Gathering Survivors

[Pavane]

Ahiga - male wolf
Tala - female adolescent wolf

Wachiwa - female wolf

Ikuna - male adolescent wolf
Grim - male wolf

---Swampy Marsh---

The coming of spring should be a time of joyous rebirth. Animals have their young and families celebrate the newest generations of packs and herds and flocks and tribes. The first hints of green that peek out from the snow should be a sign of good times ahead. Warm days spent hunting in lands of plenty. Gentle nights spent nuzzling with a first love. But such a happy future has been shattered for the Ute in a battle in which failure found them. Failure to protect their lands and each other. Failure to protect the young. All they can do is flee further to the outskirts of what they once called home. Ahiga moves with Tala as the shadows of the day stretch longer with a setting sun. With the adrenaline and the rage of fight drained from his system, the pain from his injuries are more clear. He moves with a limp, a hindpaw wounded from that tick of a terrier dog, and shoulders and side bearing fangmarks from both Toby and Bone. But he does not stop. He can't. They have to find Ikuna. And what of the pups?"Smell anything?" he asks as they approach the swamp area, eyes flitting to Tala.

Tala has been slowly following along with Ahiga, her head lower, ears back and steel gaze flicking here and there in the process. Her sides heave hard as she breaths, a cough escaping her at times which has left lagging behind Ahiga at times as she finds herself caught between unable to breath, hard gasping at times. She swallows and gives herself a great shake. "I.. I can't smell anything Ahiga." An its not because she's having trouble breathing, just nothing that she knows is catching her attention. Her shoulder aches, the bite wasn't bad but it along with the state she is already it doesn't help. "We have to find Ikuna an the others." She hasn't been able to stop since this happened, an without her sibling it won't be easy for her to stop anywhere. Though she needs to stop and rest, she's pushing herself rather hard at the moment.

With the dogs left behind, Ikuna turned slower, but he has not stopped. He found half-melted puddles to splash through; bare rocks to pace along; strong-scented shrubs to run his body along. The bleeding from his shoulder has stopped; the crooked part of his tail has turned to a dull throb. His flight is over now, and the search for the rest of his pack has begun. They must be somewhere. He's turned in a slow circuit outside the southern edge of Ute's (former?) territory, tracing those lands they once ranged out into for hunting. Searching for signs of his pack, yet also trying to keep himself hidden - and knowing that they'll be doing the same. This may not be easy.

Return to the swamps-- though she never fully left them, did she. As soon as the reply came to her painful rasp of a voice, the she-wolf Wachiwa was releived to hear someone coming, and thus, sank into the chilled, muddy water on trembling legs, useless forepaw held close to her chest. There she lays; in water up to her shoulders, her head hung low, but not quite with snout in the water. She waits to see who comes; her one blue eye full of weariness, her frame shaking slightly from stress and worry. She knows that Skahla is safe; two of his pups are with him. The third may have been killed by the marauders; she did not see anything of her sister but perhaps Shawnee was out of the den, the pups should have been old enough for that by now, shouldn't they? A stir in her gut makes her whine softly as she thinks of what this spring has become.

Unlike so many, including the young wolves into who's lives Grim and Brutal have now intruded, the pressing promise of spring holds no momentous change. Before it had been just another season, favorable over winter, but never so much as to be considered 'joyous' by either brother. That is, at least, until now. For a great ways, Grim simply shadowed Ikuna, letting the younger wolf navigate the land as he saw fit. After all, was it not his packs territory? More to the point, was that Grim has found himself at a loss. Was his responsibility still to this pack? Or was this sufficient enough? Regretfully and against his own instincts as a outsider, Grim knows exactly what his brother would insist. Long legs carry the tall grey male at a trot, his stride effortless and his body still full of strength, with his only injury the strip of torn fur and hide that flaps at his neck. A superficial thing it is, and Grim carries on in a state of casual indifference. He is not, however, immune to the anxiety for which Ikuna's body language stinks of. Or maybe that's just the rabbit in his jaw? Chew chew. Grim pauses when Ikuna does, letting his gaze roam through the dreary landscape of mud, mire, and dark water. It is only by the habit of spotting dead things that Grim even notices the head jutting up out of the impression in the earth, his ears pivoting curiously in the direction of Wachiwa. Is that something to eat? His tail begins to wag, then slows as his vision makes out finer details. Oh. Nevermind. Grunting to gain Ikuna's attention, Grim jerks his muzzle -and subsequently the bobbly head of the rabbit- in the direction of the fallen she-wolf, "One uf yours?" he questions the younger Ikuna.

