Post by Therdde on Jun 10, 2009 10:04:13 GMT -5
- Pine Grove -
Some time has passed since last Qale saw Kein, and he's been improving steadily in physical condition. He's almost all better now, though his hindleg is still giving him a bit of a limp, and the time he's spent incapacitated have caused him to lose some muscle mass. However, the young cougar can now cover ground without much trouble, and that means that he probably should be leaving soon. Qale frowns a bit, stopping his grooming routine for a moment as he ponders the possibility. He doesn't really want to leave. It's nice here, the other cougars tolerate him, he doesn't really bother him...but he knows better than to hope he will be allowed to stay when he's good and healthy. Qale resumes licking at his forepaws, a little depressed. Maybe if he can convince Kein he'd be no threat to his power nor his females...
Unfortunately for Qaletaqa, the matron of Amaranth, and Kein's mate, was recently attacked by a foreign male, and after that, Kein learned of another threat to their lands. Kein has kept his distance from Qaletaqa, knowing that the young male does not deserve Kein's temper. Eventually, though, Qaletaqa's presence could not be ignored any longer. As such, Kein is approaching the place where he last saw the foreign male, all the while reminding himself to remain calm and focused. He does not /want/ to start an unnecessary fight.
With a cavernous yawn, Qale is about to flop over onto his back to nap when he hears the sound of somebody approaching. He's on his paws quickly, ears flicking, and he doesn't need to see Kein to recognize the sound of his movements. Well, well. Qale is happy for the visit, but there's a growing sense of dread - this is it, then. Kein's going to see him all healthy, and he's going to be ushered out. Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted.
Honestly, Kein expected Qaletaqa to leave of his own accord long ago. The young male never seemed very appreciative, after all. The fact that Qale is still here... Well, it's a little confusing, unless... Shaking his head of the spiritual thoughts, he sets eyes on the male, and stops walking forward. With almost no pause, he says, in a not-terribly-angry voice, "Qaletaqa. You are looking well." Is Kein glad the other male has recovered? If he is, it really doesn't show.
The nod Qale gives is careful and hesitant. "Um, yeah, I'm feeling a lot better. Yeah." He shuffles his paws awkwardly. Perhaps he should just say it, and get it over with. "Um, I can walk properly again, and everything, so...I guess you're here to make sure I leave, then?" He sounds resigned, and perhaps a little resentful at his own fate. It's been just so comfortable here, not to have to worry about being harassed by every cougar who happens to stumble across his rest. But looking at Kein, Qale has to wonder why he ever even vaguely entertained thoughts of the possibility of staying. Of course he can't. Well...well, good riddance, he thinks with a frown. Maybe if he gets himself a little worked up about it, leaving this pleasant place will be easier.
"I think it's for the better. Although..." Kein did tell Nium he wanted her to learn from Qaletaqa, and given that he has just-shy-of demanded that all females stay in Amaranth, now... With a sigh and a frown of his own, Kein adds, "There is another potential deal we could reach..." Something more than just 'you can stay until you're healed'... And something that could cause much more stress for the Chieftain.
The perk of Qale's ears shows that he's eager to hear Kein out, especially considering the alternative. "A deal?" He allows himself a little hope, though his next question is tinged with suspicion. "What...what kind of deal?" He's sharp enough to pick up it might be something to do with his healing skills. Perhaps he'll be allowed to stay on the outskirts if he provides his skills to Kein and his females...
How best to phrase this...? "Our tribe recently lost our shamaness, who had healing knowledge, like you... Healing knowledge that I would be lax in my duties if I allowed to become lost to our tribe. If you would be willing to train one of the females of my tribe in what you know, I could see my way toward allowing you to stay... Provided that I receive no complaints, that is." There. His tone was polite. He was calm. What else could be asked of Kein?
The slight frown, the downward flip of Qale's ears, the slightly agitated twitching of his tailtip all speak tellingly of the young cougar's hesitation, his revolt against the idea. He holds his knowledge very close to his heart, his one lasting memory of his mother. He uses it to help others as best he can, but the idea of teaching it to someone else, some...random female. Although...although Kein did save his life. And let him stay thus far, to recover. Then again, maybe this was his plan all along, to emotionally blackmail him into sharing his knowledge. But it seemed to be a new idea to Kein too. But! He'd already helped Jinx, and Kein's daughter. But! But but but! Oh dear. This is all just...too confusing. Qale is silent as he ponders the situation, his eyes gradually losing their focus on Kein and staring into the distance, with a pronounced, worried, confused crease to his brow.
