Sunrise Ridge respite

RE: You find a secluded cave, perfect for a moment of rest. For Apolline

WELCOME TO MIDNIGHT MASS.

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Miriam had allowed herself to travel along the ridge, having spent the past day or so out and about in the territories that surrounded Paradise Falls. She’d wandered through the Fjord, having paused to rest out near the shoreline though she dared not linger too long. She noticed that snakes tended to creep along the Fjord and she did not know the land well enough to know whether or not they were particularly venomous or poisonous. It was best to simply steer clear in any case.

She was hunting for a few herbs: thistle, and prairie crocus, to bring back to Riven though she hadn’t had much luck… she figured it was her presence to the water. Perhaps the lands were too watered down due to their proximity. It was what had brought her along this ridge, ducking into the cave she found tucked along it, looking around from the faint light that glimmered in. She would not wander to deep, just deep enough to let her paws feel the damp soil and see the edges of herbs growing along where the sunlight would filter in during the day.

Perfect! She eagerly began to pick it.

The air was cooling, not significantly yet, but enough for the witch to begin to notice. They had to make a decision soon, on how to deal with oncoming winter, taking it on alone was not an appealing idea. But these past moons had been eerily quiet, as they rambled through these lands of old memories, their guide – God? – had remained silent; no dreams, no visions, not even the slightest sense that they were on the right track. Have I been forsaken? Perhaps it had been a mistake to return to Relic Lore, letting nostalgia guide them rather than the hand of destiny. It wasn’t as if they’d gotten anything out of it, no reunions, for better or worse. If anything, the place seemed half-deserted, especially as their aimless paws led them further north, subconsciously seeking unfamiliar paths, in an attempt to break out of the funk. At least the afternoon sun was still powerful enough to warm their fur, as they walked clear of the denser woods, a pleasant drowsiness seeping into their bones along with the heat. And as their single, golden eye took in their new surroundings and their nose filled with the myriad of scents carried on the wind, there was a faint tingle at the back of their head. Instantly awake and alert, Apolline breathed in again, now fully noting the recent scent of wolf and zeroing in on it; Finally! They didn’t recognize a thing about this stranger’s perfume, but that didn’t matter, something about them was important. Picking up their pace, the witch quickly made it to the cave opening, gazing into the dimness for a moment before stepping forwards, calling to the stranger within: “Good afternoon, do I intrude?” Thoughts ”Speech”

dawnthieves, nalina24 & TinusDream

WELCOME TO MIDNIGHT MASS.

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Miriam knew after she had secured the plants, she’d lay down and rest for a bit. After all, it had been a long trip thus far, and she had little faith that she’d make it back before dropping dead on her paws… much an exaggeration, but she had come to enjoy the solace that she found in nature regardless of how much she loved her packmates.

Her attention turned to the voice of another, her head snapping with plants still fresh in her mouth from picking as she blinked at the witch, watching them intently before her jaw opened, allowing the plants to fall to the floor, silent for the moment. And then she’d clear her throat.

“Hello….” She trailed rather awkwardly, clearly uncertain of herself or her moves for a moment until she tried to think of what Isla or Chan or Finley might do. “I’m… uh, just here for the plants. I’m sorry, is this your den? I didn’t smell anyone on it.” There was an immediate sense of embarrassment. What if she had trespassed and stolen? She was certain the gods would smite her for it!

A figure moved amongst the shadows, a lithe silhouette and a glint of deep orange eyes. Apolline remained still in the cave opening, waiting patiently, their head turned slightly to focus on the stranger. As their eye adjusted to the dimness, they got a better view of the other; a woman, about their same age, but smaller, lither, her fur a mix of darker browns and greys. She appeared nervous, silently dropping a small bundle of herbs as she stared back at the witch. Apolline offered a lazy smile to try and ease the tension, keeping their eye politely on the other woman, though they made a mental note of the plants for later. Eventually, a greeting came, as hesitant as everything else about the girl, but Apolline nodded encouragingly, holding their own tongue to let the stranger take the lead. Her question was surprising enough to rouse a soft chuckle from the witch, their head shaking in response. “Oh no darling, don’t worry,” they reassured in a light tone; “I was simply passing by and want for some company.” It was close enough to the truth, and looking at the young woman now, Apolline felt their curiosity only grow. “You came to gather medicines? Are you an herbalist?” The workings of plants was an aspect of their craft that the witch had yet to master, and they were undeniably interested in learning. Thoughts ”Speech”

dawnthieves, nalina24 & TinusDream

WELCOME TO MIDNIGHT MASS.

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Peace… and quiet… or so she thought. Thankfully, the woman’s coo assured her that all was well, and that she was not intruding on anyone. It eased her, and she carefully slipped into the shelter, settling herself down though she remained close to the plants she had collected. It was not for lack of trust, as Miriam had plenty of that to give… but simply for the sake of keeping the cacophony of scents away from the woman. Miriam herself sometimes felt dizzy or nauseated because of them and she did not desire for the woman to feel the same.

Some company? “You’re more than welcome to stay around with me.” It had been meant to be her solace, but being outside of the borders did not allow her as much protection, and she did not desire to be rude and so she’d let the other woman intrude upon her space.

“Oh, no… not an herbalist. I simply collect for an herbalist. He has shown me what to get, and I bring it back to him.” She offered, a cheerful nature about her that made her feel near-ill from the amount of acting she was doing in the moment.