She had to keep calm. That's all Sparrow could think about as she ran ahead. She told Ashmedai to keep his distance, since the wolves didn't recognize him even though some of them fought beside him in the war. They were right to be suspicious though... this wasn't an accident. Starling was to stay by Kakashi's side to help support Finch, who was on Kakashi's back. Lillianna was a mess and Sparrow didn't trust her enough to hold herself together to do any task, so she left it up to the girl as to follow or support of whatever it was she could do. She was the messenger rank, but she had lost it. Sparrow would do it now. She had to fight for her family, even if it was something as simple as running across the lands to bring her family to her sister. Sparrow legs pulled her forward, running farther and faster than she ever had before. Her minty eyes scanned for the familiar lands. She flung herself across the border, skidding to a stop and letting out a strangled howl. She couldn't howl when she was so out of breath. She coughed. She had to keep calm. She had to get help for Finch. Taking a ragged breath, Sparrow let out another call that was interrupted by her coughing. She panted, slouching. Her throat and maw were dry. She tried again, getting a decent howl out this time. She needed her dad, she needed her mom. Aunt Harmony, Lark... She needed to get them all together. They needed to be together for Finch. "SPEAK!"

Art by Evelyn

Needless to say, it was surprising to hear Sparrow call for him - no, not just him, but most of his family. There was an air of urgency to her voice that was impossible to ignore, and instinctively he felt the fur along his spine prickle sharply at the sound. It wasn't even just a hurried call, it was downright panicked. He shifted quickly in his sister's direction, beginning to head toward her, his pace quickening to a near sprint as his mind reeled, considering the possibilities of what might be wrong to warrant a call like that.

He was panting by the time he reached her, his chest heaving as he slowed to a halt before Sparrow. "What's going on?" he'd ask between breaths, his brows furrowing together tightly. "Is everyone okay?"   He couldn't imagine her acting this way over anything but something going wrong with a family member, and he felt panic rise in his chest as he waited.

Lillianna was going to go do as Sparrow did - after a moment of calming down, of regaining her composure. But no, Sparrow had run off. Just as she had... repeated herself a thousand times as if Lillianna was an idiot, without even caring or seeing if Lillianna had heard or listened, she had run off, assuming that Lillianna would dissolve again. She couldn't help the annoyance - or perhaps she could. She channeled it, to focus on that instead of what had just happened. It was perhaps how she was coping; how she was holding it together.

But a bit of that was more than just hyped up - i was genuine, a slight spark of anger at what she perceived as a distinct lack of trust and Sparrow acting as if she was better, and to distract herself further Lillianna planned a meeting with the girl - she'd discuss the issues precisely, concisely, to allow no room for interpretation, or argument.

Now was not the time.

And yet, Lillianna couldn't help but pause when Sparrow called. She did not call for the pack. She called for her family. And it seemed, only the family. Did the girl not realize that others of the pack might care? Why call for only family? It was almost a punc hin the gut, and it was during that moment she realized that what Harmony had said during that yearling meeting was precisely true. There was a divide, Destruction and non-Destructions, and the yearlings were doing nothing to help it.

She'd hover in the back, eyes dark as she would watch the gathering of family. Her eyes would focus on Lark first, though she had no doubt that she would remain out of focus, unnoticed; after all, she was in the darkness, a hoverer. Just as she paid no mind to Quake, those coming to Sparrow's call would not heed her.

At the same time, there was a temptation, and it would take only a moment before she gave into it. Tossing her head back, she howled herself, calling for all of the pack... not just the select part called the Destructions. This was not merely an event for Destructions only. She would reinforce Sparrow's call, no spite in it whatsoever, but with a much stronger, a much... less panicked call. It was almost to prove a point, but it would be a point that perhaps even Sparrow would not notice. It was purely a distraction for Lillianna. She let it fade, and her eyes would seek Lark - the only member to arrive thus far - one more time before she turned and headed back the way she came. Her point was proven, her distraction made.

Starling would stay near Kakashi and Finch, because she was his sister and he wanted to watch for any further signs. He needed to be sure she was okay, which is why he held back. He felt the panic raise and swirl in his chest, and now that the adrenaline had faded, he was shaking. He felt like he would collapse, the shock of it all catching up to him, and he needed to lay down and digest it all. But he couldn't. Finch still needed help, and he needed a clear head. They all needed to help her, and he needed to be clear headed enough to relay the symptoms and what he had done for them to the other healers, if she needed more help. He needed to think up a system, a way to always keep eyes on Finch but allow her to rest and heal and...get better. She had to get better. A large lump rose in his throat when he heard Sparrow's broken call, followed closely by Lillianna's. It was now or never, he hoped Aunt Harmony would see that he had done the best job he could, he hoped his father...no, this wasn't about him. He hoped, above all, that Finch would be just fine. Slowly he stepped up to the gathering crowd, his blue eyes large and misty as he stood to lean slightly against Lillianna for comfort, and because he just might fall down if he didn't. He looked steadily at Lark, his brows slightly furrowed. "Finch è stato avvelenato." He whipered in the only language he could, his voice shaking and the tears beginning to fall. If he tried to speak english now, he would never be able to get passed her name. So he hid, like he always did, behind the flowing Italian only a select few knew. He leaned heavily against Lillianna, closing his eyes and resting his cheek against her neck. He needed her support right now, just as she might need his. "Burn Baby Burn" || "Bruciare Bambino Bruciare"

