No cure, no plot. Duh.

[Therdde]

Mad props to Luna for the title.
Part One

Characters:
Therdde - Male Duck
Dichali - Male Bighorn Sheep
Chesmu - Male Cougar
Keegan - Male Wolf
Lotus - Male Wolf
Plisken - Male Rattlesnake
Paoro - Female Cougar
Moonseeker - Female Adolescent Cougar
Conwell - Male White-Tailed Deer
Ayita - Female Adolescent Horse

- Wooded Terrain -

Therdde is at least not thirsty or hungry. He made it to 'his' lake last night, and managed to keep himself from succumbing to dizziness long enough to eat, drink, and get back to dry land. It would be pathetic if, instead of being a dizzy duck, he became a drowned duck. After that he settled down by Dichali and eventually drifted off, though his sleep was fitful. He awoke about the same time as Dichali, and they have since set off in search of the cougar who may provide them with more information. The trek has been slow and arduous, though, as neither Dichali nor Therdde is at the top of their game, and Therdde is not capable of flying ahead to scout the area, as he might if he weren't so ill.

Dichali would indeed set about things faster if he could. However, due to the illness, he's lucky if he can hold his head straight for more than a few minutes. For once his horns seem rather burdening. If only they weren't so HEAVY. The ram's currently making a slow and steady trot. He is debating taking a quick lay down soon, however.

Chesmu, having managed to stop distracting himself, caught himself a hare or two, which held him over pretty well. Now he's not as hungry as he was yesterday, and in reality, has no interest in eating his "friend" the ram. So, what he does is continue on his way, thinking nothing of what he has heard of this apparent disease that is sweeping the land. He's not sick, so he doesn’t care.

Therdde can at least keep up with Dichali. Still, it's getting more and more difficult to walk in a relatively straight line. Having walked in silence for some time, the male duck finally speaks up. "Have you seen the types of rocks the squirrel mentioned?" In other words, are we there yet? The duck is not as well-travelled as that troublesome raven, not up here in the mountains. He talks quietly, not attempting to attract too much attention in his current condition.

Dichali says, "Honestly, I don't even know..." The ram hesitantly peered around a little. "Want to lay down for a little bit, Therdde?"

Chesmu is still just padding along. He's not considering a meal, so when he comes within visual contact of the ram, he just blinks. Wasn't that the food he was trying to get yesterday? When that annoying Raven messed up *his* side of the plan? He grumbles at this realization. They're probably looking for that cure...

Therdde doesn't take being asked a second time. The mallard practically jumps at the chance sit down and close his eyes. He's sure the world is still spinning out there, but at least he can't see it spinning when his eyes are closed. After taking a long breathe, he asks, "How're you holding up, Dichali?" At least the duck isn't dealing with weakness. He's got enough energy, even though he hasn't slept well since he became ill. He just can't use any of it! *frustration*

Dichali sighs a little. "Walking's difficult, but there's nothing to be done about it," he stated, "I can deal with it...hopefully long enough to find this place the squirrel spoke of." He let himself fall down into laying position and peered around wearily. "How are you holding up?"

Chesmu decides maybe he must now find out the nature of what they are going through. He remembers what the squirrel said. Though he logically (and correctly) infers that perhaps staying away would reduce his chances for being exposed, curiosity. He approaches the ram, and muddled duck.

As Keegan tops a nearby ridge, his first thought was that, in his tired state, he -must- be seeing things. But, the scents from the two didn't lie. Normally, this would be a good opportunity. A ram (or a duck, if it didn't fly to safety) would make a good meal, but he'd eaten already. Besides he certainly wasn't feeling up to tackling anything near his size. Unsure why, he started on his way down the ridge line, making for the two animals that shared his illness, even if he wasn't aware of that. He didn't even see the cougar making his way up the opposite slope.

The duck, whose eyes are closed, has no idea, yet, that not one, but two predators are very, very close. He needs to have a talk with his creator over that lack of effective scent glands. Responding to Dichali, the mallard says, "I'm managing. I wish I could be more help." It's all he can do to walk. If he were to attempt to fly most of the time, he'd wind up flying himself right into a tree or a bush.

The ram twitched his ears, wondering if he was hearing something, but he likely was hearing something other than the two predators. "Well you can ride on me if you need to," he stated. Granted his own body was feeling too heavy for him, but he doubted he'd even notice Therdde's weight at all.

Chesmu finally reaches to two. He is oblivious to the wolf approaching. He has a lot on his mind, after all. "I am curious." he says. "Just what exactly are your problems?" Not the best way to ask a question. Chesmu would likely have been happier just wandering like he always does.

Keegan reached the bottom of the ridge before either of the two noticed him, but it certainly wasn't thanks to him being stealthy. He'd stumbled once or twice, before finally pushing out some of the thin brush to come before the... Three? A cougar? Was he really -that- off his game? At this point, he only wanted to go back to sleep, and rest those heavy eyes. He stopped a short distance away, the cougar's appearance changing things. "I don't mean to interrupt, but I have to ask.. What's going on here?" A ram offering to carry a duck around, and another predator seemingly -not- interested in snagging either for food. An odd sight indeed.

Therdde first hears Chesmu, behind him. He opens his eyes to look behind him just in time to see Keegan arrive. Letting out a startled quack, he jumps to his feet, wings spread and prepared to carry him into the air. Alas, neither his vision nor his feet are entirely steady, and he can't react fast enough to save himself, or so he thinks. Some guard duck he is, indeed. Of course, it doesn't occur to him that either of the predators surrounding him might also be sick or really interested in anything other than making an easy meal or the two ill prey animals.

