[ P ] Senses

He had to stifle a yawn as he sorted through the clinic’s herb stores, making sure that their stock was properly packed away to last through the winter. It was something that Nephele had stressed to him, when they were spending the last of autumn gathering as much as they could to fill up the store to the brim. ‘Once winter hits, this will be all we can rely on until spring. We have to make sure we have enough, and make sure it lasts.’ So that meant, each night once the clinic shut, Gwyn had to check for any sign of frost, or rot. And not just with his eyes, Nephele had instructed. His mentor was fully blind and had been for several years now. ‘Use your nose, too. It can detect what the eyes can’t see.’ It was a concept he hadn’t fully gotten his head around yet, but the small woman was a good teacher, kind and patient, always happy to go over her explanations if Gwyn was having trouble understanding. He nosed the final packaging back into place before sitting back, looking over his shoulder to his mentor. “That’s everything, Nephele.” "Speak"

Manip & Code by Kit. Stock from Dawnthieves

Over a year had passed since they had settled here and Haven first opened its doors to those in need of medical treatment. Nephele had nurtured their clinic like it was one of her own children, giving her all to learning what she could to help her patients. She knew what it was like to feel pain and struggle with it. Both she and Kylar did. It was what made them so passionate about their job. Gwyn had come to them as a sickly child almost ready to start his own studies, but held back by his weak constitution and poor eyesight. Nephele felt a kinship with the boy immediately, spending time patiently teaching him how to navigate the world without relying upon his eyes. Slowly, but surely he began to show an interest in her work much to her delight. It didn't take much convincing for her to take him on as a student. It gave her pups more time to enjoy their childhood before they too made a decision about their futures.

She knew that Gwyn had a sensitivity to the sun and she was always careful to remind him to apply aloe vera to himself. The boy could be over eager sometimes and she didn't want him to neglect himself. A smile crept on her features when she heard him stifle a yawn. He was such a helpful addition to the team. That's everything, Nephele, he informed her.

The nurse approached the stores, sniffing carefully at the arrangement to make sure everything was in order. "Almost. You mixed up the sage and thyme. Use your nose to feel the patterns and leaf variations. Thyme feels more like a flower because it has lots of leaves and Sage has a single broad leaf," she explained, features soft and relaxed. It didn't matter to her if it took a little longer to close up because she enjoyed teaching him. Maybe this was why Kylar liked being a professor. It felt good to pass on her knowledge.

code by wallflower & art by ashon

He watched as Nephele took over, carefully assessing his work. "Almost. You mixed up the sage and thyme. Use your nose to feel the patterns and leaf variations. Thyme feels more like a flower because it has lots of leaves and Sage has a single broad leaf," She explained softly, and Gwyn was quick to turn his attention back to the herbs. Gently, so not to damage the tender leaves, he nosed each one, feeling for the differences described. Sure enough, once they were pointed out to him they were easy to notice. “Ohh. Okay.” He nodded, mainly to himself, committing their description to memory. He quickly shifted the sage and thyme, ensuring they were in their correct spaces this time. “Is there anything else you would like me to do?” He asked, turning rosy eyes back to his mentor. They had had a busy day, and Gwyn wanted to be as helpful as possible so they could close up as quickly as possible. "Speak"

Manip & Code by Kit. Stock from Dawnthieves

Gwyn was such a bright boy, always eager and willing to listen to Nephele’s guidance. She was truly grateful to have such a capable young man to assist her, one that was just as passionate about medicine as she was. Of course she hoped her children might take an interest too, but she just wanted them to be happy. If they took another path in life she would not fault them for it. Her ears pricked, listening to Gwyn carefully replace the herbs in their correct places.

She knew how tired he must be, having worked very hard today. That’s everything. Thank you, Gwyn. I don’t know what I’d do without you, she hummed happily, offering him a warm smile. You can head home if you like or you’re welcome to stay a little longer, maybe for dinner, she suggested, leaving the invitation open to him. Dinner wouldn’t be anything fancy, but she assumed he would be hungry.

It would be nice to have some company while she waited for Kylar to come home and for the pups to return from a day of play. Although she understood if Gwyn would rather go spend time with his own friends. He was only a year older than her own children after all.

Art by Ashon