This is open to all and any Nova Mountain wolves who wish to be informed about the cure and where to find it. =) Anyone who doesn't join in can just assume they found out about the cure from someone in their pack. Similar threads will be up in the other pack lands ASAP.

Nova Mountain. Chogan stopped some distance away from the foot of the ancient collossus, gazing up towards the craggy peak. A semi-opaque mist obscured his view of the very top, making it look as though the mountain was a work in progress. The visiting Strawberry chewed on the reeds in his mouth – it was impossible not to, and he guessed the resident wolves wouldn't mind a bit of slobber. It certainly wouldn't do them as much harm as the water had.

Drawing breath in through his nostrils and adjusting his posture to mirror the importance of the occasion, the newly appointed Alpha Pup crossed the remainder of Sunflower Meadow at a swift trot, clamping down hard on the precious reeds. This was the second run – the first bundle had gone to Strawberry Fields, and his legs were beginning to tire from the trips back and forth between the infected water and the packland assigned to him. February had it worse – Mount Shadow was some way away, separated from Silver Creek by treacherous waters and a long, arduous climb.

He dropped his bundle as soon as the grassy terrain began to show signs of the rock underfoot. It was late afternoon by this stage, and the sun hung low in the western sky. Chogan did his best to look smart for whatever wolf answered his call first, and stooped to rub his jaw along a cluster of moss in an attempt to remove the diseased-looking, green-tinged froth that spilled from his lips. Satisfied that he didn't look rabid, the youngster threw his head back and uttered a shrill, summoning howl, refreshing the call several times before he stopped to wait.

JANUARY WLC START: 307
STRAWBERRY FIELDS MOTM SET BY MEHITABEL <3

__________Anything was possible if one had the will – that was how the myth and occasional reality went. Bronx, who didn’t believe in myth and cliché, had it going another way, and it didn’t concern will, but reasoning. The illness had been eating away at his stamina, throwing shuddering pains in his muscles and head; making him dizzy, poorly and occasionally something of an amnesiac and causing his vision to become blurred at times. In the last few days this had been happening to him, and his caretaking duties consisted now mainly of just lying beside his ill sister and keeping her company. He had been going easy on the Guardian duties but nevertheless when his patrols started up, they finished with equal care.
__________Reason suggested that if these patrols were done during the day and at a very slow pace, Bronx would make it through, and wouldn’t be straining himself. At the moment, due to the concentration of sunlight and the amount of rest he had had last night, Bronx’s vision was sharp, though what he saw was clouded by the images in his mind. Forrest, Allure and Tiamat. Some here; some gone. Some well; some ill. Some alive; some dead. A trio of wolves with exceptionally different relationships to him, blinding his eyes with his concern for each.
__________Bronx soon became aware that a call was sounding above the ringing in his ears, and although he wondered if it had been there all along, he approached it, noticing that the scent was not one of Nova Mountain. The formidable dark male moved with slumberous grace, his body somewhat low in his condition, his eyes narrow but glancing down at the puppy who was standing dominantly over some plants. Your business, he managed in a low murmur, attempting only just to make it sound like a question.

Tobin heard the call, and recognized it strangely. It was not altogether familiar, but there was a ring to it that made him pause. Midas, he thought, with interest. Yet it wasn't quite right for that other male, the one he would have claimed almost as a son. That meant one thing ... it had to be one of the boys. The children that had been raised under such strife, as the flood came soon after their parents both disappeared. Tob felt like a terrible uncle figure for not having visited them since they were quite young indeed, which was far too long. That was not important right now, though -- what was this youngster doing here?

With a slight flick of his tail, the beta turned directions to go to the call, his pace quick, but not quite a run. There was no need to rush too fast, for though the summons wanted him to hurry, it was not with urgency for Chogan that the young wolf called. Things could wait. They always could, with very few exceptions. Yet his pace should have been faster, it would seem, because Bronx got there first. The golden leader's eyes flickered to the guardian as he heard what the dark male said, and the beta's ears pricked with faint approval. It was good, that the guardian had such protection for the pack - although he thought this the wrong time, ultimately.

"Chogan and Taigi Citali are always welcome at the Mountain." Tobin said, in a clear voice. He was not rebuking the Guardian, and in fact was looking rather satisfied with the way Bronx had handled the situation. Yet he was clarifying that the youth was a welcome guest. His eyes turned to the youth, a faint smile twitching at the corners of his lips. "Forgive me, it has been too long since I have seen you and your brother, I know not if you are Chogan or Taigi, but as I have said, the children of Midas will always be welcome anywhere I reside. What news have you?" This was obviously not for chitchat.

