The Bog was not quite her favorite place to be but it did provide for some good herbs when she actually took the time to venture. This particular location that was nestled quite near to the Brook was nice but certainly no place for any of the newest Valour's to find just yet. There were many dangers here that included plants and animals; toxic plants and venomous (and toothy!) animals that Talisa was eager to keep them away from for as long as possible. Obviously she could not always protect them but in the early stages, she was going to try as hard as she could to make sure that they were well protected just as she had been when she was a child. Truth be told, she didn't know how her father did it. All them each and every time.

Today she was at least looking for something that would be effective for post birth. It would take a lot for anything to actually be in season now that spring was coming but at the very least she wanted to make sure that it was still growing here. Even just crossing through the Grove and into the Bog, her eyes immediately saw what she was looking for. It wasn't quite as lively as it would be in the next few weeks but she could tell that a plant was growing. The Ashanti Pepper would be great to have though she reluctant to pick it now. Not sure if it would sustain itself without being attached for long enough to be of any use.

Ultimately, though, it was worth a try. If not, more would grow. So the nursemaid plucked it from its plant leaving enough for more to grow and set it down on a large leaf. One down, hopefully one or two more to go if she could find more.

+10 Gather herbs for nursing or birthing 1/2

manip & table code by k'sariya

@Farrow

As he crossed into Vermeda's borders after a few days of exploring the lands, he caught @Talisa's scent leaving. Quick was he to turn on his heels, immediately following after her; through the thicket he pursued her strengthening aroma until, eventually, he stood upon the fringes of the Bog. She? In a place like this? he wondered aloud, but quickly shook off the idea of an uncomfortable Talisa trudging through such a dank and humid place and instead pushed through the gnarled undergrowth, continuing hot on her heels. It did not take long for Farrow to find her, keeled over in great effort to nip herbs carefully at their stems, creating a small collection beside her. Farrow stood there wordlessly at first, hoping to go unnoticed as he admired her; a fondness had long grown where once there'd been a more playful, infatuated attraction. He'd begun to grow used to the idea of her being a more stable addition to his life.

Yet still, there were things he needed to think about, things he needed to consider.

“Tali,” he crooned, before coming to sit beside her. He watched her eagerly as she worked, wondering what kind of plants she was picking, and what their purpose was for. He'd never been quite well-versed in herbology or medicine, knowing only what would and wouldn't kill him on his many travels. He could barely remember the names and purposes of the medicines he'd received from healers time and again each time he got wounded. “Wat'cha got there?” he asked, peering over to watch what she was doing, resting his chin on her shoulder and allowing the side of his cheek to brush along the lower side of her jaw.

In such a time in her life, it was hard not to feel like love surrounded her even when she was alone. Morrigan was a great picture of perfection in her eyes and nothing and no one could replace that but @Farrow coming had certainly made her feel like she had so much more to give and offer. So much to experience that she did not want to waste any moment wondering if it was permanent or fleeting. Talisa knew that there were so many lions that came and went, but it wasn't fair to ever make anyone think that they couldn't be themselves. So she wanted him to get out and do whatever he wanted because she wasn't his mother. She was a woman who was attracted to him physically (obviously) but also emotionally and mentally.

So as he moved to be beside her she made a quick inhale of breath, surprised by his appearance but immediately soothed herself by his wondrous voice. A gentle croon as his deep eyes took a second to wander across the objects that she had picked and placed. Before answering, she took a moment to forget her work and rubbed up against him. Cheek rubbing against his as his cheek made against her lower job and to rest upon her shoulder. The scents of his travels disorienting her as it seemed he had gone to many places and not one of them she could immediately pinpoint.

This is the plant of the Ashanti Pepper. She responded, relinquishing her embrace tentatively so that he could see the plant. It is primarily used for a lioness after giving birth. I figured it might be nice to have on hand. It hasn't really bloomed yet, but I am going to see if I can grow some more in Vermeda. The winter had killed most of the plants that she had planted near to the den but she was happy to try again. Though, she hesitated on telling him what else it was good for... she wasn't quite sure she was ready to partake in his gassier side quite yet.

