Post by Althaea on Jan 20, 2013 3:46:29 GMT -5
Althaea
Brutal
Gomati (rogue)
Dense Undergrowth
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Gomati is sleeping, quickly opening her eyes in fright she takes a deep breathe. It's clear that the rogue had a bad dream. She then sniffs the air to see if there's any strange new smells around before forcing herself up on all fours getting tired of laying down all the time and winces still feeling sore after the bear attack.
The last remains of a deer have served their purpose; a full stomach is more than any wolf can hope for. Laying upon her side, Althaea is content to just remain there and do nothing for the remainder of the day. Glancing around the ground, the paws of many are her first sight, looking up at the sudden movement of Gomati. Watching her for a moment she later turns to see if Brutal had returned yet. A sigh denotes that he has not.
Gomati notices the other wolf and heads closer towards her. "Hello Althaea. Are you feeling any better? Who was that male that we were talking too before I fell asleep. I do not think. I ever heard his name."
Althaea felt fine, though she hasn't stood and moved around yet. She'll test that out later, instead she lifts herself just enough to look at Gomati more properly. "That was Brutal." Her close friend- mate perhaps?
Gomati sits down on the ground. "Did Brutal come back with the herbs yet?" She asks trying to get the nightmare she had out of her mind. "He seems like a nice wolf." Which to the rogue even Althaea is nice.
Althaea head shakes. "I have not seen him." Maybe he is having more trouble finding the right herbs than he thought he would. It worried her some but she knew the wolf could take care of himself. "I'm sure he'd appreciate you saying that." Brutal sure has come a long way. "However, he wasn't always so nice."
Gomati blinks her eyes, "What do you mean he was not always so nice?" She asks finding that hard to believe. "I am sorry. I do not mean to be prying you do not have to answer that though." Then sighs feeling bad about that question.
When Althaea first met Brutal as a pup, she was skeptical. Everyone had their own opinions making it hard to determine if he was even safe to approach. Finding out the truth was.. how to put it, disliked. "He was raised to be above those around him. Kill or be killed basically." She tells her. "Though I believe it was his brother that had been preventing him from leaving all that behind and becoming what he is now." Briefly looking to the ground she smiles. "Your curious, its alright to ask questions." She says looking back up at her.
Gomati looks down at the ground and sighs before saying. "When I was attacked. I made a remark about maybe I should not have left my pack." Then pauses for a moment. "Part of the reason was I am the Omega and was pushed around and have always been weak and..." The rogue looks towards Althaea. "Well I got tired of how they were treating me. When I got old enough. I decided to leave to be on my own."
Everyone has their troubles. You'd be lying if you said you didn't. Althaea's been through her fair share and seen plenty enough to know not all things remain bad. They do get better. Hearing Gomati's reason for leaving has her frowning but she understands how it must feel. While not an Omega, her brother was weak. Maybe that is why she didn't dismiss the she-wolf. "I'm sorry. I hope you can find things differently here." she says with a smile.
Gomati returns the smile as she says, "I can and already do. I am glad that we met actually. I do consider you a friend even though we just met. I do not know if I can ever repay you for the kindness you have given me and for saving my life. I know that you were helping me out because I did that for you first. But still it was appreciated."
Althaea's smile remains. She was glad they had met as well for finding good friends hasn't been easy. "Your welcome." She just hopes the can continue to help one another. As for repaying her for her kindness, it really wasn't needed. "You already have, just by being here as a friend."
Gomati looks around the area then fixes her attention on Althaea again. "I hope Brutal is alright. It seems like he has been gone a long time..." she poses for a moment then says. "How did you meet him?"
Althaea looks in the direction she had seen Brutal run off in, eyes squinting as if it would help see through the shadows. Still no sign of him. A frown holds over her muzzle. Turning back, she smiles at Gomati's curiosity on how she met him. "It was at a waterfall days after my pack had been driven from its home. Only a pup I was curious as to why everyone disliked him. He taught me that like ripples over water, so do hardships fade." As a pup, losing everything you ever known was tough. "He also showed me the sunlight that danced over the waters." Probably one of the best memories she has of him at that age. How could anyone not like someone like that. He was kind, though maybe is was just because she was young. Then again, things haven't changed much between them since then either.
Gomati thinks about that for a moment then takes a deep breath. "That sounds like a wonderful memory. If you do not mind my asking why was your pack driven from it's home? I do not think that is right." The rogue says sincerely. "I am sorry to hear about the pack being driven out."
