Post by Therdde on Apr 25, 2009 10:41:14 GMT -5
In which Helaku and Teketa pretend they're needed to save Skelaghe when, in fact, she has saved both of them from near-starvation at various points.
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Teketa - Male Wolf
Helaku - Male Wolf
- Wind-Blown Lowlands -
It's past midday. Skel might have left, as usual, in the morning, to do her bit of meditation, but this is the first time it has taken her so long. Still, she is at peace when she returns, as she would usually be. Even Sketch's disappearance does not weigh quite as heavily on her mind as it did when she left. As usual, Sketch has simply reached the conscious decision that things will work out. That, and interacting with pups always puts Skel in a good mood. A good enough mood, at least, to counteract any potential unpleasantness caused by her pregnancy.
Since he's found himself among the pack of Skelaghe and her mate, Helaku, Teketa has put on a little more weight before winter's arrival. That's good, but he's still not back to an entirely healthy weight, even for a experienced loner like himself. This morning finds him padding along alone, unassuming, and with slightly furrowed brows. He heard howls in this direction recently, though he didn't come rushing to investigate then. Now he finds Skelaghe, however, and he does have to wonder if there had been visitors. He's been distant again. Keeping himself busy...
Actually, technically, it was Sketch who was the visitor. After all, what happened, happened nearer to Lazuli than to their current territory. Though her pace is slow, Skelaghe is determined to find her mate fairly soon. The first strong scent that reaches her is that of Teketa, though... And with the current small size of their pack, Skelaghe does not see a downside to shifting her path just slightly, to speak to Teketa first.
Teketa lifts his head. He's been padding slowly around the general vicinity - keeping an eye on things if nothing else - at least before he saw Skelaghe. She isn't exactly trying to hide herself, and here in the lowlands... well, he can see her shift direction, and Teketa stops moving for a few seconds before turning to face the she-wolf he calls friend. Their last meeting at length had been interesting. But true to his thoughts, the feeling has faded, at least emotionally. He did mean what he said, however. "My lady," he greets her he draws nearer, lowering his head and tail respectfully. "How does the day greet you?"
If Teketa only had to go by the shewolf's body language, it would still be easy to tell that she is happy. Her mouth is open in a pleasant smile, and her tail wags behind her. "My day is going quite well, Tek. How is yours?" Pleasantries first, and Skelaghe is in no hurry to rush through them. Once they are close enough, by her standards, she stops walking, though she does remain standing. She has spend enough time lying or sitting over the course of the winter, so far. The little bit of activity she has gotten today has felt as good as anything else.
It wouldn't be hard for her to spot Teketa, of course. It's winter. He sticks out like a sore thumb with that dark coat of his... He fails to respond immediately to her own question, shakes himself lightly, then manages to get out a quick, "Fair enough," before he stops moving. Unlike Skelaghe, he does plenty of moving around. He rarely stops anymore, now that he's feeling healthier again. Compared to when he found her, anyway. Still, he doesn't seat himself too quickly in her presence. She's been away - he can smell strangers on her pelt. Teketa's nose twitches faintly. "Have you been away?" And where did you go? He knows she's been gone. Dumb question.
Once upon a time, Skelaghe would have avoided approaching her mate while smelling, however faintly, of another male. Luckily, though, Skelaghe may very well be a tonic for troubled males, and she is no longer concerned about what her mate may do, should he feel his claim to her threatened. Continuing to smile, Skelaghe says, "I have met our neighbours to the south. It would seem that the Lazuli has seen some changes in the time since I last met them. Many of them to the positive." They have a new generation. Their new alpha is friendly enough, even to wolves of other packs. All of this is to the good, as far as Skelaghe sees it.
Teketa nods his dark head slowly. It dawns on him then, why he should have heard those howls some time back. "I am not familiar with the Lazuli," he tells her quietly, his brow furrowing slightly. He avoided packs then. He still would. All but Skelaghe's own little pack left him with a strong desire not to be in the area. Not that he's exactly /comfortable/ here yet, either. Primarily because of the alpha male. But that's because Teketa doesn't know Helaku yet. Hopefully. "It does sound good, then. Our neighbors do not bear us... ill will."
Skelaghe nods her head to confirm that the new leader of Lazuli does not wish them any harm. "It's nearly the opposite, actually. They want friendship." It's rare. Even Skelaghe would not have expected the Lazuli alpha, new or otherwise, young or otherwise, to be so friendly. And, on that note... "Have you seen Helaku recently?" It seems important to Skelaghe that, should any member of Lazuli venture this far north, they be met with the friendliness that they want. Of course, that isn't too much of an issue with Bodhi. He comes and goes from time to time. The other members of Lazuli, though...
He lifts his head slightly at her statement, then tilts it just in the slightest at her question. He'll be keeping an eye out for strange wolves now. He'll make sure they're not Lazuli before chasing anyone off then. But the question of Helaku brings a small frown to his maw. Primarily because he must answer in the negative: "No," he gives his head a quick shake, "I have not." One might go so far as to say that Teketa avoided the other male wherever he could. But the truth is, it isn't exactly intentional. Not exactly. It's probably for the better of both of the males, who seem so uncomfortable with one another.
Skelaghe does not appear upset by the negtive response. She asked, sure, but she hardly expects Teketa to keep track of her mate at all times. "If you see him, will you let him know that I want to see him?" The question makes it sound as though Skelaghe will be parting ways with Teketa soon, but that's mostly because she is so used to conversations with him lasting a very short time. Just as she changed her path to encounter him, she would not mind a more extended conversation, even with wanting to speak with her mate. She just knows that Teketa isn't much for extended conversations, or hasn't seemed to be since he joined them.
