Drífa finished packing, setting the last bundle of yarrow gently on the top of the pile. With that she sealed her knapsack and slid it onto her shoulders. Ok, they were ready to go. She looked to Halla and the macaque nodded. The duo journeyed with the main group of the raid until they reached Abaven's border. At that point she lead the healers a brief way over to the Rustling Thicket. There they could set up and wait to receive patients.

The morning sun was shining across the horizon, turning the grasses that had grown back a gorgeous amber color. "Ok, here looks good. Halla, can you get a fire going please, in case we need it?" She had several ointments and items for poultices and she didn't expect to need anything for the warriors to drink but maybe after the battles a nice calming bowl of tea would do everyone good.

A raid had just started and Yurei felt anxious. Anything could happen, deaths, injuries and many horrendous things. A healer in training she knew her assistance was a must, not just for gathering knowledge in a real situation, but she wanted to help her pack in the ways she could. She wasn't a warrior but she hopped her aid in healing would work too. Sadly she didn't have anything to pack her herbs, so, for now, all she could do was carrying as much as possible on her mouth, and quickly she headed toward the plate they were needed. But something was new in her, she wasn't alone. A wildcat now followed her, a companion now would be with her. Aki was her name. She remembered Chry's monkey. But she was still new to learning how to work together with her new friend. For now, Aki helped her carry herbs in her own mouth. And mutually they arrived. Drifa was there and slowly she placed her herbs down. "Miss. Drifa," She greeted."We are ready..." She said calmly as her cat sat next to her. "Hello" | 'Thoughts'

Quiet is the night that brings me home

Her body quivered when the call for the raid had come, watching her children race off to fight off the intruders. Eulogy was still trying to work herself back into her children's lives after the volcano had them separated, and now this... Her heart broke when she watched Desolate race off to battle, pacing back and forth in front of her den. All ofher shook with fear and anxiety, not able to sit still as the worry started to eat at her mind. She had to do something, but what? She would be no use in the fight, not only was she poor at it, but her body was still thin after the months of traveling. She knew about herbs though, and healing. Could she even be of use though? Or would her constant doubts and worries only further get in the way? It took minutes of her pacing back and forth to finally make up her mind, and even then, her steps were hesitant and slow. With care, she packed any herbs that she had in her possession, heart hammering too quickly in her chest as she made her way to the fringes.

As she looped around the pack lands, slinking low to the ground, the scent of blood rose to meet her. Nostrils flared wide as she froze, panic stopping her in her tracks as she squeezed her eyes tightly closed. So many memories taunted her on the backs of her eyelids, not laying steady as she tried to push them away. Eulogy tried to take steadying breaths to ease herself, but even after minutes of this, she still couldn't move. Useless lot, she was, knowing her child was out there fighting and she couldn't even gather herself enough to go and help the healers. Pathetic, wasn't she? Not that her inner dialog was helping, but eventually she could feel the blood flowing to her limbs, her chest ceasing to ache from the too fast beating of her heart. Healers, there had to be other healers. Too afraid to take a deep breath in, Eulogy focused on the scent of the herb bundle that was gripped in her jaws and relied on her eyes instead. Along the horizon she spotted smoke, able to at least stop those memories before they too, haunted her. Fire, that had to be other healers. Deep breath in, and out, and she was on the move once more.

As she neared, Eulogy forced her tail to lay at her hocks, but her ears remained fearfully pressed to her skull. Deep blue eyes glanced at the other two who were there, offering a small nod as she stopped a few paces away to drop the burden in her mouth. They had to be healers, from the sight of their wares set up around them, as well as the fire that lay flickering before her. Awkwardly she stood in silence for a moment, not able to make eye contact with either stranger. She didn't trust them, but given that they were both females, she felt at least a little more at ease with them. Her body was still tense as she set up near them, still keeping a good distance from them. She knew that they were Winterfell from their scent, not sure on how to feel about them being here. It was clear to see that they were here to help, but Eulogy wasn't one to trust easily. She said nothing at all, instead her eyes focused towards the area where the fights were taking place, her neck lowering with the weight of worry that settled there. She just hoped that everyone would be okay, and that no one would be seriously hurt. She would stay here, aid those who needed it as best she could. She just hoped that she wasn't needed... A quick look was cast in the direction of the Winterfell wolves, a tense smile pursing her lips, before her sight returned to the now battle ground. 'Please be careful, Desolate, Theory, all of you...' She begged silently, wishing that she was strong enough to do more for those that she cared for.