Dichali raises to his feet in attempt to protect himself and the bird, but he's not that convincing. "Why do you ask," the ram asked as he peered wearily at the cougar, trying to give him an evil eye. It wasn't working at all.

"I keep hearing your talk, passing through here." Chesmu says. "If you're looking to stay alive, you'd be smart *not* to be so loud, and you'd be smart *not* to lie around out in the open like this. If I were hungry, how easily do you think I would have found you as a meal?" Lesson over. "So I ask again, what is wrong with you?"

Keegan blinked. Maybe this bunch weren't as friendly with each other as he thought. It was then that he closely examined the two, noting how they looked a little worse for wear. "So.. You're sick too, eh?" The wolf sat back on his rear, head heavy. The cougar didn't seem to be ill though, judging from his talk. He asked the question, so Kee just waited for the answer-- trying his best not to look threatening to either of them.

Therdde remains on his feet with his wings spread, keeping his eyes on the ill wolf, who seems like the least threat, both in tone and for the fact that he's sitting down, theoretically leaving Dichali to the cougar. The duck's feathers are ruffled, but he is notably still not in the air. Just very jumpy. Keegan practically answers Chesmu's question--they're sick. The mallard isn't entirely sure if he should confirm that in the presence of two potentially hungry predators, but what Keegan says, implying that the wolf is also sick, convinces him. They could stand to have a wolf on their side. "Yes, us too. We're looking for the cure." Please, let Keegan not have heard about the cure yet. Because then he and Dichali would have a real bargaining chip.

Dichali nods to Therdde's words. "We're in the open because we are looking for the cure," he muttered, "And we are trying to stay near the water...we're both ill with some mysterious sickness as the wolf said."

Chesmu cautiously approaches the creatures. He doesn't want whatever this mystery is. However, due to its nature as a mystery, Chesmu cannot help but be roped in. "And there's where I find my fascination. The real mystery to me is *why* this is a mystery to me." He considers the irony of this situation. If he were hungry, he could have picked off all of these creatures with ease and there was little they could do about it. "Ah, the cure..."

Keegan's ears perk at that. "A cure..?" It's obvious he'd heard nothing about it. Heck, he didn't even know the illness had spread, or was contagious. Having come down with it himself only a few days ago. Seems the prey animals had their bargaining chip alright. He stood, padding closer slowly, as cautious as the cougar, "How do you know there's a cure?"

Therdde can hear movement behind him. It's not very well defined, but he gets an idea. Attempting, ha!, to appear unfrightened, he lowers his wings. Nevertheless, he takes one cautious step back, to place himself closer to the larger ram. "A squirrel told us about it the other day. She said this illness came from beyond these parts, and they'd found a cure." Of course, Therdde is cautious about offering up too much information too quickly, but just having this information that the wolf doesn't have allows him to relax the slight amount that he has.

Dichali gives a nod. "It'd likely be in your best interest not to eat much of anything till you know if it's sick or not," the ram stated, "Given how this sickness has no boarders on who it affects, I would highly suspect that eating an ill creature would make you sick as well." In Dichali's mind being ill was enough of a bargaining chip when it came to the healthy. That and he was honestly being helpful too. In his mind, it was his place as a ram to see to it that his enemies were strong enough to take him on. It was backwards thinking, but as a ram, the duel was nearly a religion...being sick like this left him a bit depressed thanks to his weakness. When it came to ill predators? Yeah then he'll be bargaining for real cause they're both weak and there's nothing to get them better or keep them from killing each other except that cure.

Chesmu contemplates this. "So, how are three sick creatures, likely weakened, going to *reach* this cure?" An idea begins to form in his mind. He's not one for being evil, but he wouldn't have a qualm about say, eating the ram as soon as he's cured, so he won't get sick, perhaps. He thinks of the smorgasbord before him. The problem is they'll be stronger. Perhaps another benefit from helping them reach the cure. "What is it worth to you?

Keegan raises a furry brow, looking across and over to the cougar. "Three? Who said I was traveling with anyone?" He wasn't quite so trusting of anyone here to say he could believe them. A squirrel just -happens- to show up with knowledge of this disease, and a cure for it? This all seemed a little off to him. "Where did this squirrel say the cure was? I'm assuming it's not around the mountain."

What is it with meat eaters, which includes the raven, and their propensity to enter interrogation modes at a moment's notice? The duck shakes his feathers, which are still ruffled from his momentary panic earlier today, then says, "She didn't have any details. She was passing on what she had heard from a cougaress who, yes, lives somewhere south of here. But the cure is somewhere else." Probably not in the mountains, but he has no intention of leaving the mountains until after he has found the cougar the squirrel mentioned.

The ram is starting to not enjoy this cougar's attitude. "What's it to you what the cure's worth to me," Dichali wondered, "There's no real need for you to know anything about this unless your affected by it, you've given me the assumption you aren't....so why are you so interested...some sort of preparation?" He then turns to look to the wolf. "I'd be more than willing to help you, so long as we can all keep it with us to get along till this mess is behind us."

