Home from War

@Lachesis Sorry that took so long! Got caught up in some other stuff. @Maksim I don't know if you want to do anything in this thread but just in case I thought I'd let you know it's here. :)

EDIT: Forgot to backdate it to...11/15/13

The scent of blood followed the dark wolf wherever he went, both his own and the slain cat's. It dried onto his fur and formed hard spikes, and clogged under the deeper lacerations on his flanks and throat. Every step was taken with no small amount of difficulty; it was impossible to decide which throbbing paw warranted a limp. They all did. As Hati had made his way to the center of Cut Rock River territory he searched for the scent of Lachesis who apparently could help him treat the many wounds that littered his black pelt. Though sleep was what he longed for most, Hati knew it was important to get at least the deeper slashes taken care of lest they become infected.

As he waded through the snow many curses bounced around in his mind, wishing they could be uttered so that all the trees and the sky and the ground could know how the barely victorious male felt. Miserable was a good description for both his physical state and his emotions. A snarl curved one side of his lips up and Hati looked about, wishing that he could just collapse and rest right here. Looking for Lachesis was getting old fast.

Hati sighed and turned his single golden eye up to the tree tops, wishing badly that he could merely sing out a note and have the young healer come running. Sometimes he hated himself, and this was one of those times. The battle which had taken place only a few hours ago was forgotten as the subordinate sank deeper and deeper into a pit of self pity while he walked.

(This post was last modified: Nov 30, 2013, 05:47 PM by Hati.)

no worries! :) and a hunt opportunity appeared :o but considering hati's injuries should we ignore that?

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> The cool air stung his lungs as the lanky yearling inhaled, his pear orbs narrowing softly as XIX surveyed his surroundings. After the pack had settled in their new home the aspiring healer had begun to stock his inventory in preparation for the upcoming winter. Once the snow piled up and covered Relic Lore in a thick blanket it would become more difficult to search for plants, which was why he had been working so frantically. As a healer he needed to be prepared at all times – accidents were unexpected, especially with the cruel weather that accompanied winter. Long, thin legs pushed through the snow at a leisurely pace as Lachesis returned to the pack territory, freshly picked herbs held tight between his jaws. He had ventured south to visit Whisper Marsh to add to his collection of hellebore and skunkbush; the trip had only lasted a few hours, as the yearling did not want to venture too far away as the snowfall continued. To keep the displeasing taste out of his mouth – and keep them dry – Lachesis had wrapped the plants up in several large leaves. Next to his medicinal plants, the yearling also liked to maintain a collection of different berries in his inventory – though all of his stock was beneficial medically, not all of them were pleasing to the taste buds. Suddenly a strange, yet familiar, scent reached his cold nostrils, causing the boy to stop in his tracks. A frown creased his lips as he searched the air for the source of the coppery smell, his head cocked slightly to one side. He could not put a name to it – he just knew that the wolf belonged to Cut Rock … and they were wounded. Nearly dropping his plants, the ghost gave his head a quick shake before sprinting into the direction of the injured male. Had something happened while he was away? Did Maksim have any enemies that would attack the newly formed pack? Or perhaps it was a different sort of enemy – an estranged bear perhaps? He gave his head another shake as he ran, pushing the negative thoughts away. XIX knew it wasn’t that severe, but he was still worried nonetheless. Once the blood-stained male came into sight Lachesis came to an abrupt stop, his pear eyes scanning the wolf’s pelt frantically. Placing his bundled plants on the ground before him the yearling stepped forward, woofing a soft greeting before diving into a series of questions: <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“What happened? When did it happen? How badly are you hurt?” A permanent frown was etched across his maw as he waited for Hati’s response, pear gaze not once wavering from the dark male.

(This post was last modified: Nov 27, 2013, 06:02 AM by Lachesis.)

stick with those who stick with you

Look Out!

There is a family of deer nearby. Hunt Opportunity

much rambling on maksim's part-- sorry! he'll only be here for a post or two, though, so don't worry.

