So Much For Diplomacy

[Therdde]

Part One

Wind-Blown Lowlands

Characters:
Dichali – Male Bighorn Sheep
Therdde – Male Duck
Lotus – Male Wolf
Chesmu – Male Cougar
Paoro – Female Cougar
Ayita – Female Adolescent Horse
Darkstar – Male Horse

Awakening from her much-needed slumber, Paoro is nonetheless still bleary-eyed when she wakes - she feels a little better, but she can tell the sickness is still lurking. Of course, she doubted it'd be rid of that easily anyway. Glancing around at her surroundings to remember how and why she's here, she notices both her rag-tag troupe and the several alert horses in the nearby distance. They've moved slightly further away than they were before she fell asleep, but they're still keeping a close watch on her and the others - particularly those with claws and jaws.

Just as Chesmu said he would, he stayed up the entire night, keeping watch over the group. Nobody came to attack the strange gathering in the lowlands. Chesmu is, quite naturally, tired from not sleeping at all, but he figures that there's going to be a payoff for this. He is still sitting a ways from the group, watching out.

Therdde has stayed by Dichali throughout the night, acting his part as guard duck even though Chesmu agreed to watch over the group. As the two sole prey animals in the group, it only makes sense that they'd stick together. All the same, Therdde got much more sleep than he had the night before that, even with being on land. Dichali, on the other hand, did not fare so well, and after several failed attempts to rouse him, the duck gave up before wandering off to find food. He returns very shortly after Paoro awakens, and glances in the direction of Dichali, who is still out of it.

Sighting Chesmu, still standing guard as he said he would, Paoro chuffs out to him, grabbing his attention. "Did you sleep at all while we were resting?" she inquires, hoping he won't be just as tired now as they were earlier. -- Ayita is one of those horses watching the group, having dozed off earlier herself in the relative safety of the surrounding herd before returning her attentions to the odd band, both out of fear and curiosity.

Chesmu's ears perk and he turns to look back over to Paoro. He steps back toward Paoro. "I indeed stayed awake. It was necessary." Yes, he looks very tired, like he's been roughed up over the night. Mostly from pacing, even a short sting of hunting. But the bloodshot eyes make it clear he hasn't slept because of his choice.

Therdde's respect for Chesmu raises just a little bit. Maybe having this healthy cougar along with them /is/ a good idea. He is more concerned with Paoro's condition, though. Taking a few steps towards the cougaress, he asks, "And how are you? Did you rest well?"

"Your assistance is greatly appreciated, but you will need to rest soon as well," Paoro instructs Chesmu with a light maternal edge to her voice, even though she's not related to the other cougar and certainly not his mother. As the duck approaches and inquires about her status, she nods. "I'm feeling much better...relatively, at least. Perhaps we could move on soon?" Problem is, the horses are between them and the river, so unless they attempt to take the long way around, they'll have to figure out a way of letting the herd know they're not a threat.

Chesmu doesn't wish to rest, lest he lose the group. Though Paoro's concern for him is indeed appreciated. Chesmu isn't one to express that, however. Almost as if he is reading Paoro's mind, he looks toward the horse herd. "What do we do to get through them? I have my doubts they'll be willing to sit and listen to a cougar or two."

Therdde looks back at the ram who has been his companion throughout this practically since he first grew ill. In a subdued tone, the duck says, "I don't think Dichali will be joining us, but yes... We should continue, soon." He already promised the ram that, if he couldn't keep up, Therdde would go on ahead and then come back for him. Never mind that the idea of travelling on alone in the presence of two cougars, even ones who have proven themselves, seems a little daunting. Glancing ahead towards the horse heard after Chesmu speaks, he says, "I could speak to them." The small duck hasn't met a horse yet capable of being scared by him.

"You're likely right, Chesmu," Paoro responds - she hadn't realized a herd had formed beyond her tribe's borders, and so had not yet come in an attempt at a diplomatic meeting with her new neighbors. "We can always backtrack for him," Paoro suggests to the duck, ears cupping forward as he offers his own suggestion. "Would you? I think you might be the best candidate, given Dichali's state."

Chesmu thinks carefully. "Perhaps they can watch over Dichali." he suggests. "It would be best, I would think, and preferable to leaving him exposed to this spot here." A shame, thinks Chesmu, that he wouldn't likely make it all the way there. He would have been an excellent source of food if things went sour. He nods to the duck.

