Salvation At Last!

[Therdde]

Characters (In Order of Appearance):
Lykaios – Male Adolescent Wolf
Helaku – Male Wolf
Braxton – Male Red Fox
Nova – Female Red Fox
Raijin – Male Wolf
Rye – Male Coyote
Kasim – Male Cougar
Paoro – Female Cougar
Darau – Male Wolf
Chesmu – Male Cougar
Dichali – Male Bighorn Sheep
Therdde – Male Duck
Lotus – Male Wolf
Misery - Female Coyote

- Grassy Plains -

The group that set out from the fallen log is suffering. Lykaios is certain that they have stopped to accommodate entirely too many people, and when they stopped, even just for a moment, many of the travelers decided to rest. In his current mental state, it just irritated the young wolf all the more, who has had this illness to fear as the terrible evil he's certain is right behind him any time when he's not envisioning other creatures as that evil. For all these reasons, when it appeared the group wasn't going to be moving on anytime soon, he finally broke away. He is travelling slowly but, since he has been moving for some time, the stiffness has gone out of his right foreleg, allowing him normal movement, at least.

A small songbird flaps away as the other wolf approaches, doubtlessly drawing Lykaios' eyes to its location - and the other wolf sitting nearby, apparently having just concluded a conversation with the bird when the gray wolf appeared from the river to the northwest. The desert-toned wolf slowly turns to sight the other lupine himself, offering a polite bow of the head. "Good morning, friend." To those who have met him previously, he's not quite as jovial as before - perhaps the bird brought bad news.

Lykaios's ears first twitch in the direction of the wing beats. His eyes soon follow, in time to see the warm-hued wolf who is relatively nearby. The overly jumpy young wolf seems more than a little distrustful, but he stops just shy of any behavior that could be considered aggressive. While not the best candidate for any type of scout, being here on his own mellows him slightly, as he no longer feels an intense need to protect those close to him from any potential threats, of which there are plenty in his plagued mind. Keeping a respectful distance between himself and the other male, Lykaios returns the other wolf's greeting, though far less eloquently. "Hello."

Helaku's heart is crushed by the word from home, but there are still pack members who need the cure, perhaps more than ever without an alpha to lead them. So he must continue on in his search and assistance of others, hoping that his help will be reciprocated once the cure is found. "These times are trying, my brother. Have you heard anything at all about the location of a cure to heal the many afflicted with the terrible illness?" He cannot afford to lose hope entirely yet.

Lykaios perks his ears in response to what the other wolf says. The absolute location is still a mystery to Lykaios and all who travel with him. To the southeast, yes, beyond the rivers... But they have already made it that far, with no sign of the purple flowers that could be the cure to this illness. "They should be around here... Somewhere..." They, not it. The cure is no longer just a nameless hope, at least not amongst his group. The youthful canine's own illness prevents him from answering in a more direct manner, and he looks around, to no avail, before allowing his gaze to rest on Helaku again. His eyes are narrowed, but it's rather from an attempt to sort out his thoughts, not in any judgment of his fellow wolf.

Helaku's countenance falls at the vague reply. "Yes, that's all anyone seems to know. I can give you what help I can, however," the warm-colored wolf responds, fully believing that karma will reward him someday for his helpful actions towards others. "If you were to continue in the same direction as you are, towards the southeast, you'll eventually see a tall red rock. That should serve as an appropriate guidepost for your journeys in the sprawling prairie." He is so disheartened by the news that he doesn't even mention the sun or his pack, both important ideals to the beta. "Perhaps you will have more luck than I in discovering the cure's hidden location."

Lykaios opens his eyes slightly wider to focus on Helaku again. This is more help, more detail, than the rabbit was capable of remembering, and for the first time since Lykaios set out with his ragtag group, he's beginning to feel better. He is making ground, leaving that unseen threat that has been in the back of his mind ever since Halidari was attack further behind. Partially because he feels like he owes something to this wolf and partially because he wants to share his lightened feelings, he nods and says, "Thank you. And don't be sad. We're getting closer to where the purple flowers grow." He can feel it. In every tall tale and childhood story that includes some great evil, it is matched with an equally great good. Lykaios, who is still young enough to believe in such stories, feels like he may have just met the incarnation of the opposite of the evil that has been plaguing him, and the happily ever after can't be far off.

Helaku's ears prick forward. "Purple flowers? Is...is that the mysterious panacea we are seeking?" he asks so earnestly it almost sounds unbelieving, rising to all fours and taking a couple of steps closer to the other male.

Lykaios has never had a thought towards capitalizing off of this cure. Not really. He wants salvation for himself, his closest friends, Hali, and Hali's family. He really doesn't trust the intentions of most others, but this wolf is not among that group. The young wolf offers Helaku a solemn nod. "I don't remember what the rabbit called them, but he was adamant about the colors. That part, I'll never forget. Purple is the cure, but the red flowers that I assume are in the same area are toxic." By offering this information to the very helpful desert wolf, he feels like he can repay something, even he doesn't know, yet, where the flowers are.

Helaku feels a wave of relief wash over him, counteracting, at least somewhat, the tragic news the songbird had delivered to him. "Thank you...thank you very much, brother. My name is Helaku - I would be honored to know yours. Should fate have our paths cross again, I would like to remember the wolf who gave me what others have not been able to."

The thanks help Lykaios to feel like he has honored what debt, imaginary or real, he had to this wolf. He follows Helaku's introduction with one of his own, though, like before, it is not nearly as well-worded. "I'm Lykaios. I'm glad we've met, Helaku." Whether it was the desert wolf's intentions or not, he has made himself a permanent friend. This illness has been the bane of many creatures, Lyk included, and the step closer Helaku has allowed him to get will not be forgotten, should they meet in the future.

Helaku lowers his head in another bow, no longer content to wait here in the northern range of the lowlands and wait for further assistance to come to him - he will begin seeking it out directly himself once again. "Farewell, Lykaios, and good luck." With that, he turns towards the southeast, and quickly trots away.

Lykaios turns to head back to the northeast. He could go on from here, yes... But there are at least two people from his group that he would like to check in with before he does, regardless of how he feels towards the rest of them. His pace is considerably faster as he heads back, though.

- Trickling River -

When the group stopped and didn't appear to be moving for some time, Lykaios, suffering from his own illness-caused delusions, broke off, as stealthily as he could. This illness has left him with more fear than he has ever known, and he couldn't just sit around. As the hour grows on, though, heading towards noon, he returns, tired, hungry, and still scared... But the end seems to be coming into sight, very slowly. He no longer limps at all, and as he approaches where the group decided to rest, he looks around to see who is up and about.

Braxton is up and about. He's not caught in a delusion at the moment, but that can change. He's been hit by this illness pretty hard. He lies, prostrate, on the ground, staring straight ahead, wondering when the ickiness will go away so he can walk some more.

Nova is awake, and it seems she must have been for some time; she's off to one side, not quite out of sight, finishing off the remains of some small, unfortunate prey creature. It was sick, most likely, but the vixen doubts that will make much of a difference now. Hearing Lykaios return, she lifts her head and glances at him, licking her whiskers clean. Maybe the wolf will wake his dozy companions up and they can finally get on their way.

Having seem to followed this group from where he saw them first, Raijin; still muttering to himself and his 'companions' that aren't really there, starts to head closer to them. He stops at the back edge of where the group was resting and just stands there, waiting for something. Granted, the running he did earlier didn't help his breathing as he stands there panting.

