Rejuvenation [MB]

Subject: Re: Rejuvenation [MB] Wed Nov 18, 2015 4:06 pm

He thought over the words from the wiser wolf and the support from Zelda. "Mayhap a teamwork-oriented task to find our leads without them knowing our goal? Group them by their primary rank, and give them one, or a series of specific tasks to accomplish. We can observe their interactions from afar. Their true natures will be more visible if they didn't know we were observing."

Some wolves are quieter when a wolf of authority, while others would feel they needed to blurt things out to show some contribution. The quieter wolves could end up being valuable leaders, while the latter group could end up doing more harm than good in an emergency because of their need to always be talking or acting. This set-up, though, wouldn't take into account the ease of the wolves fitting into familiar roles when possible, though. Was there a way to get around that?

"I'd like to keep everyone within the lands or at least, not too far away. And I'd like to prioritize the lesser combative ranks first if you think we should test the fighters' abilities to handle a stressful situation. A test like that will take preparation to form, even more so than the rest. We can hold off on tests until we prepare them, or if we think they're not ready. Until then, I think we can be the ultimate authority for all the ranks if there is a difference of opinion that can't be worked out. Between us, we know a bit of everything."

Turning to speak more directly to Zelda, he said, "With all that's happened in the recent past before Tirisfal Meadows formed, as well as the fact you're privy to our conversation, I believe I'll trust you to make a suggestion or two on your own position and Nuri and myself can decide from there?"

At that, he glanced at Nuri, eyes asking if he agreed. In the end, the alphas would still make the ultimate decision, but Balthier hadn't really gotten a chance to talk to Zelda about her thoughts when she took some time to herself. It was clear she wasn't going to just up and leave the pack at this point, and she was obviously not interested in leading the whole pack, otherwise, he'd still be just a healer. He'd assumed her to be his adviser, but what if that wasn't what she wanted?

Subject: Re: Rejuvenation [MB] Mon Oct 19, 2015 5:18 pm

Nuri looked at Balthier expectantly, he enjoyed the younger wolf's energetic beat. He was pleased that Balthier took the time to speak to him about the wolves that came from his pack. He had been concerned about their welfare and to hear that, while grumbling, Doctor was being ministered to. Nodding he continued to listen as he divulged into ranks. He listened keenly when he began to speak of cross training nodding his head as the hessian went on. Yes of course some wolves had multiple skills but it was true that it was not a standard for them to be held to. Perhaps it was time to implement such a thing...

Interestingly enough he went on to the healers of the pack. This, he admitted, was not what he expected to hear but it was certainly something to consider. When he was finished Nuri took a moment with lips pursed thinking. Finally looking the newly anointed Alpha he spoke "Yes, I think I quite agree that our wolves need to be cross trained. Was it not the purpose of this alliance for us to grow in strength? What better than to first make ourselves strong within and then we can be stronger together. We will have to appoint leads though of course and see where our wolves other talents lie. Perhaps we should have a series of trials...." He trailed off in thought and came back, green eyes sparkling with interest. "As for the healers it is surely something worth considering. I am no healer and the finer arts of this craft are lost to me so you'll have to excuse that I have little insight to offer in that manner. If it is so amenable to our talented healers then I see nothing wrong, I could put the question to Ali and see what her mind is. She and her daughter are quite gifted." Smirking at Balthier he added "Of course it's not traditional lad, but that is what blazes the light into a better future. We of course have to speak of the defensive and offensive capabilities of our wolves as well."

One day at a time Nuri, everything will come together. Though he could not help the itch between his shoulders that made him restless.

Listening raptly to the brus she kept her peace, interested in where their conversation was going. Balthier made some good points, though Zelda couldn't help but wonder if they should just focus more on becoming familiar with each other before they began inflicting changes on the rank structures. But then again as she thought more on it perhaps it was a good way to do just that. She liked the easy comradere that rose between the two brus, made her feel more at ease. This was something that could really work. When all was said and done and smiled gently "And I shall help in whatever matter you need of course." she added in a soft voice.

Subject: Re: Rejuvenation [MB] Sun Sep 13, 2015 10:57 pm

His expression warmed in greeting as Nuri came near, only to adopt a slight look of pride for Link as the wolf was praised. Balthier made a mental note for later. While he knew Link didn't need the affirmation, it was always good to have one's strengths recognized. This was something Balthier would strive to do for the wolves he wasn't well acquainted with yet. The last thing he wanted to do was to inadvertently form cliques.

He felt Zelda approach, greeting both of them. His head tilted in her direction to give her a warm smile as she and Nuri spoke. He was happy to see her with the pack as well as Link busying himself. Things in general hadn't been great with the siblings, but it seems like both have found something to keep them going. He'd have to check on Cinder, too, although he doubted Link would leave her alone for too long if she wasn't faring well.