Therdde has not flown since very shortly after he first fell ill, but he has just rested. His vision and wings feel steady enough. So, with very little hesitation, the duck jumps to give himself enough altitude to allow his wings to carry him airborne, and uses this method to travel closer to the horse herd. He stops with a good ten to fifteen feet between him and the nearest horse, coming to a slightly rough landing back on the ground. He folds his wings back close to his sides, and waits for one of the horses to acknowledge him.

Darkstar has returned to the herd after renewing his scent markings along one of the borders only to smell the sharp pungent scent of cougar in the area. He stops for a moment to converse with a young mare who informs him that they arrived earlier and they've been keeping a close eye on them. He had given his word to the lead mare Starlight that he would protect this herd. He dashes away from the young mare at a quick trot and lifts his head, his mane and tail flaring out behind him. He stretches out into a full gallop as he runs a line in front of the herd, clearly in sight of the cougars that are far too close for Darkstar's liking. He lets out a high ringing neigh of challenge, half-rearing into the air before bring his hooves down in a sharp stamp to the ground, his dark eyes glaring at the cougars in the distance. It is a clear warning to them that he does not want them approaching any closer.

Ayita perks up at the sight of an unfamiliar stallion - perhaps this is one of the new scents she noticed after Tort's faded away? - and watches as he runs towards the group, obviously making his strength and disapproval well-known to the group. But then a duck lands almost directly in front of her, and she peers down curiously at him. "Hello," she greets in a voice that's friendly enough despite her confusion.

Darkstar paws at the ground much in the way an angry bull might do, intending to show the cougars that he means business. This land belongs to that of the herd and is a place where the herd should feel safe to leave, free from predators. Darkstar prefers to run off the cougars if he can, but he's more than willing to fight to protect his herd if he can't. He feels responsible for the herd and won't tolerate any predators on these lands. At least Starlight was giving him a trial run to prove himself and that was all he had asked for. His isn't about to allow any of the herd to by harmed while he is there. He looks back over his shoulder for a moment and inquires to others in the herd, "Are you all okay?" He asks them, wanting to make sure they haven't taken any harm.

Therdde looks up at the mare and stallion who are closest to him. Therdde is hardly the most diplomatic creature in existence, but diplomacy is probably the only thing that will work here. Attempting to make his tone as neutral as possibly, given that he is affected by this illness, he addresses, primarily, the mare, though he attempts to make his voice as loud as possible, "Believe me, they mean you absolutely no harm. They will not advance without permission." Earning that permission is going to be the hard part.

Lotus is awakened by the sound of hooves pounding, and the cry of a stallion. What's going on? The wolf blinks, first trying to remember just when he fell asleep in the first place, then lifts his head to look at the dark horse, yawning away his drowsiness. He's quickly glad he's more or less hidden in the grass, and his scent likely drown out by the nearby cougars. So he ducks his head back down and waits, listening as Therdde attempts diplomacy. This ought to be interesting.

Paoro shies back at the stallion's threatening behavior, but remains as calm as possible, not wishing to stir them up any more than is possible. -- Ayita tilts her head slightly at the duck's response, no less confused than before. "But they're /predators/," she replies, as though it weren't obvious to the duck. As the stallion trots over, she nickers pleasantly at him: "Yeah, I'm fine...are you one of the stallions fighting to be the leader?" she asks innocently enough, direct and to the point.

Chesmu lets a light, yet clearly audible growl escape, with the slightest show of teeth. His message, he hopes, is clear. We're not here to fight or cause any trouble. But if you try to cause problems, he, at least, will attack.

Darkstar lowers his head to glance at the duck, his dark eyes looking him over before speaking to him, "If you think I will allow any predators close to this herd then you are insane. I will not allow any harm to come to any in this herd. Look at the one who growled, it sounds like they intend trouble to me. We cannot trust predators." He informed the duck with a stamp of his hoof on the ground for emphasis. He then tilted both ears forward as he looked at Ayita to make sure she was okay, "Yes they are and I will not allow them to hurt you. I will fight them if they come any closer. I am indeed contending to become herd leader, and Starlight has agreed to give me a trial. So at least for now, I am lead Stallion." He informed her before turning to glance at the cougars. He gave a sharp snort of disgust, as if he was not impressed or frightened at all.

