Post by Therdde on Dec 11, 2009 17:28:47 GMT -5
Characters:
Ama - Female Cougar
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
- Harvest Fields -
Ah, it is almost summer again, and the spring is quite late now. And she has made it through the winter. Ama is healthier than she was when she first returned to her sons with a story, at least physically. The cougaress's fur is well-cared for and she has had enough to eat lately to keep her figure at least from looking too thin. Not to say she isn't still somewhat thinner than she's been in the past, but she's definitely not as unhealthy as she was before she set out to come north. The cougaress is padding in near-silence through the field of goldenrod flowers, enjoying their rich color and scent in the late afternoon sunlight. As she reaches a fence, Ama leaps over it effortlessly - easily clearing the top of it before landing smoothly on the other side. She winces lightly as she lands. She feels older than ever right now, though she knows there are cougars who have lived far longer than she has. Ama's face is set in a neutral stare. Her purpose here and now is almost... aimless. As much as she loves her sons... as much as she cares about the well-being of Amaranth still, she has learned nothing new as to her sons' plans. Perhaps they never intend to move against Amaranth at all now that she's here. She doesn't know. And after so long, she feels depressed and ashamed of this. She could find some songbird to deliver a message for her... if only she had a message to send! So it is that Ama is somewhat lost in her thoughts as she wanders quietly about. She isn't entirely unaware of her surroundings, just, perhaps, a little too comfortable.
Skelaghe, on the other hand, has lost weight in the past several days. At least she had it to lose. Through the winter and most of the spring, she had plenty of food delivered to her, as her packmates were as eager as she was that her pups should grow well, and in order for that to happen, their mother must be well-fed. She has not eaten anything since leaving Ute lands several days ago, though. Hunger has become her constant, if reasonably quiet, companion. It's as much by choice as not. This journey is about reconnecting with the spirituality and trust that she has lost. Why, then, has it brought her here? So near the human dwelling, where she has been met with such pain on so many occasions... But if she is to be away from her pups, then at least one practical thing can come of this. It is a certain elkhound that Skelaghe seeks, but the elkhound is not the first moving creature that Skelaghe spots. No, that motion definitely belongs to a feline, and a large feline, at that. An unfamiliar feline. And though she promised her packmates that she would be safe, and though the desire to retreat nearly overwhelms her... The shewolf forces her head high, and gives a bark to announce her presence. She may not be retreating, but the last thing she wants to do is inadvertently sneak up on a cougar. At least, should this one prove to be violent, Skelaghe will have time, yet, to retreat, like she wanted to in the beginning. Her head remains high and her ears erect, but her tail is merely parallel to the ground. This is not her land, and she does not intend to pretend that it is.
The cougaress isn't necessarily a violent creature, at least among her own kind. Defensive at times perhaps, but she has never been eager to confront her fellow feline. But other species? And especially wolves? While her tolerance for their being as perhaps increased with age, her opinion of them hasn't improved much. There was only one wolf that ever broke her prejudiced views, and she had not seen him in years. Bodhi was probably dead by now. So it is with some alarm that Ama lifts her head as a bark sounds. Her gray-green eyes rapidly seek the sound's source, finding it in the shape of a thin, gray she-wolf. Ama's tail began to twitch slowly back and forth behind her, her lips pulling into a tight line as she flicks an ear. Ama isn't afraid and has no need to be - a lone wolf is no threat to a cougar on a bad day, much less one like today. But a wolf here? Now that's perhaps a little unusual. And this particular cougar has always been a curious being. Curiosity is a hard thing for her to fight against, and now she must slip forward to meet the stranger. Keeping her eyes focused on the wolf, Ama doesn't move too quickly - she doesn't want to appear even the slightest bit threatening at the moment. Still, there's a guarded, tired expression on Ama's face as she draws closer. Some of it because of this creature's presence, and some of it because her own lingering depression and worries of late. Closer still, and she can see that the she-wolf is perhaps too thin. But Ama cannot bring herself to pity this creature. Yet. She does not speak as she approaches, preferring to see if the wolf will run away from the approaching hunter or bravely stand.