Unfortunately, Teketa has never been very good at or interested in extended conversation. Years of being alone. That really is the only explanation for it. That and growing up in a place and situation where silence is far better than daring to voice an opinion. On the other paw, he's not a pack wolf and, while he's done his best to be useful, he's still somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of being a subordinate to someone - anyone - again. "Of course," he answers. If he wonders why she wants to speak to Helaku, he doesn't show it. He doesn't ask. Her business with her mate is just that - business with her mate. And Teketa will /not/ intrude on that privacy. Ever. It isn't his way. "If I see him before you do, I will see to it that he knows you wish to speak to him," as that's the best Teketa can do.
Skelaghe's business with her mate is absolutely no different than the business she just discussed with Teketa. After the black wolf responds, Skelaghe takes another step forward to nuzzle against him, the same simple friendly gesture that it always is. It is still a more intimate farewell than the one she gave Haze and his son earlier, of course. "Thank you, Teketa."
Helaku had been off, at a bit of distance and keeping to his usual tactics of minimizing his scent as much as possible. He had found a sight none too pleasing, and rather infuriating even though he hid his displeasure. It wouldn't bode well for the group, not one bit. For him, especially not. The wolf suddenly appears like a wraith behind Teketa, watching them. No, he didn't see the gesture as something to worry about, but for that moment he wondered if he should say something. They were most likely ignorant of what had occured..and seemed in good spirits. He silently sat, waiting.
Teketa offers a small, half-felt smile as Skelaghe nuzzles against him. A gesture he'll get used to eventually. But it's a little unexpected, and he must try not to tense too much. He doesn't mind the gesture, really. Still. He's unaccustomed to physical contact of any sort. Skelaghe knows. But then, she must not think he's entirely hopeless. He's ready to murmur something along the lines of "No need," or "Of course," but he's rather unable to get any noise out before a chill creeps up his spine. Then he does tense. He doesn't know it's Helaku. But he /does/ know it's someone. Teketa has lived alone long enough to know when to trust these odd feelings... usually associated with being watched. Closely. Teketa steps away, breaking contact with Skelaghe quickly, then turns his head until he can see her mate over his shoulder. The change in Teketa's demeanor - from cold-but-relaxed to tense-and-more-emotionally-distant-than-ever is almost immediate. His head drops, his tail droops, his ears splay. Helaku does not speak, nor does Teketa. He only stares at his paws, for he will not face the male who-would-be-alpha.
Skelaghe spots Helaku around the same time that Teketa tenses up and backs away. It isn't hard to connect Teketa's tenseness with Helaku's arrival, but Skelaghe does not mention it. She can still only hope that, with time, Teketa will grow more comfortable. It really doesn't take Skelaghe long, either, to tell that... something... is wrong with her mate. She has never, since they were first reunited, seen her mate approach her with anything but happiness, and she knows it can't be because she was nuzzling Teketa, so... "Helaku? What's wrong?" There is concern in her tone, masking the general happiness she feels, but Sketch is not what she thinks about. She has convinced herself that, while the dog may be turned around, she must still be within Amaranth, and hence safe. After all, Skelaghe was not /that/ far away from the mountain when she decided to turn aorund, to seek out her mate.
Helaku looked between Teketa and Skel, but it wasn't about them having been slightly intimate. "Relax, Teketa," he said softly, slowly eyeing Skelaghe. "The woods, they spoke to me about something when I set to my morning wash." Wash? Yes, Helaku was strange...always bathing himself, never leaving markings on boundaries either, and most of all never howling. He had not howled since he and Skel reunited. "I patrolled; had to resort to my training under the Eloone. I discovered a place in which a stand off occured, and I am sorry to say that Sketch will not be returning to us. Cougars, two males, one female, and another male were among the tracks and scents about the place where her body was. It was a struggle, apparently. The female cougar was a victim, but is missing; one cougar smells dominant." All that from surveying? What exactly was Helaku trained in, anyhow? "I believe the two other males might be related."
Relax? Yeah... no. Teketa would've responded similarly, even if Skelaghe hadn't been nuzzling him at that very moment. But he wanted to make certain he wouldn't be bothered for it - he's not sure how jealously Helaku guards his mate. But Teketa's not about to test that. His head lifts only slightly and his ears perk to listen, but the entirety of Teketa's posturing remains in an otherwise tense, submissive stance. Sketch...? Sketch... the name of one of Skelaghe's comrades. A packmate. Dead? He didn't even get the chance to meet her. So he cannot be sorrowful for the loss of a friend. Nor does he know how to mourn a lost packmate, even one he did not know. So he stands still, his expression unreadable until realizes, even if it is not someone he knows personally, it /is/ a friend of Skelaghe's. And that's when his yellow-green eyes show concern and his head turns to look at the she-wolf. How will she take this news?
The first indication that Skelaghe has even heard anything her mate has said is a shaking of her head. That lasts a few seconds before she says, "No... No. You're mistaken." There's an odd mix of pleading and commanding in her tone. Skelaghe once asked Teketa to keep an eye out for a friend of hers, with the provision that, should he find that friend dead, she shouldn't be told. This is precisely the reason why. The news cuts at her so deeply that she can't even begin to seriously contemplate it. Sketch can't be dead. She /can't/ be. She's lost, or just enjoying her time in Amaranth, or... /Not/ dead. Even after speaking, Skelaghe backs up a couple steps. Only hours ago, she would have never thought she'd accuse her mate of lying, however politely she phrases it. Now, though...
