After the incident between Rexx and Scald, plus all the other changes made to his family pack, Rheum insisted they needed a change. There would be nothing positive about staying at the Isle or even going back to Auster. She didn't want to go back to the bamboo just yet without having experienced much of anything. In the middle of their discussion and wondering about where they would go, Rexx's father, Gil (yeah the Raid King), suggested they check out Avalon led by a girl named Corbie. He'd offered that maybe they would enjoy the relaxed yet hard-working atmosphere that she seemed to have. Though it took some suggesting, Rheum had been able to convince Rexx to come with. Not that it was particularly difficult. He seemed rather fond of her and she was fond of him so it seemed he didn't want her to go anywhere without him. Secretly, Rheum was thankful for that and couldn't hide the smile on her magenta lips as they approached the Orchard. The sweet smell of fallen apples and a musky hint of nearby sheep had her curious. Stopping along the border, she glanced up at Rexx, leaning over to nudge his leg with her shoulder, before lifting her chin to the sky. Releasing a calling howl for Corbie, she waited patiently in hopes they would be allowed to stay. Rheum Genji-Archer

Rheum welcomed the change. But Rexx found himself desperate for it. His dreams troubled him. The memories jutted into him like fragments of broken glass. He remembered every word that was spat off his tongue and his tongue, insults dripping venom and ill will. His quills colliding into his pelt, not in jest, but to puncture, counteracting the ram-like blows of his own crystal spines. Every moment was shattered with pelting rain and the resounding pain in his chest. Hurt. Torn. The chipped tusk was the last straw, and before they could deal their last blows, he'd always wake up. He was no longer his brother. He was a stranger. No dream could fix that. Rheum's gentle suggestion, along with his father's blessing, was taken with more haste than gratitude. He wanted to get the hell out. Never return, at least not for a while. He missed the rest of his family, at least the ones he still considered as such. But he loved Rheum too much, and the taste of adventure would surely chase away the nagging sorrow. His right tusk remained uneven, never to grow back its sharpened tip. It looked a little awkward, jagged like a botched effort to cut down a tree. He trusted this girl enough to leave, and with that they'd reached the peaceful orchard -- how long had they'd been walking? Or perhaps he'd been too mulled in his head to really bother about their journey. Still, as they approached the borders of what he assumed to be this Avalon pack, he felt Rheum's comforting nudge, turning his head down to face her. He even forced a bit of a smile, but it hurt, and it quickly faded. He just..couldn't be his old self yet. He stood and stared ahead through the sights of the trees, but through them, not at them. A fresh start. Yeah, he needed it. And now. "speech"

Sore after the vikings' raid on the pack, but patched up, Corbie was back to guarding the borders when an unfamiliar voice called out for her from the orchard. Leaving a still-injured Ayer with Tam, she took Ren with her on the quick trot to the border. There she found an unusual pair, one brightly colored, one with odd rocky growths running down his back, both unfamiliar - though the big male looked enough like Gilgamesh, the alpha of the raiders formerly known as pirates, as to make her blink for a moment. Ah, had Gilgamesh sent them? "Hello," she greeted them both warmly. "I am Corbie, alpha of Avalon. What can I do for you two today?"

Rheum was glad that Corbie didn't make them wait too long. As patient as she could be, she was still somewhat anxious to get a move on in life. There was a certain lure to traveling around Boreas, but the more she had, the more she realized she missed being around others. She missed being useful, having a task, and having others rely on her. Not in a motherly way. Rather in a 'hey, you're good at this! can you help me?' kind of way. Like a big sister to everyone kind of way. After all, with how many siblings she had, it made sense. Her tail would swish lightly as Corbie spoke and greeted them. "Hello Corbie," Rheum begins politely as she dips her head toward the Alpha. "I am Rheum Archer and this is Rexx," there is a slight hesitation as she glances up at Rexx. She didn't think he'd want her saying his last name what with how he was feeling toward his family currently. "We came to see if you had room in Avalon for us. I am proficient in herbs, healing, and navigating. Rexx is good at fighting and we're both willing to learn new skills. Kind of start a new life," she smiles tentatively as she finally looks away from Rexx and back to Corbie. Rheum Genji-Archer

A slender she-wolf had approached the couple — she seemed kind enough, gently inquiring as to who they were and what business they had upon her borders. It seemed to be going well so far, interaction-wise; before the burly male could part his maw to speak, Rheum jumped in and did the honors, explaining their reasons for joining the pack. Rexx offered a quick glance in gratitude down to Rheum, for not mentioning his last name. He didn’t hate his last name. He didn’t feel ashamed. But it reminded him of him. The name tied Rexx to that person who was no longer his brother. It was best to let sleeping dogs lie, and let familial rifts fade into the distance as the horizon meets the land. ”Yep. We seek adventure, wherever it takes us.” He added on, shifting in his spot. All that walking made him rather sore..as well as the soreness from, well. That incident. The memory was still too fresh in his mind, and it left a taste in his mouth not unlike the blood that was spilt. His expression was calm and a smile gently curved his lips as he focused on Corbie, but his eyes held a completely different attitude. A lingering sadness. Guilt. Mourning. A fresh start, yeah. It would help him greatly. "speech"

One of the youths was quick to introduce them, though with a very faint hesitation on the boy's surname. It certainly couldn't be because they were worried how she would react to it, since Corbie hadn't made any real enemies, so there must be some sort of history there that wasn't any of her business, and she had no interest in prying. That was part of Avalon - giving a home to anyone, regardless of their history, and letting them prove who they were through their actions now. Corbie listened quietly, then smiled at them both. "Rheum, Rexx, we would be very glad to have you both. Healers are always in short supply, I'm afraid, and we are always glad to have those who are willing to protect others. You are both more than welcome." She nodded at them both, then focused her gaze on Rheum. "Rheum, you have a rather unique combination of skills. Is there one you'd prefer to focus on for ranking? I am also flexible on the idea of new ranks to reflect different paths that our members may be considering. Let me know, both of you, what you might be hoping for as far as that goes."

Having come from Tojo-Kai, Rheum was surprised to hear that healers were in short supply here. Back home, it seemed as if half the pack had some sort of paw in the healing craft. Perhaps that was with thanks from her mother, but she was glad to be of help here. She smiles softly as Corbie accepts them into Avalon and requests what sort of specific rank she would like to seek out. "I would prefer whatever route your healers take," her answer is quick, sure, confident. Rheum, unlike some younger wolves, is certain of her path and does not consider straying from it. "I don't require much. Just looking for somewhere to have purpose," Rheum's smile is genuine as she then gives Rexx a moment to say what he thought on what path he wished to take.