“He can’t talk, Lachesis.” Maksim stepped forward, looking to Taras with a slight frown of his own. “He’s taken up the name Taras, though.” Whilst it wasn’t necessarily his real name (Maksim couldn’t truly understand how Taras/Hati felt about having someone pick a name for him) it was all they had to run with. Truthfully, the agouti male had felt awful about not calling the healer-in-training sooner. The one eyed mute couldn’t for himself, after all, and his wounds were quite nasty in some places so the leader had searched for him. The lynx hunt had gone well on one hand—two pesky felines were dead and that meant some form of security for the pack. On the other hand, Taras had taken quite a beating mostly through a desire to rectify what Maksim could only presume to be wounded pride. Sure, it’d been a victory for the guy but at what price? The River leader had to hand it to his silent companion, though; he sure knew how to run.

Shifting his gaze from the ebony wolf to the alabaster contrast, Maksim Baranski began to offer up an explanation on Taras’ part. “I had decided to … deal with a slight lynx problem that was apparent since day one in this neck of the woods. We spent the day tracking a particular one and we found it after quite a few hours. We were just about done with the task when another appeared from nowhere and caught him unaware.” It came as quite a surprise to them both, really, though doubly so for the victim of the ambush. “It caught him in the flank quite quickly before charging off. Taras took after the wretched creature though, regardless of whether or not he had received quite the gash in his flank.” Maksim tried to recall chasing after them both. He wasn’t exactly the fastest of wolves and missed most of the action, but he had caught the killing blow. “He actually managed to chase the cat down. Quite impressive, really.” He offered the mute a slight smile. He did mean it despite finding it a little reckless.

Clearing his throat and returning to his explanation, the Baranski shook his head. “I didn’t catch the rest of it, however I did witness the end of the pest and Taras receive his second flank laceration. This all happened a few hours ago.”

(This post was last modified: Jan 02, 2014, 05:22 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

Yeah, probably. :) Thanks for jumping in Mimi! <3

This was probably one of the most embarrassing moments of his life. What kind of man couldn't even tell his own story of slaying a lynx and returning home with two holes in his butt? Hati had never been this angry for so small a reason, but he was seething inside even if the only expression showing on his face was that of pain and hunger. This whole pack thing was more difficult than it seemed—he was forced to carry every action he made along with him, and they just kept building up. Soon everyone would know he needed Maksim to explain his problems for him.

But in truth the ebony subordinate was thankful that the alpha was filling Lachesis in on the story, and as much as he hated to admit it (even only to himself) Maksim's slight words of praise made Hati feel a little better about the event and his current issue. However, it would be nice if the white yearling Lachesis would hurry up and do something about the injuries he had received. The largest tears would scar, adding to his magnificent collection, while most of the lesser cuts would likely disappear in no time...especially if they could get on with whatever the young healer was going to do.

The agouti leader finished his story and Hati breathed an inaudible sigh of relief. The throbbing in his body and the sting of his wounds was getting worse now that he was just standing around letting the cold snap at them. So he fixed an expression of expectation in his eye and set it on Lachesis as if to say, Let's get on with this, healer.

(This post was last modified: Nov 27, 2013, 05:06 PM by Hati.)

