Post by Therdde on Dec 21, 2008 0:31:24 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Sketch - Female Dog
Vincent - Male Dog
- Sloping Gradient -
Though they have been allowed nearly free range within Amaranth for several days now, Skelaghe seemed to prefer the area around the cave. It is this area to which she returns after her hunting trip that, while producing no food, was more productive than any hunting trip she has ever taken. It is getting late in the day, and her pace is hurried, especially as her keen ears pick up a strange sound coming from further up the mountain. She doesn't want to make Helaku wait for too long... And that sound is certainly unpleasant. In fact, it has convinced her that, just maybe, Helaku was right. Unless any cougars are in the area when Skelaghe finds Sketch and Vincent... Perhaps they should not search out someone to say their goodbyes.
Freedom has never been so much appreciated and enjoyed as the past few days have been. As much as she thought she'd never be able to overcome her fears of the cougar species, Sketch has slowly begun to develop a fascination with their feline hosts. Not that she would ever tell them, but she's asked more than just a small amount of curious questions to them.. mostly /about/ them, and while she's quite positive that she'd rather be an Alsatian than a cougar, her earlier misgivings about them are slowly ebbing away. Would she prefer to stay here instead of moving in with a wolfpack? That might be, perhaps surprisingly, a tougher decision than one might think. Even now, she's only somewhat pondering on the loud noise that had echoed through the area. Her mind had been and still is thinking about cougars.
Thankfully, it does not take Skelaghe long to locate Sketch, and she doubts Vincent could be far away from the female dog. Which leaves only one more challenge. Presenting this new plan to her companion. Surely Vincent will go along with whatever Sketch will do, but if Sketch is hesitant... "Good evening, Sketch." No reason to skip the pleasantries. To reason to try to convince them that they should start moving /before/ she explains. It is not, after all, /that/ pressing, but she definitely will not be putting it off.
"Can you imagine what it would be like to be able to climb a tree? Or just to be able to jump up into the branches?" Sketch just shakes her head in amazement, not even realizing how odd her response must sound. Of course, Skel is no doubt used to her more-or-less random questions, so she'll probably just take it in stride. As to the matter of Vincent's location, she hasn't seen the male all day; unusual for the pair, yes, but not impossible. He doesn't consider himself bound to her side, though they /do/ enjoy spending time with each other.
"Perhaps someday, we will find a tree with sturdy branches that are low enough, and you can try it." Skelaghe's meeting with Helaku has renewed several memories from her former life, and she can remember one bright young wolf who was forever trying to convince her to follow him up a tree that had branches spaced perfectly for jumping onto. She, however, would prefer to keep most of her paws on the ground. "I have a proposition for you and Vincent, Sketch." This is far different than anything Skelaghe has done since meeting Sketch, and she simply cannot say, 'Hey there. Helaku is your new alpha. Let's go.'
Sketch is silent for a moment, looking at the wolf with an incredulous expression. She almost sounds like it's possible, what with these low branches and all. And Skel isn't exactly the type to joke around or tease often, so.. maybe she really means it. Regardless, it's a topic for another day. "A proposition?" the canine echoes, tilting her head slightly as her tail gives a single thump against the ground.
"You remember how we spoke about Bodhi, and the many reasons that he is not my mate?" It seems the easiest way to jump into this conversation. Skelaghe finally sits down, not far from the dog. Though she did not do any actual hunting, the trip to where she met Helaku and the rushed journey back here was somewhat tiring. She imagines she will want a nap before she returns to Helaku, since she has only recently /really/ recovered from the trip to the mountain.
Sketch nods quickly, eager to hear what this.. wait, it's a proposition? She was hoping to hear that perhaps Skel had changed her mind and decided to accept Bodhi as her mate. That certainly would have been an interesting twist in their lives. Skel giving birth to wolfpups... that would be so wonderful! "I remember," she says, as if her nod wasn't enough. "Did you change your mind?" She doesn't try to disguise the hopeful note in her voice.
