Some time had passed since the rogues eviscerated the rainforest, and he was grateful that the Deity Maua had allowed him, his family, and the other refugees sanctuary within her lands. However, starting over was not easy, and leaving those he cared for was a difficult but necessary endeavor, even if it was only for a few hours at a time. Healing wares and young bellies were responsibilities he could not ignore, but the dark cleric did what he could to ensure his time away from his family was well-spent. Even now, as he swam the channel with the dexterous ease his species afforded him, the leopard considered what could be gleaned from the banks of this isolated cay. Perhaps he would be able to find herbs or useful items, and if nothing else, a meal for him or his family.

Black paws carried his dark figure from the waves and onto the exposed shell-riddled shoreline, his fiery eyes considering his environment before he paced forward to the safety of the small trees. Shrouded by their narrow shadows, the leopard moved meticulously beneath their branches, his gaze flitting over the flora of the island as he considered what might be useful to bring home with him.

+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory
@Pistis

Pistis had come from the opposite direction of the cay. Humming slightly as she made her way towards it. She’d been there once before, but was too engaged in conversation to look at the herbs. So she had come back to look at them. She remembered that Jewel had offered for her to come to the Cove, but didn’t feel it necessary yet. Eyes darting around as she moved up the cay, looking around at the ground at the herbs. But when she looked up, froze. What the hell is that? She tried not to let the confusion cross her face, trying to be polite. But this was a very, very tiny feline, and certainly not a lion. He sort of looked like snow leopards that had been in her home. They were rare, normally keeping to themselves. But he was completely black, and still didn’t quite look like one of them besides that fact. Or smell like them. “Hello there…” she said quietly, voice having a bit of curiosity to it. +5 study the flora of a neutral territory @Bes

Code by CloudyNight

A variegated leaf from a vining plant caught the cleric’s attention just as the faint sound of gentle humming filtered through the various sounds of the cay. Although his wariness was roused, the flora kept his attention until the prickling sensation of no longer being alone invaded his focus enough for him to cast his sunset gaze back to his surroundings. The white lioness was not difficult to spot against the greens and browns and yellows of this environment, and the black leopard grew motionless in surprise and trepidation. His stomach twisted and his dark fur lifted slowly from his skin, but she made no move toward him and remained standing where he had first spied her.

Her voice emerged between them, and the leopard hesitated only a breath before responding, respect for her species still deeply ingrained in his persona despite his renewed fear. “Hello,” His tenor was perfectly neutral despite the tension that emanated from him. Still, courtesy governed over his fear, and he remained earth-bound with his orange eyes fixed on her tall figure, not meeting her gaze but still resting on her countenance. “I hope I have not trespassed across your borders, lady. I am visiting only to survey the area for herbs.” He explained after a pause. These lands were unfamiliar to him after all, and he wondered if the waves had washed away a scent marker, leading him to believe this was a neutral land. It was also entirely probable that she was simply exploring this land herself, but better safe than sorry, especially if he had unintentionally trespassed into a pride of lions.

The dark leopard was immediately wary of her. Pistis did not really enjoy that thought. But she knew some lions thought other felines were beneath them. Pistis didn’t really feel that way. Although she did have a hate for those nasty bats in the caves. Most other creatures, though, she respected, at the least. He mimicked her words and she nodded to him. He did not even look at her, but Pistis said nothing. She lowered her hind quarters, sitting. Her tail swept up to her paws as he explained. She shook her head quickly, “oh- no sir… my territory is to the east, there is another pride south of here… so just be cautious,” she paused, “I came here to examine the herbs as well, I’m a medic.” She explained calmly. The pale woman did not feel threatened, as he seemed fearful of her. Though she did not like that much. She’d rather creatures simply respected her then were fearful of her. Her head tilted, “I am Pistis Casimir, what is your name, sir?” @Bes

Code by CloudyNight

The snow-colored woman reclined to the earth in a position of ease, her posture exuding a courteous amiability that softened the edges of the dark leopard’s instinctive wariness. Raven fur lowered back against his skin and some tension ebbed from his figure, but he remained wary and observant of the stranger. Her words offered a further balm to his nerves, confirming that he had not trespassed and that they were both here for a similar reason. “Ah, thank you for the heads up.” He said then, an appreciative smile appearing briefly as his orange eyes lifting momentarily to meet her two-toned gaze; sharp curiosity naked in their depths before his gaze resumed neutrally on her countenance.

“My name is Bes, lady.” He reciprocated her introduction with a warming voice and then nodded to their surroundings. “May I ask if you’ve found anything useful?” He queried then, his faith in her peaceful coexistence being restored with each passing moment and aided by his inherent interest in all that which is healing and spiritual.