When he was addressed again, Balthier collected his thoughts before speaking, "Things are well for the time being. I've taken the liberty to speak to our recovering healer, as I understand your lead is rightfully busy with her young, and I hadn't officially appointed a replacement for my vacancy back when we were still individual packs. The lass, Jewel, is lucky to have had a wolf with that protective nature nearby, and he's lucky, because I think I can get him to regain a good amount of movement. Not what he had originally, but maybe close to it, as long as he cooperates. I can probably estimate a range of his limits once I establish how much he won't listen to a word I say," his last sentence was more jokingly, to hopefully somewhat lighten the mood. Bone fractures were serious and always had lingering effects, but Balthier he considered it a healer's job to be able to turn thoughts more positively, even if only a small smile could be coaxed out. He can't do anything for his own stress, but he could aid with another's, and if he could help Nuri relax, he'd do it one bit of news followed with a bad joke at a time.

Thinking to his second question, he answered, "There is a matter of some significance, which I believe would help ease our minds, because I'm sure you're at least as stressed as I am. I'm toying with two ideas regarding rank. We have a plethora of healing capable wolves, both experienced and not. What I'd like to see is to fill in gaps in our rank but allowing these healers to continue their practice- a cross-training. I expect to also reassign or cross-train other ranks if need be, if we take this path. For example, my brother has knowledge of the bare healing basics, but I made sure he really knew everything he was taught before giving him new information. If we were to lack in... say, scouts, he can be trained as one and, in the case of an injured wolf seeking refuge, would have the skills to keep said wolf alive until a more experienced healer arrives at the scene. A hypothetical situation I hope not to occur, but we'd be more prepared, nevertheless. I know Zelda had done this with a few wolves, including my brother, when we first came to these lands, but I'd like it to be a more common, intentional idea here.

"The other idea would involve healers having general knowledge, but also specializing. Fran knows quite a bit about some unseen ills, such as being unable to sleep, headaches, cramps, and the like. While all the healers should know the basics of what Fran knows, such as the effects of poppy seeds and sleep, she'd be the expert all healers would turn to if there were any questions or doubts and would have the final say on, related to that subject, unless she needs a second opinion from the lead healer. I only say this, because there are different types of healing. From major physical injury like gashes, unseen ills like Fran knows, poison remedies, bone and muscle recovery, and I'm sure there's more. Each field is different, and it might ease the stress on a lead healer if they knew that there was a healer who made it their goal to know how to treat such-and-such injury."

As an after thought, he added, "None of these ideas are really traditional, or at least, in the way that I worded it. Although, our number of capable healers puts our pack in a unique situation in the first place, so I'm of the opinion of forging a new path."

The rest of the pack already knew he was a bit crazy, ever since the pack union idea. Perhaps in a good way, but still crazy. It was good that one of them had stood down, but that didn't mean he didn't still regard Nuri as an alpha. He'd kept Balthier from straying too far from reality with his ideas, which, in his mind, put Nuri in a position that was more than a beta or an adviser. He keenly waited for Nuri to go through all the ideas and find the issues he hadn't caught. Balthier wanted this to work. The wolves were getting along just fine right now, but he wanted to prove that he had their well being in mind. For him, this was a large jump from needing to just look after his brother and then looking after the health of a small pack. This was looking after every aspect of the pack's life, and while he knew he wouldn't be a dictator and micromanaging everyone, he didn't want to appear to be a completely lax alpha.

Subject: Re: Rejuvenation [MB] Fri Sep 11, 2015 12:22 am

Nuri had spent the better half of the day scouting around the border, remarking lines and ensuring that there were no loop holes. He would continue to do such and make sure that other did as well for the following weeks to come. It would be tough to redraw the lines but they would soon learn the new layout. Past sections of their old territories, those that were on the out edges would fade into wilderness, maybe the lone lands would eat them up. He headed back now towards the newly assigned 'Main' of their territory hoping to catch Balthier. He was happy to let the younger hessian take the reigns as Alpha, he was getting too old to be handing the ins and outs of the pack. He was more suited to lend wisdom of his long years of service. He felt the tension of the past few days tight in his shoulders, his weariness was a constant companion but what else was new?