All Ahiga can smell now is swamp as they're now within it. It's a perfect place to stop, rest, and hide. The dogs will be too busy...investigating their new den to worry about coming all the way out here to this muddy, soggy swamp. Right? And this place is a hider of scents, with its still waters and own pungent aroma. He slows and turns to Tala, the edges of his muzzle curving down. "Babe, we've got to stop a bit. Rest a little while. It's not gonna do Ikuna any good if we find'm and you pass out," he says, ears folding back a little. "We'll find his scent," his voice is made to sound encouraging despite his own dismal feelings. This has been a hellish time, and who's to say that Ikuna hadn't been so wounded that he's not out there somewhere dying? He scowls at the thought, roughly shaking it away as he turns to gaze at the swamplands, searching perhaps for a place secluded enough that a trotting dog may overlook them. But what he does see instead is someone in the water, body mostly submerged. An instant growl lifts, for in his mind they have more foes left than friends, and he moves to stand in front of Tala. Maybe its her dismal state. Maybe its his own extreme apprehension. Whatever the reason, dear Wachiwa is not recognized.

Tala head lowers more as she steps slowly forwards, her eyes closing at she finally stops. "I'm not going to pass out Ahiga.. I.. Just want to find Ikuna." Another harsh cough escapes her and she lowers to her haunches. Instead of getting better after her dump in the ice cold water she's gotten worse, stress, and fighting for her life most likely has a hand in it though. She swallows hard once she is able to breath, her gaze goes to Ahiga and she hears, a whine? Her movement are slow as she shifts to her paws to look around Ahiga an to the form in the muddy water, her steel gaze blinking while her muzzle rests open so she can breath. "Wait.. Ahiga.." Something sparks her attention and she shifts to move by Ahiga but doesn't have the strength. She is soon back to her haunches, her eyes linger on Wachiwa's form, as if making sure she is right before she is able to speak. "..Chewy.." Is murmured out with a tired breath escaping her.

The lanky wolf trailing Ikuna is a strange one. The young Ute wolf doesn't yet understand why the pair of them - for Grim and Brutal clearly make a pair - helped. A solidarity of wolvenkind? Perhaps, or perhaps there's some other reason behind it. He finds he doesn't entirely care; not now, anyway. When he realized Grim was continuing to keep him company, he gave the other a nod, but nothing more. No questions; not when there are problems far more pressing on his mind. He turns his attention to Grim when it's called for, and from there out to see... what? Hidden in the mire and murk, half-drowned in slow mud... The young wolf stares. Blinks. There's something... someone. There's... it can't be. Surely it can't be, and yet... "...Chewy?" His voice is uncertain, barely above a whisper. He takes one step forward, hesitant; another one. At the sound of a growl, he stops, paw mid-air, looking for what gives voice to that angry - frightened - sound. What else lurks in this swamp?

Ears drooping come to a perk and then lay back in agitation at the voice; a growl? A growl. A tired shudder runs through her, as Wachiwa lifts her head, and fights the mud and water to stumble to her weak feet, body shaking in the mire, as her tired, weary gaze turns toward the sound. Another attacker? They've surely come to drive her back to where they now live haven't they; though tired and lean, she would now refuse, after what they had done to her pack. Instead though, she finds herself staring at Ahiga-- Her Ahiga, and Tala with him. though wet and painful, her tail wags; and harder still when Ikuna speaks to the opposite direction; her voice a rasp as she replies. "Ahiga.. Tala.. you're safe, oh Spirits be praised.. Ikuna, too.. But who..?" The mixed blind and sighted gaze of white and blue eyes fall on Grim. If he is with her pups, he must be a new member of the pack. her back end gives out then, and she plops into a half sit, half lean. "... Oh my pups... Oh, my pack.."