Table by Chelsie
January WLC start: 445

Couldn't help myself. >)

More time than Chogan had anticipated would pass filled the gap between his final howl and the arrival of so much as another wolf's scent. In his impatience to save the valley, he began to fidget, pacing on the spot for fear the reeds would dissolve into thin air if he didn't stand guard. An ant's nest caught and held his attention, bringing his head down so that he could watch the critters scuttle in one long, organized line between home and food. Passing time became a task in itself, and when the mountain's Guardian drew to a halt before him, dark and imposing as any guard should be, Chogan didn't notice until a gravelly voice addressed him directly. Startled, he drew himself up with such force that his forelegs almost left the ground. ”I-...” he began, but a second, booming voice interrupted, and whilst it failed to introduce its owner Chogan knew immediately who it was. He wanted to smile, greet him like he had Siaqi, but there were matters of far greater significance to be discussed.

”I'm Chogan,” he introduced himself, bowing to Bronx and Tobin in turn as he had seen older wolves do – it was the first time he'd put the technique to use himself, and it felt strange. ”I-...We, February an' I, we found a cure,” He finished with flourish, stressing the single syllable to make sure they heard it. ”It's this. Jus' a reed, but it grows near th'water, so I guess it had to...become strong or it'd die also. We tested it. On a rabbit.” Here he stepped back to reveal the pile, hoping to high heaven they didn't notice the slobber, and motioned for either wolf to take it. ”I go'some for you already, if's not enough I can...I can get more.”

JANUARY WLC START: 307
STRAWBERRY FIELDS MOTM SET BY MEHITABEL <3

__________ I… and that was about as far as the puppy got. Bronx glanced away in annoyance and then back at the youngster. He couldn’t be bothered with this. Two little wolves had approached Nova Mountain and trespassed in as many weeks; Lonan, who had been reduced to a gibbering wreck at the first hint of him doing something wrong, and February, who had accepted it. He had walked both pups home, but now he was in no state to do so. On both counts, the Guardian had been patient and tolerant, and he assumed also that the youngsters had learnt a lesson, despite the fact that Bronx had been rather soft on them. This kid looked about half way to being a yearling; surely he knew better? All the pup could come up with was a hesitation, and the ill wolf was not about to accept that… the growl would be rising in his throat any time soon.
__________It took a moment for Bronx to recognise the scent of the next male to arrive on the scene, but as he turned he vaguely recognised the Beta and dipped his head in submission (not that there was much room in which his feverish cranium could dip) and as a nod to the Beta’s words. That being said… how was the Guardian supposed to know that this was Chogan or whatsisname? But he supposed he’d keep it in mind anyway, what with it being an order and all.
__________Then the pup spoke again and introduced himself as Chogan, also bringing a young female he knew (and rather liked) into the equation – February? Bronx’s diseased mind tangled slightly, then he recalled exactly who she was.

A cure.

…

__________Bronx frowned, and he was silent. Then; what. A single emotionless, expressionless word. For a moment he felt as if his heart wasn’t beating – all that he remembered hearing in his head was Allure… he didn’t care if he were ill forever; as long as his sister could be rid of her pain. For a while longer he stared at the pup in a glare that, seeing as it wasn’t softened, would no doubt seem rather frightening considering its fiery colour. Chogan, you can’t… he began at last, thinking he should let the pup down lightly; it doesn’t work like that. A rabbit isn’t a wolf. I appreciate your efforts, but I… the smarting in his head and the weariness of his limbs became too much, and elegantly he sunk to the ground, his forelimbs outstretched before him and his muscles painful.

Oh God, leave me alone.

Tobin did understand the predicament he was putting Bronx into. The guardian was doing his job, and now he had two wolves he was supposed to let come over? At least he had met one, though, and Taigi wasn't that that much different from his brother. The smells would be similar, and Bronx was intelligent, of that Toby was sure, so no doubt the other male could figure it out. Even if he didn't, after one time, he would know the two Citali children, and all would be settled. There weren't many wolves that Tobin would say had rights to wander on the Mountain, but the pair of Citali brothers were a rare exception. They were like nephews to him, and he would care for them as such. Any nephews of his were virtually members of the pack, anyway.

