Post by Althaea on Feb 28, 2013 14:25:19 GMT -5
Rockfall m. Wolf
Tariro m. Elder Wolf
Curving Ravine
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Rockfall stirs from slumber to a chill but light late autumn mist. He grunts, rises to his paws and gives himself a good twist-shake in a futile effort to cast off the dampness. He unleashes a hearty yawn-stretch, then quietly turns his head to look about, and swivels is ears to listen about for his packmates.
With winter near its only right that the former alpha of Cerulean be wandering about looking for the first signs of snow. Not uncommon to find small patches of frost of even flurries here on the mountain during the later parts of Autumn, Tariro manages to come across only thin layers of sheet ice over the ravine so far. Trailing the waters edge, the occasional glance here and there, the white elder give little more than a shutter to the dampness of his coat or the chill the wind casts upon it.
Rockfall's ears hear his father's soft pawsteps approach. Rockfall lowers and wags his tail while heading to intercept the familiar pawsteps through the foggy mist. "Hello, father," he greets, loping up to his father's side and nuzzling his shoulder, continuing a low wag. "Were you patrolling the border?" he asks.
A slow pace meets the mists that lay beyond, eyes narrowing to gain a better view; a futile attempt indeed. Listening in, the familiar voice of his only living son reaches ear and he pauses for a brief moment, waiting and watching as his form gradually becomes clear. "Hello, son." Continuing on, meeting the nuzzle with an old wolfs vigor, he lightly smile. "Not really. Just taking a walk."
Rockfall follows alongside. "Do you think it will be another hard winter this year?" he asks. "Its been getting wet and chilly. The white-tails will probably start their migration soon."
Tariro looks around them to the surrounding wood. "Its hard to say." With so few to look after this winter he doubts the possibility of hard times. Even with the white-tail moving on, there's still the caribou who often remain year-round. "So long as the snow doesn't pile to high we should be fine."
Rockfall nods, neither having to mention how many they've lost to winters past, including Rockfall's mother and siblings. "The Amaranths, at least, have been civil ... quiet, but civil. I haven't seen more than a couple of them near the lake, though ... starting to wonder if their numbers are dwindling as much as ours."
"Since I've known them, they've kept to themselves unless reason provided otherwise." He was a pup then, but he figures why should things be any different now. "I would not be surprised if the times have dwindled them just the same as us. It does make our borders less a risk to venture upon though. Their new chieftain comes off as stern."
Rockfall nods. "I was glad they were around when the dogs attacked. I must admit, I never thought I'd see the day when I would be glad to have tawnycats about. I haven't seen their new Chieftain, yet, just a couple of females. I remember how terrified I used to be when I was a pup, the first time I saw a cougar and heard their roar."
Tariro was certainly glad to hear Ute has survived due to their help, though sadly their own pack suffered greatly without them. Such hard times put behind him though, for the past has only brought him grief. "Cougars are a force to reckon with, but they make powerful allies too. He then smirks. "You were scared of many things as a pup, even your own kind." Reaches a fair distance from the ravine, the old wolf comes to a stop and drops to his haunches. "Its good to see that you've grown out of that."
Rockfall nods. "I was used to Viridian, then we joined Lazuli." He sits. "Those dogs chasing Ute were certainly scary. Fear is healthy," he says, "keeps us away from danger ... but sometimes makes us mistrustful of things that actually mean us no harm, true," he adds. He keeps pace with his father, keeping behind and to a side, and sits as his father drops to his haunches. "I hope Ute is well ... I understand they went back up north, I guess to their old packlands."
Tariro turns his gaze to the ground as Viridian is mentioned. Those were times he remembered well. Good times, bad times.. Looking back up moment later, he nods. "In the end it was those of Viridian that remained, if even we now bare the name Cerulean." He'd forever be of his birth pack- rigid and strong. Rolling his shoulders, a few pops sounding out, he looks at his son with a smile. "If they have, I hope their future holds better times. They've lost so much and gained so little over the years."
Rockfall nods. "I am proud we helped them. I wish I were more confident about our own future. Are we ... just going to fade away?" he asks, shaking his head.