Therdde has to take a deep breath before he can continue, and it causes some hesitation before he can answer. "I understand why you're wary. I'm no more comfortable travelling with them... then you must be allowing them to approach." but what? There's a reason why they need to go this way, right? Oh yeah! Bowing his head, he says, "This is really a matter of lives, noble stallion. I'm sure you've heard news of a spreading illness... Even if you could just move your herd back to allow us passage. I give you my word, no hard will come to you." He's not like the cougars or the wolf. He's not a predator, and he hopes that counts for something, because he's not sure he could formulate any other arguments.

Ayita whinnies at Darkstar, easily distracted by the happy(ish) news of his being lead stallion despite the possible threat of the cougars just to the south. "I'm Ayita, daughter of Ehawee," she introduces herself, although this is probably not the best time for introductions. Cut the adolescent filly a break, though! She's just happy to make new friends. But she frowns as the duck replies. "Illness?" She isn't feeling sick...and neither is her mother, or apparently the new stallion, either. "Who's sick?"

"All but myself." calls out Chesmu. He's losing patience for this. If this stallion wants to play top male, let him play it against an actual threat! He steps forward. "And I have little to nothing to do with other cougars. Do not tempt me, because no one in my group will stop me from *cutting* a way through. I would *prefer* a peaceful solution, however. Stand down and give us your answer!"

Darkstar snorts in disbelief at the duck, "You've been taken as a fool. They are likely using use as bait to draw one of us out. Otherwise they would have eaten you already. And once they've taken one of the herd down you'll be an after-meal snack. I'd leave while you still can, by associating with them you only put yourself in danger." He warned the duck before nickering in reply to Ayita, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ayita. I have heard good things about you from the rest of the herd. I have encountered this sickness before...the mares who raised me all died of it." He explains, his ears going back a bit at the painful memory. He then glances at Ayita, "Are all well that you know of?" He asks her, wanting to make sure the same sickness has not begun among the herd.

His ears prick forward at the sound of Chesmu's voice and he whirls around to face the cougar, dark eyes glaring with dangerous intent. He gives a singing ringing neigh of warning and then charges straight for the cougar, seemingly headed straight for him. When he is only two horse-lengths away he whirls to the side, slicing a semi-circle into the ground with his sharp hooves before placing all his weight on the front hooves and kicking out with both hind legs and then coming back to the ground, "That was a warning cougar. Next time, it won't be. Never threaten any in my herd." He warns him.

Therdde is about to answer, when Chesmu opens his yap. The mallard is used to being in the safety of the water, and immune from such creatures as Chesmu. The duck's illness and temper get the best of him, and he spins, a little too quickly, which does nothing to help him. So much for having more respect for the male cougar. Also, so much for diplomacy. He watches his work be destroyed as Darkstar rushes at Chesmu, and he takes to the air, though notably less steady this time. Hovering several feet above the male cougar, he yells down, "Are you daft? You wanted to know why Dichali and I didn't want you along? /This/ is why!" It doesn't help that his illness is worsening, and that Dichali didn't wake up this morning, and that /stupid/ cougar likely just doomed them all to a longer journey they may not even survive. His speech is cut off by a sudden weakening in his wings, though, and he has to focus to keep himself airborne.

Paoro suddenly feels sick to her stomach - she wonders if it's a late effect of eating all those flowers from earlier. But as she had eaten one of the herbs known by her shamanic mother to ease nausea, she doesn't feel quite as bad as the others might. But even so, she's certainly in no mood or shape to hunt, especially such large prey. "I swear to you, I am in no state to even attempt hunting - especially to what appears to be my tribe's new neighbors." She shoots a glare at Chesmu as he retorts to the stallion. "Chesmu, threats will not help us in this situation. Stand down," she firmly orders, her natural role as leader showing itself - though it's not sure the male will acquiesce.

Ayita nods to the stallion at his question: "I'm not sick, and my mother wasn't either when I spoke to her the other day...I haven't noticed any other sick mares yet, either." But maybe Tort was affected, and that's why he left? She doesn't know the politics of the adults just yet, and thus can only guess.

