Northstar Vale the girl with the broken smile

@Collision <3

With dawn's silver illuminance to guide her from the hazy nightlands of gauzy terror, smoke-veiled memories, the druid delved into pack life head first. 

The dreams of crimson and shackles faded as mist cloaked the cold forest and a gentle drizzle dropped through the canopy - replacing the songs of birds greeting the morn with a quiet, peaceful ambiance. 

Awenfen's mind, however, was anything but. There were so many things to do! (As her busy brain liked to needle.) Of all the tasks to be seen out - a den to settle, jobs to do, packmates to meet, mentors to seek - the one of highest priority, at least to the midwife, was to begin fufilling the position appointed by Reiko. 

The odour of pheromones hung heavy in the air, muted by the rain yet as thick as the downfall's accompanying humidity the evening before. Only the stars could foretell how many, if any, of the overlapping ovulation cycles would result in pregnancy but it was always best to be prepared. 

Breaking her fast on even a meager fish (bluegill though the northron knew not the species of her catch) felt taboo - the concept of being a welcomed citizen as fresh as Reiko's lilac perfume upon her coat. Even so, the irisvar comforted herself with the knowledge that she would soon prove useful, and that one required good health to be handy. 

The ache within the divot of her stomach satiated, the pale hart found herself seeking out the heart of the Vale's security. The Saluki had specifications for the area she would work in: somewhere deep within the inner timberland where she could feel safe, good soil and open space for growing herbs, perhaps close to a few private whelping areas or running water. A strange nymph of the wood she seemed, silently trekking over dampened terrain still scarred by winter - much as the delicate ivory fawn was.

It was within the groves the druid found it. 

Sheltered by cherry trees, blossoming with tender pink flowers, the ground was soft and mossy - bare, solid earth patching the green swatch of grass underfoot. Rivulets twisted and trickled over the jade-coated stones and the healer spotted dark niches hidden amongst the crumbled rock walls, small caves perfect for patients and birthing she-wolves who might wish for privacy - and the security of medical assistance on hand. 

An elated wag slowly took over her whip-like tail, a cheerful smile blooming over her lips not unlike the pungent canopy overhead. Pink petals whirled in a playful breeze, tangling in the mother's wispy coat, as fae eyes surveyed the location with silent approval. 

There was no better time to begin her work than now - when her spirit was buzzing with revival and her steps felt light as a bird's wing. 

Choosing a soft patch of loam, the battered woman set to digging.