Ama's Arrival

[ama]

Characters Involved: Shasta (Juvenile Cougress), Ama (Adult Cougress), Paoro (Adult Cougress, Matron - Amaranth Tribe), Tadewi (Cougress Cub), Bodhi (Adult Wolf, Lazuli)

Location: Sprawling Mesa, Evening

Other: I'm posting this because 1.) It's my very first RP on a MUCK in over three years, and 2.) it's Ama's very first RP and invite to Amaranth. :] It may not be the most interesting log ever, but... hey. XD

[-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-]

Bodhi has arrived.

The mesa is quiet, filled with the still bodies of napping cougars taking advantage of the warm evening sun. A few cubs can be seen obviously having dreams, kicking around with their footpaws and snorting out loud, deep in their individual nightmares or dreams. One particular cub, however, resists any attempt at a nap. The young cougar female grunts as she hops up onto her paws and decides to head off and explore a bit until everyone wakes. Shasta pads away from the group a bit until she reaches a somewhat large bush, covered in thick green leaves. The cub grins, crouching into a playful pounce position, preparing herself for the leap into whatever may be inside, or so she hopes.

Yellow-green eyes blink slowly as Ama's gaze wanders from the evening sun. Soon enough, darkness would fall and act as the perfect cover for a hunt. And yet, though her mind takes note of this, she is not quite hungry. No, not yet. Right now, she's more concerned with moving further and further away from the home she once knew. And it has brought her here: ... wherever this place is. One dark-rimmed ear flickers as Ama takes a good whiff of the scents around her. It's coated with the scent of puma! Scrunching up her nose in something like confusion -- and maybe a hair of curiousity -- Ama continues to pad forward silently, until she reaches a bush of considerable size. The huntress pauses, ears perked. Someone else is there!

Shasta eyes the bush eagerly, bracing herself for the leap, and is just about to head in when...a new scent reaches her nostrils. It's familar, and yet...not. The cub flicks her ears up, spinning around like twin radars trying to locate the strange presence. She raises her body up from the ground and peers around the bush inquisitively, hardly prepared to find a full grown cougar on the other side! The cub leaps into the air from pure shock, despite the fact that she might've been somewhat prepared by the stranger's scent. Shasta lands upon the ground again with a thump and starts to take off towards the den when...a thought hits her. What if the newcomer was...hurt? Then she could bring it back to the den proudly, as though she caught it! Wouldn't they be surprised!

'You've gone and gotten yourself into trouble again, Ama. Oh yes. You have.' The tawny feline blinks slowly. 'It's just a feeling. There's not /really/ anyone there and be-' "Cub?" the words spill from the cougaress's mouth abruptly. Even so, they are soft -- barely above a whisper, even. She's still for only a moment, and then takes a step back before looking left, then right. Where there's a cub, there's a mother... and Ama highly doubted if she'd be welcomed in a friendly manner. Then again, the cub /could/ be alone, and that'd be fine. And that brought about a certain amount of curiousity. So, taking one last sniff to ascertain that there were no adult cougars around to tear her head off for being here, Ama steps forward slowly. Maybe this is a mistake? She should probably leave. But against her better judgement, she continues forward, her eyes seeking the smaller form she had seen a few moments ago... and she finds it on the other side of the bush, moving the other way. ...so much for saying hello. Yeah. Right. Since when did /she/ say hello to anyone? Or rather, when was the /last/ time she said hello to anyone?

Standing perfectly still while she ponders in her mind, Shasta finally swallows her fear and cringes as she turns around. Blinking large, curious eyes at the adult, the cub creeps ever so slowly towards the unfamilar creature. When she is sure she has been spotting surely, Shasta gathers her courage. "H..h...hi th..th..there. Wot's yore...name?" She was taught to stay away from strangers, but drastic times call for drastic measures!....and this was about the most drastic she's ever gotten in her short life!

A moment of silence, and then... the cub turns. It's been a while since Ama's even seen one of her own species! Much less a cub. ...a very adorable cub. The big, green eyes could probably soften the hardest of hearts! ...or maybe not. Ama feels a warm smile spreading across her lightly-colored maw before she even has a chance to stop it. Gone are the thoughts of possible danger(s) -- probably not a good thing -- and in their place a desire not to frighten this stranger-cub too much. So the adult moves forward a pace or two, just to clear herself of the bush, then sits carefully on her haunches as the cub comes forward cautiously. "Hello," she replies softly, her smile not quite gone, "my name is Ama. What about you?"

