A vibrant glade of lush grasses and trees that bloom during all but the coldest of seasons. The sweet fragrance of spring flowers hangs in the air and delicate petals float on the wind and a gentle creek flows through the green meadow.
Folke flicked its tongue a few more times before seeming to decide the large hyena was the same one that had landed earlier, immediately returning to its previous place wrapped around their neck like a scaled scarf. They didn't mind, the snake was surprisingly warm, radiating a soft heat that felt fairly nice against their skin.
"Alright , thank you for your efforts," Larkspur murmured, ducking their head to sniff at the two offered salves with intrigue. They smelled strong and fairly sharp, making Larkspur recoil in surprise at first before leaning forward in an attempt to identify the ingredients by scent again. Gods, its been so long since they were around the smell of a properly created herbal salve, even if neither had been made with their own paws. It made them feel a little more at home, like they were back in their old grove where they'd cultivated the majority of their herbs - their grove that had probably been washed away and destroyed in the flood.
Folke raised its head, rubbing its head against their cheek affectionately, as if sensing the somewhat somber train of thought the wolf was heading down. The brindled wolf offered a soft 'thanks' for the kind nuzzles and straightened up.
"Let's get your salve on," Larkspur said, entering what their siblings had called 'healer mode' back in their birth pack. A serious, no-nonsense tone that addressed Balthazar as more of a patient under their care. "My wings will heal no matter what and they're mostly just sore - your skin looks like it hurts and if it peels badly enough, it will scar."
They sat down beside the giant, Folke slithering higher to rest its head on the fluffy top of the wolf's own as they leveled him with a calm expression, paw held lightly over the bowl.
"Do I have your agreement to touch you and apply this salve?" they inquired reflexively, falling back into old lessons.
The snake would flick his tongue a few more times before he decided Balthazar was no threat to Larkspur, and coiled back into the fur around her neck. "Your friend has adjusted well to you Larkspur, I am impressed!" a proud smile hikes up the side of his lips. Snakes usually took longer to warm up to- at least in Balthazar's experience.
"Alright , thank you for your efforts," Balthazar nods at her words. "Of course! We need them, wouldn't have it any other way." He responds with a small purr, proud of his work.
As they approach the building foundation and salves Balthazar watches Larkspurs expression and cackles again, some of it laughter- some of it instinctual hyena sounds of submission around females- despite his own actual size. "The salves do smell strong..but very helpful I promise! You should really put a little on the wings." he insisted.
Balthazar couldn't help but chuckle when Larkspur asks for his permissions to apply the salves."Yes, of course you have my permissions to apply the salves to my skin." he spreads his wings all the way out and lay on his stomach so that Lark could reach the areas she requires. "Tell me to roll or move if you need to reach something." Balthazar was ready to be done with the salves so that he could father the much needed soft wood for the gates.
"Larkspur," he muses, in the start of a thought, "Do you plan on staying here- around the coastal area?" Balthazar rather loved it here and planned to stick around and stake his claim. "because I do. I want to open a trading and healing centers here to help others. What about you, folke, and the garden?"
"So am I," Larkspur hummed in agreement, smiling slightly at the snake wrapped around their neck. They figured it was because Folke was young, clearly not an adult snake quiet yet although it still didn't answer all of their questions given Larkspur thinks snakes were some of those 'once you've left the shell, I wish you well' style parents and so shouldn't really imprint on anyone. But it was like there was a rapidly forming special connection, an intangible link forming between wolf and python, that was hastening the process. Larkspur themself already highly protective of the creature as it were. "Giving her a name seems to have endeared her to me."
That was when they'd noticed the bond forging so rapidly between the two of them.
"Very strong - though I suppose that's how you know it works," the wolf remarked, giving a light head-shake to dislodge the remnants of the sharper edges wafting through her nose. Folke lowered its head curiously, so the wolf obligingly crouched closer to the bowls. The python extended its body, flicking its tongue out curiously in the direction of the bowls before recoiling even more sharply than Larkspur had, going as far as to raise itself back up and wrap its way around their neck once more. Larkspur chuckled to themself but pulled away from the bowls, amusement rippling through their body language. "Seems it was a bit too strong for Folke."