+10 Gather herbs for nursing or birthing 2/2

manip & table code by k'sariya

Ashanti pepper. He had never heard of it before, but as @Talisa explained its uses, Farrow could understand why he might not have. He regarded her thoughtfully, wondering if the plant was meant for her or for Nymeria—but hadn't it been long past the vulnerable period right after a lioness had given birth for such a medicine to be useful? Farrow had the least experience out of almost anyone in this, however, so he decided not to pursue that line of questioning. Instead, his curiosity would be sated with a more prying, almost teasing quip. “Anyone planning on having cubs anytime soon?” he asked, though he knew Talisa had just explained she wanted to keep it on hand to attempt to grow it more in Vermeda. Still, it begged the question if soon there may be more kids running around the pride. Farrow thought humorously that should the Valour sisters keep up their romping, the pride might soon be overrun by youngsters.

It also begged the question whether or not Farrow would ever have cubs of his own.

Nope, no, not right now. Don't even think about it.

Farrow was still struggling with the idea of asking Talisa to be his mate. He'd never been fettered, kept himself keen and capable anytime he wooed another woman specifically so they wouldn't accidentally have a litter. Farrow had made absolutely certain that he'd sired no bastard sons or daughters because he'd always been so uncertain of his own loyalties. His parents had abandoned him. Wasn't he destined to do the same? He pushed the terrifying thoughts aside, and hid his troubles with a broad and toothy grin. He pulled away from her shoulder if only to allow her more space to move and gather more of the herb, before lowering his head down, taking a few curious sniffs of it for himself. His nose wrinkled—like all herbs, it was incredibly potent.

The heat on her cheeks was enough to light a small brushfire. She had been mentally preparing for the question but having it be said almost made her feel like he was trying to pry some special words out of her. By which she shook her head promptly so as to soothe any pressures that he might be feeling for it certainly hadn't been meant that way. Obviously she immediately thought that @Farrow might be considering himself since that was, from her standpoint, a very obvious deduction to make. Not to my knowledge, no.. just thought it'd be nice just in case. She nearly adds on an accidents happen but was quick to catch herself for that would only make it all the more sinister.

Being a mate had come very easily to her (and to Morrigan, she thought) but now she had only been with a woman. Never had she found a male that saw her as Morrigan now did and perhaps one that might wish to be intimate with her just as she wanted from him. Talisa didn't want to push or pry, simply wanted it to come as naturally as it had with her first beau. There are a few other herbs here, too. The heiress spoke in an effort to turn the conversation from the awkward bumbling that she felt she was doing. I specialize in herbs for a mother or their children but I know a good chunk about others. Like there's white weed and nibima that grow here. Two plants she had never taken to but their uses were stored away should there never be a healer at hand and she could step in.

White weed has some very pretty white flowers. It can be used to subside fevers, wounds and cuts. Nibima also helps with fevers but is a natural anti-inflammatory. Perhaps that was the blessing of having a grand interest in a lot of brave warriors was that she couldn't fight alongside them but she would be happy to be at their bedside and help to heal them. Also poisonous plants, too. Talisa knew enough about them but didn't exactly broadcast that as it wasn't something she ever used to her benefit. She had never had any reason to use such things so why boast?

manip & table code by k'sariya

He was thankful she didn't press the issue, but he was also somewhat disappointed. Farrow had spent so many of his years facing his battles head-on, never wasting time stalling his missions and jumping head-first into danger when it was necessary. To continue this dance around his emotions, of all things, was a challenge Farrow did not quite like. When @Talisa continued to mention other herbs that blossomed all around them, Farrow was content to dive into her teachings, distracting him from the thoughts he knew he'd eventually have to face.

