Bated Breath

[Naiya]

Naiya followed the line of the girl's inquiry, too slow to stop her from touching it. "Looks like rose," She called to the woman, lifting the mother and adding it to a second large hole in the ground. She adjusted the plant until the stem was straight, adding dirt a little at a time to keep it all in place.

Once the mother was planted, she dropped the rest of her potatoes into her basket, bringing it along with her as she joined the woman beside the new plant. Naiya deposited the basket beside her feet, examining the plant with new proximity. "Mm," She was unsure, the plant was familiar, "The flowers can be eaten." Positive, "The skin from the berries is good, it is very tart. You can use it fresh or dried, and it makes good tea. The petals from the flower taste similar to how they smell, so they make good tea too, or you can add them to fruit."

She knew there was something else. "I think you can eat the leaves and stem..." She peered more closely at them both, "Maybe only when they are young... or maybe that's something else." She shrugged, apologetic, "I'm not very good at this." She admitted, know only some.

She plucked a berry from the plant, peeling the skin away from the bundle of furry seeds. She sprinkled the bundle around the base of the plant, a less effective method of planting, but enough to give them a chance.

"Cutting the flowers helps it grow more, and the same follows with the berries..." Her voice trailed off, the berries had a special name... but she couldn't recall that either. Perhaps Rufio knew and could help her later, "Just be sure you remove the whole thing and don't leave any on the stem or it will try to repair it instead of just growing new." She tried to explain as best she knew, but she wasn't really a good teacher, especially since she knew almost nothing aside from what the names of plants were.

"I don't have a lot of use for the flowers, but if you want some, we can send them with you when we are done today." She said the words, but then realized that she wasn't being reasonable. The petals could flavor cream, make a floral sweet, and could be soaked in water to make a perfumed wash. She relayed the information to the girl, explaining the many uses that had come to mind just after she said she didn't want the flowers.

[Caesi Starguide]

.




Caesi listened to the woman intently, nodding occasionally. It was just a flower in the young Drykas eyes. She did not realize that the plant actually had uses to it, although Naiya was not that positive on all of the uses. Caeso watched as she peeled a berry open, spreading the seeds at the base of the plant. Caesi assumed it was either to feed birds or to grow more plants, which one it was she was not sure, but she followed suite. Plucking a light red berry she peeled it, then dug the hairy seeds from inside and let them spill out on the ground.

Naiya mentioned she had no use for the flowers really, so Caesi shrugged a shoulder. She liked them, especially the way they smelled so she decided to pick a few. At the very least she could put them in her Yvas bags. As she went to remove the flowers, making sure she did as Naiya instructed and not leaving any on the stem so it will grow new, Naiya spoke up once more. She gave more details of what the flowers could be used for, one being a perfumed wash. “So wait.. If I bath with these I will smell like them?” Caesi said wide eyed, a bit surprised.

She had feminine tendencies, no one liked smelling like Zibri Muffins all the time after all. The idea of actually smelling like the rose flowers, made her perk up with great interest. She continued to remove the bundle of flowers from the stem, leaving the stem bare and gathering all the little flowers from the plant. At the very least she could give some to her mother when she went to the Pavilion, she would love the way they smelled. That is.. if they did not wilt and completely die before she could get back. Which was the most likely outcome, but perhaps her Pavilion could find a use out of them still.

Caesi reached up and plucked a few berries from the bush as well, placing the flowers and berries in her Yvas bag. If Naiya had no use for them still, she would find something to do with it. After all, she was learning that there was more to everything out on the Plains. Everything, including the tall grass, could be used for something.

Caesi turned to Naiya, the woman looked a little sickly. Her complexion was paler then from when she first met her, “Are you okay?” Caesi asked, worry covering her features, Sick? Caesi gestured with her hands, with a questioning look upon her face, as she examined the woman more closely. Caesi was no healer, nor did she have an affinity for such a thing. But she was not stupid either, when someone was pale like that, usually they were about to vomit or were sick. Being out in this heat may of made the woman feel faint too, so Caesi looked around her, “Do you need shade?” She asked Naiya, as she peered with teal-green eyes at the woman's face, searching for a reaction. It was possible the woman was as stubborn as she was. If Caesi was sick she would not say she was, just continue working and doing what she could. If the woman was the same, she would nod her head, and not ask any more questions of the woman. Knowing full well that it would not get her anywhere but an irritated red-head.

| Thoughts |

[Naiya]

The bright skin of the berry was lifted to her mouth, the tart flavor a happy contrast to the damp heat of the air. She watched Caesi pick the flowers as she chewed, waiting until the small morsel was gone before answering.