Tariro frowns and shrugs. "Nothing lasts forever, Rockfall. But so long as we are remembered, we will never truly fade." A pack existence depends on its members.. slowly looking around he sighs. What members do they have? "We will live on for as long as we can."
Rockfall nods. "I suppose that's true ... just you, me, Lexus and a couple cousins seem to be all that remain ... but perhaps biological lines aren't as important as memories others retain of us. Perhaps the Ute will prosper, and carry forward howl-songs of our deeds to help them."
Tariro shrugs at the thought. "Not all of us carry memories of those before us, or of the good deeds performed. It would be a shame to have them forgotten before they are given a chance to be told." The elder wolf had little to worry of himself being forgotten, but his family, what did that have? Another shrug is added to the first. "We've plenty of time ahead of us to work on how we are remembered. On how we are going to survive."
Rockfall ponders this quietly. "I'm not even sure what's become of most of our pack, such as Coinin. Those of us still breathe are starting to feel like strangers, merely existing."
"A lack of leadership can do that, but we can not solely blame our leaders." Say the white elder. "As a pack we are responsible for each other. If we choose not to know one another, that is a choice that we make. But it is up to us, as a pack, to ensure that doesn't happen." Tariro hasn't been the best when it comes to social activities but at least everyone knows him and that he's there for them.
Rockfall dips his head. "Yes, I know ... I keep passing responsibilities onto everyone else. There's been no new life in the pack ... I was thankful when Coinin joined us, and hoped he might sire new generations, but ... maybe I should accept responsibility for trying to find someone." He shakes his head. "I am not certain what to do, or whether I should do anything."
Tariro nods. "Its alright to be uncertain of things. I myself was once uncertain if I could lead the pack when your mother died. Lost in my own sorrows. If it wasn't for my brother, I'm not sure where the pack would have gone. He took up what I could not.. bringing new life into the pack." This he says with some sadness. "Theres always been a time when we thought we'd fade, but light always seemed to find a way to shine through. As alpha, Coinin has right to sire a new generation, but in past years our alpha has struggled to attain a mate leaving the packs members to uphold the responsibility. Its up to you, son, if you wish to being new life to the pack. But do not do something just because you think its your responsibility, do it because you think its right thing to do. And don't be afraid to make mistakes." Lord knows he's done plenty.
Rockfall goes sullen at remembering his mother and brother's deaths that terrible winter after the packs had joined. "I also don't know ... whether it would be fair to a shewolf ... to merely be the bearer of responsibility. I guess, perhaps, I should just avoid closing off exploring the possibility. Aside from Ute, though, I would not even know where to look ... and wouldn't seem right, especially with winter pending, to intrude on their turf intending to find and take a mate." He shakes his head.
Tariro understands this. "No need to rush into things." he says. "If you choose to go that route make sure it is done out of love, not desire. She'll respect your for it and so will others." For as many relationships he's had, figuring out the best way to go about it is tough but you soon figure it out.
Rockfall flicks his ears, "Yes. Will need to wait at least another year. I certainly wouldn't want to cause strife for a shewolf, and certainly not for the Ute."
Tariro nods. "The best choice is a well thought out one. Things will work out, you'll see." He always had hope, even when things seemed hopeless.
Rockfall says, "Then perhaps I will seek them out in the spring, after the coming breeding season and winter have passed, but not push anything." He thinks quietly for several moments before he can no longer resist the urge to stand, step away a few paces, and make another futile twist-shake to cast off the soaking moisture from the persistent foggy mist.
Tariro nods several times. "All I can say is be careful." Last thing he wanted was to make the trip down the mountain because of some misunderstanding or fight. Not minding much the heaviness his coat has become from the mist, he watches his son find disagreement by trying to shake his free of it. "Its only going to get worse." When winter hits, soaked will become their worse enemy next to the cold.
Rockfall snorts in frustration. "So futile. I don't think I'll be able to fully dry out again until spring. Wish it were wetter in summer, drier in winter," he laughs. "Always want whatever it isn't."
Tariro chuckles. "Looks like the den may become your best friend come winter then." He smirks, giving a look toward the rooted den. "Or perhaps an overhang of rocks." Winter was his best season and being old just makes it all the better; or would it.