"By a pack of dogs." Is her immediate response to Gomati. Althaea would never forget the events that transpired there nor the ones that drove them out. However, why the dogs were there is somewhat of a mystery; her brother and her taken away before things got bad. Even after it was never spoken. Downfall of being a pup most likely. "Many were lost that day, but we gained some too."
Gomati looks upset when she hears that and in truth she's sincerely sorry to hear the news. "That is terrible about losing some of the pack. I am glad you got some new members though that is always good to have others joining you"
Others joining was a matter of opinion to some; to her it was inevitable. Ute needed the members after the attack, denying the fact meant denying the change that would come with it. The pack needed some change and in the end got it. Keeping eye on the she-wolf Althaea would occasionally turn away as if expecting to see Brutal come from the trees. Stretching out, wincing some, she gives Goma a soft smile. "We are always glad to welcoming more as well."
Gomati stretches out some and winces as well then relaxes some. "That is good to hear. I might be willing to give the pack life another chance. But I am afraid of being in a pack again from my personal experience. I do not know if that is the kind of life for me though to be honest." Trying to keep the conversation going trying to pass the time until Brutal returns.
Sprawling just enough so that her claws drag against the ground when brought back to her body, Althaea pauses giving Goma a curious look. "Do what makes you comfortable. No one is saying you cant remain as you are. Being the friend of a pack has its benefits too." Understanding why she may be reluctant to even consider that life again she nods leaving the option open.
Gomati keeps her attention on Althaea, "I understand what you mean. You are not treating me like the members of my pack treated me. So if I was ever to join a pack again it will be one with others like you." She then looks around the area to see if there is any sign of the male wolf Brutal's return then glances back at Althaea. "Besides with the bear attack there is always safety in numbers."
It proved to be something of a struggle for Brutal in his efforts to find the medicinal plants that could help Althaea and the relatively unknown she-wolf, Gomati. Actually, finding what he needed was the easy part. It was the business of procuring said remedy that proved to be the greater feat, which had the brute of a wolf cursing under his breath for being unable to recall a more readily accessible alternative. As it were, hazy memories of Grim's teachings had the massive male seeking out the bark of the slippery elm. Of course, finding the tree wasn't all that difficult, but rending the bark from it was down right atrocious. Nevertheless, Brutal remained adamant about the task, biting and clawing at the trunk of the tree until he had managed to shred a acceptable amount of shavings and chunks out of the spongy fiber behind the outer bark. By the time he was done, he had blunted his claws and his teeth ached, but at least he had what he needed. On the bright side, if he needed to gather more in the following days, he knows /just/ the tree. Still, despite his confidence that the bark will suffice, Brutal can't help but think that there must have been a better source or at least something that doesn't involve practicing the habits of a beaver. Bleh. Feeling the exhaustion after several hours of fighting with a stupid tree, Brutal couldn't be more relived that Miakoda had dragged in the deer earlier, because to have had to hunt likely would have meant that all of them would have passed the evening hungry. He might be big and strong, but he's not impervious to fatigue. Though despite his weary body and sore forepaws, Brutal is intent on getting back to Althaea and the other she-wolf, having learned a long time ago that infection can set in quickly if left untended for too long. Thus, looking a bit worse for the wear, now returns the burly male. Yellow eyes are quick to survey the area as his nose searches the air for any dangers that might lay out of sight, but finding nothing alarming, his shadowy figure emerges from the dense growth. A mildly curious glance toward Gomati suggest that Brutal happened to over hear her remark, but other than this subtle interest, the male goes on to take up a more nonchalant regard. He waste no time in approaching Althaea, gently bumping his forehead against her own before lowering his muzzle to the ground to deposit his collection of bark. "How you feeling?" he questions Althaea, though Gomati gains a glance of consideration as well. "And you? Also...I owe you a thanks for pulling Althaea from the river. I don't think I said so earlier."
Althaea nods yet again. "I'm sure you'll find such a pack one day." Safety in numbers wasn't always true.. if it were would Ute of been driven from their home on the hill? It didn't really matter much now. Letting herself relax, placing her head to the ground, she keeps an ear out for Brutal's return while turning away to some random direction suddenly not feeling so good. The burly wolfs arrival is given no response to until he touches her along the head. Looking up at him with a faint smile, she reaches over to dab her tongue to his face as its lowered before blinking at the collection of bark that's deposited. What was he going to do with that she wondered.
Gomati looks over towards Brutal once she notices his return and says, "You are more than welcome Brutal. You do not need to thank me. It was my pleasure. She gave me a hare when we first met because I was not doing good trying to catch my meal at the time and then she saved me from the bear. I owe you a thank you for getting the herbs to help us."
