Picking up the pace to his rolling lope, he cut a path towards the howl from his prior route. Him, like so many others, had been waiting to hear back like this from their commander. He would have to catch her up on what she had missed here as well, although thankfully it was not anything dire. Already, relief  mixed thickly with anticipation--hopefully, the news that traveled with their commander was remotely favorable. But, over the days of her absence and even from the ones before spent in Redhawk, he had struggled to get muster such hopes in earnest. Ever since finding out about Arlo's end and seeing firsthand how weakened Wildfire had been, he had been plenty convinced that nothing good was to blame here.

A small handful had gathered around Thuringwethil and Eljay, and he knew more would surely come filtering in behind him too. He hung back willingly to observe for now, deferring to the juveniles greeting their Nomi. Despite the tense undertone, his tail swayed gently against his hocks. He was glad to see his comrades back, and seemingly safe at first glance. Étoille not being here was immediately noted, though. That hardened his expression ever so slightly, but trusting that she would fill them in on why, he would wait to hear what the Heda had to say.

More arrived, all curious in their own right, and he felt his expression furrow towards a frown when the commander explained--first relief that darkened just after. Wildfire would be staying, it seemed. Instantly, he knew he didn't like it, and it spurred him into shooting a quick glance towards Blixen, then trailing to Artaax in the seconds after. How badly was she injured that she would willingly choose to stay separate from her family for the whole of wintertime? Maybe he did not grasp the entire severity of it, but wouldn't she be able to mend well here--guarded by their wolves, tended by their medics and surrounded by those she had been a focal part of not that long ago? Even understanding the perils of the journey (that could be done painstakingly carefully).. it didn't sit well. Now was her chance before winter deepened for who-knows-how long, presumably. He felt his ears tilt back, and he exhaled a soft puff of warm air as he set sights back on Thuringwethil, stoic as she could be considering the news of her mate's choice. He couldn't quite tell how bothered by this she was. It wasn't great news. Not the worst, considering Wildfire was awake now.. but this had to sting.

There was plenty he wanted to know about, from Wildfire to the rest, but it was one small surprise that Eljay had made it back with her at all. Dio's suspicions of the grayscale male choosing his blood-family over Drageda were evidently, proven incorrect. Maybe a piece of that was why he was disconcerted about Wildfire.. who he did not expect this from. "A bit, but nothing major." Dio said. All had been well here and there was nothing to worry on. "Her name is Rose," he answered, glancing her way with a swift nod. It was a place to start, and Dio would tell her all she wanted to know later (and pass a favorable word on for the potential new medic) when things on her end were infinitely more interesting. "Where's Étoille?"