It was all to easy to see. Perhaps that was why he didn't like kids that much, or why he didn't really talk to them. Offering support and help to the younger ones was something else, he was an adult after all. A much older adult at that. He carefully walked towards the pack with Finch on his back, Quake keeping in step beside him as she occasionally checked on the girl to make sure she was breathing. His eyes rolled when the strangled howl of the girls sister went out, then another howl by the red girl who was crying her eyes out. Kids... The note in the second howl was not missed. And all he could think was that so far, they were acting childish save for the healer boy. He would keep comments to himself, however. But it made him reluctant to respect the pair that were silently going at it for whatever reasons they had. Following after Starling, he stopped when he reached the inside of the borders, crimson gaze lifting to find Lark coming towards them. The man would remain silent for now, waiting to see how the yearlings would handle this before he said anything. For now, he stood there with the girl draped across his back. She was still breathing, so that was a good sign at least. ""

Sparrow's call to her and Bass for help brought Harmony's head up immediately. An emergency? And clearly one that involved both the alpha and a healer. Combine that with their missing member... Dread curdled Harmony's stomach, and she leaped to her feet with complete disregard for the pain in her rheumatic joints. She stared hard at the meager herbs she'd salvaged from her drowned den and the little bit she'd collected to pad it. Was it an injury? Sickness? Snake bite? Not knowing, she grabbed a variety of items. She was close enough to the call that she could run back to her den quickly if anything more was needed. Echinacea and dried elderberries for immune boosting, yarrow, dandelion root, lavender (because inevitably emergencies needed calming), and the always-useful comfrey. As she wrapped a rabbit skin around her bundle, she was surprised to hear Lilliana's voice calling for the remainder of the pack. Why? There was nothing about the call to indicate they were under attack, so why was she taking it upon herself to call the entirety of the pack together? It wasn't her decision at any time to call the pack together, but particularly in an emergency - it was Bass's. A disturbed frown creased her brow, and she hurried her movements to take the packet up in her mouth and race to the border.

Her eyes bounced between the shaken young wolves straggling in together, some horror writ over their expressions - then fell upon Finch's limp form as Kakashi carried her in. Her heart sank, but Harmony had been a healer now for many years and had learned long ago that she couldn't be efficient at it if she let her emotions get in the way. "Walk me through what you all have done for her," she said gently to the healers of the group, directing her attention mostly to Sparrow to lead as she had been the one to call for them, as she moved to examine her niece. She left half her attention to follow the explanation, but spent the rest of it on checking her over herself, paying small heed to the unfamiliar male carrying her for the moment.

The scent of blood led her to a wound on Finch's shoulder, though she could not immediately identify if it were the slash of teeth or of sharp rock, but either way surely not enough to account for her comatose state. There must be another reason. Concussion? There did not seem to be any other wounds though to account for it. She explored further, listening to her vitals.

Raised blood pressure, but heart rate slowed. She frowned, the symptoms tickling at her memory. There was vomit crusted on the girl's muzzle - she sniffed at it and through the tang of bile came a thin, bitter scent that she recognized among the others on Finch's breath. Foxglove? It would match the symptoms, though she'd never actually seen an overdose on it. She was unaware of the tip of her tongue sticking out of her mouth, caught gently between her teeth as she concentrated. Did she have any charcoal in her den or was that lost along with her old one? It was a good remedy for a great deal of things, but particularly poisoning. Oh yes - she did have a chunk of charred branch there. It wasn't stripped from the unburnt wood and crushed yet like the supply she'd lost, but she could do that here and now. Hmm... She sat back, blowing a deep thoughtful breath out her nose. "She should not sustain longterm damage from this," she finally said. "Particularly since her body rid her of most of it, but her system will need to be supported while she burns through the rest of the foxglove." There. She'd said it. Somehow that made it more real to voice it. It was one of those herbs that it was stressed, over and over, to all healers that care must be taken when using it. She sighed, pinching her eyes shut. Perhaps she should take the time while this was still fresh in everyone's mind to bring all the pack's healers together for a lesson about the dangers of foxglove and how to counter it's effects. But for now they had a patient before them to concentrate on. "We should bring her to a den before we set her down to minimize her discomfort from being moved after she is treated."

