She was surprised by the action, the moment where the boy walked up nuzzling underneath her chin so similar to how her daughters had. A small sad smile came across her maw then, one of understanding and gratitude. While she was old enough to be his mother, she wasn’t but perhaps she was the first since Rhae to give him the love and affection a mother would and she was perfectly fine if he saw her in that kind of light. She tilted her head down to give him a soft kind of hug over his head her tail giving a few waves before he pulled away and she still smiled at him. He was very much their son, and her mate’s brother. They were so kind and loving and quick to give comfort even if they themselves were in pain. So much like her own family and it was what made her love Lucero and his family all the more when she lived in Asteraia.

However, it was time to begin his training. She turned and began walking to the den where she stored all the herbs. Some of her mother’s collect was moved there after her health began fading as many of the dried plants were still perfectly usable for years to come. Zeltzin knew that Halcyon had trained already with the outsider healer Blackfoot. She didn’t know him at all, only that he too wanted the Shaman position that she desired. Of course she respected him for his ability as a healer, but she herself wanted to hold the title her mother once did and make her proud and continue in her footsteps. The only daughter of Coza and Moth would follow the mother, the eldest Son the father and Dexter was their happy mediator between the two souls that followed almost equally down both paths. Zeltzin was determined though; she would become the shaman even if it meant facing some fears of hers.

When they were close to the den the young warrior spoke up. She didn’t face him right away but a smile touched her maw as he spoked about what he had learned from Blackfoot and how he showed him a lot of herbs. She let out a musing ‘Hmmm’ at that and shook her head. ”You will never learn every herb that quickly. I spent seasons, years begrudgingly learning from my Mother what each herb did and still I am learning new things. You will never learn them all unless you dedicate everything to this purpose. “ She wasn’t sure if maybe Blackfoot thought he would learn them all so easily but that was a lot to take in for a child of his age and with no healing background.

”Well we will review what Blackfoot taught you, or at least I want to see what you know about what herbs he showed you and dressing wounds. After that I will show you some plants that relieve pain, stomach illness and some other more basic things that I feel you will need rather than throw everything at you. It matters a lot though on why you are learning. Are you wanting to be a full-fledged healer or just know so you can help around the pack?” She asks. For if he was a warrior just wanting basic healing knowledge she could teach that with a few lessons in a few days. If he wanted a full tutoring he would likely have to stay for much longer. Upwards to a few season at a minimum. ”But I at least want to show you what does what for pain, what ones can cause addiction, which are safer but maybe be weaker. It’s important to know you shouldn’t just slap anyone a poppy seed in someone’s face unless they are in a lot of pain.”

Her den came into sight then and she led the way in. Herbs were placed in little niches all over the walls. Pelts were by the entrance scattered about and a little pool of water was at the edge for paw washing between grabbing different pastes and herbs. ”Welcome to my storage room.” She says smiling looking at him expectantly before moving to a wall and seating herself waiting for the lesson to officially begin.