He'd long begun to suspect by Talisa's natural motherly instincts, and her gathering such specific herbs here now, that she specialized in the care for mothers and their cubs. It was a noble cause, and helped paint a better picture of her role among the lions of the Brook beyond being its Heiress. Like there's white weed and nibima that grow here, Tali continued to explain as Farrow listened thoughtfully, White weed has some very pretty white flowers. It can be used to subside fevers, wounds and cuts. Farrow allowed her to finish, but long had recognition caused a sudden smile to sprawl on his face. “Oh, yes, I know white weed,” he exclaimed, “I've used that plenty in the past.” More specifically, it's been used on him. He'd had plenty of old wounds and stories to show for it.

Also poisonous plants, too. The older warrior had seen his fair share of those as well; he'd done well to identify what plants could kill him, and had found the knowledge useful when foiling plots to kill kings and raze their empires. “Do you want me to grab any of that, too?” he asked. He was certain there was a medic in the pride along with Talisa's own expertise, and perhaps while he had the capability of carrying extra, it wouldn't hurt. “It would give me a chance to talk with you about something.” Damnit, he thought, there it is. He'd gotten so used to throwing himself into uncomfortable situations that he just did it naturally now. It was much easier to leap into battle against an elephant or buffalo if he didn't think about the nuances of it first and just let his feet take off.

Honestly, his presence was alone was comforting and it allowed her to feel a little safer out in the wild west of what Amaryllis now was. This place having been a sacred home for her and her kin for so many years that it was weird now to think that they owned a small portion of it and so many weren't able to be seen now. Just as Talisa was constantly reminded that her one favorite place -- Firnen Rainforest -- had been beseeched by lions and forced to never be able to wander its luscious greens ever again. She couldn't leave home (could she?). That does not surprise me. She offered her handsome suitor in knowing that it was something he was familiar with and would not be unfamiliar with it any time soon. Fighting was a part of them just as caring for others and worshipping her Maua was to her.

There came a shaky breath of air as @Farrow asked if he could get any of the other items she had listed. Furthermore expressing that it would give him something to talk to her about and she assumed that by his words it meant that he maybe didn't get a chance to talk much. Or that what he said was not valuable. Yes, of course. You can talk with me about anything, really, and I'll listen. Making the bold assumption that either she talked too much about the things she was passionate about and hadn't given him much time to put in the things that he was passionate about.

manip & table code by k'sariya

@Talisa had gifted him many opportunities to talk, and while he had regaled her on his first few days here with tales of his adventure during the time he was missing from Amaryllis. But after that, each day he grew wanting more and more; his time in Vermeda was far easier than his initial apprehensions, and his adventuring was well satiated meandering around Amaryllis on days where Talisa was with Morrigan or they were particularly busy with other pride duties. But as these desires grew, so did his nerves. He had told Talisa from the start that he wasn't the type of man to commit to such a domestic lifestyle, and that he would try for her; but he'd no idea whether or not she thought he'd come to a finer conclusion or if he was still testing the waters. It had been nearly a month since he'd come back now, and he felt like he was closer to deciding.

But he needed to tell her.

He waited until he'd begun to pick the herbs she pointed out, careful to gather them appropriately and start his own little pile as she worked on hers. “I've long entertained the company of lionesses...only to leave and never see them again,” he began. He knew Talisa was already aware of his past, but he couldn't help but reiterate it, if only to help grasp the gravity of his own words. “But you're different, Tali, and you know you are.” She had been the only one to convince him to stay, and although Farrow had already been longing to settle down in one place and had decided that place as Amaryllis all those months ago, his own ambitions had clearly not been enough when he'd left to partake in one last expedition. It had been Talisa who had been the last piece of the puzzle that fettered him here. “I guess what I'm trying to say is that—” he paused briefly, considering his next words carefully, wondering if he could even find the strength to say them, “I think about us, now. Not just in the ways I had before but...us, sitting together on a hill, watching our cubs play in the meadow. Hell, even Morrigan is there.” It wasn't quite a declaration of love, for Farrow wasn't even sure he was quite yet capable of such a heavy feeling just yet, but he couldn't help but imagine such a future with Talisa and her wife and their kids.

