Winter presented its challenges for the girl as she sought the plants she needed, or perhaps desired. She often found comfort in the Grove, where the winter chill seemed to be less severe compared to the open air. Sitting by a tree, Cosette gazed up at it with a curious tilt of her head. The trunk was adorned with a series of vines that gracefully spiraled upward, their crisp green leaves thriving and oblivious to the winter season that enveloped the land.

As she made a soft sound in her throat, it was as if she were conversing with the Wisps, her ever-present companions. Although she was mostly deaf, her vibrant imagination and awareness of the world beyond were boundless.

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

@Freja

code by corvus || back ground image

She had left the boys tucked away, asleep in the den and had wondered how many would still be there when she got back. She had planned only a quick trip out, just past the borders in the reality of things and she fully intended to be home before anyone went exploring on their own. Intended, of course, because every single one of those cubs was a hellion intent on giving her grey hairs and frazzled whiskers. Freja did not feel safe leaving them for too long, knowing she would likely have to pull one of them from some precarious situation before the day was through.

So, she moved swiftly.

Her goal was to restore the stash of Ashanti Pepper she had depleted entirely in her own post-birth slump. It had helped, there was no doubt about that and Freja had a feeling there would be more mothers to attend to before long. So she moved with practised ease, plucking what few fruits she could find from the vines. Winter was not kind to the herbologists of the land, but there was at least a little she could glean from the late blooming flowers.

It seemed she wasn't the only one - she was reminded briefly of the tiny snow leopard she had once found in similar circumstances and smiled. The youngster gazed up at the tree hosting some of the plants. "Good day -" She called out, tucking away another pepper in her little pouch. "You're lucky to find such a crop this late in the season." She motioned her head towards the fruits. "Ashanti Peppers; great for any mother who's just given birth." Freja did not know whether the girl was well versed in her herb knowledge, but it was knowledge she was happy to give away for free.

@Cosette

+5 Teach someone under 2 years about healing (1/2)
+5 Teach herbology trivia to someone (1/2)
+5 Collect herbs (1/2)

Art by Moogle, Code by Minxy

The sprite was so engrossed in studying the plant that she didn't notice someone approaching her. It wasn't until she heard a voice that she realized how much time had passed. Turning her head, she noticed an older and larger lioness plucking fruits and tilted her head curiously. Observing the stranger as she gathered from the plant, Cosette politely inquired, Do you use only the fruits of this plant? As she watched the method being used, the young sprite tried to mimic the technique. With careful attention, she plucked the fruits and placed them gently on the ground, then began looking for a large leaf to use as a carry for the fruits.

[ rogue yearling | winter - february y13 | medic exp ]
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory (Ashanti Pepper)
+5 Learn something from another about your trade (Use for fruits)
+5 Collect herbs (Ashanti Pepper)

@Freja

code by corvus

It was with a practised motion that the healer gathered the fruit, carefully slicing the stem without damaging the pepper beneath. It was certainly an action she had completed many times before, something she didn't have to think twice about doing. Perhaps not under such scrutiny however - the young lioness watched closely before attempting to mimic the actions of the Vermedan. Of course, that was mostly how one learned to do anything; watching and repeating the actions of others was often enough to get at least the basics. Freja shook her head at the question that came her way.

"The leaves can be used as well - steeped in hot water it can be good for trapped gas." She offered serenely, demonstrating that a medic did not care about how embarrassing it might be to have such an affliction. "I'm Freja, of Vermeda." She introduced herself, scooping the small crop of peppers she had managed to gather into the pouch of woven grass she carried for such purposes. It was enough for now to replenish her stocks at least. "Are you out here on your own?" A question she wouldn't have asked an older feline, but this one seemed young.

@Cosette
+5 Teach someone under 2 years about healing (2/2)
+5 Teach herbology trivia to someone (2/2)
+5 Collect herbs (2/2)

Art by Moogle, Code by Minxy

The young girl observed attentively and continued to imitate the motions of picking fruit, noticing that the older lioness had a means to carry the gathered items. A look of curiosity crossed her face before she momentarily stepped away, returning with a piece of bark that was nearly as large as her head. She seemed to struggle a bit with it, but managed to place it gently on the ground next to her collection. With care, she arranged the fruits on the bark, listening intently to the other uses for this plant. As she picked some leaves, she planned to let them dry for later seeping.

