ORIGIN

Priest huffed out a soft chuckle at the reaction to his gifted name, but said nothing, only listening, watching absently as tiny mushrooms blossomed from his cane, glowing blue in the afternoon light. "Oh, I've known Leon since I was a child, no more than two cycles old," he murmured, smiling at the bear's cub. "I first met him during a trial - I couldn't understand the significance then, of course, but he was very loud, and obviously strong. It made a bit of an impression," he added, chuckling and nodding at Jack's suggestion.

The numbat turned on his heel, waving for the children to follow, limping towards the Mother. "This is the way to the center of Eridanus. Our great and glorious Mother is there," he added conversationally, not bothering to explain further. "I suppose I could use some help, yes. I'm gathering ingredients for my tea, you see," Priest replied, tapping the half-full teacup at his side. "Herbs, berries - almost anything in the forest can be brewed down into a helpful drink. It is my specialty."

He returned Cadence's smile with his own, prematurely-old eye twinkling happily. "Ah, Songcat. I had almost forgotten Makyna. My, she was interested in the Mother. I never did manage to make it to her wedding," he sighed, regret softening his tone. "But the past is past. It is a pleasure to meet you both."

At the mention of the guardians, he regained his smile, dipping his head. "I will gladly tell you all I know about myself and the other guardians. It is a long walk to the Mother, on only one leg," he explained, laughing as he awkwardly walked the path. "Obviously, I am a priest. I was chosen by the Mother to be the second of her chosen Guardians. The first was my own son, Diot," Priest explained, chest puffing up with pride. "He was chosen to be the Guardian of all plant life in Eridanus."

Cadence rolled her eyes at Jack's comment on the flowers. "It makes me think of Mom trying to shove flowers in my hair." She retorted with a pout. Her attention turned back to the smallish creature as he began to speak about her father. A trial? Hadn't she heard about that before? Something about the dark leopard that had come to the election... Her Mama didn't seem to like him too much. Still, hearing that her father had been strong made her puff her chest out. She wanted to be just like him when she grew up.

Cadence started up walking on one side of the numbat, listening as he told her about everything. Mother? Tea? There were so many things she wanted to ask! She didn't quite know what tea was but if it could be made from berries then it must be delicious. Then, he knew her mom too? This old guy got around a lot!

"So, uh, berries for tea! We can do that! We can search for berries and maybe a bandanna too!" With her words about the bandanna she passed a wink to Jack. Even though Priest had said that there weren't very many clothes in Eridanus they could still take a peek. Couldn't hurt.

"Go on... what about the other Guardians?" The cub's words were laced with curiosity as she waited to be told more. This was turning out to be really fun, talking with this old guy. Since they were going to see this "Mother" perhaps her question about it would be answered.

---