#elsewhere

She memorizes the names then says "It is not so unusual among your mortal kin, nor among what we call prodigals, the shifter folk of Moon and sun. I admit, I am honored to learn the ways of the Nunehi, even such small slices of lore as the honoring of plants"

Gwen's turn to look distantly. a head bob of respect heavenward

"I am also not sure how wise it is to share our ways with these outsiders." Mato says, shooting a look at Takota. "But we will see."

Art brushes against Thistle's hand with his own. Clearly HE thinks she's sweet.

For those with eyes to see them, her spirals glow a happy coral.

"I'm not interested in stealing or selling your lore. I'm interested in helping my friend feel less pain."

"Takota is strong to offer trust, though one may find MY opinion suspect I know" Gladiola admits then shoots Thistle a grateful look at her words

Takota smiles back at Gladiola. "I knew one who had Thistle as a totem. She was resilient and strong. Her wisdom scattered wide like the seeds of a thistle. Knowledge shared grows."

Mato just frowns a bit, shifting his weight like a creaking boulder.

"That's our Thistle too, gets under your skin but mostly for the good"

Art laughs softly.

"Annnnd I don't do the diplomacy because I am not the one you go to for sweet and fancy speeches. If you're worried about us misusing what we see, Mato, ask me. I'm too blunt to lie well."

"I worry about many things." He growls at her. "About my lands and my people. I would offend a hundred to stop a single harm."

Art meanwhile is drawing on the path with a finger, tracing the names of the arrows in a series of circles.

She GRINS. "Probably won't offend me."

Thistle and Gwen can feel the beginning stirs of glamour as Art works for the bunk of their combined cantrip.

"Your people were cheated, robbed, and butchered, Mato. You are just being a guardian. You will not allow it again. I respect that. We will help you so that this theft us undone"

He is working slowly, Thistle can tell from experience, and she has time to work on her stone

She adds a few pieces of her dross beside Art's writing.

A smile, though he doesn't look up.

Concentrating.

She finds a second rock, one that feels good in hand, to serve as a knap.

It takes a moment or two before she spies a likely stone.

But, find it she does!

She shifts her grip a little, until the balance is "right."

The rock in her hand hums with pleasure. I have not been used properly in many an age. It rumbles.

She touches the knap to her lips, and murmurs. "Thanks for the help."

"Ain't it though?"

She watches Art - the strike should be at the right moment, not before.

Gwen watches their work, curious

"let me know if I can help, you two"

Art is focused on his writing, but thistle may chat…

Gwen turns to look at the two Nunehi, "Have you any more questions for me? You give much trust. You deserve it in return"

She pets Ivan as she waits

A whisper "How you doing, big guy? I haven't asked if you talk here because to me, you talk anyway. We get each other right"

Ivan gazes at her, his familiar yet unfamiliar eyes staring into her soul. Then, he licks her face. SLURP

She laughs, forgetting troll decorum and rubbing his face

Mato observes and remarks, "Your companion has keen senses. It takes much to see a Rock Giant who does not mean to be seen."

He offers a hand to Ivan, who sniffs it gravely, then deigns to lick the rocky surface. After all, Gwen's skin never bothered him.

"Well, he likes you, Mato. You might have a way with animals. "

Meanwhile, Thistle is lining up her stones. She squints, and aims at the fault, raising her hammerstone into the air, and then - Citrine zips in and is sitting on the Obsidian.

"And yes, we raise the finest dogs "

A rumbling laugh. "I do not have a pet. Perhaps the Wolf in... Ivan? Respects Granite."

"Shoo."

"HUNGRY!"

"No candy if you sit there."

Citrine buzzes into her face, then tugs at a lock of hair, and then is pulling at a pocket

Zip! Zip!