[Harriette]

ooc: hello! this is a check in for current Acolytes as well as a recruitment thread for any hopeful Acolytes. i am going to run this a little bit differently, since it's a bit difficult to "prove your skills" in a random group setting. if you are joining as a hopeful, you will basically only post here to express your interest. from here, i would like to move to one-on-one short form (discord or forum) roleplays. if your character already has some knowledge of medicine/herbs/etc, Harriette will have you join her in the Living Tree and she will observe/ask you questions about how to treat specific illnesses. if your character has no experience but wants to join the rank, Harriette will have you shadow her to learn about different medicinal treatments.

if you are already an Acolyte, and you'd like to take on any of these one-on-one threads (whether it be observing or being shadowed), that is totally fine with me! Harriette will ask if any of the current Acolytes wants to take charge on any of that.

deadline for new posts: Sunday Nov 4

It was time for some change.

While Harriette loved being busy at the Living Tree – she needed the distraction, so her thoughts wouldn’t immediately drift to the snowy white nomad – she was starting to feel a little bit rundown. She knew she wasn’t the only one in there, but she often felt like it. Her beloved father was still there now and then, lending a helping hand when he wasn’t busy tending to his many children. She didn’t fault him for it, however. She knew he was a busy man, and she appreciated any and all of the help he gave.

But when Harriette asked Hawthorne about recruiting some help, she was shocked to hear him say that he wanted her to take the lead on the rank. She had been practicing as an Acolyte for quiet some time, yes, but she never once thought about leading them. It took her by surprise, but she kindly obliged, as it sounded as though her father genuinely wanted this for her. He had his hands full with other important matters, and Harriette was young and had plenty of time.

Thus began the brainstorming and the planning, to find an appropriate time to leave the Tree to seek out willing minds. There had to be at least a small handful of others in Gemini who wanted to delve into the world of medicine and herbal relief; to help and care for fellow pack mates. It was just a matter of getting out there and asking the question.

Harriette stepped out of the Living Tree, taking in the world around her. The sun was high in the sky, miles of blue stretched out over the green expanse of Gemini. Not a single cloud in sight. Harriette inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of dying leaves and wilting flowers. The air was chilly, but there was hardly a breath of wind to disturb the perfection of this beautiful autumn day.

Taking a moment to collect herself, she sat. Licking her lips, she tilted her head back and released a howl, calling for current Acolytes (anyone that happened to have been in the Living Tree already would have been personally approached by Harriette and told about this meeting) to meet with her, and for any hopeful Acolytes, or anyone with any interest in the rank, to come as well. She hoped her call reached far enough to cover the entirety of Gemini, as she didn’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity.

Feeling satisfied, she lowered her head and waited, feeling hopeful that this would be a good thing.

I hope I can make you proud, dad.

A E S T H E T I C

[Ivaylo]

"And I will show you something different from either
Your shadow at morning striding behind you
Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you
I will show you fear in a handful of dust."

She was awakened by the acolyte, Harriette, the woman who helped her recover from her shattered leg and nightmares. Ivaylo jumped at her touch, her eyes struggling to stay open as she glanced up at the masked healer. A meeting? Her voice was soft and low, and not as pressing as she sounded to the others occupying the Living Tree. It took her a moment to understand, but she nodded and lay her head back down. She needed a few minutes.

The last few weeks had been painful, quiet, and distressing. She fought daily to stand on all fours, gritting her teeth and groaning through every convulsion of aches. But it was all in vain. She couldn't. It made her give up on the idea of being outside, being a part of Gemini. But after Angus found her... she had never wanted something so badly. She fought harder, she screeched and forced herself through the torment of immobility. What she couldn't do in a conscious state of mind, she did in her sleep. Since returning from the battle with the slavers, she had experienced erratic moments of blacking out and appearing in places she had never visited. How else had she traveled so far? If her feet could bring her to these mysterious destinations, then surely they could allow her to stand.

Her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes watered as she thought of all the times she'd come out of her trances and start panicking. Harriette would be there, attempting to calm her and help her back to the den. The look on her face every time... it pained Ivaylo to see it. She internalized it to the point where she blamed herself for this dilemma. She put herself in it, after all. It was her choice to go. No one forced her to fight for the orphans. But here she was, paying the price for wanting to sacrifice herself. Moron. Of course you'd never get what you wanted in the end.