Helaku watched her carefully, cautious of stepping closer to Skel. He had to inform others of deaths before, and on occasion the sudden anger lashed towards him for it. His face remained the same, unchanging, since he spoke the news. "I've seen too much death, and been in too many battlefields for it to not be true," he said. "This is why I ask every creature we come across if they've been followed or tracked. We may be at risk if they've come this far."
He can't help her. He knows he can't help her. So for once he doesn't offer comfort. Not even compassion. Teketa is at a loss, so he watches with his eyes - wide, taking it in - but his lips are pulled into a tight, uncertain frown. When Helaku speaks, the rogue-ish member of their little group turns his head and for the first time seems to look straight at the other male, his brows furrowing just slightly. It lasts only a moment before his gaze drops, then looks at Skelaghe. He knows loss. He knows despair. But Skelaghe doesn't want to believe this news. And so she cannot be helped. Teketa doesn't know Helaku well, but the black wolf knows - this isn't a lie. He remains a moment longer, standing still. He turns his body, to look between the mates. Then he slowly backs away, giving them room. He can offer nothing... and that bothers him more than he shows.
Even before he defends what he said earlier, tears sting at her eyes. This isn't right. Sketch... Skelaghe shakes her head again, more briefly this time. She doesn't care who killed Sketch, even though she knows, or why Helaku is so insistent about asking if newcomers have been followed. What does it matter? It didn't save her, and- "Just... Just go. Both of you." It's as rude as Skelaghe has ever been. As rude as she's ever likely to be. The cracking in her voice shows the reason for her rudeness, though... She's teetering on the edge of a breakdown, and she doesn't want comforting. She doesn't /deserve/ comfort. She sent Sketch to her death in order to save herself. She knew there could be danger for her and her unborn pups, knew her companions wouldn't approve, and she chose to ignore it and send a young animal who she was supposed to care for.
Helaku kept his eyes on Skel. She wanted to be alone and he wouldn't deny her of that. "As you wish, Skel," he said, looking to Teketa. "Come with me, please, Teketa?" The entire ordeal had made him insecure. Not because of Skel's breaking down, but because of Sketch having been killed not far from their territory. His voice hid it, but Skel might have been able to pick it up. Helaku was now in defense mode. Even if he didn't know Sketch that well, he saw her as a welcomed member. He slowly turned to give some space to Skel, his physical disposition unchanging.
He's never had to see a she-wolf like this. Well, he has, but... not Skelaghe. Never /Skelaghe/. And while she may feel she doesn't deserve to be comforted, Teketa would think otherwise. However, he feels he simply doesn't /deserve/ to comfort her. Or he would do whatever he could to ease her pain. A pain he has felt. And to someone who was closer than even Skelaghe has ever been... His emotionless facade breaks, and alas, he lowers his head, his eyes sad for her. A softest of whines is offered. But it's all he can give, just as she tells them to go. Wordlessly, Teketa moves to obey, his head low for other reasons now. Cougars did this to Sketch. And because of Sketch's death, he must see Skelaghe like this... he's never held cougars in high regard. Nor has he ever thought terribly of them until now. He'd have gone his own way, had Helaku not spoken - and though he states it politely, Teketa takes it like an order and silently obeys the alpha male's words, just as he so silently intended to obey Skelaghe's. He moves to Helaku's side - a good body-length between them, of course - then looks back at Skelaghe with empty eyes. He cannot help her. He cannot help her...
Skelaghe isn't sure how she remains standing. This chilling news has settled over her with an incredible weight, making her legs feel like they'll buckle at any moment. Somehow, though, her willpower holds. Whatever mourning she must do, whatever asking for forgiveness she must do... She'll /have/ to do it alone, even though she doubts forgiveness will be forthcoming, doubts that any amount of grieving could lift the sorrow in her heart. As soon as the others are a fair distance away, though, she collapses, incapable of bearing her own weight any longer.
Helaku looked back at Skel once, but he knew she wanted to be alone. He knew her better than anyone else in this region did. Once they had spread a distance fair enough he suddenly sat. "I've not seen her near this upset since the old pack fell apart," he said. "Revenge-killing will not revive Sketch, but the ones responsible for the death owe an explanation. Skel seems to have known you for a while, Teketa...is that right?"
As they put distance between themselves and Skelaghe, Teketa forces his mind aware of the distraught she-wolf as best as he can. He can do nothing for her. So he must let it go. For now. As the pair continues, Teketa becomes keenly aware that he is walking nearly side-by-side for the first time alongside Helaku; this is new. In more ways than one. Teketa keeps pace well, but when Helaky sits suddenly, the black doesn't stop right away. He moves on a few paces - very deliberately - before sitting across from Helaku. Teketa is respectful as best as he can be, but his face is hard again. Harder than it has ever been in his dealings with Skelaghe. He only lifts his gaze when a question is directly made, and then - for a second time - he looks directly at Helaku. If their eyes meet, then Teketa drops his gaze instantly. "Yes. Nearly two winters ago," he answers briefly. Then, perhaps because he is upset for Skelaghe, or perhaps because he simply must know, "What do you intend to do? Cougars do not answer to wolves..." If he thinks he's stepping out-of-bounds here, it shows only in the way his ears flatten again and his eyes drop. He was brought up like an omega.
Helaku's face remained stoic, but he could almost smile at Teketa. He was a useful creature, particularly since he had known Skelaghe long enough for his consideration. "Cougars normally don't," he said, "but I doubt the cougars of this region have dealt with a wolf like me before." Was Helaku crazy...or did he actually mean it that a cougar could be made to answer to a wolf? He spoke as if this sort of thing was normal, and it was in the places he ventured while away. That poor sap never saw that small boulder coming, and surely answered. "Due to Sketch's death, I must patrol more in the following days and week. You've survived by yourself as I have, and so I have a request of you while I'm on patrol--that is to keep near Skel so long as she permits it. Can you do this for me?"
