Post by Therdde on Oct 26, 2009 7:28:03 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Teketa - Male Wolf
- Grassy Plains -
Skelaghe cannot claim that she is not still upset. What Vincent did to her... She may never be the same. Still, even since Teketa left, her mood has been better, as she now knows that, even if she is going to lose everything that she had... It will not be without gaining something new. Something meaningful. Now, as she lies on the ground, she is actually sleeping, and her sleep is not entirely unrestful. She can feel the sun on her eyes, but it is not enough to make her lift her head. She has not moved terribly far from where Teketa left her, even though she does not hold out much hope that he should return so soon.
He ran for as long as he could, but eventually that became a trot again. His tongue is hanging from his mouth as he pants. There's a certain lightness to his steps - everything will be all right. At least... it will be. Sometime. Soon. Teketa knows the what has happened may still affect Skelaghe for some time to come. Maybe forever. But he has good news for her. He finds her where he left her, and once he sees her his step becomes a walk, slow and even. Once he has her within sight his approach slows further. His expression is not nearly as heavy as it had been earlier, or yesterday, for that matter. She is resting still. Which is good, to an extent. He hopes she will be ready to go back. And if she isn't he will stay with her until she is. "Skelaghe," Teketa whispers, "I am here."
Helaku has not had so little influence on her that she allows herself to sleep through the obvious approach of a fair sized animal. Even so, Skelaghe has barely lifted her head when Teketa speaks. Whispers. So soon? She is still sleepy as she opens her eyes to look at the male wolf. His expression is not exceptionally grim... But she cannot tell, simply from it, whether the news he'll have to give her is good or... less good. "Teketa." She matches his whisper in volume, and stands just to approach him. She did so enjoy having companionship again. Her shorter period of solitude has not hurt her, but whatever news he has to give, she is glad he is back.
She didn't have to get up for him. But he won't tell her to sit back down simply because she's the alpha. He pads forward to meet her half-way, lowers his tail, then speaks again, "I have news for you," he states softly, though there's no doubt in his mind that she knows that already. He doubts, however, that she expected it so soon. He doesn't even know if she'll want to come back today or tomorrow. She may want to wait longer. It doesn't really matter. "I returned to the pack as quickly as I could. I spoke to Helaku," and he allows a smile - though brief - to appear, then continues on, gently, "And I have returned as quickly as I could. Your pups will be safe and well-cared for in Ute," he says with a smile in his voice, though it isn't visible on his face. He watches her closely to see how she takes this good news.
Skelaghe fights so hard to keep herself from letting her hopes get raised, simply because things have just started to look up, but when Teketa confirms that she will not have to leave the territory she has settled so that she can keep her pups safe... Skelaghe closes her eyes and breathes deeply. "Thank you, Teketa." And Helaku. No matter what she said, she never actually let herself hope that he would accept her raising another male's pups. "Thank you."
And that was all he needed to see - the relief on her face. The thanks didn't matter - not to say it wasn't appreciated - but he would rather see Skelaghe happy than anything else. This Ute is not the old Ute. As Helaku had said. Teketa may not have been a member of the old Ute, but... he could understand the sentiment. Now then. He has given her the good news, which leaves his next task. But better that he shouldn't rush. "When you are ready to return I will accompany you," he says matter-of-factly before going on with, "But if you do not wish to go back just yet, I will wait with you." Teketa glances skywards for a moment. "We will not want to move at night. Not in this cold." They would have little time to return tonight. There was no need to hurry. He would be here to keep her safe and bring her anything she needs until she was back under Helaku's care. But Teketa would always be watching out for her.
The hour is advancing. Teketa and Skelaghe will have to rest sometime before they reach Ute, won't they? But how soon will she be able to see her children again? And how upset with they be at her sudden absence? "We can go now." As tired as she is, as much as she expects her leg will protest at a long journey, she would gladly suffer in silence if it means being back in her den and with her children soon. She opens her eyes to look at Teketa again. Perhaps she spoke too hastily. He had to have traveled hard to get to Ute and back here is such a short amount of time. Is /he/ ready to begin back again?
