Post by Althaea on Jun 27, 2009 2:38:31 GMT -5
-- Descending Vale --
Shag - Viridian Wolf
Tariro - Viridian Wolf
*Brief Summary*
Finally meeting up with his brother, Shag tells Tariro the news of him possibly being Beta of the pack, which only causes disappointment. Wishing it where him and not Shag, Tariro suggests they spend some time with each other outside the lands so that his brother forgets all about it - and perhaps him too.
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The air seemed to grow warmer with each passing day; a sure sigh that summer was near. The sun setting and a new moon rising, the air didn't seem to cool much; perhaps that is why Tariro has remained near the lake these past moons. Walking along the stream, in more of a patrol kind of fashion, leaping over gaps as he came upon them, the young adult would look around every so often when sounds came from the distance. As always, he'd watch the direction it came from till he was convinced nothing was there before continuing on.
But tonight there is something there... or someone, at least. The younger brother of Tariro is coming to meet him, having tracked him by scent across half the valley. He's never been able to catch up any time other than this particular time... odd that even with all his training, his brother has been able to hide so easily! Shag is not concerned with being as stealthy. He's had a lot of things on his mind recently, and the only people he's had to talk to were either not available to talk, or they weren't much help at all! "Tariro! Tariro!" he says, his voice sounding so much like when he was stuck under a snow drift or lost in the woods, calling for help. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere."
Reaching one of the dams, Tariro stood by it with a bit of concern as a small hole seemed to catch his attention as water spilled from its hold. Stepping upon it was certainly out of the question now should it collapse and take him under. Flicking his tail, he hmms looking up from the dam for another way to cross. Only the sound of the stream seemed to drift by the wolf until a sudden call of his name echoed through the area. Ears swiveling back, Tariro immediately turns to the direction of the voice for it sounded as if distressed. "Shag.." she spoke to himself before actually finding his brother. Taking a few steps toward him he wonders whats up. "You sound as if something is wrong.."
"I dunno, maybe," Shag says with a shake of his head, skidding to a halt in front of him. "Look, Tariro... I've had a lot of things on my mind," he blurts out in a rush. "Dad... he's been training me, you know? Do you know what for? Do you know what's going on? What did anyone tell you?" he asks, swiftly and without pause, stepping forward with each question until he literally bumps noses with the other wolf and scoots away, muttering apologetically. "Lots of things going on, and... I've just missed you, Tariro."
A raised brow presents itself to the wolf before him, as Tariro cautions himself to his brothers skidding stop. Maybe.. whats that suppose to mean.. Looking at him, he hmms nodding slightly. He's seen the two out and about in the valley a few times but never really know what they were doing. Keeping his pace, even as Shag steps toward him blurting one question after the next at him. Quiet puzzled, he takes one step back before saying, "I've missed you too Shag, but why don't you take a breath and them tell me whats going on."
Shag takes a moment to catch his breath and breathe in deeply, before launching into his sudden monologue. "They want to make me Beta!" he says excitedly, almost quivering in something that resembles fear or rapture. "Mom and Dad, they're training *me* for it! They just asked me and I said sure and now I'm going to be it! At least I think so. I dunno if it's bad or great or what! That's what Friti's been training me for, or something. I need help! I don't know if I'll be ready even if I do finish training and I think they want me to get a mate and I just don't know, I mean I only ever talk to Frost and she's nice but I need advice! I wanted to tell you but you weren't around and now you are." He settles back onto his haunches and gulps. "So what do you think?"
Tariro watches his brother as he calms himself before looking rather surprised. "Beta.." This causes the white wolf to frown a bit somewhat disappointed. So much for his dream. Saying nothing for what seems like an eternity, Tari looks to the ground in thought before raising his gaze back up to his brother. "That's... great." A fake smile on his face. "I'm sort of disappointed though.. as to why they didn't ask me." he hmms looking past Shag. "Did they even mention me when they mentioned it to you?" he closes his eyes not even sure he wants to know the answer to that. A sigh escapes him.