"I have not changed my mind." Bodhi is no more a potential mate for her today than he was just a week ago... But that isn't really what this is about. "But while I was out hunting, I ran into a former packmate of mine... And I want to join him, most likely as his mate." Helaku was certainly pressing for that, and while it will not mean any cubs for nearly a year, there is more to matehood than cubs.
For once, Sketch seems shocked into silence. Very much shocked. Her jaw drops slightly, and suddenly, though she doesn't voice them just yet, her mind is filled with lots of questions. Skel wants to rejoin her old pack? She hasn't talked a whole lot about it, and Sketch is now eager to learn more about it, understandably so. But what about her? And Vincent? She's seen how wolfpacks treat canines, and she doesn't know how this male friend of Skelaghe would take Sketch's life-debt to his mate. Would Vincent even want to stay with them if it meant the company of more wolves? This potential mate of Skelaghe's might understand Sketch's wanting to stay, but what about Vincent? He's not officially her mate, so what kind of ties would be required?
If Skelaghe knew that Sketch was thinking they'd be rejoining her former pack, instead of basically starting a family together, she'd be quick to reassure the dog. As it is, she can only say, "I told him that the only way I could be with him is if he accepted by companionship with you and Vincent, and he agreed. He is Ute, as I am. He does not have the prejudices against dogs that the wolves of these parts do."
Okay, so at least they'll have two wolves in this pack who don't mind the canines' presence. That's mildly reassuring, but Sketch still looks a little uneasy. "I don't know if Vincent will want to, but you know that I'll come with you wherever you go." She really means that, too, even if it means living with wolves that despise her, hate her, and whatever other reactions she might get.
Yes. If Skelaghe asked it, Sketch would probably follow her right back to where they last saw the violent cougars. Skelaghe wants her to make this decision knowing all of the facts, though. "If we do this... If you come with me... You will need to know that Helaku's decisions are final. He has seen hard times since coming here, and while I am sure he can still be compassionate, he can also be more snarly than he used to be." That, perhaps, is something of an understatement.
Sketch is quick to nod, and it's a firm nod at that. "I understand. Just.." She sighs, not really sure how to say this. "What if he tries to dismiss my life-debt to you?" The canine grimaces, holding the wolf's gaze despite her strong desire to look away. "I.. cannot accept that." Even if he does get.. snarly. Sketch doesn't want to be put in the awkward position between the two of them, especially if Skel is on her side as far as this issue is concerned. But what if she's not?
Skelaghe may never be able to convince Sketch that she owes Skelaghe nothing. She does not try now, anyway. Rather, she says, "Whether he understand how you feel or not, he will not try to make you leave. I was very specific about that when I spoke to him, Sketch." If Helaku had tried to make her choose between him and Sketch, her choice would have been Sketch... Just like it would be Helaku is Sketch ever tried to make her choose. She does not want to makes this about sides, about any separation between her dog and wolf companions, but if anyone tries to make her do so, she will choose the one that understands her better, that did not place that burden on her.
Vincent's quietly observing from the background. This drama... well, it doesn't concern him directly. What precisely could his input serve? To what greater purpose? Honestly, at this stage, there is none. But he is happy to follow the two where they go, for now- for companionship, to be with Sketch, and for protection for himself and them both. Besides all of that... it's interesting. And interesting, at least, usually holds his attention for longer than most things.
It's not so much about him trying to make her leave. Sketch is quite sure that this male wolf could keep her separated from Skelaghe even without forcing her to physically stay away. Wolves are plenty smart, as she's learned through her time spent with Skel. "As long as you understand, I guess.." Understand enough to not try and dismiss it as needless and pointless and trivial.
Skelaghe has not noticed Vincent. Rather, she has been focused on Sketch. At Sketch's acceptance, though, Skelaghe smiles. This really is for the best. When she ran into Helaku before, well over a year ago, she had hoped that she could maintain a relationship with her former packmate. Now, she knows why it couldn't have worked out. She would have rejected any potential mate back then, and whether she admitted it to herself or not, that was what Helaku wanted. Now, things are different, and she is glad that no barriers seem to be presenting themselves. "Do you know where Vincent is? We ought to go as soon as possible." Nothing has happened since that final, loud crack, but she hasn't forgotten it.