Lotus glances in Chesmu's direction. Is he insane? Lotus scowls, lifting himself up off the ground and stretching out his muscles, just in case he ends up having to run. When the stallion mocks an attack on the male cougar, Lotus backs away, his one eye narrowing. "Are you attempting to get us killed?" He questions. While there's no maliciousness on his voice, the wolf does sound a touch shaken. Angry stallions are bad news. Even so, he can't help but be a mite /amused/ by all of this. As Paoro starts to speak, the wolf turns and starts to pad around the perimeter of where the horse herd grazes, keeping as wide a berth as he can, and hoping to remain unnoticed. /Are/ there any sick horses here? He's curious to find out.

Chesmu backs away at the stallion's warning display, tail down. He's in his prime, not a good time to be struck dead by a stallion. He looks at Paoro as she orders him to stand down... and he finally backs away more, turns around and sits. Sulking.

Darkstar lifts his head for a moment to watch the duck fly in the air, snorting in amusement as the duck scolds the cougar. The situation could almost be funny if it wasn't so serious. He then gives a whicker in reply to Ayita, "That is good to hear. Though I would ask a favor of you. Please keep an eye on those in the herd and report to me if any show signs of sickness. I'd also like to inform you of a new rule, all in the herd may have their say. If you have anything you are concerned about or any changes you would like to see do not hesitate to discuss it with me." He informs her before his dark eyes settle upon Paoro, "Thank you, I will discuss this matter with you since you seem to be the more sensible of the group. I do not take well to threats to my herd, but that said I wish to settle this without bloodshed if possible. Although, your friend here is trying my patience." He tells her with a glance to Chesmu. His ears then prick towards Paoro, "Now, what is so important that you need to cross this land? The duck mentioned this has to do with the sickness?" He inquires. Another glance is given to Chesmu but he ignores him, content to deal with Paoro now.

Fine. Therdde had no honest desire to talk with the stallion anyway. When Chesmu backs up, the duck finally lands on the ground. He's still angry, and he can't focus on much besides his anger. Against his better judgment, surrounded by animals, many of them hungry, who could kill him in a heartbeat, the medium-sized bird nevertheless closes his eyes and takes several deep breaths. Anger never serves a prey species well. Especially a prey species who cannot make it back to his relatively safe, normal, aquatic habitat.

"Yes sir!" Ayita responds eagerly - not being involved in politics makes it easier for her to adjust to the changes in hierarchy among the herd. --- Paoro blinks as she's addressed, but she slips naturally into the role of an ambassador of Amaranth - though in this case, she's representing more than just her tribe. Pushing herself into a sitting position, she waits until the turning in her stomach settles before answering the stallion. "Yes, that is correct. Several of us have been infected with some sort of epidemic that's come from other lands - and I was told that a cure may lie somewhere near where the two rivers meet. I am familiar with one river, at least, the one bordering these plains, and I was hoping we might be able to begin our search there - with your permission, of course, seeing as how the river lies along your herd's lands."

Darkstar looks back to the duck, now that he's on the ground he is more likely to address him. He just didn't feel like shouting up into the air and he can't really risk taking his gaze off the cougars for too long. He gives a whicker to the duck, "Calm down, there may be hope yet now that the other one has calmed down. How did you meet these cougars anyway?" He inquires to the duck. He then raises his head and nickers to Ayita, "Thank you, that is very good of you. So have you been with this herd your entire life?" He asks, knowing some of the herd has escaped from humans. It is Paoro who has the most of his attention and he can tell by her stance that she is the true leader among the cougars. The request she makes is a troubling one and a rumble echoes from deep in his chest, "Hmm, I understand you have good cause but I do not wish you on my lands without supervision. Crossing it once is one thing, although I do not mind if you remain along the border. And I am concerned that one of your number may spread this disease, and none of this herd have been sick. I am sure we can come to some sort of agreement though. How many do you have with you?" He asked, glancing to Chesmu for a moment. Since the cougar doesn't seem to want to say anything, Darkstar is content to leave him be. He has also not yet noticed the wolf, the cougars holding his main attention.

Therdde opens his eyes as the stallion addresses him. Slightly, /slightly/, more focused now, he aims to further their damaged cause. "We... That is, the ram and I, were told to seek her out to help us find a cure. If she wanted a meal, she'd have had it when we were in the mountains, and she was surrounded by family. I am no more trusting of them, in general, than you... But you'll have to take my word that she has been nothing but helpful. Without her guidance, we would not be this far, and as the illness spreads by unknown means, it could greatly help your herd." Should one of them fall ill. He means to end that sentence, but nevertheless closes his bill abruptly and looks unwell, perhaps not trusting himself to speak further.