Karabela was returning from patrol when she heard the call.  It wasn't addressed to her but the strangled cry was enough for Raba to know that something bad had happened or was about to happen to her fellow packmembers and maybe even to herself.  Another call would ring out, Lillianna this time. Dammit, were they about to be sieged?  This had to be serious.  The girl wasted no time in navigating through the terra toward the Serpent Plains.  She'd been clear on the otherside of Abaven territory when she'd caught the call and by the time she arrived a number of Abaven wolves were gathered. Everything was chaotic but her golden eyes quickly found the source of the distress, a wounded and ill-looking Finch with Harmony working over her. "I'm sorry I'm late, what happened?  Has she been attacked?  Did anyone see the assailant?"  She felt sorely out of the loop but she would do her best to get information and if the other girl was attacked then Karabela was all to happy to hunt down and maul the attacker… assuming there was anything to follow.  Her nostrils flared but at this distance all she was picking up was the smell of Finch's bodily fluids and a number of plant-like smells. Karabela eyed Finch's shoulder wound.  It was difficult to tell with the matted fur and plant matter what might have caused it but it she had to guess she'd say another's fangs. "Harmony, if I can be of help let me know otherwise I shall go secure our borders." There was no sense in having the whole pack standing around wailing when it looked like only the healers would be able to help.  Until they understood the nature of what had happened to Finch it was best to err on the side of caution and make sure the packs borders were at least well patrolled in case this really was part of a more malicious plot. ""

He had been out of pack lands himself, searching for his daughter that had been missing for awhile now. When he came up with nothing, he started towards home with a heavy heart. His paws just touched home when Sparrow's howl sounded, shaky and broken. Bass' entire body froze, his heart stopping in his chest. No... no! Fear of the worst filled him, and finally when he was able to get his body to move, he raced towards the call. When Lillie's call for the rest of the pack sounded out his fear only grew, was there enemies on their tail? Were they headed towards Abaven now? He ran as fast as he could, and when he arrived he looked around with wide yellow eyes. He saw no enemies, could smell no strange wolves. His gaze tried to find Lillie, eyes narrowed slightly. Why did she call the whole pack together, if there was no danger? That was not her place. But as soon as his eyes landed on Finch draped across Kakashi's back, his whole world stopped turning. His breath caught in his throat as he stumbled backwards, his head shaking back and forth. No... His gaze quickly moved towards her chest, which was rising and falling ever so slightly. Harmony was working on her already. Fear flared up in his chest, and he quickly grew angry. Yellow eyes turned towards Sparrow, and then Starling on his other side. "What the hell happened?" he asked, conflicting emotions sounding in his tone. When he saw Lark, he moved towards his taller son, leaning ever to slightly against his shoulder. He felt weak all of the sudden, and angry at the same time. "Is she... is she going to-" he broke off, clearing his throat. Looking to Harmony, he just stayed silent. He couldn't even voice it, couldn't ask if his shy little girl was going to live. Walk "Talk" Think

When he heard the call of his sister there was no hesitation. There was something in her voice that worried him. So like a burst of thunder Shrike would move across the Serpent Plains. He had barely arrived before his whole world shifted and everything just stopped. He stared with horror towards the still form of his sister. The unnaturally still form of his sister. It was as if thunder had stopped rolling in mid boom. How fast, how abruptly he had come to a stop. He wasn’t even standing close to anyone else. Shrike felt... he wasn't even sure how to feel. He just stared. His legs went rigid, ears falling flat against his skull. The voices of his family seemed so far away. Yet... Yet he hadn’t even seen her during the worst part of his sister’s state. Shrike felt like his throat was closing up. Why was she so still? Unbidden an image of them as pups in the snow came to mind. Anxiety welled up in his stomach. This... This couldn’t... Shrike would close his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again. No... No! His sister... His sister was going to be fine! Shrike would close his bicolored eyes tightly again, counted to three, then opened them once more. But no matter how many times he tried, the image of his sister would not change. There was something wrong with his sister. Something terribly wrong by the expressions of those ho found her. Shrike would sink to the earth. No... This... This was all a nightmare... And they were going to wake up fine... They had to... ""

Lark was the first to show. Before Sparrow could explain what happened, Lillianna, pulled together probably strictly out of spite, showed and called for the whole pack. Sparrow shot her a narrow glance that clearly said, "not now." The call was already out, so Sparrow turned back to Lark, "We found her." She said. The words were simple. Starling wasn't far behind and he muttered in Italian that Finch was poisoned. Sparrow corrected, "I'm not so sure she was poisoned, but there's the possibility..." Starling leaned into Lillianna and Sparrow made a point to ignore her entirely, making eye contact only with Starling when she looked that direction. Lillie might have wanted to make a big show out of Finch, but Sparrow wasn't going to have it. For this event, Sparrow decided Lillianna didn't exist. She didn't exist and couldn't make this about her. This was about Finch and Finch only. Kakashi came next carrying Finch, followed quickly by Harmony. Harmony asked what had been done and Sparrow swallowed, "Bardock root and agrimony... and... skullcap was administered orally by Starling."  Finally, Harmony said she would be okay. She would live. Finch would live! Sparrow breathed for what felt like the first time all day. Karabela came in followed by Bass. They both asked what happened, Karabela suggesting they were being attacked, "What? No= no we're not being attacked." Oh, that's right, Lillianna had called after her for the whole pack. No wonder why everyone was freaking out. Well, she was freaking out too, but for a different reason, "Finch is sick. Harmony says it's an overdose of Foxglove. Starling suggested it might be a poisoning, but I don't know if we'll know for sure until Finch wakes up." Sparrow gazed evenly, giving a recap to everyone gathered, "Which she should do soonish? Harmony says she'll be okay. Starling treated her there and Harmony is treating her now. Karabela can go on patrol if she wants, but for now, we should move Finch close to Harmony's den for monitoring. I think it might be best if the healers tended to her in peace for now until she is more stable. Maybe just Harmony and Dad? Everyone hurried here and they probably need to rest." Sparrow looked at her father, nodding at him, hoping her evaluation of the situation went over well in his head. Everyone was in pairs. Lillianna and Starling, Lark and Bass, Quake and Kakashi, and Harmony and Finch. Sparrow stood somewhere in the middle, supporting her own. She set her teeth, clamping them down hard enough to give her a headache. She stood tall, despite her shaky feelings. She would support her own and stay strong for Finch. "SPEAK!"