Well, he didn't last very long in the raid but that was fine. He knew when to take a loss and admit he was just far too rusty. He hadn't really fought since Talis had gone raiding, not including the few predators he fought while living the rogue life with Acapella. It was only because of her he had chosen to not fight because he didn't want to worry her. But now...none of that mattered anymore. He would start training again and keep himself sharp. While he knew he wouldn't win every fight in the future, he would be better prepared for the next raid. Half of him wondered if he was even really trying anymore though. He would be another year older come winter, and he was no longer a spring chicken. Spending time with Avalon's kids and helping to take care of them and the elder wolf was making him soft, he knew that...but maybe he'd been growing soft since he met Acapella... Sighing, he hobbled towards the thicket where the healers waited, his left foreleg held off the ground as he made his way to them. As he pushed through the brush, he spotted Winterfell's healers and he made his way towards him, dropping his rump to the ground almost immediately. His chest was sore and his foreleg was starting to hurt now that the adrenaline was wearing off. "I made the wound worse then it would have been.." He cleared his throat after speaking as he waited to be looked at. He then noticed they weren't alone. There was another wolf there, and by the looks of it, probably Abaven's healer. "What's the name of the brown and white kid with the blue and red eyes?" He directed the question to Eulogy, curious to know the name of the young warrior he had fought. "Talk"

Drífa unrolled one of her bundles, carefully sorting the plants into their proper places. When Yurei arrived she looked up and smiled warmly at the younger woman and her companion. "Glad to hear Yurei!" It would be an interesting experience that was for sure. She just hoped it wouldn't be too bloody. Drífa went back to her sorting but looked up again at the sound of approaching footsteps to see a woman she did not recognize. Ah, she must be of Abaven then? Drífa smiled and dipped her head to the woman. "Hello, you must be one of the Abaven healers? My name is Drífa. If you need you are welcome to the fire." Let the warriors fight and break. If she could mend a few bridges here she'd do her best. They didn't have to wait long before they had their first patient. Greed. "Ah, well, it happens. We'll get you fixed up! Yurei, would you like to take the lead on our patient here? I'm happy to assist with supplies and instructions if you need." She'd experienced plenty of battle wounds and felt the experience would be a good learning moment for the young healer. "I talk" | 'I think'

Quiet is the night that brings me home

As she made her way into the circle of healers, one of the pale wolves called towards her, asking if she was an Abaven healer. She was able to take her eyes off the area in which the fights were happening to look towards her, offering a curt nod. It was still hard for her to maintain eye contact with strangers, and so after a moment of meeting her gaze, she looked towards the fire that she offered for her use. A hint of a more timid smile touched her lips, a more grateful dip of her head being offered. She didn't seem too bad, but her body remained tense. "I am," Eulogy managed to speak a few moments later, happy that she didn't choke too much on the words. "I am Eulogy Destruction. And thank you, Drifa..." Her words dropped off to a soft whisper, feeling herself starting to feel a little more at ease. This female didn't seem too bad, although she didn't understand why she was here to help if her pack was attacking her own at the moment. It left a sour taste in her mouth, but she was still a little thankful for these two ladies here, ready to help. Turning to the other stranger, she offered another incline of her head, twisting back to fix her worried eyes on the horizon.

It didn't take long for the scent of blood to wash over her again, sending her hackles raising. She was glad that she wasn't facing the other healers, stiff as she fought against herself to try to calm her already frayed nerves. Eulogy's eyes shut again for a moment, before she heard the words of the others. Her mocha ears pricked, turning towards them, realizing that the injured one was speaking to her. Brown and white, blue and red eyes. Despite her earlier anxious manners, she twisted towards the male with such fierceness that she nearly stumbled over her own paws. "Desolate? You saw him?" Her voice was high pitched, frantic as she took a few steps closer. Typically she was more fearful of males, but it sounded like he saw her baby out there on the battlefield. Her breath hitched painfully in her throat, feeling the familiar prick of tears in her deep blue eyes. "He's my son. Is he okay? Was he hurt?" Eulogy's words came out so quickly that she shook under the impact of it all, feeling her entire body rocking. Her brown head snapped back towards the fights, ears pulling back as she let out a whine. Before long she was looking back at him, marching a few steps closer. "Please, if he's hurt, can you bring him back to me?" There was true panic in her voice now, her breaths sounding uneven as they pushed their way out of her throat. He was mad at her still, this she knew, so did he charge into this battle to spite her? To prove that he was strong? Whatever it was, the burden of guilt made her feel like she was about to pass out right then and there. She had come here to help others in her pack, but she hardly thought about the fact that she might have to heal her son, or worse... No, this was just a raid. He would be okay, right? Eulogy's eyes were wide and pleading, standing there shaking like it was she herself who had just fought a battle. Her son, he was out there for real... Eu had seen him leave, but didn't really think that he would jump into the fray like that. She knew that she should feel proud of him, for defending their home, but she couldn't get past the sea of emotions that threatened to drown her. Her own heartbeat pounded in her ears, making everything else seem so far away. He had to be okay, he just had to... She didn't even care that this wolf was from Winterfell, she just wanted her child to be safe, and with her.

