After having successfully healed the wound of a certain male from wolfbron, Carina had felt a lot more confident in her abilities. By no means was she an expert but she felt a lot more confident in her skills. So much so that she often looked to fights hoping that they might call for a healer and she could showcase her skills. None did, of course, because why would they want a healer they didn't know? Carina had just been lucky that she had stumbled across Apollinaire. Even better that he now owed her even more protection should anything ever happen to her because she had healed him.

Passing through the little tidepools of the shore, she had spotted cape aloe which she had plenty of back in the lagoon. Though, she was trying to keep her eyes peeled for other plants that might live in this area. Keeping an eye on several plants and taking every moment she could do investigate each. One that had bright purple flowers on them and neither smelled sweet nor bitter, though she couldn't be certain if it had a purpose or not. Another with some pale leaves that were absolutely gigantic but getting closer, the smell was a bit too sickly to bother retrieving.

@Tinúviel

+40 - Learn something from a Master of your trade
+10 - Learn something from another about your trade
+10 - Study the flora of a neutral territory (1/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

She seldom left the Lagoon these days. The wilds of Amaryllis had been turned into chaos; war seemed the tale on everyone's lips, and even the borders of the country had turned into a bloodied battleground. Scilla had been spared the brutal ambitions of others, but it would not mean they could stave it away forever, and even Tinúviel knew it was a foolish hope to believe that such a war would not soon happen upon their doorstep. Where Tinúviel its sole Queen, they would have no enemies; but they would also have no army, no backbone. With Tiamat at the helm of their pride, they had much to fear, but also much to protect, much to revere.

Eventually, she needed to leave. The Tidepools were close enough to the Lagoon to provide a sense of security, and a place Tinúviel had yet to truly explore. As she wove her way through the pools and the curving, carved rocks that resided beside each one, the maze grew further and further confusing, confounding. Tinúviel had long begun to mark her way behind each path; and then, a sudden opening in the ground almost swallowed her hole. A small cave nestled between two large pillars opened forth, and from it the sounds of rushing water, the push and pull of waves. Tinúviel peered her head inside, wide eyes straining against the darkness.

Her lips pursed thoughtfully, a paw reaching forth as if she were about to step in it; but suddenly, the distinct sounds of pawsteps stayed her paw, and as the small Queen lifted her head from the tiny hole, she spotted @Carina rummaging around the foliage not far away. Carina? she called out, hoping to catch the medic's attention.

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+20 (x2) Explore a territory and find something useful in it (1/2)
+20 (x2) Find a notable landmark in a territory (1/2)
+20 (x2) Discuss the features of a territory with someone (0/2)

Oh! she said in delighted surprise as she lifted her head from her surveillance of the foliage to spot her very own queen @Tinúviel. A happy chance that she should find her pride mate here among the tidepools and not tucked safely within the proximity of the Lagoon (or getting cozy with the King she had never actually met). Did not expect anyone out here. She admits, trying to suffocate the unresolved guilt about the lioness' tumultuous birthing experience. It was hard not to feel something negative about it and knowing what she felt, could only imagine what Sovereign Tinúviel felt.

Do you know what this is? she asks, pointing at what was moonseed; it's blue/purple color of the flowers made it seem like a useful plant used for good but when she got closer it did not smell as expected. Carina wanted to know if it was just a trick of her senses or if it truly was something she could utilize in the healing field.

+40 - learn something from a master of your trade (1/2)
+10 - learn something from another about your trade (1/2)
+10 - study the flora of a neutral territory (2/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

@Carina had come a long way, and unfortunately for Tinúviel, she had not been there to bare witness to most of it. However, as the medic meandered her way toward the Scillan Queen, a warm smile unfurled upon her lips as she dipped her head in greeting. Weeks, months had passed since that awful day, and though Tinúviel would never quite heal, the wounds had long begun to scar over, the hurt began to ease. And, although Carina had been present for the before, during, and after, her presence was far more appreciated than it was ever unwanted.