Rockfall adds, "Hard to stay under there all winter, though ... and when its foggy, under cover doesn't help much. I suppose I should be used to it by now ... summers feel shorter every year, though."
"Perhaps." He could do it if he wanted, stay cooped up in a den. Someone may have to go in every so often and make sure he was still alive though. An old wolf like him, he could die from being stationary to long easy. "It'll come again soon enough and you'll wish it to be cold." He chuckles. The whole idea of being soaked by the mist now seemed a pain but its a dream during the summer. Funny how that works.
Rockfall flattens his ears. "Wish we could find more of our pack. Its been awhile since we've had a good hunt. The caribou have been getting lusciously plump for winter," he remarks, licking his chops.
Tariro lifts his brows in interest. "Now that would be nice. A pack hunt, haven't had one of those since I was young." He smirks making it sound like forever ago.
Rockfall says, "Yeah. Tasty cervine ... hares are nice, but ... so much more meat on a caribou."
Tariro nods soundly. "A lot more work too." He chuckles now before standing to give his coat a lazy shake. "Maybe one of those young ones.." Apparently Tar was starting to show his age.
Rockfall snorts. "Or one of the tired, old ones." He wags his tail and salivates thinking about it. "We haven't hunted any in so long ... they're getting lazy, too. They practically ignore me when I get near ... of course, we still need at least three hunters for a good chance to bring one down."
"Maybe that's why they ignore you." Tar states. "They know you can't take them down alone." What was a lone wolf but a inconvenience. "Perhaps one day me and you can go after one of the old ones. Then laugh about how terrible we are."
Rockfall laughs. "Maybe. Some of them might get claimed by winter ... of course, they're sweeter when fresh and the meat is still warm."
Tariro nods in agreement. "Get what you can take, I say." He wasn't going to complain over frozen meat if its all there was.
Rockfall gazes about the valley. "I heard Viridian had its very beginnings in this valley," he says. "Before even you or grand-uncle Lexus were whelped."
Tariro nods once more. "My grandparents started Viridian." That that he could remembers much of it. He's parents weren't exactly the most knowledgeable, nor the most responsible. "A lot happened back then, then even more when my parent came along." Things were hectic then but least they were lively.
Tariro m. Elder Wolf
Curving Ravine
----------------------------------
Rockfall stirs from slumber to a chill but light late autumn mist. He grunts, rises to his paws and gives himself a good twist-shake in a futile effort to cast off the dampness. He unleashes a hearty yawn-stretch, then quietly turns his head to look about, and swivels is ears to listen about for his packmates.
With winter near its only right that the former alpha of Cerulean be wandering about looking for the first signs of snow. Not uncommon to find small patches of frost of even flurries here on the mountain during the later parts of Autumn, Tariro manages to come across only thin layers of sheet ice over the ravine so far. Trailing the waters edge, the occasional glance here and there, the white elder give little more than a shutter to the dampness of his coat or the chill the wind casts upon it.
Rockfall's ears hear his father's soft pawsteps approach. Rockfall lowers and wags his tail while heading to intercept the familiar pawsteps through the foggy mist. "Hello, father," he greets, loping up to his father's side and nuzzling his shoulder, continuing a low wag. "Were you patrolling the border?" he asks.
A slow pace meets the mists that lay beyond, eyes narrowing to gain a better view; a futile attempt indeed. Listening in, the familiar voice of his only living son reaches ear and he pauses for a brief moment, waiting and watching as his form gradually becomes clear. "Hello, son." Continuing on, meeting the nuzzle with an old wolfs vigor, he lightly smile. "Not really. Just taking a walk."
Rockfall follows alongside. "Do you think it will be another hard winter this year?" he asks. "Its been getting wet and chilly. The white-tails will probably start their migration soon."
Tariro looks around them to the surrounding wood. "Its hard to say." With so few to look after this winter he doubts the possibility of hard times. Even with the white-tail moving on, there's still the caribou who often remain year-round. "So long as the snow doesn't pile to high we should be fine."
Rockfall nods, neither having to mention how many they've lost to winters past, including Rockfall's mother and siblings. "The Amaranths, at least, have been civil ... quiet, but civil. I haven't seen more than a couple of them near the lake, though ... starting to wonder if their numbers are dwindling as much as ours."