He nodded to Drifa before glancing at the white she-wolf, Yurei. He didn't say anything, preferring to wait for them to patch him up before he moved. In the meantime, his attention was on the Abaven healer, and it didn't take too long before she practically stumbled over herself to face him. "Desolate? You saw him?" Ah, so that was the yearlings name. She stepped closer to him, and his brow rose as he noted the way she acted. She didn't know what her deal was, but he could understand the concern she had for her pack fighting against his own. "He's my son. Is he okay? Was he hurt?" Aahh, perhaps that's why she was acting this way, too. He didn't have any kids of his own so he couldn't completely relate to her feelings, though he supposed if it was Avalon's kids out there he would've been worried all the same. "Desolate is his name, huh? He came at me on the field. He's the one that got my leg pretty good, though I think I hurt myself more trying to pull free. The worst I gave him was probably a bruise." He admitted. "Please, if he's hurt, can you bring him back to me?" He flicked an ear as he glanced back in the direction of the fighting going on for a moment. "Your kid is fine. If he could pull one over on me, I'm sure he can handle himself. He seemed pretty nervous though, unsure of himself." He remembered feeling waves of nervousness coming off the youth in waves, the fear that radiated from him, too. While he wasn't so pleased that he'd lost, he half-hoped the boy had gained some confidence at least. Turning back to her, he added "Just so you know, we were told to treat this raid as a sort of training with you guys. The circumstances behind it are...complicated, and I don't particularly care what happens one way or another, but don't worry. Acere instructed us not to maim anyone, so at the very least your boy might come out with some cuts and bruises." He shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed he had said so much at once. He normally wasn't the social type but...again...he knew he had been changed by Acapella's influence, and being back around the only family he really knew. Avalon and her kids were really doing a number on him, weren't they? As for going back to get Desolate out of there? Greed felt perhaps it was best to let the boy decide. He either kept fighting, or he turned tail and ran. Though he hoped for the former because if the kid could pull another win, surely his confidence would go up, right? "Talk"

Yurei then just waited for whoever would need their assistance, and she hopped nothing too serious would happen to those from her pack, but also those from the other pack. She since the start wasn't quite happy with the idea of invading someone's home, practice or not this wasn't something she would choose to do. And maybe future raids wouldn't be as friendly, mains and worst things could happen and she wasn't going to stand by it. Soon their first wounded came, someone from their pack that she didnt know yet. She could see their bleeding wound on their leg, he couldn't even use it. That was concerning and she hopped that Drifa would help her, she wasn't very experienced with real situations so she trusted in that she would be guided through the whole session. An stranger came too, from Abaven. She didn't speak as she herself didnt trust much in strangers, she just didnt feel comfortable but she guessed she would have to stay calm. Healers had to work with anyone regardless of how they feel about them. She looked at Drifa as she spoke and soon she let Yurei take the lead. Her ears soon flat as she wasn't sure if she would be capable of doing it. But again she would trust in the older one's advice should she need it. She stood up and attempted to approach the wounded. "Hello sir, ill go ahead and make a few questions while we attend you." She looked to Drifa just in case she wanted to correct her. "From one to ten how strong do you feel the pain?" Then she evaluated the wound. It was bad and it would need clearance. She turned at Drifa. "Do you perhaps have something to clean the wound?" She asked with shyness. "Hello" | 'Thoughts'