His intense eyes lift as Helaku mentions that cougars have never dealt with a wolf like /him/ before. Just what, exactly, does this Helaku intend to do? Teketa says nothing. He scarcely moves at all, aside from the small movements of his ears that give him away. They perk as he listens, and though he - for the most part - avoids looking directly at Helaku, it is clear that Teketa is every bit as serious as this other male. If Teketa were willing to get to know Helaku, they would probably find where they were similar. And where they were vastly different. His eyes lift as the request - the order - is given. Teketa looks up with such an intensity in his eyes, and answers firmly, "I will." He would defend Skelaghe with his life if he had to.
"Thank you, Teketa," he said softly. "I usually don't ask for such things, as I do not wish to burden anyone with a task." What 'was' he going to do? Nothing fast, nothing rash. Answers would come eventually, no matter how things fell out. So long as they came. "I'm especially concerned about her safety; she is in a state now that she's never been. If the cougars were sadistic enough to murder a young dog such as Sketch, they most-likely wouldn't stop there."
Receiving thanks? For this? He knows. This isn't like what he's come from in the distant past. Still... an ear flickers at this difference. He hadn't expected to hear thanks for simple acceptance of this command. Request. As Helaku speaks of Skelaghe openly, however, Teketa's face does change somewhat. His brow furrows just enough to suggest his concern. This is the first time he's really spoken to Helaku, outside of their first meeting, before winter really set in. But he doesn't comment on it. He understands her pain. And this was her packmate - even though it was a dog. He can only hope she won't take too much upon herself with the loss of her friend. He would hate to lose the bright, cheerful, kind Skelaghe he has always know her to be. He would hate to lose that /forever./ "No," his voice is particularly rough as he speaks up again, "They wouldn't," he agrees. "They'll go through me before they reach her." Though Teketa doubts - or at least hopes with all his might - that the cougars won't come this way. So let Helaku patrol. Teketa will make sure Skelaghe stays safe. He cannot give her comfort. He can't give her love. But he's more than willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Helaku closed his eyes, his ears actually lowering. He didn't show it in Skel's presence for a reason--it was bad enough she had to break down. "I was going to train her," he said, "made Sketch a student so she'd have a better chance to survive. Her kind are very good learners--had one in my short-lived pack." She slowly looked over at Teketa. "It was a motley pack--mainly wolves, but it had a few dogs, and even a bear...explaining the bear is a slight challenge, but it worked."
By now, Teketa is fairly certain he'll be told he can leave. And he'd obey. But it isn't so. When Helaku continues, Teketa is a little surprised. It isn't evident on his face or in his posture. He's stoic. A living statue, dark as a shadow. As Helaku speaks of Sketch, of his intentions... well, in some way, this canine, a dog, is... this was his packmate, though he's certain they had never met. A shame her life should be taken so early. But what could he do? It's life. But he berates himself almost immediately for thinking so harshly - was not Dawn taken from him in the same fashion? As Teketa listens, some of the claims seem incredulous. And yet, he has no reason to doubt Helaku's story. This fellow male is strange. Teketa could see that from the beginning. Perhaps that strangeness was never a bad thing. At a loss for words, Teketa takes his time to consider, to find words. "Indeed," he finally murmurs. He's interested in what Helaku's saying, whether he looks it or not. "How did you - or Skelaghe - meet Sketch?"
"Skelaghe intoduced me to Sketch, but I'm not sure how the two met," he said. "Normally, the dog kind remains among humans. I have to admit, unusual to see out here, this way." His tail curled this way and that, quite comfortable with the company though it was obvious that he had taken a personal blow by Sketch's death. He was used to it, but with Sketch--not so much. "I didn't know her too long."
Apparently, Helaku is more comfortable with Teketa's company than Teketa is with Helaku's. But the black wolf remains. And he finds himself listening, patiently. But concern for Skelaghe remains buried somewhere in the back of his mind at all times. He met dogs for the first time far to the north of here. And the wolf-dog, Eclipse. She and Skelaghe were the only two he came to know during his first stay here... his return this fall and winter has found him back in the presence of Skelaghe. He does not know whether Eclipse even still lives. He would regret to hear of her death. "The loss is a shame," he tries not to sound like an empty shell. He lowers his muzzle for a moment, mentally sighing. "...and it shall hurt her, far more than it shall hurt," he hesitates, stumbles out the word "us" then looks away, to the side. More than it shall bother Teketa, anyway.
"I know what you meant--the way she told us to leave, her posture, everything about it. She probably blames herself. As much as I wish to return to her right now, she did ask to be alone." He cleared his throat and sighed. "When the sun begins to set, I will return to her."
And he looks. In the direction they left Skelaghe. She loves deeply, and, he imagines, she hurts just as much. But then, does she really? It is hard to imagine it in a she-wolf like his dear Skelaghe. His gaze turns, to look at Helaku, as he mentions the she-wolf blaming herself. "I know," it's barely a whisper. Teketa wonders, momentarily, if he should have spoken like that. He's not sure. But it has been said. He allows the silence to linger afterward, then dips his head before rising with a caution that is typical of Teketa around this other male. He does not know how to be a friend to this other male. If that's even what it needed here. His posture remains subservient, even now. "I will keep an eye on things," like he always does. Like he has since he first met them before winter set in.
"Thank you, Teketa," said Helaku. Apparently, rank, duty, and such was not so much an issue with this strange wolf. He didn't want to force him into behaviors with which he wasn't comfortable with either. He closed his eyes again and took a few breaths. Lightheadedness was getting to him after seeing Skel as upset as she was.