"It would be best to grind the petals in a bowl, then add a little bit of water or oil. That will give you the most smell, but putting the petals in a wash basin will work too." Naiya explained, plucking a petal from a flower and crushing it in her fingers so the woman could smell how much stronger the scent was.

The berry skin was sitting poorly in her stomach, perhaps because of the heat, so Naiya took a slow, careful drink of her water before moving to gather some of the roses with Caesi. The flowers she tucked into her tunic, creating a basket away from the damaging weight of the food in her other vessel. She added the berries too, taking a fair amount from the bush and another nearby to her yvas, stowing them an a bag that was nearly empty.

Walking back to the brush Naiya found herself out of breath, perhaps because of the growing discomfort in her stomach. She picked up her basket, moving to another cluster of tall leafy greens that she recognized as dandelion.

Important to know, "These dark thin stalked plants are dandelions, every part can be eaten." She explained. Caesi looked over, but rather than responding to the new information her face grew worried.

Naiya saw no point in lying, her body had been treating her strangely of late, but it didn't stop her from working. Little unwell, Naiya conceded with a shrug, moving further into the trees towards the bright flowers of the dandelion. She settled down beside them, growing like weeds in the shade of the trees.

"I think the berry was too sour, it seems to have unsettled my stomach." Worry not, manageable she explained to the woman, "The heat doesn't help, of course, but I think if I can just find some mint to settle my stomach I will be fine."

She turned to the plants around her, lifting the flowers to show Caesi, "This whole plant can be eaten raw, but if it grows directly in sunlight, or if it is late in the season and the plant is old, it tastes better cooked." She began to pluck the plants from the ground, focusing on ones with a mix of open flowers and buds. "The roots are invigorating if you brew them into tea, and they can be eaten. The seeds can be shelled and ground into flour. The rest is eaten like any green leafy plant."

She hesitated, recalling the words of the healer who had visited early in the season that perhaps she needed to listen to her body more.

"Perhaps," gentle suggestion, "If you don't mind, we should move on to the water, I think perhaps it is too hot for me." She was apologetic in her stature, forcing them to move now after the girl had recommended it earlier.

If Caesi agreed, Naiya would pull a few more bushels of dandelion and add them to her basket before returning to Wildfire and mounting up.

[Caesi Starguide]

.




Caesi took what Naiya said about crushing the flowers and committed it to her memory, especially after the aroma was that much stronger. She could not wait to make a perfume bath, to rid her of the stench of sweat and working constantly around and near animals. Though she was not sure how her companions would react to the new scent of Caesi, since she had never used perfume or bathing oils. She just used unscented globs of soap to wash with, to keep her clean but not to make her smell any different.

Caesi listened but was still worried even though Naiya assured her it was of no concern. She nodded her head, dismissing the conversation since it was not concerning to the woman. She would not press the issue, only make small suggestions. Naiya introduced Caesi to what she always thought as weeds. Dandelions. Naiya explained how every part could be eaten, but if in direct sunlight or old then it would be best to cook the plant. Caesi nodded, getting down on her knees to gather a few bundles with Naiya. Taking roots and all since the whole plant could be used, plus dandelion tea actually sounded nice to Caesi.

Caesi covered the holes from where she plucked the dandelions from, turning to look at Naiya who was ready to move towards the water. Caesi smiled, “I think it would be best for all.” She told the woman, as they walked to their striders. Depositing the dandelions in her Yvas bags she mounted Pyxis, “Water should not be too far. Trees indicate a water source.” Caesi said with a nod towards the trees. She remembered this information from when she was young. She went out hunting with a older boy, Khasr, from a different clan. He had taught her a few things during that hunting trip that she still utilized to this day. “Perhaps we should go around instead of through the trees.” Caesi suggested to the woman.

Clicking her tongue she went around the trees instead of through them, in case they were larger animals hiding in the shade of the trees, to a small pond that had sparse trees around it's edges. The ride lasted half a bell, but it was worth it. She did not have the energy to take down a larger animal this day, the sun was soaking energy from her body like water from the soil. Giving a relieved sigh she turned to Naiya, “Perhaps there will be plants around the waters edge?” She asked the woman, remembering that she had found cattails at one time in a small body of water, which they turned out to be of more use then she realized when she brought them back to her pavilion.

