Post by Therdde on Jan 10, 2010 9:54:29 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Wyanet - Female Wolf
Kezu - Male Wolf
Quidel - Male Wolf
- Hilltop Vista -
Her mourning has been done absolutely in private. She is smiling a little more easily, if not sincerely, with each day. And Rowtag... Well, she's not going to think of him right now. It grows late, but the sun has only just begun to duck below the horizon, and if tonight's moon is as scarce as last night's... Well, she intends to spend the night in peaceful solitude. The first peaceful solitude she'll have had in far too long now. It is with this in mind that she leaves her pups in the care of their older brother and walks away from the den, towards the setting sun.
Having been waiting in the grass for Kezu, Wyanet is eagerly awaiting more news on the goings-on of Vincent, and what his day to day activities are. It seems that the dog has himself a silent enemy, waiting to find the right moment to strike. All of this, has been done in secret of course, a secret kept between the three new pack mates of Ute. Call it an early present for the Alpha Female if plans go accordingly. With a loud yawn, the timber wolf gives herself a long stretch of her frame, ears lifting, waiting, and watching in the distance for the large black wolf.
It seems keeping a low profile isn't that easy for a wolf as large as Kezu. His shadow rolling in the setting sun, the large dusky wolf, eyes lidded near closed, steps through the grass, one ear lowering, the other cocked forward, as if expecting someone to try and sneak up on him. A shudder of his frame, and he pushes himself against the ground with his head, as if trying to get something out of his fur. A huff, and he stands up straight once more...
Her advance towards Wyanet and Kezu is slow, and rather unintentional. Skelaghe is not yet within sight of them, not really, as the summer grasses through which she is walking are nearly above her head. Moving as slowly as she is, it is easy for her to be quiet.
"You big doof, why are you skulking around our lands for?" Wyanet asks Kezu as she spies the big wolf the distance, chuckling in amusement. "So, did you get any new information on Vincent? Is he still at the foggy path?" She asks him with a loud rumble in her throat, tail swaying back and forth. "I think we've been able to keep Rowtag under wraps. I'm hoping he's wised up by now and finally took off."
Kezu mmms? And lifts his ears, peering torwards Wyanet with a chuckle, swaying torwards her. "Skulking around? I suppose I am, aren't I?" And he approaches Wyanet's position with a long stretch of his body, flexing out his legs as far as he can before pushing his muzzle up against her shoulder, smiling warmly. "Last I was there, he was still around. He doesn't seem to possess sense... And he seems to be talking with a few wolves every now and again." His tail flickers gently at that, as if irate about something.
Vincent... The foggy path... Skelaghe's feet stop moving as she hears the words from her packmates. Of course. She knew he was near, but... And what, exactly- She doesn't like eavesdropping. At least, she doesn't like it when she thinks her eavesdropping wouldn't be appreciated. In this case, though... She remains right where she is, listening.
"Do you know who he was talking to? Allies of his by chance? Rogues?" Wyanet asks as she settles herself back upon her haunches. "If we're gonna do this, I want to make sure it's quick, and clean." She rolls her tongue slowly along her chops. "So far we know he has a weakness for the ladies. This shouldn't be too difficult." She says, practically grinning upon her boxy muzzle. "I'm still trying to work out the perfect pitch to him."
Kezu chuckles softly, lidding his eyes and he moves forward, and reaches over, wrapping a paw around Wyanet and pulling her lithe frame under his own, kneading his paws in against her shoulders. "He was talking to a wolf I am unfamiliar with, with strange symbols on his shoulders, other than that, I am unsure. A dog such as him can't have too powerful allies, after all, mmm?"
"If you're going to do /what/, Wyanet?" Skelaghe begins to move forward again. She only gave Wyanet Vincent's name because... But then that dog had the nerve to show his face around here, and now, Skelaghe is forced to regret her decision to tell Wyanet anything at all. And just as she had almost convinced herself to show mercy to Vincent, once more... Now, she is certain that she must deal with him more harshly than she has ever dealt with anyone. She must do to him what Helaku probably would have, if Helaku had still be around, or damn near it, anyway.
