Post by bramble on May 24, 2009 0:06:19 GMT -5
Friti attempts to deal with his son Shag's quirky personality and sees promise in grooming him to something strong.
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Lily pads... now there's something that's caught Shag's interest today. So early into spring, and yet the lake has blossomed into life. It's a thrilling, vibrant sight that's drawn the young wolf towards it with promises of all kinds of things to pique his curiosity. He's pushing one around on the water, wondering at how it glides over the surface. Where does the flower sprout from? There aren't even any roots! He dips it under the water a bit and watches it float back to the surface with glee. This is Shag at his best, puttering about and satisfying his own curious curiosity, poking his head into clumps of reeds and generally fooling about... convinced nobody's watching.
Ah yes... Spring. The time of life, renewal, rebirths and the state of being twitterpated. In all honesty, while it's a relief unto itself that the hardships of winter are mostly past and that food becomes easier to catch (mostly due to the smaller game not having shed their winter coats just yet, making them easy pickings against the background)... it's also a time for quiet reflection. A short distance from where Shag's making his scientific method examination of the buoyancy of lily pads, Friti is laying dormant just off the lakeshore amidst the short grasses uphill from the reeds of the shallows, starting off idly across the blue-green expanse of the lake and pondering many things. Life. Liberty. The pursuit of happiness... these being only some of them in the form of his and the pack's existence as well as that of future generations, their relative autonomy from the rest of the world due to their relative geographic isolation, and happiness speaks for itself. A soft huff escapes from him as his thoughts turn darker, drifting off to the events just prior to winter's end and their implications. Cotton is not well.
Shag wouldn't know about being twitterpated, but he is feeling a good more sanguine and full of vitality than he usually is, even from previous springs. The wolf abruptly snatches up a lily pad and decides to make a circuit of the lake, to see if he can find any other wolves that he can share the joy of the floating, rootless yet still living plant with. He hurries along the lakeside, rushing through the reeds and grasses until he spots a blurb of white out the corner of his eyes. It's Dad! No longer burdened by his absence, he veers off and skids to a halt near the white wolf, the lily pad drooping from his maw. He takes a few steps forward and lays it carefully in front of him, as if it were an offering to some demi-god. "Hey... dad," he says. "Check it out... I never really noticed these things before."
The older wolf takes a long moment to respond, his ears being the first indication he gives of even having heard his son as one flickers and rotates towards him - followed shortly thereafter by the wolf's own eyes, "Hrm... ?" He begins, his eyes focusing on the lad and then the item in question presented to him. It still takes a further set of heartbeats before he's able to come up with a course of action regarding it. "A lily pad?" Friti inquires, rolling from his side to his paws and extending his nose downwards to sniff at it curiously, "They've been here for as long as I can remember... what about them?" He's rather confused by the presentation - and much more by his son seemingly wanting... something from him. Exactly what though is escaping him at the moment. Unlike most father/son relationships, this one hasn't had the opportunity to really develop to the point where such interactions are a natural event... still, that doesn't mean he doesn't try. A worried frown forms across the white wolf's expression as he inches forward taste in a cautious manner the leaf's surface with a lick, "... It's not killing the fish, or acting oddly, is it?"
Shag smiles in spite, or perhaps because of Friti's somewhat flabbergasted reaction. "No, not really. Isn't it just... beautiful, though?" he asks. "I mean, how does it grow without roots in the ground? I've been watching, and I remember from when I was a pup frogs could escape by jumping on these things. They *ride* them around sometimes! And that flower in the middle... it's like it waters itself. Don't need to worry about plucking it. Just put it on the water." He lays down in front of his father. "I just never knew. That a plant could live just by floating around, you know. How do you think it does that? Do you think there's any big enough to carry a wolf somewhere? I think that would be incredible. I'd probably have my first date on one."
For once in his admittedly short life, the older wolf is at a complete loss of words. Baffled even. "Uhhh..." He begins, "... It's nice I suppose?" He gives the object in question a second glance, and a long hard uncomprehending stare as if shear willpower could make it give up it's secrets. This of course is a completely fruitless exercise, but it has the benefit of buying him some time to think... primarily on how to get out of having a long debate on a topic he hasn't a clue where to begin on. Just what has Cottonpaws been teaching their pups? Is this the result of there being no real large male influence around to guide his sons? That's a rather glum thought. Still... "Honestly son, I never really sat down and thought about them at all. Usually have had other things I've had to worry about to occupy my time." Such as trying to feed and keep Shag's mother happy, or off fighting for his life... things that at the time were of a more pressing concern than trying to figure out how the world worked. On the other paw, perhaps he can salvage something out of this, “I'd venture to guess it gets it's food from the water and floats because of how big and light it is... have you asked Haben or your mother?" Still, an amused chuckle emerges as the last bit of the youth's question registers, a set of amused eyes turning to regard the other slyly before replying, "Why do you ask? Got someone, or better yet, several someones in mind you'd like to spend alone with on a lazy day?" This last at least is a topic is one he feels safer approaching. He has at least some experience on it to back him up.