The night-covered male seemed to calm down a bit, and she smiled, trying to look encouraging. She was cautious around most people as well, so she understood his position. She nodded, “it’s no problem, I’d hate for you to stumble into pride territory, I understand some lions are… prejudiced.” Well, that word did describe them. There was no reason for it, really. They were all felines, all had their own wants, needs, and aspirations. Though she supposed part of the reason she wasn’t as prejudiced were because of those snow leopards. She paused at his question, thinking, “I’m afraid I’m still a bit new but…” she nodded towards a flowering plant to his right, “those are good for stomach aches, specifically their roots.” She’d seen those plants before, they were hardy, and grew sometimes in the sands of beaches. Though she couldn’t quite understand how or why. But that was not what she needed to know. She’d always improvised, having traveled several times in her life, it was a useful skill. +5 Teach herbology trivia to someone @Bes

Code by CloudyNight

A fleeting smile twisted wryly across his mouth when she spoke of lions and their prejudices, his gaze flitting to meet hers for a moment. Yes, lions were rather well known for entertaining their biases, and to say the least, could make life tricky for themselves and their smaller cousins. But Bes did not say the least, and instead allowed that topic of conversation to fade with a benign nod. No use dragging her species unnecessarily, and after all, the leopard knew of plenty of lions and lionesses alike who endured his company happily enough.

Bes followed her eyes when she spoke and noted the herb in question with a spark of interest illuminating his dark expression. Brows lifted over focused sunset hues and he nodded as she spoke of its healing qualities before he leaned forward to get a closer look, extending a paw to swipe the dirt away from the herb. “Very good,” He murmured both praise and delight in those two syllables before returning his attention back to the snow-hued lioness and inclined his skull in a genuflection of appreciation and approval. “I am most familiar with those herbs that aide with external irritants – aloe for burns, feverfew for infection, and what not. Would you mind if I test it?” There was a vigorous interest in his tenor that reflected in his gaze as he glanced back to her expression.

+5 Learn something from another about your trade
+5 Teach herbology trivia to someone

@Pistis

At his praise she smiled, nodding. It was no harm to teach another about herbs. She expected nothing in return, really. She nodded at his words, “I know of both, but right now my stores are mostly for injury rather than illness, Winter is almost over. Sure, go on and test it. I ought to get more herbs for pregnancy, really.” She mused, she expected some of the females in her pride may become pregnant during spring. As was normal, so that they could give birth in Summer. At least normal where she was from. Hopefully she’d be prepping for pregnancy soon. “Do you know of any such herbs around here? I’m afraid most of the ones I know of aren’t hardy enough for winter.” Her knowledge of herbs used during pregnancy were a bit lacking since she wanted to become a nursemaid. Not primarily, but it made sense. Medic as her main job, caretaker as her second. If you knew much of taking care of adults, it only made sense to learn how to take care of their cubs. It seemed most useful for her. But sadly, she wasn’t the most knowledgeable yet. She wanted the easiest pregnancy possible for her and her fellow lionesses. @Bes

Code by CloudyNight

ooc | I am so SO sorry for the wait, my muse has taken a huge hit due to ooc reasons and most of my characters have suffered bc of it :( The snow-hued lioness was proving to be amiable and easy company, a gentle balm to soothe the frayed nerves of the cleric. It was an abstract observation, but once noted, the leopard felt a surge of appreciation for the lioness and when she assented to him testing the herb, he smiled graciously. With a thoughtful tilt of his chin, he pulled the herb from the earth with nimble toes, skillfully lifting it closer before he brought it to his lips for a taste- test of sorts. Her casual mention of pregnancy inspired a subtle lift of his brows, but out of respect for her privacy- since she didn’t seem to be showing any typical signs of pregnancy- he did not indulge his curiosity. A thoughtful hum reverberated in his throat when she invited him to share his knowledge, and he lowered her herb from his lips before shaking his head. “Not in this immediate vicinity, no. Perhaps the roots of devil’s claw might prove to be a sturdier alternative- it is known to encourage childbirth- but I don’t believe we would find any here.” His tenor was apologetic, but his dark expression grew thoughtful and after a pause he would offer an alternative. “We may be able to find some basil in this area, although it is more useful in conceiving rather than pregnancy itself. Would that help you at all?” Bes was not certain if she needed herbs specifically for pregnancy, or if her needs extended to family planning itself. He would not be offended if his suggestion missed the mark, however; he found himself inspired to help the lioness in any way he could. @Pistis