"Symbols on their shoulder?" Wyanet questions with a frown upon her face. "Like Helaku's, a symbol of the sun? I really hope not.." She trails off, before her ears swivel towards the sound of Skelaghe's voice. Turning herself a bit around, she noses Kezu to the side for a moment, before settling back upon her haunches, curling her tail around to rest against her hip. "Good afternoon, Skelaghe! It's nice to see you out, and about." She puts on a broad grin upon her face, charming as always. "Oh, you over heard? Well, we were thinking about...escorting Vincent away from the territory, you know.. letting him know in... so many ways that he's not wanted around here." She says with a tilt of her head to the side.
Kezu chuckles, taking the hint and taking a few steps to the side, stretching languidly, before yawning out. "Like the moon." He says gently, before looking over towards the voice, and closing his eyes, only smiling. "Good afternoon, Skelaghe, how fare you?" And that's all he says, his tail thumping against the earth.
Skelaghe is not drawn in by the grin. Rather, upon hearing Wyanet's explanation, she bares her teeth. It is a silent gesture, a warning that precedes her speech as she listens to, and then proceeds to ignore, Kezu's greeting and question. "I warned you to leave him be, Wyanet. I expect you to abide by that warning, yet." Still, she does not growl, but she could just as easily be reprimanding one of her disobedient pups.
And here comes Quidel. For such a vocal wolf he's been surprisingly hard to spot around here. But up he comes to the hilltop, humming something to himself. Maybe something he's made up in the intervening time between meeting the other wolves of his new pack. He lays eyes on the others with a nod. There they are. "Such a scrupulous meeting for such a soporific afternoon," he remarks with a lazy smile. "Something the new Errant of Ute can help with, perhaps?"
"Well, yes, you did say that, but that was before Rowtag got himself tangled up with him, and now, we consider him to be pack business, and his presence here is not wanted, so.. we're taking it upon ourselves to show him off, so that he will no longer be a distraction here. I am sure that you agree with me, that you do not want Rowtag chasing off after him, being influenced, or worse by that mutt." Wyanet says as she straightens her shoulders backwards, ears perking forward.
Kezu rolls his shoulders gently, yawning even wider as his tongue lolls from his maw... as he peeks one eye at the two she-wolves, chuckling to himself. "Ah... The furies of the fairer sex..." He says to himself, and nodding, as if too agreeing with himself.
"Do you not think that, if I /wanted/ you to see Vincent off further away from these lands, I might have told you so?" Skelaghe's anger, though there, seems minimal. Is she actually not horribly angry, or is she jsut getting better at hiding it? "If you truly desire to keep Rowtag away from Vincent, in the meantime, you can do me a favor by continuing to watch him. Other than that... My commands still stand."
"I... suppose not," Quidel says to himself, bowing his head and folding his ears back as he simply drops onto his stomach nearby, assuming a bored, guarded expression as the quarrel continues between the two. He knows Rowtag, or knows *of* him. That troublesome boy that hated his own mother. Vincent he's heard in passing. Quidel is quite well versed in what usually happens to creatures the pack has a distaste for... but the Alphaess is disgruntled enough as it is without him speaking up.
"Skelaghe, you know very well that I'm the last one that should be watching over Rowtag. I'd spank that pup's ass so hard he'd forget what it'd feel like to sit down. I don't have your patience in dealing with him, and the moment he'd try to sneak out on me like he did last time, I'd lose it on him." Wyanet says with a tick tock motion of her tail behind her. "Besides, what good is having pack mates who'd die for you, if you aren't going to utilize their skills to the best of their ability? You know what I'm good at, so, you may as well just let me do what I do, that way, you're rid of him, and you don't have to worry about him lingering in the back of your mind." She says with a roll of her tongue across her lips. "Just the mere stench of him gets my hackles up, Skelaghe. I don't want him near our lands. So, you either deal with it.." She trails off. "Or, we're going to, with or without your permission."
Kezu slowly crosses his paws, grinning with a gleam of his eyes as he lowers his ears, watching Skelaghe's reaction, though he does state, quite simply, and bluntly. "When you speak so forcefully on a subject, you just seem to radiate fierce seduction." Basically, that's really really hot.