Bodhi having skirted thrue the edges of the other packs land he is twice as carefull as he stalks thrue the area of the cats quietly surveying the area and its inhabitants having been curious on them for a long time, a quiet mutter to himself as he feels somewhat...out of his league with this many feline scents in the area

Shasta blinks again at her, extending her paw out slightly as though to test the other cougar...and whether she would attack or fall back. She looks up into the bigger feline's face, about to speak when another new smell catches her attention. A...wolf? This is one scent she /is/ familar with, the scent of danger. The kitten flares her nostrils defensively and fluffs out her fur, though the wolf hasn't really come into her view yet. A yowl comes close up her throat, ready in the tense moment.

Ama doesn't move as Shasta extends a paw. It's a /cub/ for crying out loud! Why would she be scared of a cub? ...unless, of course, you consider that there could be a mother cougar around somewhere. But Ama had no reason to fear the child, and so she refuses to move. And if it helps the cub to relax, all the better! All the while, her yellow-green eyes look calmly at the cub. It's around this time the cub freezes, becomes alert. This serves as a reminder to Ama: she should be paying more attention! What had the cub noticed that Ama hasn't? Her flesh-colored nose twitches faintly as she sniffs and her round ears perk up, swivelling to hear better. Her eyes widen. She knows that scent! The scent belong to the canine species: more specifically, the wolf. At once, Ama is on her paws, eyes searching and hackles raised. Her throat tightens, threatening to release a growl. "Who goes there?" she asks, her voice never raising above an ordinary talking level... and yet, still frightening. It is laced with a growl. She isn't even sure how near the wolf is. ...close enough to smell, that's for sure.

Bodhi can't help but grin slightly as it seems the cub of the two was the first to notice him, not exactly what he had expected tho he can't blame anything but his own foolishness to not move with the wind. His lips quickly adopting its normal wry smile as he stands up and pads toward them casually and in a rather relaxed manner "I am Bodhi, of the Lazuli pack" his head dipping respectfully to the cub first then the adult who questioned him

Shasta eyes the wolf cautiously...she didn't know they spoke so...so...the word escapes her. Instead, she shakes her head quickly and resumes setting a fearful gaze upon the canine, feeling somewhat safer next to Ama, despite the fact that she too is not exactly one to be trusted yet, either.

Paoro has arrived.

A wolf. Why did it have to be a wolf? Cougars and wolves were natural enemies! ...at least, where Ama came from, they were. On the other paw, Ama supposed her judgements on wolves were rather harsher than need be; she'd never really met a wolf in-the-fur. Or at least had never gotten to know one. Then again, she figured she still has her whole life ahead of her; she's not /that/ old. Ama's tail sways slowly back and forth behind her, its chocolate-colored tip moving a little faster than the rest of it. Her white whiskers twitch faintly as she eyes the wolf with suspicion. His home and title were of little consequence to her. "I have never heard of you, nor the 'Lazuli' Pack," she says in her usual soft voice. She isn't meaning to sound insulting or cold, but she may come off that way...

Unusual scents are not uncommon on the mountain, but when there is more than one coming from her homeland...the matron grows rather concerned. Retreating from her hunting trip further north on the mountain, Paoro's pace is a hurried trot, quickly returning to her tribe's territory, the home of her cubs. Snow from the peak speckles her tawny fur as she arrives back on the mesa, quickly assessing the situation. Most notable, and thus the most suspicious, is the wolf...but the other cougars - one a cub, perhaps the other's child? - are not members of her tribe, lacking the red marking. She isn't normally hostile, but when she's outnumbered with strangers, she prefers to err on the side of caution. A snarling growl announcing her presence, she glares at the trio. "Exactly /what/ are you all doing on my tribe's lands?" she demands.

Tadewi has arrived.

Bodhi snickergrins and shakes his head "i would be greatly surprised if you had heard of me as i've only been around for a number of months in these lands" head cocking to the side slightly as he speaks softly "As for my pack, its located in the forest a fair distance from here" his gaze surveying the area slowly and toughtfully "From the number of scents i assume i'm close to where the pack of felines i've heard of live" Opening his maw to continue he blinks slightly at the sudden growl and turns to look at its source, head dipping respectfully "As i just told these two, i am Bodhi of the Lazuli pack, my reason for being here i'll admit was to satisfy my curiosity having heard of these lands and its inhabitants"

The female cub blinks nervously at the new voice near them, fear running afresh through her veins. This must be the matron that Roki had spoken to her of...if only she could remember her name, Shasta might be accepted slightly easier. But the name escapes her quickly running mind, and the juvenile simply stands there, cowering and staring stupidly at each strange beast in turn.

