Post by Pavane on Dec 13, 2011 14:05:21 GMT -5
Helaku - male wolf
Niyt - female wolf
Catori - female adolescent wolf
Coinin - male wolf
---Two-River Fork---
Helaku spent the majority of the winter and spring wandering the Cerulean land for a reason: navigation and learning the land. The seasons made the terrain very different for one that didn't know them and now that he had surveyed--and patrolled while doing so--he knew the land. The wolf had energy he lacked when he first came here, something that was entirely absent even at the beginning of Spring. The fur that had been stunted in growth from an old wound had even started regrowing. Still, there was that mark on his shoulder of the Sun and Moon. That was something that would never fade. His human companion those seasons ago made it permanent somehow. Helaku trotted down the side of the river and came to a stop to drink. He couldn't remember the last time he had this much energy.
Niyt makes her way along one of the familiar trails near the rivers. As she walks along, she's actually singing quietly; not something she often does, though her family is musically inclined. That was more something her mother did - or her brother does. Still, today she has a song on her lips - some silly old ballad about impossible riddles and unanswerable questions.
His ears perked to the sound of a singing wolf, a particular singing wolf that he hadn't a chance to share time with in a while. Ever since his talk with Coinin, as awkward as it was talking to a wolf that 'ordered' another to 'have fun and socialize', he'd been keen on seeing her again. For once, Helaku barked a greeting for Niyt, something he'd never done before.
Niyt pauses in her song at the sound of a bark. Not quite one she's heard before, but she does know the voice. So she starts moving again, heading toward him at the same unhurried pace. She doesn't start to sing again, but when she gets a bit closer and can scent Helaku to find his position, she does nod in that direction and say, "Hello again."
Helaku's nose twitched. He smelled a few new smells on her, but he didn't worry himself about it. The pack 'was' receiving new members. He eased to her, mimicking her unhurried pace. "I've been learning your land,' he said. "I hope I haven't worried you." It was yet another odd thing for him to speak like that. Living so long as a rogue tended to have that effect on speech patterns. There was no one to infuse with senses of dread aside from threats out there.
The pack has found many new members, this winter past and spring come. Change is everywhere. Niyt smiles. "You can take care of yourself, Helaku," she answers. "If you have been absent, I know it is because of your choice." Her pose is relaxed and conversational. "It is nice, here by the rivers. I've enjoyed spending time here."
The wolf guided his snouth against her cheek for that gentle nuzzle he always gave when they met. It was his choice, and the very idea of chosing things had him a reason to learn their land so thoroughly. "Nobody among the new wolves have given you any trouble?" he asked. The tone of voice he carried lacked the withered, withdrawn taint it once possessed. Everything about this white-eyed wolf had improved, even the air he carried. Whereas once he was solitary and dominant, he was social and less formal...but still dominance framed everything. Helaku 'was' a dominant wolf, but not so dominant that it blinded him.
Niyt returns the nuzzle lightly, her cheek brushing to Helaku's. It's a social gesture, for Niyt is a social wolf. So she's always been, despite her times alone. A pack is a thing of wolf socialization. She laughs at the question. "There have been no fights; there is none who threatens the pack." No physical troubles. So far as more emotional affairs - well, Helaku has caused his share of those, and even if his temper is calm for the moment... she's seen it flare up before. He is no mediator, not that she has ever seen.
Her laugh. It was of nature, a certain quality requiring a description that never came from the depths of his mind or his maw before. His tail gave a wag about it. "You have a cute laugh..." he said. Wait, did he just say that? Did he just utter that abominable word...cute? Yes, quite shocking. Helaku said 'cute'. The world would perhaps shortly end. "I mean...I've also decided to become...officially...Cerulean."
Catori ears perk slightly, a yawn escaping her as she stretches and soon shifts upwards so she is sitting. She licks across her maw, ears perking forward and she snuffles a moment while glancing around. For a few moments she scratches against her side with a hindpaw, tail thumping against the ground a few times.
Niyt smiles at Helaku's comment. Does she? Perhaps. It's not something she thinks on terribly much, though she doesn't have the aversion to such descriptions Helaku seems to from his awkward change of topic. Cuteness does happen. At the other revelation - the one about the pack - she nods. "Have you spoken to Tariro about it yet?"
The wolf gave her a light nudge of his muzzle, playful. Wait. Playful nudging? That didn't make sense either for a wolf such as The Helaku! "I've not found Alpha Tariro. Beta Coinin was the first to learn my decision. He seemed...eager? I've not seen a wolf try so hard for another in many moons."
Still smells like Helaku. If he's been replaced by another wolf in his sleep, the pod people did a good job of it. Doesn't hurt to keep the possibility in mind, though. You never know. Niyt tilts her head to the side, considering on the nudging... not to mention the whole general demeanor. Well. Perhaps being near a pack has been good for him. She smiles. "Coinin has a good heart."
Catori shifts on her paws and is soon standing and slowly moving along towards the voices, a ear flicking forward while she gives her head a slight shake. Her gaze rests on the pair some distance off as she moves onwards towards them. "Evening." She offers while smiling.