Lykaios has no intentions of sticking around here. From day one, this illness has been like a monster story to the young wolf. Now that the happy ending is in sight, he's not going to wait around for the bad guy to catch up and destroy all of their chances at salvation. He's here because he owes it to his friends, but neither one of them seems to be in a condition to travel. Upon seeing this, the young wolf looks to the two foxes, missing Raijin's arrival, for now. "I can bring us closer to the cure, but we have to go." If the young wolf seems hurried, that's because he still has nightmares in which the evil that lurks in his mind can still take form, whether or not he's gripped by hallucinations.

Braxton looks over at Lykaios wide-eyed. "Then we can be cured?" He's had his entire life *stopped* by this illness. Can't even respond to his mate thanks to this... dizzying madness. He looks around nervously to assure that nothing is sneaking up on him.

The vixen looks surprised for a moment, blinking at Lykaios. Well, that's an even better idea, Nova has to admit. "Agreed. Time is short," she says. Shorter for some than others. Hauling herself to her feet, the swollen fox makes her way closer toward the wolf, prepared to follow him. That is when she notices Braxton. The todd caught up with them after all. "Apparently," she answers him, grinning.

Raijin looks up at the younger wolf, and then he speaks of the cure. Raijin is beside himself in lethargic joy as he starts to head closer to the group. He heads closer towards the group and then just stays along the outer edge; don't want to intrude or something. But as they seem to be heading closer to the younger wolf, Raijin does as well.

Lykaios has not doubted that a cure exists for a long time, now. He only ever doubted his ability to find it, and that is fading with each passing moment. The younger wolf's eyes dart towards Raijin, then back to Braxton. "Yes. We can be cured. But we have to move." Lyk's hallucinations and delusions have always been closely linked, spurred by a most unfortunate incident that happened very shortly after everyone fell ill. The young wolf turns back around to head to the southeast, in no desire to have another fight with some monstrous creature, given that he has /just/ gotten rid of the limp cause by the last time some vicious monster tries to chase him down.

Braxton gets up as quick as he can (Which isn't quick.) and stumbles after Lykaios, just wanting this cure. He doesn't care who shares it, just as long as he is cured. He can barely walk right because of this. The world is all over. He almost walks into a few more trees, trips over a rock, and goes about clumsily.

Falling into place behind Braxton, Nova keeps an eye on the disoriented todd as they follow after Lykaios, trying to make sure he does not veer into anything too dangerous along the way.

Raijin continues to follow the group, now formed into a seemingly straight like (at the moment). The glances from the young wolf are noted, but not acted upon as they are most likely passed over by his constantly changing mindset. But he's following.

- Grassy Plains -

The heroic part of Lykaios wants to stay beside the pregnant Nova and the currently very dizzy Braxton, to make sure they're keeping up all right. The scared, delusional part of Lykaios wants to take off running and not look back. He tries, really hard, to strike some balance between the two, walking at a normal pace but still refusing to look back, certain that if he does evil incarnate will be staring back at him.

Perhaps as a way to pass the time, or distract her from her tiredness and discomfort, Nova wonders idly about the other fox as they progress - whether he has a mate, if she might be even more sick than he is. She does not ask, however, and in time her thoughts turn toward other things, the vixen worrying about her own situation. So far she seems to be keeping up well enough.

Rye yawns and stretches... he then blinks.. Oh my, he didn't realize that he slept. Now that he's awake, the others are gone. However, they didn't move very carefully, and following where they went isn't too hard. He meets up with them as they cross his type of area. Plains, beautiful plains, perfect for him to blend in.. though he doesn't need to do that. He is quickly able to catch up, being healthy where they are sick. "I'm glad you started off already." He called out so as not to surprise them. He pads up to the front.

Raijin isn't evil incarnate, though he might look it with the strange look in his eye and the color of his fur. But he's a good guy really.

- Unknown Lands (1)-

Lykaios does not know that Raijin may be okay. For that matter, he doesn't know that about the coyote either, who he would barely recognize under the best of conditions. These are not the best of conditions. It is only the minimal amount of recognition that keeps the delusional wolf from becoming aggressive to the coyote, though he looks about ready for anything to happen. As they grow farther from the plains, even Lyk's worried, frantic pace slows, momentarily uncertain which way to go.

Kasim is only now just waking up from his sleep where the others left him. When he notices that there isn't anyone there, he had panicked at first but was able to follow the scent of everyone. He had drawn a small arrow with his claw in front of Hali to let her know where to go if she needed them, then headed out. If it wasn't for his nose, he might not have even found the group since he had to go to some place he's never been to before but finally managed to catch up with them. Giving a sigh of relief, Kasim pads up from behind the group giving a small "Hey!" to everyone, then walks up next to Lyk. Giving him a smile, he says, "You coulda woke me up before you left you know. I'm lucky I found you guys." But what matters is that he's here now...

Raijin slows down as well as he walks out of the plains, even though that this wolf has traveled a lot in his lifetime; he doesn't really remember most of that at the moment. The black wolf just follows for now; muttering to himself to keep some noise around him; even though others are yelling and such. Also, he's trying to makes sure he recognizes where he is going... if only he wouldn't forget it a bit afterwards.

Helaku hasn't gotten far. Ears lifting at the sound of voices, the desert wolf turns to see a band of creatures approaching, the gray wolf from earlier at the head. He trots over to Lykaios, bobbing his head. "Hello again. Would you mind if I accompanied your group?" He'll certainly be able to direct them if they get lost in the desert, after all.

Losing track of her thoughts, Nova blinks, for the first time noticing the changing landscape - grassland yielding to a seemingly endless stretch of prairie. Looking out at the expanse, she begins to feel light-headed, which is only exacerbated by a sudden, overwhelming sense of uncertainty. How will they find the sage out /there/? It is, at least, a comfort that the coyote has caught up with them. Besides not being sick, he strikes her as the most sensible of their group, although Lykaios isn't doing too badly now that the female wolf has been left behind. As for the rest, she is indifferent; she simply wants to find the cure. The vixen barely acknowledges Helaku, assuming he is just another straggler joining their band; his marked shoulder is angled away from her, unseen.

The arrival of Kasim helps Lykaios to relax. Similarly, Helaku is met with a friendly eye. Finally, people he knows, people who have helped him... Though a glance to the rear reveals the black wolf still trailing them... Oddly, at about the same distance as before, apparently making no ground... To Kasim, he says, "We needed to move." Does no one else realize that trouble follows them. Then, answering Helaku, "I'm glad to see you again. With luck, we can find the flowers together."

Rye keeps an eye on Lykaios as he notices the look in the wolf's eye. He's pretty sure he won't be attacked now though. He then turns towards Kasim "Don't worry, you were able to catch up anyway." He gives a slight smirk, but turns to the newcomer.. he thinks a new comer. "Uh.. Why not, the more the merrier right?" He adds. He keeps an eye on the foxes though, well, the sick male one is sorta a friend, the other, obviously his mate? But hmm, let's see where we go from here. He can't help but smile at the plains. "Yes, it would help to keep moving and get this solved."

Raijin stays at the same distance as he doesn't really need to be up close and personal with the animal in front of him. Even if his footsteps are different distances from one another. He glances around him; to see the other animals that he's traveling with at the moment.

Helaku nods to Lykaios, falling into place a short distance behind and to the side of him, ready to help him navigate if necessary. He gestures towards the southeast with his nose. "Head that way. We'll see the big rock soon enough."

Kasim says, "I know you did and I'm glad you care so much about this." Kasim says to Lyk. He gets distracted by the wolf as he makes his way towards the group. Although Kasim is put a bit on edge due to his sick mind, he relaxes a bit when it seems that Lyk knows this newcomer, and that's enough for Kasim. Giving a nod to Helaku, Kasim says, "I don't see why not. Like Rye said, the more the merrier. Plus, we could use a fresh set of legs with us." At his last statement, he looks back at the group, then turns back to Helaku. "The name's Kasim, nice to meet you." then falls silent."

