Post by Greer on Dec 19, 2011 23:28:24 GMT -5
A Healer Arrives
Players:
Blackberry (a fox)
Melila (a fox)
Niyt (wolf of Cerulean)
Blackberry had been wandering around closer to the Ute pack of late, though he would periodically stop and skim the horse territory just to see what he could hear newswise. He had been over in that general direction when he heard from some birds that Cerulean had been in need of a healer for some wolf that had gone and got himself shot by an arrow. This particular pack he had never really visited. He had gotten the general set of directions from the birds and it seems that this pack lives over close to where the river merge is. He was familiar with that territory so he thought he would pass through there first.
Melia is continuing to hang around the area as she's been doing for the last few weeks. Not that she's exactly settled, she comes, she goes, she wanders off for a couple of days and then returns again and now she's out hunting, stalking through the undergrowth and sniffing the air as she sneaks. She's yet to spot Blackberry, the breeze carries his scent the wrong way and she doesn't see him, she can smell squirrel though and her attention is quite focused on finding out where the owner of the scent is.
Blackberry passes through the merge every moon or so, perhaps even a little bit less so he isn't really all that familiar with who is actually living here. He had spoken to Satinka not long ago and found out that Bristlecone had departed. He knew that there was a new coyote around who was the grandchild of Rye and Satinka, but beyond that the news of the area was pretty scarce. He notices the fox as she searches for the squirrel. This face is not quite familiar. Its difficult for him to tell if he has met her before, "Hello." he calls out to her as he continues on his way toward the river.
Melia meets few foxes, it's a lot easier for her to know that she's never met him the moment her head snaps round to look at him. She stops her search for food for now, a light smile appearing as she starts to walk towards him. He might be moving on still but she's at least interested in meeting others of her species "Hello and who might you be?"
Blackberry stops as she begins to approach. Nope never met her. At least not that he can remember. He offers her a polite nod of his head, "Most simply call me Fox." he says. Blackberry never gives out his right name for reasons that he has shared with no one. He watches her for a moment before continuing, "I don't think that I've seen you around here before. I think the only foxes I've seen here are Nadie and Felix. There was one other but I can't recall her name right now."
Melia raises an eyebrow and looks amused "Fox? Seriously? Wow, someone wasn't being very imaginative there" she comes to a stop near him, her head tilting as she looks him over "I'm visiting, my brother's in the area. I'm Melia, or if you really want to continue with the mysteriousness I suppose Vixen will do" she smirks back at him.
Blackberry is also called several other things, some of them polite and some of them not. Fox seems to fit as good as anything else, "Who is your brother?" he asks. Probably not anyone that he knews but it never hurts to figure out who is related to who.
Melia just finds amusement with the name. She settles down to sit, her tail curling around her paws neatly as they seem to be stopped to have a conversation "Dusksilver. I'm told he has a mate and new kits now, I've still got to bump into them"
Blackberry thinks he remembers hearing that Nadie had some kits. He never really paid all that much attention to them. He might have met Dusksilver once or twice, but again never really paid all that much attention to him. If something doesn't really catch his interest he more or less ignores it. He, in general, isn't much for conversation. However, he has been spending a great deal of time by himself lately and so is willing for the time being, "I remember hearing about that. I'm sure if you stick around long enough you will get to see them. They are probably in the den. Nadie has spent alot of time there recently."
Melia is much the same in some ways, finding interesting things to keep her attention is probably what keeps her moving around so much but other foxes naturally interest her "I imagine they would be but it seems unwise to randomly approach her without first meeting up with Dusksilver. She may not even know Dusk has a sister, it could be quite uncomfortable...Are you another who lives around here?"
Blackberry doesn't live anywhere in particular. He might stay in a place for a few days, but he always ends up moving on. If this fox sticks around he is sure she will meet Nadie. Nadie seems to be around quite a bit, "You might be right, but I'm sure that you won't have to wait around too long for them. To answer your question no not really. I don't really have any place that I call home. At the moment I'm headed over to a nearby wolf pack to see about a wolf that got shot with an arrow."
Melia tilts her head with the news of wolves, it's a random interest after a few equally random meetings "Ohh, which pack is that?" a little note of confusion shows "And what's an arrow?"
Blackberry hasn't really ever visited this particular pack before, but he knows they live nearby somewhere, "I'm told they hang out now too far away from here up the river a ways. I have never visited them before so I'm not really sure what they are all about, but it might be sort of interesting anyway." He glances around around to see if anyone else is wandering through before turning back toward Melia, "An arrow is a human thing. They use it to kill animals. This particular wolf sounds like he or she is lucky not to be dead. I'm guessing the wolf in question isn't very bright."
Melia considers the two wolves she's known in the past but she doesn't know where either packs are these days anyway. She raises a brow again though and looks slightly displeased "Being shot by humans makes a wolf dumb? I hope you're not just going to tell him that, wolves are quite large and dangerous"
Blackberry thinks that anyone who is dumb enough to put themselves in a sitaution where they might get shot probably deserves it. However, he will certainly try to help the wolf if he is able too, "I might and I might not it depends on if it would make a difference. Hopefully he can learn from this experience if he lives." Course he doens't know if its a he or a she. It could just as easily be a female. The birds weren't all that specific, "One of the beautiful things about being there to help is you can say pretty much anything you want as long as the end result is good." Blackberry is a rather arrogant creature and he is always pretty sure he is the smartest one there, wherever there is.
