The Many Types of Healing (Vivid)

[Relairah]

In the late afternoon, the heat and humidity were rather staggering. Plants drooped and even the calls of secadas were barely heard. Still, the jungle was alive as ever. Some parts of this foliage-thick terrain resembled a simple forest with towering trees and scattered bushes. But one particular creature had ventured into the bizzare side of it where the oddest of plants dotted the earth and even some unheard of creatures resided.

The figure that moved slowly beneath the trees and vines was quite an oddity himself. Not one droplet of sweat seemed to glean on his brow despite the heat, even when he lingered within the broken rays of sunshine cascading downward. He was a wolf. Or at least, he appeared so. Yet he had hardly any fur at all to speak of save for at the tips of his ears and tail. He was average sized in height, but he appeared massive - whether from muscle or the appearance of fluff wasn't for certain. Instead his entire form was made from the smoothest of rock. It billowed across him in a cascading manner with jagged formations that made up the wolf-like appearance he had including his maw and neck and paws. The only true color about him rested in the almond shaped indentions that were his eyes. Pale blue light glowed from these indentions, watching the world in a calm sort of fashion.

The rock-wolf's movements were slow and steady, but he carried the calmest of demeanors. Varick was a lover of the earth and he felt most comfortable surrounded by it. And that was what brought him to the typcial hunting grounds for those that resided in the Noctre Imperii packlands. He himself was a member of the pack, though he was often seen by himself. Not by preference per say, but more by happenstance. Others always seemed to have places to be and things to do. He, on the other hand, had served his purpose after the demon war by aiding in rebuilding the desolated territory. And now he was happy to merely relish in the new found era of peace and the plant life he chose to be ever surrounded by.

He had no need for food or for hunting. He doubted he could really catch himself anything if he did need to eat anyway. Instead, he simply found it pleasant to listen to the birds and the insects and the scampering critters around him. At last, he came to a stop, turning his head upward to where the wind gently began to whisper amongst the tree-tops and toy with the leaves and the hanging vines. To any other, the feel of it would be a cool relief. But to him, it was like a gentle melody harmonizing with the surrounding life. Yes. This was where he found serenity.

[Vivid]

Golden eyes drooped slowly once, twice, a third time before they couldn't manage to stay open any longer, the sweltering heat doing nothing to keep the druin awake as she lay sprawled out on a thick tree branch several feet above the ground. Her long tail hung down along with a leg while the others were stretched out keeping her from falling off the branch, her black tipped ears half down as she dozed. Her sandy coloured pelt ruffled in the few breezes that made it through the lush jungle, the black spots along her body absorbing what sun made it though the leaves overhead while the rest of the light danced off the skull that covered her face. It had already been a trying day for the young wolfess albeit not having to work on anyone. Instead she had spent the better part of the day practicing her magic, and brushing up on her studies, just like her mother used to have her do when she was young. Practice never hurt, but enough of it did drain her and make her sleepy, not that the heat was doing much to help that fact. After getting some supplies ready back at the den Deirdre decided to take a break and go for a stroll to relax, ending up somewhere in the primary hunting grounds up in a tree to nap by late afternoon, when the sun was hottest.

The songs of so many species of birds and the chirping of insects was peaceful even though they came few and far between due to the heat, the faint sound of running water - probably a small stream or river - could be heard just behind all the calls if one really listened, something she had done for about ten minutes before beginning to doze. The femme blinked her eyes open every now and then between brief periods of slumber, something always breaking through that barrier of sleep into her consciousness to wake her just briefly, be it a close by bird call, or the sound of footfalls.

Footfalls?

Her ears perked and she looked around through the holes of the skull, large enough not to obstruct her vision very much considering how much larger her mother was than her. The black tip of her long tail twitching in interest while her ears perked, intently using all her senses to scan the area. What or who could it be? She listened for several more heartbeats before the steps stopped not more than perhaps twenty feet away, the foliage too thick to see anything, and the wind wasn't in her favour despite her nose eagerly working to figure out what her sharp eyes couldn't. Being the main hunting ground for the pack it was likely kin, but there were other animals out here too she knew like deer or the rare puma, and many others she didn't know. The footfalls seemed too heavy to be that of a deer however, and she figured if it was a big cat it would have been stealthier... Maybe that was why it stopped? She herself looked quite a lot like a big cat due to her fur markings, the gazelle like horns atop her head and the ivory white scales down her throat and stomach some of the only differences, plus her longer muzzle. Curiosity got the best of her as the young Druin stretched out on her branch, tired of playing the waiting game.