Slowly, but surely, a grin begins to form on Chesmu's face. "I see. And when you do find this 'cougaress' the squirrel claims to hear it from, how do you plan on *convincing* her to tell you what she knows, may I ask? Seems more likely the cougaress might take advantage of your situation, rather than help you." And now for his hook: "Now, suppose you had a *healthy* cougar come with you and help talk to the alleged cougaress..."

Even the wolf could hear something in Chesmu's voice that just screamed bad news. He was suddenly sure that he would be safer not going with these three, not that he really planned on that to begin with. Too much here for him to worry about. "You still didn't quite explain what you'd have to gain from helping them, cougar." He never did trust those overgrown cats. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't see how anyone can just take this mysterious advice about a cure so seriously."

Of course, of the two prey animals, Therdde is probably the more skeptical one. Not just of the intentions of these predators, but of the cure in general. His initial desire was to find a safe place and just wait it out. Walking into a cougar's den and travelling to unknown places hardly seems like his idea of a good time, especially when he can barely fly. But there's the chance that this illness won't just pass, and being unable to escape, or, for predators, hunt, is certain, and potentially slow, death. Responding strictly to Keegan, the duck says, "And if your illness doesn't pass on its own? What if, by the time you decide you need to search, you're too weak to move?" There's a chance this is something minor. He has never experienced such dizziness before, but his body could heal itself. But what if it doesn't? That, in addition to some ridiculous notion of actually being able to help the also-ill ram, is what has Therdde here.

"Well...look at it this way...we have something, small as it might be, or we have just wasting away as the sickness worsens and we die accomplishing nothing," Dichali said in reply to the wolf's doubt, "I understand if you don't see it that way, but I'd think it better to try than to do nothing..." "Otherwise," he said before peering back to the cougar, "The wolf speaks truth...you don't strike me as the helpful sort, what's in it for you? Especially considering that helping us might get you sick and if our news is faulty...where would that leave you?"

Chesmu smirks. He starts to pace around the sick lot, eying the three. "What is in it for me, eh?" he says. He chuckles. Well, if one has to ask... "What is this worth to you, a sick, motley bunch who likely can't tell their up from their downs... two *prey* creatures trying to ask a *cougar* for help. And if she refuses, do you imagine she would let you on your merry way?" Then he laughs again, "And then you ask why I would want to help you? Perhaps you have something I want, and I suppose you'd be right in assuming I am not altruistic. Perhaps a cougar like myself is incapable of helping you from the sheer goodness of his heart? I feel a slight insult at this. Perhaps if I find this cure, with *your* help, I could lead *other* unfortunate creatures to this self-same cure. One of them is bound to have something I am looking for. What this something is is my business. But I suppose I could let you two try to find it alone in *your* condition." Translation: Sure, he wants something, but he's not sure what he wants, yet, though he's tempted to try to kill them for food once they are cured. He'd be able to see more lands, and he wouldn't run low. But perhaps they might be more valuable alive then dead. Favors. The possibilities are open to Chesmu.

Keegan is silent for a moment, hesitating to answer. The duck's words were true. But.. "There are others here that need me more right now. I won't leave them to fend for themselves while I go chasing something that -probably- isn't there." It's almost reluctant sounding, but he's firm in his own words. His place was here. For now. The circling cougar, on the other hand, had him on edge. He followed him, never letting him have his flank. "If you wish to lead them to this 'cure', then I won't stop you. But-" He glanced back to the two behind him, before eyeing the large cat again. "I wouldn't trust you. Nothing about your reasons make much sense. Both in the long term and the short, the risks will out-weigh the rewards." Nothing about a lot of this made much sense to him anymore. Blame it on the fatigue, maybe..

Therdde is certainly more likely to be kind to Keegan than Chesmu, who also sets the mallard on edge, although perhaps only because he has been out of the duck's limited sight range. Letting the two larger creatures address the adolescent cougar, the small duck keeps his undoubtedly unpleasant comments to himself. Instead, he addresses Keegan, who has done nothing that could be considered even remotely threatening or rude. Shortsighted, maybe, but that's predators for you. "I'm not going to try to convince you to leave your family, as Dichali did, for fear he would infect them. But if we learn more, or find the cure, I'll look for you." And hopefully earn himself, and perhaps Dichali, spots on a 'Do Not Eat' list, but that's beside the point. Prey species are no strangers to ulterior motives.

"Forgive me for not entirely trusting you," Dichali says to the cougar, "It's just how you're presenting yourself...It speaks rather badly for how you're coming off considering I'd be willing to help every /other/ predator I've met so far without bothering to question their motives...then again before it's always been just myself I had to worry about as well." He gives a small shake of his head. "None the less...as much as I might still be able to fight you off, I'd rather not test my abilities while I'm ill like this, so honestly, it's not like we can get rid of you either way," Dichali notes, "So we may as well try to make the best of it..."

Keegan turns back to the two prey animals, padding closer-- but with his muzzle low and ears splayed. They didn't trust him completely either, and they shouldn't. Had things been different, Kee may have been hunting them. If he was healthy? He would've had plenty of opportunities to strike. "Bird." He looks towards Therdde, hiding between the ram's front legs. "Can I speak with you, privately?" He didn't want the cougar overhearing what he was going to ask. At least not for the answer. Chesmu didn't need to know the cure's location at the moment anyhow.