Nova is not, in fact, the dog-fox's mate; it likely seems that way to these strangers, but the vixen is following her own agenda. If Raijin is trailing at the end of the line, she is likely the one moving before him, and she does not seem to mind his silence at all - in fact, she barely seems aware of the black wolf behind her.

- Unknown Lands (2)-

Soon enough, the rock Helaku described comes into sight. This is met by some considerable excitement in Lykaios, who is towards the front of the group that travels into the area from the northwest. To one side of him is Kasim, who has fallen into silently following along as the illness wears on him. They're getting closer, and this time Lykaios has no intention towards turning back until he has found the flowers that the group seeks. Following along behind then is a male fox, focusing hard on attempting to walk in a straight line and not fall over.

Rye keeps an eye on the sick animals. He also every so often looks at the wolf in the back, not sure where he came from, but well, as long as all the animals can get it. That's his main objective. It's something about him that hast never liked the territory wars that are sometimes fought. He wonders about this rock. Obviously it is a good place to be, but he hasn't seen any of the flowers they seek yet, though they are getting to a good area for it.

Raijin looks ahead, from behind Nova, and blinks at the large rock. "Well... that's ominous." Rai probably sees something that no one else can, or he's just commenting to break the silence around him. His attention moves up the line of animals, and then back to the rock.

Helaku trots up a little ahead of the group once the rock is closer, glancing up at the familiar landmark with its decorative and mysterious carvings, and ruminating over what it means - to him, at least. Looking out over the vast expanses to the east, where his pack calls home - or used to - he heaves a quiet sigh before turning back to the rest of the group. "Unfortunately, I don't know where to proceed from here. Any thoughts?"

Nova is soon struggling hard to walk a straight line as well. Another dizzy spell, but she refuses to stop, not wanting to be left behind. For a while she walks forward blindly, eyes closed - she does not see the rock until Raijin's words rumbling from behind cause her to open her eyes again. The vixen looks forward curiously, eyeing the landmark and silently agreeing with the voiced opinion: that rock /does/ look ominous.

Lykaios has never seen markings like those on the stone before. Ignoring the creatures behind him and their assessment of it, he walks nearer to it. The meaning of the carvings of animals is lost of the young wolf, but he does not yet become concerned. Of course, this is the first time he has gotten this far. After a moment, he takes to sniffing around the rock. Many creatures have been here recently, as wide a variety as their group is currently made of, if not wider.

Rye walks up to the rock. He starts studying the pictures.. maybe they are like the drawings that the two-leggers in the plains where he used to live do, he doesn't know, but he'll look and see if he can understand them. Maybe the others know, or the way they are reacting they don’t' know. "I don't know if it's ominous or good, friend wolf." He calls out. "This probably will tell us which way to go, or we search the whole plains here for the flower. That might take too long."

Raijin walks a bit closer to the rock, passing by Nova in the process and he looks at it as close as he wants to. "It may not be ominous, but these markings make no sense to me," mutters the black wolf as he just sinks down to his haunches to rest his back legs.

Lykaios has scarcely had time to finish looking over the rock when the monstrous black wolf who had been following them seems to, in a flash, catch up. Surprised and making no actual note of what Raijin says, the younger, smaller wolf jumps backwards. Immediately thereafter he crouches, snarling at the strange wolf.

Rye turns and looks, "easy there, easy. We need to find this, that's the most important thing." he says to Lykaios. Then looks back.. "I've seen paintings like this before, though I don't understand these at the moment. We should look around then, it's better than just sitting around." He says looking at Raijin who just sat down.

Raijin turns his attention towards Lykaios who's now growling and snarling at him. "What? You just now noticed me?" says Raijin with a arch of a furred brow as he then stands back up. "I'm tired, and weak. I'll take as many moments to rest my legs as possible." He glances back at Lykaios and just stands there; looking down at him.

Lykaios didn't trust Rye to begin with. Taking a couple cautious steps backwards, he continues snarling at the larger wolf. Even if Lykaios were of sane mind, the black wolf would be larger than he is. Aided by illness-induced dementia, though, Raijin seems some hulking demonic creature hell-bent on whatever evil creatures are hell-bent on doing. Certainly nothing nice or fun. "I noticed you a long time ago. You haven't left me alone in days." Something is not right with the younger wolf, and he looks about ready to attack.

The cougar who has been beside Lykaios looks between the two wolves, confused beyond the point of being able to act, at least immediately.

Raijin arches another furred brow at the younger wolf talking to him and he blinks a few times. He starts to walk closer towards him, and normally Raijin doesn't walk with the intent to harm something. But, this time is rather different. He's annoyed at this illness, aggravated at it, and here is a lovely output for it. "Look you little whelp, I'm just as sick as you are and I'm looking for the cure to this disease as well." As he talks, he gets closer and closer to the younger wolf; to the point where he's right in his face. "Now do I seriously have to put you to the ground to make you shut up, or will you just drop it." It seems anger helps decloud the mind.

[Therdde]

Finally, Braxton just loses it. He's too dizzy and tired to put up with this any longer. "Will you all just *shut* the *hell* *up?!*" he snarls. He shakes his head, trying to clear it, and all this bickering and snarling and whining is getting on his nerves. "We have too much stuff to worry about than this!" He sways here and there. A straight line is foreign to him, but he doesn't want to put up with this any longer. He wants the cure!

Rye would throw his hands up if here were a two-legger. "Why are you two so intent on fighting when time's a-wasting to find the flower. I agree with Braxton there. We have to find this thing." He tries to be as close as he can to prevent anything too much from happening, since he seems to be the only healthy one there, it might give him an edge, but then again, they are wolves.. They are stronger than him. But all of this is foolishness. And he's normally the one to create foolishness.

Kasim had so far kept his mouth shut about Raijin and Lyk's fighting, afraid of again taking control of the situation and having something regrettable happen. Plus, he has the thought that they should work it out on their own. That is until Raijin starts getting dangerously close to Lyk and Kasim knows Lyk might do something stupid in his worsened state. This just proved to be the last straw. Before Lyk can do anything, Kasim, ignoring the pain his headache suddenly brings, quickly gets to his paws and jumps/pushes his way between the two wolves, growling loudly at both of them. "Lyk! Raijin! That's enough out of both of you!" he says sternly and loud enough for both of them to hear him. Giving a slight nod to Braxton's words, Kasim again yells, "He's right. Finding the cure is the top priority right now and we /all/ need to stick together in order to find it, whether you two like it or not!" For now, everyone else goes unnoticed by Kasim, too busy trying to keep the wolves from killing each other.

Lykaios scarcely notices that it is his friend in the way. Growling, he pushes against Kasim, trying to get at the creature that he is convinced has been threatening him and those he cares about for who knows how long. The anger from events, both real and imagines, builds up in the young, stupid wolf until he's howling in anger, trying to get Raijin, short of doing anything that could actually risk harming the cougar, the one sign that his mind may yet be intact.

At the Unknown Lands, Lykaios howls in rage.

Raijin glances over at Braxton and Rye in turn as they yell their two cents into this argument, and then he glares back at Lyk. Waiting for him to do something, but that's cut short by Kasim pushing in between the two of them and making the black wolf back peddle slightly on his paws to give the large cat some room of his own. He looks at Lyk for a moment before he just shakes his head. He doesn't have the energy to waste on this.

- Meanwhile, In Unknown Lands (3)-

Paoro has been making a very slow circle around the oasis, inspecting each of the flower types present for any possible clues, some shamanic knowledge that her mother has given her, that might lead her to deducting which is the likely candidate for their sought cure. It's very arduous work, and she's had no revelations as of yet.