Quiet is the night that brings me home

It was out of character for her to be asking so many questions like this, not only to a stranger and a male, but to one who was part of the pack who was attacking hers. But as soon as she heard that her son was out there, fighting, she needed to know. After being gone for so long, she was feeling even more protective of them all, wanting to kick them all into a den and bar the entrance. She had cause them enough hurt and pain, all she wanted to do was protect them from anything else happening. Unrealistic, maybe, but a dream nonetheless. Eulogy blinked away her thoughts as the male spoke, her ears straining forward to hang on his every word. So not only was he fighting, but he had actually beaten this older male? A small flare of pride bloomed in her chest, but it was quickly replaced with a deeper seed of worry. He either ran, or was out there fighting another. Eu licked at her suddenly dry lips, feeling her tail tuck towards her belly for a breath before relaxing against her hocks again. Her boy, her little boy, out there fighting. The male said that Desolate was fine, but she would put little stock in his words until she would be able to see him for herself. Trust didn't come easy, she wouldn't even have wanted to believe him if he hadn't spoken of his looks perfectly. To the point of her boy being nervous, a pang of guilt stabbed her in the gut. Again, she knew that this was her doing. In the haze of the smoke and fire, she had unwillingly left her children behind to fend for themselves, and in that they all seemed to develop a bit unsure of themselves and their standings. It killed her to hear that, her head twisting away from the stranger and she blinked back the tears. Her children should all be strong and independent, not like the mess of a wolf that their mother was. Eu suddenly felt really sick, licking at her chops again as she turned away from the crowd with a curt nod. "Th-thank you," she whispered, returning to her earlier position at the edge of the clearing.

The black and white male's words of advice echoed behind her, but she hardly heard them through the twisting emotions going on through her own head. She caught that it was supposed to be a practice raid, but she put very little salt to those words. Those injuries were real, and this fight was real. There was nothing that screamed 'practice' from that. Regardless of the words of their leader, she had seen that wolves did what they wanted, when they wanted. Winterfell led an army into the frays of Abaven, with intent to hurt. Bitterness twisted her muzzle as it wrinkled upwards, eyes sliding shut. This was serious, and would cause rifts that would be hard to mend. Eulogy wasn't an unkind wolf by any means, but she would never forgive them for this. The female tuned out the conversation behind her, peeling open her blue eyes to peek into Serpent Plains. He had to come home, unhurt. They all did...

Desolate did his best to calm himself before he made it to the trees, knowing not only Abaven healers but Winterfell healers were gathered together to see to the wounded. Over and over he reminded himself that the raid was a friendly thing, Theory had told him so and he wanted to trust her word without hesitation regardless of how odd and wrong it all sounded. He had come into the raid with an open mind and left feeling less sure then he had back when he'd first approached Theory in fear over the coming brawl. Why had the wolf beneath him fought as if to kill? He couldn't shake the look in her eyes, and his heart pounded hard in his chest as the adrenaline began to subside. The yearling supposed he should be thrilled for winning his first two real fights, but it was hard to focus upon the victories while the agony in his face was there to remind him how bad it could have been. While he had left the battlefield trying to look his fiercest - if only so the angry wolf wouldn't chase him down and try to murder him while he ran - he slunk into the healer's camp looking much less impressive. While her teeth had missed his eye the pain had radiated there regardless, and his left was squinted shut as he approached. The more his adrenaline wore off, the more his body hurt. Suddenly the ache in his chest returned and his limbs felt as tired as if they'd been supporting the weight of a moose and not a boy. It was hard not to look first towards the other wolves needing healing, to see how bad the other battles had turned. He spotted his first opponent, Greed, and tried to offer the man a smile. "I may have to take you up on your offer." If Greed had any fighting tricks to share, Desolate would gladly take them if it meant he'd have less chance of receiving a wound like this again. Seeing Eulogy was harder than he could have ever imagined, and the newly minted warrior seemed to shrink under the weight of her gaze. His tail tucked itself low and his ears pulled back with shame. He hadn't joined the raid to punish her but now returning from the battlefield he felt the guilt as if he had. The yearling swallowed hard and stepped forward to place himself before her like a child who had been caught misbehaving. "Hi... mom." It was not a natural greeting for him having been so long without a parent. He stood awkwardly before her, craning his head to the side so she could see the damage. "You're a.. healer, right? Could you.." "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Quiet is the night that brings me home

Little time has past by the time a familiar scent tickled her nose, mixed with the coppery scent of blood. Eu's heart stopped in its tracks as she slowly spun, blue eyes falling on the damaged form of her son. Seeing the blood on his coat made her feel sick, her stomach dropping to her paws. No words left her as she looked at him, shock and pain all too clear on her mocha face. As much as she wanted to rush to his side, something kept her stuck in her seat, a single tear sliding down her muzzle. Her fault, this was all her fault that he was hurt... She didn't know why he thought that he needed to go off and fight, even though she knew that she should be proud of him for proving himself and winning. Her gaze followed his every movement, trying to take in his wounds as a healer should, but she kept failing. All she could see was that her baby was hurt; and that it was her fault. If she had been here, if she hadn't made him feel alone... Eulogy swallowed back a whine, nose dipping downwards as Des made his way to her. A faint smile pulled on her lips for a moment when he called her mom, something that she hadn't heard in a long time. The lady's maw opened and closed several times, her features falling as she tried to get a hold of her feelings. It was hard for her to see anything else but her hurt child, standing and taking a slow step towards him. She couldn't forget when he stood there at her return, not joining the pile of bodies that had started to curl around her. Could she embrace him now, or would that only chase him further away? Her lips quivered just as her brows furrowed, finally unable to help herself. She closed the gap, pushing away the revolting smell of blood, and wrapped one of her front limbs around Desolate, if he didn't pull away. "I... I'm proud of you... she whispered, reaching to nuzzle behind his ear. Despite her worry and panic, she knew that it was huge that he had won his first fight - first that she knew of at least. Eu hid the tears that slipped past her guard by burying her face into his scruff, before pulling back and turning towards her bundle of herbs that she brought.