Not only does Skelaghe stand. She continues forward, at least for a few steps. There is still a fair bit of distance when Skelaghe stops, though, allowing the larger creature to close the distance. It is, perhaps, amusing that Skelaghe is so cautious to appear non-threatening, since she could do the cougaress so little harm... But then, wolves are known for traveling in packs. Who knows where her companions may be? She does not look away from the cougaress. She has to exercise some caution. She does not look particularly prone to running, though, and as Ama gets closer, Skelaghe speaks up. "Hello. I apologize if my presence here is unwanted." That Skelaghe has not smelled any scent markings in a while means little. There are so many just vaguely familiar scents here that she would be hard pressed to recognize a border marking for what it is. Besides that, there are few animals who tolerate others being near their borders, even if they do not cross those borders.
The feline doesn't stop until she's just out of leaping-range - just roughly over twenty-five feet for the cougaress. Even a giant leap wouldn't take her too close to the wolf. Ama is the one here who could do the damage; she's aware of this fact, and all the more cautious to show that she's not going to strike immediately or without reason. She may not be able to see every detail of this wolf's facade, but she can see well enough from this distance whether or not the wolf is going to be aggressive, or simply leave. Or, it seems, none of the above: the she-wolf remains where she is, clearly not about to turn back. But not threatening or aggressive - not ready to push to get what she wants. And the lupine makes it clearer when she speaks up. Ama's expression softens a little, and she offers the smallest of smiles. The wolf probably can't see it from afar, but at that moment, Ama does decide to come a little closer. She doesn't like to yell. She stops again when there is a mere fifteen feet between them. Her tail slowly sways behind her, and she can't help but feel a little tense around a creature she has never loved in the past... but Ama's expression isn't unkind when she speaks up only just loudly enough to be heard: "No, no," she almost sighs as she says it, unconcerned. "You are not trespassing here." At least not on Ama's turf. Cheveyo's borders didn't come out this far. At least she didn't believe they did. "As far as I know," she does add ultimately, her eyes narrowing just a little. "I was merely curious - I have never seen a wolf here. So I wonder what might bring one of your kind here." She tries to keep her voice neutral, but her past has bred in her a powerful dislike of wolves. Only her desire to believe that this one is alone and therefore "harmless" keeps her from being more concerned, and perhaps... willing to bypass her beliefs.
"I have come looking for... an old friend." Is that entirely accurate? Does it matter? She does not think Jage will chase her off. Not, that is, until after Skelaghe gets a chance to say what she has to say, at which point, the wolf may be lucky if all that happens to her is that she is chased away. "I must admit that I have no way of knowing if she remains in the area. It has been years since I've seen her, and only rarely, before that." There is even a fair chance that Skelaghe is not even in the right area. All the same, she adds, "Perhaps you know of her. She is a dog, named Jage." Or perhaps not. Either way, it's worth saying. Skelaghe remains on all four feet as, and after, she speaks. Since the conversation has not become tense, though, the shewolf does not watch Ama quite so cautiously as she did at the beginning.
Like the she-wolf before her, Ama remains standing. She is not comfortable, but she will be civil in any case. There is no call for violence here now. Not yet. ...in fact, Ama has begun to doubt that there will be violence here at all. Ama has no interest in fighting or killing this underfed creature, and it has become clear that the wolf is not confrontational either. Though she remains tense, she allows a small amount of compassion to begin showing on her face as the wolf explains her presence here. However, Ama can only frown slightly and shake her head a little when the wolf has finished. "I'm sorry. I have never met anyone by that name in this area. But, to be honest, I have only spent the winter here, and much of that was spent resting in shelter." And as for the spring? She simply hasn't encountered... /anyone/ outside of her sons that she had actually conversed with. And now that she considers that, it would almost be nice to have some /female/ company. But from a wolf? Ha! ...but perhaps she she shouldn't be so hard on this one. "You're rather thin, Wolf. Are you well?" Ama asks this next question, keeping her voice soft and fairly level. While she doesn't sound overly eager or interested, perhaps some of the kindness that usually becomes the cat will show through in her voice.
As the cougaress mentions that she does not know Jage, Skel looks around very briefly. Well, it was a thought. Skelaghe will rest near here, when night finally comes, and will spend a couple days looking, if it takes that long. That decided, the shewolf looks back to Ama. "I am not ill. I am fasting." Half-heartedly so, yes. Should, for example, some prey animal simply drop dead at her feet, she would eat. Given that that never happens, though... "I appreciate the concern, though. Thank you." She is aware that it is odd behaviour. She has not done it, herself, in years, since she became pregnant with her first litter. And perhaps that is part of the problem that surrounds her, now. With hunger as a constant reminder of what she is supposed to be doing, it is easy to not get side-tracked. Not like when she has a full belly, and it is easy only to rest and pretend to be happy. "Forgive me. I've been rude. My name is Skelaghe, alphaess of the Ute pack, and it is a pleasure to meet you." She does not appear distraught by the idea that she was "rude", but her tone is sincere. She should have introduced herself before now, so that the cougaress would not have to address her simply by her species.