Skelaghe's look to Kezu is anything but kind. No kinder than it is to Quidel. Both are equally brief, though, as she focuses her attention on Wyanet. "It will be dealt with, Wyanet. By me, or by Teketa. Either of us have more right to determine the appropriate punishment than you do. But it will be done on /our/ time." So she does not risk her mental health to see him, or else risk her son following her and seeing her harm his father. "And just as well as you should have known that... You should know that, whether I like it or not, I understand the type of guidance that Rowtag needs, if he is to, eventually, become a productive pack member." Certainly, Skelaghe has punished him often enough, herself. She could not judge Wyanet for doing the same, though, of course, she expects Wyanet would not actually be abusive.
Quidel doesn't know why *he* gets a look, he was just sitting here! And that he continues to do, not wanting to draw the ire of anyone right now. He knows what he would say, but it's obvious both of the combatants have already made up their minds. He is also well versed in the practice of wasting his breath.
"Really now? You and Teketa are the only two with the 'right' to deal with Vincent? What is that supposed to be? Haht', Kezu, and I aren't good enough to take out the trash you should have dealt with the moment he climbed on your back? You don't think I have anything invested in this? We're your /pack/, Skelaghe. For better or for worse, we're your family now. So, you either include us, so that we can create a united front, and show that cur that he's up against a formidable opponent, or else I'll sneak off into the night, and I'll tear his throat out, and leave nothing short of a bloodstain in the grass. You can kick me out of the pack if you wish, but I'll be /damned/ if I live my life, knowing there's a rapist out there, so close to the lands, possibly doing what he did to other females." She pauses for a moment, then spits out. "We're Ute, dammit. I'm your sister, and I'd die for you, whether you like it or not." With that, she gives a withering look to Kezu for his comment, then sniffs over in Quidel's direction for a moment, before shifting her weight, and heading back towards the den, ambling through the thick grass.
Kezu flicks his ears gently, huffing as he slowly stands, furrowing his brows as he looks after Wyanet and huffs, closing one eye, then to Skelaghe, taking a breath. "Skelaghe... I just have one thing to say." As he looks to the side. "... The world does not revolve around you." And his ears lower, sighing as he slowly begins to trot after the timber wolf, trying to sort his words in his head.
Skelaghe leaps after Wyanet, without thought. Her attempt to follow after Wyanet is cut short as Kezu speaks to her, though. The anger that takes her, then... Damn them. Damn them both. She was supposed to be spending tonight /peacefully/, regaining what has been a very thin grasp on her sanity and spirituality. But no. Instead, she had to stand here and face their disrespect for her commands, and when she called them on it... Being told that she has no say in how the male who raped her, who is, even now, tearing apart her pack, is punished... Because the world doesn't revolve around her. Because, apparently, she is behaving as though it is. Well, fine. But for one week, or month, if it takes that long... One month, in her entire, rapidly ending life, /she/ is going to be the center of her universe. And to hell with what Wyanet and Kezu want. She has hardly been doing anything but seeing that Wyanet is happy, is safe, is protected, for weeks, now. To hell with all of them. This is the thought that consumes her as, without another word, she stalks away.
"Ugh!" Quidel says, standing up and shaking himself off as though listening to all that gave him fleas. "Here I am with a job to do and nobody to let me do it," he complains to Kezu. "How *do* you handle this on such an apparently consistent basis?" he asks, though apparently it's rhetorical, as he's already shaking his head and walking away.
- Lone Crabapple Tree -
After taking some time to calm down, and tearing Kezu a new one about his last comment to the Alpha, Wyanet had stalked off through the night in search of Skelaghe. She completely understands that she acted inappropriately, but on one paw, she had no other clue on how to get it through Skel's head. She's on a mission, a personal one, for many, many reasons. "Skelaghe?!" She calls out as she makes her way through the territory, her voice howling out. As she approaches the lonely tree, she flops down, leaning her weight against it as she huffs.
Skelaghe is a slight distance from the tree. In the dark... She could probably, easily remain unnoticed, and for a while, she thinks about it. Finally, though, she says, "I am here, Wyanet." After speaking, Skelaghe sits up. Her tone is wary. She's not prepared for another spar with Wyanet, and if one develops... Well, it won't go well, for either of them.