Darau snuffles through the flowers around the oasis, not knowing what he's looking for. It wouldn't do him much good to try a flower seeing as he isn't ill, so at this point he feels rather useless unless they can somehow pick out one flower from another. Plants weren't his thing, meat was, and right now he could do nothing but sniff around and look at all the pretty colors. Unless of course, he just wanted to try one at random to see if anything happened.

Chesmu just watches Paoro closely, wondering what she is thinking. Perhaps these flowers might be the cure, perhaps not. Chesmu doesn't like the idea of blindly eating flowers that could have any known effect on someone. Who knows, one of these flowers could kill someone. He lashes his tail about, trying to think his way through this. But he knows nothing of herbs.

Dichali has been studying the flowers closely as well. "I know nothing of most these flowers," he mutters in disappointment. He'd likely studied them so hard by now that he's been hallucinating and dreaming that the flowers were silently laughing at him.

Ever since Therdde's rather unpleasant hallucination, he has kept mostly to himself, and mostly in the water. The mallard knows the cure is here, /right/ here, and yet as hidden as ever, and it's beyond frustrating. He hasn't the faintest idea about where to go from here, though, so he stays out of everyone's way.

Lotus is not enjoying himself at all. Within the past day or so, his illness had progressed rapidly. His stomach burns, and his muscles tire out after even the most basic of movements. The wolf can't even bring himself to look at the water. The last time he did, it appeared to him as a pool of blood, with voiceless creatures trapped below; clawing and scrambling fruitlessly to escape. It was an illusion, he knows that right now, but it was terrifying. Curled up on the ground, near the fringes of the oasis, Lotus wishes this ailment would just pass. He also wishes he could remember his own name...

Things weren't good, and Darau was starting to seriously worry about Lotus, and even Therdde, who had both kept to themselves mostly. Having no luck with the flowers on any level, he moves over to Lotus and lies down next to him, whining softly. If only they had more information! But by now, it was too late to turn back. If something didn't give soon, they would have to start to guess...

Dichali peers over at Therdde and frowns a bit. He can't help wondering how bad off the duck is, but it now seems redundant to bother asking about anyone.

At the Unknown Lands, Lykaios howls in rage.

Darau jerks up and looks back away from the oasis.

At the Unknown Lands, Darau howls in response, signaling he's on his way.

Paoro's ears swivel back at the sound of a howl in the near distance - she can't tell for sure, not being a wolf herself, but it sounds upset. She lifts her head from her close inspection of blooms, turning to look back towards the north, in the direction of the tall butte. "Should we go see what's going on?" she asks the rest of them, hearing Darau's obvious response.

Therdde is startled from his state of solitude by the howl that echoes through the land. The duck looks at his companions, but none of them seem to be the source, and he's not sure he relies on his sense of distance anymore. Slowly, cautiously, the mallard makes his way to the shore. If his companions intend to investigate the howling, he's certainly going with them rather than being left on his own, but he's not entirely sure it's a wise idea.

But Darau is already gone, running as fast as he can in the direction of the howl, "I'll meet ya there!". Hopefully the others can keep up.

Chesmu also looks in the direction of the howling, and hears Paoro propose investigating. "It has nothing to do with us. We should focus on this cure." Then Darau takes off. "Hell and damnation!" he growls. "Now we're just helping anybody now?!" He looks over to Paoro. If Darau wants to leave the group, fine by him.

Dichali twitches his ears a little. "Well it's possible these creatures will have the answer we don't," he states, "Maybe it's possible to negotiate with them?"

Paoro watches Darau's quick departure, realizing once again how strong the bonds between canines can get. Her mind is already made up, so when Chesmu objects, Paoro is quick to respond, echoing Dichali's statements: "Then you can stay here. They may know something we don't - if we help, they may be more willing to share their knowledge with us than if we wait for them to come to us." With that, not waiting for another reply from the male, she turns and trots after Darau.

- Back in Unknown Lands (2) -

At the Unknown Lands, Darau howls in response, signaling he's on his way.

Rye growls some at the futility of this... then sighs a little relieve with Kasim finally inserting himself. He's much bigger and seems to be working to keep them separated. Until there's the howl.. That can't be good. There has to be others searching for this.. and that howl will bring them all. He moves a little so the rock is at his back and waits to see what happens. He really wants to know what the signs mean and wants to find that cure for the others.

In the distance, movement can barely be seen as a dot starts to make its way towards the group. It's moving fast and slowly starts to grow into the shape of a wolf. Though he is still some distance off.

Kasim is glad that at least Raijin seems to have backed off but is actually a bit surprised when Lyk doesn't do the same. In fact he's even more surprised by Lyk's show of aggression. Either that sickness is really affecting his mind or he just really doesn't like Raijin. Either way you look at it, it's gone too far. Giving a sad sigh and continuing to ignore his headache, Kasim turns his full attention towards Lyk and rears up on his back paws in an attempt to pin Lyk firmly on the ground before he does anything else stupid. He doesn't notice the wolf slowly approaching from the distance being too occupied with Lyk at the moment.

Lykaios, in the meantime, is more surprised that no one can else can see the evil as Lyk imagines it is. Too focused on his own, rather unobtainable, goal, he is suddenly pinned to the ground before he even realizes it. This comes as a surprise to the ill wolf, and for the first time, his eyes really focus on Kasim. Confusion is the most easily read expression on his face, besides residual anger. It is the anger that wins, if only barely. Growling, though in a moderately controlled manner, he says, "Get offa me."

Raijin watches as Kasim rears back and just pins the wolf to the ground and he can just grin at that. "Alright, now that's taken care of... what's next." He looks around, and then at the runes on the rock. He shakes his head as a dizzy spell his him and he sways on the spot; but he doesn't fall over thankfully. The wolf in the distance isn't noticed yet.

Rye watches the cat and wolf.. then cocks his head. Well, that should be taken... wait, what's that. maybe he is the only one noticing the approaching shape. Could be because he is looking out that direction from where he's situated. "Now what." is all he adds to the conversation. There is just so much craziness going on.

Misery curled up in the shadow of the rocks, nestled up against them, hidden away in the grass, while her corvid cohort went off to see what he could see. Somehow she slept through the onset of all this commotion, but now she snaps awake, perking up, and her black head pops up from the cover of her hidey-hole. She blinks blearily as things come into focus, and her eyes widen. Who are all these animals?! Vaguely, she recognizes Kasim as the only cougar she's met who was nice to her...but...whats he doing? What's going on? Where's Makya? She scans the sky.

Darau sees the other group coming up fast but is amazed that anyone else is here and also somewhat confused as to the situation. As he finally approaches the group he calls out, "Excuse me! I heard a howl, is everything ok?" He has a hundred more questions but that’s all he can make out right now as he pants from the long distance run he's just made, trotting up towards the rock but keeping some distance from the unknown group.

Managing to get a firm hold on Lyk, Kasim glares down at him, letting a small growl escape him as he says, "You need to calm down Lyk. She hasn't done anything wrong so leave her alone." Slowly, Kasim get off of Lyk and focuses his attention on the approaching group. Giving a slight glance back at his own group, Kasim walks towards the wolf who questioned him. "Yeah, everything is fine now. We had a small scuffle but it's settled now." he says calmly. Looking over Darau's shoulder for a second and seeing another group walking up behind him, Kasim says to no one in particular, "It looks like we're not the only ones out here. Are you guys looking for the cure as well?"

Coming from the direction that the wolf arrived from as well, a shape eventually makes itself out to be that of a large feline, accompanied by a couple of other creatures - once they draw near enough, one can make them out to be a total of two cougars, a bighorn ram, and a duck, making them only slightly more bizarre than the conglomeration of species already at the butte. The female cougar in the lead pads up next to Darau, obviously on some sort of friendly basis with the gray wolf. She says nothing yet, merely listening and looking around to get a handle on the situation.