"No sir, I found Imbri and Starlight about a moon ago, and my mother joined us not long ago as well," Ayita answers in her cute feminine voice. "My mom and I had been looking for a new herd since our former one separated." -- Paoro listens carefully to the stallion's response and subsequent compromise, one she is willing to accept, and the duck's following praises of her actions. "In addition to the other cougar and the duck, we also have the ram that the duck mentioned traveling with us, though he is currently too sick to move at the moment. We only require to pass through and travel along the stream until we have figured out how to proceed, and then we will be out of your manes."

With the ability ingrained into his species, and most other predators, Lotus sizes up every horse that his eye can find. Looking for the characteristic symptoms he's observed on Paoro, Therdde, and Dichali. But so far, he's not seeing any of it. Has the plague not yet spread this far, or is something else at work here? Doubling back, Lotus strides toward Paoro and the others, cupping his ears forth to hear how far along their talking has come.

Chesmu blinks, and turns back. "Would not be wise to leave the ram alone, perhaps these horses can watch over the poor one?" He finally turns around to return to Paoro's side. He's done sulking.

[Therdde]

Part Two

Darkstar looks at the duck in surprise at the mention of a ram, "Who told you to seek her out?" He asks, finding the whole thing of a duck and a ram traveling with cougars rather odd. He lowers his head for a moment and considers, "I admit, I do not like to see the spread of disease, and if one of the herd should become ill we would have need of the cure. You do make a good point, duck." He agrees before looking over to Ayita, "Well you and your mother are more than welcome among this herd Ayita. Also, if you could please pass on a message to Thorley if you should see him before I do. Tell him I'd like him to keep an eye on the border, as more may try to cross now in search of a cure. And if you see anything approaching the border please let me know immediately."

He tells her in a calm tone. Once more his attention turns to Paoro, "I have come to decision then, you may cross my land on one condition, the loud-mouthed one stays here under my watch. I do not trust him to go through my lands. He is to stay here within my sight while the rest of you cross. I will keep my herd back and out of the way while you cross. Once you are just past the border stop and wait there. I will then escort the loud-mouthed one across to rest of you. I do not mind letting a ram stay among the herd to recover. If any of you so much as scratches one of my herd I will trample the loud-mouthed one. If you all make it across and nobody is harmed, I will escort him to you, provided he behaves." He told her, looking to Chesmu to indicate who he means.

Yes, because Chesmu is obviously so concerned with the well-being of Dichali. Therdde is certainly capable of holding a grudge. He would rather like to cheer at this news from the stallion, but imagines it would be rather inappropriate. Of course, he is no threat to any of Darkstar's herd. Continuing to breath slowly and keep himself calm, he remains silent and listens to the debate of the larger creatures on whether or not they will be allowed to pass this way.

"Yes sir!" Ayita repeats again, stomping a foreleg in punctuation of her earnestness to help. --- Paoro looks a little surprised at the stallion's ultimatum, but when he finishes speaking and acquiesces to an escorting of Chesmu, she seems to relax a bit. "Very well," she answers with a nod, beginning to slink past the herd towards the river to the north as quickly as her fatigue and nausea will allow. It's likely that both groups are eager to be out of each other's fur. And if Chesmu has a problem with the compromise? He'll have to deal with it.

Well, this is quite a compromise. With a wry smirk shot to Chesmu, Lotus follows after Paoro. His steps are halted, however, when an abrupt wave of vertigo washes over the wolf with such force that he must sit down. What in the world? No, he /can't/ be getting sick-- Can he? With a worried frown, he shakes his head to try and rid himself of the dizziness, then begins walking again. Is this his punishment for tagging along? Looks like.

One can easily bet their fur, ears, tails and anything else of value that Chesmu objects to this! "Now wait just a min--" But. unfortunately, Paoro's acceptance of the terms have pretty much prevented him from a real objection. He looks at everyone angrily. Isn't he a *part* of this group?

Not by choice, he isn't. Therdde's companion made it perfectly clear before they started that they didn't exactly want them around, but that they also had no choice in the matter. The male cougar's big mouth just made it worse on him, and finally he's faced with a 'prey' animal who is strong enough to challenge him on it. It seems like perfect justice to the mallard, who takes several steps to begin to join Paoro before taking one last glace back at Dichali.