Shag's mouth drops open, lost for an answer when Tariro questions him. He can see his brother's artificial smile. It doesn't comfort him in the least. "I... well..." His voice gets very, very quiet, and he averts his gaze to the ground. "No... not really," he admits in a murmur. "Look... Tariro," he says sighing. "Tariro... I really don't know what to make of this. They all just... seem to expect me to live up to it. And I... I don't know if I can. I need help. They're the ones who want me to get to *their* level... I need you," he exclaims in a rush. "I can't do this by myself, Tariro. I know you haven't been around much. Maybe... maybe you're even better suited for this. I just know I don't know what's going to happen."
Tariro didn't think so, wasn't even sure why he thought they would. His brother was right, however, he hasn't been around much and that probably has something to do with it right there. He had no one to blame but himself, but no.. he wasn't going to do that, he was better than that. Taking a deep breath, he looks at his brother with furosity behind his stare. "Then why are you doing it..." he pauses dropping his ears, "Their level.." he says a little sarcastically. "I wonder what level that is." From what his seen of his parents that level had to be pretty low. When hearing his brother say that he needed him, his heart skips a beat and is over joyed beyond words; though to know Shag thinks his own brother possibly better suited for the job he isn't sure how to respond. Dipping his head down to meet his brothers gaze he half smiles. "Do what you think is right, and be yourself. There's no reason why you should change who you are just because someone whats you to meet their standards or be something you don't think you can be. I certainly wouldn't change who I am." Bringing his head up he noses your neck, "If it helps, I'll put aside whatever I'm doing to be at your side. We could go off some place.." he smirks, "Spend some time with each other as brothers."
Shag chuckles and returns the nuzzle without fail. It seems, even with all that's been going on, his brother is the only one he can feel really comfortable with. "That sounds great," he admits. "But I don't know where we'd go. I mean... if I *am* going to be Beta... if either of us are... aren't we supposed to know what's been going on in the outside world? I only got to see it when I almost died in the flood. I haven't even met any wolves outside my family except for Frost... do we even know what we're going to have to do if we do meet other wolves? Where can we find some, anyway?" That seemed like a brotherly thing to do... go traveling and search for other packs! Right? Couldn't be that dangerous.
Its the family bond they share, but he wouldn't get to comfortable if Tari were him, anything could happen; the possibles are endless. "Precisely." He says to his brother. "That's why were going to go out. Learn what are parents are to busy to to teach us, on our own." He smirks as if he has this all planned out. "And don't worry about where we'd go or what we'll do, we'll leave that up to fate." Shaking his head to Shag he huffs, "Forget about becoming Beta for a while too, it'll only make your head hurt. Have some fun for a change." He's really upset that he wasn't asked first, but shrugs. "It'll still be here when we get back."
Shag grins at first, but seems quite hesitant. "Just... just go, you mean?" he asks. "Not even tell anyone?" he adds, seemingly a little nervous. He really would like to forget about being Beta, if only for a while... he licks his chops and gulps. "I guess you're right," he admits. "But... I mean... where are we supposed to go first? You think fate is gonna be kind to us?" he asks as a sincere question. "Cause the last time I went down there, it was just dogs... and they didn't like me at all," he says with a wince. "But... I guess if we're together that won't matter, huh?"
Tariro sighs, why does his brother have to ask so many questions. Nodding to just about everything he says, whether it really needs one or not, he settles down to his haunches, standing in one spot is beginning to tear at his legs. "If you want to tell you can. We're going to go either way no matter what they say." They needed this little adventure.. no Shag needed it. "You worry to much.. as long as were together nothing can come between us. We can accomplish anything."
Shag even seems ready to believe it, too. A small smile slowly creeps over his face, and then, out of nowhere, he leaps forward and tackles his brother, nuzzling and licking him before pouncing off. "This is going to be great!" he says excitedly. "We're actually going to do this! I can't believe it!" He spins a little circle. "Oh, geez... what are we going to do first? I wonder what we'll see out there... you're right, Tariro. Long as we stick together, nothing can happen. I know it."
Tariro smiles right back up at his brother, grateful that he could cheer him up without seeming to over zealous about not bring spoken to first about the whole beta thing. He'll never get over that. Anyhow, trying to think of what they'll do first, Tari is taken by complete surprise as he is just about pummeled to the ground in an unexpected pounce by his brother. "Of course I am.. to think you ever doubted me." He smirks gathering himself about the pounce. Watching Shag, he shakes his head thinking his brother a tad crazy by the way his acting. "Does it matter, besides we're not going to see much by standing here.." he pushes himself to a stand. "Lets go."
Shag ohs and bows his head sheepishly. "Right..." he says, and for all his training, falls into line right next to his brother. He has absolutely no idea where to lead, anyway...
Tariro haphazardly chuckles at his brother. "Still the same ol' Shag." He'll always be a follower in his eyes, no matter what kind of training his put through. Watching Shag take place right next to him, he steps forth taking the lead. "Here we go. Our very first adventure together." He saying looking back at him a few steps ahead.
Shag stops short, suddenly, falling quickly behind. "Wait," he says suddenly. "If we're doing this, I want to tell Frost," he declares. "Or at least, you know... leave a message of some kind. She is a friend, after all," he notes. "My friend, anyway..." He hurries to catch up again. "You should talk to her, Tariro. She's been through quite a lot... somehow it... feels worse just leaving her behind, after talking to her so much. It'd be like you just leaving without telling me! Kind of."
Tariro stops mid step when told to wait.. Finishing his step, he looks back in silent question - What now? He didn't have to wait long to find out that it was about a girl. "If you must." he says with a slight head shake. This is why he's 'friend' decided to stay out in the wild. Waiting on his brother now, he listens to him and shrugs. "When we return, alright." When caught up to looks off into the distance before turning back to his brother at the last part of what he says. "I suppose that's nothing like you not telling me about becoming beta." he mutters to himself. Shrugging it off he says more clearly this time, "Sounds to me like you like her."
Shag seems sincerely stung when Tariro sends a bit of an accusatory tone his way. They're standing right next to each other, he can hear every word! "Tariro," he says, ignoring the next part of what his brother says. "I was *going* to tell you," he says honestly. "I just... I didn't know how you'd take it... and I was so busy with my training and all." He seems to grow a little anxious. "Please, Tari... let's just forget the whole thing for now... I don't even know what I was thinking. Come to think of it nobody ever even appointed me yet. So really, I'm not even official! Which is good, right?"
Tariro's words weren't suppose to be heard, but it seems to late now. He didn't want it to bother him but it did, it made him mad even if it didn't show on the outside. "But you didn't Shag.. you didn't tell me at all, you didn't even try until I asked." His tone clearly held in, not wanting to show how upset he really was. Closing his eye he turns to the ground after a moment. "How can I forget about it.." he looks up. "Something like that is big.. Their training you for it.. it doesn't get much closer than that." Taking a few steps forward he drops to his haunches, his posture sinking. Quiet for a moment he head shakes. "I'm not mad at you Shag. I'm more so at our parents. They make hasty decisions without even thinking of the effects it'll have." With a sigh he stands. He stands there for quite a while before just moving forward. "Lets just go."
Shag pauses, helpless before Tariro's hidden anger. He could *feel* it, seething just under the surface, like a prowling fish just underwater waiting for a poor victim to alight on the lake surface. Placid on the outside, turbulent within. He seems stricken, which is odd, because he had always been fairly inexpressive until now. He puts his forepaws together on the ground in the manner of someone being reproached, closing his eyes and thinking deep and hard. He was partly to blame for this, just coasting in life and expecting things to work themselves out without his involvement. But things are changing. Like Frost said, he couldn't be like the snails he admires. He has to do something about this. If being Beta is going to cause all this trouble... is it really worth it? He narrows his eyes and follows alongside Tariro, making sure not to fall behind or go in front too much. They're brothers. He's going to start acting like it today. "I'm not Beta *yet*," he says confidently. "So long as we see each other as brothers, that's what we'll be. Whatever happens, we're going through it together. No more holding back. I promise." And with that he marches into the world with his erstwhile sibling, ready for anything.
Shag - Viridian Wolf
Tariro - Viridian Wolf
*Brief Summary*
Finally meeting up with his brother, Shag tells Tariro the news of him possibly being Beta of the pack, which only causes disappointment. Wishing it where him and not Shag, Tariro suggests they spend some time with each other outside the lands so that his brother forgets all about it - and perhaps him too.
------------------------------
The air seemed to grow warmer with each passing day; a sure sigh that summer was near. The sun setting and a new moon rising, the air didn't seem to cool much; perhaps that is why Tariro has remained near the lake these past moons. Walking along the stream, in more of a patrol kind of fashion, leaping over gaps as he came upon them, the young adult would look around every so often when sounds came from the distance. As always, he'd watch the direction it came from till he was convinced nothing was there before continuing on.
But tonight there is something there... or someone, at least. The younger brother of Tariro is coming to meet him, having tracked him by scent across half the valley. He's never been able to catch up any time other than this particular time... odd that even with all his training, his brother has been able to hide so easily! Shag is not concerned with being as stealthy. He's had a lot of things on his mind recently, and the only people he's had to talk to were either not available to talk, or they weren't much help at all! "Tariro! Tariro!" he says, his voice sounding so much like when he was stuck under a snow drift or lost in the woods, calling for help. "There you are! I've been looking everywhere."
Reaching one of the dams, Tariro stood by it with a bit of concern as a small hole seemed to catch his attention as water spilled from its hold. Stepping upon it was certainly out of the question now should it collapse and take him under. Flicking his tail, he hmms looking up from the dam for another way to cross. Only the sound of the stream seemed to drift by the wolf until a sudden call of his name echoed through the area. Ears swiveling back, Tariro immediately turns to the direction of the voice for it sounded as if distressed. "Shag.." she spoke to himself before actually finding his brother. Taking a few steps toward him he wonders whats up. "You sound as if something is wrong.."
"I dunno, maybe," Shag says with a shake of his head, skidding to a halt in front of him. "Look, Tariro... I've had a lot of things on my mind," he blurts out in a rush. "Dad... he's been training me, you know? Do you know what for? Do you know what's going on? What did anyone tell you?" he asks, swiftly and without pause, stepping forward with each question until he literally bumps noses with the other wolf and scoots away, muttering apologetically. "Lots of things going on, and... I've just missed you, Tariro."
A raised brow presents itself to the wolf before him, as Tariro cautions himself to his brothers skidding stop. Maybe.. whats that suppose to mean.. Looking at him, he hmms nodding slightly. He's seen the two out and about in the valley a few times but never really know what they were doing. Keeping his pace, even as Shag steps toward him blurting one question after the next at him. Quiet puzzled, he takes one step back before saying, "I've missed you too Shag, but why don't you take a breath and them tell me whats going on."
Shag takes a moment to catch his breath and breathe in deeply, before launching into his sudden monologue. "They want to make me Beta!" he says excitedly, almost quivering in something that resembles fear or rapture. "Mom and Dad, they're training *me* for it! They just asked me and I said sure and now I'm going to be it! At least I think so. I dunno if it's bad or great or what! That's what Friti's been training me for, or something. I need help! I don't know if I'll be ready even if I do finish training and I think they want me to get a mate and I just don't know, I mean I only ever talk to Frost and she's nice but I need advice! I wanted to tell you but you weren't around and now you are." He settles back onto his haunches and gulps. "So what do you think?"
Tariro watches his brother as he calms himself before looking rather surprised. "Beta.." This causes the white wolf to frown a bit somewhat disappointed. So much for his dream. Saying nothing for what seems like an eternity, Tari looks to the ground in thought before raising his gaze back up to his brother. "That's... great." A fake smile on his face. "I'm sort of disappointed though.. as to why they didn't ask me." he hmms looking past Shag. "Did they even mention me when they mentioned it to you?" he closes his eyes not even sure he wants to know the answer to that. A sigh escapes him.
Shag's mouth drops open, lost for an answer when Tariro questions him. He can see his brother's artificial smile. It doesn't comfort him in the least. "I... well..." His voice gets very, very quiet, and he averts his gaze to the ground. "No... not really," he admits in a murmur. "Look... Tariro," he says sighing. "Tariro... I really don't know what to make of this. They all just... seem to expect me to live up to it. And I... I don't know if I can. I need help. They're the ones who want me to get to *their* level... I need you," he exclaims in a rush. "I can't do this by myself, Tariro. I know you haven't been around much. Maybe... maybe you're even better suited for this. I just know I don't know what's going to happen."
Tariro didn't think so, wasn't even sure why he thought they would. His brother was right, however, he hasn't been around much and that probably has something to do with it right there. He had no one to blame but himself, but no.. he wasn't going to do that, he was better than that. Taking a deep breath, he looks at his brother with furosity behind his stare. "Then why are you doing it..." he pauses dropping his ears, "Their level.." he says a little sarcastically. "I wonder what level that is." From what his seen of his parents that level had to be pretty low. When hearing his brother say that he needed him, his heart skips a beat and is over joyed beyond words; though to know Shag thinks his own brother possibly better suited for the job he isn't sure how to respond. Dipping his head down to meet his brothers gaze he half smiles. "Do what you think is right, and be yourself. There's no reason why you should change who you are just because someone whats you to meet their standards or be something you don't think you can be. I certainly wouldn't change who I am." Bringing his head up he noses your neck, "If it helps, I'll put aside whatever I'm doing to be at your side. We could go off some place.." he smirks, "Spend some time with each other as brothers."
Shag chuckles and returns the nuzzle without fail. It seems, even with all that's been going on, his brother is the only one he can feel really comfortable with. "That sounds great," he admits. "But I don't know where we'd go. I mean... if I *am* going to be Beta... if either of us are... aren't we supposed to know what's been going on in the outside world? I only got to see it when I almost died in the flood. I haven't even met any wolves outside my family except for Frost... do we even know what we're going to have to do if we do meet other wolves? Where can we find some, anyway?" That seemed like a brotherly thing to do... go traveling and search for other packs! Right? Couldn't be that dangerous.
Its the family bond they share, but he wouldn't get to comfortable if Tari were him, anything could happen; the possibles are endless. "Precisely." He says to his brother. "That's why were going to go out. Learn what are parents are to busy to to teach us, on our own." He smirks as if he has this all planned out. "And don't worry about where we'd go or what we'll do, we'll leave that up to fate." Shaking his head to Shag he huffs, "Forget about becoming Beta for a while too, it'll only make your head hurt. Have some fun for a change." He's really upset that he wasn't asked first, but shrugs. "It'll still be here when we get back."
Shag grins at first, but seems quite hesitant. "Just... just go, you mean?" he asks. "Not even tell anyone?" he adds, seemingly a little nervous. He really would like to forget about being Beta, if only for a while... he licks his chops and gulps. "I guess you're right," he admits. "But... I mean... where are we supposed to go first? You think fate is gonna be kind to us?" he asks as a sincere question. "Cause the last time I went down there, it was just dogs... and they didn't like me at all," he says with a wince. "But... I guess if we're together that won't matter, huh?"
Tariro sighs, why does his brother have to ask so many questions. Nodding to just about everything he says, whether it really needs one or not, he settles down to his haunches, standing in one spot is beginning to tear at his legs. "If you want to tell you can. We're going to go either way no matter what they say." They needed this little adventure.. no Shag needed it. "You worry to much.. as long as were together nothing can come between us. We can accomplish anything."
Shag even seems ready to believe it, too. A small smile slowly creeps over his face, and then, out of nowhere, he leaps forward and tackles his brother, nuzzling and licking him before pouncing off. "This is going to be great!" he says excitedly. "We're actually going to do this! I can't believe it!" He spins a little circle. "Oh, geez... what are we going to do first? I wonder what we'll see out there... you're right, Tariro. Long as we stick together, nothing can happen. I know it."
Tariro smiles right back up at his brother, grateful that he could cheer him up without seeming to over zealous about not bring spoken to first about the whole beta thing. He'll never get over that. Anyhow, trying to think of what they'll do first, Tari is taken by complete surprise as he is just about pummeled to the ground in an unexpected pounce by his brother. "Of course I am.. to think you ever doubted me." He smirks gathering himself about the pounce. Watching Shag, he shakes his head thinking his brother a tad crazy by the way his acting. "Does it matter, besides we're not going to see much by standing here.." he pushes himself to a stand. "Lets go."
Shag ohs and bows his head sheepishly. "Right..." he says, and for all his training, falls into line right next to his brother. He has absolutely no idea where to lead, anyway...
Tariro haphazardly chuckles at his brother. "Still the same ol' Shag." He'll always be a follower in his eyes, no matter what kind of training his put through. Watching Shag take place right next to him, he steps forth taking the lead. "Here we go. Our very first adventure together." He saying looking back at him a few steps ahead.
Shag stops short, suddenly, falling quickly behind. "Wait," he says suddenly. "If we're doing this, I want to tell Frost," he declares. "Or at least, you know... leave a message of some kind. She is a friend, after all," he notes. "My friend, anyway..." He hurries to catch up again. "You should talk to her, Tariro. She's been through quite a lot... somehow it... feels worse just leaving her behind, after talking to her so much. It'd be like you just leaving without telling me! Kind of."
Tariro stops mid step when told to wait.. Finishing his step, he looks back in silent question - What now? He didn't have to wait long to find out that it was about a girl. "If you must." he says with a slight head shake. This is why he's 'friend' decided to stay out in the wild. Waiting on his brother now, he listens to him and shrugs. "When we return, alright." When caught up to looks off into the distance before turning back to his brother at the last part of what he says. "I suppose that's nothing like you not telling me about becoming beta." he mutters to himself. Shrugging it off he says more clearly this time, "Sounds to me like you like her."
Shag seems sincerely stung when Tariro sends a bit of an accusatory tone his way. They're standing right next to each other, he can hear every word! "Tariro," he says, ignoring the next part of what his brother says. "I was *going* to tell you," he says honestly. "I just... I didn't know how you'd take it... and I was so busy with my training and all." He seems to grow a little anxious. "Please, Tari... let's just forget the whole thing for now... I don't even know what I was thinking. Come to think of it nobody ever even appointed me yet. So really, I'm not even official! Which is good, right?"
Tariro's words weren't suppose to be heard, but it seems to late now. He didn't want it to bother him but it did, it made him mad even if it didn't show on the outside. "But you didn't Shag.. you didn't tell me at all, you didn't even try until I asked." His tone clearly held in, not wanting to show how upset he really was. Closing his eye he turns to the ground after a moment. "How can I forget about it.." he looks up. "Something like that is big.. Their training you for it.. it doesn't get much closer than that." Taking a few steps forward he drops to his haunches, his posture sinking. Quiet for a moment he head shakes. "I'm not mad at you Shag. I'm more so at our parents. They make hasty decisions without even thinking of the effects it'll have." With a sigh he stands. He stands there for quite a while before just moving forward. "Lets just go."
Shag pauses, helpless before Tariro's hidden anger. He could *feel* it, seething just under the surface, like a prowling fish just underwater waiting for a poor victim to alight on the lake surface. Placid on the outside, turbulent within. He seems stricken, which is odd, because he had always been fairly inexpressive until now. He puts his forepaws together on the ground in the manner of someone being reproached, closing his eyes and thinking deep and hard. He was partly to blame for this, just coasting in life and expecting things to work themselves out without his involvement. But things are changing. Like Frost said, he couldn't be like the snails he admires. He has to do something about this. If being Beta is going to cause all this trouble... is it really worth it? He narrows his eyes and follows alongside Tariro, making sure not to fall behind or go in front too much. They're brothers. He's going to start acting like it today. "I'm not Beta *yet*," he says confidently. "So long as we see each other as brothers, that's what we'll be. Whatever happens, we're going through it together. No more holding back. I promise." And with that he marches into the world with his erstwhile sibling, ready for anything.