Althaea's response, or rather the lack of, causes a cloud of concern to loom within Brutal's heart. What if it's already too late? No, he won't let himself think like that. The warmth of her breath and the brush of her tongue against his grizzled face does helps to alleviate some of this fear, but not all of it. But what does remain, the dark male does well in keeping it from being seen, forcing a soft smile of endearment to his lips. "You know, there are better ways to get my attention." he jest, voice a soft mummer in her ear before Brutal swipes his tongue across her brow with a firm stroke. It is as this time that Gomati's retort is heard, calling the massive wolf's attention back in her direction, where spoken words are gain a gracious smile and then a self-bemused chuckle. "Don't go thanking me for the herbs yet, Gomati. I'm sorta..winging this." he confesses, giving his head a regretful shake for his short comings. "I'm afraid to say my brother was the better wolf for things of this nature. But well.." Brutal doesn't go on, instead he just sighs and shifts himself, moving around to Althaea's wounded side, where his giant frame promptly lowers to the ground. Though before he begins attending to the she-wolf's injuries, he does give a brief glance back toward the rogue, "Gomati, can you lick your wounds?" Not that Brutal isn't opposed to the task, but well, he doubts the scrawny female would want a strange male getting that friendly. Of course, regardless of the answer, its clear that he intends to tend to Althaea first.
Eyeing the bark pieces for a while longer, Althaea shifts her head to gaze upon Gomati thanking the wolf for his help. "You should of.. seen her." Commenting on Goma's skill, or lack there of, in hunting puts a smirk on her face, then a wince trying not to laugh. Of course there were other ways of gaining his attention, but none worked as well as this. Watching the two of them she says, "There's more to healing than just skill. Strength, desire... compassion." Without something to live for healing just takes longer. "You'll do fine, Brutal. I know it."
Gomati keeps her attention on Brutal for a moment. "Yes I can." Comes her answer simple as it was. She then turns towards Althaea. "Was it that bad?" She asks then giggles and winces some herself before the rogue starts to lick her wounds. She would probably let Brutal do that if he had too but to her Althaea should come first which is one thing that the rogue never thought she'd believe perhaps after the meeting and saving each other's lives the rogue is changing her view on things though Gomati will never admit that to some one at least not yet.
"Hah. At least one of us is optimistic." Brutal teases to Althaea's encouragement, if a bit tongue-in-cheek. Confirmation from Gomati is met with a nod from the hulking wolf, who's features become touched with a quiet smile at the talk of Gomati's hunting skills. However, he doesn't go on to join the conversation, but instead directs his attention to Althaea's wounds, "This might sting a bit." he warns before he begins to lick, tenderly at first, but gradually does his tongue start to press hard in order to scrub at the swollen flesh. Filthy and gritty are the scabs that he works off, working in one spot until fresh blood rises to the surface to stain his lips, the thick metallic taste of lupine blood bitter on his tongue. Despite any unpleasantries though, Brutal is pleased to taste no infection yet, which is something that helps ease some of his suppressed anxiety. With himself occupied with cleaning Althaea's wound, he doesn't offer to engage Gomati in conversation, despite the number of questions he has for the vagrant she-wolf.
Was it really that bad? "Its a work in progress." Honestly, shes seen worse but Gomati's hunting ranks up there with needing a lot of work. Something she'd be willing to help with when back on her paws. Till then, Althaea puts her attention back upon Brutal who she believes, at any moment, is going to bring the worst sort of pain she's felt since the attack from his brother. Bracing for it, she tenses up, a bad idea really, but as the cleaning commences it turns out to not be as bad as she thought. At first anyway. Its the harder licks that present a bit of a whine; the fresh blood tainting her cream coat as wounds are reopened.
Gomati is still working on her wounds, wincing as she inflicts more pain upon herself, stopping for a moment and glancing over towards Brutal and Althaea. "Do you have any questions for me?" She asks after all she has made her own share of inquiries but no one asked her any yet. Then goes back to licking her wounds wincing in pain with each one.