The stallion watches with a very firm stare as Paoro slinks by, though the cougaress angles slightly away from the herd so as not to appear like she's stalking in any way towards them. When she's past the horses, she straightens up slightly, making her way towards the river bank before settling down there. That's one leg of the journey out of the way, at least.

Lotus slinks along the trail after Paoro, with most of his focus placed on keeping his footing straight. It's not too long before he joins the Amaranth matron at the river. Still in partial denial that he may /actually/ be sick, the wolf settles down to take several laps of water. Yeah, he's probably just thirsty.

Chesmu is outraged by this, but... he really can't do anything. He keeps an eye on his "captor" and begins pacing. How tenuous this is. Anything upsets this stallion and he's in trouble. And it’s not likely he'll survive the trouble. This is what he gets for trying to *help* some creatures. And it occurs to Chesmu that he's getting the more potentially fatal end of this disease: He was trying to eat Dichali, so a conversation about the disease kept him from killing him when he was terribly hungry... Then he hasn't slept at all because those inflicted by the disease are practically *helpless.* And then there's *this problem. What did he ever do to deserve this?! He keeps pacing carefully.

Therdde has to take to the air to catch up with Lotus and Paoro, leaving Chesmu behind in the guard of the stallion. After that, the duck lands, as roughly as he did earlier, and he keeps to walking as quickly as he can to keep up with them. The last thing he needs is to be hit by a strong wave of nausea while he's in the air and wind up crashing to the ground or into a tree.

Lotus sits down again to rest, tongue sliding out to pant. His eye rolls about the area, carefully considering the terrain and whether there's anywhere better to be when Chesmu catches up. He's rather sure the cougar is not going to be in a terribly good mood. As Therdde joins them, Lotus perks his ears and draws his tongue back in. "You doing alright, duck?

Well, that's a loaded question. At this point, Therdde's not even sure he knows if he's okay. That's about how confused he is. Nevertheless, he's reasonably steady, and grateful they're getting back on their way. After a moment's hesitation during which the duck's eyes are closed, he says, "I'll be fine. Thanks." The final word comes as an afterthought.

With one last look at the duck, he gets up again and closes the last of the distance to where Paoro is. "And how are you faring?" He asks her. Out of concern, or just to pass the time, it's hard to say.

Therdde looks to the cougaress who has gotten them this far. He knows he is feeling worse, though he doesn't yet know that Lotus is starting to feel ill. He imagines Paoro may be feeling worse now, too, and that's really a shame. He meant what he told the stallion earlier; she is the most decent predator he has ever met.

Dichali suddenly pushes himself up to a stand a bit more forcefully than he should have. It takes him a moment to stabilize himself after that one. It would have been a possibly horrible mistake on the mountain. Where was he again? Oh right looking for the...the cure! At least he felt more energized than he had since the sickness had sat in. On the down side he'd slept a long time AND he was feeling rather muddled in general.

Paoro looks at the one-eyed wolf as he approaches. "I'm feeling a bit better now that we've not had to walk about so much yet, but the headache's still there." She ponders for a moment. "If I can find any of the herbs that help with nausea on the way, I'll be sure to point them out to the rest of you."

Lotus nods slowly. "Do you know how much further we have to go from here?" As he asks this, the wolf gets up and starts to pace about restlessly. After a few moments, he looks up to see if Chesmu, or even the ram, are coming to join them yet.

Therdde doesn't yet know that his companion is awake again. The duck is taking this moment to rest, as he imagines he has a heck of a flight/walk ahead of him. Again, Paoro proves her worthfulness, and Therdde honestly hopes that the cougaress will see some. Without them, it's unlikely he'll eat anything in the near future, the way this nausea is tearing at him.

Paoro shakes her head. "I'm not sure how far beyond the rivers we are meant to go, or even what direction we should start looking in first. But at least it looks like we're in the right area," she says, gesturing towards the nearby merging of the north-south and east-west rivers. She just hadn't been looking for it before now. She wonders how long Chesmu is going to dilly-dally before he actually lets the stallion escort him.

Chesmu is not going to hesitate any further to go. He starts to walk, keeping a wary eye on the stallion. He doesn't want to be trampled for his 'loud mouth.' He's starting to wish this sickness will be cured quickly so he can stop being inconvenienced by other animals.

