H E A T H E R
and lo the hues arrange to show
it's perfectly clear

Heather's eyes searched the ground in concern. Dang, how could she mess that one up! To be fair, though, with the name of 'blackberry' they had to go through this a lot. Though, her head snapped back up as Rift described himself. "Guardian? That sounds really neat! Is this place all Erried-anus? How do you-" She stopped her berating questions when Rift turned his attention- pulling her's along with- to the ground.

Her eyes went as wide as saucers at the magic before her eyes. A soft "wow," was all she could mutter, stepping gingerly forward to the growing bush.

Her ears folded back when Rift staggered. "Are you okay?" She squeaked, looking to see if he was or not. Though, the question was pushed to the back of her mind when the blackberries were offered.

She went absolutely mental when their smell his her nostrils. She could've devoured them then and there if she could, though she had to have a bit of decency. She couldn't go feral in front of a guardian! Instead, she scarfed down as much as she could before taking the last in her mouth and flitting up to the bush to look up to Rift in a more comfortable position.

"Thank you, thank you mister guardian!" She peeped as she went to town eating more of the blackberries, slowing down as her belly grew full. Purple-black stained her lips and feathers as she smiled up at Rift.

It was a bit more surprising how fast she was to get to resting. She was soon to find herself curling up in the bush, sliding down a bit so only her head stuck out. Curiously, she watched Rift to see what he'd do- was it fine if she stayed? Her ears were perked forward, yet a tiny squeak of a yawn escaped her as she watched.

@Rift

Rift righted himself quickly, but the little canine had definitely noticed his lapse in composure. He rumbled low, almost an amused chuckle. "Yes, I'm fine. Calling plants to grow so swiftly is difficult magic, but it's something I've grown used to. Don't you worry." He watched as Heather began devouring the little berries as quickly as she could, a soft purr rising from his chest. "You're welcome, little one." He quickly glanced around, seeing that the rest of the group had already dispersed. Nobody needed him for anything at the moment.

He looked back and watched her for a moment more before he spoke again, just as she was settling down. "You are welcome to stay as long as you like. The Kingdom of Eridanus is open to all the peaceful. We don't ask much in return, only that you uphold peace and life wherever you go and respect all of nature, from the tiniest leaf to the greatest tree and all the living creatures that live within the caves." He gestured with his tail towards the tree behind him. "If you would like to stay, I can help you find a good place under the roots to make your home."

@Heather

H E A T H E R
and lo the hues arrange to show
it's perfectly clear

Heather's long tongue flickered out as she shut her maw, bright eyes watching Rift as he spoke. Well, that was certainly a kind offer! Her haunches settled down further as she deflated, letting her tiny wings rest at her sides as she drew her forelegs close. "I'm happy here! I'm nice to everything!" She declared, as if speaking in absolutes would mean she would do what Rift suggested she do. "Life is good and fun so I will... Uphold? Life!"

Her ears flicked forward languidly, her eyes blinking slowly. Another yawn threatened to pass through her teeth before she curled about tighter, her head withdrawing into the bush. "Can this by my home? This is a nice home!" She squeaked from under the greenery, flashes of pinks and white visible from under the leaves. "And I can uh- uphold peace and trees in my home." Her voice was already beginning to wane out as she tucked her head under a leg. A paw folded over her muzzle as she kept her eyes on Rift for as long as she could.

That didn't last long. With a final yawn, Heather's eyes drifted close, her body shuffling into the most comfortable it could be on the thin branches of a blackberry bush. "Good home..." Well, she was persistent on staying, at least.

Exit Heather unless reawoken
@Rift

Rift smiled down fondly at the little canine. "Of course you can stay here," he purred, although he glanced around, hoping that it was safe enough here. The whole garden was protected, sure, but it would be all too easy to brush by the blackberry bush and knock her out of it and, most likely, hurt her.

But if Heather wanted to stay here, he wasn't going to complain. Maybe he could talk to her later about moving the bush close to the tree where it would be safer. But, for now, he was fine letting her sleep. He'd let the rest of the kingdom know later to avoid the bush if they could on account of the tiny creature living inside. "That's good. I'm glad you like it here." He stood by and watched as she fell asleep and then settled down himself, sitting in the soft grasses, among all the flowers and herbs of the garden. He'd watch for tonight, just to make sure.

*exit