With each whine that is elicited from Althaea, there comes a pause, followed by a more soothing wash of his tongue. Thick ears fold themselves back against his head as Brutal laments her discomfort. More than once does the dark wolf mutter a remorseful "Sorry." Regardless of the pain inflicted though, it isn't enough to keep Brutal from finishing the job, being sure to get every scratch and gouge along her side. And while he had no intention of pressing those questions of curiosity on Gomati, when the she-wolf presents such a perfect opportunity, the massive male decides to take up her offer. Besides, maybe the talking might help distract Althaea from the torment of having her wounds cleaned so vigorously. And so, taking a moment to turn his yellow eyes toward the gaunt female, Brutal gives a soft hmm in a show of thought, "I am curious as to where you are from. You're name is..unique. And beyond that, what brings you here?" This asked, Brutal turns his gaze back to Althaea's wound, accessing his work and deeming it ready for the next stage. So as he listens for Gomati's answers, so does he reach over to gather a mouthful of the spongy elm wood, pulling a face at the earthy taste as he begins to chew it into the consistency of chunky pulp. Bleh.
Althaea was impartial to asking questions; wasn't her style of getting to know someone. Besides she knew enough about Gomati to know she's not going to out right hurt her for no reason. Side beginning to numb from the pain of cleaning, she lifts her head to gaze upon herself watching her companion glide his tongue over each wound till they bled. Hard, soft, hard soft.. it was a repetitive thing but she's relieved when the cleaning ends due to the course of a question. Before placing her head back against the ground she acquires a similar face to Brutal's as he chews a piece of nature into paste. She's glad to not be the one having to do that.
The rogue stops licking her wounds again to glance over towards Brutal. "I was born into a pack and was made the omega. I was pushed around in my pack and did not like the way they treated me. So when I came of age. I decided to leave to be on my own and found out how hard it is. I came here trying to hunt a hare that led me this way and missed the catch. That is how I met Althaea and apparently my hunting prey needs to be worked on. I have managed to catch enough to survive. So as for where I came from. It depends on what you mean. I do not really have a pack or a place to live." The female looks down at the ground and sighs not wanting to talk about it because every time she talks about it all the bad memories come back to her. She then goes back to licking her wounds again trying to get them all cleaned out still wincing every now and then, finding herself starting to doze off some.
Wow, this taste really bad! How the hell could anyone do this without gagging, let alone being a wolf chewing on tree sponge! Of course, the bark could probably taste like festering rot and he'd still chew it up if it meant healing Althaea. And so while he doesn't protest much, Brutal can't really help the multitude of disgusted expressions that cross his face, eventually bringing him to cough a short laugh at his plight, speaking around a mouthful,"Ack! Thiff stuff is terrible!". With most of it finally chewed into sticky blobs of pulpy bark, Brutal moves his muzzle close to the wound, letting the substance ride on his tongue as he works on spitting it out. Oh yeah, so attractive! For the most part, Brutal is successful in getting it to land on the surface of the wound, the combination of sappy bark and wolf drool causing it to stick to Althaea's fur in which afterwards, he begins to spread around with gentle licks. As for Gomati, the dark male listens to her tale, taking a moment to nod his understanding and consider his own thoughts. Though as he detects her hesitation to reflect on such memories, he presses for nothing more, letting the female doze off. Gaze shifting back to Althaea, he seems content with the outcome of his wound care, told by the fact that he rises to relocate himself along side her, moving to the opposite side before laying down to let the warmth of his body lean against her own. Tenderly does he nose at her cheek, "You should get some rest too. I'll watch over you."
The information that Gomati provides is known news to Althaea, yet its a sad tale each time she hears it. She was a wolf tired of being pushed around, now striving for a new life. Everyone needs to live their life at least once whether its one of terror or one of peace. 'Thaea has faith that Goma would find the life she wanted. Its the same faith she has in Brutal to find what he seeks. Watching the rogue clean herself to exhaustion and eventually fall to sleep, she looks back to the burly wolf that tends to her from above. The look in her eyes is a distinct one, one she's only ever given to him. She was grateful to have him at her side. Even if he was spitting a blob of spongy tree all over her side. "What every girl wants.." If she didn't love the guy she wouldn't have tolerated this at all. When the tending to comes to an end, Althaea can finally relax completely and this time a furry pillow. "Thank you." Leaning into the wolf, she gives a lingering nuzzle along the underside of his chin. "Love you." is whispered as she lowers to rest.
Her playful remark had gained a chuckle from the depths of Brutal's wide chest, yellow eyes narrowed with a trace of mirth when he had settled next to her. As for the look that he receives, the burly male knows it well, because he sees it every time that Althaea crosses his mind. In turn, she gains a similar look of fondness, a glimpse into the softer side of the brute that she alone has come to know. A content sigh escapes him as he nestles in close, lifting his head a slight in order to rest his chin across the top of Althaea's, who's words bring a smile to his muzzle, the expression tugging back the corners of his lips, "And I you."
