Post by Therdde on Oct 26, 2009 7:20:38 GMT -5
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Teketa - Male Wolf
Helaku - Male Wolf
- Hilltop Vista -
As he had promised, he remained with Skelaghe through the night, and at dawn he set off to find a meal for her. Whatever he could find. And when he had done that - though the hare he found was perhaps a little lean. Winter is hard on all the animals, not just the predators. That done, he set off to do the second thing had promised - the hard part. He is returning to the pack's territory after searching for Skelaghe for a few days now. He had given some warning when he left - a howl on the border - but now he returns in silence. He must find Helaku and speak to the alpha male. Teketa's pace is brisk as he trots under the sun - beginning to slope to the west already - and his expression is best described as determined and inward. He's not entirely certain how he can go about doing this. Any number of things could go wrong... but he supposes he should worry about it when it comes to it...
Helaku had been wondering Skel's whereabouts for awhile, but busied himself in taking care of the territory and pups. He knew Skel woudln't go off and do something utterly stupid, even in her condition, because Skel just didn't do stupid things. For now, he sat on the summit of the hill, looking out across the lands. He had no feelings as to what happened except for the concern he felt for his mate. Vincent was another matter all together. He would not hunt him down as he promised Skel, but if he trespassed he would beat him for as long as he stayed and refrain from killing him unless he absolutely wouldn't leave. This, he decided quickly. He sat with his ears stiff, his eyes narrow as he watched the scenery. He knew all ready one of the pups was judgmental of Skel...that being Aquene. She did not like Vincent since the encounter she had with him, but he gave her a short talk on the fact that everyone made mistakes, even himeself.
Heh. Teketa doesn't even know how much Helaku knows about the situation. Teketa knew next to nothing, only that she had been terribly upset by something, and then left. He's pretty sure he shouldn't just blast on into the subject, either. Glancing up, Teketa sees the silhouette of a wolf on the hill looming up ahead. Helaku. Teketa's pace slows to a walk at last. He's been moving quickly all day. No doubt Helaku has already seen the black wolf approaching. And now Teketa's purpose is becoming clear: he's seeking out Helaku. A rare enough feat, if nothing else. As he reaches the base of the hill and begins to climb, he sighs softly to himself. This will not be easy. Half-way up, Teketa stops and looks up at Helaku. His ears slick back and his tail remains low respectfully. He does not speak until spoken to. Or is acknowledged, in any case.
Helaku's eyes locked on Teketa, merely because he was the sole creature moving below him. He had no ill feelings or otherwise dominant feelings to Teketa. He did what a good Beta should--he knew, having been Beta himself for the old Ute. "Teketa," he said, loud enough, "Please tell me you've seen Skelaghe recently. The pups worry over her absence."
The black wolf nods his head once, sharply. But his demeanor remains subdued and almost grim as he begins to move up the hill once again. He stops before Helaku, his expression deeply serious. Sure, it was always serious before when he was around Helaku, but now there's a certain gravity which indicates something is wrong. "Yes, I have found her," he answers evenly, but keeps his voice low as if someone - anyone - might be listening in on them. "I must speak to you," this he says for he has no way of telling Helaku - or at least, he doesn't know /how/ to tell Helaku - that Skelaghe is unwell. And yet... she'll be fine. Eventually.
Helaku wrinkled his nose softly. So he learned it? No surprise there. Teketa was a sharp wolf even though he hid it in his posture. He didn't wait for Teketa to come to him, instead he went to Teketa as a proper Alpha should. His approach wasn't quick or hasted, just normal and everyday Helaku. He didn't change anything to his own posture, merely keeping his ears forward and tail average. "So you've seen the condition she's in then?" he said.
"Yes," he answers simply, averting his gaze when Helaku approaches, keeping his ears carefully low. "I have not been told who is responsible for her current condition," and better that he doesn't know. Teketa closes his eyes momentarily. He's certain he shouldn't ask the next question, but does anyway: "Before she left... did she say very much to you?" Whatever Helaku's answer, Teketa will need to breach the subject soon, anyway.
Helaku sat before Teketa, listening. It sounded as if she hadn't improved too much from when he last saw her. "Who is responsible is not important at the current time unless they return..and if they do, I will deal with them," he said. "She didn't say much, but she didn't need to. I've a fairly good idea of what transpired."