Lykaios is quick to scramble to his feet, but he notably does not go after Raijin again. Calming down is going to be nearly impossible, at least where he is, so the young wolf retreats several feet from his prior group, still keeping a cautious eye on them. He is just beginning to understand what's going on, that Raijin may not be the evil he was /convinced/ of, but his entire thought process is still slow, disoriented, and the arrival of the rest of this group hasn't helped much.

The black wolf sits again, as an alternative to falling over. He watches Lykaios just long enough to make sure the younger wolf isn't going to do anything else profoundly stupid, then turns his attention to the newcomers.

Rye blinks a few times.. It’s a group even more diverse than his. He steps up with Kasim. He doesn't want the feline to be alone up there, and since he is the healthiest one of the group he came with, that should count for something. He is glad that the whole scuffle is done with and hopefully won't be an issue any more. He does let Kasim talk. And a good thing is that not too much is given away by the cougar. They don't need to give everything away that they know.

Dichali peers about at the present members of the other group. He's a little surprised as he actually recognizes one of the others that are present among them. The ram twitches his ears as he wonders how they'll be dealing with this. He feels that his young wolf friend should be safe to deal with, but said friend likely isn't a good team member to try and bargain with.

Talk of the cure! Excellent! The black coyote leaps up and out of the grass where she was hiding, putting herself in full view. Ordinarily she wouldn't be so bold, particularly around cougars, even if one of them was 'the-cougar-who-was-nice-to-her', but she's getting desperate now. She's been gone too long. She clears her throat, standing up as tall as she can, "I seek the cure...if any of you have any information that could help...?" She doesn't know what else to say. What could she possibly offer in exchange? "My family..." she starts, trailing off, her ears splaying out to the sides.

“I'd rather he come back with us and stop getting our group involved in irrelevant affairs!" snarls the male cougar, Chesmu. He's had a rough day with the rest of his own group. One of the very few who is not sick. "If these creatures want to go about the business of *killing* each other... that is their business!" he yells!

Therdde flies in close behind the others in his group, not terribly high off the ground, though his path is relatively steady. As he comes up on the large group in the distance, he drops back some. No, he's not fond of this situation at all, and he'll allow the predators of his group to make introductions first. The last thing he needs is some hungry predator snapping at him after he has made it this far.

Lotus follows distantly after Paoro and the others, stalking low to the ground and insistent upon remaining hidden, for fear of things that exist solely in his mind. He's only faintly aware of the scene going on ahead, but he has want to find out more. Unfortunately, the wolf's progress is continually impeded by the need to stop and rest. It would have helped if he had actually been able to bring himself to get a drink back there. But he didn't, and now Lotus finds himself full of regret.

Darau glances and nods to Paoro as she walks up, looking back to see who all had followed. Seeing everyone he turns back to the Cougar who had addressed him, but is cautious in his reply, not knowing the intentions of these new beasts. "We have many who are sick yes, though not all." A vague response and definatly not an answer, but Darau isn't the diplomat of the group and isn't even ill. It's not his place to give out much of anything to strangers. At the same time, they had hit a dead end, and maybe these others knew something they didn't.

Paoro's rounded ears lift and cup forward at the vaguely-familiar cougar's mention of the cure, making it all the easier to ignore the other cougar's complaining. "Yes, we are. I would assume by your question that you all are as well. We've narrowed down the location of the herb, but we don't know which it is yet." She sits down, the walk having tired her out. She'll be glad when her stamina is up to par again, and it feels oh-so-close now. Her words are nonetheless guarded and general; the normally trusting cougaress waits for evidence of promised reciprocity before sharing her own end of the deal. Both sides could benefit, but only if they both think the other will cooperate as well - a typical prisoner's dilemma.

Kasim continues to glance at every new member of the odd group that had just shown up to see if there's anyone he should watch out for. He takes note of Chesmu's anger but doesn't say anything. Instead, his attention is drawn to where Misery appears. He listens to the somewhat familiar coyote's tale, then gives her a smile and a nod for her to come up to them if she wishes, and then turns back to the small gathering in front of him. When Paoro walks up, it takes Kasim a minute or so to recognize her but when he does, he gives her a polite bow of his head. At her words, however, Kasim looks back at her with a mixture of excitement and amazement. "You are right in your assumption. Unlike you, however, we are seeking out the location of the herb with the knowledge of what it is." After that is said, he says nothing more. He would normally trust Paoro enough to tell her but different times call for different measure. That, and Kasim isn't doing so well in his mental state as well...

Well well well, they know where it is, and his group knows what it is. Now the fun part, can they do this peacefully, if it doesn't go that way, then it'll really be bad. Though, come to think of it. It would be easier for his group if things did go bad. At least the yote knows the direction that the other group came from, and approximately the distance. But he'll see how the discussion goes. He does glance over at the other Coyote.. he doesn't see many of them around, and she has a family.. hmm.. well, at least he knows he's not alone, though maybe she's seen sights of part of his group. He does keep letting Kasim do the talking, but is there next to him just for support.

Misery offers Kasim a happy wag. There is hope! Her ears perk up and she nods excitedly to the cougar. She's a little wary of the other cougars, but at least this one is still nice. She does pick up on the tension in the air, and peers back and forth between the two groups a few times. She thinks back on the things that Makya said about the cure, and she frowns, ears splaying. "What's the deal, folks? Is this a competition? 'Sthere only one herb t' be eaten? Where's the hostility comin' from? We're all sick or got sick folks t' tend to...We should be helpin' eachother."

As he works his way nearer, Lotus becomes more and more aware of the situation. He looks over the unfamiliars, an untrusting glint in his eye. They mean to keep the cure for themselves, he's just /sure/ of it. He hopes dearly that the others will see this, otherwise he's going to have to take matters into his own paws. Fortunately, the one-eyed wolf chooses to wait for now, taking a break to scratch at his ears.

Darau's heart jumps at Kasim's words, but only for a second as he realizes the situation both groups are in. He had been growing impatient and the lack of food wasn't helping his temper. They had already lost so much time and Dichali and Lotus were almost in a critical condition. The wolf glances over at Therdde and shakes his head, thinking to himself. If this other group wouldn't cooperate, they might have a problem. Darau then hears the 'yote speak and realizes, not for the first time, that he didn't have sick folks to tend too. Not unless he had something to gain from it personally.

Lykaios knows that Kasim is being deliberately vague. Perhaps for good reason. However, it doesn’t seem that his group has offered any proof that they actually know what the cure is, and as his thoughts begin, ever so slowly, to clear, he imagines that's what it will take before the other group consents. Which means more than just repeating the female cougar's vague words back to her. There's residual anger, visible on his face and in the way he holds himself, but it doesn't seep into his tone. "Flowers. You're looking at flowers, and you don't know which ones are safe, which ones will help. We know that, and we can show you... If you'll take us there." And as soon as they head on their way, as soon as they reach the location of the cure, Lykaios doesn't care who knows what flowers will cure a person. But if this beast is truly his own, and no one else here can see or sense the danger that Lyk does... He needs this cure, because the next time, he might not luck out by managing to escape some threat or by having a friend step in when he can't see any sort of reason.

The mallard remains cautious, perhaps overly so. He can see almost everyone here, in the other group, is ill. That doesn't help his own concerns, though, and he keeps his mouth shut, having nothing valuable to add that might further his group's cause. This isn't like times past, when he was needed to bridge the gap between herbivores and carnivores, because every member of this second group is a carnivore, so he leaves it to those who know carnivores best.

