Goldblossom was taken in by the scent of herbs and blossoms. But she stopped short at the scent of a border. Clear blue eyes studied the surrounding area. Dainty paws resting in repose as she weighed her options.

Most places didn't need healers. They had enough. She was curious if this would be similar. She hadn't realized it would be so hard to make a life out of her training.

She settled in to wait. Most of these wolves were probably sleeping

「 Skill Point ― Scout 」

Festivities were about to be in full swing as the man continued to prepare the festival. It felt like every time he looked over his shoulder, a new face would appear, and the Skorungr couldn't have been more thankful for the distractions, but he still needed to get everything set up before the grand reveal that would occur in the next couple of hours.

While most guests were from other packs, that didn't stop the odd loner from wandering over to their island home. His eyes turned towards the beach, keeping a close eye on the borders in case any untoward faces might appear, or even other animals that might pose an issue to their gathering, but this time, he could only find one soul on their shores.

The flowers that hung in his maw remained fixed, his approach slow but confident as a smile traced the corners of his lips. The shewolf was small, perhaps even smaller than Steren upon closer inspection, but that didn't deter the man's friendly demeanour. Instead, he muffled a greeting, a small chuff in her direction, dipping his head with a mock bow of his chin.

Once close enough, he lowered the flowers to the ground and let his smile grow, his voice finally finding freedom to greet the woman.

Welcome to Skjoldrheim, do you visit for our midsummer festival today? he queried smoothly. She smelt divine, but Tyr didn't make it habit to comment on such things aloud.

She saw a figure approaching. Big bigger than her. Her ears slicked back and then perked forward. Blue eyes lifting to his face.

He reminded her of a sea storm in his coloring. It was a startling contrast. Her tail wagged as he approached. A small smile on her face.

Hi. I'm Goldblossom.

His question surprised her and she shook her head. No I smelled the flowers. Is it a feast or a special occasion?

「 Skill Point ― Seer 」

Goldblossom, a name that fit the woman in front of the god. A wolf of gold who smelled like flora. No doubt aptly named by whoever bestowed the woman her title.

It is a pleasure to meet you, the Norseman greeted, warmth to his tone, My name is Tyr, and I suppose you could call it both. We are praising the gods to bring us good health and a bountiful summer. Hopefully, we'll ward off any evil spirits while we're at it, a chuckle followed as he cast his head back to look at the hills filled with wildflowers.

You are welcome to join us if you wish. he looked back to the woman, his eyes dancing with delight.

This one was a charmer she imagined. Handsome and kind. There was a happiness to his gaze, colored with impish delight.

Her mom had named her for her coloring and the blossoms that had gleaned along their quiet home. A place where a shy woman feared the world, but loved her family.

Well met, Tyr.

She listened ears forward. Gods. She wondered if he followed the gods her mother had coveted or she followed a different set. Her mom's a balance of dark and light. Nature and nurture.

She blinked surprised. oh but are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose? And I didn't bring an offering for your gods.

「 Skill Point ― Seer 」

Tyr matched the woman with a sympathetic look, No offering needed, just bring yourself, he supplied. He understood what it was like when you came empty-handed, but Skjoldrheim had more than enough to appease the gods. Especially when you might not understand the traditions of someone else's religion. It was always quite daunting.

It's a festival of flower picking, swimming, and even a spot of singing and dancing, do whatever you wish and feel free to mingle. Everyone will be in high spirits soon enough. he laughed once more, his tail waving behind him. It was all such a welcome distraction from the pain that often throbbed within his chest and head.

Maybe it was high time for the gods to give him a break, no?

---

May I ask you a question? I noticed the skill points at the top of your posts. You can use each post for a different skill?

His gaze grew somber and she noticed apathy in his gaze. She raised a paw and gently set it down. Unsure what to do with sympathy at the moment.

A small smile. That I can certainly do. I am a healer and midwife, though. So if I can repay you for the invite let me know.

She listened with rapt interest. Her ears standing up tall and her tail wagging at the mention of flower picking. She loved herbs. One of her more enjoyable tasks as a healer. She didn't have much practice with singing or dancing.

Thank you for the invite. I'd love to join in, if you're certain it's alright.

---

Of course! You can earn 5 skill points per thread, so that means five posts can earn you points as long as you are displaying a skill/interest in that thread. The skills we have on Vivarium can be found here! or you can navigate to them in quick links on the hotbar.

「 Skill Point ― heartbroken 」

He listened as she spoke, intrigue filling his mind. A healer and a midwife. Well, they were always short on those, in fact, to Tyr he could never get enough of them to manage the growing hoard he was amassing.

No repayment necessary, he started with a pause, But, how about, if you like it here enough, you consider sticking around? We could always use more hands, especially if we have any more pups on the way, It was a fair offer from him, but it was only if she wished it. He wasn't one to pressure anybody into staying where they didn't feel at peace.

The thought of more pups brought a flash of pain to his chest, an ache he was familiar with by this point. He couldn't imagine losing more, but then, the thought of Cupid made his brain surge with a need. What would happen if they decided to have more? More loss? It was something to think about, no doubt.

---

Thank you very much!

Skill Point=Healer/Midwife

Goldie had always loved healing. And helping her mother bring pups into the world ahh. She adored it. Loved it. Hoped to be in high demand like her mother as a midwife. Wanted to ease a mother's mind at the most vulnerable moment in their lives. There was just something innately beautiful and visceral about child birth, it was the closest you got to the gods she felt. Hovering inbetween worlds.

He reiterated that there was no repayment, but she caught the pause and waited. Opening and closing her paw in the dirt. She blinked surprised.

Would I only be allowed to offer my skills to the pack alone? I just.

She grew warm under her fur, wanted to squirm. I always found helping mothers in child birth to be my life's work. There is something about it. As close to the gods as you can get in my opinion. For those minutes or hours. Being there for the mom.

「 Skill Point ― Seer 」

Tyr's smile seemed to be unmoved the entire time he spoke with Goldblossom, a refreshing feeling for sure despite the ever-demanding ache in his chest.

Of course, hell, if you wanted to, you can also help our allies if they need it, She seemed good, wise even, despite how young she looked. Talk about judging someone by appearance when he, himself, was over a millennium in age.

You speak like a Norn already, he complimented, though he did not expect the woman to understand his beliefs, They often bless the births of children, he followed, trying to elaborate on his comment.