Melia just snorts at him, her interest nose diving as she's now considering him not so smart "Right. Well, I hope they're not too hungry and actually grateful or, you know, it may not go down well" she shakes her head "If I don't see you again I suppose I'll know why"
Blackberry chuckles and offers her a smile. A wolf isn't going to be what brings him down. Despite his arrogance he is probably about as smart as he thinks he is. He is a healer of some small renown, especially the farther south you go. Of course there are also other stories but what can you do? You aren't going to be popular with everyone all the time, "If you want you can come and see." he says. After all what is the point of doing something really cool if there is no one there to watch.
Melia is considering leaving him to his fate when he offers to let her watch. She considers it. She's never seen an arrow before, let alone how one is removed from a wolf. Dangerous though they are she does also quite like wolves and she might be able to stop him getting himself eaten as she still thinks he will "It could be interesting..." she glances back to the area. There are others to consider but she can always come back again now she knows where the place is "...Alright, I think I will come along"
Blackberry is pleased to hear it. Its always nice when you have an audience to watch you being amazing. Besides he might need a bit of help and he doesn't know exactly how much help the wolves will be. He has learned that when you have a family member who is hurt you often aren't in the right state of mind to be calm, "Excellent. And if it goes bad at the very least you will see me get eaten which should be entertaining enough to make the trip worth it."
Melia smiles slightly, well he may not be that bright in her mind but at least he's amusing "Well you know that's the whole reason I was going. If you don't get eaten I'll be horribly disappointed now" she jokes. She's sort of looking forwards to being on the move again, one day maybe the desire to settle in one place will last more than a few weeks, she hopes it will eventually.
Blackberry smiles and shrugs, "Well I will hate to disappoint you then. Perhaps I can goad them into eating something else. " he says. Obviously he has no wish to die, and its not like he wasn't asked to come, so he hopes the welcome will be decent. If not he'll simply leave, but probably not before he's had the chance to try to help the wolf. He might not think much of wolves in general but he does have a rather strong ethic when it comes to helping those in pain.
Melia laughs quietly "If you can talk your way from the jaws of a hungry wolf that would be fun to watch as well I suppose. Personally I prefer to simply get them to give me food than to risk becoming it. Perhaps this will be fun, I've known a few wolves before"
Blackberry has known his fair share of wolves before. He has found them to be ok sort of creatures. Certainly not as bright as foxes in general, but really who is? "Who were the wolves that you've known?" he asks. Perhaps he has met some of them, more than likely though he hasn't.
Melia is far smarter than a wolf, not that she doesn't kind of enjoy the company "Well, the last one I met was Mori, he gave me his hare and I sat on his back and got carried around, quite charming really. A long time before that there was a little wolfpup I found lost in the woods, I suppose I gave that one my supper"
Blackberry hasn't ever met the wolf named Mori, though he has met some of his fellow Ute friends, "Well if your pattern holds you should be getting a meal from these wolves. And if I cure this wolf of theirs then its likely we will get some free food out of it."
Melia considers the thought "Free food or a show, I really can't lose. Just lead the way. Perhaps if this proves to be as interesting as it sounds I might have to start going around healing up wolves myself" as if it were that easy.
Blackberry doesn't doubt the ladies intelligence, though obviously its nowhere near his, but it would take years of learning before she would be remotely qualified. Though a student wouldn't be a bad thing, "I'm not really sure where I'm going. But I can probably muddle my way there." he says as he sets off along the river to the north.
Blackberry follows along the river with his new associate in tow. He had heard from the birds that the wolves lived along the river on the opposite side from the merge. Hopefully they were correct and weren't just blowing smoke. Brids aren't always that reliable of messengers.
Melia raises back to her paws and follows along beside Blackberry, though just a few steps behind, her paws light and almost silent as she trots along "I suppose if we wander long enough we'll find an injured wolf eventually but it probably should be the one with the arrow in it to start with"
'They arrive in Cerulean territory'
Niyt is no patroller to walk the borders, but she's been keeping more of an eye than usual on them lately. Or at least an ear, letting the wind bring her what news it cares. So, as foxes approach, a pale grey wolf is padding along nearby, and she pauses in a clearing to lift her muzzle and test for scents.
Blackberry seems to have found the area. It certainly smells like wolf anyway. He quickly glances around and soon enough spots Niyt. Hey! He knows that wolf. She was the one that was over by the horselands looking for that pup of hers. So she is over in this area. Thats interesting, Hello." he announces. No sense in being shy at this point.
Melia hasn't seen Niyt since she was a puppy so she doesn't recognise the wolf at all and appears cautious. Blackberry might not seem worried but she hangs back a little more, letting him go first. She'd prefer if he didn't get eaten but she's not going to risk her life to stop it.
Niyt perks up her ears at the sound of Blackberry's voice, and turns in that direction. "Hello," she calls back, and then pads a few steps closer, using ears and nose to get an impression of the pair of foxes since her eyes aren't up to the task. There's something familiar about... well, both of them, to be honest, though she's having a hard time pinpointing either. She was, after all, quite worn and distracted for the one, and just a puppy for the other.
Blackberry watches the wolf closely. So she's blind. He can tell. Interesting. He had noticed the last time he met her but at the time he was rather occupied with the plague that the horses were dealing with and didn't want to get to close to her. He wanders a bit closer to the wolf, "I remember you. You were that blind wolf looking for a pup." he says. Its interesting how small the world is.
Melia still doesn't remember, she could definitely see when Mel knew her but there's no pouncing so she relaxes a little, looking around the area she checks for other wolves before moving a little closer and sticking close to the other fox as she offers a greeting as well "Hello"
Niyt tilts her head to Blackberry. "Yes, I am," she answers. So it was around then that he's familiar from... hmm. Though she's blind, her senses of hearing and smell are certainly sharp, for she has little difficulty keeping her attention more or less on where the fox is, as well as flicking briefly to Melia, even before the other speaks - it's just that her eyes stare blankly instead of locating the exact spot. She nods to Melia, then returns her attention to Blackberry. "The pup was found."