They allowed the snake to settle down on their neck where it was, instead tugging the bowl of salve for Balthazar towards themselves. The soreness of their wings was slowly fading in the warmth of the sun, leaving only the pains of the bruised and scraped places, but the weeping patches of skin showing through dark fur were only getting worse and worse by the second. The smell was more than enough to dissuade them from attempting to scoop up any of the salve in their mouth, so Larkspur dipped a gentle-chocolate colored paw into the bowl. They scooped a decent amount of the viscous liquid onto their pad and began drizzling it across the vampire's shortened coat, focusing on the patches of visible skin first and towards the still covered areas. They kept their movements slow and methodological, careful to ensure their claws weren't scraping the already irritated skin or tearing over new patches. When they had covered all the spots they could easily reach, they swapped to lightly massaging the liquid in.
It was soothing, really, to be healing again.
"Are you comfortable with me touching your wings?" they asked automatically, eying the rest of the red patches on the thin membranes. It was a wonder that he was flying back and forth so quickly - she feels like he's one too tight of a turn from tearing the tender, delicate skin clean in half.
They snapped out of 'healer-mode' when they heard their name, tuning into to the hyena's question as they considered it themselves. They were a wandering wolf, an explorer with no real ties to any one location. They weren't exactly afraid of water now, though the idea of being completely surrounded by the powerful element didn't exactly reassure them by now.
"... I have a sibling to look for once my garden is up and running," Larkspur decided on finally. They would feel like a complete monster if they didn't at least try to see if Snapdragon had somehow ended up in this strange world with them. As frightened and discombobulated as the chocolate furred wolf was when they'd first arrived, they couldn't imagine leaving their sibling on their own to adjust to this new world if there was a chance that they'd ended up here too. That said, after that everything was up in the air. "Once I find it though... I suppose it depends. I have been a wandering wolf since I first left my birth pack, a lone one that healed when others asked. I suppose there's nothing wrong with setting up a second garden on the island, though."
They mused to themselves before adding, "And both you and your Reed have... endeared yourselves."
To an extent anyway. It was nice to have others willing to fill the silence without judgement over Larkspur not taking the initiative to do it herself.
---
OOC Notes: just clarifying, this thread is happening in the Blossom Bower, near Verdantis not the cove. I can say Larkspar has visited the island cove, though.
As they entered the unfinished building Balthy found himself watching Folke and Larkspur bond with one another. The way they distasted the smell of the ointments was a rather funny sight. "Giving her a name seems to have endeared her to me." Balthazar nodded in agreeance. So it does, I'm so glad you two are getting along well! you'll make great partners !" the Hyena remarks with a wide grin. He can't help but admire their small moment they share with the medicine, watching the snake retreat to the safety of Larkspurks neck, where he supposes the snake felt safest. "I can just about bet that snake can taste our salves, the have a great sense for things like that."
Balthazar didn't mind laying on the foundations of their home, breathing in the deep aroma of their salves and a little sawdust. The hyena sneezed, head bounching off the ground softly. He would have to come back here later and dust it out! Laying down wasn't what botherd him- it was adding the salves to his otherwise dry or crispy skin from the sun. Balthazar bites his teeth as he tries to choke down this discomforting growl that threatens to spill out. Oh dey 'elp but dey burn!" he hisses over Larkspur as she uses her paw to gently apply the slaves to the skin. Once the salve was on however it felt nice; cool like mint and he could feel the relaxing of his skin as it took in all the moisture the scabs could mannage.
His eyes close in relaxation as Larkspur carefully added the rest of the ointments to him. It reminds him that he only has so many hours in a day to get tasks done! Like finding more herbs to dry for medicine; they were running low on supply. Are you comfortable with me touching your wings?" no, he really wasn't- the only woof he would allow that from was Reed-- but she was still nowhere to be seen. The hyena reluctanly says yes to her offer, spreading out tye massive bat wings before her. He could feel the dry crackling in certain spots as the salve was carefully palced on. Larkspurs soft touches remind Balthazar she must be used to mending others.