Kein keeps his eyes on Qaletaqa as he waits for an answer. And, the longer that answer doesn't come... Kein curses himself, mentally. He never should have mentioned it to Nium. He should have just seen Qale out, and then... And then... What? Well, he'll certainly find out, because this male... Kein's frown intensifies, and he finally says, "Y'know... Forget about it..." They don't get sick all that often, and... Well, what does it matter?
Qaletaqa hadn't realised he'd gone so long without talking, and when Kein next speaks, it snaps him out of his puzzled little reverie. "Wait," he says by reflex, before he notes Kein's frown, before he even realizes that he doesn't know what he's going to say. "Um." Qale stands about awkwardly. What /can/ he say? "Um," he adds, to buy time. Talking things out has never really been his forte, since...well, there's never been anyone around to talk it out with. "Look, it's just...I mean, you let me stay, and I'm thankful, and...um..." He hesitates, then decides to say it. "I guess...I guess it's out of the question if, um, I just...kind of...stay on the outskirts...and help out. I won't be any trouble or anything, really...but I guess that's not possible," he adds sullenly. In fact, the whole statement had a sullen tone, hopeless. He knows he's to be shot down even before he says it, but if he's going to be leaving sooner or later anyway...
Kein keeps his eyes on Qaletaqa. With all of his recent exhaustion, he really is difficult to read, most of the time. "Help out how?" The frustration and self-directed anger from just seconds ago are faded, but not gane entirely. He told Qaletaqa he could stay if the male simply passed on some of him knowledge to Nium. The fact that Qale is asking to stay around the outskirts of Amaranth in exchange for 'helping' implies that helping does not include the only thing Kein wanted from Qale.
The younger cougar droops. And he's impressive at it, too, having had a lifetime of practice - his entire body seems to just deflate. Just having Kein drop the one question, which really isn't necessarily a 'no' yet, has undercut any hope Qale foolishly harboured of staying around. "Well, it's...nice here...and..." he almost tries again, but his jaw sets. "No...no, you know what, um, forget it. Forget I asked. Um. I guess that's why you helped me out, then, you know, against, against the coyotes. So you could get me here...get me to teach your female what I know...yeah..." He gives a shrug that he thinks is nonchalant. It does nothing to hide his emotion. "Well...makes sense, I guess. Um. Now I owe you, right?" He tries to sound bitter and harsh, but it just comes out forlorn.
Kein bares his teeth and lets out a brief growl at the implication that he would have allowed Qaletaqa to die if it had not been for the passing of their Shamaness. "I helped you against the coyotes because they were going to kill you, and you'd done nothing to deserve it." Then. Now, Kein isn't so sure. "If you want to question my motives, you may do it all you want, outside of Amaranth. I'm sure you'll find plenty out there who would be glad to join you in that pastime." Qale probably does not deserve quite as harsh a tone as Kein uses, but he's tired of defending himself to those in Amaranth, no matter how temporarily they are in Amaranth.
The berating causes Qale to flush with embarrassment, and subsequently with defensive anger - both at himself for having cast an aspersion on the Chieftain's character, who has been nothing but civil, and equally at Kein for telling him off. He wants to be snappy and harsh right back. "Y-yeah? Well...well..." He knows full well Kein's explanation fits with how he's acted so far, and he probably should apologize. But it's Qale. "...whatever," he mutters sullenly, unable to think of anything else. "So...I teach, I stay...and if you don't, you'd just...what, let me leave?" Qale's tone makes it clear he doesn't believe he'd get off so easily.
"Yes." There's still that seemingly ever-present hint of anger to the Chieftain, and his tone has just barely softened. It's difficult not to get angry when dealing with this male who, though he says he appreciated the help, certainly doesn't act it. "If you say no, I will 'let' you leave, with an escort." And maybe... Maybe that escort ought to be Nium. Normally, Kein would do it, but Nium can take care of herself quite easily, and even though she is not a very social sort, she is still better with others than he is.