His condition hardly mattered. Yes, his muscles ached. But then, he was used to hard travel. Even as part of a pack, he was rarely in one place for too long. He kept an eye on the borders, the pups. He hunted. He physically strong, even if he was getting "up there" in years. And so it is that he accepts her choice with a simple nod before padding to her side to walk beside her and - when she needs it - to support her. "We will not go too long today," he says softly without looking at her. Once it grew dark, they would rest. He doubted they would get terribly far. But it would be that much closer to pack territory. He just hoped that it would help to lighten her mood a little. Perhaps. He knew she would be glad to see her pups. So he waits on her, ready to move only when she is ready.
Surely Skelaghe owes the few creatures who tried to make her feel welcome, in these parts, but she has to hope that seeing her children again with help to lift some of the weight that remains on her. She has to hope that, at least for a few days, their relief at her return will override their upset at her disappearance. She nods her head, then begins to walk toward the north. She should say... Something. But what?
But what, indeed... Teketa remains silent as they begin to set off, feeling no particular need to speak right away. But as they continue along, he watches Skelaghe out of the corner of his eye. Maybe now is not a time for idle conversation. And yet, he wonders if it would but help, just a little, to keep the mood light for their journey. "When I spoke to your mate, he said that Ute is not as Ute used to be. Once, you would have been cast out. But you are an alpha, and Ute is not as it once was," she may not even feel like talking, or answering his silly questions right now. "What was the old Ute like?" for Teketa has nothing to properly compare this Ute to.
It isn't comforting to hear that Ute laws and traditions are being set aside for her. Yes, she may be the first Ute Alphaess to have been taken advantage of in such away, and such an exception might have been made for any Ute Alphaess in a similar situation, but... Though it upsets her, she tries not to react based on being upset. Rather, after a pause, during which time she takes several breaths and tries to remind herself that she is not being judged, she says, "It was... Perfect." Her view of the pack as it was, formerly, is surely inaccurate. It remains, though. "There was just none of the conflict we've found here, and... One of Ute's strongest values is being accepting." There were a few rules that had to remain strong to keep everyone getting along, of course, but by and large... She's not sure she could ever find a community that has that saame mixture of closeness and freedom.
He doesn't realize that this might be upsetting. For all the things he is capable of picking up on, this isn't one of them. He turns his head as she speaks, though, listening curiously. He's never heard a pack described as "perfect" and believed it. Still, what she describes... is it terribly unlike the Ute she knew? While it seems open and accepting to Teketa, perhaps it isn't to her. But he cannot comprehend that. He turns his eyes forward again, his brows knitting together momentarily. Has it changed so drastically? He's changed... "I see," he says softly after a few seconds as his expression relaxes again. He can't help but wonder if some of her view is affected by the most recent twists in her life, though. Ute would have fallen a long way, then. But it was still far better than what he had known in the past. "Ute has still succeeded in one way at least: I have never encountered a more accepting pack." Perhaps that would offer comfort, though he only states his own observation.
She has tried so hard, in that regard. She has tried to make a home for anyone who might need one. Have her efforts simply left them open to attack? Is it good for them to be so open to others in a land where so many would gladly take out their frustrations on others who want only to help them? "I've tried, so very hard. I want to continue to try. But..." Dammit. She hadn't meant to start complaining. "I just... It feels like we just managed to get by on luck, before, and I don't think it will be enough, anymore. But... I'm not trying to say I'm upset with Ute, as it is. It's just..." Finally, she forces herself to stop speaking, as she's not certain anything is coming out right.