Trotting through the grass towards her, Wyanet settles herself down in front of the other wolf, canting her head to one side. She takes in a deep breath, then leans in to push her muzzle against her shoulder. "I'm sorry, for what Kezu said, he's a moron. He doesn't know how to argue very well. Stupid boy." She says as her ears slant back against her skull. With a deep breath, she says, "Do you understand why I do what I do?" She asks as she settles herself back against her haunches. "Or at least, why I act the way I do?"
Skelaghe does not return the affectionate gestures. Clearly, someone is on her bad side, at the moment. "You want to protect me. You want to serve the pack. Fine. But I'll be damned if I let anyone tell me I have no say in what happens to the dog who has systematically destroyed everything I love about my pack, my family. I'll be damned if I stand aside while you dare to imply that you have felt half the pain that Teketa or I have because of Vincent's actions."
Snapping her tail back, and forth behind her, Wyanet says, "Fine. Skelaghe. I won't protect you then. You can /obviously/ take care of yourself. You and Teketa, do whatever you want." She says, knitting her brows together in a frown, before letting out a final snort.
Skelaghe bares her teeth again, the gesture becoming easier each time she does it. "How many times do I have to tell you, I appreciate what you do?" Skelaghe actually moves away from Wyanet, now. She is tired of this. "Think what you will of me, Wyanet... But I am not without knowledge of the mechanics of revenge. Whatever it does to me, Vincent will pay for his disobedience, and when he does so... If Teketa wants no part of it, the blood will be on /my/ paws." She'll give Teketa the opportunity, first. He wanted it, so badly. Much worse than Helaku did. If Teketa does not want it, though... Then yes. Skelaghe will be the one to punish Vincent for what he is doing to her pack. And, when the time comes, she will answer for the vengeful thoughts she has allowed to possess her.
"But the blood shouldn't be on yours. You're a mother now, you have a family to look over. Why add one more thing to settle in the back of your mind? I'm a killer, Skelaghe. It's in my bones. It's what I was born to do. You think that wolf I killed was the first throat I tore out? Hardly! You have puppies now to raise, you have to be their guiding light. If you kill Vincent, think of what it may do to the relationship with your pups? I'm OK with them hating me. I won't lose a moment of sleep over it, but this may haunt you for the rest of your life. I've been fighting my entire life, since I was born, Skelaghe. Let me do this. Let me protect you, please.." Wyanet says, her voice practically pleading as her ears lift upwards. "It's not like hunting for your food. Once you kill, regardless of the reason, it's with you, forever. I love you, Skelaghe, you're the only family I have, and I wouldn't wish this on anyone."
Yes, it would be with Skelaghe for the rest of her life. Of course, she already knew that, but... "The rest of my life is not as long as the rest of your life, Wyanet... And if you and the mate of your choice are to take over as Betas of the pack, someday... Well, then you need to learn how to be a guiding light as well." Rowtag already hates her. Oh, he hides it well, but it's still there. Ciqala doesn't have hate in him. And Rawiya? Well, with luck, it will be many years, yet, before Rawiya learns to hate. It certainly took Skelaghe long enough to learn it.
"I'm not fit to be an Alpha, Beta, or any other type of rank. I'm a soldier, Skelaghe. It's what my role in life is. I'm going to give you one headache after the other, push you to the edge sometimes, but when it comes down to it, I'll always be at your side, fangs, and claws ready. I am not a role model and I never pretended to be. I just feel that you should live the rest of your life without having this on your soul. I know where I'm going when my body returns to the earth. I was never a little angel, but you.. you're wonderful, and all you want is peace in your life." She stalks after the other female, huffing quietly. "You're a good wolf, Skelaghe. You're the best. Don't cross this line. Please."
"Says the wolf who has taken every opportunity to watch my pups, asked, or not. Who, every time I turn around, is courting another male..." Skelaghe doesn't smile, but there's the smallest hint of amusement in her tone. It fades quickly. "If Teketa decides that he does not want to deal with Vincent himself... Then, and only then, will you and I discuss this again."
With a loud snort, Wyanet says, "Alright then, I can live with that. Until then, I'm gonna keep monitoring his movements, to ensure he doesn't step into the territory, but if he does.." She trails off. "Am I allowed to treat him as hostile, and do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of these lands? I can't treat him like a guest."