Of course, there was always the thought that Ama may have continued to simply continue addressing the she-wolf as "Wolf" or simply have continued on not caring. But when a name is given to the face, Ama finds it harder not to care for a single individual. And this is only one wolf, anyway. What's the harm in at least acting friendly? She had done so for Bodhi long ago. Finding the concept of fasting at all strange, Ama doesn't comment but merely acknowledges the she-wolf's choice with a slight cant and dip of her head before addressing the canine. "Skelaghe," the cougaress offers a small smile before bowing her head just slightly. Her gray-green eyes remain tired, but a little less wary of the she-wolf. Interesting that Ama should be dealing with an alphaess; wolves operated in packs, and Ama is aware of their basic structure. There were two leaders usually, and the term for them was "alpha" just as "chieftain" was used in Amaranth. But Ama is not a wolf. So she offers nothing else. "My name is Ama, and I am a sis-" she catches herself. She hasn't had to introduce herself to anyone in months, not since she ...left. Smiling faintly, she continues on with, "That is, I was formerly a Sister in the Amaranth Tribe. Perhaps you've heard of them?" The cougaress's tail grows still, waiting for an answer.
She came to the north because she was specifically avoiding the Amaranth. Given who her very young charge is... Well, Sweet Rain might have been accepting of the fact that Skel would not let Ashen be taken against his will, but there's a chance the other cougars of Amaranth might not be so accepting. To have run into one of them... a former one of them... here... and one she knows by name, no less... "Ama." There is recognition in Skel's voice, when she says Ama's name. It takes a moment longer for all of the pieces to fit together in Skelaghe's head. It has been so long since she has thought of the message that a young cougar asked her to pass on. Truthfully, she doesn't know if that message ever even got there, or... She has to take a deep breath before she can manage to say anything else, and when she speaks, her voice is little more than a whisper. "How is... Hahnee?" Yes. That was his name. Why else would the cougaress be this far north? Granted, the last time, the /only/ time, she met Hahnee, it was to the south of here, but... Could Ama have really gotten this far north without, at the very least, encountering the cougar who sent a message through Skelaghe to Ama?
There's a certain tone, a certain way in which Skelaghe whispers Ama's name that puts the cougaress on a low level of alert. If she had been beginning to relax a little, she is now on guard again, even if she hasn't physically moved. Furthermore, the she-wolf suddenly continues, her voice softer as she asks about... Ama's son? The cougaress jerks her head back a fraction of an inch in surprise. Hahnee's never mentioned meeting a wolf to her before. The surprise is quickly replaced by a more bewildered expression, followed more slowly by a slight narrowing of her eyes. Sometimes she wonders how much her sons hide from her. But she's not sure she's about to trust the word of a she-wolf over her sons right away, either. Even one that seems as sincere as this one. Rather than answer the question right away, Ama retorts softly with a question of her own, "How do you know my son?" She never knew how the message had been passed along or what events had followed its passing.
Son? That's another surprise, but then, upon seeing Ama, and how old she is, of course it shouldn't be. Of course the two are not mates. Son... And yet, Skelaghe knows that Ama was not the Amaranth Matron. So. No wonder Hahnee is not allowed in Amaranth. Of course, even Skelaghe still does not know the whole story, but all of the reflection allows her to keep her mind from turning to what that one message cost her. "I met him once. He asked me to send a message on to Amaranth, for a cougaress named Ama. I thought... Well." There's a ghost of a smile, then Skelaghe's eyes refocus, moister now than they were before. "It's a message that I hope found you. And, if you are here, I can only assume that it did." Good. She can make herself believe that something good came from all the pain that passing on that message caused. All the pain it is still causing. Of course, she still does not know that Ama is not here merely, or even primarily, for her son, and perhaps it's better, for her mental well-being, that she doesn't.