Ripe with the scent of stinking mud and rotting compost, indeed these swamplands are perfect for those seeking a safe haven or treacherous ambush, alike. For this stretch of land retains no biased for either. The fact that the two brother's have spent nearly all winter trekking inconspicuously through the area proves this. But then, not that many Ute wolves ever cared to venture close enough to challenge the swamp's ability to conceal the secrets that lurked within it's embrace. Yet for having navigated much of the swamp all winter, Grim often finds himself lost among the reeds and he is no wiser now to their location than he was moments ago. Can't smell nothing with rabbit wafting up his nose constantly. Setting the cold catch down for a moment, the sound of aggression that rumbles out in the darkening atmosphere provokes Grim into a state of mild alarm, his golden eyes narrowing and searching the bush across from him. that is, until a question from Ikuna, to which Grim mistakenly assumes is directed at him, briefly calls Grim's regard. "Chewy? Huh?" A brow is lofted and Grim adjust his gaze to consider the rough figure resting in the water some distance from him, to which he responds to Ikuna in full confidence, "Legs look a bit that way, but the rest is probably good eatin'." Sage nod. Of course, shortly following this, Grim's golden eyes widen in turn as he finds himself caught in Wachiwa's gaze, the reaction of Ikuna towards someone familiar making him shift uncomfortably. Oh. Oops. Ahem.

A dog. It must be a dog in hiding. Some dog left behind to ambush any escapees that tromp through the swamp. Maybe there's just one, maybe there's a horde of them. Like the dogs on the hill. There were only a few, and they quickly multiplied to many in the matter of seemingly seconds. A vaguely paranoid Ahiga bares his teeth, blinded by a too fresh rage and heightened prejudice. He's ready to lunge, to reenter a fight with a muddy foe, but Tala notices something about this stranger that he doesn't. A familiarity that he's blinded to. Chewy? The utterance of her name has the sound halting in his throat, and he glances to Tala with faintly furrowed brows. His ears press forward, head whipping around and back to...Wachiwa? His mouth opens in a gawking look of disbelief, and the look intensifies as he catches the rough sounding words that drift from her. He blinks once before letting his eyes go wide. "..Wachiwa?" And someone else. He cranes his neck a bit to gaze past her, sure the he heard Ikuna's name, and the form of two wolves are discerned. Two? "It's Ikuna," he exhales with a grin to Tala, and despite his want to run to both Ikuna and Wachiwa, he remains near Tala, moving forward only as fast as she does, keeping himself near for support if she needs it.

Tala ears slowly twitches, her gaze linger on Wachiwa as she wants to jump in and help but her body refuses the movement. She slowly shifts, laying down on the cool ground. A wheezing cough escaping her now while her eyes flick towards more movements. Her hackles lift but that is all she can do while her lips pull back to bare her fangs for a few moments until she hears Ahiga. "Ikuna.." Is murmured out softly. "I'm.. Just gona lay here for a few moments." This said with a soft murmur to Ahiga, her eyes closing as her head tetters a few moments as she forces herself to keep it up.

Ears slip slightly back as Chewy examines the scene before her. Tala is bad off, in ndeed of rest; Ahiga is amped up, and rightfully so; Ikuna is injured but not the worse off, and this strange new wolf, he seems to have been attacked but not too bad. She doesn't know where Skahla has gone off to, but he had Althaea and Hadir with him. She doesn't know where Soyala went, nor Shawnee. She just hopes her sister has her other neice with her. (A thought she may in later days come to regret.) After a long moment of silence, the tired pupsitter stumblers back to her three good legs, and then says, softly, "Ahiga, Tala needs to rest.. I didn't see which way Skahla and the pups went except that it was away from here. We should try to head 'away', too, but not before Tala has rested." She pauses to grimace again at a sickening stir in her gut and moans, "Hush, hush.." Before looking to the two adolescents before her; and then to Ikuna and .. Grim. "... We should try to find.. a den.. Some place for Skahla's pups to go when we find him. And we should.. try to think. Of a way to get our home back."