"I should pounce him next time I see him...give him someone to run with," he said before the sound of another's voice drew his attention. He blinked. This wasn't a wolf he'd seen before, though her scent wasn't completely unfamiliar. "Are you one our new wolves?" he asked.
Niyt smiles at Helaku's musing. It might be good for both of them, actually... "Perhaps you should." She perks her ears at the sound of another voice, and turns to smile in that direction. "Evening, Catori," she says. Presumably this is one of those new wolves, since Niyt recognizes her! "How have you been?"
Catori lifts a brow as she hears Helaku, a soft ah escapes her. "No.. I've been around for a bit.. An I'm not per say with the pack. Just a friend to say the least." She offers with a slight nod and smile while she setles down next to Niyt. "I'm good, how are you Niyt?"
Catori. That was a name he hadn't heard before, and therefore he had no thoughts about this wold aside from her apparently obvious good relations with Niyt. He tilted his head, wondering how he should speak given that he felt awkward without proper introductions. "I'll make sure I do," he said to Niyt as his eyes remained on Catori.
Niyt smiles to Catori. "Part of the pack or a friend, you're still welcome," she says to the adolescent. Whether you figure that on the basis of family or Catori's own merits, the other female certainly qualifies. At the question of how she's been doing, she laughs. "Oh... restless. My paws won't keep still." She grins, and ducks her head a little before adding. "Nothing new, though."
Catori tail sways a few times and she smiles to Niyt. "Thank you Niyt, that means a lot to hear." She offers happly. A slight nod seen while her gaze drifts over the area and then back over to Niyt. "Well that is good. How is your friend from last night?" A unsure glance is offered back to Helaku, and she licks across her maw nervously before glancing off once more.
They spoke of things he didn't know. And there was no opportunity for introductions yet. Was there some friend Niyt had who he hadn't met yet, or a pack member that had gone unnamed? He didn't ask, only listened. Catori's galcing at him was...interesting. Why did she look at him like that?
"He's been resting," answers Niyt, and a fond smile tugs at the corners of her muzzle, then fades as she continues. "I've asked a few message-birds to look around for a healer. Hopefully one of them will manage it." Birds aren't always the most reliable, but they are gossipy little things.
Catori hums softly and nods as she hears Niyt. "Well.. If I can help any let me know alright?" She offers with a eager tone. A ear twitches towards Helaku before she peers back at him, her nose twitching, whiskers quiver slightly. "So.. Your friend of Niyt too?"
The birds hadn't come his way. The search for a healer was a new thing to him as well. His eyes darted between Niyt and Catori. The two each other fairly well whereas he didn't know the new arrival--new to him anyhow. "I would like to think so," he answered, "but that depends on her." Mysterious wolf with his mysterious answers, or perhaps that was a hint he threw out that he was fond of Niyt and hadn't been able to express that. "I am Helaku." No fancy introduction here, not a single mention of his lineage that was customary among Miakoda came from him nowdays. "What sort of wound is this you refer to that requires a healer?"
Niyt nods to Catori. "I will," she says, and then tilts her head back toward Helaku. Yeah, probably not pod wolf, judging from how he's talking now. "I met Helaku last fall, when I was traveling," she says in explanation.. then sighs a little. "It's in his flank. A sort of... stick, buried there. He says it's been there for moons." She turns her head to Catori, since the other wolf - being sighted - saw more.
Catori hums softly while she watches Helaku curious a few moments before looking over to Niyt. "Well.. Its pretty much what Niyt said. A stick sticking out of his flank. I've never seen anything like it before really." A slight shrug seen. "He didn't say how he got it either."
A stick, they said, sticking like a stick did out the side of a wolf. There was only one thing he could think of that it could be, but he'd have to see it himself. "Does this stick that is...sticking out of him...have some sort of stone attached to it, embedded in the flesh or feather-like tips on the other end?" he said.
Niyt tilts her head to Catori, letting her answer Helaku's question.
Catori ahs softly, ears perking forward and she hums faintly. "Well.. I didn't get that close to it actually. So I don't know about the stone part, but I also don't remember seeing any feathers at the end." She pauses. "I suppose there could have been something on it though at some point as he said it was there for a while."
It still sounded like something he knew about. Helaku spent a moment humming to himself as he thought about it. Most wolves he encountered were not familiar with man, and even fewer were as familiar with man as he was. "I may have to see it to tell you," he said. "If it's what I suspect, your average healer may not be able to treat it." Helaku wasn't a healer, but he certainly knew what he was talking about. In some cases, he could heal. But he was not primarily a healer. What he knew was simply the equivalent of 'first aid' to be done on the spot and left without much need for maintaining the wound.
"We will do the best we can with what we have," says Niyt. "We will ask the most skilled healer that we can find, but we will not delay overlong, because to leave it there much longer is only asking for infection, or for it to catch and open the wound again." She sighs. A blind wolf is hardly a healer, but she has some knowledge of medicine and what songs of their purpose natural medicines sing. "He will recover some strength here. That, herbs that fight fevers and clean clay... it is a chance. We can do that much. A healer will help more."