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Teketa - Male Wolf
Helaku - Male Wolf
- Wind-Blown Lowlands -
It's past midday. Skel might have left, as usual, in the morning, to do her bit of meditation, but this is the first time it has taken her so long. Still, she is at peace when she returns, as she would usually be. Even Sketch's disappearance does not weigh quite as heavily on her mind as it did when she left. As usual, Sketch has simply reached the conscious decision that things will work out. That, and interacting with pups always puts Skel in a good mood. A good enough mood, at least, to counteract any potential unpleasantness caused by her pregnancy.
Since he's found himself among the pack of Skelaghe and her mate, Helaku, Teketa has put on a little more weight before winter's arrival. That's good, but he's still not back to an entirely healthy weight, even for a experienced loner like himself. This morning finds him padding along alone, unassuming, and with slightly furrowed brows. He heard howls in this direction recently, though he didn't come rushing to investigate then. Now he finds Skelaghe, however, and he does have to wonder if there had been visitors. He's been distant again. Keeping himself busy...
Actually, technically, it was Sketch who was the visitor. After all, what happened, happened nearer to Lazuli than to their current territory. Though her pace is slow, Skelaghe is determined to find her mate fairly soon. The first strong scent that reaches her is that of Teketa, though... And with the current small size of their pack, Skelaghe does not see a downside to shifting her path just slightly, to speak to Teketa first.
Teketa lifts his head. He's been padding slowly around the general vicinity - keeping an eye on things if nothing else - at least before he saw Skelaghe. She isn't exactly trying to hide herself, and here in the lowlands... well, he can see her shift direction, and Teketa stops moving for a few seconds before turning to face the she-wolf he calls friend. Their last meeting at length had been interesting. But true to his thoughts, the feeling has faded, at least emotionally. He did mean what he said, however. "My lady," he greets her he draws nearer, lowering his head and tail respectfully. "How does the day greet you?"
If Teketa only had to go by the shewolf's body language, it would still be easy to tell that she is happy. Her mouth is open in a pleasant smile, and her tail wags behind her. "My day is going quite well, Tek. How is yours?" Pleasantries first, and Skelaghe is in no hurry to rush through them. Once they are close enough, by her standards, she stops walking, though she does remain standing. She has spend enough time lying or sitting over the course of the winter, so far. The little bit of activity she has gotten today has felt as good as anything else.
It wouldn't be hard for her to spot Teketa, of course. It's winter. He sticks out like a sore thumb with that dark coat of his... He fails to respond immediately to her own question, shakes himself lightly, then manages to get out a quick, "Fair enough," before he stops moving. Unlike Skelaghe, he does plenty of moving around. He rarely stops anymore, now that he's feeling healthier again. Compared to when he found her, anyway. Still, he doesn't seat himself too quickly in her presence. She's been away - he can smell strangers on her pelt. Teketa's nose twitches faintly. "Have you been away?" And where did you go? He knows she's been gone. Dumb question.
Once upon a time, Skelaghe would have avoided approaching her mate while smelling, however faintly, of another male. Luckily, though, Skelaghe may very well be a tonic for troubled males, and she is no longer concerned about what her mate may do, should he feel his claim to her threatened. Continuing to smile, Skelaghe says, "I have met our neighbours to the south. It would seem that the Lazuli has seen some changes in the time since I last met them. Many of them to the positive." They have a new generation. Their new alpha is friendly enough, even to wolves of other packs. All of this is to the good, as far as Skelaghe sees it.
Teketa nods his dark head slowly. It dawns on him then, why he should have heard those howls some time back. "I am not familiar with the Lazuli," he tells her quietly, his brow furrowing slightly. He avoided packs then. He still would. All but Skelaghe's own little pack left him with a strong desire not to be in the area. Not that he's exactly /comfortable/ here yet, either. Primarily because of the alpha male. But that's because Teketa doesn't know Helaku yet. Hopefully. "It does sound good, then. Our neighbors do not bear us... ill will."
Skelaghe nods her head to confirm that the new leader of Lazuli does not wish them any harm. "It's nearly the opposite, actually. They want friendship." It's rare. Even Skelaghe would not have expected the Lazuli alpha, new or otherwise, young or otherwise, to be so friendly. And, on that note... "Have you seen Helaku recently?" It seems important to Skelaghe that, should any member of Lazuli venture this far north, they be met with the friendliness that they want. Of course, that isn't too much of an issue with Bodhi. He comes and goes from time to time. The other members of Lazuli, though...
He lifts his head slightly at her statement, then tilts it just in the slightest at her question. He'll be keeping an eye out for strange wolves now. He'll make sure they're not Lazuli before chasing anyone off then. But the question of Helaku brings a small frown to his maw. Primarily because he must answer in the negative: "No," he gives his head a quick shake, "I have not." One might go so far as to say that Teketa avoided the other male wherever he could. But the truth is, it isn't exactly intentional. Not exactly. It's probably for the better of both of the males, who seem so uncomfortable with one another.
Skelaghe does not appear upset by the negtive response. She asked, sure, but she hardly expects Teketa to keep track of her mate at all times. "If you see him, will you let him know that I want to see him?" The question makes it sound as though Skelaghe will be parting ways with Teketa soon, but that's mostly because she is so used to conversations with him lasting a very short time. Just as she changed her path to encounter him, she would not mind a more extended conversation, even with wanting to speak with her mate. She just knows that Teketa isn't much for extended conversations, or hasn't seemed to be since he joined them.