Balthazar's ears twitched as Larkspur mentions her sister. She had a sister? The thought took a second to pinpoint. "I can help with the garden while you are away..if you wish to locate her." Balthazar could understand the deep ache of longing to find someone, and he would be damned if it were him keeping her from finding her! "Once I find it though... I suppose it depends. I have been a wandering wolf since I first left my birth pack, a lone one that healed when others asked. I suppose there's nothing wrong with setting up a second garden on the island, though." Balthazar nodded slowly at her words as he stood up. He wonders if she ever misses her birth pack. Being nomadic was hard and at times annoying.
Carefully flexing his large wings against the salve in order to spread it in more. It was extremely itchy in feeling so the Hyena fought to keep himself from rubbing his wings raw.
Balthazar turns to stare at Lark, face to fave when she mentioned Reed. "yes we have been through tough times..but you can't ever let that stop you." he recalls seaching for Reed everywhere - a few times- and he found her each time."I believe that all those tough times make us stronger... he eyes the salve hanging in the unfinished doorway. I really do think that salve will fix your wings. he pursues the matter lightly but shrugs in the end. "but if you dont want to we won't." the words slip from his tongue much like a snakes hiss- of course he wasn't trying to scare anyone, his pronunciation was just sometimes weird. "as for this sibling you seek- is there anyway I can help? If anything I could keep an eye on your garden while you're away.. Balthazar lightly extends his offer, knowing Lark may want a private reunion with her sibling after all. "I'm going to see if I can gather some driftwood from the ocean-- maybe catch a few crustations or fish- even if you dont the small tidepools are great treasures! I always find intresting trinkets in them! You could have a look if you like?
Balthazar didn't really like staying still, so he moved a lot, trying to find things to occupy his time.
--
Roll = perception
SUCCESS= he searches the beachd for good sized, washed up soft wood for the garden's gate.
Fail= the wood is out of his reach and requires swimming or magic to gather?
NPC Diceroll 1: Success Diceroll must be above 500 to be successful.
0 was added for Perception.
531 was added for Level 1.
0 was added for A. No Enchantment.
0 was added for A. No Buff / Penalty.
"A taste much stronger than a snake appreciates it seems," Larkspur teased the reptile lightly, the snake flitting its tongue out near their ear as if to express annoyance. They chuckled, electing to re-focus on their efforts rather than continuing to harass their companion - it wouldn't hurt much if it struck out, the chocolate furred wolf had a relatively thick pelt - far thicker than the non-venomous serpentine could probably deal with - but it would be putting a damper on an otherwise pleasantly developing partnership.
They hummed an apology at Balthazar's discomfort - the fact that it stung didn't surprise them. The hyena's skin had been peeling for a while and any form of medicine would probably cause pain, really all it did was tempt them to develop a lightly stinging cleanser to put over the open wounds to lessen the chance of dirt or pollen getting trapped in his open wounds which would lead to a terrible infection. As it was, they merely made sure to move more efficiently to end the application process as quickly as they could.
"That's because you've far-passed a little sun rash," Larkspur voiced to him, inspecting one of the closer spots. "A few of these are on the verge of bleeding. You'll be sensitive for a while longer I think."
They hoped that vampires healed fast or Balthazar would have to deal with itchy scabs for a long time to come.
"...I'll do this as quickly as possible," Larkspur said, catching the hesitation on them touching his wings. They understood that feeling - they hardly ever allow anyone that wasn't their mother or their siblings to touch their wings themself, let alone preen them or apply some form of antidote to them. Wings were intimate, delicate limbs that could be ruined beyond flight-capability if one didn't know what they were doing - hells, the only reason Larkspur was comfortable handling the leathery wings at their paws was that they'd once had a friend who had similar ones. "Then we can prep enough to give to Reed so she can handle it in the future."
Handling the scaly wings was a bit strange - they felt both sturdier and more fragile at the same time. There were no flight feathers to carefully pick around, to ensure the warmth of the wing but the visible muscle and tendons attached to the limbs made them look powerful, intimidating in a way Larkspur thinks they can only manage when they spread their wings and puff up all their feathers at once.