Ama's eyes narrow as she listens to the wolf, Bodhi. Her stance has changed little: she remains on the defensive, tensed and prepared to act if she must. But what he says lastly, interests her. Her expression changes into one of curiousity. A "pack" of felines? Nonsense! Felines do /not/ live together! ...do they? At that moment another growl sounds. On edge, and having dropped her guard, Ama jerks in suprise before wheeling to face another feline... a feline with a foreign red marking. Both ears lower as she lowers her body a little. Now she's getting nervous. There's too many strangers here! It isn't really the wolf she's worried about -- not any more -- the other cougaress is a bigger threat, she's sure. Maybe this is the cub's mother? No, they don't smell quite the same. Though not quite cowering, the nervous "electricity" that seems to crackle around the three-or-so year-old is likely noticable. More noticable than she'd like. But she answers nonetheless, and her voice is still as soft as ever, if not a little strained from her... discomfort, "My name is Ama. I," she pauses. Oh, she sounds so stupid! "...I didn't realize where I was, ma'am." Awkward.

Paoro peers with narrowed green eyes at the wolf as he explains his presence. "I have not heard of the Lazuli pack... Where have you heard of the Amaranth from?" She's heard of Viridian and Durakh...perhaps this is the other forest pack the valley wolves spoke of. She turns her gaze briefly towards the other female with the same piercing gaze, looking her up and down, but she gets no reply. She returns her attentions to the wolf, awaiting his answer. The cub is ignored for now, being too young to be of any relative concern at the moment.

Tadewi comes trotting along through the tall grasses when she picks up on both her mother's scent, and what she thought was her call. The still young cougar makes her way quickly through into the wide mesa, not bothering to pay any heed to the fact that tons of unfamiliar scents are closing in around her. She just continues on her way until the sight of her mother becomes much clearer...and that of many others around her...

Bodhi cocks his head slightly both ways as he sits down and observes the Matron casually tho keeping a somewhat respectfull expression "The Lazuli lives in the forest a distance from here, past the land of the Viridian" a soft smile on his lips "As to how i learned of the Amarath, a rogue that tends to live by the river close to our densite told me of it, said he had been here"

[ama]

Shasta is starting to feel a bit dizzy at this point, almost ready to collapse over should somebeast make a sudden move. With each strange, unfamilar creature around her and much closer than she would like, she feels rather like she would rather sink into the ground and become invisible. When the other cub comes running towards them, Shasta's ears shoot up. Another cub! Though unfamilar, at least she could be assured that it wouldn't attack her....she hopes.

Paoro arches an eyeridge at the explanation, wondering just who this rogue is. But the matron, even when concerned for her family, does not resort to interrogation...that's her mate's job. "Ah, then I have heard of the Lazuli...just not the pack's name. I hope you fared well under the terrorization by that other pack?" she asks in a much kinder tone. Another movement draws her eyes away, and she sights one of her daughters. "Tadewi," she purrs, offering an affectionate nuzzle to the girl as she draws nearer.

Tadewi slows her pace a great deal as she draws in next to her mother's side. She glances around the gathering cautiously, not recognizing any of these other creatures. As a result, her dark ears drop back a little bit and her eyes widen nervously, particularly at the sight of the wolf. Finally, however, she spots the other young cougar ducking to the side, and she tilts her head a tad, curiously. Glancing up at her mother, she arches up to meet her nuzzle with a soft little purr, soon turing back to watch the others carefully.

Ama is quite tense. She doesn't make a move; in fact, she probably feels much like the young Shasta, though Ama doesn't realize that. Unlike Shasta, however, Ama would be a little more apt to respond with violence, rather than fleeing/fainting/other method of defense. Her yellow-green eyes flick back and forth between two potential foes: one canine, the other feline.

Bodhi dips his head softly "The hostile pack has been dealt with, hopefully permanently as i'm unsure if there is any survivors" brows furrowing slightly "we did lost some of ours, and during the final fight a number go wounded including myself" his nose wrinkling slightly "but other then that things are quite well and calm currently"

"Very well. I will ask, however, that once your curiosity is satisfied, that you leave the heart of our lands," Paoro replies, indicating the mesa they're gathered on. "It is merely a safety precaution, as I'm sure you understand." The wolf dealt with, she turns to the other female. "What of your curiosities, sister?" the matron asks, her words mysterious and unfamiliar to the stranger. "Are they satisfied, or are you further intrigued by the idea of a tribe of felines?"

Tadewi cowers back ever so slightly as her mother addresses the wolf, the young cougar's head drawing back into her shoulders. She looks up at the canine with wide, uncertain eyes, an air of fear and awe mixed about her features as this is her first encounter with such a creature. Though, as Paoro turns to speak to the other cougar, she pulls her head back out and straightens up a great deal, trying to look more respectable. Her glance shifts back to the other one close to her in age, the question of whether these two are related crossing her mind.

