Featuring: Brago and Zayden

Mentions: May mention others

Year 763,  spring

Blackwood, Redwater

---

---

Zayden:

He had gone once more on herb gathering, this time he didn’t plan to go to Uir’s meadow but to Redwater hoping the humidity would help fungi and mosses be more abundant and easier to find. He stands from his bed that composed of several pelts on the ground, before shaking himself and goes to a fire he had managed to lit, using some flint and some dry pieces weeds. Grabbing the shell of a turtle he had found in one of his travels to Glenmore's territory a ground tortoise between of small and medium size, he walks to one of the walls of the small cave he is using as a den, and gathers water that is percolating through it, then he places the shell balanced between some rocks nearby the fire. Looking into his herb pouch he takes out some ginger root and using a hoof he crushes it before adding it to the shell, then some Elderberries and some Snowberries, all what he needed to start a long wet and humid day.  He could hear the rain falling outside. He let’s the mixture to cook for a few minutes before carefully he removes the shell from the rocks and rests it on the cooler ground balanced, when there is barely any steam coming from it, he drinks his tea. Ah yes, definitely this would give him a good boost to finish his trip. Once he is done he kills the fire and gets everything in order before he leaves his temporary den.

He had been for several days following Red water’s current up to reach the place where the waterfall fell nearby Glenmore and Blackwood’s border. He had been lucky and had managed to find some herbs, barks, fungi and mosses. First thought he checks out for any unwanted company near his temporary den, since he is away from the main herd he is sure predators would be tempted to attack him, finding none he continues. Despite being spring there is still some frost covers the ground, as his heavy legs move the sound of the crunching snow can be heard all over the place, mixed with the sucking sound of mud, the rain had helped in the formation of some mud. The warmth of the sun wasn't enough yet to pass through the heavy and thick branches of the trees in his dark home.  Shrugging he continues on his trip, he would need a good grooming when he got back, the white markings on his legs were the same color as the mud already.

Walking around two hours he finally makes it to his destination. The rain has stopped which was a relief, he wasn't that badly wet, his thick coat and the cover of the trees did help out. But still he was muddy, he walks to the water’s edge and soaks his legs, the water is cold, but he focusses on cleaning the mud that is between his hooves and covering his legs, before making for a quick bath to get rid of the mud and dirt, he surfaces quickly not wanting his pelt to be wet to the inner coat. Once that task is done Zayden exits the water, the sun on this place is more abundant and he uses that to his advantage. Standing under the rays of the sun to dry, he begins to feed on the grass that grew at the river bank.

Brago:

Walking through what remains of the snow that was slowly melting, he trudged towards the river in order to clean the muck from his pelt along with cleaning the cuts on his body again. He was a long way from his brother, he didn’t want the seal bay stag to know about his newly gained wounds.

*Brago, remember, at some point we’ll have to start traveling towards White peak like Neva asked of us*, Lapis reminded the irritated male, who sighed with a nod, though had to answer his female spirit after remembering she couldn’t exactly see him nod his head.

At some point in time he’ll need to find some more glowing fungus to light his den back home up with and to replace the fungus in the skull that is attached to his horn, hanging in the middle of the protruding antlers but first he needed to collect some more herbs just in case he runs into other fawnlings in order to trade.

Shaking his head, he looked around as he began to hear running water, his body was somewhat tired from his constantly traveling and his wounds were not helping him in the least, they made him ache and he just prayed to mother Uir that they’ll began to numb and heal soon.

A scent wafted into his nostrils, it seemed familiar but he couldn’t put his hoof on what or who it was exactly but there was definitely another fawnling somewhere around here and the scent was fresh, taking cautious steps, he was alert and ready to defend himself if need be.

Zayden:

Zayden sighs in content as he keeps on munching on his breakfast. Though he doesn't lower his guard knowing that you never could in Blackwood.  He is about to lower his muzzle in the water to drink some when a soft noise catches his ears, he wasn't alone here. He stays calm for a moment acting like he hasn't heard anything. Before suddenly he springs into motion. With a bellow he charges through the trees. He doesn't have his rack on, just the knob that has started growing, but still he could cause a lot of damage with his raw strength and walrus tusks. Tearing through some branches and small bushes he comes across a fawnling.  Snorting he immediately stops, leaving deep crevices on the ground with his back hooves. Since the wind hadn't been on his favor he thought this one to be a predator. He shakes his head and stands in full height in front of the fawnling.

Zayden is about to apologize when he gets a good look at said fawnling and sees the wounds he had, taking in his scent, he quickly remembers the stag, well he isn't as scrawny as before. “Ah it’s you, been a while since I last saw you”. Taking another sniff at the fawnling he talks again. “You should clean those, they aren't smelling that good, I have some herbs with me”. Turning around he once more walks to the area he had been eating at.  