"It would be nice to know that the rabbits won't devour the garden while I'm away," the accepted the offer lightly. "I'll be sure to return frequently - I don't know how long I'll be searching for Snapdragon. I don't even know if they've come here as well or... or if all ties to my first home are gone."
They smiled a little when Folke - seeming to sense the passing melancholy - rubbed its tiny head against their cheek.
"I will try your salve Bal, don't worry. I'm just focusing on your wings - you have open wounds. I imagine the last thing you'd want is an infection in your wings or your back," and that wasn't even mentioning what would happen if they spread into the muscle below. Building up wing-muscle after being forced on rest wasn't fun in any fashion - it was half the reason Larkspur had been keeping theirs out much more than they usually would. They nodded to themself, observing the work they'd done of the hyena's wings - the spread seemed good enough to them, all the weeping patches were covered at least. They stepped back, giving the giant room to stand while continuing to explain, "I have to be careful when using new things on my wings - feathered wings are... tedious. If even a small patch is messed up, it would cause me a lot of pain, if too many feathers fall out I can't fly."
Sometimes being a vampire really felt like a drawback. He hates having to avoid the morbing sun on his skin. There once was a time, when he was young- before the vampiric traits took hold that he could sit in the sun. So he can only agree with Larkspur as she spoke out. "Yes I guess I have stayed out in the sun for longer than I should." his long tail gives a careful flick as he sighs. "Sometimes I just really miss the sun," he admits, wincing as more salve is applied. But no matter how he missed the sun Balthazar needed to remind himself to stick to the shade and shadows."A few of these are on the verge of bleeding. You'll be sensitive for a while longer I think." He nods and gives another groan. It was his own fault after all. "I'll be careful-- keep an eye on them the best I can." he reassures her.
He can only wait as she applies the cream to his wings, getting everything prepared for Reed to assist with. A notion that sounded more comfortable- not that he minded Lark's help- but it was different with Reed's touch. Something he didnt care if others understood.
"Don't worry about them rabbits, I'll keep 'em away fir ya." He tries to reassure her. "You just focus on finding your sister." that was the important thing.
I will try your salve Bal, don't worry. I'm just focusing on your wings - you have open wounds. I imagine the last thing you'd want is an infection in your wings or your back," Good she needed to use the Salve. He nods to her and gives a soft smile. "s-sorry if I seemed to push it on you, I just want to see you better. he admits to her. The last thing he wants is for any of them to get infection- they sucked and were hard to rid at times. He can only nod as she spoke of feathered wings. After all his knowledge on them were slightly limited, he After all had leathery ones. He took the information like a hungry animal; anything he learns is helpful.
-- Time skip, grabbing drift wood --
Luck was on his side today as he searches the beach, the wood he needed had washed ashore. He took it quickly and brought it over to where the gate will be. Setting it down he turns to grab the vines in his mouth, using his Telekinesis to hold the gate up where it belongs, he starts to fasten it into place. "Dat should do it!" he remarks, finishing the gate.
Finally he turns to Lark, "Thankyou, for all of your help Lark!"
"Is it the sunlight itself or something in it?" Larkspur inquired, tilting their head in consideration. They'd like to pay the hyena back for his assistance with her garden, for being willing to look after it while she searches for Snapdragon - however long it would take to find it or be forced to declare their sibling gone - and if it ended up being that the wing-salve did indeed help with the soreness and the itch associated with molting, then for introducing the concept to them as well. "If it's direct contact with sunlight and skin rather than the light itself, perhaps we can assemble some sort of... clear covering. It would be less comfortable than bare fur but it allow you into sunlight again."
Seeing that the salve had been evenly applied, the inflamed spaces now hopefully dying down, Larkspur turned to handle her own feathered problems. Folke seemed to know intuitively, slithering back down to the ground as the chocolate furred wolf spread her wings. It wasn't often she stretched them to their fullest length when she wasn't flying, but preening was an incredibly long process that often found her with cramps and painful twinges from holding them in a somewhat awkward position as she reached for the short, sensitive feathers closest to her spine, where they would begin to intermingle with her fur.