Unfortunately, Teketa has never been very good at or interested in extended conversation. Years of being alone. That really is the only explanation for it. That and growing up in a place and situation where silence is far better than daring to voice an opinion. On the other paw, he's not a pack wolf and, while he's done his best to be useful, he's still somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of being a subordinate to someone - anyone - again. "Of course," he answers. If he wonders why she wants to speak to Helaku, he doesn't show it. He doesn't ask. Her business with her mate is just that - business with her mate. And Teketa will /not/ intrude on that privacy. Ever. It isn't his way. "If I see him before you do, I will see to it that he knows you wish to speak to him," as that's the best Teketa can do.
Skelaghe's business with her mate is absolutely no different than the business she just discussed with Teketa. After the black wolf responds, Skelaghe takes another step forward to nuzzle against him, the same simple friendly gesture that it always is. It is still a more intimate farewell than the one she gave Haze and his son earlier, of course. "Thank you, Teketa."
Helaku had been off, at a bit of distance and keeping to his usual tactics of minimizing his scent as much as possible. He had found a sight none too pleasing, and rather infuriating even though he hid his displeasure. It wouldn't bode well for the group, not one bit. For him, especially not. The wolf suddenly appears like a wraith behind Teketa, watching them. No, he didn't see the gesture as something to worry about, but for that moment he wondered if he should say something. They were most likely ignorant of what had occured..and seemed in good spirits. He silently sat, waiting.
Teketa offers a small, half-felt smile as Skelaghe nuzzles against him. A gesture he'll get used to eventually. But it's a little unexpected, and he must try not to tense too much. He doesn't mind the gesture, really. Still. He's unaccustomed to physical contact of any sort. Skelaghe knows. But then, she must not think he's entirely hopeless. He's ready to murmur something along the lines of "No need," or "Of course," but he's rather unable to get any noise out before a chill creeps up his spine. Then he does tense. He doesn't know it's Helaku. But he /does/ know it's someone. Teketa has lived alone long enough to know when to trust these odd feelings... usually associated with being watched. Closely. Teketa steps away, breaking contact with Skelaghe quickly, then turns his head until he can see her mate over his shoulder. The change in Teketa's demeanor - from cold-but-relaxed to tense-and-more-emotionally-distant-than-ever is almost immediate. His head drops, his tail droops, his ears splay. Helaku does not speak, nor does Teketa. He only stares at his paws, for he will not face the male who-would-be-alpha.
Skelaghe spots Helaku around the same time that Teketa tenses up and backs away. It isn't hard to connect Teketa's tenseness with Helaku's arrival, but Skelaghe does not mention it. She can still only hope that, with time, Teketa will grow more comfortable. It really doesn't take Skelaghe long, either, to tell that... something... is wrong with her mate. She has never, since they were first reunited, seen her mate approach her with anything but happiness, and she knows it can't be because she was nuzzling Teketa, so... "Helaku? What's wrong?" There is concern in her tone, masking the general happiness she feels, but Sketch is not what she thinks about. She has convinced herself that, while the dog may be turned around, she must still be within Amaranth, and hence safe. After all, Skelaghe was not /that/ far away from the mountain when she decided to turn aorund, to seek out her mate.
Helaku looked between Teketa and Skel, but it wasn't about them having been slightly intimate. "Relax, Teketa," he said softly, slowly eyeing Skelaghe. "The woods, they spoke to me about something when I set to my morning wash." Wash? Yes, Helaku was strange...always bathing himself, never leaving markings on boundaries either, and most of all never howling. He had not howled since he and Skel reunited. "I patrolled; had to resort to my training under the Eloone. I discovered a place in which a stand off occured, and I am sorry to say that Sketch will not be returning to us. Cougars, two males, one female, and another male were among the tracks and scents about the place where her body was. It was a struggle, apparently. The female cougar was a victim, but is missing; one cougar smells dominant." All that from surveying? What exactly was Helaku trained in, anyhow? "I believe the two other males might be related."
Relax? Yeah... no. Teketa would've responded similarly, even if Skelaghe hadn't been nuzzling him at that very moment. But he wanted to make certain he wouldn't be bothered for it - he's not sure how jealously Helaku guards his mate. But Teketa's not about to test that. His head lifts only slightly and his ears perk to listen, but the entirety of Teketa's posturing remains in an otherwise tense, submissive stance. Sketch...? Sketch... the name of one of Skelaghe's comrades. A packmate. Dead? He didn't even get the chance to meet her. So he cannot be sorrowful for the loss of a friend. Nor does he know how to mourn a lost packmate, even one he did not know. So he stands still, his expression unreadable until realizes, even if it is not someone he knows personally, it /is/ a friend of Skelaghe's. And that's when his yellow-green eyes show concern and his head turns to look at the she-wolf. How will she take this news?
The first indication that Skelaghe has even heard anything her mate has said is a shaking of her head. That lasts a few seconds before she says, "No... No. You're mistaken." There's an odd mix of pleading and commanding in her tone. Skelaghe once asked Teketa to keep an eye out for a friend of hers, with the provision that, should he find that friend dead, she shouldn't be told. This is precisely the reason why. The news cuts at her so deeply that she can't even begin to seriously contemplate it. Sketch can't be dead. She /can't/ be. She's lost, or just enjoying her time in Amaranth, or... /Not/ dead. Even after speaking, Skelaghe backs up a couple steps. Only hours ago, she would have never thought she'd accuse her mate of lying, however politely she phrases it. Now, though...
Helaku watched her carefully, cautious of stepping closer to Skel. He had to inform others of deaths before, and on occasion the sudden anger lashed towards him for it. His face remained the same, unchanging, since he spoke the news. "I've seen too much death, and been in too many battlefields for it to not be true," he said. "This is why I ask every creature we come across if they've been followed or tracked. We may be at risk if they've come this far."