The black wolf turns his whitening muzzle toward his friend again, his eyes reflecting the gentleness he reserves for her alone. He knows. He's seen her try. And he's seen her be hurt, and then get up again after being knocked down. She's always done right by everyone. Everybody. To see her struggle, to be on the edge of breaking - Teketa understands. But he can offer her no help. At least, not anything he believes can help. He's not experienced in running a pack. He just watches the borders and lets the right ones in. Or something like that. "Then if a new balance must be found, it must be found," he states simply, but as gently as he can. "If something must change, something must change." But change is hard. They both know this. But for now, they must try to keep going. He doesn't let his gaze leave her just yet. He's listening. Waiting for her to say more. If she wants to.
When Skelaghe had her first litter, she never wanted it to mean that she wouln't continue to support those outside her family as often as she could. Now? Skelaghe takes a deep breath and nods slightly. "I would have never wanted to turn anyone away... But for a while... I will just be glad to be back with the pack as it is now." She doesn't want to actually /say/ that she doesn't want any new animals around for a while. She can only hope Teketa and Helaku will understand from what she says and doesn't say, and that, until she is feeling a little more secure, she will not have to face any animal, wolf or otherwise, who would make her feel uncomfortable.
Change could come slowly. If that was what was needed. And if it wasn't? Then so be it. He lets the silence that falls after her words remain the last thing said for a while unless she chooses to continue. Only after several more minutes of travelling does he break the silence again, but on another matter entirely: "How is your leg?"
Skelaghe allows the silence to rest between them. It's not an entirely comfortable silence, but it's far better than her continuing to ramble on almost incoherently. She can't help but be worried when he begins to speak again, but when he finishes the mundane question, she relaxes. Forcing a thin smile, she says, "It's not that bad." Sure, her gait is still stiff, but she has faced worse injuries and lived.
He pauses to look at her, nods, then continues. He believes her. She'll live, in any case. She's a strong she-wolf. But he doesn't want to bring her back to Helaku stiff and sore because they were traveling too fast. Still, he's careful not to move too fast. He keeps his pace in time with hers, keeps a good ear out for trouble. And again, lets the silence reign supreme. It isn't necessarily a comfortable silence - and it doesn't have to be. He is very glad that she's coming back. Very glad it worked out this way... considering the circumstances. He hopes she won't be like this forever. But even if she is... he'll be there. Soon enough the sun will be setting and they'll be forced to stop for the night. Or rather, he'll make certain they do. He wouldn't mind traveling in the dark... but he won't allow her to now. She needs the rest. After another long silence, Teketa's expression has noticeably darkened. It's tainted with a little regret, perhaps. "I'm sorry, Skelaghe," it might seem sudden, like it came out of no where... but, he continues, "You were hurt. And I was not there to help you." He's not sure what she'll say about that. But he doesn't quite care, either.
Yes, she'll live, and yes, she could travel further... But when Teketa speaks again, Skelaghe stops moving. She listens to him in silence, and before she says anythin, she sits. She can't fight the voice that tells her she deserved what happened to her. Even if it was not punishment for something, her entire life has driven into her the belief that there is a reason for everything. Even if it was a punishment, though... She does not want her packmates to suffer from it anymore than they already have. "What happened to me... It was not your fault, Teketa. Not yours. Not Helaku's. Please don't... Don't blame yourself. Please." She has hurt them enough, and she cannot say that any of them will appreciate the time she may need to recover... But all fo a sudden, she is convinced she must do what she can to make this easier for them, even if that means it will be harder on her.
It is only when the sound of her pawsteps stop, and he hears her weight on the snow as she seats herself that Teketa stops and looks over his shoulder at her. He listens to what she says without moving, then turns himself around entirely so he can mirror her posture. He knows. It isn't his fault. And yet... if he had been there. If he had just been there this /one/ /time/. Just once. That's the way it was with Dawn. It didn't take a lot to ruin a life sometimes. Then he stands again and approaches her quietly, lowering his head and ears. If she would just get better, he tells himself, it won't be so bad. But that road could be long. If it even exists at all. Or the Skelaghe he knew may be dead now. He wants to point out all of the "what ifs" and "buts" to her, and he can't. For her, he'll try. So he dips his head, and knows he must not dwell on it. For she will need his strength... and the strength of the pack.