Qaletaqa's tail twitches agitatedly from side to side, his eyes lowered as he stares fixedly somewhere around Kein's left forepaw. To say he is surprised is an understatement at the very least. He's not sure if he likes Kein more for being so civil, or respects him less for being so...lenient, for not just making Qale do what he wants him to do. He shifts, and as he does so a twinge of pain flits up his hindleg and makes him wince. Then he blinks. Deep thoughts are going on behind those fearful, confused eyes - or at least, as deep as he can handle right now. At last, the young cougar looks up again. He still looks disagreeable, and when he speaks his tone is grudging. "How...long would I be allowed to stay, um, if I agree?" He doesn't know how, nor does he want to discuss with Kein why sharing this knowledge is so difficult to him. It's a big decision, one that is worth weighing against his own rescued life. it's important.
The last thing Kein needs is to give any more male cougars a reason to begrudge him and this land. All the same, if Qale thinks Kein is being lenient, he's wrong. Kein sees the wince, knows what caused it, and knows from personal experience how hard it is to even get food with that much pain, let alone defend against any threats. Still, he would see Qale out of the territory if he says no. "Indefinitely... With some rules." Rules that, were they broken, would result in Qale's immediate dismissal from Amaranth. As long as Qale toes the line, though, Kein doesn't see a particular time when he would have to evict the other male.
Indefinitely. Qaletaqa likes the sound of that word, as his perked ears make clear. To stay here as long as he likes, in exchange for his knowledge. In a territory once more, not belonging, but just being there. And with Kein...Qale doesn't like to admit it to himself, but he has to admit that that condition does make the idea all the more appealing. A thought he knows is dangerous, and quickly tries to disregard. "What are the rules...?"
"You don't breed. You don't pressure any female under any circumstances. You neither injure nor worry any member of this tribe." If there has been any tell that Kein has no idea of Qale's attraction to him, this is it. What is foremost on Kein's mind is all of the atrocities commited against female cougars, and were he to receive any complaint or catch any sign that Qale may risk doing anything like that, he would deal with it quite harshly.
A few owlish blinks later, Qale shakes his head vigorously. "No, no, um, I would never...uh..." Perhaps he doth protest too much. It's good that Kein hasn't noticed his...well, it's good anyway, but Qale is horrified to realize that the idea of admitting his leanings to the chieftain /just/ so he would never suspect him of messing around with his females and thus kick him out does appeal to him for a brief moment. Some weird idea that it would make Kein trust him more to stay. What? What? This kind of crazy thinking won't do at all! "Um, I wouldn't do that. Everyone's been so tolerant, and...I just...wouldn't." He blows past the moment as quickly as he dares. "I can, um, I can keep those rules. And..." He pauses for a brief moment. "...I'll...I guess I can...teach your tribe some helpful things..."
Kein looks Qale over. After a brief moment, some of the tenseness leaves Kein. It's actually as close as he can get to a smile right now, whether it is recognized as such or not. "Thank you. I will let the cougaress who I want to learn from you know." And he will do his absolute best not to distrust Qale, not to check up on him constantly. To leave it until there is a reason for him to doubt that Qale should be allowed to stay before he allows that doubt to drive his actions.
Qaletaqa wants to smile just from the relief he seems to have caused the chieftain. He's done good! Kein is happy. Qale is happy that he made Kein happy. No. Be quiet, brain. Instead, the younger cougar just nods. He's still uncertain as to whether he's made the best decision - after all, there's so many factors here, internal and external. But at least he's been allowed to stay. And Kein appears to be taking him on his word, and while he may be misreading the amount of trust Kein is affording him, it gives him a warm feeling regardless. "I'll, um, I'll be here. Um. Or nearby." He isn't exactly sure where he stands on exploring Amaranth territory, but he doesn't want to push his luck.
Kein nods at the statement that Qale will be around here. "I'll let her know." As soon as he finds her. "Farewell, Qaletaqa." No, he doesn't intend to stay any longer. He's less tense, but he's still not entirely comfortable.
Qaletaqa nods. "Um, alright." He is apprehensive about this whole thing, but...somewhere, deep inside, there's a feeling that is just waiting to bloom. He's accepted somewhere. At last. Maybe not permanently, not on the best of terms...so perhaps 'tolerated' is a better word. But it's been a long time since he was tolerated. He doesn't even realize he's watching Kein leave.