Shag doesn't quite know what to say about that. In fact he had just said it as a bit of an aside. He hrms and looks away, wondering what else his father could have taught him had they not gone down this road. Perhaps something like fighting, or hunting techniques he hasn't seen yet, and all those other noble, dependable, male-ish things that Betas are supposed to do, and they are supposed to do them, right? "Well... not really," he says with a shake of his head. "I mean, it's not like I have a whole lot of choices," he adds with a grin, glancing around at the noticeable lack of available, ready-to-date females around. "That Frost girl is pretty nice... she has a wonderful howl. Tariro's just overjoyed to have a girl around besides mom," he says with a raise of his eyebrow. "... Did *you* meet a lot of females before mother?"
Friti listens with growing distress as Shag continues his line of inquiry, but bravely puts on a brave front of idle amusement... Just what has Cotton been teaching their pups? Granted he's been away for much of their lives, but someone else should have stepped in to set them straight. Ajax... Silvan if no one else. Obviously their education is sorely lacking... then again, his own was a kind of one-shot existence. "MMMm... No." The White Wolf slowly allows, trying to decide how best to continue before plowing on forward, "Your mother and I grew up from pups to adolescence together, so there wasn't much need of having a choice. We were attached at the hip as pups and it naturally grew. ... You haven’t had that option." He pauses, "But if this Frost girl has your eye... I'd say go for it, but keep it reasonable and your options open. As much as it pains me to say it, Viridian isn't the only territory to choose from when you're ready. Lazuli also has a selection to our north."
Shag sighs and shakes his head. "We haven't even spoken but a few times," he counters. "And I always thought the other packs were supposed to be avoided..." He smiles wryly. "I doubt they'd appreciate it much if I swung by and starting turning on the charm." He falters suddenly, pursing his lips and scrunching his brow. "Not that I've ever actually tried," he mutters, and looks up to his father again. "Dad... how did you go about things when you decided mom was the one? I've never even... tried, really. I asked Haben about some things, and mom too, but... they just said I'd *know.* But how *do* you know, and what do you do when you do know? Is it possible to not know that you do or don't know? What if I do know but I don't know what to do about doing?"
Friti frowns slightly, "Honestly son, you /do/ just sort of know." He snorts, flickering his ears and taking a moment to knead his toes into the earth before him, "Your mother and I... well... it was natural when it hit us. We knew each other fairly well, and started spending most of our free time together doing things. Then we began... experimenting. Out of season of course - you know as well as I that in season is out of the question unless the Alpha's approve." A wry smile, "Not that you're anywhere near ready for the responsibilities /that/ will entail. Of course, neither was I when things happened for Cotton and I. Probably the best thing I can tell you in regards to that is to listen to your girl. /SHE/ will let you know when she's ready. It's the females whom really choose whom is their lifemates - we can just be willing participants. Trust me - you'll *know* when it hits you."
Shag sits back and takes in the wisdom in his father's words. He really was just not ready for that kind of thing, he knows it, and perhaps that's why it doesn't make much sense. Then again, if he'll just "know" what it's like to feel that way, there's no real point in asking after it anymore! It seems like such work, but these answers make it sound easy. "Well. Uh. I guess I'll just have to figure something out then," he says. So if he doesn't *know*, is he obligated to pursue this Frost girl until he does know? He's quite confused. Taking their answers on faith, he changes his line of inquiry. "What about... fighting? I've only been able to wrestle a few times with Haben. But... I really don't want to have to run away from *every* conflict like I did after the flood."