Why, oh why! Didn't she listen to her instincts? This could only mean trouble. She could have gone about her business... whatever that was and been just fine and dandy. But noooooo... she has to end up here, in this awkward situation with a wolf, a cougaress, and a pair of cubs. Oh. And herself. Ama's ears perk up a little as she listens to the other female's words. Briefly, her eyes narrow. But just as quickly, curiousity fills them and she straightens slightly. She doesn't like being surrounded like this. And as for the question... she supposes honesty is the best course this time. "I /am/ curious to know more," she says, voice never rising to anything more than normal level. "It is... strange, though. Cougars did not gather together where I'm from." Briefly she glances at the cubs. The first one, Shasta, didn't seem to be related to these two... hmm. Then where /did/ she come from? But no matter. Her gaze returns to the matron.

Bodhi looks over at Tadewi and dips his head respectfully in greeting to her tho stays silent for now, while he is wondering on a few things he deems it best to simply watch and observe as the others speak for now

Shasta regains herself for a moment, curious to listen to the firstly-met cougar of the day. Her ears cocked to better hear Ama's words, the cub inches forward, hardly realizing her own actions. When she catches herself, she quickly pulls back again, nerves attacking her horribly in her head and limbs. Her eyes scan over the other cub again in a sideways glance, and wonders if it would be terribly awkward to address her...

"It is different, yes. Only the blood family lives close together, however," Paoro begins to explain for the other cougar. "The other sisters live where they wish in our surrounding territory." Apparently, 'sister' is Paoro's term for any female cougar, not just family. "Is this your cub?" she inquires casually, gesturing towards Shasta.

Tadewi snaps her attention back to the wolf as she catches that dip of his head towards her. Her expression contorts a little bit as if to show some amount of shock from being greeted with such a kind gesture. She does her best to mimic it back to him, not wanting to appear rude to the other large, scarey creature. Afterall, best not make enemies, no? Out of the corner of her eye she spots the other young cougar sneaking along toward the other female cougar. Tadewi tilts her head again some, her brow rising in interest when Paoro asks the question the young one had been eager to discover.

Ama casts a glance at the wolf now, just in case he tries anything. She doubts that now, but... you never know with wolves. Then her eyes return to her fellow cougar. Very slowly, her head bobs, understanding. Or at least, she thinks she understands. It /does/ sound fairly interesting. She /would/ have a home to go to. Wouldn't she? Her ears lift slightly as she begins to consider what she's hearing. Then comes a question... that almost suprises the female. Ama blinks and looks down at the cub -- whose name she still did not know -- then back up at the matron, "No. I found her here," she replies.

Bodhi can't help but grin slightly at Tadewi's reaction before he lies down properly to keep watching the others, his head shifting between each of them as they move or speak, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he relaxes and does what he actually enjoys, learning and observing

Hearing herself spoken of, Shasta glances up at Paoro, then Ama, then back to Paoro. Finally speaking up, the cub comments, "No ma'am, I'm alone." Slightly suprised at herself for her own courage to /actually/ speak, the cub sits down on her haunches, looking rather smug with herself.

"Oh? Then where are /you/ from, little one?" Paoro inquires, looking down at the juvenile with a questioning gaze. "Alone?" she repeats after Shasta. "Do you not have a family?" Oh goodness, Paoro's heartstrings are already being tugged. Her addressing of the cub allows Ama to stew over the idea of a cougar tribe, never wanting to force a decision on any new females.

Tadewi seems to take note of that little bit of smugness on the other little cougar's face. Something stirs within her and she slowly leans forward, raising her right paw curiously and trying to bat at the other young cougar's whiskers. Perhaps she sensed another potential playmate, or that there no longer was a threat of danger in the air. Yet, however odd the action may appear, this may just be the bit of movement to finally relax the tension and curiosity between the two youngters.

Ama blinks, slightly suprised that the cub answered on her own. Her ears twitch slightly as she looks from cub to matron, then blinks slowly before she notes the the actions of what seems to be the other's child. A movement enough that almost calms Ama's nerves, at least a little. Her eyes lift once more to the matron. "I am... interested in your... clan?" she isn't really sure what word they use... or was it pack? No, wolves moved in packs! Not cougars! "...I would be allowed to leave, if I wanted, wouldn't I?" she asks, a little hesitantly.

When she feels her whiskers become whipped downwards by the other cub, Shasta twists her neck to face Tadewi, paw raised for a strike, in case the other had only missed a real attack to Shasta's face. When she looks into the other female cub's face, though, all hesitance melts away into pure interest. Her raised paw reaches out to bat Tadewi in reply.