Brago:

He blinked, staring blankly as a bulky frame came barreling into the area he was in, he was ready to leap to the side if need be but the creature had stopped, revealing a light coated stag, who stood straight and stared at him. Brago’s nose twitched, taking in the scent carefully and finally recognized it as that twerp from ages ago, the one who tried to steal the food he was eating and the one he had a sparring session with.

Blackwood isn't that big after all or this is just my...luck, the grullo male thought to himself as he looked over the male quickly, almost snorting at what the male said.

“Yes, it appears it has been quite sometime, hasn’t it….. I was heading towards that direction to clean them before you came charging in”, Brago mused, it was a simple and playful comment but he still had that gruff way about it.

“Herbs sound good, I used the last of mine yesterday”, the grullo spoke, stepping forward, his tall, lean and muscled body stepping beside the lighter male.

“You should be a little more careful when charging, what if it was an outsider who knew you were here and decided to use a trap on you instead”, Brago teased, giving the other Blackwood a small grin, it wasn’t meant to be offensive, it was just a simple Blackwood humor for him.

“But it is good to see you’re still alive”, the soldier mused, his tail swinging lazily behind him, he was alert but he purposely made himself seemed relaxed.

Zayden:

Zayden doesn’t stop his walking as he speaks with Brago. “Well outsider would have had a hard time making me stop, I am too heavy to be stopped that easily, besides I didn't knew of you were a wolf stalking me”. Once they make it back to the bank of the river Zayden noses his herb pouches, he takes out some Blackoak, some sap from Aloe Vera and Bloodnettle. “It’s been a while yes, since our fight”. He offers some of the Aloe Vera sap for him to eat. “Eat this, your wounds are starting to smell bad. He leaves the Blackoak and the Bloodnettle close to apply directly into his wounds, before pushing Brago gently to the water. “A day more and I think you would had gotten a bad fever, stand still”. Being in herbalist mode he begins cleaning Brago’s wound that were harder to reach for said stag himself. He manages to discover that some type of bug is actually starting to put eggs in one of Brago’s wounds. Cursing he once more dives into his bag and grabs some common seaweed, he makes sure to kill the bug first before he makes a pulp with the seaweed and applies it. “Bugs were starting to make a meal out of you”. He inspects Brago making sure there are no other wounds that had been taken by parasites, before going back to help him get clean again, and applying a mush of Arrownettle and padding it with Blackoak.

Brago:

The grullo smirked with amusement, the light coated male was indeed large but he seems to forget that all an enemy has to do is swipe his legs with their tail and he’d have face planted into the soil below.

“It has indeed been a while since then”, the grullo spoke, nodding to confirm his words as he watched the male pull familiar herbs from his pouch, he always forgot the names so easily but he can recognize them once he saw them. Almost snorting at the comment about the smell and the demand the other seem to make, the grullo held it down as he ate the Aloe Vera, only to feel himself being pushed by the other male to the river, he stepped towards it, shaking his head to try ridding himself of the itch he wasn’t about to try and itch, that would require him to lift his back hoof to his head and he didn’t want to bother with such simple movements seeing as the other was a bit impatient with how he pushed the grullo.

It was a bit uncomfortable for him to have another fawnling even help clean his wounds, the only one he was really use to was Neva but she wasn’t even close to being around here, she had went towards the Silverthorne and Blackwood border to help patrol. He glanced back after hearing the lighter male curse, almost causing him to chuckle, though he kept that down along with the amusement he felt despite knowing that the reason the lighter male even cursed was probably to do with one of Brago’s own wounds.

Hearing the comment about a bugs, he watched the other apply the seaweed, keeping the thin piece of twig in his mouth, twirling it slightly, it was pretty hard to keep his facial expression straight and calm. Was he worried about infections and bugs manifesting in his flesh, yes, but if he die’s from that, it was mother Uir’s will that he die. Staying still as the lighter male looked him over, he then watched the lighter male go back to cleaning his wounds, after that he watched him as best as he could as the other applied the arrownettle and packing it with blackoak.

He guessed to himself it wasn’t so bad running into the light coated male, the skull around his face was starting to itch and the grullo shook his head again instead of stamping his hoof from the irritating itch.

He made sure to keep his tail from sinking into the water below it, it wasn’t the fact he didn’t want his tail wet, it was the pouches secretly hidden on his tail and the obsidian blade that was still attached, hidden by the thick dark skirt of his tail.

