Room for One More

W

illow had ventured away from the Lowlands in search of herbal remedies. Her healer’s satchel at her side, she had been searching for much of the day for an elusive herb. Then, she saw it – shades of black and white amongst the plants growing wild in the woods. At first, she was not sure it was the same skunk as before. But the way it looked back at her, with those knowing, tiny eyes, Willow was certain. ”It’s you, isn’t it!”

She smiled, amazed to have found the creature again when she wasn't even looking. ”You’re pretty far from where you started off, little friend. Are you well?” The skunk made a sighing sound, and Willow watched intently to see if it would stay or flee once more.

Well, when she stopped to think about it, maybe it was wise for a skunk to want to maintain some distance between itself and a predator, even a particularly friendly one such as Willow.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

F

inally, it seemed that Willow was making some progress as she tried connecting with the little skunk. The animal crept closer, slowly, as if it were still not quite certain about this young wolf. She had deduced that it was in distress in some way, even though they could not speak a common language. And it was her duty, as a student healer, to help whoever, whenever and wherever she could.

What was a skunk, really, anyway? It was sort of like a cat, or a raccoon.. Willow’s mind wandered thusly as her pursuit continued.

She wondered vaguely, how did the skunk evolve to have such a unique form of self-protection as a terrible smell?

The skunk sniffed toward the satchel at Willow’s side. "Nothing to be afraid of. I can help you, and -- if we just trust each other..." Her words tapered off as she watched the skunk hopefully.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck