Post by Therdde on Jun 18, 2009 17:33:26 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Teketa - Male Wolf
- Hilltop Vista -
They grow so fast. It won't be much longer before they're weaned, and they are spending more and more time outside of the den. They are nearly impossible to keep up with. Thankfully, with herself, Helaku, Teketa, and Ashen, there are plenty of them to watch the pups, an Skelaghe does not always have to count of Tek or Helaku for food. She is just returning from one of her hunting trips now, thankfully with a full stomach. The sun is starting to set, though the land is still plenty well lit, and as Skelaghe approaches the den, no sounds reach her keen ears. The pups must still be sleeping.
He never imagined he'd still be here. When he arrived, thin and ready to give in last fall... he wouldn't have been able to picture the beautiful new lives that had joined this small pack. Or that he'd begin to feel... happy. Maybe that was a strong word for it - Teketa was still as distant as ever, but he was somewhat more content than he had ever been before. Not since his own pups had once been due. Today he's sticking close to the den - he knows Skelaghe is out, and... well, he'd rather be around to make sure the pups are safe. Sure, they aren't his. But that hardly matters to the black wolf. When he hears the sound of pawpads on the earth, Teketa rises from his place on the ground, where he had been resting. It's Skelaghe. A brief smile appears as he begins to pad in her direction to offer a greeting.
Skelaghe spots Teketa easily, and his smile is matches quite quickly by a smile from the shewolf. She does not speak until she is a little closer, though... At which point, she says, "Hello, Teketa. Have they been sleeping long?" Is she friend first, or mother first? It would be terribly hard for her to decide. Hopefully, she'll never have to. As of right now, she doesn't foresee a situation in which she would. She has chosen her companions well, whether it was intentional or not.
He'd never hurt them or allow harm to befall them in any way or form. Though... he supposes that isn't really his responsibility, is it? He's thought of it before... so it isn't like he sticks those close to the den terribly often. He stills goes out alone, wanders the borders. Keeps an eye out for trouble. "My lady," he dips his head gently, ears moving back and tail lowering respectfully and remaining that way. His voice remains lowered, soft, "For the last half-hour," he replies with a sort of contentedness. His gaze wanders to the direction of the den before returning to the alpha, "Did your hunt go well?"
Will they sleep much longer? Skelaghe has no idea. Their nap times are so inconsistent, now. For as long as they remain sleeping, though, she is plenty content to remain here, speaking with her friend. "Yes. I am well-fed." After speaking, Skelaghe takes a couple steps closer to him, moving to bump her head lightly against his. She has something rather important on her mind, and she wants to make sure she can keep his attention for a moment.
Good, good... good that a nursing mother is fed. He's not sure how long before the little ones are weaned - Dawn never got this far with her own children - but either way, he knows the mother's health is just as important as the youngsters'. Some line of this knowledge may show in his face as he is satisfied with her answer, smile appears again, then disappears. He can leave her alone with them now, if she wishes it. But instead she gently butts her head against his, and he remains where he is. No need for him to move too hastily. He offers another smile - those come so much more easily than they used to, it seems. But they are always short-lived. Maybe he senses she has something to say? Or perhaps he's only waiting to be dismissed...
A dismissal is not coming. Not immediately. "I would like to ask something of you, Teketa... But I do not want you to feel obligated. And you may have as much time to think about it as you'd like." Skelaghe's smile remains, and her tone is soft. Friendly. She doesn't ask her question just yet. Before she does, she wants to make sure he understands that, regardless of his answer, or whether he even gives her an answer, it will not change how she feels about him.
Teketa's brows raise a fraction of an inch. He knew she had something more to say. But he doesn't mind remaining here; the presence of the pups soothes his soul in a way. Whether it's true or not, he feels... forgiven, in a sense. Blessed to be able to experience any time at all around these little wolves who show so much promise. He looks at her quietly, as if to say, "Anything," but he remains silent, his ears lifting from their lowered position. Though she smiles warmly, he knows the way she has approached the question - or the coming question - means it must be important, and his response will be equally so, despite what she says.
Before speaking, Skelaghe sits. It is not a stalling tactic, simply an attempt to get comfortable. "You have been so much of a help, Teketa... And a strong pack needs a strong beta. I would like you to be that beta." She could leave the position open, unfilled. But why? While Teketa was not raised with Ute beliefs, neither would any possible future candidate have been, most likely. It doesn't matter, though. Teketa has proven himself to be a loyal and honorable friend... And while he has never committed to staying with them, she cannot help but think of him as an integral part of the pack.
She sits. He just rose to his paws but a minute ago. He remains standing, initially. His face is serious as he listens, but as Skelaghe proceeds, a new gravity enters his eyes. He can't quite believe what she's asking him - though it was never stated as a question, she has given him the choice to refuse. He doesn't look directly at Skelaghe as he sits, but rather his eyes become distant as he considers his answer. His past has made it hard for him to grasp the concept. He never knew the betas very well, then. But he supposes his actions with the Ute would not need to be terribly different... he already worked his hardest. Did his best. And he supposed he could no longer imagine leaving. He closes his eyes, his head turning slightly, to face Skelaghe directly. He cannot leave caution to the wind just yet. He's thinking he should ask what more to would require (though he wouldn't mind); instead, he answers with a deadly serious voice: "I have been honored to be among your pack for this long," he pauses, opening his eyes. He could still refuse. "I would be honored and- delighted? to continue to serve your pack as a beta," he says it, means it. His eyes are unreadable, torn somewhere between not believing and really feeling- well, he's Teketa. The wolf who would sooner believe he deserved none of it. He had never said he would stay with the Ute. He left leaving a very open, possibly option. Until now.
Skelaghe could tell him that his decision did not matter to their relationship. She certainly told herself that. She cannot hide that she is pleased by his answer, though. "Thank you, Teketa. It means much to me." To know that he will be around, even though she expects him to do nothing more than what he has already been doing. And then, perhaps will the worst timing ever, there is a yelp from the den as one overexuberant pup decides to play with a less eager one. Ah. perhaps one day, she will be able to converse with an adult for more than just a few minutes at the time. She stands again, though she just sat, and again moves to nuzzle him as she repeats herself. "Thank you."
Her joy is his pleasure, and he cannot help but abandon himself to a smile. He can say nothing more - what he has said is the best way he can express himself. He's not sure how to describe what he feels; strange and happy, but... can he be a beta? He never considered himself anything more than a visitor. Or an omega, which would be less. A yelp draws his attention away, "Ah. It seems naptime is over," he smile becomes a grin, as brief as it may be. His gaze wanders towards the den once more. When he turns his head again, he receives a nuzzle, and his face could only be described as... serene. "They'll be wanting you soon," he says matter-of-factly, a grin forming. "Farewell, my dear friend," he begins padding away - he's never referred to her quite like that before now. But before he can get too far, he pauses, "And tell the little ones Uncle Teketa says hello," he actually chuckles a little before he turns and trots away. Time for a patrol. He needs to think on this.
Skelaghe watches Teketa as he walks off. And when he turns back around and speaks, she echoes his chuckling and calls after him, "I will." Then she heads on her way into the den, to mediate whatever is going on and just generally check on her pups. For all of the trouble that eventually led them to here... It is rather unlikely that she could be any happier than she is right now, with her pups, her mate, and the knowledge that the animal who is easily her best friend, since Sketch passed, will be staying with them.
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Teketa - Male Wolf
- Hilltop Vista -
They grow so fast. It won't be much longer before they're weaned, and they are spending more and more time outside of the den. They are nearly impossible to keep up with. Thankfully, with herself, Helaku, Teketa, and Ashen, there are plenty of them to watch the pups, an Skelaghe does not always have to count of Tek or Helaku for food. She is just returning from one of her hunting trips now, thankfully with a full stomach. The sun is starting to set, though the land is still plenty well lit, and as Skelaghe approaches the den, no sounds reach her keen ears. The pups must still be sleeping.
He never imagined he'd still be here. When he arrived, thin and ready to give in last fall... he wouldn't have been able to picture the beautiful new lives that had joined this small pack. Or that he'd begin to feel... happy. Maybe that was a strong word for it - Teketa was still as distant as ever, but he was somewhat more content than he had ever been before. Not since his own pups had once been due. Today he's sticking close to the den - he knows Skelaghe is out, and... well, he'd rather be around to make sure the pups are safe. Sure, they aren't his. But that hardly matters to the black wolf. When he hears the sound of pawpads on the earth, Teketa rises from his place on the ground, where he had been resting. It's Skelaghe. A brief smile appears as he begins to pad in her direction to offer a greeting.
Skelaghe spots Teketa easily, and his smile is matches quite quickly by a smile from the shewolf. She does not speak until she is a little closer, though... At which point, she says, "Hello, Teketa. Have they been sleeping long?" Is she friend first, or mother first? It would be terribly hard for her to decide. Hopefully, she'll never have to. As of right now, she doesn't foresee a situation in which she would. She has chosen her companions well, whether it was intentional or not.
He'd never hurt them or allow harm to befall them in any way or form. Though... he supposes that isn't really his responsibility, is it? He's thought of it before... so it isn't like he sticks those close to the den terribly often. He stills goes out alone, wanders the borders. Keeps an eye out for trouble. "My lady," he dips his head gently, ears moving back and tail lowering respectfully and remaining that way. His voice remains lowered, soft, "For the last half-hour," he replies with a sort of contentedness. His gaze wanders to the direction of the den before returning to the alpha, "Did your hunt go well?"
Will they sleep much longer? Skelaghe has no idea. Their nap times are so inconsistent, now. For as long as they remain sleeping, though, she is plenty content to remain here, speaking with her friend. "Yes. I am well-fed." After speaking, Skelaghe takes a couple steps closer to him, moving to bump her head lightly against his. She has something rather important on her mind, and she wants to make sure she can keep his attention for a moment.
Good, good... good that a nursing mother is fed. He's not sure how long before the little ones are weaned - Dawn never got this far with her own children - but either way, he knows the mother's health is just as important as the youngsters'. Some line of this knowledge may show in his face as he is satisfied with her answer, smile appears again, then disappears. He can leave her alone with them now, if she wishes it. But instead she gently butts her head against his, and he remains where he is. No need for him to move too hastily. He offers another smile - those come so much more easily than they used to, it seems. But they are always short-lived. Maybe he senses she has something to say? Or perhaps he's only waiting to be dismissed...
A dismissal is not coming. Not immediately. "I would like to ask something of you, Teketa... But I do not want you to feel obligated. And you may have as much time to think about it as you'd like." Skelaghe's smile remains, and her tone is soft. Friendly. She doesn't ask her question just yet. Before she does, she wants to make sure he understands that, regardless of his answer, or whether he even gives her an answer, it will not change how she feels about him.
Teketa's brows raise a fraction of an inch. He knew she had something more to say. But he doesn't mind remaining here; the presence of the pups soothes his soul in a way. Whether it's true or not, he feels... forgiven, in a sense. Blessed to be able to experience any time at all around these little wolves who show so much promise. He looks at her quietly, as if to say, "Anything," but he remains silent, his ears lifting from their lowered position. Though she smiles warmly, he knows the way she has approached the question - or the coming question - means it must be important, and his response will be equally so, despite what she says.
Before speaking, Skelaghe sits. It is not a stalling tactic, simply an attempt to get comfortable. "You have been so much of a help, Teketa... And a strong pack needs a strong beta. I would like you to be that beta." She could leave the position open, unfilled. But why? While Teketa was not raised with Ute beliefs, neither would any possible future candidate have been, most likely. It doesn't matter, though. Teketa has proven himself to be a loyal and honorable friend... And while he has never committed to staying with them, she cannot help but think of him as an integral part of the pack.
She sits. He just rose to his paws but a minute ago. He remains standing, initially. His face is serious as he listens, but as Skelaghe proceeds, a new gravity enters his eyes. He can't quite believe what she's asking him - though it was never stated as a question, she has given him the choice to refuse. He doesn't look directly at Skelaghe as he sits, but rather his eyes become distant as he considers his answer. His past has made it hard for him to grasp the concept. He never knew the betas very well, then. But he supposes his actions with the Ute would not need to be terribly different... he already worked his hardest. Did his best. And he supposed he could no longer imagine leaving. He closes his eyes, his head turning slightly, to face Skelaghe directly. He cannot leave caution to the wind just yet. He's thinking he should ask what more to would require (though he wouldn't mind); instead, he answers with a deadly serious voice: "I have been honored to be among your pack for this long," he pauses, opening his eyes. He could still refuse. "I would be honored and- delighted? to continue to serve your pack as a beta," he says it, means it. His eyes are unreadable, torn somewhere between not believing and really feeling- well, he's Teketa. The wolf who would sooner believe he deserved none of it. He had never said he would stay with the Ute. He left leaving a very open, possibly option. Until now.
Skelaghe could tell him that his decision did not matter to their relationship. She certainly told herself that. She cannot hide that she is pleased by his answer, though. "Thank you, Teketa. It means much to me." To know that he will be around, even though she expects him to do nothing more than what he has already been doing. And then, perhaps will the worst timing ever, there is a yelp from the den as one overexuberant pup decides to play with a less eager one. Ah. perhaps one day, she will be able to converse with an adult for more than just a few minutes at the time. She stands again, though she just sat, and again moves to nuzzle him as she repeats herself. "Thank you."
Her joy is his pleasure, and he cannot help but abandon himself to a smile. He can say nothing more - what he has said is the best way he can express himself. He's not sure how to describe what he feels; strange and happy, but... can he be a beta? He never considered himself anything more than a visitor. Or an omega, which would be less. A yelp draws his attention away, "Ah. It seems naptime is over," he smile becomes a grin, as brief as it may be. His gaze wanders towards the den once more. When he turns his head again, he receives a nuzzle, and his face could only be described as... serene. "They'll be wanting you soon," he says matter-of-factly, a grin forming. "Farewell, my dear friend," he begins padding away - he's never referred to her quite like that before now. But before he can get too far, he pauses, "And tell the little ones Uncle Teketa says hello," he actually chuckles a little before he turns and trots away. Time for a patrol. He needs to think on this.
Skelaghe watches Teketa as he walks off. And when he turns back around and speaks, she echoes his chuckling and calls after him, "I will." Then she heads on her way into the den, to mediate whatever is going on and just generally check on her pups. For all of the trouble that eventually led them to here... It is rather unlikely that she could be any happier than she is right now, with her pups, her mate, and the knowledge that the animal who is easily her best friend, since Sketch passed, will be staying with them.