Bitterroot Valley There was somewhere else you wanted to be.

Etienne was nervous. So long since he had been a member of a pack. He was unsure if he could function. And if he thought too deeply of those in his past it hurt. Gods it hurt so much.

But he found himself in the deep of the pack lands. Near a mossy outcropping and trees. He looked around deciding this would work well for him.

sega found him near the moss-stone, the scent of herbs faint on the air. he approached with the quiet tread of a hunter, but his posture was open, curious.

etienne, he greeted, voice low but warm. you settle well?

a pause, his head tilting slightly as he studied the man—weathered, thoughtful, carrying something old in his eyes.

you say healer, sega continued. i want know more. what you mend? wounds? sickness?

another step closer, not crowding, but showing interest, respect.

great sky strong in hunt… not in healing. your skill is needed.

Etienne stopped his perusal of the area when a soft tread was heard. He found the man before he came into view with his gaze. His sensitive paws and ears letting him know the man was near.

A nod. I settle well. He took a deep breath. It smells like 'herbs 'ere. I like it.

Etienne met his gaze unflinching, but not challenging. A proud tilt to his jaw. But not haughty. Comfortable in his own skin. And comfortable with his scars both hidden and non.

Etienne shifted. I 'ave 'ealed many tings. Wounds. Sickness. Even 'ead wounds. I 'ave seen bones mended.

Etienne nodded his head. 'ealers are always needed, but per'aps not always wanted.

sega’s ears tipped forward, catching the quiet weight behind etienne’s last words. unwanted. he knew the tone of it, even if the story beneath stayed unspoken.

he stepped closer, slow so the healer could read his intent, and settled beside the mossy outcrop with a low rumble of agreement.

i know meaning, he said simply. some wolves fear what they not understand.

his gaze held steady on etienne’s—not challenging, but sure. but great sky need you. i… want to know you. know your work. what you see. what you heal.

a small lift of his chin, respectful.

you choose settle here. is good. you strong in spirit.:

his tail brushed the ground once, a rare soft gesture from the bandchief.

you wanted here.::

Etienne had many stories. More stories than he had lifetime actually. His life had been riddled with a series of unfortunate events and misfortunes. How many people could even boast the life he had lived, other than his family.

I am a 'ealer, but I don't mean dat I just 'eal. I mean I am a 'ealer at my very bein' do dat make sense?

Etienne did not know how to explain himself. He didn't like to hunt because it hurt prey. He felt emotions of other's easily. He was sensitive and otherworldly, but had a spine of steel. He could be sassy as anyone, but also gentle as the smallest creature.

I be seein' all sufferin'. I do my best to fix it. I wipe faces and tell dem it be okay even if it won't. Dat is wut I do.

Honestly felt like at this point his soul was in tatters. But it held fast to his skin and bone. Even when he had tried to snuff it out himself.

T'ank You.