Some time has passed since last Qale saw Kein, and he's been improving steadily in physical condition. He's almost all better now, though his hindleg is still giving him a bit of a limp, and the time he's spent incapacitated have caused him to lose some muscle mass. However, the young cougar can now cover ground without much trouble, and that means that he probably should be leaving soon. Qale frowns a bit, stopping his grooming routine for a moment as he ponders the possibility. He doesn't really want to leave. It's nice here, the other cougars tolerate him, he doesn't really bother him...but he knows better than to hope he will be allowed to stay when he's good and healthy. Qale resumes licking at his forepaws, a little depressed. Maybe if he can convince Kein he'd be no threat to his power nor his females...
Unfortunately for Qaletaqa, the matron of Amaranth, and Kein's mate, was recently attacked by a foreign male, and after that, Kein learned of another threat to their lands. Kein has kept his distance from Qaletaqa, knowing that the young male does not deserve Kein's temper. Eventually, though, Qaletaqa's presence could not be ignored any longer. As such, Kein is approaching the place where he last saw the foreign male, all the while reminding himself to remain calm and focused. He does not /want/ to start an unnecessary fight.
With a cavernous yawn, Qale is about to flop over onto his back to nap when he hears the sound of somebody approaching. He's on his paws quickly, ears flicking, and he doesn't need to see Kein to recognize the sound of his movements. Well, well. Qale is happy for the visit, but there's a growing sense of dread - this is it, then. Kein's going to see him all healthy, and he's going to be ushered out. Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted.
Honestly, Kein expected Qaletaqa to leave of his own accord long ago. The young male never seemed very appreciative, after all. The fact that Qale is still here... Well, it's a little confusing, unless... Shaking his head of the spiritual thoughts, he sets eyes on the male, and stops walking forward. With almost no pause, he says, in a not-terribly-angry voice, "Qaletaqa. You are looking well." Is Kein glad the other male has recovered? If he is, it really doesn't show.
The nod Qale gives is careful and hesitant. "Um, yeah, I'm feeling a lot better. Yeah." He shuffles his paws awkwardly. Perhaps he should just say it, and get it over with. "Um, I can walk properly again, and everything, so...I guess you're here to make sure I leave, then?" He sounds resigned, and perhaps a little resentful at his own fate. It's been just so comfortable here, not to have to worry about being harassed by every cougar who happens to stumble across his rest. But looking at Kein, Qale has to wonder why he ever even vaguely entertained thoughts of the possibility of staying. Of course he can't. Well...well, good riddance, he thinks with a frown. Maybe if he gets himself a little worked up about it, leaving this pleasant place will be easier.
"I think it's for the better. Although..." Kein did tell Nium he wanted her to learn from Qaletaqa, and given that he has just-shy-of demanded that all females stay in Amaranth, now... With a sigh and a frown of his own, Kein adds, "There is another potential deal we could reach..." Something more than just 'you can stay until you're healed'... And something that could cause much more stress for the Chieftain.
The perk of Qale's ears shows that he's eager to hear Kein out, especially considering the alternative. "A deal?" He allows himself a little hope, though his next question is tinged with suspicion. "What...what kind of deal?" He's sharp enough to pick up it might be something to do with his healing skills. Perhaps he'll be allowed to stay on the outskirts if he provides his skills to Kein and his females...
How best to phrase this...? "Our tribe recently lost our shamaness, who had healing knowledge, like you... Healing knowledge that I would be lax in my duties if I allowed to become lost to our tribe. If you would be willing to train one of the females of my tribe in what you know, I could see my way toward allowing you to stay... Provided that I receive no complaints, that is." There. His tone was polite. He was calm. What else could be asked of Kein?
The slight frown, the downward flip of Qale's ears, the slightly agitated twitching of his tailtip all speak tellingly of the young cougar's hesitation, his revolt against the idea. He holds his knowledge very close to his heart, his one lasting memory of his mother. He uses it to help others as best he can, but the idea of teaching it to someone else, some...random female. Although...although Kein did save his life. And let him stay thus far, to recover. Then again, maybe this was his plan all along, to emotionally blackmail him into sharing his knowledge. But it seemed to be a new idea to Kein too. But! He'd already helped Jinx, and Kein's daughter. But! But but but! Oh dear. This is all just...too confusing. Qale is silent as he ponders the situation, his eyes gradually losing their focus on Kein and staring into the distance, with a pronounced, worried, confused crease to his brow.
