Let it Be

“So, woundwort… good for stopping hemorrhages, easing pain, annnd…” The Crimson Archangel trailed off, muzzle tipping toward the ceiling of the main chamber of the family cave den as his ears planed to the sides in thought. “And healing cuts with poultices… There’s something else..” His head tilted to allow him a peek at Kavdaya’s amethyst flecked sapphire eyes, watching the Nomad’s mark rise as her brow points lifted encouragingly. He thought harder, then brightened and grinned. “Diarrhea. It relieves it, right?” The snowy Master Healer grinned briefly. ”Those are some of them. It can help with fevers, as well as expelling worms. Now, what time of the year should you look for it; when does it flower?”

The crimson male thought back, then answered slowly, ”Late Summer…” The howl from a voice he hadn’t heard in ages interrupted Kavdaya’s affirmative answer, and Regulus’ head whipped around as his fathomless sapphire eyes widened slightly. “Tor?” He pulled himself to his paws, peeking into his mother’s alcove; she was conked out cold, taking a nap while Cinder watched the pups. Kavdaya could help with that. And perhaps it would be best if his mother was asleep. Considering she thought her wayward middle son hated her, and couldn’t understand why, the emotional pain might do her in. Especially with how easily she took ill, lately.

He took a deep breath and trotted quickly from the cave, down the ravine, and out into the small chunk of woodland, taking a quick sniff to ascertain which way to go before he crossed into the plains. Despite his outwardly calm demeanor, his heart was hammering. There hadn’t been a major sense of urgency in his brother’s call. It hadn’t really even been directed specifically at one of the family. But who else would he be calling for?

As his brother’s form came into view, standing at the borders, Regulus slowed, taking the time to inspect his brother closely for hurts, new scars, old scars… any sign of illness that meant he should call for Kavdaya or Zuriel. He seemed fine… Nervous, but fine… Regulus stopped a respectful distance away; about five feet within the border, posture easy, tail waving slowly above his hips. “I was beginning to wonder if we’d ever hear from you again.” Did Tor understand what his departure had done to their mother? That Baine had cried? He knew his sisters had run across Tornach. But their storm cloud brother had never sought them out. He was aware that his brother’s scent had been all over the Moor. But given the departure, he had chosen to avoid the fresher scents, and allow his brother to approach on his own terms.

“We have three new siblings. Two girls, and a boy...” His face watched that of his brother as his haunches slowly lowered to the ground. If Tornach had any explanation of his behavior, Regulus was willing to hear it, but for now, his baritone rumble was simply relaxed, conversational.

"What brings you to the border?" Had Tornach come because he wanted to see them, or did he just need something and had no choice?