[Therdde]

"I agree with you, sister coyote," Paoro responds. "I would be first in line to help distribute the panacea to those suffering. But there may be some present here who desire to keep the cure only for themselves, their friends, or their family, and I do not wish for such an atrocious event to occur," she continues, speaking Lotus' thoughts aloud. She turns to the unfamiliar wolf, frowning at his words. "And what if, in an ostensible act of kindness, you in fact tell us it's some other type of flower, then wait until we've gone away, presuming ourselves to be cured in a few hours, and take the true herbs for yourselves? We'll take you there if you tell us what flowers we're supposed to be looking for." Chesmu is just as firmly mute about the cure, making sure they're not going to get ripped off - though his distrust is not as surprising as the cougaress matron's.

Kasim nods at Misery's words. She's absolutely right by saying that actually getting the cure is the thing that needs to get done, but things here could turn hostile at any second if something goes wrong and Kasim really hopes that nothing does. He looks back at Lyk as he begins to talk and back to Paoro as she responds. Man, this is just going to be really difficult isn't it. Kasim doesn't respond at first, taking a few minutes to think of a solution that could be good for both groups. After thinking of something, he says politely, "How about if you lead us to the herb and, when we get there, /one/ of us goes and eats the herb to prove that we are not lying to you. I can keep my group here in check if you can keep your in check..." He's not trying to sound pushy at all but it might come out that way to some. He's only looking after his group like he knows Paoro is looking after hers...

Rye rolls his eyes, this is why he never liked these types of things. It is a sound idea. He only does a glance at Kasim then back at Lyk before looking back over at the other group. "We should be getting going though." He says noticing the foxes hanging towards the side of his group.

Dichali does quite agree with the sentiments of Misery and his friend Lykaios. However, he knows there's a reason that Paoro's the leader. He also knows there's a reason he is NOT the leader. The ram offers a nod in Lykaios' direction, in case the wolf might be thinking he'd forgotten him.

Misery heaves a sigh. Politics? She shakes herself. "So it's an herb...a flower..." She looks to one group, "One of ya'll knows where it is..." She looks to the other group, "And the other knows WHAT it is..." She looks back and forth between the two motley assortments of animals. "And WHY aren't ya'll working together for it? What's the hold up? I got a mate and a pup who're sick, and I promised them I wouldn't be gone more'n a few days...He can't hunt, the cached food won't last long." Her ears slowly pin back as she speaks, her tail drooping with worry as saying the words reminds her how desperate she is. She whines softly.

Lotus stands up straight, no longer caring if he's seen or not. His eye snaps to Paoro, narrowing slightly. "We can't listen to them. They most certainly mean to overpower us once we take them back there." The wolf cautions, starting to pace in agitation. They can try to hide it, but he can see the blood; it drips from their muzzles and soaks the ground beneath their paws. He can see it all so very clearly.

Paoro's words make sense as Darau nods in agreement and Kasim's plan sounds like a starting point but there are problems. As Lotus speaks the wolf watches him carefully, he wasn't acting like himself at all. Darau looks to Paoro, "We could still be fooled into eating a plant that does absolutely nothing, Paoro. I say a few from each group goes, they eat the plant and come back here. Then we wait and see if they get better." Then he thinks. "As for them staying in check if we all go, it didn't look like he was doing a good job of it when i arrived." Then he walks over to Lotus and tries to calm him buy blocking his view from the other group, "But to be honest, I don't know if we have the kind of time my plan would take."

Lykaios did not fail to spot the ram. He did, however, fail to recognize Dichali for some time. Even after the ram nods in his direction, it takes him a moment. When that recognition clears, though, the last of Lykaios’s distrust fades. Ignoring the rest of the group for a moment, he takes a step, slow and nonthreatening, nearer to the ram. "You got sick too, eh? That's too bad." Lykaios doesn't hesitate after speaking, briefly, to his friend. Rather, he turns to place as many of the people in the area in his line of sight as possible. "All of these plans will take too long. The cure is the purple flowers that ought to grow in the area." Is he daft? Probably. But that Dichali is represented in the other group makes up his mind. "Believe me or not, but people here really need that cure." Like Nova, who is very pregnant. Misery, with her family back home. And even himself. All of it boils down to not having enough time to be distrustful.

Paoro listens carefully to Kasim's offer, and finally nods after a few silent moments. "That is an acceptable compromise, I think. Let us not waste any more time in finally figuring out this cure, then." Lotus' opposition falls on deaf ears, though Chesmu is no doubt agreeing with the wolf. "No more. If they truly wish us ill will, then I will fight back. But only then. And you're right, we don't have the time for that, Darau," Paoro answers, apparently resigned to her decision, content to let fate handle things for now. "Let's go. May the spirits guide us all onto the path of enlightenment." The cougaress is about to retreat with the others in tow when the unfamiliar wolf blurts out the answer they were looking for. Blinking, she's almost unbelieving of his sudden outburst, but then she realizes he's completely serious. So, she reciprocates, as she fully intended to from the start: "Due south, there's an oasis." She turns and begins padding back towards the south as quickly as the fatigue will let her, leading the way, and hoping she doesn't suffer another delusion before this is all settled.

Therdde looks at the young wolf who approaches Dichali, standing up as though he could honestly do anything. The friendly words come as a surprise to the mallard, as does the information that follows. Finally approaching the group a little closer, he stops very close to Dichali, who is his only hope at survival should the predators in the area become aggressive. He hops up onto Dichali's back before asking, "You know him?" That would make the young wolf's information much more credible, at least in the duck's eyes.

Raijin is as surprised as anyone when the snarly little wolf speaks up. Nevertheless, he stands, preparing to follow the others south, though still planning on keeping a distance.

Misery's words have a big impact on Kasim and he feels very sorry for her. A mate and a pup... that's gotta be the worst thing to live with knowing that they're both sick. It's only more reason for Kasim to finish this up quickly so no one actually /does/ die from this sickness. He listens to everyone's talk but he says nothing in return, instead waiting for Paoro's response. When she finally agrees to him, he's about to say something before Lyk just blurts it all out. Kasim quickly shoots a deadly glare at him, but let's it go for now. They need to focus on finding the cure first, then he'll speak to Lyk. Giving a sigh, Kasim says, "Lyk speaks the truth. The flowers that cure you are purple but under absolutely /no/ circumstances should you eat the red ones as they make you worse off than you already are." As long as the other group has the right info, might as well warn them what /not/ to eat. Glancing back to his group, he yells so everyone can hear him, "Let's go everyone!" then follows in step up next to Paoro. They're finally at the cure!

Rye blinks some at Lyk then at Paoro.. well, that answers that.. "To the south for all of us, and to the purple flower" He doesn't need to mention the name of the flower.. it's irrelevant. He just will make sure that everyone, from both groups, are able to get some. Now that everything is out there for everyone.

Dichali gives as much of a grin as a ram can as he gives another nod toward Lykaios. "I can speak for our group's lack of plans for deceit," he states in attempt to further cement the truce and answer Therdde's question as well, "Lykaios and I are friends...he knows exactly where my family feeds...if we were to fool you, he could easily lead you to vengeance upon me. Thus, I have no reason to mislead any of you."

Misery heaves a sigh, intensely relieved. She doesn't know if her words had any impact, but things seem to be going well now. To the south? She perks up, turning her nose that way. She doesn't want to look like she seeks to covet the plants herself, however, so she waits for the others.

Lotus's eyes widen in horror as Paoro gives out the location. But... but she /can't/. Why is he the only one to see the truth about them? Has he been trusting the wrong one all this time? The delusional wolf's maw wrinkles and he snarls silently with frustration. Turning away from Darau, he slips after and trying to surpass the cougaress to the oasis. This is a mistake. He's sure of it.