Glancing up quickly at the matron when she's addressed, Shasta replies more boldly, "I only 'member a momma, but I dunno wot happened ta her. She just didn't come home one night, and I left my home alone a few days after she never came back. It was scary without her there." The cub seems rather expressionless as she speaks, apparently accustomed to the thought now.

"Tribe," Paoro gently corrects the other female, a slight smile on her maw. "And yes. You would wear a red marking on your fur to denote you as a member, but dye, and tribal ties, can be washed away if so desired." She bows her head slightly. "Welcome to the Amaranth, sister Ama. I am Matron Paoro, and my mate is Chieftain Ahiga." Returning her focus to the young cub as she speaks, Paoro's maw twitches downwards in a frown. "Oh, you poor thing. Would you like to have a red marking, too? You'd get to play with Tadewi and her siblings whenever you wanted," the tribe mother suggests, perfectly willing to take the young girl in under her wing.

Tadewi perses her muzzle and flinches a little bit when the other cub rears her paw up to strike her back. Though once the cub realizes she was only playing, Tadewi relaxes her expression some more and lets out a playfull squeal. Her tail swishes along behind her and her eyes widen brightly when her mother mentions the prospect of this lost youngster joining their tribe. Yet, she doesn't say anything for now, only making little chirping and squealing noises every now and then in her playing.

Maybe she doesn't quite look it, but Ama is quite interested in what the small cub she'd first met had to say... and what she hears saddens her. It shows in her eyes, even if only for a few moments. Ama didn't know what it was like not to have a mother; she had her's all her life! ...up until she left, about a year and half ago. Attention returns to the matron. Ama's demeanor has changed a good deal; true, she's not completely relaxed, but her hackles had long since rested themselves against her spine, and her tail doesn't twitch quite as much. But an ear is always twisted in Bodhi's direction. She doesn't trust wolves. Slowly, she nods. "I understand," she says softly. If she has the freedom the leave if she doesn't like it, then... she's sure she can handle it. And then her gaze follows the matron, Paoro's, stare down to the cub. Poor thing. Ama thinks that it would be good to have the little cub here, too. But any pity Ama feels is replaced with a small smile as she watches the cubs begin to play... Now she turns her gaze to Bodhi. What is the tribe's relationship with them?

At Paoro's words, Shasta's eyes revert from the other cub to look at her curiously. Be...in their tribe? The whole idea doesn't fully sink into the younger's mind, but the single thought of becoming part of a family is what really hits her...hard. She tilts her head, almost struggling to understand...nodding slowly, the cub answers the matron, "Would...that be okay? I'd love ta have a new family..."

"Very well," Paoro replies, speaking to both cougars. "Seek out Shamaness Donoma or her squirrel familiar, Chaeda. They can mark both of you as new sisters in our tribe," Paoro replies with a maternal smile.

A look of happiness graces Tadewi's face as both cougars seem to share an interest in joining the tribe. More playmates for her! She gives the young cougar's nose another little bat before she lets out a wide yawn. All this excitement was wearing her out. Shaking off some, she turns and nuzzles against her mother's leg, finally going to head back to her resting spot in the foothills.

Though outwardly, she doesn't seem to change or move much, inwardly she's very uncertain about this move. Would this be for better, or for worse? She glances at Paoro's cub as the little one moves away. She glances at the first cub she'd met, then back to Paoro. "I will look for her." A pause. "Thank you." Is this a chance at a new life, or would she be ruining what has already? True, her days were more or less endless wandering. She never really had a place to settle. But... she supposes that can change. Glancing at those surrounding her again, she takes a small step back. She should be going, soon. This meeting is all well and good, but... it's almost too much. Too much information, too many around her, just... too much.

Shasta's eyes follow her new playmate as she pads away, somewhat disappointed that she had decided to leave. This emotion is quickly swept away as she turns back around to direct her attention to the adults, trying to remember to seek out that shaman cougar soon. Hopefully she'll remember that. "T'ank yew, ma'am." the cub bobs her head as respectfully as she can at the matron.

Now that things have been sorted out for the most part, Paoro feels just as mentally exhausted as Ama. Confrontation wears her out. The matron nods back at the juvenile, smiling at her before settling down on her side, closing her eyes halfway to rest for a bit.

Tadewi has left.

