Timestamp: 15th day of Spring, 515 AV Taeria murmured sleepily as the sensation of prickly claws kneading her stomach intruded on her awareness. When it didn't go away after a few ticks, and a loud, insistent miaow commanded her attention, Taeira gave up the thought of going back to sleep. She opened her eyes, and was greeted by the sight of Darkyn sitting on her abdomen. Her black feline companion had a small grey mouse dangling from his mouth. When he noticed that he had her attention, he dropped the dead creature at his feet, and nudged it a bit. Taeira had to fight the urge to laugh. The brave hunter looked so proud of his accomplishment. Taeira knew that if she dared laugh at his "gift," Darkyn would never forgive her for it. "Thank you." Taeira said drily. The proud cat purred, and walked up onto Taeira's chest so she could thank him properly. Taeira obliged by scratching behind Darkyn's ears and stroking the soft fur along his back. Darkyn's spine arched in response, and his deep, rumbling purr grew louder. When he had had enough, he nipped Taeira's hand lightly, and jumped down. Shadow watched all of this from her place at the foot of Taeira's bed. "I suppose it's time to get up, anyway." Taeira got out of bed, taking care not to lose track of Darkyn's "gift." Finding a dead mouse in her bed when she went to go to sleep was not a thought that she relished. After a quick glance around the small cottage to make certain that Darkyn wasn't watching her, Taeira opened the door, and tossed the dead mouse out into some nearby bushes. The early morning sun bathed the world in a pale light. Taeira retreated back inside. She wanted to take stock of her supplies because it looked as though it would be a good day for gathering herbs, and Taeira wanted to make the most of it. If she was lucky, she might even find some seedlings that she could plant in her own garden. She suspected that it was too early in the season for that, though. A quick check of what she had told her that she was completely out of willow bark, and she was running low on cattails. Both could be found along the banks of the Avitar River that flowed through the fields. Taeira took a few chimes to gather the supplies she would need, including a sack to put her gathered herbs in, and the tools she would need to dig up roots, cut stalks and leaves, gather bark, and anything else she might find. As she did so, Shadow weaved her way in and out of her legs, making it a challenge to walk without tripping. Finally, she had to scoop her cat up into her arms. She scratched Shadow behind her ears, and ruffled her fur for a few ticks. Shadow purred loudly, a deep, rumbling sound that brought a smile to Taeira's lips. Taeira set her down on her bed gently, and watched her flop down onto her back. Taeira's smile brightened into a broad grin. "You want a belly rub, do you? I think we can accommodate that." she said, biting back a laugh at the young cat's antics. Taeira bent down, and rubbed Shadow's belly vigorously for a few chimes. Then it was time to go. The sun was warm, and pleasant as Taeira walked outside, and made her way out into the fields. She walked slowly through the fields. It was a beautiful day, and Taeira wanted to enjoy it. Others were out in the fields, working. Some of them waved as she passed by, and Taeira waved back a greeting in return. When Taeira reached the river, she began walking along the edge of its bank, sharp eyes peeled and on the lookout for clusters of cattails, or willows. |