Within the midst of dimly illuminated village, overrun beneath vegetation permitted unrestricted growth, once acting as quiet haven for those ostracised, serpentine monarch had erected a prison. Slowed the progression of time, grown a mere waiting game for opportunity that may permit another chance, dwindling but not gone the hope their imprisonment may end. How much more may they survive, entertainment the blood that soaked the soil for now, but what of when tiresome grew keeping them around.

Such thoughts forgein to mind plagued by doubt, unbefitting for one meant to act in the careless manner a child is freely allowed, relished the final days of his childhood. Yet, unbidden, they arose and lingered across more basic surface level thoughts, spun only as cover in vain hope ignored the current situation. Impossible such and disregarded the notion with a growl reverberating through low breath, attention flicking about the town, sought something that may distract. Restricted his movements in minor ways, for the most part ignored for what may a child lacking proper tutelage do against any of them, unwatched his abandonment of his prior resting place and approach.

Within baskets, both emptied of prior contents and still overfull with plucked berries, eyes turned for a moment before regarded Elsweyr as her work continued unimpeded. Action smooth, practiced or otherwise performed to such a degree she grew confident her skill sufficed, heavy his fall until he lay sprawled before her. Mouth worked, at times stopped as teeth chewed at the flaking skin of lips, hushed the words finally arising.

"I'm sorry…" Better time and place may have been presented had Salvia waited, shards of glass scouring his tongue felt it and thus spoke aloud in hushed murmur. As to what the apology pertained to one may only formulate a guess — for his lacking part in efforts to overthrow their usurper, his status as only a liability, possibly both and more. In a bid to make small this he took up one of the unused berries, with no taste for such vegetation he was at no risk of any issues that may follow consuming it, rather it sat upon his mottled paw as he looked it over.

"What are these?" Stupid may seem the query, Salvia at least knew what berries were as a baseline, but the stark hue that bore no hint of colour drew forth only confusion, turned over the berry as he pondered it. Of course further ignited his desire to learn as the mixture Elsweyr tended was added to, the clay another he had not seen before, though closed his lips where it came to such for the moment. Best simply to await answer for the first before continuing on.

A singular moment — counted each second trickling through glass container by heart that beats a slow tempo against fine ribs, halted as is breath, held with the gentle brush against curled back. Known this, the simmering embers fading into molten gold, stiff each quill yet conforming as it settled about, a veil handled with care. Thoughtless action drawing them closer, distance crossed until short strands came together, against side gently pressed. Actions repeated, always the same, made miniscule and weightless beneath dense feathers.

Brief the closure of eyes, felt more than heard the words he posed to other, near forgotten the pilfered berry held. Realisation arose when voice broke through, a gentle cadance, exhaustion beneath vernacular Salvia had grown accustomed to. Alike they in this, the smile which swept along his own visage a fragile thing, a mere ghost bearing shaky edges, yet there was a truth there. Unobtainable the pedestal did he place Aurum upon, figure of mythical propositions beyond even the status that made him no mere mortal, her own more simple yet no less was Elsweyr held in regard.

Chin flicked upward at her dismissal of his apology, wrongfully taken but relief was present in quiet hum all the same, disregarded the issue. If she saw issue it may be addressed at a later time, for now he may enjoy this, regarded the berry held as she remarked upon it. With mention of the more undesirable aspects deposited it once more but forth did ears swivel, a display of curiosity. That she listed, attributes linked to varying hue, drawing eye along the pathways paint made along her coat. Attention turned, next regarded. Confusion expressed in slight tilt of his head as looked to the gathered flora, among nestled pale stalks adorned with small buds, the earthen scent discouraging a test.

"Chamomile…" Rolled the letters across tongue, tested the shape as he inspected a particular specimen, pleasantly sweet if only to a slight degree. "I never thought of flowers as being useful." He knew of the herbs, how those few who bore medical knowledge were inclined to their upkeep and use, but the attributes listed seemed contrary to this. Questions bubbling along his lips but were held back as next was addressed, her gentle beckoning answered with a few shuffling steps closer.

Largely uniform this, if varying the size and colour of some by small degrees. Taken her offer this time, odd his diet as a whole though still prioritised meat by necessity the darkly hued berries were tantalising, more so than the ivory snowberries deemed inedible. It seemed tiny against his paw, experimental a tentative lick at the dry skin, uncomfortable it settling between his teeth as it was taken into his mouth. Unexpected the somewhat sour tang, widened the eyes that turned to Elsweyr. He bore no worry over them acting in deadly fashion, full the trust he held for the cheetah, more this experience was new and oddly pleasant, tongue sweeping along his lips as she continued to address Aurum once she had concluded her explanation.

"Is your Goddess from your home, will she really bless us?" Struggle ensued to keep tone neutral, recalled the prior assault upon their captors, a distraction for most part but hope had died with their defeat and subsequent capture of the boy they had hoped to spread their plight. Yet it was no fault of Elsweyr, nor of this crocodilian Goddess she carried forth with her into these lands, his distaste more to the fact it seemed the Goddess did not favour them, possibly unworthy for her worship was not common.