"Hello?" She called out to whatever it was, her voice smooth and quiet, but it carried strong on the wind which then tossed the bushes and other leafy coverage just enough for her to make out what appeared to be a rock she hadn't noticed before. Intrigued, the Druin waited several heartbeats if needed for a reply, definitely up for some company after a long day, losing her want for sleep because of her interest in the other creature.

[Relairah]

The softest sound of rock shifting against rock was heard as the ears on his head turned in the direction of the voice. It sounded questioning. Well he wasn't as easy to make out surrounded by nature, he supposed. He saw the golden figure of the other lounged high above and perhaps some might have found seeing such a sight to be odd. But, Varick had seen his share of odd things. He stepped forward so that he stood in the space spanning outward from the tree. It was clear enough at least to be in full view of each other without being blocked by so much foliage. "Hello," he said in response. His voice was a deep but smooth rumble. "Forgive my intrusion, miss. I hope I didn't startle you."

As much of a smile that could form found its way onto his igneous lips and he sat back, once more the sound of rock shifting against rock was heard. "Might I introduce myself?"

[Vivid]

There was a grinding noise that tickled her ears as she watched for the owner of the footsteps, something akin to grinding stone which was easy for her to recognize; she had used a small stone bowl and a flat-sided rock to mash up many herbs in her time. There were differences in the sounds of the two, but it brought a sense of comfort to the Druin. Her black-flecked eyes shifted between some trees before the figure stepped into view, locking onto the odd canine with curious eyes. Immediately after his greeting the femme adjusted on her branch and gracefully jumped down, impact absorbed by her large paws and legs before she rose to her full height, giving her long tail a courteous swing.

It appeared that he was covered in rock, or perhaps made of it, which to her was absolutely amazing. She had seen her fair share of 'normal' wolves, this was unique though. He wasn't particularly tall, about average she noted, but he looked larger at the same time, something she couldn't get her head around. His fur was perhaps the most interesting to the young Druin, there but not there at the same time. She noticed what she figured to be real fur along his ears, but the rest of it she couldn't be sure - it didn't catch the wind right, if it even caught it at all. Another thing that caught her attention was that if this wolf really was pure stone, he carried his weight amazingly. His footsteps before sounded normal of an average animal, which lead her to believe her puma theory. She would have to ask later.

"Not at all!" She chimed and returned the smile, partially hidden by the skull that rested over her muzzle. "I was just taking a break from some extra work I did today, company is always welcome." As she spoke her eyes glided slowly along the figure still, who she recognized only slightly from previous pass-by's at home, not ever learning his name and not even realizing he was, what seemed to her, made of stone. Could he be harmed she wondered? Was that just an outer shell or maybe magic? Question after question popped up in her mind but she pushed them back as the grinding sound was heard again while the male spoke, Deirdre flicking an ear to swat away a bug that had buzzed by.

"It would be a pleasure. I'm Deirdre, Healer of Noctre Imperii." She began, patiently awaiting his own name as he offered it, taking a few steps forward to have an easier time talking, the sun beating down through the leaves speckling the jungle floor, making some spots too hot to stand on as she adjusted accordingly.

[Relairah]

"A pleasure to meet you, Deirdre. I am Varick. Just Varick, I suppose. I am also a healer... though I'm afraid my expertise lies mostly in the earth. My healing for creatures is far less adept. Yourself?" he asked. He had a feeling if she proclaimed her title, her healing abilities for wounds and illness were probably greater than his own. He watched as she adjusted herself and he couldn't help glancing upward slightly to where the sun-rays broke through the canopy of treetops above. He wondered if she were uncomfortable... particularly with her head covered as it was. He truly couldn't tell. Which for him was a convenience.

He wondered whose the skull was. Many questions concerning her came to his own mind. Including what she meant by extra work that day. Were there some in need of aid currently? He didn't often have others come to him. But instead, he let her answer what he had already asked. From what he could tell, there was plenty of time to learn answers and converse.

[Vivid]

"It's wonderful to meet you, Varick." She replied back in a smooth tone after listening to him speak, answering his question after only a heartbeat of silence. "That sounds utterly fascinating! How does one heal the earth may I ask? I can't do anything quite like that, my skills lay solely in the living. Though, I suppose plants are alive too.. But I can't heal those, I don't think." She pondered that for a moment before continuing her explanation, watching as he looked up to the trees above.

"I focus my work on healing the pack, whether it's physically or emotionally. Everyone needs someone to talk to now and then, y'know?" The femme paused, twitching her ear again to stop the buzzing of some insect. "I have knowledge of plants and... Devices, that aid the wounded or sick, and I hope to keep learning more." She puffed out her chest a little as her pride broke through, eyes shining brightly.

