Chapter 5: Healing Herbs
The morning sun filtered through the leaves of the towering trees, casting dappled patterns of light on the ground. Korran awoke to the soft songs of birds flitting through the branches, their melodies weaving a comforting backdrop to the village's early bustle. The scent of dew-kissed grass mingled with wildflowers, tickling his senses as he stretched and prepared for the day ahead.
As Korran stepped outside, the vibrant colours of the Panther Tribe's village greeted him. The earthy tones of the wooden structures contrasted with the lush greens of nature surrounding them. He could hear the laughter of young cubs children playing nearby and the far distant sounds of the river flowing, a soothing reminder of the life that thrived around him. Yet, a swirl of concern had been brewing within him, particularly about Savannah. Her unsteadiness, her lack of knowladge. The more he thought about how he found her and now realising her condition. The angrier he got and the more determined he became to always protect her.
The memory of her discomfort upon meeting and bringing her to the tribe and to the shamen lingered in his mind, and he couldn't shake the worry that she still felt out of place. She was a leopard, and a snow leopard at that, among panthers. Where were her mates? What had happened to them? He could sense that Savannah was so weak that she hadn't awakened her beast at all yet. It's the least that females did.
Just then, Korran noticed Sable, the village shaman, approaching him with his familiar basket of herbs and remedies. He was doing his morning rounds and giving out medicine around the village.
Sable's presence was calming, and he greeted Korran with a knowing smile. "Korran," he said, his voice warm and steady, "you seem troubled this morning. What weighs on your heart this morning?"
Korran sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's Savannah. She's been having headaches, and I'm worried she's struggling to adjust to everything here."
Sable nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Change can be overwhelming, especially for those not accustomed to our ways. But I believe I have just the remedy...." He rummaged through his basket, pulling out a small pouch filled with fragrant herbs. "This blend is known to calm anxiety and alleviate headaches. It's made from the leaves of moonflowers and a touch of wild mint."
Korran watched as Sable carefully wrapped the pouch in a piece of soft cloth. "Thank you, Sable. I'll make sure she gets it."
"Encourage her to take it regularly," Sable advised, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "And remember, sometimes the heart needs as much healing as the body."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Korran made his way back to his family's dwelling. As he approached, he found Savannah sitting quietly on a carved-in bench inside, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The way the morning light danced on her silvery fur on her ears, and blonde hair was breathtaking, but Korran could see the worry etched on her face and eyes without her looking at him.
"Hey, Savannah," he said softly, taking a seat beside her. "How are you feeling today?"
She turned to him, attempting a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm okay, I guess. Just... trying to adjust. A lot has happened and i need to take it all in."
Korran nodded, empathy flooding his chest. "I understand. I'm sure it must be overwhelming." He hesitated for a moment, then decided to share the herbal remedy. "I brought you medicine from the Shamen, something that might help."
He pulled out the small pouch, presenting it to her like a precious gift. "Sable made this for you. It's meant to help with headaches and anxiety."
Savannah's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude, although she doubted these herbs were really the solution she was looking for. "Really? Thank you, Korran. I've been having these headaches constantly, I don't know if its linked to the memory loss, especially when I feel stressed or overwhelmed at not remembering things." Her voice was soft, and she took the pouch carefully, inhaling the soothing aroma of the herbs. She instantly recognised the mint and smiled, it was something small but it was familiar enough that she gripped the bag and momentarily closed her eyes.
"I thought it might help," Korran said, his heart racing as he watched her. "You don't have to say anything you're not ready for, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. I'll always help protect you and keep you safe."
Savannah took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of trust grow between them. "It's just... everything is so different here. I want to fit in, but sometimes it feels like I'm losing myself in the process." She looked away, her eyes glistening with unspoken worries.
Korran's heart ached for her. "You belong here, Savannah. You don't have to change who you are to be accepted. Just take your time. We'll figure it out together." Korran took her hand without thought as he said that.
"Together?" Savannah repeated, a hint of a smile breaking through her uncertainty. "Is that how you say 'I'll help you not be awkward' in panther-speak?"
Korran chuckled, shaking his head. "It's more like, 'I'll help you get through this and not be so embarrassingly awkward.'" He grinned, and Savannah couldn't help but laugh, the sound brightening the air around them.
As they shared a moment of laughter, Korran felt a warmth blossoming between them. He leaned slightly closer, a playful glint in his eye. "You know, if you keep smiling like that, I might just have to start charging you for my services."
Savannah raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk forming on her lips. "Oh really? And what would the fee be?"
"Just your company," Korran replied, his tone light. "I'll take that over any coins, crystals, or treasure any day."
Savannah's laughter echoed again, and for a moment, the world around them faded. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant sounds of the village all blended into a background hum. Korran couldn't help but feel a connection growing between them, one that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
But as quickly as the moment blossomed, Savannah's expression turned serious again. "I appreciate your kindness, Korran, but I don't want you to feel obligated to help me. You have your own life, a tribe to think of, and I don't want to be a burden."
"Savannah," Korran said earnestly, "you're not a burden. You're becoming a part of my life that I want to be in my life, if I didn't want to be here helping you, I wouldn't be. I want to support you through whatever you're going through. I can't let my cute little leopard stay sad, can I?"
It hadn't been a fully cycle of day and night yet, but at the nickname, Savannah's heart did a little flutter.
"Little Leopard" she echoed softly. The word hung in the air, both comforting and daunting. She glanced away, struggling with a mix of emotions. "I guess I need to figure out what that means for me."
Korran nodded, respecting her need for space. "Take your time. I'll be right here when you're ready." He was growing attached and already had hope in his heart that she might accept him as a mate. She needed someone and right now, she had him.
As they sat together beneath the tree, the sun climbed higher in the sky, warming their skin. Korran felt a sense of hope wash over him, buoyed by their shared laughter and moments of connection. He stood up, offering a hand to Savannah. "Come on, we should go and walk around the village so you can get an idea of where everything is."