Apollinaire limps towards the gardens, his left forelimb aching with every step. The wounds from the battles at Obsidian are slow to heal, the damaged muscles making it difficult for him to move as gracefully as he once did. Despite the pain, he continues forward, drawn towards the sweet perfumes of nectar and petals that fill the air.

As he enters the gardens, he is immediately taken aback by the beauty that surrounds him. The ground is elevated slightly from the rest of the prairie, creating a sense of serenity and peacefulness. The trio of small ponds is scattered throughout, their clear waters filled with blooming wildflowers of all colors and surrounded by soft green grasses. Butterflies flit about, their delicate wings adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Apollinaire finds a spot to rest, sitting down among the grasses. He closes his eyes, allowing himself to be fully absorbed in the sounds and scents of the gardens. The pain in his body begins to fade, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility.

@Carina

coded by flea + art by rabbit

Wandering out in the other expanses of this land sometimes proved to be a better experience than staying in the Lagoon. Being there was safe and provided her with a better opportunity to interact with those who wouldn't stare at her like she wasn't an alien. The language barrier often times ended up with folks staring at her for longer than what was considered normal.

The plant store that she had created was running low thanks to everyone's needs, though obviously she didn't mind so long as they were using them and not wasting them. It forced her to move around the land and gather, as well as making it impossible to take a few hours out and usually she was gone for a day out of the week to simply gather herbs and stash them in her low-quality carrier.

The morning had started in the labyrinth where she had grabbed some frankincense for generic wound healing, it's sap would provide useful in the future no doubt. Some gnetum along the way in the dunes that would provide some pain relief to those that were a bit more sensitive to their wounds, its pain as well as the touching motions that she would have to deliver. Stuffing each one of them into her bag once she had plucked them and relocating towards the gardens which was always her last stop. Devil's claw was a must-have in the lagoon.

Though, the smell of blood was quick to draw her attention and her hair stood on end. Lowering her nose and sniffing the ground where @Apollinaire had just walked and moving to follow. The lion that she had followed had seemingly laid down and as she drew a few more long-wound steps she was able to spot some form of breathing. It was hard to see if it was labored or not, but it was clear that he had engaged in some sort of battle.

Chuffing to alert him of an incoming stranger -- most everyone was -- she tried to make a wide circle so that he could see her easily and not come from a blind spot. Lest he turn and make an injury worse or get so startled he came in for an attack. You... want help? she asks while keeping some distance between them. I am healer. Medic, healer; the word different from her language and experience than here but it remained the same. From what she could see, Carina believed she had something that could help him to heal it and ease whatever pain he felt but it was up to him if he wanted that help.

+5 - Collect herbs (1/2)
+20 - Successfully heal a wounded roll using the healing system (?/2)
+10 - Heal a character’s sickness or injury (?/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

He does not realize he is being followed until he lays down for a break. Then @Carina's exotic shape appears among the many colours of the Garden flower patches and his red eyes snap open in her direction. There is no animosity in her step, however, and his eyes grow softer and gentler. A small smile tugging the corners of his dark lips. She evidently didn't seek to hide her approach, otherwise she would be coming from a different angle with the intent to surprise him.

He wasn't especially fond of surprises.

As the Scillan woman stepped closer, she inquired if he was in need of aid. It was obvious the metallic stench of his wounds had set off that thought in her head. "Bonjour," his long-haired head dips in a polite bow. According to her, she was a medic. What a coincidence. "A healer, hmm? Why oui I would not deny such a beautiful mademoiselle's offer of aid." The charmer said with a flick of his tail, casual about it as if he wasn't littered with wounds from head to toe.

coded by flea + art by rabbit

Carina, either; surprises were not something she appreciated.

The last thing she needed was to surprise a hefty-sized male, injured or no. With his scent being of the Bluffs, she felt that was a pretty safe bet that she wouldn't be shamed for treating his wounds. If anything, she might be heralded for her efforts and with that she could do no wrong. Ohh, her lips curled into a tight-lipped smile, flattery gets you everywhere, I hear. She teases, opening up to jest with him as that seemed to be the direction he wished to go in. Humor and deflection, often times, was one such distraction from whatever one was feeling so she would readily assume it was his.