Abandoning any apologies for his faux pas, not like he was going to give them anyhow, it takes only a matter of seconds before Grim catches on that the snarl heard was from another pair of wolves converging upon the same one, muddied she-wolf. Grim gives no small thanks that those two happen to be Ahiga and Tala, however his delight at spotting them isn't nearly as affectionate in nature as their own might be for one another. He's just glad to know he won't be spending the night combing swampland in search of the wayward youth. Unwise to the history behind the haggard looking she-wolf, Grim obviously lacks the surprise and excitement the other's seem to retain for the ugly wolf. Instead, he takes a moment to consider the group as a whole, golden eyes accessing each individual for the first time, both their strengths and weaknesses. It is also the first time he lets his gaze linger on Tala, a small smile tugging at the corners of his pale muzzle. Well hello gorgeous! Distracted, but not so greatly that he doesn't catch Wachiwa's report, his attention is snagged upon a word spoken in suggestion. Clearing his throat, Grim straitens to his formidable height, golden eyes narrowing down on the group in front of him. They all look so...beaten. "I know a place south of here, with a small pond. My brother and I stayed there often. Good place to drink. Beats the hell out of this nasty water." He shifts oddly, clearly a wolf unaccustomed to offering up suggestions, especially to a pack of wolves. This is Brutal's forte, not his. A fact Grim is quick to point out, "Barring that, can always head southwest to the falls. Large cave there, I think. Giva Brute' a chance to catch back up, once he shakes those dogs. He'll have an plan, I'm sure." If he's still alive, that is. Grim doesn't say it, but the worried expression that cross his face does.

An involuntary whine escapes from Ahiga's chest as Tala sinks down, his emotions torn. Happiness at seeing Wachiwa...er, for the most part alive. Utter joy at finding Ikuna. But the concern for Tala is overwhelming, and the feeling of helplessness soon follows. This isn't something that he can fight. Her pain isn't the face of a dog aiming to injure herr that he could fight off. Her coughing and weakness are nothing that he can fend off. But ... at least they're all here. Now she can't fight the command to rest. He lowers his head to touch his nose to one of her ears, anxiety written all over his face. But something Wachiwa says sparks his attention, and he raises his brows while looking to her. "Skahla's pups? You saw them? Hadir 'n Althaea?" That's his first question, but oh so many others rush to his mind after, all fighting for the chance to be asked. Golden eyes flit to Grim, and he sparks a whole new set of inquiries. He closes his eyes a moment, brows furrowed as he silences them all. "You," spoken once he opens his eyes again. "You were there, right? At the hill. Who /are/ you?"

Tala head soon lowers to the ground, leaning against a forepaw. Her ears slowly twitch forward at the new voice while her eyes creep open to look towards Wachiwa tiredly. She tilts her head to rub it against the underside of Ahiga's chin. Even though she isn't able to move any further at the moment her tail slowly sways, thumping upon the ground, not talking hopfully will leave her from coughing. "Their safe?.." Is questioned with a tired tone on her brother's pups. The new voice catches her attention, steel gaze drifting towards where Grim is but she can't fully see the other wolf at this moment. An with Ahiga and Ikuna here she at least feels safe enough to try and rest.

"Hadir and Althaea... Yes, I saw Skahla running with them. ... But Shawnee wasn't with them, neither was Soyala." Chewy's ears lay back as she thinks about her sister and the missing pup, but she knows there will be time for things later, when they've found a place to be safe from things that could prey upon them all in their current states. Her gaze darts to Grim.. and she nods, closing her eyes in thought. "South.. South might be our best bet.. But.. I think I know the waterfall.. That's.. Cerulean territory now, isn't it? ... We might be safe there, but their pack leader may not welcome a sudden invasion of wolves from another pack, even if we are only seeking refuge. Still. It's a good idea to keep it in mind." Chewy frowns.. then shakes her head. "... You three are safe. You three are safe, and thank the spirits..