Blackberry is pleased to her it, though at the moment he is more curious about her blindness. Obviously physical trouble interests him and that would certainly be something that would catch his attention. He keeps his eyes fixed on her eyes, looking for signs of how she came to be blind. Some things can be fixed after all..and some things can't. Sometimes the damage is just too much, "Good. The birds told me you have a wolf with an arrow in him. I'd like to take a look if you don't mind to much. After that perhaps I could take a look at your eyes."
Melia tilts her head to the conversation. More lost puppies, she wonders how many end up lost somewhere. She remains quiet though, keeping a close eye out on the area while Blackberry does the talking.
Ah, so this is a healer - and now that he mentions it, she does sort of remember when last she met him. Those sick horses. Niyt smiles, and nods. "Yes. He's likely asleep, but you can take a look now. This way," she says, and turns to begin leading them at an easy pace. "As for my eyes, well... some things are more easily fixed than others, and more urgent. Let's see what you make of Zuphi first." From what Blackberry can see at a glance, her eyes look covered in fog - not quite cataracts, not quite the rime of age or the cloudy blue of youth. Just veiled, iris and pupil both.
Blackberry is certainly willing to take a look at the other wolf first. He follows after her. This Zuphi person is probably lucky to be alive at the moment. He can only imagine that the human who shot him wasn't very good at aiming or he would be dead by now, "When was he shot?" He is going to have to gather some information on this situation before he can decide what is the best option. After looking at that wolf he will take a look at Niyt's eyes. It would certainly be nice for her to be able to see.
"Several moons, from what he said," answers Niyt as she leads the foxes along. "His story is a little unclear; I think he spent some time in shock from the wound before recovering enough to make his way here. Sometimes things blur together." She sighs, and shakes her head a little. Lost, alone and injured... not a good way for anyone to be.
Several moons? Oh boy this kid is in for some serious trouble. Its not fun taking anything out even when it is relatively fresh. Its even less fun to take it out when it is not. Several moons mean a great deal of work and possibly death. Either from infection or cutting a blood vessel or dozen's of other things. He sighs, "I'm going to be honest with you. Your friend is probably in dire straights unless he is really lucky."
Niyt takes this news without much surprise. She'd wondered the same herself - if all this might only mean closure, and not the opening of opportunity again. "He has a survivor's spirit. Perhaps his luck will hold," she says softly, and then sighs. "I am glad to know the danger." In that special subvariety of 'gladness' that is happier knowing than not but not terribly happy about the whole thing. "If his luck is done, so be it. Here. Tell me what you see." She indicates the sleeping form of a wolf about her own age, tucked away in a small hollow with a battered arrow buried in his flank.
Blackberry takes a look at the wolf and at the arrow. Just as he had feared. The arrow looks like it is lodged in there pretty good. His skin has healed around the arrow, meaning that if it has to come out they will be having to hurt him to do it. Which is likely going to cause a fair amount of blood loss. Which is not ideal in an individual already so weak. He isn't exactly sure how much he should tell Niyt, "Does the boy have any family here, a mother, father, mate? Anything like that. I should probably be talking to them."
Niyt sighs, and she turns her head to the forest, the gesture of looking away even if it doesn't change her view. Clearly, this wolf had sight once, for she uses the gestures of a sighted wolf naturally and unthinkingly. "His parents are gone," she answers first, and then is silent for a moment. That part's easy, for they were gone before she even knew him. As for a mate, well... does he? Once he courted her, and she welcomed him. Now? She doesn't know anymore. "He..." she begins, then trails off. She doesn't know. It's not like there's anyone else. He's barely even met the rest of the pack. She takes in a breath, then says, "I am closest."
Blackberry watches the wolf closely. Obviously there is something between the pair of them. Perhaps they are courting? Perhaps just good friends. Who really knows. What matters is that she is the closest thing he has to family, "In that case I'll be blunt. If we try to take the arrow out. Which is ideally what we should do there is the possibility of death from infection, blood loss, and also the possibility of permenant damage to his leg. To the point where he is lame. The other challenge would be deciding to use something to sedate him while we were doing it. Everyone reacts differently and the plans I would use could kill him too. Now the other side of it is that we leave it in. There are risks up to and including death with that too. I'm not going to lie to you. If he is unconsious you would be willing to take the responsibility of speaking for what he wants?" Is Niyt ready for life and death decisions? The fox wonders.
Niyt listens to Blackberry's explanation, her expression serious. She's not a healer, but she does know a little of medicine; those few things passed on between wolves to help with this or that. Enough to understand the threats he mentions. "I am willing to speak, if he will have me." Her ear flicks toward the sleeping wolf, and she gives something half-smile, half-frown. "You can ask him." And she'll have her own talk with him. There will be a great deal of discussion, before pushing toward death. At least, "If a little while longer will do no worse harm? He is recovering strength, resting here." He may need all that strength - and more.
Blackberry thinks that how they choose to deal with this is completely up to them. A little while longer probably wouldn't hurt. Unless there is an infection brewing in which case it would be important to act quickly, "I don't see any further harm in waiting a little while, but not too long." he says looking away from the wolf and back toward Niyt, "Now lets see about you."