Pyxis nickered, ready for a drink of water herself, Nu yapped and charged forward to the water. The dog stuck his front legs into the body of water and started lapping at the surface. He seemed to cool down instantly, becoming quite happy with the situation. Caesi dismounted Pyxis and lead her to the water so she too could cool down and get a drink, while waiting for Naiya to get ready to look for more plants at the body of water. “Do you need to rest a minute or do you want to forage some more?” Caesi asked, her face blank so the woman did not think she was pitying her.

Though honestly Caesi was, she knew what it was like to force yourself to do what was needed when you were not feeling well. It was not pleasing, so leaving the opition of rest open to the woman and making that small suggestion was all that she would do. If Naiya wanted to rest, Caesi would look around and bring a plant or two to her for her to explain to Caesi. If the plants were of use she would gather some for Naiya while she rested. If the woman did not want to rest a little, then Caesi would follow her lead to what ever plant she spotted.

| Thoughts |

[Naiya]

Naiya leaned forward in her seat slightly, applying gentle pressure to Wildfire's sides with her calves. The motions and the click of her tongue urged him forward into a walk. She was uncomfortable, and it translated to him through the tightness of her body, stifling his walk. She took a few beep breaths, focusing on loosening her hips to let them better follow the gentle sway of his shoulders as he moved.

It took a few minutes, but she managed, and Wildfire soon was walking happily beside Pyxis. She kept a good distance between them, making sure that if either horse decided they disliked the other, there would be too much distance between them to bite or kick at one another.

She swiped dampness away from her brow, sweat was trickling down her spine and she was regretting her choice of clothing. She had worn her breeches and boots because it had seemed the most reasonable choice for hunting, but she would have been better off sticking to the loin cloth she had sewn together earlier in the season.

"There should be plenty of plants here," Naiya answered, walking Wildfire all the way to the water's edge before dismounting with a little wobble. Wait she signed to the horse, pulling his yvas off fully adorned so that he could splash in the water without getting all the gear wet.

She released him to the water as she hefted the yvas to the side, placing it in the shade. Banti lapped at the water, but didn't get in, choosing instead to go off into the grass. Perhaps she would bring back prey.

"Just a moment." Naiya told her, removing her boots before seeking the water for herself. She waded in, letting the water chase away the heat and saturate her clothes. She dunked herself fully beneath the water, dampening her hair before rising. The cold water was refreshing, abating the pressure of the illness in her stomach.

She parted her hair into three sections at the top, weaving the dripping ropes around and under one another only in a line along the center of her head, leaving both sides of her hair hang around her face. Once the braid reached the base of her skull, she turned the braid's direction, using the pieces from the side to lock the rope of hair in place on her head. In the end she had a braid that sat neatly piled on her skull rather than draping over her shoulder and neck. Not to mention the hair would stay damp longer that way, allowing her to stay cool longer.

Caesi had taken the time to find a plant, although she didn't seem sure if it was any good. Naiya followed the woman to where she had found it, eyeing the plant. It was similar to the pickle plant that grew in salt water, and it took Naiya longer than she liked to recall the name of this one.

"Watercress," She finally found the name, the waxy tube shaped plant had small white flowers at the top, the leaves were instead green branches that looked more like reaching fingers than leaves. "It is spicy... peppery." Naiya recalled, "You can eat it like a leafy green, or dry it and use it in soup or stew later."

[Caesi Starguide]

.




Caesi watched as Naiya removed the Yvas from her Strider, so the horse could play in the water. Pyxis snorted and nickered, letting Caesi know she was a bit jealous and wanted to play with Wildfire in the water. Caesi smiled and removed her Yvas as well, placing it where Naiya had placed hers. Pyxis neighed happily and playfully trotted to Wildfire and splashed the Strider with water. Caesi watched as the horses cooled off in the water. Nu had cooled off as well, drinking his fill of water, and was off in the trees. Caesi guessed he was hunting or searching after Banti since he was curious about the Drykas Hunting Cat. Caesi was not sure if he should bother the great cat. She appeared strong and fierce, though perhaps a little timid of others. She was beautiful either way, with her coat shining in the sun. Naiya obviously took well care of her hunting cat and Strider, as both seemed loyal and happy with the woman.

By the time she brought her attention back to Naiya she was in the water cooling off herself, and had just resurfaced from wetting her hair. Caesi looked down then at the water and decided she would rather wait or not be in soaking wet clothes at all. So while Naiya cooled herself in the water, Caesi looked around until she spotted a curious looking plant. Bring Naiya over with a gesture, the more experienced woman came forth. She took pause for a chime, as she racked her brain, then told Caesi it was called a Watercress. Caesi looked down with it's small white flowers and finger like branches that were reaching towards them both. It was an odd looking plant to Caesi, but she listened as Naiya said it was a spicy, peppery plant and that you could eat it like leafy greens or dry it out to use in your soups and stews.