Then perhaps it will come as no surprise. In any case, it is time he was blunt, despite any reaction Helaku might give him. "Skelaghe is with child," he says this quietly, his brows knitted together as he thinks of how she looked when he met her yesterday. He lifts his head just the slightest bit, watching Helaku's reaction closely. Teketa is certain that Helaku will realize the pups are not his - especially if he already suspected. "So she has left the territory. It is at her request that I am here speaking with you," Teketa pauses, mentally sighs, and continues, "And she will not return if her pups will not be safe here." And for once, Teketa looks pointedly at the alpha, if only to get the point across. Whether or not Skelaghe returns hinges on Helaku's decision. She didn't care if Helaku didn't treat the pups as his own, so long as they were safe. "She would not have them punished for the sins of their father." Teketa lowers his head. It is said, but not quite done.
Helaku tilted his head when he mentioned the news. How typical of others to think him fierce due to his disposition. The compassionate side of him never did fade away entirely, with much difficulty expressing it after the things he had seen in the outerlands. "By old Ute law, they would not be welcome," he said. "But this is not the old Ute, and unlike the old Ute she is an Alpha. Unlike other Alphas, myself in this case, are more willing to decide things on logic and reason. Even if the pups are tainted by their relation to the criminal, they themselves are not tainted at heart and are part of my mate, as she is part of this pack. The pups are Ute, and will be cared for as if they were given life by us both. However...with the sins of the father comes a pre-emptive note, Teketa. Because of how they came to be...it may be better they know not of their actual father."
And now Teketa actually does sigh, softly. Relieved. But his expression remains serious, even grim. This is good - though he wasn't sure he expected Helaku to ever turn Skelaghe away. He dips his head in response, then brings his eyes back up to Helaku. "Then... shall I go to her?" Teketa would love to bring her home. He promised. He would bring news when he had it. And then he would go to her. And he is certain it would lighten their hearts to have the news be good.
Helaku offered Teketa a soft smile. "Before you go to her...there's something I want to tell you," he said. "I believe it is necessary." He slowly waged his tail behind, watching Teketa carefully. "You have done well for the Ute as a Beta. In fact, I'd say you've done more than most Betas ever do for their pack. Usually it is heirarchy command, the Alphas telling the others what to do and not to question it. But no..that is not how we Ute function. You are more Ute than you realize, even by the old pack's standards. Even though she sent you to me, it is clear that you also come because you want to. I can see it in your eyes, how you posture yourself. An invaluable member of the pack, is what you are. And that is where I make my statement. If something ever happens to me, Teketa, and Skelaghe remains...take my position. There is no other wolf who could fill it if I were to pass on."
Teketa's ears perk, listening. He does not speak, but he is as focused as if he were receiving a command - though he isn't. As Helaku speaks, Teketa's expression changes just ever-so-slightly: his brows lift, losing some of their heaviness. His eyes are distant. If only it could be known - how very ironic. If his pack of old had only known that their lowly omega was being spoken of so highly. But as Helaku finishes, Teketa lifts his eyes and, though he doesn't smile, there's a lightness to his features. Unusual, when he's in Helaku's presence. But perhaps those words have given him at least some small sense of pride. The black wolf doesn't speak, but nods his head once, slowly. "Thank you," it is barely a whisper. Helaku had no way of knowing what those words meant to the black wolf. He pauses for several seconds, gathering his thoughts together, then his determined expression returns. "I will go now. I will bring her back." He would not have her travelling at night in this frigid weather. Nor would they travel as quickly as he had to return here. But he would bring her back, safe and sound. He can hardly wait to set off again, in fact... though he has only just returned.
Helaku's tail continued to softly wag. "Go now," he said. "There's no rush to return as she is injured. I will be here, waiting for the both of you, with the pups." Reward for proven service--a precept of Forty One. Normally, the Ute would pass their Alphaship to the pups in the event of something happening to them, but Teketa was deserving of that trust. By no means was he implying his own pups unfit and never leading... for Skelaghe's sake also he said what he said though his words were truthful about the service of this black wolf. "You will come home to a meal, in fact. Do not worry of hunting once she is within the territory."
Another sharp nod. "I will bring her home, safe, sound." As long as he was around, he would not allow harm to come to her. Not like this! Not again... And it is with that that Teketa turns swiftly and trots away down the hill. Everything will be all right - he can almost be certain. And for that reason he can hardly contain himself. It is for Skelaghe that his heart is happy, and that is so because he knows Helaku's acceptance will bring her joy... or at least relieve her. Once he reaches the base of the hill his trot becomes a canter. He won't go the whole way at this pace, of course. But right now emotion fuels his body and he feels he has the energy to run to the ends of the earth. He wants to reach her by nightfall. She could use the warmth in the cold winter night, he's sure.
Helaku watched him trot off. That was how it should be. He himself returned to his 'post' at the top of the hill, and once again set to watching the scenery. He would return to the den soon enough to tell the pups when their mother would return.