If an infection was brewing, though... they'd know, more likely than not. Redness. Burning. Restless sleeps and lack of appetite. Zuphi hasn't shown those signs yet. Niyt nods. "There's another wolf who said he knew something of this sort of injury," she adds as a note. "His name is Helaku. He may wish to speak with you." That said, she smiles at his request, and pads away a bit to a spot a little out of the way and lies down.
Blackberry blinks for a moment as he hears that name. Where does he know that from? Oh well no matter he is willing to talk to whoever wants to talk to him. It seems in every group there is one or two that thing they know something and want to add their own two cents in. Blackberry is largely fine with that provided they don't become too insistant. He walks over to where Niyt is and looks at her eyes again. Yep not quite cataracts, "How did this happen? Injury or illness?" he asks. Its a mystery and mysteries are fun.
Niyt holds herself still, letting Blackberry inspect her eyes. Injury or illness? Well. "It came on slowly," she answers. "But it was no illness." She smiles, as though she doesn't expect to be believed. "An infection of the spirit."
Blackberry doesn't believe in any of that sort of thing, beyond the fact that he is sure there is life after death. He doens't think that those types of things happen in this world anyway, "I see. Do you have any sight at all, or are things just very hazy?" he asks. There may be something that can be done, but sometimes things have progressed too far.
People only believe what they have reason to believe. Most don't have any reason to believe in the spirit-world. Niyt knows the truth of what she has seen and heard, but most others are... well, blind, when it comes to that. She shakes her head at the question. "It faded. Since last spring, it has been gone."
Blackberry takes a moment or two to think. There are different herbs that can work to strengthen the eyes. Perhaps something like that might be helpful. She might not see perfectly, or even very well but there is a chance, "Well if you are interested there are things that we can do to strengthen your eyes. I can't promise anything, but if you would like we can try. Perhaps you can actually see your boyfriend over there again huh?"
Niyt smiles slightly. "I am willing to try." Will it do any good? Well, that's a good question. The body and the spirit reflect upon each other, but that which touches on one may aid the other - or do nothing for it. Physically strong eyes may still be blinded by a darkness of the soul, or the strongest of spirits may be trapped inside the failing body of a cripple. At the mention of a boyfriend, one corner of her mouth quirks up. "Only my friend... for now."
Blackberry catches the smile. That was what he had suspected. Despite what she says her actions would seem to stay differently, but if she wishes to continue to tell herself that she is more than welcome, "I'll need some time to gather some herbs probably for both you and and him. Like I told you I can't make any promises either way. The improvement may be only slight."
"It does no harm to try," says Niyt, and nods. One can be willing to try while expecting failure - sometimes, being proven wrong is a thing to appreciate. "Very well. I will be around this area, most likely. Let me know if there's anything I can help with. My name is Niyt, if you need to ask for me."
Blackberry smiles to the wolf. Well she seems like a decent sort. He had hoped to talk to her again back in the praire but one thing lead to another and it just never happened, "There are alwasy potential side effects, but with the herbs I am using I would imagine they would be mild. The strong ones that I'll likely be using on your friend are a different story. Most folks just seem to call me Fox." he says with a shrug, "I'd also appreciate you letting the other wolves know I'm nearby. I'd rather not have to deal with crabby wolves chasing me around the place." Not that he couldn't deal but it would look very bad to be here to heal someone and have to hurt someone else.
"I'll tell the others," Niyt says with a nod, and then tilts her head toward where Melia has been lurking... though it seems the other fox has slipped off for the moment. "What of your companion?" Is there one healer-fox around, or one healer-fox with guest? She doesn't seem to mind either way, but it's hard to spread news properly without knowing.
Blackberry had sort of forgotten about Melia. He had only met her for the first time earlier today adn she had agreed to come along to watch him take care of the wolf, "Her name is Melia. I'm thinking she will probably stick around. She wants to watch me take the arrow out. If that is what we end up doing. She apparently has a brother that lives over by the river merge. "
Melia. Niyt frowns slightly, trying to think. That name does seem familiar. She'll have to see about speaking with the other fox. For now, she nods. "That's fine. I'll let you go about your preparations... if anywolf questions you, refer them to me if you like. I'll see about finding the rest, but... there are always wanderers who miss the news."
Blackberry isn't particularly concerned about the wolves. He has had a few run ins and come out more or less ok. Most of the wolves that he knows aren't all that bright. At least, not by his standards, which he sets pretty high, "If your friend wakes up. I don't want him moving around. I want him to stay put right there. Any moving he does might cause more troulbe for him in the long run. Bring him food and whatnot as he needs it there."
Niyt nods her agreement. That, she's already been doing. Never mind joggling the injury, she wants to have him recover his strength, and he's never going to manage that if he goes running around everywhere. "Yes. We'll keep him here, and quiet." Long talks still count as quiet.
Blackberry nods, well that was easy enough. Its good that he ran into her then since she seems to know the most about what is going on. He will have to be about his business now. Now comes the fun part, finding the various flowers and herbs that he will need to work on this, "Make sure no one touches the pile of herbs that I bring back. Some of them will likely be highly sedative and if someone were to eat them it could knock them out for days or kill them if they were a puppy. Are there any pups here? Because we will want to keep them away."
Niyt shakes her head. "No pups." Small blessings, that there were none born this year. The youngest of this pack is more than old enough to know not to go eating random herbs. "I'll ask a few of the others to help keep watch." More than likely, this spot is going to end up as a general gathering place of the pack, if she does that. Not necessarily a problem.
Blackberry nods to the wolf. Well its plesant to see her again. Hopefully he will be able to save her friend and her eyesight, but he would settle for saving her friend since she doesn't seem really that impaired, "Excellent. I'll be around.." he says as he sets off.