“So what have you been up to”, Brago questioned? He wasn’t exactly interested in what the lighter male has been up to but he wasn’t going to continue being completely silent like he use to be, better to practice and get rid of that stupid stutter then keep it, plus it was courtesy to be a little civil, at least to Lapis.

Zayden:

Zayden nods satisfied how he had covered Brago’s wounds and then he lowers his muzzle to the water, to rid of the taste in mouth. Once he did not taste blood and beginnings of infection he takes in a few mouthfulls of water before speaking to Brago again. “Been here and there, collecting herbs in the kingdom, or bringing dark coated does and stags sometimes home”. He points to the grassing area he had been eating from so Brago would feed. “Eat some, I am sure it’s been some days before you had a decent meal”. He then gets out of the water and lies in a big flat stone for his pelt to finish on drying. “If you start feeling feverish do tell, I am going to stay here a couple of days collecting herbs”. Turning his head he begins grooming himself as he dries.

Brago:

Lowering his head to get some water, he watched the lighter coated male, lifting his head, he nodded, indicating he heard the male and in thanks. Slowly he walked over to the patch of grass, only to lower his head once against though this time to feed.

The grullo knew it was not a wise idea to continue traveling but he needed to meet up with his brother to go with him to Widow’s Hollow to see if anything new happened before he starts heading for Whitepeak.

“I have to leave by tomorrow if I’m going to cover the ground I need to cover”, the grullo spoke, somewhat lowly, he was actually thinking to himself and trying to get an idea on how he can cover the ground he needed to before spring arrives again.

Finishing but leaving enough grass, he walked close enough to the lighter male and leaning against a tree as carefully as he possibly could, ignoring the wounds on his body, which would slow him down just as much as resting for too long in one area. He was wondering where his brother was exactly, they had split to patrol and he hoped the dark and heavier male didn’t get himself into too much trouble like he did himself.

A chill went down his back as he remembered the dead unknown stag on the ground, all he remembered was being in a fight with an arrogant and an annoying male then nothing, he remembered nothing until he came to and saw the other on the ground, dead.

Killing an intruder that had no business in Blackwood, that was light coated and a danger to Blackwood wasn’t what bothered him, it was the fact of not knowing what happened until it was all over, the other spirit’s wouldn’t tell him what was going on.

Zayden:

Listening to Brago mutter he would leave by the morning Zayden voices his opinion in the matter when he sees him rest against a tree. “If you continue to travel tomorrow you won’t make it anywhere, your body just started to show signs of infection”.

He lowers his head taking care of an itch on his front leg and to keep grooming himself in between sentences. “I will stay in the area some days gathering herbs, my advice is that you take time to heal, a few days and then go, otherwise the supplies I used on you might go to waste if you die”. Satisfied with the grooming he looks at the grullo male folding his front legs. “But it’s your choice”. Zayden hopes that Brago will see reason, and that it won’t be such a good idea for him to continue on his journey wounded as he is right now.

Brago:

Brago scowled, he felt a bit irritable at having to stay in one spot but he wasn’t an idiot, as stubborn as he was, he looked around, glancing anywhere but at the lighter male, debating if it was worth it or if he should stay put.

*Brago, don’t even think about it, you’re staying put for a few days*, Lapis warned! He could tell the other spirit wasn’t happy with the outcome of the fight, especially since he was the one who told his brother to go in another direction which put him in more danger.

The tall Blackwood male huffed slightly, moving and finding a secure spot in the area to lay down, he was stubborn alright, he wasn’t about to say he was staying, which he was, for a few days or so, this way Lapis would leave him alone about it.

Zayden:

Zayden lays down for a lil longer keeping an eye on Brago as he rests, before he gets up to keep collecting herbs nearby. But before that he closes his eyes and focuses for a moment tapping his magic. The spirit of a racoon quickly appears looking at him. He sents the small spirit to stay nearby Brago just in case in weakened state a wolf decides that it wants to try and make a meal out of him. Satisfied he once more starts his search using his nose and eyes. He finds a small group of holly bushes, no berries thought yet too early for them, but the bark and leaves are very useful.

Brago:

Ears pinning back, he cracked his right eye open, glancing at the spirit that sat there before opening his other eye slowly, turning his head and looking back at the other male. It should be getting dark soon.

He looked around, his tail wrapped carefully around himself. Tomorrow he would need to restock on herb’s, a slow and dull process without much entertainment to it, at least to him, he was more of a fighter then a herbalist.

Zayden:

Zayden keeps on his search for several more hours, as Brago rests. He had summoned several other spirits since his magic wasn't that good yet to keep spirit for such a long time. He feels very tired as he is coming back towards Brago and needs a good night’s sleep.