Obligated, no... no one is obligated to do anything they don't want to. Frost and Shag have to make their own decision on that point - and them alone. Friti isn't about to try to arrange a pairing, even for political gain with other packs - not that he needs any. As for wisdom... Shag can take it any way he cares to, or can completely disregard it. "You'll figure it out indeed." Friti intones amusedly, and letting the topic drop as well. Should Shag have further questions later, he'll answer them, but specific ones are better than ambiguous ones. At the next set of questions however, Friti's ears back and he has to look away, silent till he is able to trust himself to respond unhappily, "If you wish, I can try to pass on what I learned while I was away... the central role is knowing where to avoid a strike, when to strike, and when to accept a strike to further your own position. Cunning, physical fitness, and stamina are all key. But there are different styles for fighting both as individuals, and as part of a larger group. ... ... Personally, I hope you'll never really need those skills. Why do you ask?"
Shag sighs and shakes his head slowly. "When I was out in the world after the flood, I figured out that there some pretty unfriendly creatures out there. I couldn't do anything except run away from them... and then I come back and I hear about you and the others. About how *you* fought." He points out the scars on his father's body. "The most I've ever done is wrestle with Uncle Haben. But I'm grown up now. I'm going to be Beta, or at least... I think I will be. What if trouble comes by when the pack *really* needs help? Rival wolves, or cats, or something? What'll I do then? I know how to hunt, and take care of myself... but *defend* myself... that's another story entirely. And from what I've seen out there, and what you've told me back here, I *know* I'll have to use it one day."
He does have a point, much to his father's chagrin... conflict is a way of life for wolves. While things are fairly stable in the pack at the moment, even Friti can't deny that it is possible or even likely that the need will arise again. Shag's own father raised himself from just being a lowly pack member to that of Beta by challenging the former Beta and killing him in one on one combat - accidentally ripped out his throat in a dominance struggle regarding Cottonpaws of all things. Interesting how she's the center of alot of conflict and debate, no? "... ... So you may." The White Wolf allows grudgingly, staring and tentatively, cautiously, flexing his mangled forepaw as he contemplates past and present events that have brought them to this point. "... If you're serious about learning..." He finally begins after a period of inner reflection, stirring and regarding the other wolf with a guarded expression, "Then you'll have to be able to listen, obey and follow orders as well as give them. A useful skill to learn. Here's your first instruction - Run." He looks out over the lake and continues, "Run every day, until you cannot go any further... then push yourself some more. Your second: Get to know the territory as well as you know your own body or that of your lovers. I expect to be able to ask you in a seven-day the location and disposition of any and every rock and tree in our territory. We shall see what happens after that."
Shag actually seems to be more fired up about this than anything else they've previously talked about. He stands up, tail wagging slowly back and forth. At last, something he can prove himself in! Something his father can be involved in... something he can be proud of Shag for. Maybe this will help them get closer than even he was hoping for. He doesn't notice the grudging, reluctant way that Friti acquiesces to him, thinking in the back of his mind that this might be a way to make them both happy with each other. Up until now, Shag has still just seen his father around. But here's something that can be passed on. First thing to do, run. He can run! He runs all the time. And getting to know the territory will be a cinch. He's been up and down it all his life after all. All he has to do is memorize every rock and tree... to Shag's irrepressible mind, that's hardly daunting. anything's possible to him. "You got it, dad," he says with a nod, and turns around as if to get to work on that immediately. He pauses and turns back. "Uh... do I start *now*?" he asks, wondering if talking time was already over.
Slowly alighting to his paws, the older wolf gives an amused snort, "I wouldn't be so confidant if I were you - you have a long way to go should you ever think you can take even me on pup." The elder chuckles, and trots forward to nudge gently at the younger's shoulder with his nose, "No... don't kill yourself this eve on such matters... but rather, rest and make merry for there is plenty of time in the 'morrow for you to begin. Besides - you might try getting your brother, Haben and Frost to join you. I'm certain they could also use the exercise and it's more interesting to do so as a group." Not to mention it's the foundation of further team building exercises. Turning, Friti makes to slowly trot down towards the water's edge, turning to speak over his shoulder as he does, "... And you give them the instruction, then report to me when you're through. They need to start seeing you as a leader - someone to follow. Might as well begin now. Silvan and Lex can likely give you pointers on paths and routes to take or avoid."
Shag doesn't know how Tariro is going to hold up to something like that. "Good luck even *finding* my brother," he says with a quirky smile. "He's almost never around when I actually want to see him... maybe if I run around enough I'll bump into him again." Haben he knows is getting a tad old, and may not want to join just because there's no real reason to. Wherever the cats are that Friti had fought so long against, they aren't here. and Frost... well, she'd probably look at him a little crazy like. She did like running. But running until you couldn't run anymore, and then actually running some more? It *is* a little intimidating in retrospect. He follows after Friti. "Oh, okay. Well, in that case, I have a bunch more questions to ask before tomorrow... you ever see the weird way that ants form little lines...?"