After voicing his suggestion, Grim lets his golden eyes drift back towards Tala, but this time, not just with the purpose of admiration. It is her condition that tugs at his curiosity, causing the tall wolf to furrow his brows in a disconcerted manner. He is sure that she doesn't carry many wounds, for her fur lacks the stiff bristled mats and smeared stains of dark coloration synonymous of blood. But next to the crippled she-wolf they have only recently come upon, the young female appears in all regards to be the worst for wear. Her hacking coughs alarm Grim, her weakness confusing. These are not inflictions from battle. Adjusting his gaze, Grim lifts his to fix Ahiga with a questioning look, but before the older male can inquire on behalf of his own investigation, he finds himself subjected to a request of identification. It seems a frivolous thing in face of so many other questions, but he supposes strange wolves showing up out of the blue does begs for some small amount of explanation. So Grim just nods in affirmation, "Grim. The other is my brother, Brutal, to whom you should save your thanks for." The grey wolf jerks his muzzle in gesture to Tala, "Whats wrong with her?" A glance to Wachiwa as she speaks, who doesn't look much better than Tala, elicits a nod of consideration from Grim, though he says nothing to confirm the direction of travel. He's just here to make suggestions, not lead them down the path. The names of the others escape Grim and he spends no time trying to make connections. Not like he plans to stick around, anyhow. Hell, he should probably be on his way. They can handle it from here, right? Another glance around. Crippled wolf, coughing wolf, crooked-tail, and frantic lover. Yeah, not exactly a promising bunch.

Ahiga's tongue is swiped upon Tala's head, between her ears, once, and he sighs in apparent relief at Wachiwa's report of having seen Skahala with the healthy(ish) pups. And this new wolf, Grim as he soon finds out, must be alright enough. He did, for whatever reason, insert himself into their battle. He and his brother. At the mentioning of Brutal, he glances to one side, as if searching for him. His predicament with Bone wasn't noted, as Ahiga's attention was on other things happening on the hill, not below it. But he doesn't question his current whereabouts. "The Cerulean leaders won't think we're invading," he says in answer to Wachiwa, sounding sure of himself. "They know us," he gestures to Tala and Ikuna. "We've been there plenty. Anoki's pack wouldn't turn us away. Once they know what happened..." he trails off there, expression darkening. "Plus, we've got to warn'm. A dog showed up on their lands last time we visited. I dunno if she's still there, but she might be one've /them/," the wod is spoken with a hint of a snarl. Grim's inquiry of Tala's well being is met with a measured look before he answers. "She doesn't feel well. She'll be alright."

Tala isn't well, and is not from the fight, not in the least other then the stress and fighting that didn't help her condition. Her head shifts slightly, ear twitching to follow the conversation while her eyes close. If one was to touch her they would find her burning hot, her breathing is still wheezing but with her unmoving it has slowed at least. She hears Wachiwa comment on Shawnee and Soyala and her ears lower more against her head. At the moment she knows its not a good time to tell Chewy what happened to Soyala. "They.. won't turn us away." Is soon offered with a tired sounding tone to agree with Ahiga on going to Cerulean. An yes, they must be warned!

Ikuna has been quiet this time; exhaustion setting in as he had not let it do so while there was still work to be done. Now, though - Tala and Ahiga live. Even the pups he had thought dead are - if not here - not at the bloody den. And Chewy is here, who left for the winter and then returned. He slowly padded his way closer to the group, his tired muscles stiff now, and after nuzzling Chewy, Ahiga, Tala each in turn, had let himself droop to the ground to rest and listen. "If they do, we move on. But we'll warn them."

A frown... And then a nod. Wachiwa is not surprised to hear there is a dog among the Cerulean; she is concerned, but if it is just one, then for now there isn't too much to worry about.. Until that /one/ runs into the /many/ lurking in the Ute lands, and then things will get worse. Slowly, Wachiwa limps toward Ahiga and Tala; Tala concerns her, and she noses in carefully against the younger she-wolf's head, and laps at her temple, smelling the heat. "... We need to find her dryer ground," Wachiwa murmurs softly, before looking to Grim; "Do you think you could lead us to the place you and your brother stayed at for now..? She needs a safe place to rest;" And then Wachiwa utters a low growl in her own discomfort. "-And we need.. some place for Skahla's pups.." She stiffens slightly when Ikuna nears to nuzzle; despite the mud, she is still sore. Among other problems she will dwell on later once her scattered pack has found sanctuary. She then adds, softly, for Grim's benefit, "The pack owes you thanks, if you have helped us. You and your brother. I cannot speak for Skahla or Shawnee, but I would not be disagreeable to you sticking around longer. When Ikuna and Ahiga have rested, they can find food." She looks to the two boys pointedly: They'll do it. Or get a Wachiwa frown.