But there was no reason to dwell on it now. Angus was safe. He was here. They were... home. He needed her now more than ever. But if she really wanted to help him, she needed to help herself first. She glanced down at her mauled leg, unaccompanied by bandages and splints. It lay before her, wrapped in a warm wet cloth. It felt pleasant. It wasn't there last night. She then turned her head to strain her eyes against the sunlight that had begun to emerge from behind the trees and drift inside the cave. Harriette's howl sounded after a minute. She shivered and glared at her leg, and after what seemed like forever she flicked it off. No more.

---

The young fighter hobbled out of the Living Tree. Her scarred leg stood delicately on hard ground, but proud. Her chin was raised high. She would not slouch. Thinking back, she couldn't remember the last time Harriette had scolded her to not put pressure on her leg. After days and days of trying, she had given up again for awhile and didn't want to put more stress on her. But her frustration made her silent, not wanting to speak a word or hold conversation. She'd change that today. She'd surprise her with how much she's improved, how grown she's become through this. Ivaylo didn't want this before. Life in Gemini became an object of scorn. But she wanted this now. She believed she could make a difference. Not only for Gemini, but inside herself.

She smiled weakly as she approached Harriette from behind. Her nose would tap her back lightly, and then she would straighten with a grin. "Before anyone else comes running to your call... I wanted to thank you. Look... I-I'm here. My leg is working. And I'll listen to you. I know you don't think I'm strong enough yet, but let me be here for this. I don't want to be in the Living Tree. I wanna hear what you have to say."

@shortyhooz

[Harriette]

Harriette watched with hopeful eyes, waiting to see who would heed to her call. She felt confident, she felt proud and perhaps she’d let her wishful thinking get the best of her. Her head was held high, her chest inflated – the small girl never looked bigger.

A few long, silent moments passed by and Harriette felt her chest slowly deflating. Had she not been loud enough? Where was everyone? She knew she wasn’t alone in this role – she’d seen others before. And surely there was someone out there who wanted to give this role their best shot. Were there no others who wanted to help their fellow packmates?

A sad sigh slipped between her thin lips and her gaze lowered. She felt the hope seep out of her like a cold sweat on a nervous night. She didn’t want to let her father down, but what exactly would he think if her first call to action as Medic was a complete failure? How dare she slap him in the face like this; how dare she let her pack down like this?

Before another agonizing moment of silence passed by, she felt a small tap on her back. Briefly startled, Harriette jumped slightly and turned her head to see a familiar face. “Ivaylo,” she breathed, smiling at her own jumpiness.

Ivaylo had taken up a lot of Harriette’s time as of late – and the Medic did not mind one bit. She stumbled upon the broken girl late one night, found her in a state of utter confusion and delirium, and did not leave her side since then. The tawny girl was in sad shape, having suffered a severely broken and marred leg, among other injuries as well. The poor thing had night terrors and sleep-walked often and Harriette found herself chasing after the young girl many times, ushering her back to the den, pulling her back to consciousness.

Harriette was happy to see how far Ivaylo had come, now able to limp on her slowly healing leg – something Harriette was very cautious about, of course – and her spirits were rising every day. The pale girl could tell that Ivaylo was suffering from a fair amount of guilt and embarrassment, but Harriette did her best to ease those toxic thoughts

As Ivaylo started to speak, Harriette listened carefully, always attentive to her patients’ words and needs. As her words progressed, Harriette felt her smile growing. She felt as though her job with Ivaylo had been done – she’d successfully brought Ivaylo back to her feet both figuratively and literally. Seeing the drive within the girl brought back some of that pride Harriette was feeling moments before.

“Ivaylo,” she repeated, her voice soft and genuine. “I know you are strong enough. I’ve known all along.” She turned to meet Ivaylo’s gaze better, positioning herself before the girl. “I’d love nothing more than to show you the ropes, to teach you. I think you’d make a great student – you’re smart, and you’ve got a lot of drive.” Harriette reached out a paw to place it beneath Ivaylo’s chin, lifting it slightly. She smiled softly.