Teketa - Male Wolf
Helaku - Male Wolf
- Hilltop Vista -
As he had promised, he remained with Skelaghe through the night, and at dawn he set off to find a meal for her. Whatever he could find. And when he had done that - though the hare he found was perhaps a little lean. Winter is hard on all the animals, not just the predators. That done, he set off to do the second thing had promised - the hard part. He is returning to the pack's territory after searching for Skelaghe for a few days now. He had given some warning when he left - a howl on the border - but now he returns in silence. He must find Helaku and speak to the alpha male. Teketa's pace is brisk as he trots under the sun - beginning to slope to the west already - and his expression is best described as determined and inward. He's not entirely certain how he can go about doing this. Any number of things could go wrong... but he supposes he should worry about it when it comes to it...
Helaku had been wondering Skel's whereabouts for awhile, but busied himself in taking care of the territory and pups. He knew Skel woudln't go off and do something utterly stupid, even in her condition, because Skel just didn't do stupid things. For now, he sat on the summit of the hill, looking out across the lands. He had no feelings as to what happened except for the concern he felt for his mate. Vincent was another matter all together. He would not hunt him down as he promised Skel, but if he trespassed he would beat him for as long as he stayed and refrain from killing him unless he absolutely wouldn't leave. This, he decided quickly. He sat with his ears stiff, his eyes narrow as he watched the scenery. He knew all ready one of the pups was judgmental of Skel...that being Aquene. She did not like Vincent since the encounter she had with him, but he gave her a short talk on the fact that everyone made mistakes, even himeself.
Heh. Teketa doesn't even know how much Helaku knows about the situation. Teketa knew next to nothing, only that she had been terribly upset by something, and then left. He's pretty sure he shouldn't just blast on into the subject, either. Glancing up, Teketa sees the silhouette of a wolf on the hill looming up ahead. Helaku. Teketa's pace slows to a walk at last. He's been moving quickly all day. No doubt Helaku has already seen the black wolf approaching. And now Teketa's purpose is becoming clear: he's seeking out Helaku. A rare enough feat, if nothing else. As he reaches the base of the hill and begins to climb, he sighs softly to himself. This will not be easy. Half-way up, Teketa stops and looks up at Helaku. His ears slick back and his tail remains low respectfully. He does not speak until spoken to. Or is acknowledged, in any case.
Helaku's eyes locked on Teketa, merely because he was the sole creature moving below him. He had no ill feelings or otherwise dominant feelings to Teketa. He did what a good Beta should--he knew, having been Beta himself for the old Ute. "Teketa," he said, loud enough, "Please tell me you've seen Skelaghe recently. The pups worry over her absence."
The black wolf nods his head once, sharply. But his demeanor remains subdued and almost grim as he begins to move up the hill once again. He stops before Helaku, his expression deeply serious. Sure, it was always serious before when he was around Helaku, but now there's a certain gravity which indicates something is wrong. "Yes, I have found her," he answers evenly, but keeps his voice low as if someone - anyone - might be listening in on them. "I must speak to you," this he says for he has no way of telling Helaku - or at least, he doesn't know /how/ to tell Helaku - that Skelaghe is unwell. And yet... she'll be fine. Eventually.
Helaku wrinkled his nose softly. So he learned it? No surprise there. Teketa was a sharp wolf even though he hid it in his posture. He didn't wait for Teketa to come to him, instead he went to Teketa as a proper Alpha should. His approach wasn't quick or hasted, just normal and everyday Helaku. He didn't change anything to his own posture, merely keeping his ears forward and tail average. "So you've seen the condition she's in then?" he said.
"Yes," he answers simply, averting his gaze when Helaku approaches, keeping his ears carefully low. "I have not been told who is responsible for her current condition," and better that he doesn't know. Teketa closes his eyes momentarily. He's certain he shouldn't ask the next question, but does anyway: "Before she left... did she say very much to you?" Whatever Helaku's answer, Teketa will need to breach the subject soon, anyway.
Helaku sat before Teketa, listening. It sounded as if she hadn't improved too much from when he last saw her. "Who is responsible is not important at the current time unless they return..and if they do, I will deal with them," he said. "She didn't say much, but she didn't need to. I've a fairly good idea of what transpired."