Grim watches with no small amount of observation as Ahiga washes his tongue between the ears of the fair she-wolf, causing the edges of his lips to drawn down in the smallest of frowns. Difficult to discern in the darkness, the expression that crosses Grim's visage is universal in the masculine world, for it is that look of disappointment that follows the realization that a pretty female is not without a suitor. Hmph. Boyfriend or not, Ahiga's reply in regards to Tala's health strikes Grim as near flippant in response and that gains the young male something of a scowl. "Doesn't sound alright'." he mutters, before giving his head a indignant shake, as if Ahiga should know better. "You know the Ribwort weed? Sometimes called Ripple Grass." he inquires to Ahiga, before his golden eyes shift to meet those of the she-wolf in question, but it is still to Ahiga who he speaks, "Dark green weed that grows in meadows and hedgy brush, stiff stems. Flowers are usually yellow or purple. Doubt they are bloomin' yet, but don't need those anyhow. Just the leaves. Chewing on them will help that cough; keep the rattle out her chest." Abruptly, he turns his attention to Wachiwa as the crippled she-wolf ask of his favor, causing Grim's ears to lay back in a moment of hesitation and now it is Grim's turn to glance around, searching for his brother. Anytime now, Brutal. Anytime. Drawing in a breath, Grim bobs his head in a single nod, though this time his eyes rake over the broken, one-eyed she-wolf's figure in a manner of renewed awareness, clearly wise to her condition, one that had gone unnoticed until now. "Yes, I can lead you. But do you think you can make it?" His tone is serious, with his question first for Wachiwa, but with a sweep of his gaze, it quickly incorporates all the wolves.

Of course Ahiga doesn't know ribwort weed or ripple grass or any other type of grass known by any other type of name. His head is given a near imperceptible shake, but he keeps listening on to the description even when the other wolf's eyes are not on him. It's information taken and stored with little pomp on his part, though a "Thanks," is given in reply afterward. He says little else after that, perhaps too worn physically and mentally from the ordeal to offer much to the conversation regarding depature to an unknown cave, losing himself in his own thoughts. It's perhaps why he isn't clued in to any differences in Wachiwa, other than her broken paw and beaten appearance, and perhaps why celebration of their reconnection has been none. Delayed. Delayed til they're away from here, this place that is no longer their safe home. Delayed til the sick are well and the injured healed. Right now, celebration seems like an absurd notion. He does not protest the assumption that he hunt, nor makes any real indication that he heard it, which he did. A blink refocuses his gaze and thoughts for a moment, and he glances to Grim as he asks his question. Can they make it? "We'll have to."

Tala swallows a moment, a slight cough escaping her while her gaze opens to peer up at Wachiwa. Her tail slowly sways, her head lifting to nuzzle against the older she-wolf's chin a moment. "Wachiwa.. I'm glad your back. We missed you so much." Is soon offered, her voice low. She slowly shifts, pushing herself upwards so she is sitting, a grunt escaping her at the movements. Once she is sitting her head is somewhat hanging as if she's to tired to pull it up. "Of course we're make it." She'll get there one way or another. As sick as she is Tala is not one to quit. Her blue gaze rests on Grim for the first time watching the large wolf a moment before she turns her attnetion to Ikuna. Her brother gets a tired smile, glad to see him while she lets her shoulder press against Ahiga.

"... Yes.. Yes, I think I can," Mutters Wachiwa softly after a moment of closed eyes and quiet consideration. "... Just.. restless... and I haven't had much to eat.." Eyes open, and .. And Grim gets a thankful, if sad look. "Thank you. I can find ribwort easily. The leaves will be small this time of year, but.. we'll find them. Right now she needs yarrow.. Do you know yarrow? The leaves and root we need, it'll keep the fever down," Wachiwa murmurs softly, "Can you find some for her, Ahiga? It has white clustered flowers on the top, and the leaves look like feathers." She nudges the adopted wolf in the shoulder with her nose, then she looks to Ikuna: "When we get to where we can rest.. you need to find Skahla, and lead him and the pups there. Be careful."

