between the two territories. Instead of going north, he opted to go south, and found himself in a verdant paradise, full of greenery and life.

Delighted, the man padded through the forest, enjoying the mingling scents to be found here. His delight grew--but not without trepidation--when one of those scents turned out to be Pema's, and he followed it, pawsteps soft as he looked for the young woman.

He found her with a smile on her face, and couldn't resist a smile in turn. This must be a boon to the healer; he'd seen no less than four or five different herbs hidden in nooks and crannies on the path leading into the woods, thriving even in the last clutches of winter.

"This place is wonderful," Shale remarked, after giving Pema a low, gentle chuff to make her aware of his presence. "Even if it didn't have all the herbs, it's very pretty."