She knew that he was hurting, so something for the pains and aches would be best. Simply kissing them better wouldn't quite work, he wasn't a pup anymore, after all. A somber look took over her features as she carefully dug through her pile, grabbing some lamb's ear leaves. Gently she reached over and pressed them on the still bleeding wounds, wanting to slow the flow for now until she got more prepared. It was hard to focus on a solid thought, every movement betraying her shaking form. What a healer she made, she couldn't even pay enough attention to quickly aid Des. Meadowsweet, that would help with the pain. She nosed the petite white flowers forward, motioning for the boy to eat them. They wouldn't taste the best, but they would help. A shuttering sigh left her as she carefully grabbed the lamb's ear leaves, pulling them off so she could inspect them further. A knot twisted in her belly, managing to turn to dab her paw in some crushed horsetail. Gingerly she lifted her paw, meeting her son's mismatched eyes before tenderly touching the poultice onto his wounds, before reapplying some clean leaves. Rocking back on her heels, she inspected her work, but mostly searched Desolate's face. Her own head fell off to one side, sniffling as she looked at her poor boy. She could have stopped this... Eu could have assured him from a pup to now that he would always be good enough, that he had nothing to prove. He was defending Abaven, yes, she knew that. That's why she had told him that she was proud of him, because past the worry and pain, she was. She hated seeing him hurt like this though, it broke her already fragile heart. She just wanted to keep her pups away from the harmful nature of this world, she had seen far too much of its evil underbelly. She tried to smile, but it faltered and slipped. "I..." she started, blue eyes raising to peek over to the male she had spoken to before, before lowering her voice further.
"I was worried... I even asked that raiding wolf to bring you back to me, and I'm sorry for that," Eulogy said, hating if he would find out from the stranger and be upset at her for it. "I am proud of you though, Desolate. I always will be." She might be the worst mother out there for leaving her babies, but she would work herself twice over to make it up to them.

His mother's soft whine reached his ears and he echoed it softly, wondering how it could possibly hurt so much to see this near-stranger in so much pain. When she closed the gap to embrace him he tensed, though did not pull away. The feeling was odd but not uncomfortable, and he wondered absently when the last time he'd been hugged was. Her nuzzle reached behind his ear and he leaned his head lightly upon her, but did not reciprocate further. It was hard to call upon that side of himself having so little experience with something so tender and familial. Her words were harder still to swallow, did her pride in him even matter? She'd been gone so long, Desolate wanted desperately for her feelings to mean nothing to him but no matter how hard he tried he could not push down the emotional response. How many times he'd imagined those words and his mother's embrace, and now the yearling did not know how to accept it. Thankfully she did not linger long, turning quickly towards her herbs to tend to his wounds. Desolate tried to ignore the tear-streaked fur beneath her eyes, focusing his attention upon Eulogy the healer and not Eulogy the somewhat, maybe, one-upon-a-time mother. Desolate's eyes slid shut as she worked upon his face, standing unflinching beneath her gentle touch. He could not bear to see the pain in her eyes any longer, it'd already grasped at his heart too hard to handle. He focused upon the real physical pain that had been imparted on him, at least that was something his body understood and knew how to manage. He ate the flowers offered, allowed her inspection and did his best to be a perfect patient as she worked. When she finished and began to speak again, he allowed his eyes to open and return to her face. He didn't know how he felt about her request to his previous opponent, he supposed he could not blame her as odd of an admittance it was. When she admitted her pride for him again, he let out a long exhale and gritted his teeth. "Do you think Theory will be proud?" The boy asked cautiously, gaze roaming slowly across the healer's camp to try and lay eye upon his alpha. "Has anyone seen her yet?" It was an odd change of subject, but Desolate was desperate to try and slow down the emotional freight train headed his way. "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

Drífa felt pity for Eulogy as she recognized the description of her son. Thankfully it seemed he was doing alright in the raid to take out a old warrior of Winterfell. She turned her attention to Yurei and Greed's injuries. Drífa nodded and gestured to Halla who quickly brought over a small bowl of water while Drífa picked up a few items that might be of use. In particular she set down some sphagnum moss. "This moss can help with the bleeding and should help prevent infection. You can also use it to apply water to clean out the wound. If there are some other herbs you'd like me to recommend let me know and I can get a paste made."