"Since I've known them, they've kept to themselves unless reason provided otherwise." He was a pup then, but he figures why should things be any different now. "I would not be surprised if the times have dwindled them just the same as us. It does make our borders less a risk to venture upon though. Their new chieftain comes off as stern."
Rockfall nods. "I was glad they were around when the dogs attacked. I must admit, I never thought I'd see the day when I would be glad to have tawnycats about. I haven't seen their new Chieftain, yet, just a couple of females. I remember how terrified I used to be when I was a pup, the first time I saw a cougar and heard their roar."
Tariro was certainly glad to hear Ute has survived due to their help, though sadly their own pack suffered greatly without them. Such hard times put behind him though, for the past has only brought him grief. "Cougars are a force to reckon with, but they make powerful allies too. He then smirks. "You were scared of many things as a pup, even your own kind." Reaches a fair distance from the ravine, the old wolf comes to a stop and drops to his haunches. "Its good to see that you've grown out of that."
Rockfall nods. "I was used to Viridian, then we joined Lazuli." He sits. "Those dogs chasing Ute were certainly scary. Fear is healthy," he says, "keeps us away from danger ... but sometimes makes us mistrustful of things that actually mean us no harm, true," he adds. He keeps pace with his father, keeping behind and to a side, and sits as his father drops to his haunches. "I hope Ute is well ... I understand they went back up north, I guess to their old packlands."
Tariro turns his gaze to the ground as Viridian is mentioned. Those were times he remembered well. Good times, bad times.. Looking back up moment later, he nods. "In the end it was those of Viridian that remained, if even we now bare the name Cerulean." He'd forever be of his birth pack- rigid and strong. Rolling his shoulders, a few pops sounding out, he looks at his son with a smile. "If they have, I hope their future holds better times. They've lost so much and gained so little over the years."
Rockfall nods. "I am proud we helped them. I wish I were more confident about our own future. Are we ... just going to fade away?" he asks, shaking his head.
Tariro frowns and shrugs. "Nothing lasts forever, Rockfall. But so long as we are remembered, we will never truly fade." A pack existence depends on its members.. slowly looking around he sighs. What members do they have? "We will live on for as long as we can."
Rockfall nods. "I suppose that's true ... just you, me, Lexus and a couple cousins seem to be all that remain ... but perhaps biological lines aren't as important as memories others retain of us. Perhaps the Ute will prosper, and carry forward howl-songs of our deeds to help them."
Tariro shrugs at the thought. "Not all of us carry memories of those before us, or of the good deeds performed. It would be a shame to have them forgotten before they are given a chance to be told." The elder wolf had little to worry of himself being forgotten, but his family, what did that have? Another shrug is added to the first. "We've plenty of time ahead of us to work on how we are remembered. On how we are going to survive."
Rockfall ponders this quietly. "I'm not even sure what's become of most of our pack, such as Coinin. Those of us still breathe are starting to feel like strangers, merely existing."
"A lack of leadership can do that, but we can not solely blame our leaders." Say the white elder. "As a pack we are responsible for each other. If we choose not to know one another, that is a choice that we make. But it is up to us, as a pack, to ensure that doesn't happen." Tariro hasn't been the best when it comes to social activities but at least everyone knows him and that he's there for them.
Rockfall dips his head. "Yes, I know ... I keep passing responsibilities onto everyone else. There's been no new life in the pack ... I was thankful when Coinin joined us, and hoped he might sire new generations, but ... maybe I should accept responsibility for trying to find someone." He shakes his head. "I am not certain what to do, or whether I should do anything."
Tariro nods. "Its alright to be uncertain of things. I myself was once uncertain if I could lead the pack when your mother died. Lost in my own sorrows. If it wasn't for my brother, I'm not sure where the pack would have gone. He took up what I could not.. bringing new life into the pack." This he says with some sadness. "Theres always been a time when we thought we'd fade, but light always seemed to find a way to shine through. As alpha, Coinin has right to sire a new generation, but in past years our alpha has struggled to attain a mate leaving the packs members to uphold the responsibility. Its up to you, son, if you wish to being new life to the pack. But do not do something just because you think its your responsibility, do it because you think its right thing to do. And don't be afraid to make mistakes." Lord knows he's done plenty.