The cougaress's eyes narrow again when the she-wolf continues, but this time as Ama puts it all together. How could she hate this she-wolf? And yet, however very strange that they should be brought to meet here, now, after all that has occurred. Ama lowers her eyes for a moment, though she has not forgotten she is in the presence of a creature she doesn't really know. Still, how can she continue to be so cold? "Yes, I did receive his message," though that is not why she left Amaranth and had to remove her own marking - an act that was as traitorous and painful for her as any physical wound had ever been. Kein may accept her back if she ever returns, but... could she? The longer she's here, the more shame she feels. Forcing herself to smile, hoping it will chase away her own worrisome thoughts, she tilts her head a little again, tail curling lightly behind her. "He never mentioned meeting a wolf to me. I am... a little surprised he should have had a wolf send a message for him at all," she does not say why. Her own cautious greeting of Skelaghe was very mild to what it once would have been. "Nevermind that. Hahnee is well, and frequents this area." Shifting her weight a little, she looks quietly at the she-wolf. Why would he choose this she-wolf? She did have such a... respectful manner about her. Not in the same way as other creatures; this wolf is peaceful, or strives for it. That's the feeling Ama gets. No, she can't hate Skelaghe, or even pretend to, for what she is.
Good. And, as there is no need to sully their reunion, whenever it happened, with the grief tht befell her because of it, she says, simply, "I am glad." That the message got there, no matter how unlikely the messenger was. That Hahnee and his mother were reunited. That the young, though not small, cougar she remembers is still well. "Perhaps you might pass on my greeting, sometime. I'm not sure I will be in this area long enough to do so, myself." Or even that she really wants to see Hahnee, honestly. This meeting was extremely unexpected. That she should come here to tell Jage about Sketch's passing, only to be handed a vivid reminder of the events surrounding that passing...
If Ama had only known... and yet, the grief it would only cause the both of them is something that makes it all the better that Ama is far less open and willing to continue conversing with the wolf, no matter who she is. Smiling weakly at Skelaghe's suggestion, Ama nods her head slowly. "The next time I see Hahnee, I will tell him. I will tell him the wolf named Skelaghe said hello," and she only smiles a little broader as she secretly acknowledges the strangeness of it. She didn't raise her sons with any love of wolves. Her own past had prepared her for a ready, willing hatred. She knew the damage a whole pack of wolves could do... and how helpless a single wolf, underfed and all alone could be. "I wish you luck in finding your friend. I'm sorry I can be of little help, but..." a pause, as she considers her offer. This wolf is fasting, but she thinks she should: "Should you come to pass back this way... if you're hungry, find me. I would be glad to provide something for you." Because she genuinely wants to be kind, she offers. But it would be an untruth if she did not acknowledge that part of her offer was in thanks that this wolf had a message passed along. At the time, the message had been far more comforting... even if that was long ago, now.
Will Skelaghe takes Ama up on her offer? Almost certainly not. She accepts it when her packmates bring her food, but she has never liked to take food from other animals. All the same, she responds with a smile and says, "I sincerely appreciate the offer, Ama. It means a lot to me." The offer alone, even though Skelaghe thinks it will never be fulfilled... Well, it can at least make her relax, a little secure in that her first encounter, outside of her pack, was not a bad one. The world, it seems, has not given way to utter and complete viciousness in the year she has spent almost entirely within her packlands. It's a good thing for the shewolf to know.
It's no more or less than Ama expected to hear from the wolf, really. But if Skelaghe did by some chance need anything, then it would be provided at least once by the cougaress named Ama. Having wished the she-wolf luck and made her offer, Ama will be left to ponder what else they - her sons, that is - have neglected to tell her. She needs to learn more of their plans, anyway. And while it is temptingly convenient to think this wolf had once delivered a message to Amaranth and could, perhaps do so again, Ama does not ask, nor does she trust as her son did. But it did cross her mind to see if the wolf would be returning that way. Neither creature had a reason to be overly friendly, though did they? So Ama bows her head gently, bringing her eyes to look at the she-wolf again and a gentle smile to her maw. "Farewell, Skelaghe. Travel safely as you continue on." Ama does not turn to leave immediately, remaining to watch Skelaghe quietly for several long seconds.
Skelaghe gives a bow of her head as a nonverbal thank you. With her head still slightly bowed, she says, "And the same to you, Ama." Skelaghe, then, does not turn to head to the south. Rather, her immediate path takes her west. Her first order of business will be to find a place to rest. Then, in the morning, and after she has given herself a good, long time to think, she will continue on her search, as she is now convinced more than ever that it is the right thing for her to do. Because now, when she has to tell Jage of Sketch's passing, she will not simply be telling the story of how a young dog was senselessly murdered because her mentor was too much of a coward to deliver a message herself. She can tell the story of how Sketch sacrificed herself so that a mother and son might be reunited. Who cares if it's a lie? At least it's a comforting lie.