Carefully did the medic take a few steps forward so that she could expect his wounds. Eyeing his leg carefully and resisting the urge to touch and poke. She would be doing enough of that in a moment. I will grab a few things. A silent wait right here on her lips that she didn't believe she needed to say. After all, how far could the guy get? So with a waiting moment she affirmed her words with a nod, before moving off at a swift step further into the gardens.

As she hurried along the grab the extra stuff that she would need, grabbing a few strands of baby bush. Being careful not to ruin any of the leaves as she did so as that would be their main function for the procedure. Taking the branch into her mouth carefully before making her way back to @Appollinaire.

+5 - collect herbs (2/2)
+20 - successfully heal a wounded roll using the healing system (?/2)
+10 - heal a character’s sickness or injury (?/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

He watched the girl move, shifting closer as she jested. "Why yes, it most certainly does," he flashed her a grin. He knew that flattery opened all doors and he used that to his advantage since day one. Especially with women, who responded to it like flower buds to water would. Of course, it wasn't a tool used to simply give him what he wanted. Apollinaire enjoyed jesting & flirtatious chatter. He was a social butterfly.

@Carina stepped closer to observe his wounds, and he angled himself so she can see better. She went to grab a few things and he wasn't planning on going anywhere, so the charming fiend stood right where he was. I'll be right here, mademoiselle. He winked. Who would run away from being pampered? Certainly not him.

The Scilla medic's shape disappeared. He watched the insects buzz around him, one ear flicking as the breeze played with his hair. Although the pain was there, always lingering, he was enjoying himself.

Carina reappeared after a while and he could see her carrying a strange plant.

coded by flea + art by rabbit

Now finding her way back to him she gently set the baby bush stands down onto the ground and scooted the frankincense she had gathered from earlier, realizing that she had been prepping unknowingly for this exact situation. The torn muscle on his leg did look rather twisted but it also made her thankful that she had a fairly strong stomach. That the sight of blood and ripped skin and muscles didn't perturb her, especially considering the line of work that she had chosen to educate herself in.

With a firm nod and an immediate attempt at making silent eye contact, a means to say that she would begin now. Mentally taking a deep breath so that she could focus on the items that she was giving to his injury as well as keeping her mind at ease. Prepping herself for the chance that this might need more than she could offer but encouraging herself that she was a skilled medic. She was not adept nor was she a master, but she was good.

So she pulled the frankincense close before looking to her brand new patient. This will help the healing and will also act as a sedative. Russian accent still tightly wound upon her words but they were as difficult to remove as his french. Before placing the sap she did a general inspection to make sure there wasn't any debris lingering in that might cause significant infection. Once she was certain that she could place the chosen plants she started.

Leaning the frankincense leaf against one grounded paw and squeeze the sap with the other before patting it gently to the his wound. Careful not to make too much of a fuss for him as surely he knew that he couldn't make this entirely painless. After all, she had to touch it before the sedative would kick in. Then she made a grab for the baby bush and made to rip the leaves off so that she could place a few on the sap before it might dry up.

Rolling 1d10: 7

+5 - collect herbs (2/2)
+20 - successfully heal a wounded roll using the healing system (?/2)
+10 - heal a character’s sickness or injury (?/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

Apollinaire lay on the ground, his leg twisted and torn, but his face wore the same mask of indifference & a hint of smugness to it, never quite revealing what he thought. He saw @Carina, slowly making her way back to him with a sense of purpose. She placed the baby bush stands on the ground with care and took out some other strange plants she had most likely gathered earlier. He watched as she inspected his injury, her eyes focused and determined. Despite the pain, he knew he was in capable hands.

Carina nodded with assurance, silently communicating that she would begin the healing process now. Apollinaire watched her take a deep breath and prepare herself for what lay ahead. He marveled at her calm and focused demeanor and studied her like an odd plant he'd stumbled across.

