Mid-winter had arrived, bringing with it a flurry of heavy snows on the mainland. Chickadee was grateful for the relatively light snow which fell over Glorall -- being so near the sea seemed to give the ocean-side territory a weather system all of its own, and Chicky had never been fond of snow.

The russet and black peppered female walked slowly along the coastline. She had spent the majority of the day seeking out what few herbs still remained in the bitter cold of winter. There were few plants around, this time of year, and Chickadee was eager for spring to arrive and bring forth the abundance of herbs and plants which surely would thrive in Glorall's environment.

What Chickadee really needed was a master to teach her the ways of the healing world -- but given that Glorall was a newly established kingdom, she seemed to be the first of her kind. It would be slow going for her, and a dangerous route as well -- she could only test the plants' effects on herself, and Chicky was well aware of the fact that some plants were deadly beyond any hope of survival. Her work took careful observation, long hours spent observing how the smaller mammals of Glorall treated the plants and what they used them for.

Already, she had singled out two different types of plants for soothing sour stomachs, which she had discovered by watching the grazing habits of young deer. She had also discovered the original source of their discomfort; a small round mushroom which seemed to be a mild toxin. In greater amounts, it seemed to be a useful tool in inducing vomiting -- which Chickadee would dearly need, should she ever consume something she should not have.

She remembered a little from growing up in an established pack far North -- things she had been taught about native plants and animals which could be consumed or rolled in to ease various ailments. But things were different in Glorall, and for the most part she found herself beginning from scratch...

But for now, her day of learning had come to an end. She was on the hunt for something far different, now -- companionship. She had only been a member of Glorall for a few days, but she had not yet met any of her fellow packmates (aside from Tess and Jagger, of course).

So she moved along the seashore, where the land was open and she could be easily spotted. Choosing a place in the sun where the sand was a little warmer (though not by much), Chickadee sat back on her haunches and sighed. For the moment she was merely content to sit and stare at the ocean horizon, thinking over all that she'd learned earlier in the day.

Perhaps someone would find her here. If not, she would have to make due with her own company, as she had grown accustomed to doing..

---

CHICKADEE
^{you're not alone}