Therdde doesn't know the cure's location himself, not exactly. And despite the fact that Keegan hasn't done anything threatening, yet, he is a sick predator, and he does need to eat and feed those who depend on him, those who are keeping him here. As such, there's a brief moment of hesitation as Therdde looks up as Keegan, trying to decide if he wants to leave the safety of his ram companion. Finally, Therdde says, "Sure." He takes a couple wobbling steps towards the wolf, away from Dichali, while mentally yelling at himself that this is probably a BAD idea.

Dichali keeps an eye on the cougar as he ponders what in the world he should do about him. He doesn't entirely want to turn him away, but everything seems to be pointing to the fact that he /should/. As he said though, it's not as if Therdde and himself could get rid of the cougar if they'd wanted to...

Chesmu keeps an eye on the other animals. Now he is more interested in meeting this cougaress, than anything else.

Keegan walks with the duck a short ways away, well within sight of the two others. He made sure to wait up for the bird, noting his own problems with walking. "The squirrel told you where this thing is, right? This cure?" Speaking softly, the wolf stepped closer. "I have no desire to follow you, or your friend. In fact, I wish you luck. I'd probably go with you, if I could.. But there are things I have to do first." Why he would, he didn't know. Wasn't he the one that said it probably doesn't even exist? "You have no reason to tell me, but.. I'd appreciate it, at least to have the knowledge."

Therdde follows Keegan, walking slowly and keeping his head low to minimize how much the world is spinning. He does keep a "safe" distance from Keegan. If the wolf were to snap at him in a fit of hunger, Therdde /might/ have enough time to get airborne, at the very least until Dichali could respond, or not... he doesn't have anything valuable for Keegan, though. Answering truthfully, the duck says, "She couldn't She didn't know. That's why we're searching out this cougaress to the south. The only thing the squirrel could tell us is it was beyond the rivers." Which could mean anything, to one end of a river or the other, and no specific distance beyond. All save useless.

Dichali seems to find the cougar's change in manner a tiny bit unsettling, but at least it gives him a moment to stop trying to think about the whole thing.

Keegan nods. This brought up some more questions in his mind, but none that Therdde could answer. "I'll keep it in mind then.. Thank you." He turns back, looking between Dichali and Chesmu. "If you both go with the cougar.. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you to be careful." Then, he strides back towards them without another word to the duck. He couldn't think straight enough to find anything else to say anyways.

Therdde trusts Keegan much more than he trusts Chesmu. That Keegan didn't attempt to eat him just now helps. Making his way back towards Dichali, he says, to Keegan, "You're welcome to come with us, even if you go no further than finding this cougaress. With luck, she will have more to tell you than I can." Because Therdde's not sure how much more of this dizziness he can tolerate.

Dichali nods in agreement with Therdde. "You've given me no reason to think you've got other motives," he states toward the wolf.

Keegan shakes his head. "I have business that needs taking care of. With the Viridian, and some others." He glances down towards the valley. "I was on my way down when I spotted you two. If things were different, maybe. The timing was just bad."

Chesmu looks at the other creatures. He is ready to go this minute, even if they'd rather not have him. "I suggest we go, I doubt your illnesses are getting *better* by the minute." he growls.

Therdde gives a slow nod and tells Keegan, "I'll keep an eye out for you on our way back, if we return this way. Good luck." The duck wonders if he should take Dichali up on his offer to allow him to ride further. The dizziness has faded a little in the time he was sitting on the ground, but just in what movement he has done, it doesn't seem to have faded to any useful level.

The ram looks mildly irritable with Chesmu's statement. "Alright, you have a point," he mutters, "I've rested long enough...it looks like we should go, Therdde."

Keegan sits and watches the three start off, giving a small nod to Dichali. "Maybe so.. Good luck, to all of you." Then he turned his own way, back down the mountain. He still had stuff to do before he could finally rest up. The sooner, the better.

Go? They just decided to rest moments ago, and that was interrupted by the arrival of Chesmu and Keegan. Regardless of whether Chesmu has a point or not, the duck is irritated. "All right." Making his decision, Therdde hops up on Dichali's back. The adult mallard barely weighs two pounds. it's unlikely he'll be felt. He feels like he's taking advantage of his ram friend all the same, though, especially since Dichali's illness already has him weak and tired. He'll get down as soon as he can see straight, he promises himself.

Dichali stands up and peers around. "So...keep going south," he wonders aloud. He's not entirely sure that the cougar would be straight south of where they were, and she could have moved by now. Still at least they had a direction at all.

[Therdde]

Part Two

- Time and Movement -
- Eroded Well -

Dichali had lead the way southward to this point. He's now peering about lostly as...there's no longer a way to go south. "Huh," he mutters thoughtfully, "The squirrel didn't mention beyond going south...like I was worrying earlier...we need more direction."

Therdde remains on Dichali, head low. Speaking up for the first time since they started moving, he says, "It can't be far. Can you smell anything, cougar?" He doesn't know Chesmu's name, and he doesn't particularly care, but he's not simply being rude. If he knew Chesmu's name, he would use it.

Chesmu has been allowing the air to speak to him in the only way it can. His senses, finely tuned for a hunter, tell him they aren't a long way, almost as if they might have found this coiugaress already. He sniffs many things, the ground, the air, leaves, then looks westward. "She's close... to the sunset direction."

Dichali nods and follows the cougar's directions with that being said.

Therdde sits up higher now that they are, apparently, growing closer. He keeps his eyes open, vision blurry though it is, in search of the cougaress who may help them.

