Szeptucha

Just like every day, she set off on the mountain trail to replenish her supply of herbs. Although she did not know many recipes yet, because her former mentor did not recognize her approach to the art of herbalism, she was determined to gain all the knowledge she needed to become a great herbalist.

Besides, she didn't need anyone to achieve it. She was self-sufficient. All she needed was herself, her bed and herbs.

Right?

She knew these mountains almost by heart. She knew where to go, what time to go, how long it would take and what to expect on the trail. The mountains were her home, and although she loved them, she wished she could explore other areas to learn about new herbs. However, to be able to do it herself, she had to prepare really well for it.

It wasn't a problem at all. She was patient and attentive. Perfect features for a herbalist.

However, mountain trails still managed to surprise her. Like nature, it was dynamic. She still didn't expect to meet an unknown she-wolf on her way, because many times her inglorious fame overtook her faster than she would have liked. The cursed old woman successfully spread rumors about her.

She stood at a safe distance and watched as the fair she-wolf licked fresh wounds, most likely received in battle. They were not life-threatening, although if left unprotected they posed a risk of infection. Who knows, maybe since she appeared on her territory, she will become her first client?

"You need to secure it", she said to the young she-wolf, who looked at her with surprise. Apparently she wasn't paying enough attention to what was going on around her and didn't notice her presence. Stupid. She was very lucky not to encounter the aggressor.

At least one stupid move on her part and it will show her that she shouldn't provoke a witch.

"I don't have anything", the stranger replied sheepishly. She made eye contact with her and flinched at the intense, bright gaze.

Was there something wrong with her? That fire in his eyes... where did it come from?

"If you want, I can do it for a fee", she offered, and the young wolf was clearly considering this offer. Finally, she slowly stood up and indicated that she had positively considered the offer.

"How much do you charge?"

"I'll take that weasel you hunted from you. It'll be just in time for dinner", she pointed her muzzle at the stranger's loot, and she nodded in agreement. She took said prey in her teeth and went to its lair.

The familiar pit smelling of herbs brought her comfort. She indicated where her first client should go and got to work.

"You have a really large supply of herbs", the she-wolf observed with obvious fascination. She couldn't stop looking around.

"That's my job."

"Are you the herbalist of someone's pack?"

"No, I'm not", she replied dryly and came over with the dressing ready. "Not anymore."

"Oh, I see. Their lost", the stranger smiled and offered her injured paw. The Witch started dressing her meticulously. "Are you thinking about joining one?"

"No, I don't think any of the nearby ones would meet my expectations."

"And what are they?"

"Maybe it would be better if you told me what your goal is? Then I will decide whether I will take yours into account."

"My goal? I just want to see what life will bring me, what adventures await me in this world. And my companions are also curious about it. We are outcasts from different parts of the world and each of us has our own goals, but we support each other and want to create a harmonious herd."

"Sounds like a utopia."

"Maybe", - the she-wolf giggled. "But aren't you curious too?"

Was she curious? Of course she was! To be a successful herbalist, she had to learn as much as possible about nature.

This was her goal.

Her dream.

But no one from her earlier pack understood.

"Ready", - she announced and moved away from her first client. She looked at her bandaged paw with interest.

"Thank you, I appreciate your help."

"I didn't give it for free."

"That's true", - she giggled again, undeterred by the herbalist's dryness. "You probably already have a lot of work, but if you change your mind about joining the herd, you'll find us near the lake".

And so she was left alone again, with dinner ready and a strange feeling she couldn't describe. Was it... hunger? Interest? Or maybe... understanding?

"Stupidity!" she grumbled and returned to the trail for herbs.


However, she appeared at the lake that night. Packed with all her belongings and her head full of thoughts. She didn't smell any wolf under the cover of darkness, and she felt a little stupid about that, but she stayed anyway.

She stayed and howled loudly, not sure if she would get an answer to the call.

But she got it.

And several of them.

The she-wolf she knew appeared next to her, staring at her intensely. Her herd was behind her.

"You came?" she wasn't sure why she was so surprised.

"You called", she smiled warmly. "Your goal will now also be our goal."

She felt welcome for the first time in a long time, and she couldn't help but wag her tail shyly.

"And yours is mine."

- the first herbalist of Nawia -
She is far from the typical herbalist who is usually associated with a warm and caring personality. She definitely looks more like an old witch who scares young puppies so that they don't wander too far into the forest alone. And this witch doesn't mind it. Sarcastic and dry, she would rather spend her days collecting herbs and studying nature. Her hunger for knowledge of this arcane art could not be satisfied by her former mentor, with whom she disagreed regarding the art of herbalism. First of all, she didn't want to limit herself to exploring nature in her native land - she wanted to see what the world had to offer. That's why she joined Nawia and became their herd herbalist. Although grumpy and unpleasant to deal with, underneath this layer of dryness sits an unappreciated puppy who thrives when given approval and warmth. The rest of the pack sees this and appreciates her hard work to keep everyone alive and relieved of minor ailments. However, just in case, they never disturb the Witch's peace when it is not necessary. Forewarned is always safe, as the saying goes.

• "Szeptucha howls loudly in your face and shows you what they've found, far too pleased with themselves."

• "Szeptucha brings you a gift, commenting that it's only because they didn't need it."
  
  You send Szeptucha off, and with a wag of their tail they say they'll be successful as usual.
  
  Szeptucha is feasting on a delicious looking bird. You want to share, but they growl as you approach and swallow it in a couple of bites. All theirs, it seems.
  
  Herbert checks for symptoms, asking Szeptucha to give her opinion on what could be wrong. Witch makes a guess and Herbert seems pleased. They both return with the results, Szeptucha seems pleased with herself.
  
  You watch as a packmate goes up to Szeptucha and asks for their help with something. Szeptucha refuses, saying they've got better things to do.