Drífa focused on the work at hand, trying not to pry too much as the son and mother spoke, voices full of emotion and history.

Quiet is the night that brings me home

She did her best to heal her son, her movements, while gentle, were still shaky as emotions wracked her body. He was hurt, not too badly, but still hurt. If she had been there, if she had showed him enough love and kindness, would he not feel the need to go out there and prove his worth? Would he feel her love for what it was, and find joy in the thought that he was so cared for? They were questions that had no answers, but that didn't stop them from dancing in her mind as she worked on easing Desolate's pain. It was the least she could do, after all the mental wounds that she herself had caused him. If only there were herbs out there for that, to help aid their rocky relationship. Could he feel that she loved him, no matter what? That despite her absence, she had never once wavered in her undying affection for him? Eu shook her head, pushing everything away as she tried to make light of this heavy situation, telling him of the request that she had made in hopes that he would see everything that she was trying to show him.

Hopeful, Eulogy's ears pulled forward as the boy's lips parted, but the words that left his mouth made her physically recoil, a flinch strong enough to send her a few paces back. Ears pressed against her skull tightly, blue eyes ripping off her son's form to glance in the direction of the ongoing battles. Theory had done her a great service, she had taken care of her children after she failed to return home after the quake of the volcano. There was no anger in her heart towards her niece, only great depths of gratitude that could never be repaid. That, however true it may be, did not lessen the blow of Des' words. She knew that he probably wasn't doing it just to hurt her, his concern for their alpha and family was well deserved. "I have no doubt that she is most proud of you, Desolate," she whispered, recovering a touch with a clearing of her throat. Eu stepped forward again, gently touching her nose to the lamb's ear leaves to ensure that they were still pressed firmly into the wounds on his face. "I have not seen her yet though, you and the other gentleman are the only two that have been here so far," Her voice sounded far away, a distant echo of the emotions that had been running rampant only moments before. Inside of her, everything was screaming. She feared that she had lost him, that there would be no returning Desolate to her. Was this what they would always be like? Dancing around subjects that were too hard to breach, pretending that everything was okay? Her heart broke at the idea, her head hanging slightly as she squeezed her eyes shut against the tears that threatened to fall.

Eulogy shook herself a bit, drawing in a deep breath as she tried to put on a brave face. She was sure that it slipped, but she had a job to do here. Pain filled eyes turned back towards her boy, a smile quivering on her lips as she tried to force it. "Do you h-have any other pains or aches? Anything else that I can do for you?" Anything at all, anything to make her feel that she was of value to Desolate still. If she could not be his mother and confidant, she could be his healer. It was better than nothing, and at this point, she would take anything. A silent sob made her shiver, hoping that Desolate's gaze was still turned off of her so that he didn't see just how much she was struggling. She wanted to run, and at the same time to wrap him up in another hug. Remembering his stiff acceptance of the last one though, she refrained, doing her best to look professional as she awaited his answer.

His attention was focused on Yurei and Drifa for a time, "Not too bad, a five maybe?" He was used to getting injured in fights, be them with other wolves or other predators. He noticed the way Yurei didn't seem too confident, but he didn't mind too much as long as she didn't make anything worse. While he didn't think she would mess up, especially under Drifa's guidance, he was still slightly paranoid. He couldn't go around with a messed up leg, after all. His attention then diverted to the shy woman and the boy he had fought. He had done well in their fight despite being an obvious greenhorn and had it not been for his own carelessness during their match, he might have won. But as it was, he gave the boy credit where credit was due anyway. And when Desolate said he might have to take up what Greed offered, he nodded. "Well, you know where to find me. Whenever you're ready just give me a call." It's not like he was super busy back home anyway. Plus if the kid really was serious about taking him up on his offer, he'd be happy to train him. Despite not even knowing him, he seemed to have gotten a soft spot for the kid...and that was likely due to the conversation he was having with his mom. Greed had looked away to focus on what the healers were doing, but he couldn't help but overhear the other two. The pair seemed to be struggling with each other...and from what he gathered, his mother had abandoned him for some time and she had returned...it more or less reminded him of his own mother abandoning him when he was nothing more than a helpless pup...and not long after, his father and the rest of his family abandoned him. The latter had been in and out of his life for a little while, however, before finally deciding to completely leave him behind. During all of that, however, Avalon had been there for him. Raising him and helping him no matter how difficult he acted. No matter how cold and heartless he appeared to be. Truth was, he acted that way so he wouldn't get hurt again, and only Avalon and Acapella knew his softer side. He didn't say anything to the Abaven wolves. And instead, turned his attention to the sound of the fights going on. "Talk"