Brutal
Gomati (rogue)
Dense Undergrowth
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Gomati is sleeping, quickly opening her eyes in fright she takes a deep breathe. It's clear that the rogue had a bad dream. She then sniffs the air to see if there's any strange new smells around before forcing herself up on all fours getting tired of laying down all the time and winces still feeling sore after the bear attack.
The last remains of a deer have served their purpose; a full stomach is more than any wolf can hope for. Laying upon her side, Althaea is content to just remain there and do nothing for the remainder of the day. Glancing around the ground, the paws of many are her first sight, looking up at the sudden movement of Gomati. Watching her for a moment she later turns to see if Brutal had returned yet. A sigh denotes that he has not.
Gomati notices the other wolf and heads closer towards her. "Hello Althaea. Are you feeling any better? Who was that male that we were talking too before I fell asleep. I do not think. I ever heard his name."
Althaea felt fine, though she hasn't stood and moved around yet. She'll test that out later, instead she lifts herself just enough to look at Gomati more properly. "That was Brutal." Her close friend- mate perhaps?
Gomati sits down on the ground. "Did Brutal come back with the herbs yet?" She asks trying to get the nightmare she had out of her mind. "He seems like a nice wolf." Which to the rogue even Althaea is nice.
Althaea head shakes. "I have not seen him." Maybe he is having more trouble finding the right herbs than he thought he would. It worried her some but she knew the wolf could take care of himself. "I'm sure he'd appreciate you saying that." Brutal sure has come a long way. "However, he wasn't always so nice."
Gomati blinks her eyes, "What do you mean he was not always so nice?" She asks finding that hard to believe. "I am sorry. I do not mean to be prying you do not have to answer that though." Then sighs feeling bad about that question.
When Althaea first met Brutal as a pup, she was skeptical. Everyone had their own opinions making it hard to determine if he was even safe to approach. Finding out the truth was.. how to put it, disliked. "He was raised to be above those around him. Kill or be killed basically." She tells her. "Though I believe it was his brother that had been preventing him from leaving all that behind and becoming what he is now." Briefly looking to the ground she smiles. "Your curious, its alright to ask questions." She says looking back up at her.
Gomati looks down at the ground and sighs before saying. "When I was attacked. I made a remark about maybe I should not have left my pack." Then pauses for a moment. "Part of the reason was I am the Omega and was pushed around and have always been weak and..." The rogue looks towards Althaea. "Well I got tired of how they were treating me. When I got old enough. I decided to leave to be on my own."
Everyone has their troubles. You'd be lying if you said you didn't. Althaea's been through her fair share and seen plenty enough to know not all things remain bad. They do get better. Hearing Gomati's reason for leaving has her frowning but she understands how it must feel. While not an Omega, her brother was weak. Maybe that is why she didn't dismiss the she-wolf. "I'm sorry. I hope you can find things differently here." she says with a smile.
Gomati returns the smile as she says, "I can and already do. I am glad that we met actually. I do consider you a friend even though we just met. I do not know if I can ever repay you for the kindness you have given me and for saving my life. I know that you were helping me out because I did that for you first. But still it was appreciated."
Althaea's smile remains. She was glad they had met as well for finding good friends hasn't been easy. "Your welcome." She just hopes the can continue to help one another. As for repaying her for her kindness, it really wasn't needed. "You already have, just by being here as a friend."
Gomati looks around the area then fixes her attention on Althaea again. "I hope Brutal is alright. It seems like he has been gone a long time..." she poses for a moment then says. "How did you meet him?"
Althaea looks in the direction she had seen Brutal run off in, eyes squinting as if it would help see through the shadows. Still no sign of him. A frown holds over her muzzle. Turning back, she smiles at Gomati's curiosity on how she met him. "It was at a waterfall days after my pack had been driven from its home. Only a pup I was curious as to why everyone disliked him. He taught me that like ripples over water, so do hardships fade." As a pup, losing everything you ever known was tough. "He also showed me the sunlight that danced over the waters." Probably one of the best memories she has of him at that age. How could anyone not like someone like that. He was kind, though maybe is was just because she was young. Then again, things haven't changed much between them since then either.
Gomati thinks about that for a moment then takes a deep breath. "That sounds like a wonderful memory. If you do not mind my asking why was your pack driven from it's home? I do not think that is right." The rogue says sincerely. "I am sorry to hear about the pack being driven out."