He just hoped she understood, and hoped that he wouldn't scare her off.

Luckily, he did not seem all that bothered so Talisa's worries were quickly dashed away. The worry that perhaps she wasn't giving him enough time in the spotlight but that didn't seem to be the issue. Instead, he went straight to moseying about picking up some herbs here and there for her to take back to the Brook. It would certainly save Nymeria and Tullia the trip out to pick these up if it was what they needed. Both of her sisters were fairly skilled medics but this would make it all the better if she could provide for them and pick up her own stuff at the same time. Talisa was just the luckiest one because she had the fine company of @Farrow to help her pick them out. Further, that he knew exactly what he was picking up and doing.

As they wrapped into a quick but definite silence, she was wrapped in her own mild thoughts of the near future that she was pleased to be brought back to his voice. Though, not quite the admission she was expecting. Entertaining the company of lionesses to leave and never see them again. Where Talisa had only ever tangled with Morrigan in such a manner so it was clear that Farrow was a little more experienced in that regard than she was. Though, he wasn't wrong. She was different and she did know who she was. Talisa had known exactly who she was meant to be before she had even turned a year old.

Though, as he continued she let herself pause so that she could turn and see his mouth move and listen to each word that he admitted to her. Words she hadn't thought would come out of his mouth any time in the next few months and yet, he was quite forthcoming. There was a quiet lull before a quick but silent breath filled up her lungs. watching our cubs play in the meadow followed by the inclusion of Morrigan made her quick to assume that he was meaning that he saw them having cubs. Them! The two of them -- Talisa and Farrow! It wasn't as though he could exactly say anywhere close that the kids that she had with Morrigan were his so it was immediately let that he imagined theirs.

The Heiress, however, was not easily scared off. She was a Valour and they could withstand most anything with a level-head. Though, she did have a tendency to get way too far ahead of herself which was technically the road she was starting down. You want all this... then? This life that is here in Vermeda. With me? With Morrigan and my kids? Talisa liked to think that her kids would be on board with Farrow hanging around more often as the time passed. That they would be accepting and potentially see him as more should the event pan out that way. Talisa hadn't wanted to force anything on him but she had never been one to shy away from what she wanted in her life.

manip & table code by k'sariya

There is a flurry of emotions that sprawl across her face, each shifting to another as Farrow continues to speak. He regards each shift carefully, but can do little else than speak his mind; he does not have the strength to identify and pick apart @Talisa's deepest thoughts, and is left helpless to whatever she says in response to him. He hopes she wouldn't be mad, or god forbid the more likely of her responses, not ready for such a commitment from him. She'd been the one to invite him, but their relationship was only just beginning to take a foothold. Farrow wanted her to know, however, that he was prepared to let those things continued, to fall deeper in love with her and allow her, too, to fall for him; that he would not leave, that he would not abandon her. He had held back before only because he was uncertain where his loyalties lie, but so far Farrow had found nothing but happiness, and even Amaryllis proved large enough to sate his appetite for the novelty and danger of adventure.

You want all this... then? she asks, verbalizing the question he'd asked of himself over and over again the past few days, This life that is here in Vermeda. With me? With Morrigan and my kids? “Yes,” he breathed, staring into her glittering periwinkle gaze, “I want to be your mate, and I want to fall in love together with you, and with Morrigan, and with your kids.” And, perhaps eventually, however long it took Farrow to get over his own reservations, kids of their own. Shared in whichever weird way they would figure it out with Talisa's wife. But such a hefty topic could be tabled for later, and Farrow felt relieved at the weight off of his shoulders already from admitting what he just had.

“Every time I leave Vermeda to go explore or hunt, I find myself aching for the time I'd get to come back to you,” he admitted, smiling softly. Of all the things in the world Farrow has seen, killed, and experienced, Talisa had been the one challenge he'd fought hardest to conquer, been the one prize he'd desired more than any other. Even if she came with all her wonderful nuances and a hefty family in tow, Farrow wanted it all.