- Wildflower Drop -

Plisken is plagued with his own affliction, though he is cynical and morbid at times, he constantly seeks information. Soaking in anything worth knowing like rays of the sun. "I feel I must admit my concern for my own safety in the presence of this odd affliction." he chuckles softly though it obviously doesnt bother him as much.

"I don't think anyone's safe, brother snake," Paoro admits solemnly. "Those who do not contract the illness may consider themselves lucky, though." The approach of another creature from the northern area draws her attentions, and she glances over at him, offering a polite greeting. Might he be one of Viridian's members?

Lotus's gaze finds the cougar in time to catch her greeting. He dips his head in response, before adjusting his path to take him toward the two, albeit slowly. What's this about an illness? He'd heard rumors, but nothing he hadn't dismissed as gossip. This venture may just pay off after all. "I couldn't help but over hear some of your words..." Lotus speaks, as he draws near.

Plisken examines Paoro, and noticing the greeting, turns his gaze towards Lotus. Bloody wolf, he uncoils from around the plantlife and shakes that scarred tail, rattling hard and loud. The only thing he distastes more than mammals in general, are wolves. A social bias perhaps, but learned. His eyes darken, though he seems to inch underneath the shadow of Paoro.

It seems that Chesmu's nose hasn't been lying. He knew if he was close enough, he could follow the scent of the cougaress who would know the details of this 'cure.' He doesn't need it... yet, but his followers, a ram, and a duck, would greatly appreciate it. He's mostly doing this out of curiosity, though he plans to exploit their health in some way. He steps carefully, furtively, slowly, looking over the scene.

Paoro nods in response to the wolf. She's not very hesitant about sharing what news she's heard - perhaps the more people who know what's going on, the more people that can help them succeed in finding a cure. "Yes. This epidemic is unfortunate, but it is not yet a tragedy. Not if I can help it." She glances down sharply at the deadly sound, instinctively taking a step back. Her attention drawn to the snake's rattling, she doesn't yet notice the odd trio that's approaching as well.

Dichali wanders into the area a short moment after Chesmu. The ram looks to be rather on the weary side, and seems to be struggling to hold his head up again. It was certainly gnawing at him that he'd be so weak to have problems keeping his head up after such a short trek. Maybe he was as good as wolf or cougar food at this rate. None the less, he wasn't planning to just roll over and rot. He seemed pleased, and a touch relieved as well, upon seeing the other creatures present.

The epidemic has struck another with the Amaranth group, Moonseeker is slowly making her way along, head lowered and ears back as she follows along the scent of her mother she caught a good ways back. The young feline would have caught up sooner if she didn't have to stop and rest along the way so often. Voices is what catches her attention along with the scents of others starting to get stronger the closer she moves. She's caught mere whispers of the sickness from others she's passed and it finally dawned on Moon that must be what is wrong with her. As she nears the group she pauses a good many feet away, ears perking while she blinks a few times trying to make the dizzy feeling go away once more. For the moment she says nothing, and in fact settles down onto her haunches to try and make herself a bit more comfortable.

Nothing like a little illness to bring odd groups together. The mallard is actually riding on the ram's back, his held momentarily held high to look for any sign of movement in the area. Upon entering the area, he rethinks his decision to hop down once he can see straight. being up here might just be the small animal's best bet.

Lotus jolts to a stop at the hiss of the serpent's tail. He's a foolhardy one at times, but even he knows better than to test a rattlesnake. Deciding to maintain a distance for this exchange, the lone wolf backpedals several feet and then seats himself. "Has it claimed many lives yet?" He questions. Lotus tips his head to one side, taking note of a few new arrivals, particularly the young cougar. He can't help but shift with discomfort.

Plisken watches the wolf and quiets his tail, he has been noticed and heeded, and now less casual than he was before, "Personally, I am unaware... I've only just rejoined the world as the warmer season nears." his voice very sullen now.

"None that I've heard of," Paoro replies, following the wolf's gaze towards the unlikely group -- and her daughter. Trotting over as quickly as her headache will allow, she offers a nuzzle to Moonseeker. "Oh, darling, I've been so worried about all of you lately...are you okay?" The trio can wait - family comes first.

Chesmu finally stops, maybe a few yards from the female cougar, and has a seat. How many here are still well, like he is? This illness seems even more widespread than he anticipated. He doesn't say anything, just sits stoically, tail wrapped around him. Wait your turn. Yes.

The ram, after taking a moment to take in his surroundings, carefully lowers himself to a laying position. He's afraid he'll fall over if he doesn't do otherwise.

Moonseeker is anything but alright, at least she's still breathing an able to move around to some degree. Her ears perk at the different voices and she swallows while peering over the ones here eyeing the ram and duck curiously a few moments. Well that is a for sure a first that she's seen anything like that before. As her mother's voice grasps her attention once more she takes in a breath an offers a tired smile to the other. "I've felt better.." She says softly, not sure about nuzzling her mother back as she doesn't want to try and make her sick.

Therdde spreads his wings just to help him keep his balance while the ram lowers himself to the ground. It would be difficult enough normally, but with the dizziness, it's even harder. He manages, and once Dichali has settled, he folds his wings back up close to his body. Like the others of his small group, he keeps his bill shut, waiting for the right moment to ask if any of them here know of any specifics about where a cure could be found.