Catori hums osftly and lifts her foot to scratch at her side a few times once more. "Well.. I'm sure we will figure out a way to get the stick out." She offers with a hopefully positive tone." Cat has seen the two-leggers, heard there boom-sticks and knows they chase after wolves that get to close to there livestock.
"Well," Helaku said. "That's where the problem with woodland healers becomes...a problem. I'm not trying to say they are not skilled...you can prevent infection, use the herbs, but the actual object stuck in him...if it is what I think it is...is not something you want to be pulling out like a thorn." He hummed about this a little more, trying to find a way of explaining. He learned the terminology humans used for such things, but that terminology didn't exactly make sense without some explanation. "What I think he has is what Humans call an 'arrow.' They make them mostly from wood and stone. It's the stone piece that causes concern. Pulling it out may cause more harm than leaving it in. Some stones are merely pointed, others have barbs like a porcupine that rip and tear when pulled out."
Niyt considers on what Helaku has to say about this. "Then we will ask for healers that know of these arrows," she says. "If either choice may cause harm, we must decide carefully."
Catori peers at Helaku, her ears perking forward as she takes in everything that he says. A faint oh escaping her and her maw twitches before she nods at what Niyt says. "Indeed.. We're figure out a way to get it out." There is a pause before she goes on. "How do you know all this Helaku?"
He expected that. How 'did' he know of Humans and their ways. He supposed they were in for a short story of sorts and thus promptly sat on his rump. "Long time ago, before I met Niyt and came here, I lived with a human and his family after failing to find a place among another pack." Unless pressed further, he'd say no more. Helaku didn't have a good history on telling stories--they got interrupted every single time he told them, and before he could even finish. "My birthpack also lived in an abandoned human territory and cave."
Niyt listens to the explanation, and nods. It's a new story to her, but now is not a time she feels inclined toward asking questions about details. "I think... I shall go see if any of the messengers have returned with news. I'll see you two later." She manages a smile, and then turns to trot away.
Catori hums softly while watching Helaku a few moments, her ears twitching forward before she glances over to Niyt and nods with a smile. "Alright.. Take care." Her attention then goes back to the other wolf. "I.. didn't think any wolf would want to live with humans."
Helaku watched Niyt go off to check with her messengers,though he didn't ignore Catori. How washe to relay this to a wolf he just met? It wasn't exactly a story he spoke about to anyone. "Not all Humans are bad," he said. "Finding the ones who are good, or them finding you is not common."
Coinin had checked to the south a bit earlier in the day looking for Molasses. He hadn't been able to find her so he had begun to make his way back toward where the group had gathered the previous evening. He had been rather surprised by the return of Zuphi and also the arrival of Hada. The arrival of Zuphi was more interesting to him however. He knows that Niyt had really liked the wolf before he had left and he still doesn't really have an answer on why he left. He hopes its a good reason. At any rate he will have to have a chat with the kid.
Helaku hadn't seenCoinin since the talk about 'orders to have fun'. Hehad finished a talk with Niyt and Catori not long ago when he sensed the presence of Coinin nearby. He lifted his head from the river. He barked once to let him know he was here, that he hadn't gone loping about as he usually did.
Coinin glances over when he hears the bark. Its good to see Hel again. He is pleased to see that he is hanging around at least somewhat near where the pack is. It would probably be a good thing for him. Most of the pack probably hasn't even met him yet, and if he really decides to stay he will want to get to know everyone, "Hi Hel."
At least he wasn't pushing the 'be social' bit...yet. Hel half-expected it at this point for Coinin to read him wrong. He jumped on a small rock near the short and gazed at the other wolf with that familiar stare, though it seemed...happy. "I hear you have a wolf on the territory who has a mysterious object sticking out of him."
Coinin nods his head, he does indeed have just that going on. Niyt said that she was going to work on finding a healer to remove the thing. Which would be good for the poor young wolf, "His name is Zuphi, and yes he has a stick sticking out of his leg. Don't ask me how he did it because I have no clue." For the time being he refrains from mentioning that Zuphi is Niyt's old flame. He knows that Hel has feelings for Niyt...or at least suspects it and he isn't going to open up that can of worms if he can help it.
"Oh,I've an idea of how it got there," he said. "Didn't know his name was Zuphi, but Niyt and Catori told me about it. Just hope the first skilled healer doesn't try to pull it out. I really should look at it before anyone touches it." Helaku's voice sounded almost 'normal'instead of strained, though resonated that he knew exact what he talked about.
Coinin doesn't pretend to know anything about healing. He has met a few healers along the way but doesn't really know any around here. He offers Hel a nod, "Well I'm sure you will get the chance. I don't think that he is going to go anywhere any time soon. What do you know about healing?" he asks. He is curious.
Helaku hopped down from the rock and readily circled Coinin, brushing up against him like a good,old buddy. "Now see, there's where all of you know so little of me," he said, coming face to face with the wolf. With Niyt he was more reserved, but Coinin...didn't seem the type of wolf who had a friend was 'outgoing'. And Hel's definition of outgoing could have easily been misconstrued as 'creepy wolf'. But when you've been part of a pack like his, and been a rogue, and been with humans, all sorts of little things could show. "I know some healing, not everything. I did live on my own for awhile."