Upon hearing the muffled voice of the other Medic, she turned her head to greet the newcomer. Oh, of course! My mother always emphasized the importance of being polite. It’s a pleasure to meet you, @Freja. I’m Cosette Black-Luce, she said warmly. When asked about her solitude, she nodded thoughtfully. My mother mentioned that my father originated from this area. During my travels, I encountered another yearling who also spoke of this place, which inspired me to seek it out. My mother comes from a nomadic band, so I’m accustomed to wandering.

[rogue yearling | winter - february y13 | medic exp]
+5 Study the flora of a neutral territory (Ashanti Pepper)
+5 Learn something from another about your trade (Use for fruits)
+5 Collect herbs (Ashanti Pepper)

bg x art x code

The student was attentive at the very least and it boosted the piebald woman's ego a little to have the other watch so closely. There has been times not so long ago that she had been the student, learning what she could from those around her. The yearling removed herself briefly but returned weilding a tray of bark that she clearly intended to use for transportation of goods. It was crude, but it would do for now she supposed. Freja's introduction prompted plenty of manners from the younger girl, who gave her name and then explained her nomadic ways. Freja nodded thoughtfully, though perhaps some mothering instinct led her to say - "You should be careful, wandering alone can be dangerous. There are some who might seek to claim a bright young thing like you for themselves."

@Cosette

Art by Moogle, Code by Minxy

The slightly older lioness observed Cosette as she gathered the fruits onto the bark, acknowledging that it might be suitable for the girl at this moment. She let a gentle frown touch her lips before shaking her head thoughtfully. I-I wonder if anyone would want to steal me in their pride? I would prefer not to be stolen or claimed. There was a small movement of her feet as she looked up at @Freja, a hint of hesitation in her demeanor. She felt uncertain, as she had never learned to fight and had always been more inclined towards healing and learning, embracing a pacifist approach to life.

code by corvus

It had not been her intention to scare the younger lioness, but it was a legitimate concern that she passed on. It would take one greedy male to see the youthful creature and reach out to pluck her from her freedom. The obvious anxiety that overtook the golden girl was regrettable, but Freja wished only to be realistic about it. Unfortunately, they won't be taking your preferences into account. She offered with a shrug of her shoulder and a somewhat kindly smile. She wasn't telling her this because she wanted to incite fear. You might be better off finding a pride that will allow you your freedom - at least under their protection you would be safe. Of course, it was entirely up to Cosette if she took the advice but at the very least it was advice born of kindness from a stranger.

@Cosette

code by scorpixia ♡︎ || art by editjackson

The girl who once smiled now wore a concerned expression, gently shaking her head as she stepped back. I understand that prides can face challenges. I've witnessed conflicts over territory and the loss of homes. I'm just hesitant about joining a pride, as I'm worried it might not be a stable place for me, she replied softly, her voice quivering. Having grown up in a nomadic band, she had never faced the risk of losing a home. She was not one for fighting, and the potential conflicts within a pride felt more daunting to her than the prospect of being on her own. I do not like conflicts, she added.

@Freja

code by corvus

Intentional or not, upset is precisely what she had caused. Unfortunately, she was trying to be realistic. Then again, she had no intention of being a lecturer to the yearling. Listening to what the other had to say, Freja found herself nodding sympathetically. I hope you get the chance to explain all of that if you're ever in such a situation. Though there was some irony in what she was saying - her own fate had been dictated by another for a while now and she had made no move to change it. I must be getting back - it was a pleasure, Cosette. She nodded her head in farewell, before gathering her little pouch of peppers and turning for home. She wouldn't be surprised if she saw the little golden lioness again, though whether she would be free roaming as she was now remained to be seen.

/exit

code by scorpixia ♡︎ || art by editjackson