Kein keeps his eyes on Qaletaqa as he waits for an answer. And, the longer that answer doesn't come... Kein curses himself, mentally. He never should have mentioned it to Nium. He should have just seen Qale out, and then... And then... What? Well, he'll certainly find out, because this male... Kein's frown intensifies, and he finally says, "Y'know... Forget about it..." They don't get sick all that often, and... Well, what does it matter?
Qaletaqa hadn't realised he'd gone so long without talking, and when Kein next speaks, it snaps him out of his puzzled little reverie. "Wait," he says by reflex, before he notes Kein's frown, before he even realizes that he doesn't know what he's going to say. "Um." Qale stands about awkwardly. What /can/ he say? "Um," he adds, to buy time. Talking things out has never really been his forte, since...well, there's never been anyone around to talk it out with. "Look, it's just...I mean, you let me stay, and I'm thankful, and...um..." He hesitates, then decides to say it. "I guess...I guess it's out of the question if, um, I just...kind of...stay on the outskirts...and help out. I won't be any trouble or anything, really...but I guess that's not possible," he adds sullenly. In fact, the whole statement had a sullen tone, hopeless. He knows he's to be shot down even before he says it, but if he's going to be leaving sooner or later anyway...
Kein keeps his eyes on Qaletaqa. With all of his recent exhaustion, he really is difficult to read, most of the time. "Help out how?" The frustration and self-directed anger from just seconds ago are faded, but not gane entirely. He told Qaletaqa he could stay if the male simply passed on some of him knowledge to Nium. The fact that Qale is asking to stay around the outskirts of Amaranth in exchange for 'helping' implies that helping does not include the only thing Kein wanted from Qale.
The younger cougar droops. And he's impressive at it, too, having had a lifetime of practice - his entire body seems to just deflate. Just having Kein drop the one question, which really isn't necessarily a 'no' yet, has undercut any hope Qale foolishly harboured of staying around. "Well, it's...nice here...and..." he almost tries again, but his jaw sets. "No...no, you know what, um, forget it. Forget I asked. Um. I guess that's why you helped me out, then, you know, against, against the coyotes. So you could get me here...get me to teach your female what I know...yeah..." He gives a shrug that he thinks is nonchalant. It does nothing to hide his emotion. "Well...makes sense, I guess. Um. Now I owe you, right?" He tries to sound bitter and harsh, but it just comes out forlorn.
Kein bares his teeth and lets out a brief growl at the implication that he would have allowed Qaletaqa to die if it had not been for the passing of their Shamaness. "I helped you against the coyotes because they were going to kill you, and you'd done nothing to deserve it." Then. Now, Kein isn't so sure. "If you want to question my motives, you may do it all you want, outside of Amaranth. I'm sure you'll find plenty out there who would be glad to join you in that pastime." Qale probably does not deserve quite as harsh a tone as Kein uses, but he's tired of defending himself to those in Amaranth, no matter how temporarily they are in Amaranth.
The berating causes Qale to flush with embarrassment, and subsequently with defensive anger - both at himself for having cast an aspersion on the Chieftain's character, who has been nothing but civil, and equally at Kein for telling him off. He wants to be snappy and harsh right back. "Y-yeah? Well...well..." He knows full well Kein's explanation fits with how he's acted so far, and he probably should apologize. But it's Qale. "...whatever," he mutters sullenly, unable to think of anything else. "So...I teach, I stay...and if you don't, you'd just...what, let me leave?" Qale's tone makes it clear he doesn't believe he'd get off so easily.
"Yes." There's still that seemingly ever-present hint of anger to the Chieftain, and his tone has just barely softened. It's difficult not to get angry when dealing with this male who, though he says he appreciated the help, certainly doesn't act it. "If you say no, I will 'let' you leave, with an escort." And maybe... Maybe that escort ought to be Nium. Normally, Kein would do it, but Nium can take care of herself quite easily, and even though she is not a very social sort, she is still better with others than he is.