Players:
Blackberry (a fox)
Melila (a fox)
Niyt (wolf of Cerulean)
Blackberry had been wandering around closer to the Ute pack of late, though he would periodically stop and skim the horse territory just to see what he could hear newswise. He had been over in that general direction when he heard from some birds that Cerulean had been in need of a healer for some wolf that had gone and got himself shot by an arrow. This particular pack he had never really visited. He had gotten the general set of directions from the birds and it seems that this pack lives over close to where the river merge is. He was familiar with that territory so he thought he would pass through there first.
Melia is continuing to hang around the area as she's been doing for the last few weeks. Not that she's exactly settled, she comes, she goes, she wanders off for a couple of days and then returns again and now she's out hunting, stalking through the undergrowth and sniffing the air as she sneaks. She's yet to spot Blackberry, the breeze carries his scent the wrong way and she doesn't see him, she can smell squirrel though and her attention is quite focused on finding out where the owner of the scent is.
Blackberry passes through the merge every moon or so, perhaps even a little bit less so he isn't really all that familiar with who is actually living here. He had spoken to Satinka not long ago and found out that Bristlecone had departed. He knew that there was a new coyote around who was the grandchild of Rye and Satinka, but beyond that the news of the area was pretty scarce. He notices the fox as she searches for the squirrel. This face is not quite familiar. Its difficult for him to tell if he has met her before, "Hello." he calls out to her as he continues on his way toward the river.
Melia meets few foxes, it's a lot easier for her to know that she's never met him the moment her head snaps round to look at him. She stops her search for food for now, a light smile appearing as she starts to walk towards him. He might be moving on still but she's at least interested in meeting others of her species "Hello and who might you be?"
Blackberry stops as she begins to approach. Nope never met her. At least not that he can remember. He offers her a polite nod of his head, "Most simply call me Fox." he says. Blackberry never gives out his right name for reasons that he has shared with no one. He watches her for a moment before continuing, "I don't think that I've seen you around here before. I think the only foxes I've seen here are Nadie and Felix. There was one other but I can't recall her name right now."
Melia raises an eyebrow and looks amused "Fox? Seriously? Wow, someone wasn't being very imaginative there" she comes to a stop near him, her head tilting as she looks him over "I'm visiting, my brother's in the area. I'm Melia, or if you really want to continue with the mysteriousness I suppose Vixen will do" she smirks back at him.
Blackberry is also called several other things, some of them polite and some of them not. Fox seems to fit as good as anything else, "Who is your brother?" he asks. Probably not anyone that he knews but it never hurts to figure out who is related to who.
Melia just finds amusement with the name. She settles down to sit, her tail curling around her paws neatly as they seem to be stopped to have a conversation "Dusksilver. I'm told he has a mate and new kits now, I've still got to bump into them"
Blackberry thinks he remembers hearing that Nadie had some kits. He never really paid all that much attention to them. He might have met Dusksilver once or twice, but again never really paid all that much attention to him. If something doesn't really catch his interest he more or less ignores it. He, in general, isn't much for conversation. However, he has been spending a great deal of time by himself lately and so is willing for the time being, "I remember hearing about that. I'm sure if you stick around long enough you will get to see them. They are probably in the den. Nadie has spent alot of time there recently."
Melia is much the same in some ways, finding interesting things to keep her attention is probably what keeps her moving around so much but other foxes naturally interest her "I imagine they would be but it seems unwise to randomly approach her without first meeting up with Dusksilver. She may not even know Dusk has a sister, it could be quite uncomfortable...Are you another who lives around here?"
Blackberry doesn't live anywhere in particular. He might stay in a place for a few days, but he always ends up moving on. If this fox sticks around he is sure she will meet Nadie. Nadie seems to be around quite a bit, "You might be right, but I'm sure that you won't have to wait around too long for them. To answer your question no not really. I don't really have any place that I call home. At the moment I'm headed over to a nearby wolf pack to see about a wolf that got shot with an arrow."
Melia tilts her head with the news of wolves, it's a random interest after a few equally random meetings "Ohh, which pack is that?" a little note of confusion shows "And what's an arrow?"
Blackberry hasn't really ever visited this particular pack before, but he knows they live nearby somewhere, "I'm told they hang out now too far away from here up the river a ways. I have never visited them before so I'm not really sure what they are all about, but it might be sort of interesting anyway." He glances around around to see if anyone else is wandering through before turning back toward Melia, "An arrow is a human thing. They use it to kill animals. This particular wolf sounds like he or she is lucky not to be dead. I'm guessing the wolf in question isn't very bright."
Melia considers the two wolves she's known in the past but she doesn't know where either packs are these days anyway. She raises a brow again though and looks slightly displeased "Being shot by humans makes a wolf dumb? I hope you're not just going to tell him that, wolves are quite large and dangerous"
Blackberry thinks that anyone who is dumb enough to put themselves in a sitaution where they might get shot probably deserves it. However, he will certainly try to help the wolf if he is able too, "I might and I might not it depends on if it would make a difference. Hopefully he can learn from this experience if he lives." Course he doens't know if its a he or a she. It could just as easily be a female. The birds weren't all that specific, "One of the beautiful things about being there to help is you can say pretty much anything you want as long as the end result is good." Blackberry is a rather arrogant creature and he is always pretty sure he is the smartest one there, wherever there is.