Darau notices Lotus's temper and quickly follows him. If lotus Freaks out Darau may be the only one to talk him out of it.

- Unknown Lands (3) -

After several minutes of traveling, Paoro simultaneously keeps an eye on Lotus, who's closing in on her lead, and the oasis that lies just ahead. Chesmu knows well enough to keep behind her by now. Her green eyes scan the rainbow of flowers encircling the lush oasis for the mentioned color, and unfortunately sights a couple of different kinds of purple flowers. The cougar frowns, glancing between each patch of violet blooms. "Which one is it? Do any of you know what specific type of herb it's supposed to be?" she asks the rest of the crowd once they've arrived as well.

Lykaios ignores any looks he may get from others in the group. This illness has caused him to risk enough. Dichali is right, though. If the ram's groups intended anything treacherous, Lykaios could, theoretically, bring badness to the ram's family. He wouldn't, but he could. He slips into silence as he travels southward, behind those who are leading.

Even though he's becoming increasingly tired, Kasim tires his best to ignore that, knowing full well that he will be free of that feeling soon enough. But, when he reaches the plants, he notices the same problem that Paoro does. He tries for a minute to try to remember if the rabbit said anything. However, he's so worn out and his mind is in such a scramble, he comes up short. Giving a sad shake of his head to Paoro, Kasim looks over towards Rye and Lyk. "I don't suppose either of you remembered which ones to eat, do you?"

Rye follows the leaders south, then sitting down at the large field of flowers.. "wow." he says, then pads over to one of the purple ones. "Yes, I do." He looks down. "It's called Sage." He says as he looks back up at the group. "There's plenty in this field for all the sick." He moves back from the flower to let others move around. He pads over and drinks a little from the water.

Dichali blinks a little as he finds himself wondering over spreading it again. "How will we make sure it gets to all the sick," he wonders, "There are others besides those we know, certainly...I was thinking if we could find a way, maybe we can find some way to put it in the water source...but what if it's harmful to those who aren't sick?"

Misery comes trotting into the flowers following the others. She perks up, peering around at them all. "Purple...purple...." She sniffs around for them, then looks back at the others. She's come this far, she's willing to wait for the others.

Lotus arrives just before Paoro, but the wolf seems to have frozen in place, his one eye focused on the water in the midst of the oasis. As time passes, it widens, and his ears lay back. It's there again. So many souls... trapped beneath the surface, fighting to get out, their anguished cries silenced forever. He lets out a long whine and drops to the ground, pawing at his head. It's a trap, he realizes. There is no cure. The wolf looks up sadly, all of his aggression and mistrust washing away to be replaced with hopelessness. They're all doomed, all of them. With a defeated sigh, he stands again and inches toward the flowers. Might as well get this over with.

Darau follows along behind Lotus, keeping a constant watch on the other wolf. As the wolf drops, Darau realizes that Lotus is no real threat, thankfully. He would have hated to fight the one real friend he had made during this long trip. However, the alternative is just as bad. Darau arrives and looks down at the purple flowers and shrugs, everyone else will be doing it, why not him? He leans down and gobbles up the first purple sage he can reach and almost instantly gags on the terrible taste. "Holly! What /is/ that!? It’s horrible!" As he goes into a constant spitting fit, rubbing his tongue over his teeth and muzzle trying to get the taste out fast.

Sage. That makes sense. Her mother had mentioned the medicinal powers of sage many a time, but Paoro had apparently not made the connection into thinking it might be /the/ cure. The ram's words catch her ear, and she believes he's mentioned it before, but it only really registers now after seeing Darau try the flower and then spitting it out almost immediately. "Dichali's right. It's probably too strong to stomach by itself, not to mention we probably don't have enough to give a bloom to each and every creature who's been infected." She looks at the ram expectantly, as if waiting for him to confirm the theory with a test. The anticipation is intense.

Lykaios is saved by Darau trying the flower first, and, if it tastes that bad, he's quite grateful. But that doesn't help them, right now. Lykaios sits not far from the water, watching as the other animals try to figure out how they can possibly manage to get this plant into their systems. Like Paoro, he's anxious to see if potentially diluting it with a lot of water will help.

Kasim, to be honest, doesn't have the best knowledge of the different types of flowers there are. He's a meat eater so the different types of flowers hadn't concerned him. Kind of ironic isn't it? It also doesn't help Kasim one bit that, instead of wandering towards the purple flowers, he wondered over to a patch of blue ones. He's mixing up colors again and is saved from eating one when he suddenly hears Darau's spitting noises. He looks over to the group, then back to the flowers he's around to see their true colors this time. No pun intended. Giving a thankful sigh, he makes his way over to the rest of the group and sits down next to Paoro. "So what now?" he asks, having missed Paoro's stare at the ram.

Rye tries not to laugh, he knew that the herb was powerful. The two-leggers always used fire and water to heat it up. Hmmm.. Maybe the Bighorn was right.. put it in the water.. but most of the animals drank out of the stream, that isn't good, it would just wash it away. "Well, is there a way to get the other sick people here to this oasis?" he asks out loud, wondering. The only other way would be to take the flowers to all the pools of water in the region. Maybe having each animal split up to take some back to each of their respected areas. "This whole thing just is one puzzle after another, like why some got it and some didn't, how to find this blasted area with the sage, and now how to get it to everyone..." The yote thinks.

[Therdde]

Dichali blinks a bit before tilting his head. Did he come up with a good idea? Well only one way to find out. He carefully picks one of the flowers before laying it near the edge of the water. He then starts crushing the flower under his foot. Once he's satisfied with his work, the ram noses the powdered flower into the water source. Finally he takes a drink of the water to test it...

Misery stands quietly amongst the flowers, listening to everyone talk and postulate. The ram in particular catches her attention. "The lake in the mountains," she says. "I believe it feeds into the whole river and stream system in the valley and forest below...from the waterfall. I mean, I think..." She looks to Rye, "There's too many sick to bring 'em all here...I know Kee couldn't make the journey, and neither could my pup..." She paces back and forth a bit, then perks up with a thought. "It's springtime...there's puddles everywhere...what if we took flowers home to our sick ones and simply added it to a nearby puddle...Not big enough water to lose the flower altogether, but enough to dilute it..." Maybe she IS crazy...

Lotus takes one whiff of the sage plants and promptly dry heaves. It's as if this motion brings him out of his delirium, if only for now. The wolf looks up, confused. Where is he? Who /are/ all these people? Shaking his head, Lotus moves closer to Darau, about to ask his questions. He stops, however, to witness the other wolf's spitting fit. Erm, is this a bad time?

Darau just lets his tongue hang out now, afraid to close his mouth due to the taste that won’t leave, he starts to move towards the water to wash it out but stops to watch the ram. When Lotus moves closer, the wolf can't help but smile at him, "Good to have you back, friend."

Paoro's green eyes never leave the ram as he uses his hoof to grind the herb and then tests the diluted mixture. "...do you feel any better?" she asks, the question that's on everybody's tongues. The pair of coyotes' suggestions are considered mentally for a few moments before she replies. "I think you're both right. We'll all have to divide up into groups, depending on where we call home, and send a couple of flowers with each group. Some can take it to the mountain, some to the forest, some to the plains. And we can put some of the herb into the main water sources for each area." But first, they'll all get their hard-earned taste. She looks back at the ram, awaiting his response, what may be the most important answer she'll hear all year.

Kasim needs to think for a few seconds about what the ram is doing but, after looking at Darau with his tongue hanging out, he gets the general idea. XD He continues to watch the ram as he takes his drink. No need to ask a question that's already been asked. Kasim looks to Paoro at her suggestion about dispersing the cure. Giving a nod of agreement, Kasim says, "If no one has any arguments, I'll take the go to the plains and look for sick ones there." He doesn't specify /why/ he wants to but he has his own reasons. He still has a promise to keep to a special someone...