A line, it seems, is forming. Lotus casts a glance to the male cat and the oddball gathering of creatures, then resigns himself from speaking further to Paoro. There's no reason he needs to try and resume the conversation when it'd be so much easier to sit but and let others speak. Perhaps he'll learn something, besides.

Agreed. Plisken uncoils and moves closer to the group in order to quietly observe. He has gathered what information he can, and it is possible more may be headed for this cure. Unsure of what he wants to do exactly, he knows his potential intentions are to be kept under wraps.

Paoro licks Moonseeker's cheek, purring despite the bad news. "It seems that the spirits have decided to test the strength of our family, daughter," she murmurs to her - though she doesn't yet tell the girl about her father's absence in the presence of others, especially another male cougar. He'd normally be run out, but desperate times call for desperate measures. "But we will get through this, I promise." She only now turns her attentions to the new three: "May I help you, brothers?"

Brothers? Chesmu can't say he's ever received *that* sort of greeting before. Lucky for him he's okay. "I have led some fellows to you. Apparently a well-intending squirrel has spoken of you. From what I heard from this squirrel, you know something important to these creatures here about this... illness." He looks back at the ram and duck. Back to the female he says. "I must say, I, too, am surprised at my willingness to help prey. Perhaps because I believe if I try to eat them I'll be worse off." That's... surprisingly honest.

The ram merely gives something of a smile at Chesmu's statement. He may not be well off now, but if the cougar decides he wants to eat him as soon as he's cured, the cougar will have a fight on his hands. Dichali does enjoy his duels quite highly. He offers a slight bow of his head toward the cougar they had come seeking. "Forgive me if we are a bother," he stated, "But what this cougar says is true...if you should need some sort of help reaching this cure, I am willing to assist where I can manage."

Therdde does not have much to add, ass Dichali and Chesmu together manage to cover anything the mallard would have to add. He does seem very eager for an answer, though, looking to the female cougar, since she may well be the cougaress the little squirrel spoke of, and is the one most likely to have an answer regarding where they should look.

How fortunate he just happened by here then... Plisken wonders to himself. This may work out beautifully. "And on my first day back." he says more to himself than to anyone. His voice black and almost sinister. Or perhaps simply sarcastic.

At the mention of a squirrel, Paoro nods - though the squirrel she assumes he's thinking of and the squirrel he's actually referring to are actually two different squirrels, coincidentally enough. "Yes, but I'm afraid I don't really know much more than what you've already been told," she answers honestly, ears pricking at his own honest response. "You're probably right," she affirms, before turning to glance at the ram, considering his offer. "I may not know anything else for the time being, but I do think you have a wise idea. Perhaps all of us searching together will be better than searching alone." The eagle did say it would take more than just her to find the cure, and she doesn't doubt it.

Chesmu wonders about this. "What do you know about this... mysterious thing?" he asks Paoro carefully. "It seems to affect anything that breathes is... uncaring of its victim. I've never seen anything like it in my days, and I have traveled a great deal." All his life.

Dichali bows his head again to the cougaress. "Well we could certainly do more with the abilities of several creatures as opposed to the abilities of one," he agreed, "It's just a shame that this sickness hampers our abilities some."

Therdde's feathers droop as it is revealed that Paoro does not have any new information for them. The duck casts a glance at Chesmu, then looks back up to Paoro. Speaking for the first time since they've arrived in the area, he says, "I think you may have misunderstood my... Overly exuberant companion." Which may be due to the fact that even Chesmu doesn't know much. "The squirrel who told us to search for you merely overheard what she told us. If you have any hint about which direction we should go... Which rivers we should follow, and how far beyond them... If you knew anything else at all, we would... Really appreciate it." Lack of substantial sleep is beginning to catch up to Therdde, combined with the his disorientation caused by the dizziness, which causes him to pause occasionally to regather his thoughts. Of course, it would be great if Paoro or someone actually interested in the cure, for personal reasons rather than reasons of profit, joined them, but unless they have a clear idea of where to start, it could take them weeks, perhaps months, especially since Dichali is always tired and Therdde can't fly.

The more he listens, the more uneasy Lotus becomes. The awareness that he's among some of the sick is unnerving, but since he has no way of knowing if he can even escape this epidemic, he knows it wiser to remain and gather in as much information as he can. Lotus eyes the male cougar and the other animals who came with him, thoughtfully. Perhaps he can even try to help in this search. Perhaps... But first, he waits to see if Paoro has any answers for the duck.

Plisken tastes the air, listening for a moment before uncoiling through the flowers and makes his disappearance discreet. the faint teasing sound of a rattle is flicked as his only goodbye. This will be very interesting to see how it plays out.

"I do not know any more than you, brother," Paoro replies to Chesmu. "Only what I have experienced myself so far. I have heard rumors that it eventually affects the very mind and soul itself...but rumors are not always reliable," she admits. She turns back to the ram and nods. "Yes, it is, but perhaps all of us working together will allow us to take turns searching, or offer assistance to each other if nothing else." She glances down at the flowers she had previously been nibbling on. "I've been trying to find a possible cure among the herbs around here, but nothing so far. Perhaps we'll have more luck if we begin searching beyond the two rivers, as we've been told." She pricks her ears forward at the duck's first words, and nods to him as well. "There is a river not far from here - I have never ventured beyond the one that borders the plains, but perhaps it joins another at some point."