When the man he'd fought had responded, Desolate realized that he did know where to find them. That meant he knew where to find the blood-crazed wolf, too. The yearling was not sure what he'd do with the information, but he could not lie to himself and say that he did not hold a grudge for what she'd tried to do to him. He nodded at the man, unable to come up with a verbal response and wondering if he was even capable of venturing to Winterfell for training when he might see that female there too. It was impossible for him to ignore the way his mother flinched at his words and he hated himself in that moment for hurting her more. Desolate did his best to keep his expression neutral and kept his head turned away from her so she might not see the suffering in his own eyes. Theory had been there for him when no one else had been, the gratitude he owed his alpha went beyond that of a normal subject. It felt as if he was betraying his own loyalty to her by accepting back his absentee mother, as if Theory had been simply on loan to him and that to admit his love for Eulogy would mean giving the alpha back. It felt wrong. "I hope so." He murmured in reply, his ears pulling tight to his head. Desolate knew that every word he spoke hurt Eulogy more, but he couldn't bring himself to lie to her either or offer her false love. His heart wrenched, and he wished desperately that his mother could have just forgotten he existed. "Void's out there too." He said after a moment, gesturing with his nose towards the battlefield and squeezing his eyes shut as the guilt began to devour him. It was perhaps a cruel wish, but Desolate was desperate to tear her attention off of him. Knowing she had another son in the battle - one who was able to hug her on her return - might shift her focus towards him instead. After all, Desolate was standing here before her wounded but with his injuries triaged and seen to. Void could come back much worse, for all he knew. Her energy was better off on him. "I think I'll be fine now, thank you. I should let you guys get back to work." He shuffled his weight awkwardly between his paws, glancing down at the dirt. Now was when a good son would embrace his mother and tell her how much he loved her, and Desolate did not know how to do either. He swallowed hard, cleared his throat, nodded to her politely, and turned to leave. -attempted exit-   "Speech" "Thinking" "You."

She did her best to stay calm, she had to. If she wanted to become a good healer, she needed to show confidence in her tasks, she needed to make sure she held herself in a professional way so as to infuse sensations of trust in the patients. "Not too bad, a five maybe?" She nodded shyly as she evaluated the wounds. She then looked back at her mentor(She sees her as one) as she spoke to her. "This moss can help with the bleeding and should help prevent infection. You can also use it to apply water to clean out the wound. If there are some other herbs you'd like me to recommend let me know and I can get a paste made." "Thanks," She said calmly as she took the moss between her jaws. And after having it wet she would slowly press the moss against the wound but trying her best not to cause pain. "Let me know if it hurts." She said as she attempted to clean the wound from blood and maybe help with taking care of infections. Aki sat next to her as she Waited for any order from her companion. Yurei would then ask. "Miss.Drifa, do you have anything to use as a bandage?" She asked in a less fearful tone. ""

The raid was still roiling but she needed to take a step back. She had to believe in Acere's promise of good faith. If he violated that... well, that would be addressed if and when it happened. Theo had seen Desolate locked in a struggle but to her surprise he wasn't gathered with the rest of the wolves present. It smelled like he'd been here recently. Her ears were folded and she was sore, but the only place she was bleeding was a spot just above her nose where Acere's companion had bitten her. It was superficial at best, but it still stung. She surveyed her warriors, her pack, her family. They had fought well for her. They had made her so proud. A strange emotion rose in her chest: pride mingled with something softer. Love and regret in equal measure. Theory wished that Acere hadn't brought this to her home. He would live to regret it, if he had any pride at all. Although she'd tried to end their engagement in a friendly way, he'd hadn't been swayed before Brandr had engaged him. She'd have to thank her master hunter later. Everything felt strange and foreign as she passed by the fire. It felt like she was living outside of her body. Theory gave Drifa a thin-lipped smile and dipped her head in recognition before coming to sit by Eulogy's side. "Have you seen anyone else come through?" "theory speaks!"