Ama - Female Cougar
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
- Harvest Fields -
Ah, it is almost summer again, and the spring is quite late now. And she has made it through the winter. Ama is healthier than she was when she first returned to her sons with a story, at least physically. The cougaress's fur is well-cared for and she has had enough to eat lately to keep her figure at least from looking too thin. Not to say she isn't still somewhat thinner than she's been in the past, but she's definitely not as unhealthy as she was before she set out to come north. The cougaress is padding in near-silence through the field of goldenrod flowers, enjoying their rich color and scent in the late afternoon sunlight. As she reaches a fence, Ama leaps over it effortlessly - easily clearing the top of it before landing smoothly on the other side. She winces lightly as she lands. She feels older than ever right now, though she knows there are cougars who have lived far longer than she has. Ama's face is set in a neutral stare. Her purpose here and now is almost... aimless. As much as she loves her sons... as much as she cares about the well-being of Amaranth still, she has learned nothing new as to her sons' plans. Perhaps they never intend to move against Amaranth at all now that she's here. She doesn't know. And after so long, she feels depressed and ashamed of this. She could find some songbird to deliver a message for her... if only she had a message to send! So it is that Ama is somewhat lost in her thoughts as she wanders quietly about. She isn't entirely unaware of her surroundings, just, perhaps, a little too comfortable.
Skelaghe, on the other hand, has lost weight in the past several days. At least she had it to lose. Through the winter and most of the spring, she had plenty of food delivered to her, as her packmates were as eager as she was that her pups should grow well, and in order for that to happen, their mother must be well-fed. She has not eaten anything since leaving Ute lands several days ago, though. Hunger has become her constant, if reasonably quiet, companion. It's as much by choice as not. This journey is about reconnecting with the spirituality and trust that she has lost. Why, then, has it brought her here? So near the human dwelling, where she has been met with such pain on so many occasions... But if she is to be away from her pups, then at least one practical thing can come of this. It is a certain elkhound that Skelaghe seeks, but the elkhound is not the first moving creature that Skelaghe spots. No, that motion definitely belongs to a feline, and a large feline, at that. An unfamiliar feline. And though she promised her packmates that she would be safe, and though the desire to retreat nearly overwhelms her... The shewolf forces her head high, and gives a bark to announce her presence. She may not be retreating, but the last thing she wants to do is inadvertently sneak up on a cougar. At least, should this one prove to be violent, Skelaghe will have time, yet, to retreat, like she wanted to in the beginning. Her head remains high and her ears erect, but her tail is merely parallel to the ground. This is not her land, and she does not intend to pretend that it is.
The cougaress isn't necessarily a violent creature, at least among her own kind. Defensive at times perhaps, but she has never been eager to confront her fellow feline. But other species? And especially wolves? While her tolerance for their being as perhaps increased with age, her opinion of them hasn't improved much. There was only one wolf that ever broke her prejudiced views, and she had not seen him in years. Bodhi was probably dead by now. So it is with some alarm that Ama lifts her head as a bark sounds. Her gray-green eyes rapidly seek the sound's source, finding it in the shape of a thin, gray she-wolf. Ama's tail began to twitch slowly back and forth behind her, her lips pulling into a tight line as she flicks an ear. Ama isn't afraid and has no need to be - a lone wolf is no threat to a cougar on a bad day, much less one like today. But a wolf here? Now that's perhaps a little unusual. And this particular cougar has always been a curious being. Curiosity is a hard thing for her to fight against, and now she must slip forward to meet the stranger. Keeping her eyes focused on the wolf, Ama doesn't move too quickly - she doesn't want to appear even the slightest bit threatening at the moment. Still, there's a guarded, tired expression on Ama's face as she draws closer. Some of it because of this creature's presence, and some of it because her own lingering depression and worries of late. Closer still, and she can see that the she-wolf is perhaps too thin. But Ama cannot bring herself to pity this creature. Yet. She does not speak as she approaches, preferring to see if the wolf will run away from the approaching hunter or bravely stand.
Not only does Skelaghe stand. She continues forward, at least for a few steps. There is still a fair bit of distance when Skelaghe stops, though, allowing the larger creature to close the distance. It is, perhaps, amusing that Skelaghe is so cautious to appear non-threatening, since she could do the cougaress so little harm... But then, wolves are known for traveling in packs. Who knows where her companions may be? She does not look away from the cougaress. She has to exercise some caution. She does not look particularly prone to running, though, and as Ama gets closer, Skelaghe speaks up. "Hello. I apologize if my presence here is unwanted." That Skelaghe has not smelled any scent markings in a while means little. There are so many just vaguely familiar scents here that she would be hard pressed to recognize a border marking for what it is. Besides that, there are few animals who tolerate others being near their borders, even if they do not cross those borders.