Vincent grins just to himself, giving a polite cough. "Here," he says with a grin, tail swishing. "Sorry. I didn't mean to evesdrop. Just, well, fading into the background as usual!" He smiles at the pair, stretching a little. "Time for another walk, hey? Great." He gives a playful wink. "Just what I always wanted. More exercise."
"Vincent is... oh," Sketch trails off as she hears the male's voice. So he really /was/ here after all. She looks a bit sheepish, but keeps her head turned toward the wolf so Vincent can't see her slight blush. "We're just going to leave, though? What about the cougars?" She supposes she could be talking about either the Amaranth leaders who graciously let them stay here, or the two cougars who were hunting them down. It'd be nice to know if they're still waiting out there before the three of them just walk out of their safe haven.
Skelaghe has not forgotten about the two that chased them here, either. But she did not run into them on the way between here and Helaku. If they were followed, the cougars will have to make their way through Amaranth, and Skelaghe doubts they will find any welcome in Amaranth. They should be safe,a t least for a while. Long enough for Helaku and her to formulate a plan, regardless. So, she addresses the thought of not saying farewell to their temporary hosts. After glancing briefly as Vincent, she turns her gaze back to Sketch. "I wish we had more time, that we could seek them out at our leisure to say goodbye, but there is some need for haste." If only because Helaku is concerned about them taking too long.
Vincent's glance lingers on Sketch, of course, giving her a broad smile. He nods at Skelaghe as she mentions haste- can't say he disagrees there. The male pads closer, stepping up to Sketch, leaning his flank against hers just a little. "Well, no time like the present then- might as well head out. Unless there's anything we need to do before we go?"
Sketch would really like to thank their hosts before they just leave, especially after what she did to earn them their place of confinement there in the cramped cave. But if Skel says that they need to go, and that haste is important, then.. well.. she understands. It's Skel who knows what they need to do, and it's Skel that she's following. After a brief hesitation, she quickly gets to her feet, leaning back into Vincent. "I'm ready."
Skelaghe will, at the very least, send a messenger back here at some point to express their thanks, and apologize for their sudden departure. Better would be to visit herself, sometime soon, but that may not be possible. For now, she simply nods and says, "Don't worry. This journey will be shorter than the last, and more relaxed." At least, it will be if Helaku's den really was near where she met him. There is a chance it could be far from where they met, but she'll hope not. After speaking, Skelaghe turns to, once more, head toward Amaranth's nearest border.
Vincent turns his head and gives Sketch a fond lick, before falling into step behind Skelaghe, moving alongside Sketch as he begins to walk again. "Do you think it's a great distance away?" he asks, "Where we're going, I mean- that place. Probably all day, maybe tomorrow? I dunno. Just... uh, guessing really." His tail flicks slowly behind him as he walks.
Sketch remains silent now, content to walk, to listen, and to just be with her two best friends. With a pang, she realizes that she hasn't even thought of Jolon much in the recent past, and wonders how he's been doing. And Jage, though Sketch still feels a bit of resentment toward the other female canine for what she tried to do to her. But what of Jolon? The thought of him being attacked by the cougars is enough to make her feel somewhat sickened, so she can't help but hope that he's still doing okay.
Skelaghe grins slightly at the rambling she has gotten used to from Vincent. With Sketch's silence, she speaks very shortly after Vincent finishes. "We should be there shortly after sundown." Provided, of course, that they keep a decent pace and that they do not have to lie down to rest. Regardless, the will certainly be there by tomorrow morning, which is when Skelaghe promised Helaku she would be back by.
Vincent does ramble with somewhat-alarming frequency, but he means well. "Sundown, hey." That news seems to raise his spirits somewhat- he even smiles a bit. He turns to Sketch. "Sundown," he repeats, somewhat uselessly, as though she couldn't hear. Well, he is big and dumb. "That's good. Not too long, not too short..."
Sketch doesn't nod, but she does at least look a little relieved. A good deal of traveling means they'll be that much farther away from the cougars. But will they always be safe? That's the question that really hasn't been satisfactorily answered for her, and she's not sure if it even /can/ be. Until they know exactly why those cougars were hunting them to such an extent, they may never know how to be safe from them.