Brago:

Brago glanced over at Zayden, having heard him approaching into his direction, he slowly looked away, blanking out as he allowed Vetus to take control over him. Vetus closed his eyes, allowing himself to fall into a light slumber, Corvin settled on a tree branch.

Zayden:

Seeing that Brago is exhausted and he would probably not make it to his temporary den he decides that they will camp out here for the night. He places some of his pouches nearby Brago and goes look for some vegetation to pass the night better. He gathers some pine branches and leaves, placing them around the area he and Brago would sleep at.Satisfied with his work, he as a last task piles some branches between them, making sure that around what remained was ground cleared from other branches and leaves that could catch fire, before he strikes his flint and another stone together to start a fire. That should keep any wolf or other predator away. Grabbing his pouches again, Zayden let’s out a grunt as he lays heavily over some of the vegetation he had gathered.

Brago:

By the next morning Brago would get up, walking around and picking herbs that he would find within the vicinity of their location. The hooded crow that accompanied him, flying over head, watching from the sky for anything that shouldn’t be in the area.

Of course he would keep to his word and stay in the area until he was well enough to go on but being restless, he wasn’t sure for how long he could stay out here without becoming irritable.

Zayden:

Zayden knew that Brago is feeling irritable at being helded back on his journey but it would do him no good to lose his patience, so he thinks of a way to distract him. “I am going to a nearby place to get some herbs, I could use another pair of eyes and ears”. It is an open invitation for Brago to follow him.

Brago:

The dark male’s ears twitched as he got up from his spot, at least he wouldn’t be overly bored. Nodding at the light coated male, he started heading towards him, the crow that follows him flying overhead.

“Sure”, the grullo’s spoke, stopping close enough near Zayden, waiting for the male to lead him into the direction he would be heading into.

Zayden:

Seeing that Brago will follow him, Zayden then leads the way up the river to some small extensions of land inside the river, where he is sure they would find more herbs. But he wanted Brago close too, just in case they found a hunter in those small islands, be it an ice bear, or a pack of wolves. When they make it to the first island, Zayden quickly finds a small patch of Crimson Fleshflower, Zayden instructs Brago to pick those up and set them inside an herb pouch he gave him, a he keeps on the lookout for more herbs to pick. A little more ahead he finds some Crow’s wing moss, he gently with a piece of wood, beings to scrape it off the rock he had found it clinging at.

Brago:

Following the lighter male with a bored expression, looking around slowly, he made sure to remember the area he was going, small noticeable things that would mark the area within his memory.

When they had stopped, he glanced at somewhat familiar plants that his mother use to have and give to other Blackwood’s or trade with, he just couldn’t remember what exactly they were. He leaned towards the crimson fleshflower and almost cringed. The smell was horrible and he looked over at Zayden with the blanket look ever.

“If this kills me, I will kill you before I die”, the stag warned, though it was somewhat humorous, he was also rather serious before carefully picking the strange plant and placed them in the pouch, this was one of the plants he has never actually learned about, at least from what he could remember. Once he was done, he couldn’t help the disgusted expression cross onto his face as he watched Zayden, waiting for what else to do.

He’s seen the plant that the lighter male was collecting, his mother also traded those types of plants as well, she still never told him about that one either, she was rather picky on what she would teach him.

Zayden:

Zayden laughs loudly feeling amused at Brago’s warning. “I could had killed you many different ways, had I wanted you dead”. Zayden then shakes himself before looking at the sky, they had spend some time collecting and it would be a good idea to go back to their shared temporary den before night.” Let’s go back”. He turns around, and leads the way, taking a short moment to take a quick drink.

Brago:

The sooty grullo warrior nodded his head, taking a drink himself before following the bay stag into the direction they had come from, he had to remember those herbs later, the stench from that other one was revolting and had almost caused the taller stag to gag out of reflex.

Careful not to open his wounds, he hurried to catch up with the other male, tail flicking as he did so.

Zayden:

Zayden took care to not take such a quick trot as to not have Brago over do it, and having him bleed again, wasting all the herbs and materials he had used on the battered stag. As they head to the den, Zayden explains to Brago what was the flower he had told him to pick up. “It’s called Crimson Flesh Flower, and smells like a putrid corpse, but the usefulness beats the foul scent”. He looks back at Brago making sure the stag is following, before he continues with his explanation. “Of course useful as it’s for necromancy and possession it can cause great harm if taken too much”.

Once they reach their shared den, Zayden goes to tend the dying fire, adding some kindle to it, before he lays down and begins to classify the different plants and herbs he got. He tells Brago to sleep at least for part of the night, he will keep first watch.