Ama allows a small smile to appear on her maw. It is time she went. Besides, this is a bit too much, anyway. So, she takes another step back, and as Paoro rests on her side, Ama begins to turn away. But she stops before she turns too much, and looks back at the matron and the remaining cub. She looks at each, considering for a moment. "I will seek out the Shamaness. Farewell," she says, dipping her head respectfully. "...and, you..." she addresses Shasta -- again, she still doesn't know the name -- "...if you wish, you may come with me, as we look for her." she looks curiously at the cub, then moves, prepared to leave. If the cub came, then Ama would look after her. If not...? Well, then it'd be like it usually was for her.

The cub glances up in Ama's direction, and nods to her. "I'll come wit yew." Shasta scampers after Ama, hardly like she usually treads, but being so unnerved today has set her rather irregular. She chases after the adult cougar, craning her neck around slightly to look at the wolf...and twitches her head to the side in a farewell gesture. Then she continues following Ama, rather awkwardly.

[ama]

Characters Involved: Ama (Adult Cougress), Shasta (Juvenile Cougress), Bodhi (Adult Wolf, Lazuli)

Location: Rolling Foothills, Morning

Other: Ama and Shasta search for Donoma. They don't find her, but they do meet the wolf, Bodhi, once again.

Rolling Foothills
================================================================================
Down from the mountains, the ground here gradually smooths out from the steeper inclines to the south. Rather than rocky slopes, the land ripples northward in a series of gently rolling windswept hills. To the north and east, the terrain flattens out; grassy to the north, scrubland to the east. Sparse grasses and scrub brush grow here, along with the occasional stunted tree, the ground closest to the mountains strewn with stray rock and gravel, while to the north, the grasses grow tall and thick.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Steppe [North] to the Lowlands
[Northeast] to the Plains [South] to the Gradient
================================================================================
[IC] Ama
[ZZZ] Tadewi
[ZZZ] Donoma
[ZZZ] Alawa
Bodhi has arrived.
Shasta has arrived.

The sun's rise isn't unusual this morning. Rays, already bright and warm, peak over the tops of the mountains. Ama, having moved to the foothills the past evening after an interesting encounter with a few others, now rests on her side under the shade of a small tree. The adult cougaress's tail twitches every now and again as she looks around herself, thinking back on the previous night. She needed to find ... Donoma, was it? To get some sort of marking. Shaking herself silently out of her thoughts, the feline lifts a large forepaw and begins to lick it quickly before rubbing it over her face. A nap might be nice right now. But she decides against it. Sighing softly, the Ama pulls herself up, onto her haunches. Where did that cub go to? The one from the night before?

Almost by magic, the cub appears nearby out from a bush, purring quietly. Shasta's ears twitch around excitedly as her round head pops out first from the foliage, followed by the rest of her spotted body coming smoothly out to approach Ama. Shasta grins at the adult cougar as she makes her way awkwardly over to Ama, tail swishing back and forth casually. When she comes nearer, the cub murrs, "'ello Ama! We're a family now, aren't we?" The female cub laughes happily, pawing at Ama's tail as it twitches around, hardly giving thought as to whether the older feline would appreciate it.

Even as she wonders, she hears the faint rustle of movement in the leaves of a nearby bush. Ama's head whips around, her yellow-green eyes seeking the sound's maker. This, she discovers, to be the very cub she was wondering about only a few moments ago! She can't help the smile that begins to form on her maw... cubs are cute. She has to admit that much to herself. She didn't mind cubs. She just didn't have any of her own... so she didn't really have the experience needed to properly care for them. Then again, she still has maternal instincts. Those are helpful. A soft purr starts in Ama's chest in reply to the cub's own. "Hello," ... she still doesn't know the name, she realizes. It's time to right that. "Well, yes. I suppose it would, wouldn't it? But first, I think that I should know your name, too!" she replies kindly, her eyes sparkling. One ear flicks slightly in mild irritation as a paw meets her tail... but otherwise, she remains still, eyes following the cub.

The ear twitch of the large cougar is noticed by Shasta's keen eyes...it was just what she was looking for in consequence of her play. The cub refrains from her batting at Ama's tail and tramps over around the body to the Ama's front to look into her face, looking slightly regretful. The expression soon changes at the prompt of her name, and the cub brings out a cheerful smile as she replies, "I'm Shasta. Oh yeah, I forgot ta tell ya dat yesserday, huh?" The creatures from the other day filled her mind, particularly the wolf. Where did he go, anyways?...