"By a pack of dogs." Is her immediate response to Gomati. Althaea would never forget the events that transpired there nor the ones that drove them out. However, why the dogs were there is somewhat of a mystery; her brother and her taken away before things got bad. Even after it was never spoken. Downfall of being a pup most likely. "Many were lost that day, but we gained some too."
Gomati looks upset when she hears that and in truth she's sincerely sorry to hear the news. "That is terrible about losing some of the pack. I am glad you got some new members though that is always good to have others joining you"
Others joining was a matter of opinion to some; to her it was inevitable. Ute needed the members after the attack, denying the fact meant denying the change that would come with it. The pack needed some change and in the end got it. Keeping eye on the she-wolf Althaea would occasionally turn away as if expecting to see Brutal come from the trees. Stretching out, wincing some, she gives Goma a soft smile. "We are always glad to welcoming more as well."
Gomati stretches out some and winces as well then relaxes some. "That is good to hear. I might be willing to give the pack life another chance. But I am afraid of being in a pack again from my personal experience. I do not know if that is the kind of life for me though to be honest." Trying to keep the conversation going trying to pass the time until Brutal returns.
Sprawling just enough so that her claws drag against the ground when brought back to her body, Althaea pauses giving Goma a curious look. "Do what makes you comfortable. No one is saying you cant remain as you are. Being the friend of a pack has its benefits too." Understanding why she may be reluctant to even consider that life again she nods leaving the option open.
Gomati keeps her attention on Althaea, "I understand what you mean. You are not treating me like the members of my pack treated me. So if I was ever to join a pack again it will be one with others like you." She then looks around the area to see if there is any sign of the male wolf Brutal's return then glances back at Althaea. "Besides with the bear attack there is always safety in numbers."
It proved to be something of a struggle for Brutal in his efforts to find the medicinal plants that could help Althaea and the relatively unknown she-wolf, Gomati. Actually, finding what he needed was the easy part. It was the business of procuring said remedy that proved to be the greater feat, which had the brute of a wolf cursing under his breath for being unable to recall a more readily accessible alternative. As it were, hazy memories of Grim's teachings had the massive male seeking out the bark of the slippery elm. Of course, finding the tree wasn't all that difficult, but rending the bark from it was down right atrocious. Nevertheless, Brutal remained adamant about the task, biting and clawing at the trunk of the tree until he had managed to shred a acceptable amount of shavings and chunks out of the spongy fiber behind the outer bark. By the time he was done, he had blunted his claws and his teeth ached, but at least he had what he needed. On the bright side, if he needed to gather more in the following days, he knows /just/ the tree. Still, despite his confidence that the bark will suffice, Brutal can't help but think that there must have been a better source or at least something that doesn't involve practicing the habits of a beaver. Bleh. Feeling the exhaustion after several hours of fighting with a stupid tree, Brutal couldn't be more relived that Miakoda had dragged in the deer earlier, because to have had to hunt likely would have meant that all of them would have passed the evening hungry. He might be big and strong, but he's not impervious to fatigue. Though despite his weary body and sore forepaws, Brutal is intent on getting back to Althaea and the other she-wolf, having learned a long time ago that infection can set in quickly if left untended for too long. Thus, looking a bit worse for the wear, now returns the burly male. Yellow eyes are quick to survey the area as his nose searches the air for any dangers that might lay out of sight, but finding nothing alarming, his shadowy figure emerges from the dense growth. A mildly curious glance toward Gomati suggest that Brutal happened to over hear her remark, but other than this subtle interest, the male goes on to take up a more nonchalant regard. He waste no time in approaching Althaea, gently bumping his forehead against her own before lowering his muzzle to the ground to deposit his collection of bark. "How you feeling?" he questions Althaea, though Gomati gains a glance of consideration as well. "And you? Also...I owe you a thanks for pulling Althaea from the river. I don't think I said so earlier."
Althaea nods yet again. "I'm sure you'll find such a pack one day." Safety in numbers wasn't always true.. if it were would Ute of been driven from their home on the hill? It didn't really matter much now. Letting herself relax, placing her head to the ground, she keeps an ear out for Brutal's return while turning away to some random direction suddenly not feeling so good. The burly wolfs arrival is given no response to until he touches her along the head. Looking up at him with a faint smile, she reaches over to dab her tongue to his face as its lowered before blinking at the collection of bark that's deposited. What was he going to do with that she wondered.
Gomati looks over towards Brutal once she notices his return and says, "You are more than welcome Brutal. You do not need to thank me. It was my pleasure. She gave me a hare when we first met because I was not doing good trying to catch my meal at the time and then she saved me from the bear. I owe you a thank you for getting the herbs to help us."
