Lone Star Mountain Misstep Into Misfortune

For @Talewi 

To say that it was rare for Zephyr to wander from the Vale nowadays would be the understatement of the century -- sure, he had his fair share of wandering from the group, but today he'd actually gone to his First wolves and told them he would do some mental mapping of the areas just around the Vale, for his own -- but nonetheless it was good to be out. He dreaded feeling a sense of freedom upon leaving, and to his slight surprise but great joy, he didn't: unfortunately this was hindered by the feeling of anxiety he felt of being away from the group, and though it was nice to see something new, he couldn't wait to get back home. 

The snow footed brute trapised his way around Lone Star Mountain carelessly, at ease among the rocky ground and cold scents around him. Oh, how he missed ruling atop his own mountain -- memories of Shadowfax land came flooding to mind, and in a moment of confusion the Maverick stepped as if he was picking his way down the own gentle slope of his mountain. This, obviously, did not bode well, and though he fell forward to land awkwardly on his paw, twisting an ankle and yelping in pain, he was lucky to only tumble a couple of feet. His right foreleg throbbed with heat, and for the moment Zephyr only shifted to lay on his side to lap gently at where slight swelling was already beginning to rise -- though he liked to consiter himselfa caregiver in some good ways, he had yet to learn about herbs, and therefore had no damn clue how to even help this other than staying off of it -- with a grumble. He wouldn't be leaving the Vale anytime soon after this.

caregiver thread 2/5
picking her way through the range, intent in exploring, proved to be no easy task, and there were a few moment when her heart flew into her throughout as she slipped or stumbled. Beside a few scrapes from such an instance were she had failed to catch herself, she was doing rather fine. The mountains were familiar terrain, to her, yet very different in the winter snow and ice. 

There was a certain silence about that day; as the snow had often the chance to create. Thus, when a yelp sounded for a short distance off, there was no way she could have missed it. For a moment, she considered simply going on her way; but she could hardly ignore it. A few moments later had her approach warily a night-colored male, stopping a distance off should he prove to be aggressive.

"are you alright?" Her voice drifted across the silence between them, gaze falling on his paw. Quite obviously something had to be off, for he was the source of the pained yelp, yet he may be simply all right.

Attempting to use his tongue to quell the strain, Zephyr was busy licking his ankle when the female padded up to him. His apple eyes searched her grey and brown frame for any sign of agression, but only could find the worry of a stranger. Smiling shyly, the brute gave a nod of greeting before shrugging his shoulders in answer. 
 
                  "Got a little turned around, twisted my ankle pretty good, but I'm well."

He cast his eyes around them, making sure he didn't miss the approach of another, but it seemed they were in fact alone.

he seemed friendly enough, admitting his injury and greeting her with a nod. Watching him a second, she offered after a hesitant pause, "I cold help, if you'd like. I know some things about herbs." It was only common courtesy, after all, and the chance to perhaps make an aquatance...and if she was feeling particularly analytical, call in a favour. 

Yet she she hardly thought so far ahead now, knowing that she would lose little should she help the stranger, and instead the chance to gain. She offer was made with a curious tilt of her head, for the recognized pack-scent off of the wolf now, and wondered if he resided near here.

The woman watched him as warily as any stranger should, and though Zephyr made an effort to pay more attention than he usually would -- whether this was because he was overly protective of the Vale or just because his spirits were returning, Zephyr couldn't say -- the brute was still his relaxed, confident self. 

                   "I know a little of the basics, but help would be great. Maybe you could teach me a little?"

Swiping his tongue around his jaws in the anxiety the pain brought him, Zephyr was happy to both help her learn and gain knowledge himself. A healer of any sorts could be useful to Duskvale.

To his words, she offered a slight smile. "Wait there a moment. I'll be back in a moment" she told him with a wag of her feathery tail, fully intent on searching for some basic herbs. she turned tail and slipped up the rock face, finding after a short while some herbs she thought might be of use. carefully plucking the slightly frost-kissed leaved,  she turned back toward the male.

but the place where she had left him was empty. his scent lingered, but faded in the crisp air, and her brow wrinkled in confusion, and slight hurt. she waited a moment longer, and when it was assured that the male was well and truly gone, she sighed and headed back to the Willows, taking with her the scant mouthful if herbs.