Bodhi pads aimlessly thrue the area as he 'sings' quietly to himself, his eyes roving here and there as he smirks slightly. his movements might seem somewhat unusuall tho as he at times moves to the tune he 'sings'

Thankfully, the batting soon stops. Inwardly, Ama is relieved. As the cub pads around to stand in front of the adult, Ama notices the expression. She smiles reassuringly -- or at least tries to -- before wrapping her long tail around her paws. The tip, however, seems to have a mind of its own, and continues to twitch slightly. Ah! So her name is Shasta? "Yes, you did," replies Ama with a grin that reveals her pointed teeth. "I can see why, though. There were rather a lot of animals around yesterday, weren't there?" her grin becomes a small smile as she recalls once more the events of yesterday. She moves her mouth to continue, when a voice alerts her to another presence. A scent -- familiar -- floods her nostrils as she stands slowly, her eyes searching and ears perked to listen. Then, in the distance, she recognizes a figure: the wolf from yesterday! What was his name, again? Bordi? Bondi? Whatever. She isn't too concerned. Though Ama /does/ recall the matron saying something about him /leaving/ the territory. How far away did he have to be, then? Ama is as yet uncertain to the exact boundaries; she's sure the borders are very near to this place, if she hasn't passed them already. Casting a glance at the cub, as if to say, "Come if you want to," she moves forward silently. ...is he on his way home...?

Shasta tilts her head with a puzzled expression on her young face, before the smell of Bodhi comes wafting through to her. The cub's ears shoot upright, and as Ama stands up on her footpaws, Shasta catches her look and bobs her head with enthusiasm, trying to convey her excitement to come and meet the wolf again. In truth, the cub is still rather unnerved around the canine, though she pads after Ama eagerly, as she feels safer around one of her own.

Bodhi his gaze quickly shifting toward the sound of the approaching pawsteps once he hears them and dips his head to Ama and Shasta respectfully even from the distance, his song now being somewhat audible "Shes a mouthful of anything and everything a male could want, She aint typical, shes unpredictable, shes available, its a miracle" his voice dying off tho as they start to get closer and he lays down properly to watch them

As she draws nearer, Ama begins to make out the words to... whatever it is he's singing. Nothing she recognizes. When she realizes that she's been seen -- she wasn't being /the/ most quiet, after all -- she pauses momentarily and takes note of the nod; a respectful greeting. Ama's tail flickers. She's still not fond of wolves... but thinking back on her behavior last evening, she almost feels bad. But then again, she /was/ under a lot of stress at that moment. He had startled her a little, too. But this time... well, she decides she might at least /try/ to be friendly. Or something. Glancing at Shasta -- who's decided to follow after all -- Ama allows a brief smile to appear once more before she pads forward, towards the wolf. As they draw nearer, the wolf settles down. Ama, too, decides to seat herself on her haunches once she is within comfortable speaking distance. Enough, at least, that she feels comfortable to actually sit, too. "Good morning," she greets the wolf in a soft, neutral voice. Her eyes watch him with mild suspicion, but are no where near as threatening as they had been the previous night. What /is/ his name? Bordi? ...no, no! That's not it! Oh. Wait. "I'm a little suprised you're still so near... Bodhi, is it?" Once she's spoken, she realizes she sounds a little... cold. She didn't mean to! Cringing slightly at her own tone, she tries to smile a little, tries to make herself seem a little less aggressive and a little more... well, not welcoming. But not mean.

Shasta strides after Ama purposefully, watching her own paws tread one after another along the ground, step...step...step...suddenly the cub stops and shrinks to the ground at Ama's tone. Even though she hardly remembers her own mother, the sound of threatening punishment looming in her voice is unmistakably close to how her own mother sounded when she did something wrong. Her ears flat against her skull, the cub crept slightly aways from the older female.

Bodhi dips his head while keeping his soft smile "Bodhi is correct, and yours were Ama if my memory is correct?" his attention then shifting toward Shasta and muurs softly and soothingly "I don't believe i heard your name last night tho"

Ama blinks slowly. As far as she can see, he seems like a fairly patient wolf. This is probably for the better; Ama can be less than fair to the canine kind. It comes from being natural enemies, I suppose. But then again, one could always try to beat that nature. Ama knew such friendships between wolves and cougars were possible, though rare. Of course, she highly doubted she would even be the cougar that truly "befriended" a wolf. Nodding in reply, and trying to keep a small, albeit slightly forced, smile, she speaks, "Yes." Now she looks again at Shasta. Perhaps the cub would introduce herself? Ama suspects she will... but she could speak up, just in case. She flicks her ears, though, when she notes the cub's posture. Perhaps Ama had been too cold? She smiles kindly, trying to reassure the cub. Then her gaze returns to the wolf. "Did you rest here?" she inquires softly, her gaze less piercing and suspicious than curious. Perhaps that is why he is still so near the territory?