Then perhaps it will come as no surprise. In any case, it is time he was blunt, despite any reaction Helaku might give him. "Skelaghe is with child," he says this quietly, his brows knitted together as he thinks of how she looked when he met her yesterday. He lifts his head just the slightest bit, watching Helaku's reaction closely. Teketa is certain that Helaku will realize the pups are not his - especially if he already suspected. "So she has left the territory. It is at her request that I am here speaking with you," Teketa pauses, mentally sighs, and continues, "And she will not return if her pups will not be safe here." And for once, Teketa looks pointedly at the alpha, if only to get the point across. Whether or not Skelaghe returns hinges on Helaku's decision. She didn't care if Helaku didn't treat the pups as his own, so long as they were safe. "She would not have them punished for the sins of their father." Teketa lowers his head. It is said, but not quite done.
Helaku tilted his head when he mentioned the news. How typical of others to think him fierce due to his disposition. The compassionate side of him never did fade away entirely, with much difficulty expressing it after the things he had seen in the outerlands. "By old Ute law, they would not be welcome," he said. "But this is not the old Ute, and unlike the old Ute she is an Alpha. Unlike other Alphas, myself in this case, are more willing to decide things on logic and reason. Even if the pups are tainted by their relation to the criminal, they themselves are not tainted at heart and are part of my mate, as she is part of this pack. The pups are Ute, and will be cared for as if they were given life by us both. However...with the sins of the father comes a pre-emptive note, Teketa. Because of how they came to be...it may be better they know not of their actual father."
And now Teketa actually does sigh, softly. Relieved. But his expression remains serious, even grim. This is good - though he wasn't sure he expected Helaku to ever turn Skelaghe away. He dips his head in response, then brings his eyes back up to Helaku. "Then... shall I go to her?" Teketa would love to bring her home. He promised. He would bring news when he had it. And then he would go to her. And he is certain it would lighten their hearts to have the news be good.
Helaku offered Teketa a soft smile. "Before you go to her...there's something I want to tell you," he said. "I believe it is necessary." He slowly waged his tail behind, watching Teketa carefully. "You have done well for the Ute as a Beta. In fact, I'd say you've done more than most Betas ever do for their pack. Usually it is heirarchy command, the Alphas telling the others what to do and not to question it. But no..that is not how we Ute function. You are more Ute than you realize, even by the old pack's standards. Even though she sent you to me, it is clear that you also come because you want to. I can see it in your eyes, how you posture yourself. An invaluable member of the pack, is what you are. And that is where I make my statement. If something ever happens to me, Teketa, and Skelaghe remains...take my position. There is no other wolf who could fill it if I were to pass on."
Teketa's ears perk, listening. He does not speak, but he is as focused as if he were receiving a command - though he isn't. As Helaku speaks, Teketa's expression changes just ever-so-slightly: his brows lift, losing some of their heaviness. His eyes are distant. If only it could be known - how very ironic. If his pack of old had only known that their lowly omega was being spoken of so highly. But as Helaku finishes, Teketa lifts his eyes and, though he doesn't smile, there's a lightness to his features. Unusual, when he's in Helaku's presence. But perhaps those words have given him at least some small sense of pride. The black wolf doesn't speak, but nods his head once, slowly. "Thank you," it is barely a whisper. Helaku had no way of knowing what those words meant to the black wolf. He pauses for several seconds, gathering his thoughts together, then his determined expression returns. "I will go now. I will bring her back." He would not have her travelling at night in this frigid weather. Nor would they travel as quickly as he had to return here. But he would bring her back, safe and sound. He can hardly wait to set off again, in fact... though he has only just returned.
Helaku's tail continued to softly wag. "Go now," he said. "There's no rush to return as she is injured. I will be here, waiting for the both of you, with the pups." Reward for proven service--a precept of Forty One. Normally, the Ute would pass their Alphaship to the pups in the event of something happening to them, but Teketa was deserving of that trust. By no means was he implying his own pups unfit and never leading... for Skelaghe's sake also he said what he said though his words were truthful about the service of this black wolf. "You will come home to a meal, in fact. Do not worry of hunting once she is within the territory."
Another sharp nod. "I will bring her home, safe, sound." As long as he was around, he would not allow harm to come to her. Not like this! Not again... And it is with that that Teketa turns swiftly and trots away down the hill. Everything will be all right - he can almost be certain. And for that reason he can hardly contain himself. It is for Skelaghe that his heart is happy, and that is so because he knows Helaku's acceptance will bring her joy... or at least relieve her. Once he reaches the base of the hill his trot becomes a canter. He won't go the whole way at this pace, of course. But right now emotion fuels his body and he feels he has the energy to run to the ends of the earth. He wants to reach her by nightfall. She could use the warmth in the cold winter night, he's sure.
Helaku watched him trot off. That was how it should be. He himself returned to his 'post' at the top of the hill, and once again set to watching the scenery. He would return to the den soon enough to tell the pups when their mother would return.