Ah, he was in luck, as he trotted from the forests he caught sight of Balthier and hailed him with a curt bark. "Lo' Balthier!" He called happily, his tail wagging as he approached. "Just doing some more border checks, had one of your wolves stay behind to finish the job. A good wolf that one, vigilant." He was referring to Link who even now scratched, marked and dug at the borders. He was to use his experience and judgement to call whether or not their terra should be taken in at some points or pushed out. It was a hard call to make at the moment, they weren't entirely sure of the capabilities of all of their wolf power. When they created borders they needed to be sure that they could hold them. His attention strayed to another older fem who came to Balthier's side, he knew her surely enough. Dipping his crown he smiled genuinely. "Zelda, as fair as ever I see. It has been long since we have come together, I look forward to speaking in the future." Seeing the wolfess reminded him of good times...but more dark times as well. Times when the packs had cause to clash more often, the darks had been more on the move then...quicker to strike.

The tri hued fem had been in the clearing for most the day, overseeing those who came in went, getting familiar with the new faces. She had expected more snarling and posturing but sure enough those who aligned themselves in the pure packs had better control over their animal instincts. Her bother fell right in just like the good warrior he was. These days he seemed more content and less distressed over the loss of his and Cinder's pup. The child had never showed up despite the search for her, something that had broken Cinder's heart but with Link's love she knew that they would persevere through it. This thing that Balthier and Nuri Bade had created was something of a wonder, a reason to hope again. Finally they might be able to live in safety and peace.

Her light blue eyes lingered on her alpha for a moment, proud of the position that he had ascended to. Balthier was a good wolf, an honest and strong wolf. He was the best to lead this pack, she was glad of Nuri's passive stance on leadership, else this would never had come into fruition. Catching movement she saw that the hessian even now came from the forest, probably from patrolling the woods. Rising to her feet she stretched her limbs out and gave her coat a shake. She padded to where they two brus were, touching Balthier on the flank with her nose. Her ears perked forward at Nuri when he spoke. A slight smile pulling at the edges of her mouth. Flattery normally made her shy away, she had no use for such a thing these days, but Nuri meant well. She dipped her head at the bru, she could see the gray hairs playing along his muzzle and was glad that her own coat did not show as such. "A pleasure Nuri, it has been too long." Feeling at ease she reclined on her haunches interested in what they had to say.

Having greeted Zelda he turned his attention back to Balthier. "Things have been going well? Anything I need to take care of?" He worried about how they would all get along but things seemed to be going great. He would like to talk to Doctor, find Jewel, see that Ali and Robin were getting well situated. He also needed to make an effort to learn more about his new packmates. All in due time Nuri, one step at a time. True enough, he was letting his anxiety get to him. He had yet to see Serenity and wondered where the old wolf was. Their last conversation had left a sour taste in is mouth but he be a fool to forget the warning that was given. Something was stirring and he hoped they never found out what it was.

Subject: Rejuvenation [MB] Fri Jul 31, 2015 1:16 pm

He personally checked in on Doctor before searching for Nuri. The other wolf had recovered from his injuries, but still had a limp. This is why he didn't delegate to Fran just yet. Other capable healers were otherwise busy, Doctor himself being injured. She didn't have as much knowledge about long term injuries, although she will, eventually. Using all his tricks, he got the British Colombian to promise to stay in his den a few hours before bidding him well and a promise to get Fran and work with him to create a physical treatment routine. It wasn't a guarantee, but the injury hadn't happened so long ago that any sort of reversal would be impossible. With any luck, the limp would lessen. There was no way he knew to get rid of it altogether, but perhaps manageable enough that Doctor would be able to run relatively comfortably so long as he doesn't push himself that far.

Exiting the den and resuming his search, Balthier thought about all their healers. Himself, Ali, and Doctor were the most experienced, the rest were good, or just knowing the basics. Perhaps cross training for that group would fill in any missing gaps in the ranks that he and Nuri had to now reassign. As much as it was good to have healers, other roles needed filling, although perhaps some of the healers could specialize more. One of their healers numbers would be gone, for an indeterminate length of time, or so he'd heard. There was so much information to sift through, some being more demanding of his attention than others in the present.

Hence his need to find Nuri. They had temporarily separated just to ensure the pack was settling. They had to mark their territory to fit the size of the pack and learn the lay of the land. Now, while the others were yet exploring or talking, it was time to resume business. Ranks and assigning. Most would retain their original rank, but both of them needed to be reminded what each pack member's current rank was and see where the needs were. And everyone in the pack needed to know the ranks so they knew who to turn to in the appropriate situation. They would call the pack together for an official meeting. The first of many as Tirisfal Meadows.

They'd probably want to keep the meeting as concise as possible. The seasons were going to change again soon, meaning the cold season was once again approaching. With this many healers, though... maybe now keeping stocks wouldn't be so stressful. More wolves who knew their herbs meant they could spread out the search. But before thinking of that, a feast sounded good as well. His eyes gleamed at the thought before he spotted a familiar figure.

TT