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Sketch - Female Dog
Vincent - Male Dog
- Sloping Gradient -
Though they have been allowed nearly free range within Amaranth for several days now, Skelaghe seemed to prefer the area around the cave. It is this area to which she returns after her hunting trip that, while producing no food, was more productive than any hunting trip she has ever taken. It is getting late in the day, and her pace is hurried, especially as her keen ears pick up a strange sound coming from further up the mountain. She doesn't want to make Helaku wait for too long... And that sound is certainly unpleasant. In fact, it has convinced her that, just maybe, Helaku was right. Unless any cougars are in the area when Skelaghe finds Sketch and Vincent... Perhaps they should not search out someone to say their goodbyes.
Freedom has never been so much appreciated and enjoyed as the past few days have been. As much as she thought she'd never be able to overcome her fears of the cougar species, Sketch has slowly begun to develop a fascination with their feline hosts. Not that she would ever tell them, but she's asked more than just a small amount of curious questions to them.. mostly /about/ them, and while she's quite positive that she'd rather be an Alsatian than a cougar, her earlier misgivings about them are slowly ebbing away. Would she prefer to stay here instead of moving in with a wolfpack? That might be, perhaps surprisingly, a tougher decision than one might think. Even now, she's only somewhat pondering on the loud noise that had echoed through the area. Her mind had been and still is thinking about cougars.
Thankfully, it does not take Skelaghe long to locate Sketch, and she doubts Vincent could be far away from the female dog. Which leaves only one more challenge. Presenting this new plan to her companion. Surely Vincent will go along with whatever Sketch will do, but if Sketch is hesitant... "Good evening, Sketch." No reason to skip the pleasantries. To reason to try to convince them that they should start moving /before/ she explains. It is not, after all, /that/ pressing, but she definitely will not be putting it off.
"Can you imagine what it would be like to be able to climb a tree? Or just to be able to jump up into the branches?" Sketch just shakes her head in amazement, not even realizing how odd her response must sound. Of course, Skel is no doubt used to her more-or-less random questions, so she'll probably just take it in stride. As to the matter of Vincent's location, she hasn't seen the male all day; unusual for the pair, yes, but not impossible. He doesn't consider himself bound to her side, though they /do/ enjoy spending time with each other.
"Perhaps someday, we will find a tree with sturdy branches that are low enough, and you can try it." Skelaghe's meeting with Helaku has renewed several memories from her former life, and she can remember one bright young wolf who was forever trying to convince her to follow him up a tree that had branches spaced perfectly for jumping onto. She, however, would prefer to keep most of her paws on the ground. "I have a proposition for you and Vincent, Sketch." This is far different than anything Skelaghe has done since meeting Sketch, and she simply cannot say, 'Hey there. Helaku is your new alpha. Let's go.'
Sketch is silent for a moment, looking at the wolf with an incredulous expression. She almost sounds like it's possible, what with these low branches and all. And Skel isn't exactly the type to joke around or tease often, so.. maybe she really means it. Regardless, it's a topic for another day. "A proposition?" the canine echoes, tilting her head slightly as her tail gives a single thump against the ground.
"You remember how we spoke about Bodhi, and the many reasons that he is not my mate?" It seems the easiest way to jump into this conversation. Skelaghe finally sits down, not far from the dog. Though she did not do any actual hunting, the trip to where she met Helaku and the rushed journey back here was somewhat tiring. She imagines she will want a nap before she returns to Helaku, since she has only recently /really/ recovered from the trip to the mountain.
Sketch nods quickly, eager to hear what this.. wait, it's a proposition? She was hoping to hear that perhaps Skel had changed her mind and decided to accept Bodhi as her mate. That certainly would have been an interesting twist in their lives. Skel giving birth to wolfpups... that would be so wonderful! "I remember," she says, as if her nod wasn't enough. "Did you change your mind?" She doesn't try to disguise the hopeful note in her voice.
"I have not changed my mind." Bodhi is no more a potential mate for her today than he was just a week ago... But that isn't really what this is about. "But while I was out hunting, I ran into a former packmate of mine... And I want to join him, most likely as his mate." Helaku was certainly pressing for that, and while it will not mean any cubs for nearly a year, there is more to matehood than cubs.
