sunlight wove through the willow canopy, dappling cloud lash's back as she knelt among the roots. her nose twitched with every crush of leaf and stem—goldthread, soapwort, wild licorice. she sorted each into tidy bundles, murmuring thanks beneath her breath to skedzay for the scent-rich wind.
north of the valley, the air was cooler, sharper. she liked it here.
a concoction of bark and twine sat at her side, already half-filled. still not enough. she worked on, deft paws busy, red eyes flicking now and then to the hills beyond. she would need more for the season’s turn.