He can't help her. He knows he can't help her. So for once he doesn't offer comfort. Not even compassion. Teketa is at a loss, so he watches with his eyes - wide, taking it in - but his lips are pulled into a tight, uncertain frown. When Helaku speaks, the rogue-ish member of their little group turns his head and for the first time seems to look straight at the other male, his brows furrowing just slightly. It lasts only a moment before his gaze drops, then looks at Skelaghe. He knows loss. He knows despair. But Skelaghe doesn't want to believe this news. And so she cannot be helped. Teketa doesn't know Helaku well, but the black wolf knows - this isn't a lie. He remains a moment longer, standing still. He turns his body, to look between the mates. Then he slowly backs away, giving them room. He can offer nothing... and that bothers him more than he shows.
Even before he defends what he said earlier, tears sting at her eyes. This isn't right. Sketch... Skelaghe shakes her head again, more briefly this time. She doesn't care who killed Sketch, even though she knows, or why Helaku is so insistent about asking if newcomers have been followed. What does it matter? It didn't save her, and- "Just... Just go. Both of you." It's as rude as Skelaghe has ever been. As rude as she's ever likely to be. The cracking in her voice shows the reason for her rudeness, though... She's teetering on the edge of a breakdown, and she doesn't want comforting. She doesn't /deserve/ comfort. She sent Sketch to her death in order to save herself. She knew there could be danger for her and her unborn pups, knew her companions wouldn't approve, and she chose to ignore it and send a young animal who she was supposed to care for.
Helaku kept his eyes on Skel. She wanted to be alone and he wouldn't deny her of that. "As you wish, Skel," he said, looking to Teketa. "Come with me, please, Teketa?" The entire ordeal had made him insecure. Not because of Skel's breaking down, but because of Sketch having been killed not far from their territory. His voice hid it, but Skel might have been able to pick it up. Helaku was now in defense mode. Even if he didn't know Sketch that well, he saw her as a welcomed member. He slowly turned to give some space to Skel, his physical disposition unchanging.
He's never had to see a she-wolf like this. Well, he has, but... not Skelaghe. Never /Skelaghe/. And while she may feel she doesn't deserve to be comforted, Teketa would think otherwise. However, he feels he simply doesn't /deserve/ to comfort her. Or he would do whatever he could to ease her pain. A pain he has felt. And to someone who was closer than even Skelaghe has ever been... His emotionless facade breaks, and alas, he lowers his head, his eyes sad for her. A softest of whines is offered. But it's all he can give, just as she tells them to go. Wordlessly, Teketa moves to obey, his head low for other reasons now. Cougars did this to Sketch. And because of Sketch's death, he must see Skelaghe like this... he's never held cougars in high regard. Nor has he ever thought terribly of them until now. He'd have gone his own way, had Helaku not spoken - and though he states it politely, Teketa takes it like an order and silently obeys the alpha male's words, just as he so silently intended to obey Skelaghe's. He moves to Helaku's side - a good body-length between them, of course - then looks back at Skelaghe with empty eyes. He cannot help her. He cannot help her...
Skelaghe isn't sure how she remains standing. This chilling news has settled over her with an incredible weight, making her legs feel like they'll buckle at any moment. Somehow, though, her willpower holds. Whatever mourning she must do, whatever asking for forgiveness she must do... She'll /have/ to do it alone, even though she doubts forgiveness will be forthcoming, doubts that any amount of grieving could lift the sorrow in her heart. As soon as the others are a fair distance away, though, she collapses, incapable of bearing her own weight any longer.
Helaku looked back at Skel once, but he knew she wanted to be alone. He knew her better than anyone else in this region did. Once they had spread a distance fair enough he suddenly sat. "I've not seen her near this upset since the old pack fell apart," he said. "Revenge-killing will not revive Sketch, but the ones responsible for the death owe an explanation. Skel seems to have known you for a while, Teketa...is that right?"
As they put distance between themselves and Skelaghe, Teketa forces his mind aware of the distraught she-wolf as best as he can. He can do nothing for her. So he must let it go. For now. As the pair continues, Teketa becomes keenly aware that he is walking nearly side-by-side for the first time alongside Helaku; this is new. In more ways than one. Teketa keeps pace well, but when Helaky sits suddenly, the black doesn't stop right away. He moves on a few paces - very deliberately - before sitting across from Helaku. Teketa is respectful as best as he can be, but his face is hard again. Harder than it has ever been in his dealings with Skelaghe. He only lifts his gaze when a question is directly made, and then - for a second time - he looks directly at Helaku. If their eyes meet, then Teketa drops his gaze instantly. "Yes. Nearly two winters ago," he answers briefly. Then, perhaps because he is upset for Skelaghe, or perhaps because he simply must know, "What do you intend to do? Cougars do not answer to wolves..." If he thinks he's stepping out-of-bounds here, it shows only in the way his ears flatten again and his eyes drop. He was brought up like an omega.
Helaku's face remained stoic, but he could almost smile at Teketa. He was a useful creature, particularly since he had known Skelaghe long enough for his consideration. "Cougars normally don't," he said, "but I doubt the cougars of this region have dealt with a wolf like me before." Was Helaku crazy...or did he actually mean it that a cougar could be made to answer to a wolf? He spoke as if this sort of thing was normal, and it was in the places he ventured while away. That poor sap never saw that small boulder coming, and surely answered. "Due to Sketch's death, I must patrol more in the following days and week. You've survived by yourself as I have, and so I have a request of you while I'm on patrol--that is to keep near Skel so long as she permits it. Can you do this for me?"