If anything is feeding the vindictive side of Skelaghe that wants, however slightly, to see Vincent suffer, it is the knowledge that his act will cause all of her loved ones pain for a long time. For her unborn children, that pain may be with them all their lives. Will they ever be able to find acceptance outside of the pack? She doesn't have to worry about it from her packmates. Ashen would never judge any of her children. Her first litter have been raised to accept differences in others. Helaku already knows, and she knows Teketa does not have any inherent prejudices against dogs. As far as the others... If they have a problem with it, they can leave. But will her children want to be confined to the pack all their lives? Skelaghe scoots forward to be able to nuzzle against Teketa. "I promise, it will be okay. I'll make it be okay." As well as she can, anyway. She is returning to Ute territory. Things will be different... But she will remain committed to her companions. She has to. She has to keep them together, for the sake of her pups, and for her own sake.
Teketa has learned not to shy from her touch. He is even learning to return the comfort such a simple gesture can bring. Like he used to be able to. So he gently returns the touch. He knows her promise is good. He knows in the future, she will do her best. She will always do her best. And the faintest of smile touches his maw, if only for an unseen moment. He will look forward to a time when she is really happy again. "I know it will be," he murmurs close to her ear, then looks away. He pulls back to look at her, and spares a glance at the setting sun. She can pull through this - he'll be there to help pull her through.
Once he pulls away, Skelaghe looks around them. Though the sun is not yet fully set... "We should sleep here, for the night." They wouldn't get much forther anyway, most likely, and if she gets plenty of rest this evening, then hopefully she will be back home no later than tomorrow evening.
He nods his head slowly. "I agree," he says after a moment. It may not show terribly, but he's a bit tired himself. He's moved hastily the last few days and today especially. He really doesn't mind it... but when you're body is telling you to stop, you should listen. He'll be plenty sore tomorrow, even with plenty of rest. He would see about getting her something to eat in the morning if she wanted it. And when they got back to Ute they would feast with the pack again...
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Teketa - Male Wolf
- Grassy Plains -
Skelaghe cannot claim that she is not still upset. What Vincent did to her... She may never be the same. Still, even since Teketa left, her mood has been better, as she now knows that, even if she is going to lose everything that she had... It will not be without gaining something new. Something meaningful. Now, as she lies on the ground, she is actually sleeping, and her sleep is not entirely unrestful. She can feel the sun on her eyes, but it is not enough to make her lift her head. She has not moved terribly far from where Teketa left her, even though she does not hold out much hope that he should return so soon.
He ran for as long as he could, but eventually that became a trot again. His tongue is hanging from his mouth as he pants. There's a certain lightness to his steps - everything will be all right. At least... it will be. Sometime. Soon. Teketa knows the what has happened may still affect Skelaghe for some time to come. Maybe forever. But he has good news for her. He finds her where he left her, and once he sees her his step becomes a walk, slow and even. Once he has her within sight his approach slows further. His expression is not nearly as heavy as it had been earlier, or yesterday, for that matter. She is resting still. Which is good, to an extent. He hopes she will be ready to go back. And if she isn't he will stay with her until she is. "Skelaghe," Teketa whispers, "I am here."
Helaku has not had so little influence on her that she allows herself to sleep through the obvious approach of a fair sized animal. Even so, Skelaghe has barely lifted her head when Teketa speaks. Whispers. So soon? She is still sleepy as she opens her eyes to look at the male wolf. His expression is not exceptionally grim... But she cannot tell, simply from it, whether the news he'll have to give her is good or... less good. "Teketa." She matches his whisper in volume, and stands just to approach him. She did so enjoy having companionship again. Her shorter period of solitude has not hurt her, but whatever news he has to give, she is glad he is back.
