It was usual for Emrys to search for the plants he needed on his own so having Jynx along for the journey was a treat. Not only was he able to get to know her a little better but he was glad for her company as they made their way from Cherry Orchard to Blackberry Fields. Upon arriving there he revealed to her what exactly it was that he was searching for. As he looked over the area he thought that it might not be so easy to spot the plant. Blueberry plants dominated the landscape and what wasn’t covered with them seemed to be mostly green foliage or grass. Still he knew that the Mountain Tobacco had to be there somewhere. He smiled at her reply before turning to the work at hand. Emrys wondered how she would do looking for the plant since it wasn’t exactly her element but she did want to learn and the only way to do that was to get experience.

As she went about looking for the Mountain Tobacco Emrys moved off a short distance to do his own search. He alternated between sniffing the air and the ground for any hint of it as well as scanning the landscape for a glimpse of the bright yellow flowers that would signify that he had found what he was looking for. He hadn’t gotten too far and was coming around one of the blue berry bushes when Jynx called to him wanting to know if what she had found was indeed what they were looking for. Leaving his search he loped over to where she was to examine the plant. “I’m afraid that it isn’t but you are right it does fit the description.” And it did he couldn’t deny that however there were some difference that told this plant from the Mountain Tobacco. “I should have given a little more detail,” he admitted, “The plant that we are looking for had leaves that are kind of fuzzy and the flowers are a little more like a daisy only all yellow. It doesn’t have these bulbs on it either.” Emrys pointed the bulbs of the plant out to Jynx by touching his nose to it. “It was a good try though so don’t give up,” he tried to encourage her. Searching for plants wasn’t exactly easy especially if you hadn’t ever seen the plant before.

When Jynx identified the wrong plant as Mountain tobacco he tried to be as encouraging as he could. He hadn't wanted to inform her that it was the wrong plant but she wouldn't ever learn if he didn't tell her. He just hoped that she wouldn't be too disappointed and as she spoke she didn't seem to be. “It was for sure and don't worry you might not get every plant right at first. It's much like your hunting, it takes practice.” even he hadn't gotten all of the plants right when he had first started learning with his mother. Over time though he'd gotten much better at it and he knew that she would too especially since she seemed determined to learn. All she needed was a little time and someone to help her which he more than willing to do.

Emrys had however realized that he hadn't really given her much to go on for her first try which was why he gave her more detail. It would help her to pick the right plant out next time but also help her to see there was a lot more to take into consideration when identifying the plants. “Oh yes, that way you don't get them confused with others since some can look almost exactly like others except for subtle differences.” It was very important that plants didn't get confused with each other especially in cases where they could be toxic plants. “I can be hard at first,” he admitted, “Eventually you learn and remember all of the little differences the more that you see the plant,” he said smiling. While he spent a lot of his time collecting different plants some of his time was also just going out and practicing identifying them as well. It helped to keep himself practiced so that he wouldn't make mistakes. He especially liked to go looking for plants that he didn't use very much.

Emrys set off to continue looking for the mountain tobacco again stopping a moment to make sure Jynx was with him. Her curiosity showed up once more as she asked about the name of the plant they had just found. “Yes there is, it's called Yellow Rattle and it's useful as well. It's used mostly for coughing or eye problems.” He probably should have told her that when they found it so that she would know. Still it wasn't what he had come for which was why he’d left it. As they continued to walk he kept an eye out for the tobacco. When he raised his muzzle in the air he did catch the scent of the plant they were looking for. They were close he judged by the strength of the scent. “It's this way,” he stated glancing at her before setting off toward one of the blackberry bushes that was a few feet in front of them. As he came around it he saw a patch of yellow flowers with hairy leaves and no bulbs. “It's there,” he said looking back at Jynx and then indicating with his muzzle

Before this conversation with Jynx he hadn't really given much thought on how to describe finding the herbs to someone. Relating it to something she loved to do was a good way to describe it. It was a lot like hunting except there wasn't any tracking involved however the senses were still involved. “Yes they are quite different and tracking skills aren't needed, you just have to know the general area in which the plant you are looking for can be found.” Emrys couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped him, “It is and I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner.” Learning where all the plants were in the Lore had been his biggest mission the previous winter and spring. Now that he knew them he could teach Jynx where to find them and what she needed to look for in order to get what she was looking for if she ever needed to.

Yellow Rattle wasn't the plant they were looking for but Jynx finding it had given Emrys a good teaching opportunity. It had also given him the chance to realize that it wasn't just him looking for the plant. If he was going to be teaching he needed to give a little more information to his student. “That is very true, and even though it wasn't what we are looking for you've had the chance to learn about another plant that could be of use to you and your pack.” That was one good thing about her coming along and trying to help, she could learn more by making mistakes. The scent of the mountain tobacco finally reached his nostrils meaning they were on the right track. He quickened his pace followed by Jynx and within a few short moments they had found what they'd come for. “Indeed it does,” he agreed. Knowing that the leaves and roots of the plant could be used he quickly dug the dirt from around it. Then carefully with his jaws pulled the plant from the hole he'd created. He would take it back to his den as the whole plant it would be much easier. When he had accomplished the task Jynx inquired about his hunger and suggested a snack. “That does sound like a good idea and will give us some energy for the return trip.” After all they were in a field of Blackberry bushes, why not take advantage. So he followed Jynx lead and set to work snacking on the blackberries.

~Fade~