Ok that was different for Hel. Honestly that was different for most folks. While Coinin certainly would like Hel as a friend. Coin himself wouldn't qualify as someone who was touchy feely. Talking sure...but given some past experience he is rather particular about who he allows into his personal space. Its perhaps one of the few quirks that he has that might make him less than social. When Tariro had nuzzled him once he practically had jumped out of his skin. He responds not with anger but he does make a clear point. He fixes Helaku with his gaze, "Don't do that again." He lets the moment pass quickly and gives him a nods, "What do you know about removing these stick things?" He would be curious to find out.
Helaku grinned when Coinin said not to do that brushing thing again. "Good, you can be assertive. You'll need it in the future," he said. It was a ruse, a test! Helaku had to be sure Coinin could do as Betas could do. "As I said to Niyt and Catori, the stick may be a Human instrument known as an 'arrow'. Pulling it out may cause more harm than help."
Coinin can be very assertive when the moment calls for it. There are many ways to lead and his general preference is to lead by consensus and encouragement rather than by bullying or dictating orders, but when push comes to shove and there is something important at stake you can rest assured that he will be very clear about his wishes. Most things simply don't fall into that category though. Hel's response would indicate something of a test. He realizes there is a time an a place to test things to make sure they are as they need to be, but once that is established further testing would simply be insulting, "Don't do that again either." Coinin has recently been through an experience that has showed him that time is important and he has decided not to waste it when he has no need of it. Hel is a big boy and he knows that he can take clear comments without taking it personally. He then moves back to the topic, "I see. Still I don't see how it can stay in there without becoming infected or impeding his ability to walk."
Yes, Master. Don't do that again either. Coinin had Helaku's loyalty, but he had multiple reasons for behaving the way he did just now. Not only was it a test, it was a little payback for the 'order' that made no sense. The only thing written on the wolf's face was obedience and nothing of rebellion. "I'm under the impression it has been there for several moons. Wolves who have been 'shot' with an arrow tend to break the stick off and leave the stonehead inside. Their flesh grows over it and that is ususally that. To prevent greater injury, a Human generally must remove the stonehead of an arrow."
Coinin doesn't have any knowledge at all of humans beyond some of the stories that he has heard. He doesn't really think that it would be a good idea to put Zuphi into contact with them or the pack in general. Everything he has heard would seem to indicate that they are largely destructive and care little for wolves or other animals for that matter beyond dogs. He has never seen a dog in his life either so the whole concept seems to be rather far away, "He had said that it was there for a couple moons, but wouldn't the part of the arrow that was inside of him impede his ability to function normally? Wouldn't it be better to simply tear the thing out?" he asks. His medical knowlege is nearly non-existant.
Helaku sat his rump right there. Oh, Coinin. This is where the wolf needed him, a rogue with such experience. In truth, the pack likely needed it. There was nothing wrong with Helaku though some were quite sure there was much wrong with him. The 'educated' tended to strike fear in the uneducated,but Helaku didn't believe Coinin to be ignorant. "If he pulled it shortly after being shot, then he may be in a better condition...or dead. Now that time has passed, the wound has mostly healed and now the flesh is likely grown around the stonehead. By leaving it in, pulling it out may cause enough damage to render his leg mostly useless, potentially even prevent him from running or even trotting..."
Coinin takes a moment to consider that. He had wondered how they were going to get the thing out without doing more damage or causing the poor wolf a fair amount of pain. Which he clearly didn't need, "Interesting. I think then the best course of action will be to have you take a look at it, along with whatever healer Niyt can find and you two can present options to Zuphi and he can decide based on what he would like to have happen. I suppose in the end its his choice." No harm in asking for a second opinion, especially when it comes to something as serious as this. Coinin has no reason to believe that what Hel said was inaccurate. It seems logical enough.
"I have suggested I see that wound, and I should see that wound before a healer even touches it,' Helaku said. "Healers are smart, but the knowledge of Human-made implements may not be their exact area of knowledge..stoneheads vary in shape, Coinin. The potential for damage may lie in something we're not able to see."
Coinin doesn't see the harm in letting Helaku have first crack at it. Niyt might have a difficult time finding a healer anyway and this is something that he would like to get resolved quickly for the sake of Zuphi, "I don't have a problem with you taking a look at it. Of course you will have to ask Zuphi if its alright with him." After all he is going to be the one to have to make the call.
"Of course," Helaku said. "All of this is based on if what is in his leg is what I think it is." Other than that, Helaku wasn't sure what to address Coinin with.
Coinin doesn't really have too much else to add either, at least in regards to Zuphi. It just seems like it is a matter of time now until the issue is resolved one way or the other. He hopes it is resolved in a positive way for both the sake of the wolf and for Niyt. He knows it must be hard for her to have lost her love and then out of the blue have him reappear, "We will just have to wait and see I guess." He offers Hel a smile, "I think I might head off to rest for a bit. You'll have to let me know what you find out." He begins to move off back toward the south, "Have a good night Hel."