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> Well, didn’t he just feel like the biggest idiot. Maksim’s voice had broken out over the muted air, announcing that the jet black wolf before him was unable to speak. While the long-limbed yearling felt like a bumbling idiot and completely insensitive – what kind of wolf (especially healer) didn’t know the conditions of their packmates? Gulping hard, the ghost flicked an ear toward the green-eyed leader after he bowed submissively in greeting, his deep voice explaining the confrontation that this ‘Taras’ had with an unfortunate lynx. The look that the wounded male had given him clearly shouted ‘fix me now before I rip your head off’, which was precisely what XIX intended to do. As the leader spoke Lachesis had stepped forward, his brows narrowed as he focused on the wounds littering the shadow male’s body. There were some that did not need (much) treatment, as they were minor scratches, but there were other injuries that were far more serious. Luckily, none screamed ‘I cause death’ like Shade’s fatal wounds had. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“Stupid cats,” the yearling muttered absently under his breath once Maksim had finished the story. With winter approaching he knew that the other predators of Relic Lore were going to be scrambling for any lingering prey like the wolves – unfortunately, this often resulted in encounters like the one Taras had with this particular cat. Inhaling the cool, refreshing air Lachesis set to work – he returned to the leaf-wrapped plants he had dropped and retrieved some freshly picked hellebore. Dropping the herb at the dark male’s paws he offered the wolf a sheepish smile, his ears falling against the back of his skull. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“This will help with the pain while I grab something else – sorry about the taste.” He had only given the male a small dose, however, as if he had given him anything more it would do the opposite of helping him. With a quick wag of his tail he turned around, pear eyes searching the trees frantically. He bounded forward once he found what he was looking for, long legs carrying him quickly to his destination. After ripping the bark off a white fir XIX returned to Taras and pushed it toward him, his gaze focused downward. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“This will help healing. I’m going to try to clean your wounds now.” Without waiting for an ok from the dark male Lachesis approached the laceration on his flank first, as it seemed to be the most serious. Lowering his hindquarters the yearling scooped up some snow with his forepaw and tried to be as gentle as possible while applying it to the injury, using the cold substance to wash away any excess dirt and blood.

stick with those who stick with you

Okay, sorry for shortness and boringness! I'll try to make up for it in my next post. :P

Stupid cats. That was something the ebony subordinate could relate to. Stupid was not technically the right word to use but it got the point across well enough.

It appeared that Lachesis had been in the process of preparing for the winter's injuries, for the young healer had already been carrying some sort of leaves that would suit the purpose. Hati began to like his medicinally oriented white pack-mate as he plopped the stuff in the snow before him, already apologizing for it's bad taste. Reluctantly he reached down and picked it up with his teeth trying to keep his tongue away from it. Then, with a hesitant glance in Maksim's direction—the healer had already disappeared looking for some more herbs—it disappeared down his throat. After a few gags and a lot of tongue twisting, it appeared he would remain alive after all.

Lachesis reappeared, this time with some sort of fibrous plant hanging from his jaws. It took a lot of staring before Hati realized it was merely bark from a tree. Glad to hear no remarks about taste this time, but still hesitant about eating such dangerous looking materials, he picked it up and began to chew.

A sting in his flank made him turn to see Lachesis pressing snow into his most obvious wound. It was already so cold and numb that the extra pain was not of much concern. So the black subordinate returned to chewing. He chewed. And chewed. And chewed. Chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew chew chew. Swallow. Chew chew chew chew chew chew chew chew. Swallow. Gag. Chew again. Swallow. Stretch sore jaw muscles.

This healing thing was not a new favorite activity.

i suck i suck i suck, i'm sorry. posts will be quicker after this, school sucks D: <3

<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;"> With the gangly yearling’s overwhelming desire to help others becoming a healer seemed like the right path to take – although his fishing skills were on par with his medicinal knowledge, he felt as though the route of a healer would be much more beneficial to the pack. A wolf who was interested in meddling with plants and herbs was not easy to come by, and the role made XIX feel much more important. While fishing was also useful it was something that the youth could do alongside his medicinal practices – he could provide the pack with fresh fish and help them recover from illness’ and mend their wounds. To the ghostly yearling having a healer in their pack was far more practical. Precisely for situations like the one he was currently in. As he drowned himself in his work the world fell silent around him, no words coming from Maksim – or the injured mute, who was incapable of speaking. Lachesis couldn’t help but wonder what it was like, not being able to speak. While the youth often fell silent, unsure of what to say, he still had the ability to spit out words when they were necessary. This Hati – or Taras, he wasn’t sure what the wolf preferred – didn’t have that opportunity. Had he always been this way? Or was it something else that caused his inability to speak? Lachesis would never know, unless both wolves felt up to a one-sided game of twenty-one questions where the shadow male would have to respond with movements instead. Plus, it was really none of Nineteen’s business no matter how loudly his curiosity screamed at him. Once the wound on the male’s flank was void of excess blood and deemed clean by the aspiring healer he settled back, examining the male’s dark pelt for other injuries. Other than the laceration on his flank (if I’m wrong correct me!) the rest were minor and would easily be treated with the poultice of horsetail, which he had stored in his den. <b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px; color:#222218;">“I have something I can apply to your wounds back at the dens,” he stated suddenly, breaking the silence that had surrounded the wolves. He motioned to the River, indicating that he would like Taras to follow him. Once he dressed the wounds the dark male wouldn’t have to see the healer’s face again until the morning so Lachesis could ensure that they were starting to heal properly.