"I wonder though... Can you heal those with earth-like properties? A wolf with affinity for it, maybe?" She was young still and curious of everything new, sometimes letting it get the better of her. She waited patiently however, watching for any sign that she had pushed the other too far with her queries.

[Relairah]

Varick paused at her question of healing the earth and chuckled slightly when she thought aloud to how plants were also living. He let her finish her explanation as she talked of healing members of the pack, physically and emotionally. He supposed he hadn't quite thought of that. Yes, he also had helped others heal their hearts and minds. Though not with any sort of magic. Her suggestion that she was there simply to talk to seemed spot on... at least in his own experiences. Though he wondered if there were any out there who were capable of altering mind and emotion through magic. It was certainly possible...

She continued, mentioning her knowledge of plants as aids to heal others. And then she was asking him another question about his abilities. Varick smiled as she paused, allowing him to answer. "Perhaps my healing with plants lies in the nature of my magic's realm of abilities. Or perhaps in my case simply from my own magic's origins. I can't tell you with absolute certainty. It simply feels the most natural and the least draining. I can help wolves and creatures, I simply am not as adept as I am with healing of the earth. When it comes to fellow animals, it's far more draining and I'm afraid I can't do more than simple spells such as small wounds or illnesses. I can hardly bring someone away from the brink of death... which is difficult to bear in those moments. But I suppose that's why nature has allowed those such as yourself, Deirdre, that are able to greatly aid the living, as you said."

"When it comes to the earth, I feel most one with it as opposed to anything else. If you wish to learn more about plants, I can certainly offer some knowledge. Perhaps you might also teach me about your healing. Have you always been a healer?"

[Vivid]

She liked this odd stone wolf. He was pleasant company and he seemed to know a lot about things she didn't, and that interested her. Learning was fun and expansive, something she adored as a pup, and was still fond of. The thought of healing plants interested her, and she couldn't wait until she had a chance to try it later. Deirdre listened with wide, intrigued eyes to Varick as he told her about his abilities, pondering for a moment why one would like to heal nature when it was always being destroyed. Caterpillars ate the leaves of plants and trees, lightning storms could take out entire forests, and earth quakes could demolish land in seconds... Could he repair those types of thing?

"I'm curious..." She started, pausing a few times to get her wording right. "If, say, part of a forest burned down due to a storm, could you repair all the trees and plants to normal? Maybe a better question - if I ripped up a small plant, would you be able to make it regrow, or would you only be able to... Heal the wound? Stop it from hurting, and perhaps make it regenerate faster?" She was able to heal large open wounds by regenerating the flesh, and if that was how plants were healed, it would give her an easier time trying, knowing what to do. If he only eased the pain and helped it to regenerate though... She basically used herbs and medical mixes for that, and surely they wouldn't work on a plant..

"Yes, I've always been a healer. My mother taught me; she was the best healer of my old pack. My first memories are sorting though her herbs and getting tested on their names and uses." She smiled and her gaze was a bit distant, fondly thinking of her mother for a few heartbeats. "She's passed away, but I carry on her legacy. I like to think in tough times, she's looking down on me, coaching me on what to do." The druin flicked her tail and adjusted to sit down in front of the other, figuring they would be here chatting for a little while, unless he decided to change location, which she would also be fine with. For a moment, she wondered if he had anywhere to be. Should I ask? In case he's forgotten?

"Were you on your way anywhere? We can walk and chat if you'd like the company, I don't want to keep you hung up." She made sure to keep her tone soft and as away from pushy as she could, not wanting the other to think she wanted to leave. She was having a good time, it was nice to talk to someone after a long day of work.

[Relairah]

Varick chuckled lightly at her question. It had been a long time since he had met someone so earnestly curious, let alone enough to give him full attention. He found it enjoyable and refreshing. He pondered a moment the best way to explain himself and adequately answer her question. "In truth, I suppose it depends on the injury. I can do both when it comes to plants. If, as you suggested, a fire caused enormous devastation, my magic reaches into the earth and grows new life. Although I'm not sure if I could make an entire forest out of nothing on my own. I have to draw on what is there to begin with... after all, plants rely on the ground and water to live, so performing such a feat would require much help from those around me. However, if it's helping a plant that has been trampled or broken, I can strengthen it and help it regenerate faster as you described."

His features softened, if only a little considering it was made of rock, as she talked of her mother and carrying on her legacy. He smiled also. "I imagine she is and always will be looking out for you, Deirdre. It's wonderful you choose to continue on. I'm she would've only wished for your happiness, no matter what."