Qaletaqa's tail twitches agitatedly from side to side, his eyes lowered as he stares fixedly somewhere around Kein's left forepaw. To say he is surprised is an understatement at the very least. He's not sure if he likes Kein more for being so civil, or respects him less for being so...lenient, for not just making Qale do what he wants him to do. He shifts, and as he does so a twinge of pain flits up his hindleg and makes him wince. Then he blinks. Deep thoughts are going on behind those fearful, confused eyes - or at least, as deep as he can handle right now. At last, the young cougar looks up again. He still looks disagreeable, and when he speaks his tone is grudging. "How...long would I be allowed to stay, um, if I agree?" He doesn't know how, nor does he want to discuss with Kein why sharing this knowledge is so difficult to him. It's a big decision, one that is worth weighing against his own rescued life. it's important.
The last thing Kein needs is to give any more male cougars a reason to begrudge him and this land. All the same, if Qale thinks Kein is being lenient, he's wrong. Kein sees the wince, knows what caused it, and knows from personal experience how hard it is to even get food with that much pain, let alone defend against any threats. Still, he would see Qale out of the territory if he says no. "Indefinitely... With some rules." Rules that, were they broken, would result in Qale's immediate dismissal from Amaranth. As long as Qale toes the line, though, Kein doesn't see a particular time when he would have to evict the other male.
Indefinitely. Qaletaqa likes the sound of that word, as his perked ears make clear. To stay here as long as he likes, in exchange for his knowledge. In a territory once more, not belonging, but just being there. And with Kein...Qale doesn't like to admit it to himself, but he has to admit that that condition does make the idea all the more appealing. A thought he knows is dangerous, and quickly tries to disregard. "What are the rules...?"
"You don't breed. You don't pressure any female under any circumstances. You neither injure nor worry any member of this tribe." If there has been any tell that Kein has no idea of Qale's attraction to him, this is it. What is foremost on Kein's mind is all of the atrocities commited against female cougars, and were he to receive any complaint or catch any sign that Qale may risk doing anything like that, he would deal with it quite harshly.
A few owlish blinks later, Qale shakes his head vigorously. "No, no, um, I would never...uh..." Perhaps he doth protest too much. It's good that Kein hasn't noticed his...well, it's good anyway, but Qale is horrified to realize that the idea of admitting his leanings to the chieftain /just/ so he would never suspect him of messing around with his females and thus kick him out does appeal to him for a brief moment. Some weird idea that it would make Kein trust him more to stay. What? What? This kind of crazy thinking won't do at all! "Um, I wouldn't do that. Everyone's been so tolerant, and...I just...wouldn't." He blows past the moment as quickly as he dares. "I can, um, I can keep those rules. And..." He pauses for a brief moment. "...I'll...I guess I can...teach your tribe some helpful things..."
Kein looks Qale over. After a brief moment, some of the tenseness leaves Kein. It's actually as close as he can get to a smile right now, whether it is recognized as such or not. "Thank you. I will let the cougaress who I want to learn from you know." And he will do his absolute best not to distrust Qale, not to check up on him constantly. To leave it until there is a reason for him to doubt that Qale should be allowed to stay before he allows that doubt to drive his actions.
Qaletaqa wants to smile just from the relief he seems to have caused the chieftain. He's done good! Kein is happy. Qale is happy that he made Kein happy. No. Be quiet, brain. Instead, the younger cougar just nods. He's still uncertain as to whether he's made the best decision - after all, there's so many factors here, internal and external. But at least he's been allowed to stay. And Kein appears to be taking him on his word, and while he may be misreading the amount of trust Kein is affording him, it gives him a warm feeling regardless. "I'll, um, I'll be here. Um. Or nearby." He isn't exactly sure where he stands on exploring Amaranth territory, but he doesn't want to push his luck.
Kein nods at the statement that Qale will be around here. "I'll let her know." As soon as he finds her. "Farewell, Qaletaqa." No, he doesn't intend to stay any longer. He's less tense, but he's still not entirely comfortable.
Qaletaqa nods. "Um, alright." He is apprehensive about this whole thing, but...somewhere, deep inside, there's a feeling that is just waiting to bloom. He's accepted somewhere. At last. Maybe not permanently, not on the best of terms...so perhaps 'tolerated' is a better word. But it's been a long time since he was tolerated. He doesn't even realize he's watching Kein leave.