Rye ponders some. "Well, I can take some back to the river area around the fork area." he watches the reactions of those that starts to drink the water. He sits down, glad that things resolved themselves normally.

Dichali raises his head after tasting the water. He hesitates for a moment but then nods. "I already feel my strength returning," he says in surprise. Despite the fact they'd been journeying for this, it still seemed amazing it worked, not to mention that it worked so quickly.

Misery doesn't drink the water. She isn't sick. She looks relieved at the reaction from the ram, however, and is intensely happy that things were resolved peacefully. Her tail goes a mile a minute and she gives a short whoop! "I'll take it back to the Viridian Valley and my family..." She looks to Paoro...she's a cougar, but seems to be in the same category as Kasim..that is 'not trying to kill me'. "I assume you will take it back to your people..." She's already peering about her for a likely-looking bunch.

Lotus tilts his head to one side, perplexed at Darau's words. "Have me back? Did I go anywhere?" The one-eyed wolf, it appears, has no recollection of his previous behavior. His ears turn about, listening as everybody speaks. "We... we found it? We found the cure?" Lotus glances at the ram, then at the water. Then, hit with another wave of dizziness, he has to seat himself.

Darau laughs at Lotus and doesn't let him sit for long before pushing him towards the water, "Yea we found it, and not a moment too soon! Drink up!" As Darau follows the ram’s example and mixes up a little spot of sage water for his friend, "You'll be good as new!"

Paoro almost leaps for joy at Dichali's answer. She lowers her head to the oasis and takes a drink herself, very ready to be done with this persistent headache. She nods in response to Misery. "Indeed. I'll return some to the southern range of the mountain." Helaku steps up and laps at the water's surface as well, licking his muzzle clean afterwards. "I can take some to the eastern lowlands, to help deliver the cure back to the lands where the disease originated." Not to mention the remains of his pack. "I'm sure there's more purple sage to be found in that region as well, so there shouldn't be a shortage."

They really found it. Lykaios is quick to get to his feet as his ram friend reveals that the cure works, though he's a little slower in approaching the water, off towards the side where it isn't quite as crowded, before lapping up some water. Diluted though it is, the cure works quickly, Lykaios first noticing his nausea beginning to fade almost immediately. That's enough to cure the young wolf's sour mood, as well. This is it. The young wolf takes a step back from the water, thinking about where to best place the herb to assure most people, especially the couple he cares about, will benefit.

Screw this crowded stuff. The duck flies just long enough to land in the water before drinking at all. Meanwhile, Raijin finally leave his spot back several feet to approach the edge of the water.

At the ram's joyous words, Kasim gives a wide smile and feels like running around the whole place until he reminds himself that he isn't yet cured of it yet. Kasim happily walks up besides Paoro and lowers his head down to the water and laps up as much water as he can till he can't drink anymore. The first thing Kasim notices is pounding headache seems to be going away to Kasim's immense relief. He can stand feeling weak and tired all the time, but his headache was the worst part of it. He backs away from the water to let others who might not have got to it yet have their share. For now, he's too happy to speak.

Rye smiles broadly as he notices the healing that the water does. "It works, well then." He smiles.. "I shall take a few of the flowers with me to my home area, and make sure those get healed." He looks around at the odd assortment of animals. "I bid you all a fond farewell." He takes a few flowers, not a lot, as he saw how much just the ones that were crushed could do. He starts following the way out.. It's easier for him to make his way through the plains without getting lost as he grew up in plains.

Misery looks around at the others, eager to be on her way. Her tail still wags madly. They found it! Her family was saved! She takes a step toward the bunch she's decided on, then pauses, thinking perhaps she ought to take just a LITTLE drink. She's not sick, but nothing says she won't GET sick...better safe than sorry. She steps over and takes a few laps from the water before trotting back to her chosen bunch. She looks around at them all, beaming, "Thank you all...so much," she says sincerely. She then snatches up the bunch, yanking it out, and with one last grateful look at the group, she hightails it back toward the mountain. If her mouth wasn't full of salvation, she'd howl with glee.

Lotus nearly yelps in surprise as he's pushed by Darau. Still confused, but eager to be rid of this awful blight. Without further delay, he laps at the water, perhaps a little longer than he needs to. Afterwards, he backs away and slides to the ground. His own journey is over now, it seems. He has nowhere or one to go back to, so the only goal for him now is... to get a nice, long rest. He doesn't know if he'll ever see his traveling companions again, or if they'd ever want to see /him/ again. But that's something to worry about at some other time.

Darau settles down in the flowers along the oasis near Lotus, he would rest hear before deciding what to do next, as all the major areas seem to have been represented by the two groups, and if they weren't, the cure would trickle down through the water system bellow the mountain to reach a good many, "So long everyone!" looking now especially to his group of travel partners, "I'm sure we'll meet again."

Paoro looks around as some of those gathered begin to leave with their prize, and she realizes, a bit sadly, that such circumstances that led them together may not occur again - fortunately, perhaps, but sad nonetheless. Looking around at the rag-tag group that she's spent many days with, she offers a sad smile to each of them in turn. "Perhaps fate shall guide us together again someday, friends. But if not, may the spirits always guide you in life's journeys. I'll remember you all. Thank you." She carefully picks off a few stalks between her teeth, beginning to pad away from the others in the long trek home. But it's the ends that justifies the means in this case. Home.

Dichali lays down for a moment. He may have gotten plenty of rest on the way, thanks to the illness, but now that the cure was as good as getting to everyone, he wanted to take one last rest before making the way back. Besides, now he could have a more leisurely trip, unless Therdde was in some sort of hurry.

Lykaios is somewhat eager to return to more familiar territory himself. He remains by the water, and Dichali, for the moment. To his ram friend, he says, "Thanks." Without Dichali's presence, there's no telling how much longer it may have taken. After thanking the ram, the wolf walks to pick a sage blossom himself. As the herb has more time to work, his other symptoms fade, leaving him feeling better than he has since he became ill.

Therdde remains in the water. The dizziness that has been his constant companion since this all began is gone, leaving the duck with a fair desire to fly. Not necessarily home, to the mountains, but this all has been very tiresome, boring. Swimming towards the shore to speak to Dichali after the wolf thanks him, Therdde says, "I'm going to go, but I'll return in a while." They began this journey together. Therdde intends to end it with him, but he could probably make the journey twice in the time Dichali could make it once, now that he has real use of his wings back.

Dichali nods to Lykaios. "It's nice seeing you again." he states, "You must have done well to make it through this far. Good luck on your way home...I'd go with you, but after all that mess, I'm ready to just relax for the sake of relaxing." He then grins and gives another nod to Therdde. "I'll be here when you get back." Boy was he ready to go and start fighting several duels just for the sake of dueling though...

Even though he was only with some of them for a short time, Kasim can't help but feel a sad pinge in his heart as some of the members begin to take their leave. He knows that he too must be going to cure those that reside in the plains. It only now occurs to Kasim that he has no idea who or what lies in the plains but, for now, that doesn't matter. Turning to the resting group, Kasim nods at them and says, "Thank you all. I hope that we meet again after this whole ordeal is over with." And with that, Kasim takes as much flowers as he can and heads off next to Lyk. Even though they had a kinda rough moment a bit ago, Kasim feels like he's made a new friend in the young wolf and intends on traveling with him as long as he can.

[Curiosity]

I almost wish there had been a bit more conflict, but I think by this point, we were all just ready to not be delusional again. XD But a great RP nonetheless, guys!