Harriette was so happy to see Ivaylo getting back to herself, so happy to see her doing well. But she glanced back down at that leg of hers, and clicked her tongue lightly. “However, if we’re going to do this, you have to promise you’re going to take it easy on that leg. We’re just about ready to start some physiotherapy on it, but it still needs time to heal up. Okay? I know you trust me. We’ll keep your mind busy enough so you don’t get bored staying off of your leg.” She nodded, trying to show she was serious, but also willing to hear Ivaylo out.

Well, at least she had one student to take under her win.

A E S T H E T I C

[Alue]

just in case i can't make a post soon enough
+ Hickory hears the call and slowly makes his way towards the Tree
+ He slinks around in the shadows, at first too nervous to come closer.
+ Eventually he comes forward, nervous as usual.
+ "I, uh, I was a healer in m-my past home." He is super awkward

[rukhsana]

if it's gucci i'd still like to reply but i still wanna give ppl a chance to join

[Ivaylo]

"And I will show you something different from either
Your shadow at morning striding behind you
Or your shadow at evening rising to meet you
I will show you fear in a handful of dust."

She breathed softly as Harriette spoke, and for a moment she felt like sitting down to rest her leg, but she kept her straightened posture and gazed at the healer genuinely. Ivaylo would never disappoint her again. She would take this seriously, especially if she wanted to make use of herself with the wounds she still beared. The shame she'd felt for so many weeks still lingered, but Harriette's kind words made it melt a little and was replaced with a newfound confidence. She believed in her. It almost made her want to cry again. It was the first time someone had made her feel strong again in a long time.

Her forest green eyes sparkled and squinted shut for a moment as Harriette's paw touched and lifted her chin, and she couldn't help but chuckle. And for once, it didn't fade when she brought up her leg again. Her smile was here to stay.

"I dunno what that is, but I'm ready. I promise, I won't let you down. I won't let Gemini down. Thank you, Harriette. For everything."

[Harriette]

Ivaylo was ever grateful for Harriette, and it was very clear. It was so nice to see the girl smiling again, feeling better mentally as well as physically. Harriette chuckled lightly when Ivaylo admitted not knowing what physiotherapy was, but paid that no mind. She’d learn soon enough, and she’d be thankful for it, no doubt. Harriette stepped back from Ivaylo then, waiting to see if anyone else was going to join.

For a while, no one else came, but soon Harriette noticed a figure lurking in the shadows. A rather … Interesting looking figure. Harriette watched with careful eyes as the creature eventually came forward, the pale girl taking in the bright red color of this creature’s fur and the … Three … Heads…

She swallowed.

Blinking slowly, Harriette did her best to not show any sort of fear, but it was hard when being faced with something so astonishing and genuinely strange. It was like her first meeting with Gaven – she was terrified of him, but now they were great friends.

Clearing her throat as the creature began to speak, she realized that he was absolutely harmless, and simply wanted to join the little meeting. She smiled at the red boy, doing her best to hide the nerves that vibrated beneath her flesh at the very sight of this creature. “That’s great, you must have some experience then. What’s your name?”  

She looked between the two, mentally shrugging her shoulders and deciding she’d start with this small group. Surely, anyone who was desperate to be an acolyte would find her in the Living Tree – it was just curious to see that no other acolytes made their way to her call. She’d have to talk with them later, she supposed.

Nodding her head slightly, she began to address the two, “Well, I guess this is it, then. Maybe a small group will be good.” She looked to the red boy first. “First, I’d like to hear what kind of experience you have in this field. We can go over some of what we commonly use here and see how comfortable you are with our practices. I’m sure you’ll have things to teach me, too! It will be great to hear of different herbs and methods.”

Next, she looked to her patient-turned-student. “Ivaylo, you can observe this for now. We’ll go over his knowledge first, and then we can discuss what we use and your job will be to act as a sponge. Absorb as much information as you can. We’ll review things frequently, so there’s no need to panic about learning fast. I’ll never make you do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

She smiled at her two new students. “I’m so glad you guys are interested in this rank. I’m excited to teach you, and watch you learn and grow. I hope you guys are excited as well.” A smile was wide on her lips, and she hoped Hawthorne would catch wind of this and he’d be proud of one of his eldest daughters.

A E S T H E T I C