stick with those who stick with you

Well that took me forever...sorry about that! My muse nose-dived but it's leveling out a little now. xD

For a while the dark wolf remained still, his golden eyes flickering between the bright red patch on his flank and the young healer. Hati's initial doubt of the yearling had been put aside; Lachesis worked with gentleness and confidence, and true concern for his patient. Plus he had knowledge of herbs and strange doctoring methods that were like Greek to one who had not studied it. Hati found himself relaxing as blood and dirt was removed from his coat, and when the healer suggested a trip home he gratefully nodded his agreement. With each step his wounds stung and became stiffer. Though the worst was the deep bites on his flanks, the half dozen or so lesser scrapes littering his pelt screamed at him to get warm and unmoving. Out here in this bitter cold such a thing was impossible, but gladly, the river was not far off. Hati wasn't sure exactly where they were headed so he kept his determined gaze set on the healer for guidance. Once they reached the den, Hati slunk in and immediately chose a spot as far back from the opening as possible to lower himself to the ground propped up on his elbows. The cold and the wind no longer scraped at his injuries, and within moments began to prickle strangely. Ignoring the uncomfortable sensation, which was not unknown to the ex-battle-addict, he waited as patiently as he could for Lachesis to gather whatever he needed to put an end, or at least lessen, his sufferings.

After the wounded male nodded in agreement to Nineteen’s suggestion he waited for Hati to start moving first. Before they left the vicinity the deer-legged ghost quickly gathered up the herbs he had dropped when he had arrived, as they were crucial to his inventory. He kept parallel to the shadow wolf’s right side, avoiding his blind eye as they ventured back to Lachesis’ den. While he matched Taras’ pace, the yearling remained one step ahead him, silently guiding the older wolf in the right direction. He wondered if Anastasia was lurking around as they shared the spacious den – when he had left earlier she had already disappeared, probably to explore the new territory. Had she returned in his absence? As much as he enjoyed spending time with his blue-eyed companion he hoped that she was still away, as it would allow the yearling to better focus on his work. While she was respectful of his job and gave him space when he was wrapped up in his duties, he preferred to be without the hovering of another. XIX was confident in his work but the presence of another wolf made the skittish ghost nervous and feeling awkward. As they ventured to his den the boy kept a watchful eye on the scratched up wolf, a frown creasing his dark lips as he studied his stiff movements. They weren’t too far now… soon Taras would be out of the cold and Lachesis would be able to treat him properly. The longer he stayed in the frigid temperatures the stiffer his bones would become, and the more pain he would be in. Once they arrived the older male slunk by, immediately entering the den without a second thought. A glimmer of a smile fell onto his pale maw as he climbed in after Taras and bee-lined to his stock. He remained silent as he worked, unsure of what to say to his injured packmate considering he wasn’t going to get a response back. A verbal one, that is. However, the silence that had fallen between them was oddly comforting and allowed the yearling to drown himself in his work, paws frantically creating a goldenrod poultice. Carrying the mixture to Taras on a large leaf, the boy lowered his hindquarters, brows narrowed in determination. He began to gently apply the pulp to the largest wound first, ensuring that it was properly covered before moving to the next one. “This will speed up the healing process,” he murmured softly, suddenly breaking the silence as he explained the strange-smelling concoction. He moved slowly yet carefully, making sure that all his injuries (even the minor ones) were attended to. “When I’m done I’ll give you something to help you sleep.”

stick with those who stick with you