The fight from two days ago still clung to the air. Wolves were still injured, and Alisia wasn't getting any better. She lay unconscious in Blossom's den. Everyone else seemed to be doing better. But anger was now taking charge. Many wolves wanted to get revenge on Stone Hollow Pack and make them pay.

Misty was helping care for the final of the wounded. Her illness seemed to be getting better, although her nosebleeds weren't showing signs of lightening up. The fatigue was gone. So were the stomachaches and coughs.

She padded over to Oak's den. Placing some damp pelts on the ground, she cleaned the cut. After that, she wrapped the wound in the rabbit pelts. And had given her some medicine for the achy pain.

Misty left him and returned to Blossom's den for more supplies. Tyrant told her that Okami needed fresh bandaging. She entered the den and found the healer mixing new medicines.

"I need more wrapping for Okami's shoulder wound. With a disinfectant ointment to kill the infection." Misty stated simply.

"No problem." The young healer grabbed some oak leaves, honey, and tree sap. She began mixing them professionally. "Anything else you need?"

"No. Just the bandage and ointment." Misty watched Blossom fix the treatment. Curiosity pulled her mind. How can Blossom heal the sick, and treat the wounded, without being disturbed, or getting frustrated? It confused Misty. The medical field wasn't quite her thing. She loved to provide and fight for her Packmates. This life wouldn't suit her. Battle and defense were her strengths.

"Is Oak doing all right? Or does he need more pain reliever?" Blossom asked.

"He's doing just fine. He looked stronger today." Misty blurted out the next words. "How do you do that?"

"Mix medicine? It's actually really easy. I could teach you---"

"No, I mean being a healer. How do you deal with so much blood and sickness, without being bothered by it?"

Blossom sighed, continuing her work. "It does bother me. But I can't let my Packmates know that."

"Why not?"

She stood, and went over to Alusia, placing a damp pelt across her forehead. She stroked her pelt delicately with one paw. "Because I don't want them to worry." Her violet eyes met Misty's. "When they ask me if they'll be okay, I don't want them to worry, so I say they're just fine. It calms them down because they trust me."

Misty was surprised. "So you lie to them?"

Blossom's eyes opened wide. "No! It's not lying. It's reassurance."

"When I was sick, and almost died, did you tell me I would be fine, even if I wasn't?" Misty wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer. Pressing that question was hard enough, but having an answer may make it even harder to bear.

"I knew you would be okay, Misty. You're young and strong. An older wolf would've died within the first day." Blossom whispered, staring at an unconscious Alusia. Misty felt sympathy for Blossom. It must be difficult for her to bear these burdens. Healing and curing is no walk in the forest.

Keeping calm is one part, so is patience. Blossom was great at both. Gentleness, caution, kindness, and hope, were all things she had as well. She was holding more than others thought. The other wolves must think she is only there to heal them. They're wrong. Blossom exists to help others and keep them calm and patient. She keeps peace among her Packmates and gently guides them away from violence.

She finished the ointment and gave Misty the fresh bandaging. The white she-wolf padded out, then glanced back. No wonder Rascal likes her, she thought wistfully, She's gentle and calm. She's very smart.

She sighed heavily.

Wait! What am I thinking? I shouldn't be fawning over an outcast! He has a bad reputation.

As she replaced Okami's old wrapping, she couldn't stop thinking about Rascal. Sure, he was an outsider, and different from the other wolves. But he was also so brave, loyal, and sweet. She's never met another wolf quite like him. He had protected her from Skylark when she was too weak to defend herself. And he stayed with her all through the night of the battle. Maybe he wasn't as bad as she thought...

~ ~ ~

Misty bit into her meat. It was delicious, and the taste was sweet on her tongue. She took another mouthful, and sat up, looking around as everyone began their duties for the day. She was disappointed. She wanted to carry out her old tasks. Blossom said it was too soon for her to go out to hunt and fight again. She wanted to make sure Misty had all of her strength back before she allowed her out.

She swallowed another bite. Strength flowed through her now. The illness seemed better now. Although it's only been about three days. She couldn't wait to feel better and go back to scouting and hunting. But she knew she must be patient, it can take a while for bodies to recover from sickness.

The sun was high, but clouds blocked its warmth and welcome. It wasn't absolutely unpleasant, but tolerable. The wind was still, and almost every sound could be heard. The air tasted cool and wet, rain would come sooner or later.

Misty finished her meal, licking her lips afterward. She wanted something to do. Thinking to ask first, she padded across the clearing to Tyrant, who was sitting outside his den, talking to Fire.

"We must increase our scouts along the border with Stone Hollow Pack," Tyrant was explaining when Misty came into earshot. "Attacks like that will not happen again."

"Yes, sir. Isaac and I will take care of that right away." Fire dipped his head and bounded away. His leg was completely healed. He was able to continue his second-in-command duties again.

"Misty, you need something?" Tyrant twitched his ears to the she-wolf.

"Yes, sir." She settled down in front of him, her hopes suddenly high. "Is it okay if I go scout? Or hunt, or look for herbs? Anything to be doing something?"

Tyrant grinned in laughter. "I can see you can't sit and wait, can you? Very well. You can collect old bones, to trap rabbits and squirrels."

"Thanks, Tyrant! Don't worry; I'll get right on it." She whirled around and bounded out of camp in pure excitement.

The wind ruffled her fur, the ground flew past in beautiful blurs. Her legs stretched and reached for the land ahead of her, tearing at the dirt. The sand was cool on her pads, and she could never be happier.

She came to Bone Tree. This place was used to gather bones, to make traps for prey. Bones from almost every animal in the forest were here. Different traps were made for certain animals.

She found a few ribs, and skulls. Not as much as usual, but it'll do. Just as she was gathering her things, a terrified howl rose up beyond the trees. It was Jumper!

"Mortals! The Mortals are here!"