She didn't have to get up for him. But he won't tell her to sit back down simply because she's the alpha. He pads forward to meet her half-way, lowers his tail, then speaks again, "I have news for you," he states softly, though there's no doubt in his mind that she knows that already. He doubts, however, that she expected it so soon. He doesn't even know if she'll want to come back today or tomorrow. She may want to wait longer. It doesn't really matter. "I returned to the pack as quickly as I could. I spoke to Helaku," and he allows a smile - though brief - to appear, then continues on, gently, "And I have returned as quickly as I could. Your pups will be safe and well-cared for in Ute," he says with a smile in his voice, though it isn't visible on his face. He watches her closely to see how she takes this good news.
Skelaghe fights so hard to keep herself from letting her hopes get raised, simply because things have just started to look up, but when Teketa confirms that she will not have to leave the territory she has settled so that she can keep her pups safe... Skelaghe closes her eyes and breathes deeply. "Thank you, Teketa." And Helaku. No matter what she said, she never actually let herself hope that he would accept her raising another male's pups. "Thank you."
And that was all he needed to see - the relief on her face. The thanks didn't matter - not to say it wasn't appreciated - but he would rather see Skelaghe happy than anything else. This Ute is not the old Ute. As Helaku had said. Teketa may not have been a member of the old Ute, but... he could understand the sentiment. Now then. He has given her the good news, which leaves his next task. But better that he shouldn't rush. "When you are ready to return I will accompany you," he says matter-of-factly before going on with, "But if you do not wish to go back just yet, I will wait with you." Teketa glances skywards for a moment. "We will not want to move at night. Not in this cold." They would have little time to return tonight. There was no need to hurry. He would be here to keep her safe and bring her anything she needs until she was back under Helaku's care. But Teketa would always be watching out for her.
The hour is advancing. Teketa and Skelaghe will have to rest sometime before they reach Ute, won't they? But how soon will she be able to see her children again? And how upset with they be at her sudden absence? "We can go now." As tired as she is, as much as she expects her leg will protest at a long journey, she would gladly suffer in silence if it means being back in her den and with her children soon. She opens her eyes to look at Teketa again. Perhaps she spoke too hastily. He had to have traveled hard to get to Ute and back here is such a short amount of time. Is /he/ ready to begin back again?
His condition hardly mattered. Yes, his muscles ached. But then, he was used to hard travel. Even as part of a pack, he was rarely in one place for too long. He kept an eye on the borders, the pups. He hunted. He physically strong, even if he was getting "up there" in years. And so it is that he accepts her choice with a simple nod before padding to her side to walk beside her and - when she needs it - to support her. "We will not go too long today," he says softly without looking at her. Once it grew dark, they would rest. He doubted they would get terribly far. But it would be that much closer to pack territory. He just hoped that it would help to lighten her mood a little. Perhaps. He knew she would be glad to see her pups. So he waits on her, ready to move only when she is ready.
Surely Skelaghe owes the few creatures who tried to make her feel welcome, in these parts, but she has to hope that seeing her children again with help to lift some of the weight that remains on her. She has to hope that, at least for a few days, their relief at her return will override their upset at her disappearance. She nods her head, then begins to walk toward the north. She should say... Something. But what?
But what, indeed... Teketa remains silent as they begin to set off, feeling no particular need to speak right away. But as they continue along, he watches Skelaghe out of the corner of his eye. Maybe now is not a time for idle conversation. And yet, he wonders if it would but help, just a little, to keep the mood light for their journey. "When I spoke to your mate, he said that Ute is not as Ute used to be. Once, you would have been cast out. But you are an alpha, and Ute is not as it once was," she may not even feel like talking, or answering his silly questions right now. "What was the old Ute like?" for Teketa has nothing to properly compare this Ute to.
It isn't comforting to hear that Ute laws and traditions are being set aside for her. Yes, she may be the first Ute Alphaess to have been taken advantage of in such away, and such an exception might have been made for any Ute Alphaess in a similar situation, but... Though it upsets her, she tries not to react based on being upset. Rather, after a pause, during which time she takes several breaths and tries to remind herself that she is not being judged, she says, "It was... Perfect." Her view of the pack as it was, formerly, is surely inaccurate. It remains, though. "There was just none of the conflict we've found here, and... One of Ute's strongest values is being accepting." There were a few rules that had to remain strong to keep everyone getting along, of course, but by and large... She's not sure she could ever find a community that has that saame mixture of closeness and freedom.