Art by Evelyn

Starling's blue eyes would snap to Sparrow as she contradicted what he said, wide and disbelieving. How...could she say so? He was the one that had treated her but...he just stared, his mouth open in disbelief. But he stayed silent, just watching his sister as he stood on the sidelines. His heart was racing, and he continued to feel worse and worse. Aunt Harmony appeared, and assessed Finch, but he remained where he was. When she asked what was used to treat her, he moved to speak again but Sparrow got in first. He stared at his sister for a moment before slowly closing his mouth again, feeling his brows furrow and his throat tighten. Okay... But then she continued, saying that Finch should be in a den near Harmony, and that was when he felt his heart break. Instantly he felt like she didn't believe in his ability to care for their little sister, and she certainly seemed to be the leader of this little meeting. He shifted his gaze to look at Bass, blue wide and hurt...but he couldn't make this about him. It wasn't about him. So he choked back the pain, the tears that continued to threaten his eyes. "Hai ragione Sparrow... che farà molto meglio con la zia Harmony " He whispered in his broken hearted voice. He often thought he wasn't good enough, that he would never compare to his Aunt...but this felt like it just validated his anxieties. "Ho intenzione di andare resto..." He whispered, quickly turning away so no one could see his hurt as he peeled himself from Lillianna. And without a word, he walked away. -Exit Starling- "Burn Baby Burn" || "Bruciare Bambino Bruciare"

Everything was happening so fast. She had been walking alongside her uncle, making sure that the girl on his back was breathing. She was silent most of the time, watching ahead with her eyes focused on Starling's back. He had praised her! She had helped him in a time of need, and then when...his sister showed up...Quake found herself shying away as the other girl seemed to take control of everything! While the girl who showed up with an outsider ran ahead, Quake stopped with her uncle. She clutched Starling's medicine bag close, offering to carry it for him so he could tend to his sister when and if he needed to. When they stopped inside the border, the destruction family started to arrive all at once. She heard Sparrow talking to everyone, explaining everything but...she was explaining it all wrong! Her ears flattened as she scooted away from her uncle, meanwhile he was getting surrounded by other wolves as they moved to examine Finch.  Her heart raced and her breath quickened, then she heard Starling softly speak in the language he didn't stutter in. A quick look towards him told her more then she needed to know, and she felt like her chest was tightening. She watched him turn away to leave, and her eyes stung. Why? She was upset and sad and a range of other emotions at the same time. "Y-you're so unfair!" She burst out towards Sparrow, hot tears stinging the corners of her eyes before she turned and dashed after Starling. -Exit Quake- "SPEAK"

God...what a nightmare. While he felt for the family and what they were going through, the reactions were a given considering the circumstances. As a healer arrived and looked over the girl on his back, he listened to her musings of what it might have been. Whatever it was, it had poisoned her. So when Bass came charging out from the packlands towards them with all sorts of emotions written all over his face and coloring his voice, he remained silent as one of Bass' daughters spoke up. His brows furrowed in confusion...wait, what? She was getting her facts mixed up...alot was being mixed up, it seemed. Either she was over excited from the panic or she was trying too hard to take control. Either way, it wasn't acceptable in his eyes. He was there when Starling had diagnosed the poisoned patient, and Quake had helped administer the herbs. Then this sparrow had barged in with some outsider, and now she was the know it all? No. Kakashi would ensure that the proper parties would be praised for their heroic and skillful actions. If not right now, he would speak to Bass privately when things calmed down. For now, he cleared his throat as his attention was directed to Bass. "If I may." He made it a point that he would not be interrupted by Ms. talk-alot. His gaze a warning shot in her direction before he returned his attention to Bass, his voice calm and collected. "Poison is the likely culprit. I've seen the signs and symptoms, and I was there along with Starling and Lillie and Quake when they were administering herbs. They handled it like champions despite the circumstances, your son really knows what he's doing. Simple and straight to the point, Harmony may be right about the herb used. And Finch expelled what she could until she lost consciousness. I can take her to Starling's den where he and Quake can monitor her. I will help where I am needed as well. But a decision must be made soon. What's your call?" He knew emotions were flying all over the place, and all he could try to do was not panic and speak in a calm and concise manner. It wouldn't do any good to have the whole pack freaking out over a misunderstanding...after all, it seemed many had perceived the pairs howls to be quite...alarming. More then necessary anyway. But he was here and willing to help. Perhaps remaining calm was what the alpha needed. And being older then pretty much everyone here, would say something. ""

Starling would come after her, and despite everything, would come to her. He'd lean against her, and she felt her breath catch. After she bit him... she couldn't feel more appreciative of his support. A calming sort of peacefulness filled her at his presence, especially when his head would rest on her shoulder. She'd lean back on him, and they'd lean on another, both supporting each other.