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Lily pads... now there's something that's caught Shag's interest today. So early into spring, and yet the lake has blossomed into life. It's a thrilling, vibrant sight that's drawn the young wolf towards it with promises of all kinds of things to pique his curiosity. He's pushing one around on the water, wondering at how it glides over the surface. Where does the flower sprout from? There aren't even any roots! He dips it under the water a bit and watches it float back to the surface with glee. This is Shag at his best, puttering about and satisfying his own curious curiosity, poking his head into clumps of reeds and generally fooling about... convinced nobody's watching.
Ah yes... Spring. The time of life, renewal, rebirths and the state of being twitterpated. In all honesty, while it's a relief unto itself that the hardships of winter are mostly past and that food becomes easier to catch (mostly due to the smaller game not having shed their winter coats just yet, making them easy pickings against the background)... it's also a time for quiet reflection. A short distance from where Shag's making his scientific method examination of the buoyancy of lily pads, Friti is laying dormant just off the lakeshore amidst the short grasses uphill from the reeds of the shallows, starting off idly across the blue-green expanse of the lake and pondering many things. Life. Liberty. The pursuit of happiness... these being only some of them in the form of his and the pack's existence as well as that of future generations, their relative autonomy from the rest of the world due to their relative geographic isolation, and happiness speaks for itself. A soft huff escapes from him as his thoughts turn darker, drifting off to the events just prior to winter's end and their implications. Cotton is not well.
Shag wouldn't know about being twitterpated, but he is feeling a good more sanguine and full of vitality than he usually is, even from previous springs. The wolf abruptly snatches up a lily pad and decides to make a circuit of the lake, to see if he can find any other wolves that he can share the joy of the floating, rootless yet still living plant with. He hurries along the lakeside, rushing through the reeds and grasses until he spots a blurb of white out the corner of his eyes. It's Dad! No longer burdened by his absence, he veers off and skids to a halt near the white wolf, the lily pad drooping from his maw. He takes a few steps forward and lays it carefully in front of him, as if it were an offering to some demi-god. "Hey... dad," he says. "Check it out... I never really noticed these things before."
The older wolf takes a long moment to respond, his ears being the first indication he gives of even having heard his son as one flickers and rotates towards him - followed shortly thereafter by the wolf's own eyes, "Hrm... ?" He begins, his eyes focusing on the lad and then the item in question presented to him. It still takes a further set of heartbeats before he's able to come up with a course of action regarding it. "A lily pad?" Friti inquires, rolling from his side to his paws and extending his nose downwards to sniff at it curiously, "They've been here for as long as I can remember... what about them?" He's rather confused by the presentation - and much more by his son seemingly wanting... something from him. Exactly what though is escaping him at the moment. Unlike most father/son relationships, this one hasn't had the opportunity to really develop to the point where such interactions are a natural event... still, that doesn't mean he doesn't try. A worried frown forms across the white wolf's expression as he inches forward taste in a cautious manner the leaf's surface with a lick, "... It's not killing the fish, or acting oddly, is it?"
Shag smiles in spite, or perhaps because of Friti's somewhat flabbergasted reaction. "No, not really. Isn't it just... beautiful, though?" he asks. "I mean, how does it grow without roots in the ground? I've been watching, and I remember from when I was a pup frogs could escape by jumping on these things. They *ride* them around sometimes! And that flower in the middle... it's like it waters itself. Don't need to worry about plucking it. Just put it on the water." He lays down in front of his father. "I just never knew. That a plant could live just by floating around, you know. How do you think it does that? Do you think there's any big enough to carry a wolf somewhere? I think that would be incredible. I'd probably have my first date on one."
For once in his admittedly short life, the older wolf is at a complete loss of words. Baffled even. "Uhhh..." He begins, "... It's nice I suppose?" He gives the object in question a second glance, and a long hard uncomprehending stare as if shear willpower could make it give up it's secrets. This of course is a completely fruitless exercise, but it has the benefit of buying him some time to think... primarily on how to get out of having a long debate on a topic he hasn't a clue where to begin on. Just what has Cottonpaws been teaching their pups? Is this the result of there being no real large male influence around to guide his sons? That's a rather glum thought. Still... "Honestly son, I never really sat down and thought about them at all. Usually have had other things I've had to worry about to occupy my time." Such as trying to feed and keep Shag's mother happy, or off fighting for his life... things that at the time were of a more pressing concern than trying to figure out how the world worked. On the other paw, perhaps he can salvage something out of this, “I'd venture to guess it gets it's food from the water and floats because of how big and light it is... have you asked Haben or your mother?" Still, an amused chuckle emerges as the last bit of the youth's question registers, a set of amused eyes turning to regard the other slyly before replying, "Why do you ask? Got someone, or better yet, several someones in mind you'd like to spend alone with on a lazy day?" This last at least is a topic is one he feels safer approaching. He has at least some experience on it to back him up.