"I'm Shasta." The cub laughes smoothly at Bodhi's request, after having /just/ told the same to Ama. Her tail swishes faster, and she takes a step closer to the wolf, braver with her cougar companion there nearby, and curious to smell the strange animal's musk...grow more familar with the scent. One more species to be able to recognize.

Bodhi smiles warmly at Shasta and dips his head "an pleasure to meet you Shasta" head then looking over at Ama "and you Ama" brows furrowing slightly "did i sleep here, no, still exploring as the matron said i should leave once my curiosity was satisfied" lips twisting into a humored grin "so i plan to satisfy it fully"

Though Bodhi's answer /is/ satisfying, Ama's not sure what to make of it. Shouldn't he have an escourt, or something? She's not sure she can call meeting him a pleasure, either. Nonetheless, she attempts a smile and dips her head. "I see," she says finally. In her eyes, there's a clear enough message: don't do anything stupid. She may not have known anyone else in the territory beyond the matron and her cub, but she's sure that they wouldn't appreciate the wolf hanging around too much longer... regardless of what the matron had said. "Very well, then." This said, she watches Shasta closely as the cub approaches the wolf. Then her eyes lift, studying the wolf carefully for a reaction. He might be trustworthy. Then again, maybe not.

Shasta pads slowly closer to Bodhi, curious as to what his reaction would be. So far nothing...so she makes her way closer still. Tail going so fast it's making her flanks follow the sweeping motion, Shasta nears the potentially dangerous wolf, oblivious to the threat he could pose. Now the cub stops, crouching down slightly to the ground, and watches Bodhi with one-minded attention. It's unclear what is going through the young brain, but she appears rather...trusting?

Bodhi chucklemurrs softly at shasta's behavior as his own tail starts to sway slowly as he watches her humoredly, head tilting slightly to the side
As Shasta gets closer, rather than scold the cub and call Shasta back, Ama's remains silent. However, her eyes narrow and look at the wolf dangerously: one wrong move and she wouldn't hesitate to defend the innocent one. But as she realizes he isn't becoming threatening, but instead seemingly more amused, her gaze lets up, and she allows herself to watch. This she allows for several seconds before her desire to interefere is simply too strong to deny. Her tail lashes once, twice, and then she speaks, her voice soft as usual, "Well, Bodhi," she begins, "Shasta and I must find the shamaness so that we are marked as part of the tribe... and you... we should let you 'satisfy your curiousity' before you get into trouble."

The cub looks up into Bodhi's face fully, tilting her head along with his without realizing it. Finally she topples over onto her side, and scrambles up again with a sneeze and a slightly awkward dash back to Ama. She rushes behind her to stretch out her neck to glance back out at the wolf, blinking her wide eyes at him.

Bodhi laughs softly and dips his head to Ama "correct you are, it might be wise of both of you to get your markings so others don't mistake you as strangers, and i likely should be on my way aswell, i was hoping to see the matron again tho before leaving"

Note: Shasta had to leave abruptly at this point in the RP.

Ama slowly nods her head. Maybe Bodhi isn't all that bad. Maybe her predjudice against wolves is uncalled for? ...no. She has every reason to dislike their kind. Maybe sometime, someday, there would be an exception. Maybe for Bodhi. But not quite, and not today. As Shasta goes, Ama relaxes slightly. She is more worried about the cub than anything. Even if the cub didn't belong to her, or anyone within the tribe, she fears for Shasta's safety, and the consequences, should she fail to protect the cub. "Exactly," she agrees with a smile that's a little more genuine. "I can carry a message to the matron for you, if you wish," she offers. That might be a bad idea. But she offers anyway. At the same time, she begins to turn, perparing to make her leave.

Bodhi chuckles softly tho sounding gratefull once he speaks "while the offer is generous and welcome, i don't think you would want to travel to the forest to give me the reply" head dipping slightly "my question incase you were curious was if there was a way for me to wander here more or less freely, or to prove myself somehow"

Ama nods very slowly, considering. She could deliver the question, and the reply... or she could not do so, and seek out the shamaness. However, after thinking it over for a moment, she slowly shakes her head. "In fact, I do not mind travelling. However, considering the nature of your question, it would be best to take it directly to the matron," there she pauses, considering her words and what she could do. For all her dislike of wolves, she is perfectly capable of doing (sometimes suprisingly) good deeds for them... and other species, alike. Must be some sort of underlying tenderness in the cougar's heart. "I will mention that you would like to speak with her more... should I happen to see her." And that's all she can do. It is time to go. "Farewell, Bodhi. Travel well." With that, she turns away and begins to make her leave after waiting for his answer.

Bodhi merely dips his head at her answer "Thank you Ama, and safe wandering"