Thankfully, on this day full of exploration, there was plenty for the two of them to discuss. Tinúviel was content to abandon the strange set of caves in favor of peering toward the plant that the lioness had mentioned. Brows furrowed thoughtfully, at first, almost mistaking the flora for another and half-desperate to move closer. But she didn't want to lose her strange discovery, and thus remained where she was. Especially, now, that she finally recognized it. Moonseed, she replied wearily, her brows lifting, It is very dangerous. I've found no good use for it. Though she knew little about it beyond that; Tinúviel did not dabble in poisons as much as she did more beneficial herbs, and knew only the extent of what she needed.

I was out here just to walk, but... she continued, unsurprised that Carina was shocked to find her here. Tinúviel had seldom left the Lagoon in the past months, but this strange discovery had compelled her curiosity. I think I found a cave here. Where it lead, she was unsure; the entrance was dark enough that she could not see deep within it; the sound of waves coming from it wasn't reassuring that it were anything more than a flooded sea cave.

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+20 (x2) Explore a territory and find something useful in it (2/2)
+20 (x2) Find a notable landmark in a territory (2/2)
+20 (x2) Discuss the features of a territory with someone (1/2)

Perhaps right next to Tia, @Tinúviel was a good option to have for company. The lioness was certainly a lot softer around the edges than the High Sovereign but no less of a good friend. Plus, she got to learn about more medic stuff when they were together which was always a nice upside. Pleasant to share in the knowledge with someone that didn't just nod their head every now and then as though they were actually interested or even understood. The conversation she could have with Tin was always a knowledge growth that appreciated.

Moonseed? she reiterated, liking the name quite a bit and a bit disappointed that it turned out to be a dangerous plant rather than a helpful one. Zhat is unfortunate. To be so beautiful but also so deadly. Though, to some folks that was a wonderful thing. To lure others into a false sense of security with one's beauty only to find out that it would quite literally be the death of you. What does it do, exactly? she asked, wondering exactly what its effects were -- not that she intended on using it but it would be nice to know. Never terrible to know everything you can when the opportunity strikes. Always the seeker of knowledge.

The mention of a cave in the tidepools, of course, is enough to cause for more curiosity. While a great love for plants is deeply embedded into her very soul, she also had a deep love for the world around her in general. The beach was a beautiful place but one cannot ignore the chance to see the treasures that it held elsewhere from the naked eye. Do show me? she asks, hopeful that Sovereign Tinuviel might share a secret place with her on this day. Anxious to see more of this land and to discover it among a friend.

+40 - learn something from a master of your trade (2/2)
+10 - learn something from another about your trade (2/2)

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

A small laugh escaped her lips at @Carina's comment about the plant, knowing all too well that they often could never have it all; the best herbs were always the hardest to keep down, and the most poisonous of them were often the most delicious. Yes, it is awfully deceiving. She could think, cruelly, that lions were often the same; Viridian had appeared a strong and resilient man when she had first met him, but he'd spared little time in displaying his cruelties once they'd been alone. By comparison, the scarred and prickly Corinthian had the kindest of them, and the skeptical Wither had cared for her a great deal. Strange, she thought, how life mimicked each other.

It hastens the heart, furies the brain, she recalled; but Tinúviel were increasingly rusty with her poisons, knowing only how to differentiate them from better herbs. Many who mistake it for grapes often shudder, shake, then still. While she had not experienced such a thing from moonseed itself, she had seen a lion taken in such a way, and her own mentor had cautioned her the effects were the same when Tinúviel herself had almost eaten the berry-like seeds by mistake.

The shift in conversation to the cave was a welcome one. Tinúviel was content to no longer think of that memory, and thus as Carina moved to show interest in her discovery, Tinúviel decided to take the plunge into the cave. Anxiety prickled her stomach, fearful that she may be swept out to sea, but something compelled her to squeeze her small frame into the opening; large enough only, perhaps, for average-sized lions to push through. The ground was surprisingly wet, and the thundering of waves was almost defeaning; but in the low light, Tinúviel could see a path that stretched not toward the sea but away from it, as if heading back toward the Lagoon. I think... she began to wonder aloud, her voice rising enough for her companion to hear her above the roar of the sea, Could this lead to the Lagoon?