"Perhaps that is best. Allow me to give you my name. I am called Chesmu. A name that follows me wherever I shall roam. To a lone wanderer a name is without real meaning, but Chesmu is the best I can offer you." He doesn't know anyone else's name. "Are you afflicted, as well?"

"Help would be quite appreciated," the ram admitted, "I am Dichali...it has a meaning but I don't know what it means." If he were up to his usual par, he would have made some comment about how it must speak of his strength or handsomeness. Likewise, if he knew what it really met, he'd never brag about his name again.

So the information they got really was just that vague. Therdde's mind now focuses on the journey they may have ahead of them. For a migratory species such as Therdde, the distance really doesn't seem that far. A day's journey, maybe a little bit more. But he knows how difficult it has been to travel since he has been struck by the illness. Following his companions' leads, he introduces himself. "I am Therdde. I'd like to thank you for the time you have given us, lady cougar." Even if it didn't result in a great deal of information being passes, Paoro has been quite possibly the most polite predator Therdde has ever met, and the ill duck returns that politeness.

"And I am Paoro," the matron concludes in the introductions. "Now that we are all acquainted, perhaps we should begin our search? I see no benefit to waiting things out." She begins padding towards the east even before the others can answer. "The river I know of isn't too far from here...less than an hour's trek."

Chesmu sees the cougaress heading east, and prepares to follow. Perhaps she isn't afflicted by this after all? But he'd be lying to himself and others if he were to say he believed cougars above this, especially after seeing a wide range of creatures struck by this affliction. From ducks to rams. He keeps pace with Paoro easily. "Are you certain this river is the one we need to be at?"

Dichali simply gets up, slowly as not to knock over Therdde, and follows after the cougars. He certainly hoped he'd not been near the cure the whole time, or he'd wish he could kick himself in the head.

Therdde again spreads his wings to help himself keep his balance. The duck knows how tired Dichali is, and says quietly, to the ram, "If you cannot keep up, I will try to fly ahead to keep track of where they go." He may fail too, and he's sure Chesmu, at least, would have no worries about leaving them behind. However, hopefully they can keep up. He aided himself by befriending the ram, but travelling along with two cougars helps both of them out even more.

"As to your previous question, Chesmu, yes, I have been afflicted," Paoro finally answers as the haphazard troupe begins to travel towards the east. "And I am not certain, no, but it is the only river I know, and so it is the best place to start by that logic. Do you know of any others?"

[Therdde]

Part The Last

- Eroded Well -

Chesmu has to think on this new knowledge. So it *does* affect cougars, then. This makes Chesmu all the more uneasy. "I may have already been exposed, then. I wonder just how quickly it takes hold." No, not really, at least, he wouldn't want to find out the hard way.

The ram shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure exposure is the only key," Dichali stated, "You've been near us this long and not gotten sick...also, as far as I know, I wasn't around anyone who was sick beforehand." "And thank you for your help Therdde," he says to the duck, "We've hardly known each other and you've already done so much..."

Lotus trails an even distance behind the others, his ears cupped forward. He's obviously lagging intentionally, out of desire to keep away from the afflicted if he can help it. Although the ram's words bother him. After thinking it over a moment, Lotus pads toward Dichali, with some hesitation. "I don't mean to pry, but... around where, pray tell, were you when you fell ill?"

Therdde has scarcely gone out of his way to help Dichali, not yet... But he would, and at least that's known now. In response to Dichali, the mallard says, "Only so much as you have, if that, so the thankfulness is mutual." Likewise, Therdde could not tell Chesmu how long it is between when the illness is introduces into a person's body and when the affects start to be felt. He can't remember being around anyone ill, either, but that may be due to the fact that, at its early stages, it may not have seemed epidemic, and he would have taken little notice of a sick fox or frog.

- Sprawling Mesa -

Dichali tilts his head a little. "I was on that smooth plateau of the mountain," he explained, "None of the others seemed sick, and I made my leave to make sure I didn't pass it along. It'd been a time before then that I was near anyone else."

Lotus ponders this, nodding a bit. Is this mainly affecting the mountain, or is it more widely spread? "I see, thank you. And what of you, duck?" His eye turns now to Therdde, waiting for an answer.

Therdde glances back to the male wolf. He had a feeling that he would be asked next, and spent the previous moments attempting to remember. "I was travelling from the forest down in the valley up her to the mountains when I first started feeling ill. But I'd been travelling back and forth a lot." No telling where he actually got it, if he got it from anyone in particular.

"As for myself," Paoro adds after the duck finishes, assuming she'll be questioned as well, "I was in this area. A couple of my family have gotten it, presumably in this area as well. But I was told this disease came from other lands...so it couldn't have started here, or even been limited to this area. Have you spoken with any others beyond the mountain itself?"

Dichali looks thoughtful about the conversation at hand. If he didn't get the illness from a ram, who could he have gotten it from? Surely it didn't come by air. If it did, wouldn't all the other rams be just as sick? Unless...no, he couldn't possibly be the /only/ ram weak enough to fall plight to this disease.

Lotus listens to the duck intently, then Paoro when she responds before he can ask. "Hm. And we don't know how it spreads yet?" At her question, the wolf shakes his head. "No, I haven't spoken to anyone. Not for a long time, anyway. I'm... not very welcomed in most places, you see." His tone is both apologetic and frustrated.

Therdde doesn't know much about disease, nor about spirits. The duck, having nothing valuable to add, slips back into silence, closing his eyes for a moment as the rest of his companions walk along. Lazy duck.

