Herbalists' Cache Crave

@Tobias maybe? Otherwise open to anyone! This is after Vespera's thread, so the idea of RE is already in motion

Her den in Emberwood had gone dry of her herbs she had rushed to dry and prepare for the winter. She didn't have much to begin with and now that winter was coming closer to its end, it was only natural that slowly her stash would dwindle into nothing usable. She knew of the herbalists cache for a while, and though winter still held its choke hold on the lands, she was hopeful that maybe some were already growing.

Nothing. Nothing was ready yet, and though it was not a surprise, with the current events unfolding her heart sank in her chest. Uncertain of what to do now, she sat down in the snow, head hanging just below her shoulders as she pondered over her next moves. Where would she go now? She had made a promise to that woman, @Sativa as well, but would it work?

As of late, everyone had been preparing to move back to the river. Spring was on the way and with it a new start for Kaistleoki wolves. Perhaps that was why Tobias lingered behind, stretching his legs to the east further and further until he had passed the mountain range. He had no intentions to leave, it was more or less curiosity.

The timber wolf had always been a traveler, except the distance between him and his pack made the man question rather or not he really would return, or if it was just another lie he told himself. Evergreen nor Ira no longer needed him. They had survived the hardships winter and the quakes threw at them and now with spring on the horizon the pack promised prosperity. 

The cowboy was so far in his thoughts that he failed to notice the forgein yet familiar scent until he noticed a shape amongst the snow move. It was lucky he noticed her at all with the way her pelt melted in with the snow. Tobias paused in his tracks, thoughts stumbling to a halt as he tried to make out the face, Reiko?

The name felt strange on his lips and for a moment he would even question if he had remembered correctly. There was no doubting it though, despite no defining marks, the answer was in her eyes. The girl was older now, but there was no denying who sat before him...but she looked sadder now.

The sky was dim as the clouds moved in, grey and gloomy as they threatened a new snow fall any time now. Could she follow through and create a place where everyone felt safe and welcome, a haven for travelers and future families alike. Or would she be doomed to fail, and fail the others as well in the meantime.

Reiko? Pale ears flickered in the direction of the familiar voice, someone she hasn't heard in a long time, was she imagining it? Hesitantly her eyes flickered in the same direction and immediately she glowed. A smile beaming from cheek to cheek, tail swishing to and fro as she bounded forward to close the distance between Tobias and herself. Tobias! She couldn't help but brush up against the man, the pure joy that radiated from seeing a fellow Kaistleoki wolf was immeasurable. 

How are you? How is Kaistleoki? Ira? Evergreen and the others? She had so many questions, and for now, she was on cloud nine.

Before he could blink the girl was upon him, pushing up against him as Reiko bombarded the cowboy with questions, Whoa there, He chuckled, but the laugh was quick to fade out. A lot had happened since she left, people were injured and their home stripped away.

That didn't make for a happy reunion though, Everythin's fine. There's been rough patches, but they're ok. It had to of been summer when the girl disappeared, almost a year. What about you though? Where did ya wander off to lookin' so sad? He wouldn't pull away, but he did glance down at the white mass pressed against him.

Everyone was fine, that was such a relief to be lifted off her shoulders that she could feel the weight just melt off. Then the inevitable came rolling around, the question on where she had wandered off to. There was no sign of Tobias being upset, so did that mean that there was a chance the others would be so too?

I was attacked, and haven't been able to find my way home since then. Was the quickest way to explain it all without babbling on in all the little details. I woke up in Moonspear, and wandered into Ibis' new pack. Now they are disbanded... It's been a long few months. She finished off simply. 

Long was not even the beginning of it. It was exhausting.

A frown was quick to settle on the man's face when Reiko mentioned being attacked. Where had that happened? Where was he? The pack? He wasn't sure who Ibis was, but he recalled the name Moonspear from some wolf way back when...they said the pack claimed a mountain in the distance. How did she get over there?

The cowboy gave a shake of his head to clear his wandering questions, That sound's like a long story, but I'm glad you're alright now. You got any current plans? Kaistleoki wasn't horribly far away, worst case he could always lead the stray girl home.

It is. Already she was tired just thinking of the whole thing, and Tobias shouldn't be burdened with her whole story - nor should anyone unless they were honestly curious enough to listen to her long winded story while away. We're are gathering individuals and we plan on finding Kaistleoki. Ibis says she knows how to get there but... maybe, if you aren't busy, you could point us in the right direction? She looked at him with wide blue eyes, hopeful that maybe he wasn't on some important mission.

It seemed he didn't even need to suggest it, the girl was planning on traveling to Kaistleoki with some friends. Although, Reiko seemed to not fully trust their guide to get them there, or at least that's what it seemed to him. Well, given what ya just told me I don't think I could walk away. It would be better to make sure you get there in one piece, huh? It was a lot of backtracking, but he truly hadn't been out here for a solid reason. He could use the excuse of scouting, but truthfully it was just where his legs took him.

Tobias was quick to accept her request. In turn, Reiko could feel her muscles relax as a smile traced along her lips as her tail swayed softly behind her. Thank you, Tobias. She said softly, taking a couple more steps back to give the man some more space and stop invading it since the first encounter moments ago.

Come on! I'll introduce you to everyone who's gathered so far! Sativa and Vespera must be waiting where she had left them, near the meeting spot they were scheduled to find Ibis again before heading off on their journey. With a hop in her step, she twirled around only to face him every once in a while to ensure he was still on her heels. 

All the cogs were slowly being set into motion, and soon enough they would see the big picture they would create. Even Reiko wasn't absolutely certain what would come out of it in the end, but she looked forward to every day that came and went, and those who followed soon after.

The cowboy assured her it was really not a problem. In all honesty he should be heading back himself as he never mentioned a prolonged scouting trip. Reiko would lead him away to the group she had gathered, and even with her constant checking the man would be just a few paces behind.