Melia just snorts at him, her interest nose diving as she's now considering him not so smart "Right. Well, I hope they're not too hungry and actually grateful or, you know, it may not go down well" she shakes her head "If I don't see you again I suppose I'll know why"
Blackberry chuckles and offers her a smile. A wolf isn't going to be what brings him down. Despite his arrogance he is probably about as smart as he thinks he is. He is a healer of some small renown, especially the farther south you go. Of course there are also other stories but what can you do? You aren't going to be popular with everyone all the time, "If you want you can come and see." he says. After all what is the point of doing something really cool if there is no one there to watch.
Melia is considering leaving him to his fate when he offers to let her watch. She considers it. She's never seen an arrow before, let alone how one is removed from a wolf. Dangerous though they are she does also quite like wolves and she might be able to stop him getting himself eaten as she still thinks he will "It could be interesting..." she glances back to the area. There are others to consider but she can always come back again now she knows where the place is "...Alright, I think I will come along"
Blackberry is pleased to hear it. Its always nice when you have an audience to watch you being amazing. Besides he might need a bit of help and he doesn't know exactly how much help the wolves will be. He has learned that when you have a family member who is hurt you often aren't in the right state of mind to be calm, "Excellent. And if it goes bad at the very least you will see me get eaten which should be entertaining enough to make the trip worth it."
Melia smiles slightly, well he may not be that bright in her mind but at least he's amusing "Well you know that's the whole reason I was going. If you don't get eaten I'll be horribly disappointed now" she jokes. She's sort of looking forwards to being on the move again, one day maybe the desire to settle in one place will last more than a few weeks, she hopes it will eventually.
Blackberry smiles and shrugs, "Well I will hate to disappoint you then. Perhaps I can goad them into eating something else. " he says. Obviously he has no wish to die, and its not like he wasn't asked to come, so he hopes the welcome will be decent. If not he'll simply leave, but probably not before he's had the chance to try to help the wolf. He might not think much of wolves in general but he does have a rather strong ethic when it comes to helping those in pain.
Melia laughs quietly "If you can talk your way from the jaws of a hungry wolf that would be fun to watch as well I suppose. Personally I prefer to simply get them to give me food than to risk becoming it. Perhaps this will be fun, I've known a few wolves before"
Blackberry has known his fair share of wolves before. He has found them to be ok sort of creatures. Certainly not as bright as foxes in general, but really who is? "Who were the wolves that you've known?" he asks. Perhaps he has met some of them, more than likely though he hasn't.
Melia is far smarter than a wolf, not that she doesn't kind of enjoy the company "Well, the last one I met was Mori, he gave me his hare and I sat on his back and got carried around, quite charming really. A long time before that there was a little wolfpup I found lost in the woods, I suppose I gave that one my supper"
Blackberry hasn't ever met the wolf named Mori, though he has met some of his fellow Ute friends, "Well if your pattern holds you should be getting a meal from these wolves. And if I cure this wolf of theirs then its likely we will get some free food out of it."
Melia considers the thought "Free food or a show, I really can't lose. Just lead the way. Perhaps if this proves to be as interesting as it sounds I might have to start going around healing up wolves myself" as if it were that easy.
Blackberry doesn't doubt the ladies intelligence, though obviously its nowhere near his, but it would take years of learning before she would be remotely qualified. Though a student wouldn't be a bad thing, "I'm not really sure where I'm going. But I can probably muddle my way there." he says as he sets off along the river to the north.
Blackberry follows along the river with his new associate in tow. He had heard from the birds that the wolves lived along the river on the opposite side from the merge. Hopefully they were correct and weren't just blowing smoke. Brids aren't always that reliable of messengers.
Melia raises back to her paws and follows along beside Blackberry, though just a few steps behind, her paws light and almost silent as she trots along "I suppose if we wander long enough we'll find an injured wolf eventually but it probably should be the one with the arrow in it to start with"
'They arrive in Cerulean territory'
Niyt is no patroller to walk the borders, but she's been keeping more of an eye than usual on them lately. Or at least an ear, letting the wind bring her what news it cares. So, as foxes approach, a pale grey wolf is padding along nearby, and she pauses in a clearing to lift her muzzle and test for scents.
Blackberry seems to have found the area. It certainly smells like wolf anyway. He quickly glances around and soon enough spots Niyt. Hey! He knows that wolf. She was the one that was over by the horselands looking for that pup of hers. So she is over in this area. Thats interesting, Hello." he announces. No sense in being shy at this point.
Melia hasn't seen Niyt since she was a puppy so she doesn't recognise the wolf at all and appears cautious. Blackberry might not seem worried but she hangs back a little more, letting him go first. She'd prefer if he didn't get eaten but she's not going to risk her life to stop it.
Niyt perks up her ears at the sound of Blackberry's voice, and turns in that direction. "Hello," she calls back, and then pads a few steps closer, using ears and nose to get an impression of the pair of foxes since her eyes aren't up to the task. There's something familiar about... well, both of them, to be honest, though she's having a hard time pinpointing either. She was, after all, quite worn and distracted for the one, and just a puppy for the other.
Blackberry watches the wolf closely. So she's blind. He can tell. Interesting. He had noticed the last time he met her but at the time he was rather occupied with the plague that the horses were dealing with and didn't want to get to close to her. He wanders a bit closer to the wolf, "I remember you. You were that blind wolf looking for a pup." he says. Its interesting how small the world is.
Melia still doesn't remember, she could definitely see when Mel knew her but there's no pouncing so she relaxes a little, looking around the area she checks for other wolves before moving a little closer and sticking close to the other fox as she offers a greeting as well "Hello"
Niyt tilts her head to Blackberry. "Yes, I am," she answers. So it was around then that he's familiar from... hmm. Though she's blind, her senses of hearing and smell are certainly sharp, for she has little difficulty keeping her attention more or less on where the fox is, as well as flicking briefly to Melia, even before the other speaks - it's just that her eyes stare blankly instead of locating the exact spot. She nods to Melia, then returns her attention to Blackberry. "The pup was found."