Her attention would be recaptured by the bloody Finch draped across Kakashi's back, and she'd feel tears sting her eyes. Why? Why would someone do this? She shook her head, but it was more controlled now. She was not a soggy mess who could barely function. Then Harmony would show up, and take control, and she couldn't help but feel a sort of relief - and a bit of annoyance, since she looked at Sparrow for what happened, when it was Starling who she ought to be asking. But it made sense; Sparrow was the one who called.

Raba would follow, asking if Finch had been attacked. Lillie was about to answer when Sparrow... answered with Abaven wasn't being attacked. What? Dimwit. "Finch was attacked, yes. We didn't see the assailant. We didn't have enough people at the time to look when we had to focus on Finch," she explained, struggling to keep her voice strong. It was easier said than done. Bass would appear then, and Lillie would keep her gaze steady, almost defiant, when he narrowed his eyes at her. She called for the pack for a reason, and she would stick by that. Shrike would appear too, though silent.

Sparrow would then answer all of the questions... and her eyes narrowed. Who was she to take control in that manner? She wasn't even there when Starling chewed the herbs. How would he know the herbs, unless she was just bullshitting? She made it sound as if Starling was secondary, when Finch wouldn't be alive if it weren't for Starling. Sparrow wasn't even a healer. Sparrow had instantly discarded Starling, disbelieving in his healing ability when he had long since proven to be capable. But that... was not for this moment. That was an issue for another day, another time. This moment was for Finch, and Finch's family, for she was wholly unwelcome.

Starling would speak then, and the anger would flicker again. He'd leave, before anything more could happen, and she was about to leave after him, to comfort him, when Quake screamed at Sparrow and ran off... after Starling. While she agreed with Quake, she also frowned - that was... not appropriate. What wasn't fair was that Finch had this happen to her. She was about to leave again when Kakashi started speaking, and she'd pause to listen. Immediately, an appreciation for the man would go out. He carried Finch, and spoke up for Starling. And Quake. And her, but she disagreed with him on that point. She had been a puddle who was simply listening to orders. And she'd smile, ever so slightly, in approval when he spoke of Finch being in Starling's den. Yes, that's as it should be. Thankfully, though, Harmony was also close to Starling - as far as she knew - so they'd have both of the senior healers nearby. After all, Harmony was not one to be dismissed either; she was an experienced healer. Or, perhaps another option would be to have Finch with Harmony since Harmony knew more, with Starling assisting Harmony.

With that note, she'd leave. It was not... in her desires to be there any longer. "Call if I am needed," she said shortly, and simply, turning and heading out.

-exit Lillianna-

Everything happened quickly. He felt worry flood his chest already at Sparrow's panicked call, and as soon as Lillie arrived he was in full-blown panic himself. Where the hell was anyone? Why did Lillie look like she was on the verge of throwing up - and better yet, what the fuck was going on?

Only Starling's quick arrival gave him any clarity, but even he failed to explain the severity of the situation, though his eyes were glazed with tears that he could not ignore. Finch had been poisoned. That was it. Nothing else was given to him. Instantly, without feeling it, he felt his hackles raise and felt his lips twitch slightly, on the verge of sneering. Where was she? Why was nobody giving him more details?

Everything was made much clearer when Kakashi arrived - with FInch's unconscious form draped over his back. Though breathing, she was clearly not well, and he felt his heart clench painfully in his chest. Kakashi was followed by Harmony, who was calm in spite of everything; something he appreciated when he felt like his whole world was crumbling before his eyes. Her diagnosis was an okay one; she would recover from this, with time and with care. It didn't make him feel any better, but it did soothe his worries slightly. His family had enough healers to care for her, and to see her through this, and he'd guard her den for years if it made her feel safe and secure again.

He was distracted, focused on Finch and on the anger that steadily bloomed in his chest.. but not so distracted that he didn't notice the clear tension that divided nearly every wolf that stood her. He had no words for a long moment as Sparrow spoke up, explaining things as best as she could. Everyone else to arrive was little more than a blur as he stood and stared at Finch, though he was seeing right through her. Karabela and his father, who was far angrier than he had ever witnessed, and Shrike - who said nothing, only collapsed to the ground.

He almost couldn't believe Starling's words when he finally spoke. They were tinged with something.. something he was used to with Starling. A soft weakness that made you feel guilty and sad for him. He knew Starling didn't feel like he was good enough... but was he seriously trying to bring that up now? This was not about him - it as about Finch.  He nearly sighed at his brother's words. He'd always thought of Starling as kind, as selfless... but in that moment he looked anything but. Was he really so selfish as to try to drag them through a guilt-trip right now? Lark had told him countless times how incredible and skilled he was; how many more did he have to remind him? "Siete egoisti,"  he'd call out to Starling, his voice irritated and hurt and full of confusion. "Non su di te. Si tratta di nostra sorella." And yet he was walking away.. in this time of need. Away from his sister, and his family. He didn't give a damn about anyone's skills. They all might have a task to be done.. and to be so worried about being worthless and useless was deeply selfish, when Finch needed them all right now.