Niyt - female wolf
Catori - female adolescent wolf
Coinin - male wolf
---Two-River Fork---
Helaku spent the majority of the winter and spring wandering the Cerulean land for a reason: navigation and learning the land. The seasons made the terrain very different for one that didn't know them and now that he had surveyed--and patrolled while doing so--he knew the land. The wolf had energy he lacked when he first came here, something that was entirely absent even at the beginning of Spring. The fur that had been stunted in growth from an old wound had even started regrowing. Still, there was that mark on his shoulder of the Sun and Moon. That was something that would never fade. His human companion those seasons ago made it permanent somehow. Helaku trotted down the side of the river and came to a stop to drink. He couldn't remember the last time he had this much energy.
Niyt makes her way along one of the familiar trails near the rivers. As she walks along, she's actually singing quietly; not something she often does, though her family is musically inclined. That was more something her mother did - or her brother does. Still, today she has a song on her lips - some silly old ballad about impossible riddles and unanswerable questions.
His ears perked to the sound of a singing wolf, a particular singing wolf that he hadn't a chance to share time with in a while. Ever since his talk with Coinin, as awkward as it was talking to a wolf that 'ordered' another to 'have fun and socialize', he'd been keen on seeing her again. For once, Helaku barked a greeting for Niyt, something he'd never done before.
Niyt pauses in her song at the sound of a bark. Not quite one she's heard before, but she does know the voice. So she starts moving again, heading toward him at the same unhurried pace. She doesn't start to sing again, but when she gets a bit closer and can scent Helaku to find his position, she does nod in that direction and say, "Hello again."
Helaku's nose twitched. He smelled a few new smells on her, but he didn't worry himself about it. The pack 'was' receiving new members. He eased to her, mimicking her unhurried pace. "I've been learning your land,' he said. "I hope I haven't worried you." It was yet another odd thing for him to speak like that. Living so long as a rogue tended to have that effect on speech patterns. There was no one to infuse with senses of dread aside from threats out there.
The pack has found many new members, this winter past and spring come. Change is everywhere. Niyt smiles. "You can take care of yourself, Helaku," she answers. "If you have been absent, I know it is because of your choice." Her pose is relaxed and conversational. "It is nice, here by the rivers. I've enjoyed spending time here."
The wolf guided his snouth against her cheek for that gentle nuzzle he always gave when they met. It was his choice, and the very idea of chosing things had him a reason to learn their land so thoroughly. "Nobody among the new wolves have given you any trouble?" he asked. The tone of voice he carried lacked the withered, withdrawn taint it once possessed. Everything about this white-eyed wolf had improved, even the air he carried. Whereas once he was solitary and dominant, he was social and less formal...but still dominance framed everything. Helaku 'was' a dominant wolf, but not so dominant that it blinded him.
Niyt returns the nuzzle lightly, her cheek brushing to Helaku's. It's a social gesture, for Niyt is a social wolf. So she's always been, despite her times alone. A pack is a thing of wolf socialization. She laughs at the question. "There have been no fights; there is none who threatens the pack." No physical troubles. So far as more emotional affairs - well, Helaku has caused his share of those, and even if his temper is calm for the moment... she's seen it flare up before. He is no mediator, not that she has ever seen.
Her laugh. It was of nature, a certain quality requiring a description that never came from the depths of his mind or his maw before. His tail gave a wag about it. "You have a cute laugh..." he said. Wait, did he just say that? Did he just utter that abominable word...cute? Yes, quite shocking. Helaku said 'cute'. The world would perhaps shortly end. "I mean...I've also decided to become...officially...Cerulean."
Catori ears perk slightly, a yawn escaping her as she stretches and soon shifts upwards so she is sitting. She licks across her maw, ears perking forward and she snuffles a moment while glancing around. For a few moments she scratches against her side with a hindpaw, tail thumping against the ground a few times.
Niyt smiles at Helaku's comment. Does she? Perhaps. It's not something she thinks on terribly much, though she doesn't have the aversion to such descriptions Helaku seems to from his awkward change of topic. Cuteness does happen. At the other revelation - the one about the pack - she nods. "Have you spoken to Tariro about it yet?"
The wolf gave her a light nudge of his muzzle, playful. Wait. Playful nudging? That didn't make sense either for a wolf such as The Helaku! "I've not found Alpha Tariro. Beta Coinin was the first to learn my decision. He seemed...eager? I've not seen a wolf try so hard for another in many moons."
Still smells like Helaku. If he's been replaced by another wolf in his sleep, the pod people did a good job of it. Doesn't hurt to keep the possibility in mind, though. You never know. Niyt tilts her head to the side, considering on the nudging... not to mention the whole general demeanor. Well. Perhaps being near a pack has been good for him. She smiles. "Coinin has a good heart."
Catori shifts on her paws and is soon standing and slowly moving along towards the voices, a ear flicking forward while she gives her head a slight shake. Her gaze rests on the pair some distance off as she moves onwards towards them. "Evening." She offers while smiling.