Blackberry is pleased to her it, though at the moment he is more curious about her blindness. Obviously physical trouble interests him and that would certainly be something that would catch his attention. He keeps his eyes fixed on her eyes, looking for signs of how she came to be blind. Some things can be fixed after all..and some things can't. Sometimes the damage is just too much, "Good. The birds told me you have a wolf with an arrow in him. I'd like to take a look if you don't mind to much. After that perhaps I could take a look at your eyes."
Melia tilts her head to the conversation. More lost puppies, she wonders how many end up lost somewhere. She remains quiet though, keeping a close eye out on the area while Blackberry does the talking.
Ah, so this is a healer - and now that he mentions it, she does sort of remember when last she met him. Those sick horses. Niyt smiles, and nods. "Yes. He's likely asleep, but you can take a look now. This way," she says, and turns to begin leading them at an easy pace. "As for my eyes, well... some things are more easily fixed than others, and more urgent. Let's see what you make of Zuphi first." From what Blackberry can see at a glance, her eyes look covered in fog - not quite cataracts, not quite the rime of age or the cloudy blue of youth. Just veiled, iris and pupil both.
Blackberry is certainly willing to take a look at the other wolf first. He follows after her. This Zuphi person is probably lucky to be alive at the moment. He can only imagine that the human who shot him wasn't very good at aiming or he would be dead by now, "When was he shot?" He is going to have to gather some information on this situation before he can decide what is the best option. After looking at that wolf he will take a look at Niyt's eyes. It would certainly be nice for her to be able to see.
"Several moons, from what he said," answers Niyt as she leads the foxes along. "His story is a little unclear; I think he spent some time in shock from the wound before recovering enough to make his way here. Sometimes things blur together." She sighs, and shakes her head a little. Lost, alone and injured... not a good way for anyone to be.
Several moons? Oh boy this kid is in for some serious trouble. Its not fun taking anything out even when it is relatively fresh. Its even less fun to take it out when it is not. Several moons mean a great deal of work and possibly death. Either from infection or cutting a blood vessel or dozen's of other things. He sighs, "I'm going to be honest with you. Your friend is probably in dire straights unless he is really lucky."
Niyt takes this news without much surprise. She'd wondered the same herself - if all this might only mean closure, and not the opening of opportunity again. "He has a survivor's spirit. Perhaps his luck will hold," she says softly, and then sighs. "I am glad to know the danger." In that special subvariety of 'gladness' that is happier knowing than not but not terribly happy about the whole thing. "If his luck is done, so be it. Here. Tell me what you see." She indicates the sleeping form of a wolf about her own age, tucked away in a small hollow with a battered arrow buried in his flank.
Blackberry takes a look at the wolf and at the arrow. Just as he had feared. The arrow looks like it is lodged in there pretty good. His skin has healed around the arrow, meaning that if it has to come out they will be having to hurt him to do it. Which is likely going to cause a fair amount of blood loss. Which is not ideal in an individual already so weak. He isn't exactly sure how much he should tell Niyt, "Does the boy have any family here, a mother, father, mate? Anything like that. I should probably be talking to them."
Niyt sighs, and she turns her head to the forest, the gesture of looking away even if it doesn't change her view. Clearly, this wolf had sight once, for she uses the gestures of a sighted wolf naturally and unthinkingly. "His parents are gone," she answers first, and then is silent for a moment. That part's easy, for they were gone before she even knew him. As for a mate, well... does he? Once he courted her, and she welcomed him. Now? She doesn't know anymore. "He..." she begins, then trails off. She doesn't know. It's not like there's anyone else. He's barely even met the rest of the pack. She takes in a breath, then says, "I am closest."
Blackberry watches the wolf closely. Obviously there is something between the pair of them. Perhaps they are courting? Perhaps just good friends. Who really knows. What matters is that she is the closest thing he has to family, "In that case I'll be blunt. If we try to take the arrow out. Which is ideally what we should do there is the possibility of death from infection, blood loss, and also the possibility of permenant damage to his leg. To the point where he is lame. The other challenge would be deciding to use something to sedate him while we were doing it. Everyone reacts differently and the plans I would use could kill him too. Now the other side of it is that we leave it in. There are risks up to and including death with that too. I'm not going to lie to you. If he is unconsious you would be willing to take the responsibility of speaking for what he wants?" Is Niyt ready for life and death decisions? The fox wonders.
Niyt listens to Blackberry's explanation, her expression serious. She's not a healer, but she does know a little of medicine; those few things passed on between wolves to help with this or that. Enough to understand the threats he mentions. "I am willing to speak, if he will have me." Her ear flicks toward the sleeping wolf, and she gives something half-smile, half-frown. "You can ask him." And she'll have her own talk with him. There will be a great deal of discussion, before pushing toward death. At least, "If a little while longer will do no worse harm? He is recovering strength, resting here." He may need all that strength - and more.
Blackberry thinks that how they choose to deal with this is completely up to them. A little while longer probably wouldn't hurt. Unless there is an infection brewing in which case it would be important to act quickly, "I don't see any further harm in waiting a little while, but not too long." he says looking away from the wolf and back toward Niyt, "Now lets see about you."