Shag doesn't quite know what to say about that. In fact he had just said it as a bit of an aside. He hrms and looks away, wondering what else his father could have taught him had they not gone down this road. Perhaps something like fighting, or hunting techniques he hasn't seen yet, and all those other noble, dependable, male-ish things that Betas are supposed to do, and they are supposed to do them, right? "Well... not really," he says with a shake of his head. "I mean, it's not like I have a whole lot of choices," he adds with a grin, glancing around at the noticeable lack of available, ready-to-date females around. "That Frost girl is pretty nice... she has a wonderful howl. Tariro's just overjoyed to have a girl around besides mom," he says with a raise of his eyebrow. "... Did *you* meet a lot of females before mother?"
Friti listens with growing distress as Shag continues his line of inquiry, but bravely puts on a brave front of idle amusement... Just what has Cotton been teaching their pups? Granted he's been away for much of their lives, but someone else should have stepped in to set them straight. Ajax... Silvan if no one else. Obviously their education is sorely lacking... then again, his own was a kind of one-shot existence. "MMMm... No." The White Wolf slowly allows, trying to decide how best to continue before plowing on forward, "Your mother and I grew up from pups to adolescence together, so there wasn't much need of having a choice. We were attached at the hip as pups and it naturally grew. ... You haven’t had that option." He pauses, "But if this Frost girl has your eye... I'd say go for it, but keep it reasonable and your options open. As much as it pains me to say it, Viridian isn't the only territory to choose from when you're ready. Lazuli also has a selection to our north."
Shag sighs and shakes his head. "We haven't even spoken but a few times," he counters. "And I always thought the other packs were supposed to be avoided..." He smiles wryly. "I doubt they'd appreciate it much if I swung by and starting turning on the charm." He falters suddenly, pursing his lips and scrunching his brow. "Not that I've ever actually tried," he mutters, and looks up to his father again. "Dad... how did you go about things when you decided mom was the one? I've never even... tried, really. I asked Haben about some things, and mom too, but... they just said I'd *know.* But how *do* you know, and what do you do when you do know? Is it possible to not know that you do or don't know? What if I do know but I don't know what to do about doing?"
Friti frowns slightly, "Honestly son, you /do/ just sort of know." He snorts, flickering his ears and taking a moment to knead his toes into the earth before him, "Your mother and I... well... it was natural when it hit us. We knew each other fairly well, and started spending most of our free time together doing things. Then we began... experimenting. Out of season of course - you know as well as I that in season is out of the question unless the Alpha's approve." A wry smile, "Not that you're anywhere near ready for the responsibilities /that/ will entail. Of course, neither was I when things happened for Cotton and I. Probably the best thing I can tell you in regards to that is to listen to your girl. /SHE/ will let you know when she's ready. It's the females whom really choose whom is their lifemates - we can just be willing participants. Trust me - you'll *know* when it hits you."
Shag sits back and takes in the wisdom in his father's words. He really was just not ready for that kind of thing, he knows it, and perhaps that's why it doesn't make much sense. Then again, if he'll just "know" what it's like to feel that way, there's no real point in asking after it anymore! It seems like such work, but these answers make it sound easy. "Well. Uh. I guess I'll just have to figure something out then," he says. So if he doesn't *know*, is he obligated to pursue this Frost girl until he does know? He's quite confused. Taking their answers on faith, he changes his line of inquiry. "What about... fighting? I've only been able to wrestle a few times with Haben. But... I really don't want to have to run away from *every* conflict like I did after the flood."
Obligated, no... no one is obligated to do anything they don't want to. Frost and Shag have to make their own decision on that point - and them alone. Friti isn't about to try to arrange a pairing, even for political gain with other packs - not that he needs any. As for wisdom... Shag can take it any way he cares to, or can completely disregard it. "You'll figure it out indeed." Friti intones amusedly, and letting the topic drop as well. Should Shag have further questions later, he'll answer them, but specific ones are better than ambiguous ones. At the next set of questions however, Friti's ears back and he has to look away, silent till he is able to trust himself to respond unhappily, "If you wish, I can try to pass on what I learned while I was away... the central role is knowing where to avoid a strike, when to strike, and when to accept a strike to further your own position. Cunning, physical fitness, and stamina are all key. But there are different styles for fighting both as individuals, and as part of a larger group. ... ... Personally, I hope you'll never really need those skills. Why do you ask?"