Althaea's response, or rather the lack of, causes a cloud of concern to loom within Brutal's heart. What if it's already too late? No, he won't let himself think like that. The warmth of her breath and the brush of her tongue against his grizzled face does helps to alleviate some of this fear, but not all of it. But what does remain, the dark male does well in keeping it from being seen, forcing a soft smile of endearment to his lips. "You know, there are better ways to get my attention." he jest, voice a soft mummer in her ear before Brutal swipes his tongue across her brow with a firm stroke. It is as this time that Gomati's retort is heard, calling the massive wolf's attention back in her direction, where spoken words are gain a gracious smile and then a self-bemused chuckle. "Don't go thanking me for the herbs yet, Gomati. I'm sorta..winging this." he confesses, giving his head a regretful shake for his short comings. "I'm afraid to say my brother was the better wolf for things of this nature. But well.." Brutal doesn't go on, instead he just sighs and shifts himself, moving around to Althaea's wounded side, where his giant frame promptly lowers to the ground. Though before he begins attending to the she-wolf's injuries, he does give a brief glance back toward the rogue, "Gomati, can you lick your wounds?" Not that Brutal isn't opposed to the task, but well, he doubts the scrawny female would want a strange male getting that friendly. Of course, regardless of the answer, its clear that he intends to tend to Althaea first.
Eyeing the bark pieces for a while longer, Althaea shifts her head to gaze upon Gomati thanking the wolf for his help. "You should of.. seen her." Commenting on Goma's skill, or lack there of, in hunting puts a smirk on her face, then a wince trying not to laugh. Of course there were other ways of gaining his attention, but none worked as well as this. Watching the two of them she says, "There's more to healing than just skill. Strength, desire... compassion." Without something to live for healing just takes longer. "You'll do fine, Brutal. I know it."
Gomati keeps her attention on Brutal for a moment. "Yes I can." Comes her answer simple as it was. She then turns towards Althaea. "Was it that bad?" She asks then giggles and winces some herself before the rogue starts to lick her wounds. She would probably let Brutal do that if he had too but to her Althaea should come first which is one thing that the rogue never thought she'd believe perhaps after the meeting and saving each other's lives the rogue is changing her view on things though Gomati will never admit that to some one at least not yet.
"Hah. At least one of us is optimistic." Brutal teases to Althaea's encouragement, if a bit tongue-in-cheek. Confirmation from Gomati is met with a nod from the hulking wolf, who's features become touched with a quiet smile at the talk of Gomati's hunting skills. However, he doesn't go on to join the conversation, but instead directs his attention to Althaea's wounds, "This might sting a bit." he warns before he begins to lick, tenderly at first, but gradually does his tongue start to press hard in order to scrub at the swollen flesh. Filthy and gritty are the scabs that he works off, working in one spot until fresh blood rises to the surface to stain his lips, the thick metallic taste of lupine blood bitter on his tongue. Despite any unpleasantries though, Brutal is pleased to taste no infection yet, which is something that helps ease some of his suppressed anxiety. With himself occupied with cleaning Althaea's wound, he doesn't offer to engage Gomati in conversation, despite the number of questions he has for the vagrant she-wolf.
Was it really that bad? "Its a work in progress." Honestly, shes seen worse but Gomati's hunting ranks up there with needing a lot of work. Something she'd be willing to help with when back on her paws. Till then, Althaea puts her attention back upon Brutal who she believes, at any moment, is going to bring the worst sort of pain she's felt since the attack from his brother. Bracing for it, she tenses up, a bad idea really, but as the cleaning commences it turns out to not be as bad as she thought. At first anyway. Its the harder licks that present a bit of a whine; the fresh blood tainting her cream coat as wounds are reopened.
Gomati is still working on her wounds, wincing as she inflicts more pain upon herself, stopping for a moment and glancing over towards Brutal and Althaea. "Do you have any questions for me?" She asks after all she has made her own share of inquiries but no one asked her any yet. Then goes back to licking her wounds wincing in pain with each one.