For once, Sketch seems shocked into silence. Very much shocked. Her jaw drops slightly, and suddenly, though she doesn't voice them just yet, her mind is filled with lots of questions. Skel wants to rejoin her old pack? She hasn't talked a whole lot about it, and Sketch is now eager to learn more about it, understandably so. But what about her? And Vincent? She's seen how wolfpacks treat canines, and she doesn't know how this male friend of Skelaghe would take Sketch's life-debt to his mate. Would Vincent even want to stay with them if it meant the company of more wolves? This potential mate of Skelaghe's might understand Sketch's wanting to stay, but what about Vincent? He's not officially her mate, so what kind of ties would be required?
If Skelaghe knew that Sketch was thinking they'd be rejoining her former pack, instead of basically starting a family together, she'd be quick to reassure the dog. As it is, she can only say, "I told him that the only way I could be with him is if he accepted by companionship with you and Vincent, and he agreed. He is Ute, as I am. He does not have the prejudices against dogs that the wolves of these parts do."
Okay, so at least they'll have two wolves in this pack who don't mind the canines' presence. That's mildly reassuring, but Sketch still looks a little uneasy. "I don't know if Vincent will want to, but you know that I'll come with you wherever you go." She really means that, too, even if it means living with wolves that despise her, hate her, and whatever other reactions she might get.
Yes. If Skelaghe asked it, Sketch would probably follow her right back to where they last saw the violent cougars. Skelaghe wants her to make this decision knowing all of the facts, though. "If we do this... If you come with me... You will need to know that Helaku's decisions are final. He has seen hard times since coming here, and while I am sure he can still be compassionate, he can also be more snarly than he used to be." That, perhaps, is something of an understatement.
Sketch is quick to nod, and it's a firm nod at that. "I understand. Just.." She sighs, not really sure how to say this. "What if he tries to dismiss my life-debt to you?" The canine grimaces, holding the wolf's gaze despite her strong desire to look away. "I.. cannot accept that." Even if he does get.. snarly. Sketch doesn't want to be put in the awkward position between the two of them, especially if Skel is on her side as far as this issue is concerned. But what if she's not?
Skelaghe may never be able to convince Sketch that she owes Skelaghe nothing. She does not try now, anyway. Rather, she says, "Whether he understand how you feel or not, he will not try to make you leave. I was very specific about that when I spoke to him, Sketch." If Helaku had tried to make her choose between him and Sketch, her choice would have been Sketch... Just like it would be Helaku is Sketch ever tried to make her choose. She does not want to makes this about sides, about any separation between her dog and wolf companions, but if anyone tries to make her do so, she will choose the one that understands her better, that did not place that burden on her.
Vincent's quietly observing from the background. This drama... well, it doesn't concern him directly. What precisely could his input serve? To what greater purpose? Honestly, at this stage, there is none. But he is happy to follow the two where they go, for now- for companionship, to be with Sketch, and for protection for himself and them both. Besides all of that... it's interesting. And interesting, at least, usually holds his attention for longer than most things.
It's not so much about him trying to make her leave. Sketch is quite sure that this male wolf could keep her separated from Skelaghe even without forcing her to physically stay away. Wolves are plenty smart, as she's learned through her time spent with Skel. "As long as you understand, I guess.." Understand enough to not try and dismiss it as needless and pointless and trivial.
Skelaghe has not noticed Vincent. Rather, she has been focused on Sketch. At Sketch's acceptance, though, Skelaghe smiles. This really is for the best. When she ran into Helaku before, well over a year ago, she had hoped that she could maintain a relationship with her former packmate. Now, she knows why it couldn't have worked out. She would have rejected any potential mate back then, and whether she admitted it to herself or not, that was what Helaku wanted. Now, things are different, and she is glad that no barriers seem to be presenting themselves. "Do you know where Vincent is? We ought to go as soon as possible." Nothing has happened since that final, loud crack, but she hasn't forgotten it.