Rockfall goes sullen at remembering his mother and brother's deaths that terrible winter after the packs had joined. "I also don't know ... whether it would be fair to a shewolf ... to merely be the bearer of responsibility. I guess, perhaps, I should just avoid closing off exploring the possibility. Aside from Ute, though, I would not even know where to look ... and wouldn't seem right, especially with winter pending, to intrude on their turf intending to find and take a mate." He shakes his head.
Tariro understands this. "No need to rush into things." he says. "If you choose to go that route make sure it is done out of love, not desire. She'll respect your for it and so will others." For as many relationships he's had, figuring out the best way to go about it is tough but you soon figure it out.
Rockfall flicks his ears, "Yes. Will need to wait at least another year. I certainly wouldn't want to cause strife for a shewolf, and certainly not for the Ute."
Tariro nods. "The best choice is a well thought out one. Things will work out, you'll see." He always had hope, even when things seemed hopeless.
Rockfall says, "Then perhaps I will seek them out in the spring, after the coming breeding season and winter have passed, but not push anything." He thinks quietly for several moments before he can no longer resist the urge to stand, step away a few paces, and make another futile twist-shake to cast off the soaking moisture from the persistent foggy mist.
Tariro nods several times. "All I can say is be careful." Last thing he wanted was to make the trip down the mountain because of some misunderstanding or fight. Not minding much the heaviness his coat has become from the mist, he watches his son find disagreement by trying to shake his free of it. "Its only going to get worse." When winter hits, soaked will become their worse enemy next to the cold.
Rockfall snorts in frustration. "So futile. I don't think I'll be able to fully dry out again until spring. Wish it were wetter in summer, drier in winter," he laughs. "Always want whatever it isn't."
Tariro chuckles. "Looks like the den may become your best friend come winter then." He smirks, giving a look toward the rooted den. "Or perhaps an overhang of rocks." Winter was his best season and being old just makes it all the better; or would it.
Rockfall adds, "Hard to stay under there all winter, though ... and when its foggy, under cover doesn't help much. I suppose I should be used to it by now ... summers feel shorter every year, though."
"Perhaps." He could do it if he wanted, stay cooped up in a den. Someone may have to go in every so often and make sure he was still alive though. An old wolf like him, he could die from being stationary to long easy. "It'll come again soon enough and you'll wish it to be cold." He chuckles. The whole idea of being soaked by the mist now seemed a pain but its a dream during the summer. Funny how that works.
Rockfall flattens his ears. "Wish we could find more of our pack. Its been awhile since we've had a good hunt. The caribou have been getting lusciously plump for winter," he remarks, licking his chops.
Tariro lifts his brows in interest. "Now that would be nice. A pack hunt, haven't had one of those since I was young." He smirks making it sound like forever ago.
Rockfall says, "Yeah. Tasty cervine ... hares are nice, but ... so much more meat on a caribou."
Tariro nods soundly. "A lot more work too." He chuckles now before standing to give his coat a lazy shake. "Maybe one of those young ones.." Apparently Tar was starting to show his age.
Rockfall snorts. "Or one of the tired, old ones." He wags his tail and salivates thinking about it. "We haven't hunted any in so long ... they're getting lazy, too. They practically ignore me when I get near ... of course, we still need at least three hunters for a good chance to bring one down."
"Maybe that's why they ignore you." Tar states. "They know you can't take them down alone." What was a lone wolf but a inconvenience. "Perhaps one day me and you can go after one of the old ones. Then laugh about how terrible we are."
Rockfall laughs. "Maybe. Some of them might get claimed by winter ... of course, they're sweeter when fresh and the meat is still warm."
Tariro nods in agreement. "Get what you can take, I say." He wasn't going to complain over frozen meat if its all there was.
Rockfall gazes about the valley. "I heard Viridian had its very beginnings in this valley," he says. "Before even you or grand-uncle Lexus were whelped."
Tariro nods once more. "My grandparents started Viridian." That that he could remembers much of it. He's parents weren't exactly the most knowledgeable, nor the most responsible. "A lot happened back then, then even more when my parent came along." Things were hectic then but least they were lively.