Wild Cherry Orchard Retrace

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.

(This post was last modified: Sep 10, 2016, 02:57 AM by Emrys.)

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Reach for the stars

Once Emrys had came to confirm what it was she had found, her eyes landed on him expectantly, seeking clarification. She was hardly surprised when he pointed out that her find was not the correct one. Her russet ears only fell back a fraction of an inch for a split second. "Oh...well I guess it was still a good try." She said, fixing her eyes back on the plant. There was no disappointment in her voice. From the get go, she had not set her expectations terribly high. She knew if anything, she was going to make common mistakes like these.

Her friend proved helpful by delving into more detail, outlining the characteristics of what they should look for, when seeking Mountain Tobacco. As he described the more fuzzy textured leaves, lack of bulbs, and petals similar to a daisy, Jynx lowered her head to peer closely at her find, memorizing the proper features in her head. "...I never knew so much attention to detail went into looking for herbs." She said, as if a little surprised. Then a small grin broke out over her lips as she pulled her head back up. "But I can see why. The different varieties are so many. Gosh, I don't know how you keep track of them all." She gave a shake of her head, the simple thought of memorizing the seemingly endless species of plants, overwhelming. For her, taking stock of her prey was easier.

Easing away by backpedaling, she decided that this time, she would stick close to him. Watching and observing...taking notes like a student, as the master worked. "Was there a name for that specific plant I just found?" Was her curious question. Maybe it did have a name. Or maybe it was nothing more than a common weed instead. What she did have little trouble identifying though, were the numerous blackberry bushes taking up much space. In a moment of brief distraction, her vision settled on the glistening dark fruit. Maybe those berries were ripe? With a soft snort that pushed some air lightly out of her nose, she dismissed the temptation. Later.  Focusing back on the task at hand, she squinted, scanning carefully for another bright flash of yellow. She wanted to learn and find that Mountain Tobacco first. Then, maybe she and Emrys could enjoy a tart snack.

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

(This post was last modified: Sep 15, 2016, 08:36 AM by Emrys.)

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Reach for the stars

As they continued on their way, slowly picking through the long grass and clusters of bushes, Jynx was listening intently to the follow up words Emrys offered her. "I guess it is just like hunting, as you said. Only the subjects of interest are different." She gave a light, airy chuckle. "That's a good way to think of it." Both arts had their similarities and differences. However, one key aspect was studying your subject, getting to recognize their subtleties. While she was not exactly getting the hang of this right away, she was not going to give up. Nor would she shy away from any other opportunities to help Emrys out later down the road. In fact, she would welcome them. They would be yet another chance for her to practice, to expand her knowledge. And of course, spending time with her good friend was an added bonus too.

"Yellow Rattle, hmm?" She repeated the name of the plant she had found, to memorize it. "I'll try to remember it's name. But at least I know where to find some, just in case anyone in the pack comes down with a cough or eye infection." There was her positive spin on her shortcoming, yet again. She may have found the wrong plant, but in doing so, she made a useful find. Now should Gent or Sylva ever be in need of more rations of that particular herb, she would know exactly which direction to point them in. The change in his behavior caught her eye, as he raised his nose and tested the wind. Had he found something? Following his lead, she mimicked the gesture, inhaling the warm air. She didn't know what kind of scent she was looking for, but tried to hone in on anything that stood out. "Oh, good!" Following eagerly behind him at steady lope, she soon peered around a blackberry bush and was greeted with the sight of yellow flowers. This time, she noted the fuzzy leaves as he had described, and the lack of bulbs. "Looks like we found what we came for." She smiled, but made no move to pluck the plant from it's spot in the ground. Should they be snipped off at the stems, or at the roots? Did it even matter? Jynx would leave that to Emrys who would surely display the proper way to gather these herbs. Shuffling back to let him do the job, the blackberry bushes grabbed her attention again. Gently nosing them, she took a delicate nibble at a few berries with her incisors. The fruit was soft and tart, ready for consumption. After a few more bites, she peered back over to Emrys. "Say, you hungry? I could use a little snack, especially after that long walk today." It had indeed worked up her appetite, and if his had been as well, she was perfectly happy ending their second meeting with a most enjoyable little treat.

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~

(This post was last modified: Sep 28, 2016, 02:44 AM by Emrys.)

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