It wasn't even just Finch. The pain that emanated through the group was felt easily. They needed to be there for each other, as well as their sick packmate and sister.

He didn't really know Quake, nor know why he snapped and stormed off too. He felt his brow furrow, his expression growing infinitely more agitated. And Harmony wondered why there was a divide? Not only did he feel suddenly separated from the rest of the pack, but from his own brother. Even Lillianna would not stay, and he watched as she turned to leave. Instead of speaking further, he would force himself to clench his jaw and bite his tongue as he waited instructions from either his father or.. well, anyone. He was not going to leave, in spite of his sudden flare of temper; he would stay and be there for whoever needed him.

Bass hardly even saw Shrike come into the mass of wolves that began to gather, his eyes training on Finch and Harmony. He was about to ask his sister another question when Sparrow began to speak. His ears perked up as she spoke, and his heart seemed to stop. She was possibly poisoned? His eyes grew wide, who on earth would do that? He didn't see it happening any other way, there was no possible way that Finch would eat herbs without knowing what they did. Or maybe someone was trying to help her, but didn't know enough about healing. His mind spun as he tried to think about all of this, while Sparrow still spoke. He came to when she called attention to him, shaking his head as he tried to remember what she asked him. "Um," he said, his voice crackling, "whatever Harmony thinks best." It was hard for him to speak, he pretty much had to force the words out through all his anger. But that is when it all went to hell. After Sparrow spoke, Starling spoke up, and Bass eyed him with a hard stare. Was he really moping around at a time like this? He started to turn around to leave and the male growled, his hackles raising. Quake spoke up then, Kakashi following in suit. "Enough!" he snapped, looking to Lark as he spoke to Starling. He couldn't help but agree with his taller son's words, and fixed everyone with a hard stare, Lillie as well as she tried to slink away. He wanted to stop them all in their tracks, to keep them in the area. "This is not the time to name names and pick on others! So what if this or that happened, this is not appropriate at all! My daughter is draped across a man's back, obviously sick, and everyone here needs all the support they can get. Not just my family, its obvious that everyone here has been affected by this event. Hell, the whole pack is going to be affected by this. If she was poisoned or not, attacked or not, that doesn't matter. We need all the shoulders we can get to lean on, as well as accounts from everyone to try and figure out what the hell happened. Sparrow is probably right, we won't get much more information unless," he cut himself off, shaking his head back and forth sharply, "until Finch wakes up. So no one is going to leave, because we need support. Everyone needs to stop being so damn selfish!" Bass snapped, another growl leaving his maw. After his speech he was left panting, and it took a moment until he could move from Lark's side. He made his way to Harmony, nuzzling her shoulder as his sharp gaze fell on Finch. They softened right away, a heavy sigh passing through his clenched jaws. His shoulders started to relax, and he leaned over and licked the top of her head. "What happened to you..." he whispered. After falling silent for a moment, he closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. He tried to collect himself before he looked to all the wolves gathered around him. "Harmony, tell us what needs to be done. Sparrow, you will assist your aunt where she needs it. Shrike," he said, turning and noticing his son who had fallen to the ground. The bitter tone left his voice for a moment, and he suppressed another sigh. "Shrike, go get Starling and see if he has more herbs, Harmony you can tell him what you need." He looked to Karabela then, offering a small smile to the young woman. "You may go and patrol the borders, Kakashi, please go with her. Lark, please take your sister from Kakashi. Thank you for carrying her here, I appreciate it." Lillie and Quake had already tried to make their exit, and he chewed on the inside of his cheek as he thought. He needed to speak with them about the way that they acted, but he had no idea if they would have stopped to listen to them. With a huff he decided that he would let him go, for now. "Shrike, if you run into Lillie or Quake on your way, please ask them to go on a hunt." There, now everyone had a task. Feeling like all the energy was just drained out of him, he slammed to the earth on his rump, head hanging slightly. "You have to be okay." He whispered softly, so quiet that only Harmony and Kakashi would be able to hear. And Finch, if she could even hear him. Walk "Talk" Think

Harmony blinked at the sudden edge of hostility among the pack wolves, and her brow knit in concern. They did not have time to deal with petty bickering and ruffled feathers, not now. Bass did not seem inclined to allow the nonsense to continue with his child lying wounded and ill, either, and he rounded on the perpetrators with heated words.

Bass' impassioned speech seemed to have left him drained; as he moved to nuzzle her, she returned the gesture before silently, soothingly grooming his ears as he regarded his daughter. She let him have his moment with Finch, knowing that though time was short Finch was not in danger of expiring on the spot; she was stable for now and they could afford this moment. Bass needed it, and perhaps Finch would be able to take comfort in her slumber from his presence.