"I should pounce him next time I see him...give him someone to run with," he said before the sound of another's voice drew his attention. He blinked. This wasn't a wolf he'd seen before, though her scent wasn't completely unfamiliar. "Are you one our new wolves?" he asked.
Niyt smiles at Helaku's musing. It might be good for both of them, actually... "Perhaps you should." She perks her ears at the sound of another voice, and turns to smile in that direction. "Evening, Catori," she says. Presumably this is one of those new wolves, since Niyt recognizes her! "How have you been?"
Catori lifts a brow as she hears Helaku, a soft ah escapes her. "No.. I've been around for a bit.. An I'm not per say with the pack. Just a friend to say the least." She offers with a slight nod and smile while she setles down next to Niyt. "I'm good, how are you Niyt?"
Catori. That was a name he hadn't heard before, and therefore he had no thoughts about this wold aside from her apparently obvious good relations with Niyt. He tilted his head, wondering how he should speak given that he felt awkward without proper introductions. "I'll make sure I do," he said to Niyt as his eyes remained on Catori.
Niyt smiles to Catori. "Part of the pack or a friend, you're still welcome," she says to the adolescent. Whether you figure that on the basis of family or Catori's own merits, the other female certainly qualifies. At the question of how she's been doing, she laughs. "Oh... restless. My paws won't keep still." She grins, and ducks her head a little before adding. "Nothing new, though."
Catori tail sways a few times and she smiles to Niyt. "Thank you Niyt, that means a lot to hear." She offers happly. A slight nod seen while her gaze drifts over the area and then back over to Niyt. "Well that is good. How is your friend from last night?" A unsure glance is offered back to Helaku, and she licks across her maw nervously before glancing off once more.
They spoke of things he didn't know. And there was no opportunity for introductions yet. Was there some friend Niyt had who he hadn't met yet, or a pack member that had gone unnamed? He didn't ask, only listened. Catori's galcing at him was...interesting. Why did she look at him like that?
"He's been resting," answers Niyt, and a fond smile tugs at the corners of her muzzle, then fades as she continues. "I've asked a few message-birds to look around for a healer. Hopefully one of them will manage it." Birds aren't always the most reliable, but they are gossipy little things.
Catori hums softly and nods as she hears Niyt. "Well.. If I can help any let me know alright?" She offers with a eager tone. A ear twitches towards Helaku before she peers back at him, her nose twitching, whiskers quiver slightly. "So.. Your friend of Niyt too?"
The birds hadn't come his way. The search for a healer was a new thing to him as well. His eyes darted between Niyt and Catori. The two each other fairly well whereas he didn't know the new arrival--new to him anyhow. "I would like to think so," he answered, "but that depends on her." Mysterious wolf with his mysterious answers, or perhaps that was a hint he threw out that he was fond of Niyt and hadn't been able to express that. "I am Helaku." No fancy introduction here, not a single mention of his lineage that was customary among Miakoda came from him nowdays. "What sort of wound is this you refer to that requires a healer?"
Niyt nods to Catori. "I will," she says, and then tilts her head back toward Helaku. Yeah, probably not pod wolf, judging from how he's talking now. "I met Helaku last fall, when I was traveling," she says in explanation.. then sighs a little. "It's in his flank. A sort of... stick, buried there. He says it's been there for moons." She turns her head to Catori, since the other wolf - being sighted - saw more.
Catori hums softly while she watches Helaku curious a few moments before looking over to Niyt. "Well.. Its pretty much what Niyt said. A stick sticking out of his flank. I've never seen anything like it before really." A slight shrug seen. "He didn't say how he got it either."
A stick, they said, sticking like a stick did out the side of a wolf. There was only one thing he could think of that it could be, but he'd have to see it himself. "Does this stick that is...sticking out of him...have some sort of stone attached to it, embedded in the flesh or feather-like tips on the other end?" he said.
Niyt tilts her head to Catori, letting her answer Helaku's question.
Catori ahs softly, ears perking forward and she hums faintly. "Well.. I didn't get that close to it actually. So I don't know about the stone part, but I also don't remember seeing any feathers at the end." She pauses. "I suppose there could have been something on it though at some point as he said it was there for a while."
It still sounded like something he knew about. Helaku spent a moment humming to himself as he thought about it. Most wolves he encountered were not familiar with man, and even fewer were as familiar with man as he was. "I may have to see it to tell you," he said. "If it's what I suspect, your average healer may not be able to treat it." Helaku wasn't a healer, but he certainly knew what he was talking about. In some cases, he could heal. But he was not primarily a healer. What he knew was simply the equivalent of 'first aid' to be done on the spot and left without much need for maintaining the wound.
"We will do the best we can with what we have," says Niyt. "We will ask the most skilled healer that we can find, but we will not delay overlong, because to leave it there much longer is only asking for infection, or for it to catch and open the wound again." She sighs. A blind wolf is hardly a healer, but she has some knowledge of medicine and what songs of their purpose natural medicines sing. "He will recover some strength here. That, herbs that fight fevers and clean clay... it is a chance. We can do that much. A healer will help more."