"I don't know, no," Paoro answers Lotus' question before replying to his last comment. "If you would like to speak, I will listen, brother wolf."

- Sloping Gradient -

Dichali has nothing further to say at the moment, as his sickened state actually leaves him in less of a mood to chatter. However, he's certainly happy they're going away from the way he came from. That means he wasn't around the cure the whole time. If they're going the correct way at least.

Chesmu frowns again. So... a disease with no apparent source, that doesn't seem to care about what the carrier is, with no apparent spreading vector. "Perhaps this cure is related to the cause?"

Lotus isn't sure what to say, now that the chance is offered to him. He gives Paoro a thoughtful look, as if he's willing to take her up on it, before Chesmu's remark brings him back to the business at hand. His eye drifts to the male cougar. "Maybe. But to know the cause, that's the puzzle." Which had been what he was trying to determine, but so far there doesn't appear to be any link at all between the ill. Not that he's found, anyway.

Therdde couldn't even begin to venture a guess at what caused the illness, except, perhaps, the area. If only he had stayed south a couple more weeks, it he might have missed it altogether. He's not of the 'everything happens for a reason' camp either, though, admittedly, if he hadn't been back up north and gotten ill, Dichali might have become food yesterday. Not that Therdde actually knows how close they were to becoming a two-course meal, but perhaps there is some reason, other than pure impatience and a vague desire to be home, that caused him to start flying north when he did.

- Rolling Foothills -

Paoro leads the group down the slope and out onto the plains, looking out towards the north where one can hear and see the waterfall crashing towards the forest floor below. "Up ahead is the river I'm familiar with. Not much longer of a walk now," she says, hoping to keep their spirits up. Her dizziness is a dull feeling at the moment, but she knows she can't keep up this pace for too much longer either.

Dichali is feeling his head getting heavy again, himself. He seems to lack anything to say still at the moment though...

Lotus looks on ahead, taking in the distant--but nearing--sound and scent of water. It's a good thing they're not too far now; they’ve been traveling for some time now, and he's starting to wonder if the sick will be able to go on for much longer. With this thought, he casts a concerned look first to Paoro, then to Dichali and Therdde.

Water! Waterwaterwater! The aquatic bird has been on land since late last night, and it's wearing on him at least as much as the dizziness is. He probably isn't suffering as badly as Dichali and Paoro, given the fact that he has been able to make most of this trip sitting down, with his eyes closed from time to time. Nevertheless, he's not a happy duck at the moment.

- Wind-Blown Lowlands -

Reaching the area just south of the river, Paoro practically collapses in the soft grasses from fatigue at the long walk that she normally is able to make without an issue, closing her eyes to rest - and in her dizziness, not noticing the small herd of horses nearby. Fortunately for them, the cougaress looks much too tired to be able to hunt.

The ram blinks a bit at Paoro's collapse. As much as he'd like to do that as well, it worries him a little none the less. "Are you alright Paoro," Dichali wondered before giving in to his own fatigue and carefully lowering himself into laying position.

The sudden sound of grasses being rustled draws at least one of the horses' attentions, a paint filly looking up from her grazing to sight...a whole bunch of creatures, including two cougars. And even if one is down, the other is still standing. She whinnies loudly out of alarmed fear to her herd mates, turning and trotting back towards the center of the group for protection.

The alarm from the horses likewise alerts the deer, well, what few there are. Of course they lack the numbers of the herd so Conwell stands there, surveying the area till he spots the group. Alarmed by the cougars, very alarmed...but he does recognize the sheep which truly puzzles him and keeps him glued to the spot instead of leaving.

Therdde hops off of Dichali as soon as Paoro collapses, lest Dichali do the same and it end up hurting the duck. He remains on his feet, shaking out the feathers of his wings and looking around. then taking a few steps closer to the cougaress, as concerned about her condition as Dichali is. "We should rest. You probably pushed yourself too hard."

"I'm fine," Paoro answers the ram after a moment, her ears pricking at the sound of panicked whinnies. "Just exhausted after walking all that way." She slowly opens her eyes and pushes her head up off the ground, supporting her upper torso on her forearms so she can at least see somewhat through the tall grasses. "I think you're right, Therdde."

Dichali nods to the cougaress before peering out at the others they'd intruded upon. He recognizes a certain face at least. "Sorry if we're intruding," he calls toward Conwell, "We're on a journey right now."

Lotus slows to a stop as they reach the lowlands, near where the others have lowered to rest. He sits down, more out of courtesy than fatigue. But as soon as the filly's whinny reaches his ears, the wolf hops back up in momentary alarm. Horses... a herd of them. This could be of either an advantage, or a problem. They'll find out which soon enough.

Chesmu contemplates. "Since I'm likely the only well one in our party, I'll keep watch." He means it, too. No sneaking off to sleep for him! "Sleep as best you can. I hope we can get closer to this cure before we all become ill to the point we're helpless."

Well, the predators don't seem to be advancing any time soon...and they've got a ram and a duck traveling alongside them. Ayita - and the other horses, no doubt - will nonetheless continue watching them until they approach to speak, but in the meantime they've got a tenuous cease-fire. The herd won't bother them if they don't bother the herd.

The ram seems quite relieved that the others have calmed down. He's far more relieved that he gets to rest now though. Being sick was REALLY no fun, as if anyone honestly needed to be told that.