Part of her wanted to go after her nephew and the youths who had stormed off in his wake, to sooth them and bring them back into balance, but there were only two full healers in the pack and they could not both abandon the post they were by their very nature bound to. Luckily Bass had things well in hand, sending Shrike after Starling with orders for Lilliana and Quake if he saw them, and asking her... what to do.

The male carrying her niece had interjected his own opinion on the matter, and as Bass' orders quieted Harmony leveled a quiet look and a headshake at the taller wolf, directing her first sentence towards him and projecting the remainder at the group. "We do not have time to debate the semantics of what constitutes a poison, though I would be happy to do so at a later date when there are not more important matters at hand. Foxglove is a medicinal herb, a very powerful one, one that - whether accidentally or maliciously, we do not know - she has overdosed on. We need to cleanse it from her system." She took a deep breath, let it out, and her soft tone took on an edge of steel beneath the quiet. "Bass is absolutely right - whether she was poisoned or not is entirely idle speculation that does nothing more than distract us from what we need to concentrate on. I will not tolerate another word on the matter in Finch's presence until Finch is awake and well and can tell us what she knows happened. And you will none of you frighten her with this nonsense when she awakens, or you will answer to me." And that was all she would say on the matter. And on to business. Bass would - and had - commanded the pack but it was her as healer that would take charge of Finch's care and she would not tolerate anything that could worsen Finch's condition. That was what she would do, regardless of whether the rest of the pack continued to dither.

"Bring her to her own den, please, but leave her outside it for now in case the herbs irritate her stomach. We can move her in later if it gets colder or wet. It will be best that she wakes up in familiar surroundings. Quiet familiar surroundings, so that she can wake up slowly, so please keep well away until she is awake. We will need - " she thought quickly, going through the herbs she had with her and what they would need. Starling had already given her burdock root, though she was unsure why he had given her the agrimony and skullcap. Skullcap? Had she had seizures? Why did neither Starling nor Sparrow mention such an dangerous symptom? If Starling had remained here she could have questioned him as to his reasoning for the herbs - every healer did things a little differently, had a little different methods, and she did not know his, and he was not here to explain his reasoning. She moved her mouth silently a moment as she thought. No, it would be ok - she had enough herbs here in her packet to treat her with the burdock and skullcap Starling had already used, and she would monitor Finch for any signs of seizing. "Sparrow, in my den you will find a charred branch wrapped in birch bark - please hurry and meet us at Finch's den. I will also need someone to fetch water and bring it to the den. And I stress," she added, "that no one is to be pacing around and arguing over Finch's den. If you are not treating her or fetching something for a healer, you will only be a hindrance. Wait with your packmates. Offer each other comfort." Her voice softened. "I know you are all worried for her. Just know that she will be fine, and we will make sure you are all kept apprised of her situation."

She turned and pressed her cheek to Bass', lowered her voice for his ears alone. "She will be all right, Bass. She's your daughter - she's strong. Stronger than anyone knows." She aimed a gentle kiss for his forehead. "She could use her mother and father at her side, if you are able to step away. Lark could keep an eye on the pack for a while." She didn't want him to think that she would try to keep him from his own daughter's side, didn't want him to think that his presence would be useless. On the contrary, she did not doubt that just the scent of her beloved parents would be a comfort to the poor girl.

Everything was in chaos, everything was a mess.  Everyone was talking, wailing, crying, whining, ordering and Karabela felt so flustered by it all.  How did one injured pack mate manage to bring the whole of Abaven to its knees?  Raba tried to focus on the wolves that were directly addressing her, pushing the injured Finch from her mind.  There was nothing she could do to help the girl and next to know signs that might help her hunt down a potential attacker. Sparrow assured her they weren't being attacked but then Lillie stated that Finch had been attacked.  Raba wasn't for sure what to do with the conflicting information other than to once again err on the side of caution.  Finch was of Abaven, if she had been attacked then the pack had been attacked in Karabela's mind.  If it was an accident then it was indeed an unfortunate one that again affected the whole pack.  Either way Raba knew she was of little use here.  If the girl had been attacked the attacker was long gone and any lingering scent was smothered in the mix of herbal and familial scents which would make tracking difficult if not impossible. Sparrow continued to speak but Raba's attention was elsewhere as she continued to try and piece more of the situation together, pushing her way nearer to sniff at Finch.  Dam… no luck.  She pulled back as Starling left and Quake shouted something and also left. Followed by Lillianna. Lark shouted after Starling.  What the fuck was going on? Raba could sense the tension, the piss-war.  Her brow furrowed… what the hell?  Was this really the time for a pissing contest?  When Harmony had held her meeting about the divisions in Abaven, Karabela had more or less shrugged it off.  Everything had seemed normal to her, sure a few fights and disagreements here and there but that was typical of young wolves yea?  But this…?  This was on another level.  She felt the animosity, the rivalry and more she felt like she was completely on the outside of it.  Disconnected from the complicated web of inner-pack relations.  Karabela's frown deepened, her ears pulling back.  Perhaps it was just the stress.  Everyone was worried, tired and stressed and lashing out at one another.  Maybe… either that or long boiling tensions were now brought to the breaking point with the Stress of Finch's misfortune. Finally Bass spoke to bring order to the chaos.  She listened intently, pleased that the alpha was on board with her idea of patrolling.  Honestly though she felt most of the wolves here would do with a good walk and some time to clear their heads but at least she got one patrol companion.  She moved toward the older male. "We can patrol in a pair or split up to cover more ground.  I don't think there's an immediate threat we need to deal with but it's hard to know for sure.  I'll take the west side of the plains and the rustling thicket, can you get the east of the serpent plains and the monument rapids?  Or we can switch to, I don't mean to boss you around." She tried to smile but it didn't quite form. Harmony's voice would join in with Bass' trying to calm the wayward young adults that were running far to high on their emotions.  How could they want to push each other away at such a moment?  Especially those who were family?  What was this?  Karabela supposed she shouldn't view them harshly.  This was probably the first time many of them had seen a family member in such dismal condition.  Oh, to be that innocent again… Once the patrol plans were decided Karabela got to her paws and stalked off to begin. "Stay…. stay strong girl. I have taught you all… a great many things. This lesson… may be heavy burden…. but you will be stronger… for it." "I'm trying mother," she whispered, "I'm trying." -exit- ""