Catori hums osftly and lifts her foot to scratch at her side a few times once more. "Well.. I'm sure we will figure out a way to get the stick out." She offers with a hopefully positive tone." Cat has seen the two-leggers, heard there boom-sticks and knows they chase after wolves that get to close to there livestock.
"Well," Helaku said. "That's where the problem with woodland healers becomes...a problem. I'm not trying to say they are not skilled...you can prevent infection, use the herbs, but the actual object stuck in him...if it is what I think it is...is not something you want to be pulling out like a thorn." He hummed about this a little more, trying to find a way of explaining. He learned the terminology humans used for such things, but that terminology didn't exactly make sense without some explanation. "What I think he has is what Humans call an 'arrow.' They make them mostly from wood and stone. It's the stone piece that causes concern. Pulling it out may cause more harm than leaving it in. Some stones are merely pointed, others have barbs like a porcupine that rip and tear when pulled out."
Niyt considers on what Helaku has to say about this. "Then we will ask for healers that know of these arrows," she says. "If either choice may cause harm, we must decide carefully."
Catori peers at Helaku, her ears perking forward as she takes in everything that he says. A faint oh escaping her and her maw twitches before she nods at what Niyt says. "Indeed.. We're figure out a way to get it out." There is a pause before she goes on. "How do you know all this Helaku?"
He expected that. How 'did' he know of Humans and their ways. He supposed they were in for a short story of sorts and thus promptly sat on his rump. "Long time ago, before I met Niyt and came here, I lived with a human and his family after failing to find a place among another pack." Unless pressed further, he'd say no more. Helaku didn't have a good history on telling stories--they got interrupted every single time he told them, and before he could even finish. "My birthpack also lived in an abandoned human territory and cave."
Niyt listens to the explanation, and nods. It's a new story to her, but now is not a time she feels inclined toward asking questions about details. "I think... I shall go see if any of the messengers have returned with news. I'll see you two later." She manages a smile, and then turns to trot away.
Catori hums softly while watching Helaku a few moments, her ears twitching forward before she glances over to Niyt and nods with a smile. "Alright.. Take care." Her attention then goes back to the other wolf. "I.. didn't think any wolf would want to live with humans."
Helaku watched Niyt go off to check with her messengers,though he didn't ignore Catori. How washe to relay this to a wolf he just met? It wasn't exactly a story he spoke about to anyone. "Not all Humans are bad," he said. "Finding the ones who are good, or them finding you is not common."
Coinin had checked to the south a bit earlier in the day looking for Molasses. He hadn't been able to find her so he had begun to make his way back toward where the group had gathered the previous evening. He had been rather surprised by the return of Zuphi and also the arrival of Hada. The arrival of Zuphi was more interesting to him however. He knows that Niyt had really liked the wolf before he had left and he still doesn't really have an answer on why he left. He hopes its a good reason. At any rate he will have to have a chat with the kid.
Helaku hadn't seenCoinin since the talk about 'orders to have fun'. Hehad finished a talk with Niyt and Catori not long ago when he sensed the presence of Coinin nearby. He lifted his head from the river. He barked once to let him know he was here, that he hadn't gone loping about as he usually did.
Coinin glances over when he hears the bark. Its good to see Hel again. He is pleased to see that he is hanging around at least somewhat near where the pack is. It would probably be a good thing for him. Most of the pack probably hasn't even met him yet, and if he really decides to stay he will want to get to know everyone, "Hi Hel."
At least he wasn't pushing the 'be social' bit...yet. Hel half-expected it at this point for Coinin to read him wrong. He jumped on a small rock near the short and gazed at the other wolf with that familiar stare, though it seemed...happy. "I hear you have a wolf on the territory who has a mysterious object sticking out of him."
Coinin nods his head, he does indeed have just that going on. Niyt said that she was going to work on finding a healer to remove the thing. Which would be good for the poor young wolf, "His name is Zuphi, and yes he has a stick sticking out of his leg. Don't ask me how he did it because I have no clue." For the time being he refrains from mentioning that Zuphi is Niyt's old flame. He knows that Hel has feelings for Niyt...or at least suspects it and he isn't going to open up that can of worms if he can help it.
"Oh,I've an idea of how it got there," he said. "Didn't know his name was Zuphi, but Niyt and Catori told me about it. Just hope the first skilled healer doesn't try to pull it out. I really should look at it before anyone touches it." Helaku's voice sounded almost 'normal'instead of strained, though resonated that he knew exact what he talked about.
Coinin doesn't pretend to know anything about healing. He has met a few healers along the way but doesn't really know any around here. He offers Hel a nod, "Well I'm sure you will get the chance. I don't think that he is going to go anywhere any time soon. What do you know about healing?" he asks. He is curious.
Helaku hopped down from the rock and readily circled Coinin, brushing up against him like a good,old buddy. "Now see, there's where all of you know so little of me," he said, coming face to face with the wolf. With Niyt he was more reserved, but Coinin...didn't seem the type of wolf who had a friend was 'outgoing'. And Hel's definition of outgoing could have easily been misconstrued as 'creepy wolf'. But when you've been part of a pack like his, and been a rogue, and been with humans, all sorts of little things could show. "I know some healing, not everything. I did live on my own for awhile."