Dichali tilts his head a bit as he sees the stallion and cougar start off. Is he supposed to be following? He doesn't know but...well no one else is here. Thus the muddled ram just starts after the stallion and Chesmu.

The stallion keeps an even firmer gaze on the big-mouthed cougar, snorting once in an attempt to hurry him along his way and away from his mares. He pays little attention to the herbivore, but makes sure they've all crossed over to the riverside before he turns and leads his herd a safe distance away from them all. It's sure that they'll be watching them carefully even after they've passed through. -- Paoro looks from face to face, making sure they're all there - even the ram. "Now then, where should we start? These seem to be the two rivers, but I don't know what direction 'beyond' means." And suddenly, she remembers something else the eagle told her. "Place of little water..." she murmurs, practically to herself. She glances around in all directions, seeing the forest to the north (with its rivers), the mountain to the west (with its waterfall), and...plains towards the southeast, with no visible water sources in sight beyond the river they're standing next to. "That's it. The plains. We've got to head into the plains."

When Chesmu is finally 'returned' to them, and apparently Dichali along with, Lotus ceases his pacing. The movement had been somewhat therapeutic for the whole, and some of his dizziness is allayed. For the time being, at least. When Paoro starts to speak of this 'place of little water', and then the plains, Lotus tilts his head. "The plains? What makes you so certain?" And then, realizing that his wording might sound more like disbelief than inquisitiveness, he clarifies. "I mean, where did you hear this from?"

And then Therdde sees Dichali, and for a moment, nearly jumps for joy, quite literally. He's awake! And walking! And, in a brief moment of selfishness thought, hopefully willing to carry him again! They might make it out of this thing alive, yet. By the time Dichali reaches the group, the duck has calmed himself. "I'm glad to see you up and around, Dichali." After the brief greeting, the duck turns to fact Paoro and Lotus, to hear the answer.

The tired and angry cougar, Chesmu, is... well... angry. "Did I really have to be subject to such hostility? Or have to be held like I'm some sort of criminal?" He resents the idea that if any one of them wanted to be rid of him, they only had to commit the merest offense.

Dichali blinks a little as he peers toward Chesmu lostly. "What happened," he wonders lostly before offering Therdde a little smile, "It's good to see you too...how long have I been out? More than a day?"

"My source is to be trusted," Paoro replies with conviction, perhaps coming off a bit stronger than she intends to. "He is an eagle, and a friend of mine, who has seen much of the world, and he wanted to warn me of the sickness he had seen sweeping this way," she explains a little better, opting to leave out the fact that he's not exactly of this realm. She turns to Chesmu and frowns at him. "You only earned it yourself, brother. Arguing with those we come across in our search will get us nowhere. This is a time of desperation, and alliances are needed more than ever."

Lotus straightens his head again. It's probably for the better that Paoro did not mention the nature of this eagle; he'd be intrigued to a fault. Instead, the wolf just nods, accepting the answer he's given. The corners of his maw inch upward as Chesmu speaks his mind, but Lotus wisely says nothing. For now he goes back to silence and waiting. There's been a lot of that lately.

Therdde takes flight only to land, extremely carefully, on Dichali's back. Rather than ask, he simply hopes against hope that the ram can't complain, as he doubts he could keep up with the other sick animals unless he were to fly, which he's not sure he trusts himself to do. "Not that long. Hours past when everyone else woke. I was worried." He absolutely ignores Chesmu. His anger is not so strong, but if he never sees the mouthy cougar after this whole ordeal is over, all the better.

Chesmu says nothing to this. The horse was the aggressor, stomping like he was. He walks alongside Paoro, trying not to let his anger boil over. He reminds himself why he is helping: Who knows what sort of favors will be owed him, or any way he could profit from the knowledge of this cure.

Dichali seems confused as his question goes unanswered. He appears to just push aside the question and start moving along. In addition it'd seem he has no problem with Therdde riding on him again. "So we're going to the plains then..."

Paoro nods, looking out towards the plains. "But I think Chesmu needs to get some rest before we start out on another long journey," she adds - whether it's because he's genuinely tired or because of his attitude, she doesn't specify. "We should probably all take the opportunity to rest while we can. Especially if this is the last bit of water we'll see for a while. I'll take the first shift as look-out," the matron instructs, apparently having taken the role as leader amongst their random band.