"Now watch closely," she said, ostensible speaking to Folke but the giant behind her had seemed interested. She didn't want him to think she was just howling up his tail about how tedious feather-work was. "I have to do a full session like this at least twice a moon's cycle so if you're going to stick around, it's for the best that you know."
| | | |
"Thank you for your assistance dear giant," Larkspur said, motioning between their size difference with good humor. She used her tiniest, front teeth to grasp another of her feathers very gently. This one was flush and properly shaped, healthy and not yet ready to fall out - so she kept her jaw loose as she used her teeth to comb over the slightly dirtied plumage. She turned, neck aching slightly as she rubbed her muzzle through the natural oil-glands at the base of her wings and turned back to spread it across the feathers. Next she ducked her head, dipping her muzzle in the oil concoction created by the hyena and went over the feather carefully.
She groaned a little from the soreness, stretching out her forelegs in the dying light of the day. Gods, she really did end up wasting the rest of the sunlight preening didn't she? At least it seemed the salve was working - most of the itching she associated with her pre-molt was starting to fade away, though she noted that her feathers felt... heavier. They moved less smoothly. She ruffled them experimentally - they were still functional, just softer. Her plumage had likely absorbed the foreign oil, adding a bit more weight than she was expecting. It wasn't a bad feeling, just different - she'd have to lessen the amount of extract she used next time. If she based it more heavily in water, it would dry quicker and likely weigh more normally against her back. "That wood would have been miserable to move - heavy lifting isn't something I'd name my strong suit."
You could either, she'd learned be clever and flight-worthy or clever and powerful. And really, what's even the point of having wings if not to use them?
Her first question drew a thoughtful hum past his lips. He honestly had not given much consideration to what caused the pain. "I guess it would be something coming out of the sun, rather than the sun itself?" There was a curious cock of his head, "I never really gave it much thought,honestly." He admits to her with a sheepish, boy smile.
A clear salve cover, Balthazar is nodding as she speaks; "That sounds like a wonderful idea Larkspur- I'll have to keep an eye out for the materials- or do you know of some?" The pirate asks curiously. As he himself would need to think on the ingredients he would need- but if she could save him time, he was definitely taking it.
He feels much better now that his Salve was applied. It provided a nice cooling effect--one that allowed him to stretch his skin again. The bat-like-hyena couldn't help but stretch. The movement spacing his skin out and spreading the salve a little bit more.
Larkspur has now turned to her own feathered wings, spreading the impressive span while the snake climbed what seemed to be instinctively down. Balthazar watches her with interest. Feathered wings were not something that he saw much of. "I have to do a full session like this at least twice a moon's cycle so if you're going to stick around, it's for the best that you know." The giant hyena nods, "I'm not going anywhere" The vampire responded, keeping watch as she preened the beautiful brown feathers.
~~~TIME SKIP?~~~
Balthazar learns a lot about feathers, just by watching her take care of her own. Each one was carefully and painstakingly cared for. He made sure to notice the way that Lark grabs and adjusts each one. It was like having a tip without asking for it--something he could put back for medical knowledge. "Thank you for your assistance dear giant," Balthazar nods to her. "No need 'ta thank me lass, I'd do it willingly". His nose wrinkles into a smile.
~time skip~
The light of day was going away, and for once Balthazar found himself very sleepy. The day has been well eventful, and for once he was going to take rest at night. "That wood would have been miserable to move - heavy lifting isn't something I'd name my strong suit." Her words bring him from thoughts of sleep briefly. He looks to the gate with a chuckle. "It wasn't too bad, the powers really helped a lot- but I've always done a lot of lifting." he murmured. "Thank you for the help with this salve, I don't know what I'd do without the help." He laughs a little. "You can rest in my unfinished home tonight if you like, I'm going to retire there for the night. I'm awful sleepy. For once," he chuckles, heading toward the unfinished home to plop down. There was plenty enough room for her to rest away from him, he had been able to put the floor plans down which consisted of two separate rooms and a large middle area.
