Nova Peak ❇ Tavu

AW but maybe @Ravens Call?

---

silatuyok's small form moved gently through the wild herbs, her nose brushing soft stems as she sorted through them one by one. the morning mist still clung to the air, curling against her fur like breath. she hummed—quietly, tunelessly—as she picked fireweed from the patch beneath the stone ridge. her movements were delicate, careful not to bruise the petals.
a woven bundle lay nearby, half-full, pressed together with other healing plants she'd gathered. she liked this work. it was quiet. her ears flicked at the birdsong above, and her tail swayed gently behind her, content.

<3

Her acceptance to Winsook was a treasured gift. One she hoped to honor during her stay. It was not uncommon to encounter the blackbird girl exploring the vast territory of the mountain. Her silhouette could be spotted along the stone cliff-faces on some days, and her shadow could be found weaving through the evergreens on others.

This day, Raven's Call was following the scent of another. The mountain's scent clung to the wolf she had be trailing, intertwined with sweetgrass and sage.

The pale form of scent's owner soon came to view. Weaving amidst the stone outcrops and threading her paws through the ridges. An herbal scent bled into the air.

Raven's Call watched the ivory woman. Head tilted as she listened to her hum. It was not a tune Raven recognized.

Pebbles crunched beneath her paws as she set upon the ridge to approach the ivory woman. Raven offered the woman a low woof and a wag of her tail.

Hello there.

---

silatuyok turned at the sound of the low woof, soft paws stilling atop a narrow ledge brushed in moss and stone dust. her pale form straightened, posture tucked with natural deference, though there was no fear in her eyes. only gentle surprise, and something warmer—curiosity wrapped in quiet joy.
ah, she hummed, tail sweeping once behind her in greeting. her voice was airy, rounded by the faint lilt of her tongue. you are new, yes?
the scent of evergreen clung to the dark woman, a sharpness like fresh rain on pine needles. her coloring reminded silatuyok of home; of ravens roosting on the bones of trees, sharp-eyed and wise.
i silatuyok. of nishkaw’tep, she said softly. then, with a respectful bow of her head, moon sky.

An easy grin set upon Raven's face as the she-wolf introduced herself. The blackbird's own posture softening, ears relaxed and tail gently swaying.

Silatuyok. Raven's Call took note of the pronunciation, trying it out on her tongue. Silatuyok. She cupped an ear towards the ivory woman, should she need correction.

My name is Raven's Call. Well met! Light danced within her mismatched gaze. She covered the distance set between them, her nose gently probing the woman's personal space. Silatuyok's scent was reminiscent of her own in some ways. The freshness of rain was fitting for her.

Raven's Call looked to the herbs upon the ground, collected with care. Raven looked to Silatuyok with interest, You heal?

---

silatuyok nodded, a soft smile blooming like spring snowmelt. yes, she answered, quiet and sure. i heal.
there was warmth in her expression now, lit by the simple joy of connection. the woman before her—raven’s call—reminded her of flickering dusklight on dark water. a striking presence, but not harsh. silatuyok welcomed her nearness, allowing the gentle breach of space with the ease of one who sensed no threat.
well met, she echoed, her tongue careful with the cadence of the other’s name. your spirit is...ah, bright.
her gaze dipped to the herbs between them. this is for calming. foxglove not far. and berries to stain. her ears twitched with gentle mirth. for hides. or for, eh... cheeks.
she looked up again, head tilted slightly. do you heal? she asked, though something told her raven’s call had her own kind of medicine.

Her spirit was bright.

It was not a phrase she had heard before, but surmised a positive implication. With a gentle gesture with her paw, Raven's Call nodded her head to Silatuyok. The ivory woman was kindly, and while she didn't call attention to herself, she shined like a star.

As is yours. Your spirit, I mean. An easy smile upon Raven's face. It is hard not to share your smile.

Her gaze was directed towards Silatuyok's collection. Fireweed was a familiar plant to Raven's Call. It was hers mother's choice plant for a bellyache. With a delicate touch, Raven swept a few loose stalks back into the pile as a light breeze disturbed them.

It is a useful plant for many things. Raven's eyes were soft upon the medicinal herbs. They were vital to a healthy community. One plant mentioned turned the blackbird's ear. She looked to Silatuyok inquisitively. Foxglove?

If toxic plants grew on the mountain, she needed to be prepared. She would not wish for a child to make a costly mistake. They would also need emetics.

Raven's Call glanced down the ridge, hoping for the purple flowers to catch her eye. She blinked back to attention when Silatuyok inquired of her.

Ah- I'm less of a healer and more of a helper. I'd collect herbs with my grandmother and I've tended to my aunties as they gave birth and watched their babes.

Nursemaid. Babysitter. Both benefited from a base knowledge of herbs.

Is the foxglove you've seen the only patch you know of?

---

silatuyok gave a little nod, her eyes warm with the quiet pride of someone who enjoyed being useful. her paw shifted slightly as she glanced toward the slope.
not only one, she answered softly. more... south. in hills, under sun. she motioned gently with her nose, down past the treeline where warm light gathered in pockets. many poison grow there. foxglove. baneberry. nightshade, too.
her brow furrowed briefly, concern flickering in her expression.
children must not go there. i mark trail, soon. warning, she added, voice firm in its conviction. she did not wish for danger to root where the pups would play.
then her gaze returned to raven’s call. you know births? is good. ekawotsa need this. many belly will grow soon. a little glint of mischief softened her voice, teasing but sincere. she saw the value in women who could guide life into the world—there was no role more sacred.

Poison grows in the shadow of the mountain, and it draws dread into Raven Call's heart. She nods when Silatuyok mentions marking a trail.

A trail to avoid, her voice held in firm agreement, before brightening, and perhaps make one for a place that is safe to play.

It was easy to say, don't do this, but how often did children do such things anyway? They should be given space to enjoy with safety. Perhaps some toys too. The blackbird smiled to herself as she pondered what gifts and games she might design.

A lavender eye glimmered with a knowing light. Mischief crept into her tone, I should consider you a patient then? There is no malice to her voice, simply play. But Raven's Call sincerely considered the state of the mountain community.

Many children to come. The part of her that held onto adolescence was eager to be of help, if somewhat overwhelmed. The blackbird knew that she too would be a woman soon. It was something deep within her that she would not be able to stave off. It seemed unlikely, but would she also join that number?

Only time would tell. With a gentle grin, Raven bumped her nose playfully to Silatuyok's cheek.

My place in Winsook will be as Naneka, but that just means we shall work closely together, hm?

---

silatuyok smiled, soft and knowing, though her ears flicked bashfully beneath ravens call's playful nudge.
ahh... not yet, she murmured in her broken voice, eyes glancing away toward the trees as if the season might already be hiding there, waiting. my season... eh, soon. her tail curled slightly, brushing at the earth, neither shy nor proud. only honest.
she shifted, pressing gently against the thought of coming changes, of warm bodies and new pups, of the medicine they would need, and the herbs that must be gathered before spring fully unfurled. her gaze returned to raven’s with a quiet spark.
many pups, she agreed. many healers. we... work close. yes.
a faint laugh left her chest—not quite a sound, more a breath full of warmth. you be good Naneka, she added softly, nudging the girl’s shoulder in return. strong. bright.
then her eyes turned, thoughtful, to the distant slopes. safe play trail… we make. together.