Shrike barely listened to the arguing around him. Name calling. His siblings were hurting. Everyone was at wits end because right now this situation was just bad all around. He would feel the tension around them, the tension that was so thick in the air you could cut it with a knife. Shrike would squeeze his eyes closed. He didn’t like this. He didn’t like this these feelings. These negative emotions. It was as if he felt everyone’s irritation, sadness, hurt... It felt like, for the first time, Shrike’s attention was shifting to someone other than himself. When he opened his eyes again Starling had turned away, as had Lilliana and Quake. His father was speaking and, hearing his name, the boy would force himself to stand. He felt like he could be sick at any moment. But he dared not make this situation worse. That fear was far more prominent in his mind. Bass was right... They had to rely on each other now more than ever. Don’t you dare screw up. His mind would whisper. No, he wouldn’t make a scene. At Harmony’s words {to Sparrow, rather than him} Shrike would glance at his sister. Apparently the only herbs she thought of was something his sister could fetch. “If those are the only herbs you need then I can get Finch some water.” His voice was oddly quiet. “...and if I see Lillie or Quake I’ll pass on the message...” Shrike would glance at his father for a moment longer. Bi-colored eyes mingled with troubled emotions, but he tried to force a small smile. “She’s home and with us... She’s gonna... She will...!” He dipped his head. He couldn’t get the words out completely, but surely the others present understood what he was trying to say. Without further hesitation he would make his way to the nearest water source. They would make sure she was fine. They had to. -Exit Shrike.- ""

Sparrow gave the best account she could. She had missed a bit of the healing part, but she had been there when Starling administered the herbs. She could smell them, and knew what they were. Everyone had asked her what had happened, and she had given them the account that she was personally usure if it had been poisoning, but regardless, Starling had administered herbs and all. She thought she did a decent job of being objective, given the circumstances. Apparently no one else agreed. Starling left bitterly, turning from their family. Followed by a fuming Quake. Unfair? How had she been unfair? What had she said that had pissed them off so much. As expected, Lillianna followed Starling's tail and left. Sparrow felt her heart breaking. She had tried her best. Kakashi came in saying he was sure it was poisoning. Was that what everyone was so upset about? So what if it was poisoning or not at the moment? It WAS important that Harmony got details about the healing, not every little detail of who did what when and if they were heroic or not. Sparrow looked at Kakashi as he suggested taking Finch to Starling's den. That's why they were upset? Because Sparrow suggested giving Finch to Harmony while everyone got rest. Sparrow sighed. Everyone storming off or getting their feelings hurt, "This is exactly what I meant by tired," she mumbled. Harmony was level headed, and Starling had just proven that she was the best choice for the situation. How had she been wrong, she wondered. Her account was accurate for what she knew, so why was everyone leaving. What had she done wrong? She just wanted to get her sister the care she needed. Lark called after Starling, and Sparrow's head snapped up. He called Starling selfish. So... he didn't think Sparrow had been awful, maybe? Maybe Starling was over reacting? Bass called out angrily and Sparrow found herself cowering instinctively. He didn't seem to say she was wrong or that she was being mean or hostile. He gave everyone tasks and Sparrow nodded firmly. She was still here. She could still help. Harmony gave Kakashi a hard look and also mentioned that whether or not Finch was poisoned was speculation. Sparrow felt a pressure lift from her. The adults weren't yelling at her. They didn't think she was terrible for her given account. Harmony gave her a task to gather supplies from Harmony's den and Sparrow nodded, quickly rushing to Lark and giving him a kiss on the cheek. To Shrike, she nuzzled on the neck. To her father, she pressed her face into his shoulder, then licked Finch's ear. To Harmony, Sparrow approached and pushed herself close for a second, "I'll be fast..." she whispered before taking off. Everyone else could be upset, but Sparrow knew in her heart that she had done the best she could and she was still trying. "SPEAK!"

Art by Evelyn

-Exit fluffbutt-