Vincent grins just to himself, giving a polite cough. "Here," he says with a grin, tail swishing. "Sorry. I didn't mean to evesdrop. Just, well, fading into the background as usual!" He smiles at the pair, stretching a little. "Time for another walk, hey? Great." He gives a playful wink. "Just what I always wanted. More exercise."
"Vincent is... oh," Sketch trails off as she hears the male's voice. So he really /was/ here after all. She looks a bit sheepish, but keeps her head turned toward the wolf so Vincent can't see her slight blush. "We're just going to leave, though? What about the cougars?" She supposes she could be talking about either the Amaranth leaders who graciously let them stay here, or the two cougars who were hunting them down. It'd be nice to know if they're still waiting out there before the three of them just walk out of their safe haven.
Skelaghe has not forgotten about the two that chased them here, either. But she did not run into them on the way between here and Helaku. If they were followed, the cougars will have to make their way through Amaranth, and Skelaghe doubts they will find any welcome in Amaranth. They should be safe,a t least for a while. Long enough for Helaku and her to formulate a plan, regardless. So, she addresses the thought of not saying farewell to their temporary hosts. After glancing briefly as Vincent, she turns her gaze back to Sketch. "I wish we had more time, that we could seek them out at our leisure to say goodbye, but there is some need for haste." If only because Helaku is concerned about them taking too long.
Vincent's glance lingers on Sketch, of course, giving her a broad smile. He nods at Skelaghe as she mentions haste- can't say he disagrees there. The male pads closer, stepping up to Sketch, leaning his flank against hers just a little. "Well, no time like the present then- might as well head out. Unless there's anything we need to do before we go?"
Sketch would really like to thank their hosts before they just leave, especially after what she did to earn them their place of confinement there in the cramped cave. But if Skel says that they need to go, and that haste is important, then.. well.. she understands. It's Skel who knows what they need to do, and it's Skel that she's following. After a brief hesitation, she quickly gets to her feet, leaning back into Vincent. "I'm ready."
Skelaghe will, at the very least, send a messenger back here at some point to express their thanks, and apologize for their sudden departure. Better would be to visit herself, sometime soon, but that may not be possible. For now, she simply nods and says, "Don't worry. This journey will be shorter than the last, and more relaxed." At least, it will be if Helaku's den really was near where she met him. There is a chance it could be far from where they met, but she'll hope not. After speaking, Skelaghe turns to, once more, head toward Amaranth's nearest border.
Vincent turns his head and gives Sketch a fond lick, before falling into step behind Skelaghe, moving alongside Sketch as he begins to walk again. "Do you think it's a great distance away?" he asks, "Where we're going, I mean- that place. Probably all day, maybe tomorrow? I dunno. Just... uh, guessing really." His tail flicks slowly behind him as he walks.
Sketch remains silent now, content to walk, to listen, and to just be with her two best friends. With a pang, she realizes that she hasn't even thought of Jolon much in the recent past, and wonders how he's been doing. And Jage, though Sketch still feels a bit of resentment toward the other female canine for what she tried to do to her. But what of Jolon? The thought of him being attacked by the cougars is enough to make her feel somewhat sickened, so she can't help but hope that he's still doing okay.
Skelaghe grins slightly at the rambling she has gotten used to from Vincent. With Sketch's silence, she speaks very shortly after Vincent finishes. "We should be there shortly after sundown." Provided, of course, that they keep a decent pace and that they do not have to lie down to rest. Regardless, the will certainly be there by tomorrow morning, which is when Skelaghe promised Helaku she would be back by.
Vincent does ramble with somewhat-alarming frequency, but he means well. "Sundown, hey." That news seems to raise his spirits somewhat- he even smiles a bit. He turns to Sketch. "Sundown," he repeats, somewhat uselessly, as though she couldn't hear. Well, he is big and dumb. "That's good. Not too long, not too short..."
Sketch doesn't nod, but she does at least look a little relieved. A good deal of traveling means they'll be that much farther away from the cougars. But will they always be safe? That's the question that really hasn't been satisfactorily answered for her, and she's not sure if it even /can/ be. Until they know exactly why those cougars were hunting them to such an extent, they may never know how to be safe from them.