Caesi nodded with a smile, “So the leaves are like the spices they add to the stew to make it taste better.” Caesi said with a gentle laugh, reaching down and touching the plant gently. “It is good to know that if I were ever abandoned in the Sea of Grass there are many foods I could eat.” The young Drykas woman looked over at Naiya with a grin. She did not expect to ever be abandoned but if she ever were lost, then she would be able to survive a bit longer, with the knowledge Naiya was giving her.

| Thoughts |

[Naiya]

Naiya nodded in agreement, but couldn't quite muster a smile in response, not while her stomach rolled uncomfortably. "It is important to know the flora of your home, it's why the Nightsongs taught the children to forage. I didn't learn it as well as some, I always wanted to learn to fight like the boys."

She wiped sweat from her brow that had nothing to do with heat, excuse me she signed hurriedly, moving away quickly, hoping to find mint in the grass nearby. Her eyes scanned the ground, seeking the distinct dark spiked leaved of mint, or the round bumpy leaves of sage. The cool water hadn't helped, but perhaps the herbs would settle her stomach.

She found sage first, tall and plentiful where it grew in the shade off the shore, she plucked leaves from a flowerless branch, biting into a bundle of them with vigor. She chewed, hoping to find the magic of the plant would work quickly, otherwise she was sure her stomach would empty itself in front of this near stranger.

What had gotten into her? To feel this sickly, sometimes even waking up so. It was odd, and she disliked how weak it made her feel. She would see the healer again soon, this was decided for her. She couldn't stand it feeling like this, and she could spare a rabbit to give to the riverflower.

She plucked a few more leaves, chewing slowly while she waited for the medicine to work. She searched the grass for mint as well, the sage alone was not as pleasant as the mint might have been. Her chest felt tight, and she grew more concerned even as she searched for the mint. She knew that if she found it, the mint would soothe her airways as well as settle her stomach, so she redoubled her efforts.

If she didn't find some soon she might have to return home. She knew she had some there, but she had wanted to gather more plants before returning. She called out to Caesi.

"That tall pale green plant is sage, it is good for flavor, it also freshens breath and soothes an upset stomach. You can pick whole branches, it won't harm the plant and it dries better on the stem." She told her, glossing over a number of its uses in favor of brevity.

[Caesi Starguide]

.




Caesi nodded her head in understanding, she would have to make it a point to study more of the flora and fauna of her home. Perhaps there may be a book somewhere that she could read about it or inquire of things from an older person in one of the pavilions. She observed Naiya who did not look that well at all. She excused herself as she began to search the ground for something, though Caesi was not sure what she was looking for.

After a few moments she did find something, picking some leaves from the plant she began to chew them furiously. But her condition was still the same, she looked as if she was going to throw it all back up at any second. Caesi frowned and watched as she still searched for some type of plant. Naiya looked as if she was in a slight panic, her anxiety spiking slightly, as her eyes frantically searched the ground.

Naiya called out to Caesi who came to her side, as she explained that the tall pale green plant was sage. So she had ate the leaves, or rather chewed, because her stomach was upset. She rose a brow and shook her head, “Let us call it a day for now. You need to get back and rest your stomach. If you keep pushing you will be bed ridden, and then no use to any one.” She explained to Naiya, suggesting that she rest up a little and let the queasiness leave her. Otherwise if she kept pushing herself when she was obviously sick, she would be down for the count longer then any stubborn person would like.

Caesi picked a few bunches of the sage, as she watched over Naiya. “Perhaps you should go back home, rest a little, ease your stomach.” Caesi suggested again, a small smile on her face. The heat was getting to Caesi as well, but she could not imagine having an upset stomach and being in this heat.

Besides they were able to cover a wide variety of plants so far and they could always meet up another day, at another time, when Naiya was feeling much better and able to search the plains a little longer. Caesi pushed herself to the limits too, however, she knew when to take a reprieve so her body did not torture her later on, leaving her worthless for days. Caesi walked over to Pyxis, stroking her now wet neck. The Strider's seemed to have enjoyed themselves in the water, which made Caesi smile, “Ready to go home girl?” She asked Pyxis who snorted, not really ready to go as she had obviously made a new friend. Caesi chuckled, then tossed over her shoulder to Naiya, “Besides I have to go back home soon too. I need to help my family with a sick Strider.” She told Naiya, so she would not think it was all her fault, Caesi needed to leave soon anyways.