Quiet is the night that brings me home

Eu wanted to run. She wanted to turn tail and flee from this moment in time, but that would only make her the true monster that Desolate saw her as. Every beat of her heart felt like it was breaking further and further. She wasn't even strong enough to heal her own child without breaking down. What a pathetic, weak mess she was. Desolate didn't want her pride, he wanted Theory's. She was the one who had been there for him, when she had not. His own mother. Her soul cried out in agony, but she tried to keep a steady face. A few tears disobeyed her wishes, betraying her inner turmoil. The female wanted to speak more, but as her jaws parted, Des told her that Void was out there as well. Her sight drew towards his gesture, neck dropping slightly as she realized that he was not her only child out there, fighting off the pack that had said to be their allies. Even though she too worried about Void, and wanted him here as much as she wanted Des, she turned back towards him in a moment. He was here now, and she wanted to focus on him. It was ironic, that the two of her children who were the most hesitant about her and Spirit's return, were out there fighting. It was hard not to feel like that wasn't her fault as well, pushing her babies to go to the extreme. But it was her who needed to prove herself, not them. A shaky sigh left her lips, out of habit she leaned forward to comfort Desolate, only to hesitate as she neared. Eu couldn't help but remember how tense he had been at her first embrace, and dropped her head towards her chest as she withdrew. That was when her question was posed, and the boy answered that he was fine. When he turned to leave, Eulogy took a few steps after him, as if to stop him. It was his choice to leave though, and she did have a job here. So she stood there and watched him leave, feeling like he was taking her heart with her. For a moment, her deep blue eyes glanced over at the other healers, offering a nod if they looked her way. The mocha wolf had forgotten that they were even there, hearing every word that they had spoken. She felt even more crestfallen than before, turning to return to her seat.

Not too long after Desolate left, Theory walked past the burning fire. Her gaze didn't lift from her paws, even as the younger female sat at her side. She didn't want her to see the tears that clouded her eyes, her own weakness in Theory's moment of strength. She wasn't good enough for them, she never had been, and here she was, letting them down even further. Eu sniffled, nodding at her alphess' words. "Desolate," she said softly, the pain all too clear in her voice. Finally she lifted her head, inspecting the girl as she met her teal gaze. "He asked if I thought you would be proud of him," Eulogy uttered, delicately shrugging her slender shoulders. "I told him I had no doubt that you were, I think he wishes to see you. You just missed him," Blinking rapidly, Eulogy attempted a smile, which only quivered before dropping. "Now, let me see that bite there," She didn't want to talk about her failure as a mother any longer, or live in the pain that her son cared more for her niece than for herself. She couldn't blame him though, not really. Theory was much stronger than she was, braver, defending their homeland without a second thought. She was here for her babies when she was not, making sure that they were safe. She had thanked her before, when they met at the border, but Eulogy hoped that she knew how sincere she was. She didn't even want to think on what would have happened to them if she had not been here.

Moving away from the monochrome girl for a moment, Eulogy grabbed a small sprig of meadowsweet, still operating on her small bundle of herbs. She wasn't nearly as prepared as the healers from Winterfell, it was something, though. Pushing it towards her paws, she gently bent down the taller girl's nose so that she could look at the bite. Her eyes narrowed a bit, studying the mark. That didn't look like a wolf bite, she wasn't sure what it was from. "Who caught your nose?" Eulogy asked, curious more so than anything else. Gently she licked at the wound, doing her best to hide her flinch as the taste of blood washed across her tongue. As much as she wanted to recoil and vomit at the bitter taste, she had a job to do. Her own feelings didn't matter, not right now. She couldn't be a sad sack of wasted energy, she was the only healer here for her pack, and she wanted to do her best to prove her worth. Oh... maybe her feelings were more intertwined than she thought. Blinking the thought away, she focused herself on Theory. There wasn't much else healing wise that the Wisteria needed, she had a feeling that she was more so sore than actually wounded. A good night of sleep would help that best, however, Eulogy didn't quite want to part ways with her niece yet. It was soothing to her broken heart to have a familiar face here, trying to stomach the worry about Void still being out there, and Desolate hating her for all eternity.

Halla was working on some tea, she could smell the scents of lavender and chamomile. While the macaque worked Drífa focused on Yurei and her patient just in case the younger healer needed anything from her. Drífa smiled as Yurei cleaned the wound. She was doing a great job and Drífa was proud of the young healer's work. She quickly nodded. "Yes, I do, just a moment." Drífa stuck her head inside her pack and started digging around. She emerged with a few strips of deer hide. Trotting over to the pair she set the bandages down at Yurei's feet. "I have these strips of hide that should work. If you need help tying them let me know and I can call Halla over here to help. "