If an infection was brewing, though... they'd know, more likely than not. Redness. Burning. Restless sleeps and lack of appetite. Zuphi hasn't shown those signs yet. Niyt nods. "There's another wolf who said he knew something of this sort of injury," she adds as a note. "His name is Helaku. He may wish to speak with you." That said, she smiles at his request, and pads away a bit to a spot a little out of the way and lies down.
Blackberry blinks for a moment as he hears that name. Where does he know that from? Oh well no matter he is willing to talk to whoever wants to talk to him. It seems in every group there is one or two that thing they know something and want to add their own two cents in. Blackberry is largely fine with that provided they don't become too insistant. He walks over to where Niyt is and looks at her eyes again. Yep not quite cataracts, "How did this happen? Injury or illness?" he asks. Its a mystery and mysteries are fun.
Niyt holds herself still, letting Blackberry inspect her eyes. Injury or illness? Well. "It came on slowly," she answers. "But it was no illness." She smiles, as though she doesn't expect to be believed. "An infection of the spirit."
Blackberry doesn't believe in any of that sort of thing, beyond the fact that he is sure there is life after death. He doens't think that those types of things happen in this world anyway, "I see. Do you have any sight at all, or are things just very hazy?" he asks. There may be something that can be done, but sometimes things have progressed too far.
People only believe what they have reason to believe. Most don't have any reason to believe in the spirit-world. Niyt knows the truth of what she has seen and heard, but most others are... well, blind, when it comes to that. She shakes her head at the question. "It faded. Since last spring, it has been gone."
Blackberry takes a moment or two to think. There are different herbs that can work to strengthen the eyes. Perhaps something like that might be helpful. She might not see perfectly, or even very well but there is a chance, "Well if you are interested there are things that we can do to strengthen your eyes. I can't promise anything, but if you would like we can try. Perhaps you can actually see your boyfriend over there again huh?"
Niyt smiles slightly. "I am willing to try." Will it do any good? Well, that's a good question. The body and the spirit reflect upon each other, but that which touches on one may aid the other - or do nothing for it. Physically strong eyes may still be blinded by a darkness of the soul, or the strongest of spirits may be trapped inside the failing body of a cripple. At the mention of a boyfriend, one corner of her mouth quirks up. "Only my friend... for now."
Blackberry catches the smile. That was what he had suspected. Despite what she says her actions would seem to stay differently, but if she wishes to continue to tell herself that she is more than welcome, "I'll need some time to gather some herbs probably for both you and and him. Like I told you I can't make any promises either way. The improvement may be only slight."
"It does no harm to try," says Niyt, and nods. One can be willing to try while expecting failure - sometimes, being proven wrong is a thing to appreciate. "Very well. I will be around this area, most likely. Let me know if there's anything I can help with. My name is Niyt, if you need to ask for me."
Blackberry smiles to the wolf. Well she seems like a decent sort. He had hoped to talk to her again back in the praire but one thing lead to another and it just never happened, "There are alwasy potential side effects, but with the herbs I am using I would imagine they would be mild. The strong ones that I'll likely be using on your friend are a different story. Most folks just seem to call me Fox." he says with a shrug, "I'd also appreciate you letting the other wolves know I'm nearby. I'd rather not have to deal with crabby wolves chasing me around the place." Not that he couldn't deal but it would look very bad to be here to heal someone and have to hurt someone else.
"I'll tell the others," Niyt says with a nod, and then tilts her head toward where Melia has been lurking... though it seems the other fox has slipped off for the moment. "What of your companion?" Is there one healer-fox around, or one healer-fox with guest? She doesn't seem to mind either way, but it's hard to spread news properly without knowing.
Blackberry had sort of forgotten about Melia. He had only met her for the first time earlier today adn she had agreed to come along to watch him take care of the wolf, "Her name is Melia. I'm thinking she will probably stick around. She wants to watch me take the arrow out. If that is what we end up doing. She apparently has a brother that lives over by the river merge. "
Melia. Niyt frowns slightly, trying to think. That name does seem familiar. She'll have to see about speaking with the other fox. For now, she nods. "That's fine. I'll let you go about your preparations... if anywolf questions you, refer them to me if you like. I'll see about finding the rest, but... there are always wanderers who miss the news."
Blackberry isn't particularly concerned about the wolves. He has had a few run ins and come out more or less ok. Most of the wolves that he knows aren't all that bright. At least, not by his standards, which he sets pretty high, "If your friend wakes up. I don't want him moving around. I want him to stay put right there. Any moving he does might cause more troulbe for him in the long run. Bring him food and whatnot as he needs it there."
Niyt nods her agreement. That, she's already been doing. Never mind joggling the injury, she wants to have him recover his strength, and he's never going to manage that if he goes running around everywhere. "Yes. We'll keep him here, and quiet." Long talks still count as quiet.
Blackberry nods, well that was easy enough. Its good that he ran into her then since she seems to know the most about what is going on. He will have to be about his business now. Now comes the fun part, finding the various flowers and herbs that he will need to work on this, "Make sure no one touches the pile of herbs that I bring back. Some of them will likely be highly sedative and if someone were to eat them it could knock them out for days or kill them if they were a puppy. Are there any pups here? Because we will want to keep them away."
Niyt shakes her head. "No pups." Small blessings, that there were none born this year. The youngest of this pack is more than old enough to know not to go eating random herbs. "I'll ask a few of the others to help keep watch." More than likely, this spot is going to end up as a general gathering place of the pack, if she does that. Not necessarily a problem.
Blackberry nods to the wolf. Well its plesant to see her again. Hopefully he will be able to save her friend and her eyesight, but he would settle for saving her friend since she doesn't seem really that impaired, "Excellent. I'll be around.." he says as he sets off.