It seemed like more and more often that Swallowbane wouldn’t come down at all. Master healer, he’d been promoted, and yet he’d sooner put himself away than actually come down and interact with the pack. Wouldn’t want to look like too much of a recluse, and yet… and yet there he was. Couldn’t rely on people getting hurt and needing his help every day to bring him down off the mountain. Sure, he had a spot in the main pack, but he didn’t usually stay there. It was more of a go-between when he needed something, or when he needed to maintain observation on someone. No, he’d always preferred his own space up on the mountain where he could watch everyone. That was how he’d keep them safe.

But there were certain things that he needed to do. Responsibilities, or more, just the things that he needed to do in order to keep his head in one piece. With birthing season coming up he needed to add to the stores of valerian root, as well as bring more poppies in to dry. Witch hazel was also always worth collecting, as the yellow plant had an infinite number of uses. Though Swallowbane had more to learn, he liked to think himself well prepared should something come up. That was what he needed to be, right? His sister trusted him, as did Niviaq, and that was what mattered.

An easy gait across the spring greenery that covered the foot of the mountain itself. At the sight of the white flowers that came with the valerian plant, Swallowbane dropped his paws and began to dig. It was easy going through the soil that was a simple mix of sand and rock, as the flower had taken root in one of the poorer areas of their home. He’d only disturb a portion of it now, leaving enough to continue growing as it needed to. Though it was important to be stocked, it was also important that there be more for time coming.

Clump of earthy roots hanging from his jaw, Swallowbane continued on in search of the real prize—with hazel.