The young wolf spoke, explaining his reason for being there. Tobin also noted that it was Chogan before him, so that he wasn't confusing the two anymore. His tail flicked at the mention of a cure, though his heart shattered at the thought that Chena had already left. They couldn't get it to her, she had gone to find it herself, deliriously, and she was probably now dead. He didn't want to dwell on it, though, not when there was a chance others could not share the fate that he feared his daughter had. It was hard, though, to focus, to avoid thinking about the way that she would have been saved if she had just stayed a bit longer. Why couldn't she just wait? Why had she left?

Shaking his head slightly, the leader looked over at Bronx, who was already starting to protest the possibility of a cure. Tobin tilted his head a bit. True, rabbits were not wolves, but they could at least try, it was better than wolves dying ... yet the guardian didn't even finish before his legs buckled and he fell to the ground. Surprised, the Nova Mountainer stepped forward to look at his packmate, then looked very seriously over at Chogan. "Give him some." He wasn't sure if it needed to be chewed more or something before it was given to the guardian, but he knew that Bronx needed it. His gold eyes looked to the other Mountain member, then, serious and almost aggressive. It brooked no argument from the other wolf. Bronx was going to take the treatment, whether he thought it worked or not.

Table by Chelsie
January WLC start: 445

Just his stupid luck to be on the other side of the stupid Mountain.

Arsenio would know his good friend's howl if two hundered wolves were all howling at the same time, so he jumped at the sound if it. Curious, the timber kid judged the time and distance it would take to arrive and frowned. A high-pitched growl rambled from his throat as he began the journey, wishing that his luck would improve for one day in his life.

It took a decent span of time, but he eventually made it to where the Fielder puppy was. In a small jolt of suprise, two figures were there with him (to be expected, concidering Arsenio's delay), and this suprise returned when Arsenio registered that he knew both of them. The first and foremost he noticed was a figure he would notice anywhere and never forget - the golden form of his father Tobin. The second was unmistakable with the deep orange-red eyes and darker complexion. Bronx, their pack's Guardian, if he remembered correctly. Only fitting that he be around in times such as these.

In the time that Arsenio arrived, he had hardly just caught some of Bronx's and his father's words. Namely the slighlty downtrodden tone and 'Give him some.' Arsenio pondered this before approaching, suddenly wondering if he had reason to be here. His golden gaze stretched across the figures of the three, finally resting between his father and Chogan. He gave a huff of breath before padding foward, thinking. Arsenio was confused about the situation but, when he noticed the small bundle of what'sit at his friend's paws. Excitement lanced through him. Was that it? Did Chogan find a cure?!

Arsenio's thoughts suddenly shifted directly to Chena. His breath caught in his throat. Upon a subito note, he thought desperately that, if Chogan had found this cure just a little bit sooner, Chena would still be there with him. Horrified at his mutinous thought, he brushed it away and bid it to leave him. He looked with an empty expression to the three, standing more on the outskirts of the meeting. "If tha' is wha' I think it is." Arsenio said pointedly, motioning with a paw toward the blob of stuff at his friend's paws. "I'll vouch e'erythin' tha' I can tha' it works." The words were mostly directed toward Bronx, though he gave a quick reassuring glance to Chgoan in the meanwhile.

amazing avatar & table are by akumu! ♥

__________ Bronx flinched through his formidable teeth. Not because of the pain that was currently thumping through his muscles and in his feverish head, for he had long since become immune to such petty winces, but because of his situation. True, his collapse had been slow and purposeful as opposed to undignified, but all the same, the Guardian of Nova Mountain was laid here in front of the Beta Male and a pup. Two puppies now, actually, because the child he knew as Arsenio had joined the group. No doubt Tobin was looking down on the black wolf now thinking “jeez, and we let this guy be our Guardian?” whilst the puppies were probably snickering to themselves at his state. The very idea of such (nonexistent) indignity sent painful twinges of anger through him, and he felt like making all three of these observers at least unable to walk and at most unable to find their heads.
__________Tobin then proceeded to give his command, and since it was a command, Bronx snapped forward roughly and swallowed what Chogan offered him with hardly a chew. He closed his eyes again, and it was all he could do to keep a growl of proud irritation and anger rising in his throat.
__________Then the anger stopped. And he would later discover that it had been the first step of the cure; his resentment towards this situation had not been his usual, logical self, but part of the illness, and at that realisation it disappeared entirely. Bronx felt as if the years were being lifted from his shoulders, and the headache slowly ebbed away as he opened his bright eyes and found that his gaze was clear; the visible haze had lifted from his eyes. His muscles were still sore, he felt very weary and his memories were still muddled… but perhaps the remedy needed a good night’s rest to finish its work. All his attention was on Chogan and he stared at the pup, not moving nor even making an attempt to get up. Can I take some to my sister, he said in a low murmur.