She went to the Yvas, placing the sage in the bags, then whistled for Pyxis who reluctantly came over. Caesi slipped the Yvas over her head, making sure it fit snug but loose on her shoulders. Then she whistled for Nu, who looked up at her then laid his head back down ignoring her. He would come when she started to leave, he just wanted to be a pain in her arse at the moment.

“I will wait for you to mount up, in case you need help.” Caesi told Naiya, she did not want to leave the woman alone out in the plains, with out her being on the back of her Strider and with Banti at her side. Her companions would keep her safe and out of harms way, if she had to lean over the side of her horse and vomit. The thought made her cringe slightly, Caesi did not want to see someone throw up, it always made her gag. Once Naiya was mounted how ever she would bid farewell to her, telling Naiya that she hoped they would meet again sometime, then ride on with Nu running to catch up since he wanted to wait til the last possible second.

| Thoughts |

[Naiya]

At first she protested.

Letting the leaves soothe her stomach as she found a mint plant, which she added to the bundle of leaves she was eating. She plucked a bushel of the stems as well, gathering enough mint to last them the entire week should she use it every day.

It made a difference, just the smell of the mint, enough that she was able to gather sage with Caesi before the woman gave her a second look, a very subtle reprimand. Naiya could hardly argue further, she wanted to go home, although the ache to return was always a bittersweet one knowing that Shahar would not be there, would not return come evening.

She acquiesced returning to her yvas she loaded the basket and its contents into one bag, the more fragile plants going into a second separate bag. "I appreciate your company today, Caesi." Naiya spoke as she used her hand like a blade to push water off Wildfire's back shoulders and neck, "Perhaps we can meet again soon, I enjoyed sharing what I could about the plants." The water would make him uncomfortable where the yvas rested, so she chased as much of it away as she could before slipping the yvas and pad into place.

She called for Banti, a gentle sound that would let the cat know she was leaving, the huntress would come at her will, Naiya trusted her ability to run to keep her safe. If she was hunting, she would return after she was finished. With everything settled she swung up into her seat, a bit haphazardly, but Wildfire held steady as she adjusted.

Apology for cutting short, promise to do again, safe travel The signs to Caesi were quick, ones of departure as they were not far from the city and she knew they would go separate ways to reach their destination.

Besides, Naiya was in no mood to mosey home and chat, she wanted to get away from the public eye before she was sick. With farewells done with, Naiya spurred Wildfire into a canter, the smooth rhythm hard on her stomach, but eating the ground between her and home.

[Colt]

Naiya Dawnwhisper

Experience

Wilderness survival	5
Teaching	5
Socialization	3
Observation	3
Riding	2
Trapping	1
Logic	1
Herbalism	1
Gardening	1
Skinning	1
Cooking	1

Lores
As the sun rises, so does the heat
Best pay attention to your stomach
Caesi Starguide: a curious student
Caesi Starguide: sets water on fire
Caesi Starguide: the succinct summarizer
Caesi Starguide: welcome company
Dandelion: edible in all ways
Mysterious sicknesses are inconvenient
Hiding discomfort from your family
Watercress: spicy greens
Wildfire: not a morning horse

Gained Items :

1 dead squirrel
1 lb root vegetables
1 mushroom cluster
1/2 lb leafy greens

Caesi Starguide

Experience

Foraging	4
Observation	5
Socialization	4
Interrogation	3
Animal husbandry	2
Herbalism	2
Wilderness survival	1
Rhetoric	1
Riding	1
Horsemanship	1

Lores
Dandelion: edible in all ways
Naiya Dawnwhisper: a blunt conversationalist
Naiya Dawnwhisper: grieving the pirate raids
Naiya Dawnwhisper: knowledge of plants
Naiya Dawnwhisper: secretly sick?
Nu: early riser, early annoyance
Watercress: spicy greens
Wild rose: edible, fragrant and painful
Wilderness survival: leave the mother plant, eat the shoots
Wilderness survival: take only what you need
Wilderness survival: potatoes are versatile
Wildfire: Naiya’s pretty strider

Gained Items :

5 oz flowers
2 oz berries
4 oz dandilions
2oz sage

Lores
This was a really fun read, you two! Caesi, I wanted to give you more riding xp, but you didn't describe what you were doing. Just saying "Caesi got on her strider and rode over to Place A," won't nab you the same points as "Caesi leaped into the yvas, leaned forward and squeezed her knees to send her strider into a trot." Overall, though, it was a really pleasant thread to grade from, both sides! If you have any questions about your grades, feel free to shoot me a PM!