His intense eyes lift as Helaku mentions that cougars have never dealt with a wolf like /him/ before. Just what, exactly, does this Helaku intend to do? Teketa says nothing. He scarcely moves at all, aside from the small movements of his ears that give him away. They perk as he listens, and though he - for the most part - avoids looking directly at Helaku, it is clear that Teketa is every bit as serious as this other male. If Teketa were willing to get to know Helaku, they would probably find where they were similar. And where they were vastly different. His eyes lift as the request - the order - is given. Teketa looks up with such an intensity in his eyes, and answers firmly, "I will." He would defend Skelaghe with his life if he had to.
"Thank you, Teketa," he said softly. "I usually don't ask for such things, as I do not wish to burden anyone with a task." What 'was' he going to do? Nothing fast, nothing rash. Answers would come eventually, no matter how things fell out. So long as they came. "I'm especially concerned about her safety; she is in a state now that she's never been. If the cougars were sadistic enough to murder a young dog such as Sketch, they most-likely wouldn't stop there."
Receiving thanks? For this? He knows. This isn't like what he's come from in the distant past. Still... an ear flickers at this difference. He hadn't expected to hear thanks for simple acceptance of this command. Request. As Helaku speaks of Skelaghe openly, however, Teketa's face does change somewhat. His brow furrows just enough to suggest his concern. This is the first time he's really spoken to Helaku, outside of their first meeting, before winter really set in. But he doesn't comment on it. He understands her pain. And this was her packmate - even though it was a dog. He can only hope she won't take too much upon herself with the loss of her friend. He would hate to lose the bright, cheerful, kind Skelaghe he has always know her to be. He would hate to lose that /forever./ "No," his voice is particularly rough as he speaks up again, "They wouldn't," he agrees. "They'll go through me before they reach her." Though Teketa doubts - or at least hopes with all his might - that the cougars won't come this way. So let Helaku patrol. Teketa will make sure Skelaghe stays safe. He cannot give her comfort. He can't give her love. But he's more than willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Helaku closed his eyes, his ears actually lowering. He didn't show it in Skel's presence for a reason--it was bad enough she had to break down. "I was going to train her," he said, "made Sketch a student so she'd have a better chance to survive. Her kind are very good learners--had one in my short-lived pack." She slowly looked over at Teketa. "It was a motley pack--mainly wolves, but it had a few dogs, and even a bear...explaining the bear is a slight challenge, but it worked."
By now, Teketa is fairly certain he'll be told he can leave. And he'd obey. But it isn't so. When Helaku continues, Teketa is a little surprised. It isn't evident on his face or in his posture. He's stoic. A living statue, dark as a shadow. As Helaku speaks of Sketch, of his intentions... well, in some way, this canine, a dog, is... this was his packmate, though he's certain they had never met. A shame her life should be taken so early. But what could he do? It's life. But he berates himself almost immediately for thinking so harshly - was not Dawn taken from him in the same fashion? As Teketa listens, some of the claims seem incredulous. And yet, he has no reason to doubt Helaku's story. This fellow male is strange. Teketa could see that from the beginning. Perhaps that strangeness was never a bad thing. At a loss for words, Teketa takes his time to consider, to find words. "Indeed," he finally murmurs. He's interested in what Helaku's saying, whether he looks it or not. "How did you - or Skelaghe - meet Sketch?"
"Skelaghe intoduced me to Sketch, but I'm not sure how the two met," he said. "Normally, the dog kind remains among humans. I have to admit, unusual to see out here, this way." His tail curled this way and that, quite comfortable with the company though it was obvious that he had taken a personal blow by Sketch's death. He was used to it, but with Sketch--not so much. "I didn't know her too long."
Apparently, Helaku is more comfortable with Teketa's company than Teketa is with Helaku's. But the black wolf remains. And he finds himself listening, patiently. But concern for Skelaghe remains buried somewhere in the back of his mind at all times. He met dogs for the first time far to the north of here. And the wolf-dog, Eclipse. She and Skelaghe were the only two he came to know during his first stay here... his return this fall and winter has found him back in the presence of Skelaghe. He does not know whether Eclipse even still lives. He would regret to hear of her death. "The loss is a shame," he tries not to sound like an empty shell. He lowers his muzzle for a moment, mentally sighing. "...and it shall hurt her, far more than it shall hurt," he hesitates, stumbles out the word "us" then looks away, to the side. More than it shall bother Teketa, anyway.
"I know what you meant--the way she told us to leave, her posture, everything about it. She probably blames herself. As much as I wish to return to her right now, she did ask to be alone." He cleared his throat and sighed. "When the sun begins to set, I will return to her."
And he looks. In the direction they left Skelaghe. She loves deeply, and, he imagines, she hurts just as much. But then, does she really? It is hard to imagine it in a she-wolf like his dear Skelaghe. His gaze turns, to look at Helaku, as he mentions the she-wolf blaming herself. "I know," it's barely a whisper. Teketa wonders, momentarily, if he should have spoken like that. He's not sure. But it has been said. He allows the silence to linger afterward, then dips his head before rising with a caution that is typical of Teketa around this other male. He does not know how to be a friend to this other male. If that's even what it needed here. His posture remains subservient, even now. "I will keep an eye on things," like he always does. Like he has since he first met them before winter set in.
"Thank you, Teketa," said Helaku. Apparently, rank, duty, and such was not so much an issue with this strange wolf. He didn't want to force him into behaviors with which he wasn't comfortable with either. He closed his eyes again and took a few breaths. Lightheadedness was getting to him after seeing Skel as upset as she was.