With each whine that is elicited from Althaea, there comes a pause, followed by a more soothing wash of his tongue. Thick ears fold themselves back against his head as Brutal laments her discomfort. More than once does the dark wolf mutter a remorseful "Sorry." Regardless of the pain inflicted though, it isn't enough to keep Brutal from finishing the job, being sure to get every scratch and gouge along her side. And while he had no intention of pressing those questions of curiosity on Gomati, when the she-wolf presents such a perfect opportunity, the massive male decides to take up her offer. Besides, maybe the talking might help distract Althaea from the torment of having her wounds cleaned so vigorously. And so, taking a moment to turn his yellow eyes toward the gaunt female, Brutal gives a soft hmm in a show of thought, "I am curious as to where you are from. You're name is..unique. And beyond that, what brings you here?" This asked, Brutal turns his gaze back to Althaea's wound, accessing his work and deeming it ready for the next stage. So as he listens for Gomati's answers, so does he reach over to gather a mouthful of the spongy elm wood, pulling a face at the earthy taste as he begins to chew it into the consistency of chunky pulp. Bleh.
Althaea was impartial to asking questions; wasn't her style of getting to know someone. Besides she knew enough about Gomati to know she's not going to out right hurt her for no reason. Side beginning to numb from the pain of cleaning, she lifts her head to gaze upon herself watching her companion glide his tongue over each wound till they bled. Hard, soft, hard soft.. it was a repetitive thing but she's relieved when the cleaning ends due to the course of a question. Before placing her head back against the ground she acquires a similar face to Brutal's as he chews a piece of nature into paste. She's glad to not be the one having to do that.
The rogue stops licking her wounds again to glance over towards Brutal. "I was born into a pack and was made the omega. I was pushed around in my pack and did not like the way they treated me. So when I came of age. I decided to leave to be on my own and found out how hard it is. I came here trying to hunt a hare that led me this way and missed the catch. That is how I met Althaea and apparently my hunting prey needs to be worked on. I have managed to catch enough to survive. So as for where I came from. It depends on what you mean. I do not really have a pack or a place to live." The female looks down at the ground and sighs not wanting to talk about it because every time she talks about it all the bad memories come back to her. She then goes back to licking her wounds again trying to get them all cleaned out still wincing every now and then, finding herself starting to doze off some.
Wow, this taste really bad! How the hell could anyone do this without gagging, let alone being a wolf chewing on tree sponge! Of course, the bark could probably taste like festering rot and he'd still chew it up if it meant healing Althaea. And so while he doesn't protest much, Brutal can't really help the multitude of disgusted expressions that cross his face, eventually bringing him to cough a short laugh at his plight, speaking around a mouthful,"Ack! Thiff stuff is terrible!". With most of it finally chewed into sticky blobs of pulpy bark, Brutal moves his muzzle close to the wound, letting the substance ride on his tongue as he works on spitting it out. Oh yeah, so attractive! For the most part, Brutal is successful in getting it to land on the surface of the wound, the combination of sappy bark and wolf drool causing it to stick to Althaea's fur in which afterwards, he begins to spread around with gentle licks. As for Gomati, the dark male listens to her tale, taking a moment to nod his understanding and consider his own thoughts. Though as he detects her hesitation to reflect on such memories, he presses for nothing more, letting the female doze off. Gaze shifting back to Althaea, he seems content with the outcome of his wound care, told by the fact that he rises to relocate himself along side her, moving to the opposite side before laying down to let the warmth of his body lean against her own. Tenderly does he nose at her cheek, "You should get some rest too. I'll watch over you."
The information that Gomati provides is known news to Althaea, yet its a sad tale each time she hears it. She was a wolf tired of being pushed around, now striving for a new life. Everyone needs to live their life at least once whether its one of terror or one of peace. 'Thaea has faith that Goma would find the life she wanted. Its the same faith she has in Brutal to find what he seeks. Watching the rogue clean herself to exhaustion and eventually fall to sleep, she looks back to the burly wolf that tends to her from above. The look in her eyes is a distinct one, one she's only ever given to him. She was grateful to have him at her side. Even if he was spitting a blob of spongy tree all over her side. "What every girl wants.." If she didn't love the guy she wouldn't have tolerated this at all. When the tending to comes to an end, Althaea can finally relax completely and this time a furry pillow. "Thank you." Leaning into the wolf, she gives a lingering nuzzle along the underside of his chin. "Love you." is whispered as she lowers to rest.
Her playful remark had gained a chuckle from the depths of Brutal's wide chest, yellow eyes narrowed with a trace of mirth when he had settled next to her. As for the look that he receives, the burly male knows it well, because he sees it every time that Althaea crosses his mind. In turn, she gains a similar look of fondness, a glimpse into the softer side of the brute that she alone has come to know. A content sigh escapes him as he nestles in close, lifting his head a slight in order to rest his chin across the top of Althaea's, who's words bring a smile to his muzzle, the expression tugging back the corners of his lips, "And I you."