The feline doesn't stop until she's just out of leaping-range - just roughly over twenty-five feet for the cougaress. Even a giant leap wouldn't take her too close to the wolf. Ama is the one here who could do the damage; she's aware of this fact, and all the more cautious to show that she's not going to strike immediately or without reason. She may not be able to see every detail of this wolf's facade, but she can see well enough from this distance whether or not the wolf is going to be aggressive, or simply leave. Or, it seems, none of the above: the she-wolf remains where she is, clearly not about to turn back. But not threatening or aggressive - not ready to push to get what she wants. And the lupine makes it clearer when she speaks up. Ama's expression softens a little, and she offers the smallest of smiles. The wolf probably can't see it from afar, but at that moment, Ama does decide to come a little closer. She doesn't like to yell. She stops again when there is a mere fifteen feet between them. Her tail slowly sways behind her, and she can't help but feel a little tense around a creature she has never loved in the past... but Ama's expression isn't unkind when she speaks up only just loudly enough to be heard: "No, no," she almost sighs as she says it, unconcerned. "You are not trespassing here." At least not on Ama's turf. Cheveyo's borders didn't come out this far. At least she didn't believe they did. "As far as I know," she does add ultimately, her eyes narrowing just a little. "I was merely curious - I have never seen a wolf here. So I wonder what might bring one of your kind here." She tries to keep her voice neutral, but her past has bred in her a powerful dislike of wolves. Only her desire to believe that this one is alone and therefore "harmless" keeps her from being more concerned, and perhaps... willing to bypass her beliefs.
"I have come looking for... an old friend." Is that entirely accurate? Does it matter? She does not think Jage will chase her off. Not, that is, until after Skelaghe gets a chance to say what she has to say, at which point, the wolf may be lucky if all that happens to her is that she is chased away. "I must admit that I have no way of knowing if she remains in the area. It has been years since I've seen her, and only rarely, before that." There is even a fair chance that Skelaghe is not even in the right area. All the same, she adds, "Perhaps you know of her. She is a dog, named Jage." Or perhaps not. Either way, it's worth saying. Skelaghe remains on all four feet as, and after, she speaks. Since the conversation has not become tense, though, the shewolf does not watch Ama quite so cautiously as she did at the beginning.
Like the she-wolf before her, Ama remains standing. She is not comfortable, but she will be civil in any case. There is no call for violence here now. Not yet. ...in fact, Ama has begun to doubt that there will be violence here at all. Ama has no interest in fighting or killing this underfed creature, and it has become clear that the wolf is not confrontational either. Though she remains tense, she allows a small amount of compassion to begin showing on her face as the wolf explains her presence here. However, Ama can only frown slightly and shake her head a little when the wolf has finished. "I'm sorry. I have never met anyone by that name in this area. But, to be honest, I have only spent the winter here, and much of that was spent resting in shelter." And as for the spring? She simply hasn't encountered... /anyone/ outside of her sons that she had actually conversed with. And now that she considers that, it would almost be nice to have some /female/ company. But from a wolf? Ha! ...but perhaps she she shouldn't be so hard on this one. "You're rather thin, Wolf. Are you well?" Ama asks this next question, keeping her voice soft and fairly level. While she doesn't sound overly eager or interested, perhaps some of the kindness that usually becomes the cat will show through in her voice.
As the cougaress mentions that she does not know Jage, Skel looks around very briefly. Well, it was a thought. Skelaghe will rest near here, when night finally comes, and will spend a couple days looking, if it takes that long. That decided, the shewolf looks back to Ama. "I am not ill. I am fasting." Half-heartedly so, yes. Should, for example, some prey animal simply drop dead at her feet, she would eat. Given that that never happens, though... "I appreciate the concern, though. Thank you." She is aware that it is odd behaviour. She has not done it, herself, in years, since she became pregnant with her first litter. And perhaps that is part of the problem that surrounds her, now. With hunger as a constant reminder of what she is supposed to be doing, it is easy to not get side-tracked. Not like when she has a full belly, and it is easy only to rest and pretend to be happy. "Forgive me. I've been rude. My name is Skelaghe, alphaess of the Ute pack, and it is a pleasure to meet you." She does not appear distraught by the idea that she was "rude", but her tone is sincere. She should have introduced herself before now, so that the cougaress would not have to address her simply by her species.