He doesn't realize that this might be upsetting. For all the things he is capable of picking up on, this isn't one of them. He turns his head as she speaks, though, listening curiously. He's never heard a pack described as "perfect" and believed it. Still, what she describes... is it terribly unlike the Ute she knew? While it seems open and accepting to Teketa, perhaps it isn't to her. But he cannot comprehend that. He turns his eyes forward again, his brows knitting together momentarily. Has it changed so drastically? He's changed... "I see," he says softly after a few seconds as his expression relaxes again. He can't help but wonder if some of her view is affected by the most recent twists in her life, though. Ute would have fallen a long way, then. But it was still far better than what he had known in the past. "Ute has still succeeded in one way at least: I have never encountered a more accepting pack." Perhaps that would offer comfort, though he only states his own observation.
She has tried so hard, in that regard. She has tried to make a home for anyone who might need one. Have her efforts simply left them open to attack? Is it good for them to be so open to others in a land where so many would gladly take out their frustrations on others who want only to help them? "I've tried, so very hard. I want to continue to try. But..." Dammit. She hadn't meant to start complaining. "I just... It feels like we just managed to get by on luck, before, and I don't think it will be enough, anymore. But... I'm not trying to say I'm upset with Ute, as it is. It's just..." Finally, she forces herself to stop speaking, as she's not certain anything is coming out right.
The black wolf turns his whitening muzzle toward his friend again, his eyes reflecting the gentleness he reserves for her alone. He knows. He's seen her try. And he's seen her be hurt, and then get up again after being knocked down. She's always done right by everyone. Everybody. To see her struggle, to be on the edge of breaking - Teketa understands. But he can offer her no help. At least, not anything he believes can help. He's not experienced in running a pack. He just watches the borders and lets the right ones in. Or something like that. "Then if a new balance must be found, it must be found," he states simply, but as gently as he can. "If something must change, something must change." But change is hard. They both know this. But for now, they must try to keep going. He doesn't let his gaze leave her just yet. He's listening. Waiting for her to say more. If she wants to.
When Skelaghe had her first litter, she never wanted it to mean that she wouln't continue to support those outside her family as often as she could. Now? Skelaghe takes a deep breath and nods slightly. "I would have never wanted to turn anyone away... But for a while... I will just be glad to be back with the pack as it is now." She doesn't want to actually /say/ that she doesn't want any new animals around for a while. She can only hope Teketa and Helaku will understand from what she says and doesn't say, and that, until she is feeling a little more secure, she will not have to face any animal, wolf or otherwise, who would make her feel uncomfortable.
Change could come slowly. If that was what was needed. And if it wasn't? Then so be it. He lets the silence that falls after her words remain the last thing said for a while unless she chooses to continue. Only after several more minutes of travelling does he break the silence again, but on another matter entirely: "How is your leg?"
Skelaghe allows the silence to rest between them. It's not an entirely comfortable silence, but it's far better than her continuing to ramble on almost incoherently. She can't help but be worried when he begins to speak again, but when he finishes the mundane question, she relaxes. Forcing a thin smile, she says, "It's not that bad." Sure, her gait is still stiff, but she has faced worse injuries and lived.