With a firm hand, Carina placed the frankincense leaf against his paw, gently squeezing the sap with the other before patting it onto his wound. He sighed as she touched his injury, but then he felt the soothing effects of the sap take over. The medic inspected his wound carefully, still with that focused look across her features. She was beautiful, and he felt a strange desire to know her taste. Once she was satisfied, she reached for the baby bush and deftly ripped the leaves off before placing them on the sap. As she worked, she spoke, assuring him that the plants she was using would help with the healing process.

Apollinaire watched her work with fascination, admiring her expressions more than her skills as a medic. He enjoyed people-watching, noting the strange micro-expressions that sneaked onto their faces when they thought nobody is watching. As she finished her work, he felt as if the wound was much better than it had been. He looked up at her with gratitude and smiled broadly. "You're a marvel, mademoiselle," he complimented, flexing his limb carefully. "A simple merci would not be enough. How may I return zhe favor, ma dame?" his tail flicked among the flowers.

coded by flea + art by rabbit

With delicate precision and attention, she dabbed on the sap of the frankincense to his leg carefully. Making sure that she touched it to each part of the wound and didn't leave even the smallest bit of it untouched. Carina did not know the male in front of her or the reasons behind why his leg muscle was mangled as it were but he was still worthy of being healed. Especially so since he was an ally of an ally; she did not wish for him to continue to be wounded should Scilla need a capable warrior. If she ever needed help, she would want him to have her back.

Putting a few more of the baby bush leaves over the top of his leg to stick to the sap and keep it dressed up, her gaze shifted to him as he spoke. A gentle hum as he complimented her -- praised her more like -- and she felt a certain ease into knowing that she was a competent healer at least. A favor, however much her brain seemed to say she didn't need to and practice was enough, sounded nice. Though, she had little idea what she might even ask for or what he was capable of making happen for her. Perhaps, should I ever require what services you offer, you will come? @Apollinaire must be a fine warrior to be so scarred, scratched and brutalized so she could only assume that that was his duty. That he was the sword and shield for his pride and his family.

+5 - collect herbs (2/2)
+20 - successfully heal a wounded roll using the healing system (2/2)
+10 - heal a character’s sickness or injury (2/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

Apollinaire watched as @Carina gently dabbed the sap of frankincense on his injured leg with delicate precision. Her touch was light yet firm, and her attention to detail was impressive. He couldn't help but let his eyes drift along the curve of her neck. Her scent was tempting his hunger, but he knew well how to control the beast.

Most of the time.

When Carina asked if he would come to her aid should she ever require it, Apollinaire nodded without hesitation. "Of course," he replied. "I am honored to have your back, mademoiselle." The fact she was an ally made things easier. Of course, there were oaths he would never cross, but he assumed Carina was interested in his fighting skills.

With that, he rose to his feet and excused himself. "Merci, cheri. I shall be on my way now." He bowed courteously. He had duties to attend to back at Wolfbron, but he made a mental note to seek out Carina again in the future. She was a valuable ally to have, and he could sense that there was more to her than just her skill as a healer.

exit

coded by flea + art by rabbit

The girl had come a far ways since appearing at the Passage with nothing to her name except a small knowledge of plants and a desire to just work. She remembered Tiamat fighting for her (though not who she fought, ironically) and she had stuck by the woman's side sense. Taking care of her pride mates that called Tiamat their leader and any who allied with her was common sense and so taking care of @Apollinaire was an obvious choice. Being able to call upon him should she ever require his brawn, of course, was a solid bonus. No doubt would the healer need someone to have her back should Tiamat be otherwise occupied. Carina wasn't a warrior in any fashion and she would need all the protection she could receive.

Alright. She answered simply, watching as he stood up and took his leave. Good bye. Eyes blinking quietly as she watched the still-injured man leave and she hoped that whatever happened that he would respect the job that she had done there. That he wouldn't -- right! Try not to work too hard! She medium-capacity shouted at his retreating figure, hoping it would reach his ears but if he did, she supposed that she would be here if he needed something more. exit carina

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}