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+20 (x2) Explore a territory and find something useful in it (2/2)
+20 (x2) Find a notable landmark in a territory (2/2)
+20 (x2) Discuss the features of a territory with someone (2/2)

It was decided almost immediately that she was not a fan of this deception, especially given the circumstances surrounding one of her last interactions with Queen Tinuviel. Carina still could not get out of her own brain on if she had truly given the lioness the right thing or if she somehow had not. Surely the highly skilled medic would have said something if it were something unhelpful. After all, she was more educated on medicine than Carina was.

Thankfully, she didn't have a lot of experience on folks not showing their true intent and purpose after showing beauty and kindness. She could not know that there were some that masked their darkness and cruelty behind sweet words. The most cruel thing she had seen was her company having lost their children... she was lucky even if she didn't see that yet. I avoid zhen. She nods her head, finalizing that in her head. If she ever needed a quick getaway and could provide a snack for a bad guy, that might do the trick but for now it served little purpose to her.

Somewhat hesitantly did Carina follow @Tinúviel through the little passageway. Squeezing through it with a little bit more difficult than the tiny queen but not enough that she suffered or was scratched by the walls jutting rocks. In front of her she could hear the question and the statement before attempting to look behind her and then to her front. If eet does, zhat might not be a good zhing? If there was somehow an extra passageway from the tidepools into the Lagoon, that meant that there was a sneaky way how to get and trespass into their territory if no one knew what they were looking for.

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

While Tinúviel's own skills had grown since that day, just as @Carina had, the Scillan Queen had never blamed her for what had happened, had never thought for a moment that any of the herbs and care she had given could have caused this. And had Tinúviel known Carina had such thoughts, she might have sought to comfort her; but for now, their quiet bliss remained just that, their acquaintanceship slowly blossoming into a newborn friendship.

A soft, reassuring smile accompanied the earthen lioness' nod toward the younger lioness. While she would not try to stray her away from playing with poisons, if that ever were her fancy, she would be wise to caution her about the most dangerous of them. Even handling certain herbs could lead to ailment or death, and Tinúviel would never be able to live with herself if Carina were injured by her misdirection or miscommunication. From the looks of it, her interest seemed to end there, and Tinúviel was inwardly delighted that she did not seem to want to mess with it further.

As Carina followed her into the passage, Tinúviel's cautiousness grow more fervent. The further they went, the darker the cave; and although it grew drier, and the sound of the sea became less deafening, it was quickly made clear the only thing driving her forward was her curiosity about the exit of the cave. It curved and twisted in many ways, and after a few moments, Tinúviel began to doubt if it truly lead back to the Lagoon, or if it even had an exit. But as Carina's concern echoed from behind her, the Queen paused, her gaze straining against the dark thoughtfully. We can close it off if it does, she ponders, Conceal it from outsiders...but perhaps, we could use it as an escape route in case of any danger.

Carina could easily say that for now, poisonous plants and herbs were the least of her concerns. After all, she didn't have a whole lot of personal enemies with which to test them out on. Perhaps she would keep their uses and locations to memory but not important enough to attempt to scavenge any. Moving in the shadows of a cave was a lot more her style though even if she continually felt conflicted by there being a potential opportunity for unwelcome guests coming through. Perhaps... we cover entrance? Make it more unnoticeable. They had never seen it before but it didn't mean others hadn't or wouldn't. They could find some kind of sap and get some palm fronds and cover it so that it looked like there was just rock behind it. @Tinúviel

^{ART BY RABBIT, CODE BY CALA}

She smiled toward @Carina's suggestion, happy to be in agreement with the medic; it would be most ideal if they could use it to their advantage while keeping it safe from any would who seek to do them harm. Thus, before she could truly confirm whether or not it lead all the way to the Lagoon, the Scillan Queen began to back out, careful to keep an eye on Carina and not lose her along the way. As she ventured back toward the entrance of the cave, thankfully already pretty well concealed by its positioning between the rocks, Tinúviel would seek to gather the fallen palm fronds from around the tidepools and begin to place them around the entrance, allowing their large and thorny leaves to conceal the cave from any passersby who would give it no other thought. How about this? She said finally, turning back toward her companion. It wasn't the best work, but perhaps it would do.