She's been quiet, reclusive, in the bog which has hidden her away from the world. From the Brook. She is waiting for a moment or sign that it is safe to leave and head south, head out to find her family. As badly as she longs for them it would so no good to be recaptured- for whatever "use" the white lioness had for her. Dio awakens from a light sleep - there is a morning mist curling around the bog and Dio can feel a coat of cold dew clinging to her pelt.

She glances to her left, to a heavy section of rising fog that seems to have a shape in the middle. A shadow in its midst it seems? Dio's shoulders tense and her fur stands upright in cautious wait to see if something emerges or if the illusion vanishes.

@Celeste @Cosette

ART BY RABBIT , CODE BY LARS

The young girl was exploring the Grove, hoping to identify some plants and understand the leafless twigs in their winter forms. As she ventured further, she noticed how the clear air gradually transformed into a foggy atmosphere. Her small figure moved deeper into the mist, with her attentive ear picking up sounds around her, while the Wisps seemed to communicate softly in her other ear. I’m doing my best, she reassured herself and the Wisps in her thoughts. With her bright, sunrise-colored eyes, she scanned the area for any signs of plants in the challenging visibility. The Ashanti Pepper is currently not in bloom, so she would like to search for the roots to carefully dig up and prepare for planting in her own garden.

[ rogue yearling | winter - february y13 | medic exp ]
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory (Ashanti Pepper - Viru Bog)

@Diomedeidae

code by corvus

She can hear the sounds of rustling and of movement nearby. In the shadows of the Bog there is someone out there; of this Dio is certain. But who? Someone of the Brook out searching for her? The fear builds up in her chest and she swallows deep a rising bit of bile. They will not take her back, the promise is whispered to herself as she creeps closer to get a look at who it is. The white queen? The hounds that came nipping at their heels?

It's a girl. Dio spots the young form. An unfamiliar face- unfamiliar scents. She is still cautious however and does not immediately emerge from her hiding spot in the shadows and foliage. She leans in further, trying to move in even closer to get reassurance that @Cosette isn't from the Brook. And then there is a loud crack as Dio steps right on a stick and breaks it in two...

code by me, art by ryuu

The sunrise golden-coloured girl was deeply engaged in her study of the plant when she suddenly heard a soft crack of a stick breaking nearby. Cosette glanced around but didn’t notice anything amiss, so she returned to her observations of studying the plant and how it grew. After a moment of contemplation, she began to carefully dig at the roots. I’ve found it, though I’m uncertain if I can help it grow again. The roots appear unusual to me, she murmured thoughtfully. Gently moving a paw as if to clear the space around her, she added, I would greatly appreciate a little quiet, as I’m trying to concentrate.

[ rogue yearling | winter - february y13 | medic exp ]
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory (Ashanti Pepper - Viru Bog)

@Diomedeidae

bg x art x code

The crack of the twig sends a jolt of energy down Dio's spine and almost makes her jump out of her own skin. Quite quickly however she realizes she must have been heard, she must have been found right? Spying was embarrassing even if it's just through curiosity. She needs to apologize...

But after whatever reaction this young lioness has had in response she seems to have gone right back to her studies. Her voice sounds out loud but Dio, often known to speak to things that aren't there herself, isn't sure if these words are meant for her at all. The dark lioness moves around so that she will hopefully appear in @Cosette's line of sight when are steps forwards and then, wordlessly, begins to help in the cleaning of the area.

code by me, art by ryuu

The girl was completely engrossed in her study of how the Ashanti Pepper plant grew, particularly fascinated by the way its roots intertwined with those of the tree while she collected the roots. As she observed, she was startled by the unexpected presence of someone entering her field of vision and jumped quickly away from the tree. Oh, I apologize if I’ve intruded upon your space, she said gently, pausing her digging and shifting a little to allow for more space between them. I was simply gathering plants in preparation for a garden when Spring arrives, she added softly, taking a few steps back and lowering her head respectfully.

[ rogue yearling | winter - february y13 | medic exp ]
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory (Ashanti Pepper - Viru Bog)
+5 Collect herbs (Ashanti Pepper - Viru Bog)

@Diomedeidae

code by corvus || back ground image

"No apologies needed dear." Dio is quick to respond. Any apprehension that Dio feels is rooted in caution and suspicion that this young lioness may be of Vermedan loyalties. However it is Dio who is coming now into @Cosette's space regardless of loyalty and ties. Besides, isn't this what they all want to hammer home? That the grove, the Brook, isn't the Valour's home anymore?

Dio leans in a little to get a better look at the plants that Cosette is tending to. "Are you building the garden here or taking the plants elsewhere?" She asks as she lifts her head away from the foliage and takes a calm breath of the forest air around them.

code by me, art by ryuu

✦ C O S E T T E ✦

---

The girl noticed the older lioness approaching and took a small step back. She gently gathered the root system of the Ashanti Peppers. The question surprised Cosette, and she placed the roots at her paws. I'm not entirely sure where to plant the garden, she admitted. I don’t have a home at the moment, but I've noticed a spot nearby where the snow doesn't seem to soak the ground too much, she said, gesturing towards the Grove. After a brief pause, she continued, By the way, I'm Cosette Black-Luce. My mother always taught me the importance of being polite to those who offer help or might need it.

[ rogue yearling | winter - february y13 | medic exp ]
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory (Ashanti Pepper - Viru Bog)
+5 Collect herbs (Ashanti Pepper - Viru Bog)

@Diomedeidae

---

code by scorpixia♡︎

Dio's face looks full of thought for a moment. Consideration taken - she did not know much about plants and what was good or bad soil to try and grow them in. But she did know one thing about this area. Or at least, what she wanted others to think and know. "The land around here is cursed, the nearby pride is corrupting it. At the very least they might take what you plant here but worst case? It won't even begin to grow." Nothing must be allowed to thrive here.

"I'm Diomedeidae Valour. I'd be happy to help you look for a place of your liking to plant your garden."

@Cosette

code by me, art by ryuu

Cosette tilted her head slightly, her face reflecting a mix of curiosity and confusion as she listened to the older lioness. Did you say the land is cursed? I've only experienced such beautiful things here, especially compared to other places I've seen in the snow, she replied softly, still trying to understand.

After a brief moment, Cosette continued, I've discovered some truly wonderful places! For instance, there’s a hidden spot high up in the mountains where the Wisps seemed to be calling me to engage with them. And in a deep cave, which Miss Heloise referred to as the Labyrinth, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely Wisp named Tobin, who is a Guardian!

As she absorbed this new information, Cosette committed the stranger's name to memory. It's such a pleasure to meet you, Miss @Diomedeidae! she exclaimed with a bright smile, looking up at the older lioness. She then asked, Could you share if there's a way to help cleanse this place of any bad omens? Her head tilted in genuine curiosity, her expression still reflecting her initial confusion.

code by corvus || back ground image