Wachiwa's reaction to his attempted nuzzle does not go unnoticed by Ikuna; indeed, it contributes to his silence and his frown. He has perhaps some glimmer of a reason, and he doesn't much like it; no more than he likes Tala's fevered weakness. For now, he remains silent on these matters. At the mention of Grim and Brutal staying, he lifts his head. "Skahla will understand," he says, with a tone that implies he'll go and argue with the alpha until Skahla does, if needed. As for the hunting, he simply nods, and again at the mention of the herb; he'll keep an eye out during the hunt. Ahiga's statement of determination gets a nod... and a slight frown for the other young male's condition. They're not in very good state, any of them. As Tala speaks her own determination, Ikuna nods, then looks to Chewy. "Tala will need someone to lean on, to make it to shelter." Not that she'd admit it, but he'll admit it for her. "After you're settled, Ahiga and I will both go."

There are probably very few wolves who would know of such things as medicinal plants, aside from the basic knowledge that eating grass can settle a sour stomach or make a wolf hurl. And to that point, either way, problem solved. Yet Grim could prove that he knows a great many things about plants and their purpose, aside from just being food for prey animals. Its a skill that has come to Grim not by some great destiny or aspired teachings to be a healer, but rather, because when Brutal was off learning lessons in leadership, none would tolerate the sitting of the wolf pup Grim, expect for an old haggard female who was nearly deaf of ear and talked non-stop about the usefulness of the world around them. After months of it, it was difficult /not/ to learn something about plants. The memory of it all is enough to send a shiver down Grim's spine, renewed is the nightmare the instant that Wachiwa speaks up with suggestions of her own. It leaves Grim just standing there, gawking at the she-wolf as if she had worms crawling out her ears. By the gods, it's like the old witch has been reincarnate and is back to haunt him! "Umm..right. Yes. That will help." Ahem. Creepy. Grim gives one last nod in response to the voiced resolve of those around him, before moving away to return to the location he left the rabbit. Taking it up, his tail waves in a gesturing for the others to follow now, setting off southeast for a road that will take them through the dryer paths of the moor and then striking out for the pond beyond. His pace is brisk, but still considerate of the weak and injured. His thoughts however, are not on the wolves that follow, but on the one wolf who still remains unaccounted.

Tala glances from Wachiwa then to Ikuna, she lets her gaze follow after Ahiga as he finally goes to find what Wachiwa asked him. She knows he'll be alright and back soon but still the thought of him leaving now and being on his own with all the dogs around worries her. At the comment from Ikuna she doesn't refuse it, she /must/ be sick if she isn't refusing help. She shifts closer to her brother once he is near her, waiting for him to start following Grim before she moves along. Her shoulder pressed against Ikuna's and head slightly lifted at an angle with her mouth held open so she can get enough air into her rattling sounding chest to keep her going.

Wachiwa winces as she starts to limp after Grim, murmuring to Ikuna softly, "Before you leave to look for the herbs, I need to talk to you, Ikuna. I may need your help with talking to Skahla later. Right now though.. Tala needs rest... OUr new friend here needs to find his brother, and we need to make sure we can get the pack together in at least one place to know how many have survived." Chewy smiles weakly though. She missed he rpups too; and she nuzzles at Tala's shoulder carefully as she tries to flank the weaker she-wolf slightly on one side for support.

There's Ikuna. Just about the healthiest of the current group of Ute stragglers. Now that's a sad thought. He gives Wachiwa a long look at the mention of needing to speak to him, then a single nod. "He... talked," he says, face in a scowl... which softens as he lets Tala lean against him, moving slow and careful with her. "I'll go help, once you're settled," he murmurs to his sister. "Ahiga will be fine." And so it goes, with the young wolf murmuring various encouragements but not expecting any answers as they travel.