Arsenio appeared on the scene, and despite his worry for Bronx, the leader was glad to see his son. Without thinking, Tobin smiled at the younger Phase, tail wagging a bit to welcome the boy to their little group. Of course it wasn't the most pleasant of circumstances, but the father was always glad to see one of his children. Shortly, however, his gaze returned to the prone form of their Guardian, who seemed in quite a state. There was concern in the beta, for the pack member, and yet he did not think Bronx weak. Indeed, quite the opposite. That the other male was able to withstand this disease, which was already dragging so many others down, was something which the leader respected.

Chogan prepared the cure, and obedient Bronx took it. The leader was glad that there hadn't been any argument. Though he had been rather sure there wouldn't be. From what he had heard and seen, the dark male was rather loyal, perhaps even to a fault. Then again, if that were the case, his loyalties were well placed. Neither Tobin nor Sinistra would do anything to harm him, at least not intentionally, of that the Phase male was sure. There was an immediete change in the Guardian, anyway, that showed his faith was not misplaced. Tobin was glad to see it, too, for he had worried that there would be no impact. Much as he believed Chogan would never intentionally harm someone, what if it had been different? What if the rabbits' immune system had a strange reaction and it would harm or do nothing for wolves?

At the question about Allure, Tobin shook his head, sharply. This probably seemed cruel of him, but it was followed with a faint smile, and an explanation. "You stay here, rest, and I will take some of the cure to Allure." He responded. Though he knew Bronx wanted to do it himself, right now, more than anything, the Guardian needed rest. This was something, however, on which the dark male might argue despite his loyalty. The gold male relented, slightly. "At least you should not go alone, I shall go with you if you insist upon bringing it yourself, as long as you promise to rest after it is delivered."

Table by Chelsie
January WLC start: 445

Arsenio just didn't quite get it. This should be a happy occasion, should it not? Why was Chogan afraid to smile at him in greeting? Why did his father only give him a affectionate look and a few wags of his tail? Though not showing this turn of thought visually, he did ponder it. What was making this so? Did they expect Chogan to show up with anything but the cure? Did they think that he would poison them or something? No, sorry. Not his friend.

Arsenio made his point by smiling as obnoxiously as he could and wagged his tail several thrashing times before settling down, watching as the Fielder distributed the cure to Bronx, of whom had slowly collapsed. Arsenio's mind was spinning. It was a reed, this cure was. Astounding. The cure would have to grow by the water, so it could get immune to the toxins in the liquid. Arsenio smiled, proud at his friend's achievements (Arsenio still didn't know that Fei had helped, as he had missed that conversation). It was full of tension, the few seconds after the Guardian had swallowed the medicine, though they paid off. Bronx's condition already seemed to improve, which brought about a jovial smile to the Alpha Pup's features.

Arsenio seemed to agree and disagree with Bronx's want to take some of the cure to Allure: he didn't want the patient to move so early but he didn't think that Allure would, in her state, take anything from anyone but Bronx. "Y'might wanna let 'im take it to 'er, dad." Arsenio mumbled, almost afraid to voice this opinion. "She might no' take it from anyone but him." He stumbled. "No' sayin' y'can't go lon' 'er anythin'." Head buzzing with embarrassment, he looked to his paws.

amazing avatar & table are by akumu! ♥

Disappointed and yet glad that his friend dropped by (with the cure no less!), Arsenio nodded and gave the Mexican pup a massive smile, barking a "See you later!" to the other kid and, as an afterthought, a rather playful "Nex' time I'll fin' it first!" Though a rather grim thought of having a 'next time' with an epidemic, there was still childish competition between the two. And, watching the dashing form of the Strawberry wolf disappear, Arsenio faced the other two of his own pack.

Bronx was already departing, carrying a few of the precious medicines between his teeth. Arsenio was filled with enthusiasm. Ah, all of those sick wolves would now be freed of their disease! It was the brightest thought he'd had for some time. And, noticing that his father had bent down and picked up around half of the medicines, Arsenio followed suit and retrieved the second, smiling through the bundle. Time to play delivery to all of the sick wolves on the mountain.

And boy, that would be some chore.

amazing avatar & table are by akumu! ♥