Ok that was different for Hel. Honestly that was different for most folks. While Coinin certainly would like Hel as a friend. Coin himself wouldn't qualify as someone who was touchy feely. Talking sure...but given some past experience he is rather particular about who he allows into his personal space. Its perhaps one of the few quirks that he has that might make him less than social. When Tariro had nuzzled him once he practically had jumped out of his skin. He responds not with anger but he does make a clear point. He fixes Helaku with his gaze, "Don't do that again." He lets the moment pass quickly and gives him a nods, "What do you know about removing these stick things?" He would be curious to find out.
Helaku grinned when Coinin said not to do that brushing thing again. "Good, you can be assertive. You'll need it in the future," he said. It was a ruse, a test! Helaku had to be sure Coinin could do as Betas could do. "As I said to Niyt and Catori, the stick may be a Human instrument known as an 'arrow'. Pulling it out may cause more harm than help."
Coinin can be very assertive when the moment calls for it. There are many ways to lead and his general preference is to lead by consensus and encouragement rather than by bullying or dictating orders, but when push comes to shove and there is something important at stake you can rest assured that he will be very clear about his wishes. Most things simply don't fall into that category though. Hel's response would indicate something of a test. He realizes there is a time an a place to test things to make sure they are as they need to be, but once that is established further testing would simply be insulting, "Don't do that again either." Coinin has recently been through an experience that has showed him that time is important and he has decided not to waste it when he has no need of it. Hel is a big boy and he knows that he can take clear comments without taking it personally. He then moves back to the topic, "I see. Still I don't see how it can stay in there without becoming infected or impeding his ability to walk."
Yes, Master. Don't do that again either. Coinin had Helaku's loyalty, but he had multiple reasons for behaving the way he did just now. Not only was it a test, it was a little payback for the 'order' that made no sense. The only thing written on the wolf's face was obedience and nothing of rebellion. "I'm under the impression it has been there for several moons. Wolves who have been 'shot' with an arrow tend to break the stick off and leave the stonehead inside. Their flesh grows over it and that is ususally that. To prevent greater injury, a Human generally must remove the stonehead of an arrow."
Coinin doesn't have any knowledge at all of humans beyond some of the stories that he has heard. He doesn't really think that it would be a good idea to put Zuphi into contact with them or the pack in general. Everything he has heard would seem to indicate that they are largely destructive and care little for wolves or other animals for that matter beyond dogs. He has never seen a dog in his life either so the whole concept seems to be rather far away, "He had said that it was there for a couple moons, but wouldn't the part of the arrow that was inside of him impede his ability to function normally? Wouldn't it be better to simply tear the thing out?" he asks. His medical knowlege is nearly non-existant.
Helaku sat his rump right there. Oh, Coinin. This is where the wolf needed him, a rogue with such experience. In truth, the pack likely needed it. There was nothing wrong with Helaku though some were quite sure there was much wrong with him. The 'educated' tended to strike fear in the uneducated,but Helaku didn't believe Coinin to be ignorant. "If he pulled it shortly after being shot, then he may be in a better condition...or dead. Now that time has passed, the wound has mostly healed and now the flesh is likely grown around the stonehead. By leaving it in, pulling it out may cause enough damage to render his leg mostly useless, potentially even prevent him from running or even trotting..."
Coinin takes a moment to consider that. He had wondered how they were going to get the thing out without doing more damage or causing the poor wolf a fair amount of pain. Which he clearly didn't need, "Interesting. I think then the best course of action will be to have you take a look at it, along with whatever healer Niyt can find and you two can present options to Zuphi and he can decide based on what he would like to have happen. I suppose in the end its his choice." No harm in asking for a second opinion, especially when it comes to something as serious as this. Coinin has no reason to believe that what Hel said was inaccurate. It seems logical enough.
"I have suggested I see that wound, and I should see that wound before a healer even touches it,' Helaku said. "Healers are smart, but the knowledge of Human-made implements may not be their exact area of knowledge..stoneheads vary in shape, Coinin. The potential for damage may lie in something we're not able to see."
Coinin doesn't see the harm in letting Helaku have first crack at it. Niyt might have a difficult time finding a healer anyway and this is something that he would like to get resolved quickly for the sake of Zuphi, "I don't have a problem with you taking a look at it. Of course you will have to ask Zuphi if its alright with him." After all he is going to be the one to have to make the call.
"Of course," Helaku said. "All of this is based on if what is in his leg is what I think it is." Other than that, Helaku wasn't sure what to address Coinin with.
Coinin doesn't really have too much else to add either, at least in regards to Zuphi. It just seems like it is a matter of time now until the issue is resolved one way or the other. He hopes it is resolved in a positive way for both the sake of the wolf and for Niyt. He knows it must be hard for her to have lost her love and then out of the blue have him reappear, "We will just have to wait and see I guess." He offers Hel a smile, "I think I might head off to rest for a bit. You'll have to let me know what you find out." He begins to move off back toward the south, "Have a good night Hel."