Kotori needed to know how his pack members were doing and while it was good to know how they were feeling and if they were healthy, his main goal right now was checking on if they were fulfilling their roles.  Mojito had joined just shortly before Kotori had left the pack for a bit over a season and so he hadn’t gotten a good chance to see how the wolf-dog was fitting in.  

Moving across the snowy landscape Kotori imagined this was perfect weather for Tira’s father to be harder to spot.  Did he ever try his paw at hunting at these times?  It would be a nice advantage.  It was hard to grasp that not all wolves would love to hunt.

Mojito was also still only an Alaaka, if he was doing well then he really should be set officially on a path of future rank to work on bettering himself.  Kotori imagined he’d aim for kohtelu and be a healer for the pack but he wouldn’t run with that until he heard it from Mojito personally.

"Kotori Fatalis"

Mojito would be damn happy when spring finally broke, he wasn't exactly stocked up and he was eager to see just exactly what he was working with in terms of the natural resources or even the possibility to starting an herb garden again. It'd be nice to have a garden again. For now though Mojito was enjoying a very rare sunny day in late winter. He'd set up a little washing station. Every once and a while he'd return to the rapids to collect clean water and was using the fresh water to clean the small clumps of the wool Hoa had actually let him take. Then he was drying them on rocks he'd set up around a small fire. It was long and taxing work but considering he was working with minimal supplies he'd take what he could get and wool was good for soaking up all sorts of liquids, including blood if he didn't have something better, it could also be used for bedding for birthing nests.

The man had settled into a rhythm, he was so focused he was nearly blind to the world around him. It wasn't until he was heading back from the river that he saw Kotori, his ears perking slightly and he placed his bowl back down before he called out to the younger man. "Kotori, anything I can help you with?" He didn't know if the man had even been looking for him but might as well be proactive. He still wasn't sure where exactly he stood with Kotori either so might as well be friendly.



Speech

Art by Rivaah

He found the small canine carrying some water away from the river.  Mo was quick to call out and offer assistance and the much taller horned wolf nodded. “I wanted a word with you Mojito.” Kotori covered the distance between the two. Kotori’s tone was relaxed and polite as he added more details  “I left on a personal venture shortly after you joined.  I wanted to know how you were fitting in, what you’ve been doing with your time, and what goals you might have set for yourself.”

Kotori had a hard time imagining the notion of being content in a low station.  So, clearly, he assumed that the other wolves in the pack had plans of where they wanted to grow in responsibilities.  Some might even surprise him on their preferences.

"Kotori Fatalis"

Mojito nodded as Kotori spoke, he was very aware that the younger man had left for reasons Mojito didn't think were his business very shortly after he'd joined. After the whole affair with Azure and his daughter... Mojito blinked that memory away, things weren't perfect between himself and Tira but they were certainly better. He considered a moment before he answered, tilting his head slightly to the side a behaviour he'd picked up from his father and had never quite shaken. "I've met a few members while out and about." He started slowly, no one had been too rude yet, at least nothing more than he'd expect or could handle. "Once N- Satoru arrived I spent a decent amount of time getting him back on his paws." Mojito assumed Asla would have filled her brother in on the freckled man. "Between doing that and now that he is, I've largely been focused on doing what I can to start building up my supplies or stretching them as far as I can." Mojito gestured to the bundles of wool drying next to the fire. "And making some plans for spring." He wasn't just focused on the present but the future too, he really wanted a garden again.

Before he spoke next Mojito straightened himself somewhat. "Ultimately I've always seen myself as a healer first, I can keep my own well enough but I prefer to care for others rather than inflict violence." Yeah yeah, "weak little Mojito", who could absolutely give you a nasty scar to remind you he's not as weak as everyone seems to think he was. But that didn't mean he wanted to, just that he could and would if needed. Besides it was, in his opinion, a bad idea to assume a healer didn't know more about how to make a body hurt than any warrior ever could. Which bones were the easiest to break and which breaks it would be impossible to set so they healed back the way they were again, which joints could easily be dislocated and which plants could even kill a fully grown wolf. "Before I left the Armada I was their Trauma Specialist, I don't expect to just be given an equivalent rank, not without proving myself worthy of it to start. But I believe that speaks to my skill and where I'd be most useful." He sought to hold Kotori's gaze, in this Mojito had no doubt, not even a twitch that indicated his confidence would waver.



Speech

Art by Rivaah

Kotori listened to Mo, remaining quiet and keeping his focus on the man.  From what it sounded like the man was doing all Kotori could ask of him.  He was actively working on building up supplies, and apparently having helped heal one wolf already in need.  Thinking of the future was always a welcome thing to hear.  Mojito had mentioned future plans and that had Kotori’s curiosity.

He stated officially his desire to follow the route of the healer and Kotori nodded assent, “Then I shall give you the rank of Kohtelu.  The rank of a healer.  A necessary role for some in the pack to hold.  A lot of fighters and no healers would make for a short-lived pack.”  With the business of rank in pack done it was time to move on to the next subject.  “Now, I’m curious, what are the plans you’ve been making for spring?”

"Kotori Fatalis"