He paused and there was a brief silence before she asked an unexpected question. Varick shook his head slowly. "No, I wasn't. Though I appreciate the courtesy. I often trek through here without much direction, I suppose. I truly feel at home surrounded by the life here. It brings me happiness and serenity. And yourself?" he asked, realizing after he said it she might think he meant to go somewhere. Either way, he waited her response. He simply wondered if she felt tranquility being here as he did.

[Vivid]

The young Druin hung on eagerly to each of his words, captivated by the thought of healing more than just other wolves and living creatures. Making entire forests bloom to life if there were the means to seemed astounding. Perhaps she'd try one day, after all, there was never harm in trying. She'd find a plant eaten by caterpillars or something and see if she could help it one day.

His words made her both proud and shy, but in the back of her mind something darker dwelled. The druin scuffed at the dirt beneath her paw a little and watched as a small ant scurry out of her way. "Sometimes it's hard to be happy. You see friends coming in hurt, sprained paws, a broken wing from hunting or training. Or you imagine what would happen to everyone if there were ever a battle. Sometimes it isn't happy knowing that you can't always help everyone. I think I understand that the most, because of my mother. I think it's a lesson everyone needs to learn though. I think that's why I keep doing it, to try and beat those odds, to save everyone and never give up." Determination burned in her golden eyes as she looked on to Varick, a faint smile across her maw.

"Well, considering you caught me napping in the trees... I have nowhere to be right now. This is where I like to come when I get a break. It's peaceful and tranquil, and if I ever get hungry while lazing around, it isn't hard to find something. It's nice to get away and think about other things, or even nothing at all. Watching the wildlife, listening to the bird calls and the wind rustling through the trees." The femme yawned widely probably due to talking about her nap, looking a bit sheepish. "Do you have a specific place here you like to go? I haven't found a personal favourite yet."

[Relairah]

Varick listened as she spoke wise words of someone much older than herself, and felt the heaviness behind them, and also the hope and determination. He nodded in agreement with her, offering a smile. "Yes... I also have seen much destruction. Both of plant life and those around us. You're wiser than you know... your mother taught you well. Perhaps it's easier to accept when you realize that harm and death are also part of life." As he said this, he found his gaze once more turn to the towering trees. They were the greatest symbol of what he spoke in the way that they changed with the different seasons. No matter how often plants withered and lost their leaves, they always opened and blossomed again.

He turned his gaze toward her again when she talked of her enjoyment to simply relax here and get away. He could relate to the feeling. Although in his case, he spent most of his time here. "Well... since you asked..." he said. If it were possible to get a bit of a mischief look on his face, he would, though it was difficult for the stone to conform to minute expressions. Still, perhaps she could feel it from him. Either way, he rose once more and began his trek past her. He attempted to walk at a brisk pace so as not to slow her down. After all, she was significantly greater than he in size. He even considered hovering, though he chose to make that decision if he felt she became impatient.

He lead her through the shadows of the trees, twisting occasionally and ultimately his direction lead deeper into the jungle, southeast. In the distance, they would soon begin to hear the gentle trickling of water over stone. The trees began to change, becoming larger, thicker, and stronger the deeper they went. She might even see some more bizzare and unheard of plants of varying colors and sizes. Here there were enormous redwoods and oaks as well as fruit trees, all benefiting from the rich soil beneath their paws and surely the source of the water, the sound of which grew more powerful as they neared it.

At last, the would break the treeline to a gentle stony slope. Tree roots were visible jutting out from the soil and burrying again beneath the pebbles and into the stream. It was a wide brooke, making its way at a steady pace past them. A normal sized wolf would certainly have to swim to get across, at least in the center, though its pull was hardly strong enough to sweep someone away. Varick did not stop there, however, but continued his trek upstream. The riverbank proved to be on a gentle incline and at last he found the spot he was searching for. A decently size waterfall tumbled gently over the rocky surface, patches of moss adding splashes of color. The stones themselves rose at a rather sharp angle though it was clear there were decently sized ledges and even a couple of caves that lead into the hillside.

Varick paused, glancing up toward Deirdre a moment. "I love this spot in particular, no matter the time of day. The view is incredible if you climb to the top of the falls. Consider it my treat that I've shared it with you," Varick said humorously. He only meant it as a small joke. "Although, if you really want to know... there's a hidden cavern behind the falls also. And there's always a plentiful supply of fish," he added with a grin. Though he never ate them. After all, he had no need to eat meat or any substance at all really given his nature. Still, he was curious if she would find it desirable. He sat back and awaited her reaction.