Shag sighs and shakes his head slowly. "When I was out in the world after the flood, I figured out that there some pretty unfriendly creatures out there. I couldn't do anything except run away from them... and then I come back and I hear about you and the others. About how *you* fought." He points out the scars on his father's body. "The most I've ever done is wrestle with Uncle Haben. But I'm grown up now. I'm going to be Beta, or at least... I think I will be. What if trouble comes by when the pack *really* needs help? Rival wolves, or cats, or something? What'll I do then? I know how to hunt, and take care of myself... but *defend* myself... that's another story entirely. And from what I've seen out there, and what you've told me back here, I *know* I'll have to use it one day."
He does have a point, much to his father's chagrin... conflict is a way of life for wolves. While things are fairly stable in the pack at the moment, even Friti can't deny that it is possible or even likely that the need will arise again. Shag's own father raised himself from just being a lowly pack member to that of Beta by challenging the former Beta and killing him in one on one combat - accidentally ripped out his throat in a dominance struggle regarding Cottonpaws of all things. Interesting how she's the center of alot of conflict and debate, no? "... ... So you may." The White Wolf allows grudgingly, staring and tentatively, cautiously, flexing his mangled forepaw as he contemplates past and present events that have brought them to this point. "... If you're serious about learning..." He finally begins after a period of inner reflection, stirring and regarding the other wolf with a guarded expression, "Then you'll have to be able to listen, obey and follow orders as well as give them. A useful skill to learn. Here's your first instruction - Run." He looks out over the lake and continues, "Run every day, until you cannot go any further... then push yourself some more. Your second: Get to know the territory as well as you know your own body or that of your lovers. I expect to be able to ask you in a seven-day the location and disposition of any and every rock and tree in our territory. We shall see what happens after that."
Shag actually seems to be more fired up about this than anything else they've previously talked about. He stands up, tail wagging slowly back and forth. At last, something he can prove himself in! Something his father can be involved in... something he can be proud of Shag for. Maybe this will help them get closer than even he was hoping for. He doesn't notice the grudging, reluctant way that Friti acquiesces to him, thinking in the back of his mind that this might be a way to make them both happy with each other. Up until now, Shag has still just seen his father around. But here's something that can be passed on. First thing to do, run. He can run! He runs all the time. And getting to know the territory will be a cinch. He's been up and down it all his life after all. All he has to do is memorize every rock and tree... to Shag's irrepressible mind, that's hardly daunting. anything's possible to him. "You got it, dad," he says with a nod, and turns around as if to get to work on that immediately. He pauses and turns back. "Uh... do I start *now*?" he asks, wondering if talking time was already over.
Slowly alighting to his paws, the older wolf gives an amused snort, "I wouldn't be so confidant if I were you - you have a long way to go should you ever think you can take even me on pup." The elder chuckles, and trots forward to nudge gently at the younger's shoulder with his nose, "No... don't kill yourself this eve on such matters... but rather, rest and make merry for there is plenty of time in the 'morrow for you to begin. Besides - you might try getting your brother, Haben and Frost to join you. I'm certain they could also use the exercise and it's more interesting to do so as a group." Not to mention it's the foundation of further team building exercises. Turning, Friti makes to slowly trot down towards the water's edge, turning to speak over his shoulder as he does, "... And you give them the instruction, then report to me when you're through. They need to start seeing you as a leader - someone to follow. Might as well begin now. Silvan and Lex can likely give you pointers on paths and routes to take or avoid."
Shag doesn't know how Tariro is going to hold up to something like that. "Good luck even *finding* my brother," he says with a quirky smile. "He's almost never around when I actually want to see him... maybe if I run around enough I'll bump into him again." Haben he knows is getting a tad old, and may not want to join just because there's no real reason to. Wherever the cats are that Friti had fought so long against, they aren't here. and Frost... well, she'd probably look at him a little crazy like. She did like running. But running until you couldn't run anymore, and then actually running some more? It *is* a little intimidating in retrospect. He follows after Friti. "Oh, okay. Well, in that case, I have a bunch more questions to ask before tomorrow... you ever see the weird way that ants form little lines...?"