Welcome to Gaia! ::

Latcho takes a bit to process, but he starts moving. He seems to have lost the drive that was keeping him going, but Djilia and Phoenix are able to keep him up and moving, with the twins occasionally pushing from behind.

It feels like an age before they reach the cave. Even if they'd had the strength to talk, the wind whipped away any words. But a few minutes after spotting the cave they were inside. It was much cozier with so many sheltering there, and the fire was a blessed relief.

Cam and Sonkai move past, taking their brave mouse friend to the fire, where a few of the other mice hurry to help their compatriot.

Djilia helps get Latcho settled. "We'll talk later. I'll send some mice over with warmed mash when it's ready. Let me know if you need anything." The words were directed to Phoenix, Latcho still in a bit of a daze. Then she gives the pair as much privacy as they can get in a rather crowded cave.

Latcho feels the warmth of the fire, then the blanket. But he's still lost in the exhaustion of overworking an undernourished mind. He doesn't quite fall asleep, but his thoughts drift in and out of coherence.

Shortly, several of the mice push two rough bowls over. One in front of Phoenix and the other in front of Latcho. One of the mice stays and scurries up the stallion's neck. He starts untangling the mess of his mane while talking.

"You need to eat, your safe, your warm. There's love all around you. And right in front of you is some warm mash. You need to eat." Baxtalo continues in this vein until Latcho starts eating. Then he falls silent and just works on the tangles of his friend's mane.

Looking over at Phoenix, "I'm Baxtalo. Latcho sort of mentioned you. You don't seem like you have a melted brain. That is good."

Baxtalo nods, still untangling Latcho's mane. "He never tried to heal me. So he didn't have to worry if his curse changed my thoughts so I would like him. He really likes you, you know. He didn't have to tell me, and I'd have known. But he did tell me. Alot. Over and over. Apparently you are perfect."

The mouse says all this very matter of fact. Not complaining, just relaying. In the mean time, Latcho has also finished his mash and is starting to look more aware. Though not completely present. "Am I dreaming?" His soft voice barely carrying far enough for her to hear.

"Not dreaming," Baxtalo says as he patiently works out another knot.

"Am I dead?"

Latcho finches at the unexpected bite. Baxtalo sighs and picks the tangle he was working on back up from where it was pulled from his tiny hands.

Looking over, "Phoenix. Your here. And . . . And my family is here. I . . . I don't understand. I remember you coming. I went to hunt. How did my herd get here?"

Latcho leans over and nuzzles her leg, "I'm glad you found me. I hated every moment of not being with you." His eyes feel heavy, being warm and full and safe for the first time in weeks makes fighting sleep difficult.

A tiny mouse pat on the head, "Sleep. We will keep her safe."

"Baxtalo? I wondered where you were. I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No hurt, just worry. Get family, save Latcho from his self. Sleep now. Lots of work to do. You are a mess." The mouse is just so matter of fact.

A slight chuckle as he looks up, "will you be okay if I sleep? As much as they might look like it, this part of my family doesn't bite."

Latcho leans into her touch, though his eyes quickly droop closed as she moves away.

The mares look over as Phoenix approaches. "How are you holding up?" Djilia asks, a welcoming smile, make that two welcoming smiles, gracing her face and chest.

Godi looks up and over, "Sorry, but, who are you? I don't recognize you from the herd."

Cam and Sonkai bump the younger mare, "manners." And each offer Phoenix a smile as well.

Godi looks less than impressed, "He healed you? What's that suppose to mean?"

Djilia reacts at the same time, "He did? That's incredible! I always knew he could, I just couldn't get him to try." She gives Godi a look before smiling back at Phoenix. "You are, of course, welcome in the herd. We're always happy to have those who see others with their hearts instead of their eyes."

Godi, looking a bit chagrined, "Yeah, I guess you're not bad. You haven't even flinched at what we all look like. But outsiders are usually horrible and hurtful and stuff. You seem okay. But if you hurt my cousin, I'll have to hurt you, so . . . Don't hurt him." She's clearly trying to sound tough but doesn't really know how to sell it.

Cam and Sonkai just try not to laugh at the younger mare before bumping her with their shoulder to remind her to be polite. "You're welcome with us anytime."