Of course, there was always the thought that Ama may have continued to simply continue addressing the she-wolf as "Wolf" or simply have continued on not caring. But when a name is given to the face, Ama finds it harder not to care for a single individual. And this is only one wolf, anyway. What's the harm in at least acting friendly? She had done so for Bodhi long ago. Finding the concept of fasting at all strange, Ama doesn't comment but merely acknowledges the she-wolf's choice with a slight cant and dip of her head before addressing the canine. "Skelaghe," the cougaress offers a small smile before bowing her head just slightly. Her gray-green eyes remain tired, but a little less wary of the she-wolf. Interesting that Ama should be dealing with an alphaess; wolves operated in packs, and Ama is aware of their basic structure. There were two leaders usually, and the term for them was "alpha" just as "chieftain" was used in Amaranth. But Ama is not a wolf. So she offers nothing else. "My name is Ama, and I am a sis-" she catches herself. She hasn't had to introduce herself to anyone in months, not since she ...left. Smiling faintly, she continues on with, "That is, I was formerly a Sister in the Amaranth Tribe. Perhaps you've heard of them?" The cougaress's tail grows still, waiting for an answer.
She came to the north because she was specifically avoiding the Amaranth. Given who her very young charge is... Well, Sweet Rain might have been accepting of the fact that Skel would not let Ashen be taken against his will, but there's a chance the other cougars of Amaranth might not be so accepting. To have run into one of them... a former one of them... here... and one she knows by name, no less... "Ama." There is recognition in Skel's voice, when she says Ama's name. It takes a moment longer for all of the pieces to fit together in Skelaghe's head. It has been so long since she has thought of the message that a young cougar asked her to pass on. Truthfully, she doesn't know if that message ever even got there, or... She has to take a deep breath before she can manage to say anything else, and when she speaks, her voice is little more than a whisper. "How is... Hahnee?" Yes. That was his name. Why else would the cougaress be this far north? Granted, the last time, the /only/ time, she met Hahnee, it was to the south of here, but... Could Ama have really gotten this far north without, at the very least, encountering the cougar who sent a message through Skelaghe to Ama?
There's a certain tone, a certain way in which Skelaghe whispers Ama's name that puts the cougaress on a low level of alert. If she had been beginning to relax a little, she is now on guard again, even if she hasn't physically moved. Furthermore, the she-wolf suddenly continues, her voice softer as she asks about... Ama's son? The cougaress jerks her head back a fraction of an inch in surprise. Hahnee's never mentioned meeting a wolf to her before. The surprise is quickly replaced by a more bewildered expression, followed more slowly by a slight narrowing of her eyes. Sometimes she wonders how much her sons hide from her. But she's not sure she's about to trust the word of a she-wolf over her sons right away, either. Even one that seems as sincere as this one. Rather than answer the question right away, Ama retorts softly with a question of her own, "How do you know my son?" She never knew how the message had been passed along or what events had followed its passing.
Son? That's another surprise, but then, upon seeing Ama, and how old she is, of course it shouldn't be. Of course the two are not mates. Son... And yet, Skelaghe knows that Ama was not the Amaranth Matron. So. No wonder Hahnee is not allowed in Amaranth. Of course, even Skelaghe still does not know the whole story, but all of the reflection allows her to keep her mind from turning to what that one message cost her. "I met him once. He asked me to send a message on to Amaranth, for a cougaress named Ama. I thought... Well." There's a ghost of a smile, then Skelaghe's eyes refocus, moister now than they were before. "It's a message that I hope found you. And, if you are here, I can only assume that it did." Good. She can make herself believe that something good came from all the pain that passing on that message caused. All the pain it is still causing. Of course, she still does not know that Ama is not here merely, or even primarily, for her son, and perhaps it's better, for her mental well-being, that she doesn't.