He pauses to look at her, nods, then continues. He believes her. She'll live, in any case. She's a strong she-wolf. But he doesn't want to bring her back to Helaku stiff and sore because they were traveling too fast. Still, he's careful not to move too fast. He keeps his pace in time with hers, keeps a good ear out for trouble. And again, lets the silence reign supreme. It isn't necessarily a comfortable silence - and it doesn't have to be. He is very glad that she's coming back. Very glad it worked out this way... considering the circumstances. He hopes she won't be like this forever. But even if she is... he'll be there. Soon enough the sun will be setting and they'll be forced to stop for the night. Or rather, he'll make certain they do. He wouldn't mind traveling in the dark... but he won't allow her to now. She needs the rest. After another long silence, Teketa's expression has noticeably darkened. It's tainted with a little regret, perhaps. "I'm sorry, Skelaghe," it might seem sudden, like it came out of no where... but, he continues, "You were hurt. And I was not there to help you." He's not sure what she'll say about that. But he doesn't quite care, either.
Yes, she'll live, and yes, she could travel further... But when Teketa speaks again, Skelaghe stops moving. She listens to him in silence, and before she says anythin, she sits. She can't fight the voice that tells her she deserved what happened to her. Even if it was not punishment for something, her entire life has driven into her the belief that there is a reason for everything. Even if it was a punishment, though... She does not want her packmates to suffer from it anymore than they already have. "What happened to me... It was not your fault, Teketa. Not yours. Not Helaku's. Please don't... Don't blame yourself. Please." She has hurt them enough, and she cannot say that any of them will appreciate the time she may need to recover... But all fo a sudden, she is convinced she must do what she can to make this easier for them, even if that means it will be harder on her.
It is only when the sound of her pawsteps stop, and he hears her weight on the snow as she seats herself that Teketa stops and looks over his shoulder at her. He listens to what she says without moving, then turns himself around entirely so he can mirror her posture. He knows. It isn't his fault. And yet... if he had been there. If he had just been there this /one/ /time/. Just once. That's the way it was with Dawn. It didn't take a lot to ruin a life sometimes. Then he stands again and approaches her quietly, lowering his head and ears. If she would just get better, he tells himself, it won't be so bad. But that road could be long. If it even exists at all. Or the Skelaghe he knew may be dead now. He wants to point out all of the "what ifs" and "buts" to her, and he can't. For her, he'll try. So he dips his head, and knows he must not dwell on it. For she will need his strength... and the strength of the pack.
If anything is feeding the vindictive side of Skelaghe that wants, however slightly, to see Vincent suffer, it is the knowledge that his act will cause all of her loved ones pain for a long time. For her unborn children, that pain may be with them all their lives. Will they ever be able to find acceptance outside of the pack? She doesn't have to worry about it from her packmates. Ashen would never judge any of her children. Her first litter have been raised to accept differences in others. Helaku already knows, and she knows Teketa does not have any inherent prejudices against dogs. As far as the others... If they have a problem with it, they can leave. But will her children want to be confined to the pack all their lives? Skelaghe scoots forward to be able to nuzzle against Teketa. "I promise, it will be okay. I'll make it be okay." As well as she can, anyway. She is returning to Ute territory. Things will be different... But she will remain committed to her companions. She has to. She has to keep them together, for the sake of her pups, and for her own sake.
Teketa has learned not to shy from her touch. He is even learning to return the comfort such a simple gesture can bring. Like he used to be able to. So he gently returns the touch. He knows her promise is good. He knows in the future, she will do her best. She will always do her best. And the faintest of smile touches his maw, if only for an unseen moment. He will look forward to a time when she is really happy again. "I know it will be," he murmurs close to her ear, then looks away. He pulls back to look at her, and spares a glance at the setting sun. She can pull through this - he'll be there to help pull her through.
Once he pulls away, Skelaghe looks around them. Though the sun is not yet fully set... "We should sleep here, for the night." They wouldn't get much forther anyway, most likely, and if she gets plenty of rest this evening, then hopefully she will be back home no later than tomorrow evening.
He nods his head slowly. "I agree," he says after a moment. It may not show terribly, but he's a bit tired himself. He's moved hastily the last few days and today especially. He really doesn't mind it... but when you're body is telling you to stop, you should listen. He'll be plenty sore tomorrow, even with plenty of rest. He would see about getting her something to eat in the morning if she wanted it. And when they got back to Ute they would feast with the pack again...