The cougaress's eyes narrow again when the she-wolf continues, but this time as Ama puts it all together. How could she hate this she-wolf? And yet, however very strange that they should be brought to meet here, now, after all that has occurred. Ama lowers her eyes for a moment, though she has not forgotten she is in the presence of a creature she doesn't really know. Still, how can she continue to be so cold? "Yes, I did receive his message," though that is not why she left Amaranth and had to remove her own marking - an act that was as traitorous and painful for her as any physical wound had ever been. Kein may accept her back if she ever returns, but... could she? The longer she's here, the more shame she feels. Forcing herself to smile, hoping it will chase away her own worrisome thoughts, she tilts her head a little again, tail curling lightly behind her. "He never mentioned meeting a wolf to me. I am... a little surprised he should have had a wolf send a message for him at all," she does not say why. Her own cautious greeting of Skelaghe was very mild to what it once would have been. "Nevermind that. Hahnee is well, and frequents this area." Shifting her weight a little, she looks quietly at the she-wolf. Why would he choose this she-wolf? She did have such a... respectful manner about her. Not in the same way as other creatures; this wolf is peaceful, or strives for it. That's the feeling Ama gets. No, she can't hate Skelaghe, or even pretend to, for what she is.
Good. And, as there is no need to sully their reunion, whenever it happened, with the grief tht befell her because of it, she says, simply, "I am glad." That the message got there, no matter how unlikely the messenger was. That Hahnee and his mother were reunited. That the young, though not small, cougar she remembers is still well. "Perhaps you might pass on my greeting, sometime. I'm not sure I will be in this area long enough to do so, myself." Or even that she really wants to see Hahnee, honestly. This meeting was extremely unexpected. That she should come here to tell Jage about Sketch's passing, only to be handed a vivid reminder of the events surrounding that passing...
If Ama had only known... and yet, the grief it would only cause the both of them is something that makes it all the better that Ama is far less open and willing to continue conversing with the wolf, no matter who she is. Smiling weakly at Skelaghe's suggestion, Ama nods her head slowly. "The next time I see Hahnee, I will tell him. I will tell him the wolf named Skelaghe said hello," and she only smiles a little broader as she secretly acknowledges the strangeness of it. She didn't raise her sons with any love of wolves. Her own past had prepared her for a ready, willing hatred. She knew the damage a whole pack of wolves could do... and how helpless a single wolf, underfed and all alone could be. "I wish you luck in finding your friend. I'm sorry I can be of little help, but..." a pause, as she considers her offer. This wolf is fasting, but she thinks she should: "Should you come to pass back this way... if you're hungry, find me. I would be glad to provide something for you." Because she genuinely wants to be kind, she offers. But it would be an untruth if she did not acknowledge that part of her offer was in thanks that this wolf had a message passed along. At the time, the message had been far more comforting... even if that was long ago, now.
Will Skelaghe takes Ama up on her offer? Almost certainly not. She accepts it when her packmates bring her food, but she has never liked to take food from other animals. All the same, she responds with a smile and says, "I sincerely appreciate the offer, Ama. It means a lot to me." The offer alone, even though Skelaghe thinks it will never be fulfilled... Well, it can at least make her relax, a little secure in that her first encounter, outside of her pack, was not a bad one. The world, it seems, has not given way to utter and complete viciousness in the year she has spent almost entirely within her packlands. It's a good thing for the shewolf to know.
It's no more or less than Ama expected to hear from the wolf, really. But if Skelaghe did by some chance need anything, then it would be provided at least once by the cougaress named Ama. Having wished the she-wolf luck and made her offer, Ama will be left to ponder what else they - her sons, that is - have neglected to tell her. She needs to learn more of their plans, anyway. And while it is temptingly convenient to think this wolf had once delivered a message to Amaranth and could, perhaps do so again, Ama does not ask, nor does she trust as her son did. But it did cross her mind to see if the wolf would be returning that way. Neither creature had a reason to be overly friendly, though did they? So Ama bows her head gently, bringing her eyes to look at the she-wolf again and a gentle smile to her maw. "Farewell, Skelaghe. Travel safely as you continue on." Ama does not turn to leave immediately, remaining to watch Skelaghe quietly for several long seconds.
Skelaghe gives a bow of her head as a nonverbal thank you. With her head still slightly bowed, she says, "And the same to you, Ama." Skelaghe, then, does not turn to head to the south. Rather, her immediate path takes her west. Her first order of business will be to find a place to rest. Then, in the morning, and after she has given herself a good, long time to think, she will continue on her search, as she is now convinced more than ever that it is the right thing for her to do. Because now, when she has to tell Jage of Sketch's passing, she will not simply be telling the story of how a young dog was senselessly murdered because her mentor was too much of a coward to deliver a message herself. She can tell the story of how Sketch sacrificed herself so that a mother and son might be reunited. Who cares if it's a lie? At least it's a comforting lie.