Is Vincent really that stupid? Skelaghe can't be certain, but after a moment of silence, she says, "Yes. If he comes into our lands, then you may do whatever you need to." She's not pleased about the arrangement... But she'll abide by it.
"Alright then." Wyanet says as she sways her tail back and forth behind her, before offering up a quick smile. "We OK then?" She asks as she rolls her tongue across her muzzle slowly. "Still best friends?" She asks, a bit of teasing in her voice.
There is still one matter to be resolved... "My friends do not go behind my back to disregard my wishes, Wyanet... But if you can agree that it won't happen, again... Then, yes." Skelaghe's voice is calm as she speaks. Resolved, though.
There is another loud snort from Wyanet. "You don't even like me." She says with a smirk on her face, before she turns once more, and starts off through the grass. "I'm going to find Haht' and demand that he pays some attention to me. I'll see you in the morning, Skelaghe. Good night." She calls out over her shoulder.
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Wyanet - Female Wolf
Kezu - Male Wolf
Quidel - Male Wolf
- Hilltop Vista -
Her mourning has been done absolutely in private. She is smiling a little more easily, if not sincerely, with each day. And Rowtag... Well, she's not going to think of him right now. It grows late, but the sun has only just begun to duck below the horizon, and if tonight's moon is as scarce as last night's... Well, she intends to spend the night in peaceful solitude. The first peaceful solitude she'll have had in far too long now. It is with this in mind that she leaves her pups in the care of their older brother and walks away from the den, towards the setting sun.
Having been waiting in the grass for Kezu, Wyanet is eagerly awaiting more news on the goings-on of Vincent, and what his day to day activities are. It seems that the dog has himself a silent enemy, waiting to find the right moment to strike. All of this, has been done in secret of course, a secret kept between the three new pack mates of Ute. Call it an early present for the Alpha Female if plans go accordingly. With a loud yawn, the timber wolf gives herself a long stretch of her frame, ears lifting, waiting, and watching in the distance for the large black wolf.
It seems keeping a low profile isn't that easy for a wolf as large as Kezu. His shadow rolling in the setting sun, the large dusky wolf, eyes lidded near closed, steps through the grass, one ear lowering, the other cocked forward, as if expecting someone to try and sneak up on him. A shudder of his frame, and he pushes himself against the ground with his head, as if trying to get something out of his fur. A huff, and he stands up straight once more...
Her advance towards Wyanet and Kezu is slow, and rather unintentional. Skelaghe is not yet within sight of them, not really, as the summer grasses through which she is walking are nearly above her head. Moving as slowly as she is, it is easy for her to be quiet.
"You big doof, why are you skulking around our lands for?" Wyanet asks Kezu as she spies the big wolf the distance, chuckling in amusement. "So, did you get any new information on Vincent? Is he still at the foggy path?" She asks him with a loud rumble in her throat, tail swaying back and forth. "I think we've been able to keep Rowtag under wraps. I'm hoping he's wised up by now and finally took off."
Kezu mmms? And lifts his ears, peering torwards Wyanet with a chuckle, swaying torwards her. "Skulking around? I suppose I am, aren't I?" And he approaches Wyanet's position with a long stretch of his body, flexing out his legs as far as he can before pushing his muzzle up against her shoulder, smiling warmly. "Last I was there, he was still around. He doesn't seem to possess sense... And he seems to be talking with a few wolves every now and again." His tail flickers gently at that, as if irate about something.
Vincent... The foggy path... Skelaghe's feet stop moving as she hears the words from her packmates. Of course. She knew he was near, but... And what, exactly- She doesn't like eavesdropping. At least, she doesn't like it when she thinks her eavesdropping wouldn't be appreciated. In this case, though... She remains right where she is, listening.
"Do you know who he was talking to? Allies of his by chance? Rogues?" Wyanet asks as she settles herself back upon her haunches. "If we're gonna do this, I want to make sure it's quick, and clean." She rolls her tongue slowly along her chops. "So far we know he has a weakness for the ladies. This shouldn't be too difficult." She says, practically grinning upon her boxy muzzle. "I'm still trying to work out the perfect pitch to him."
Kezu chuckles softly, lidding his eyes and he moves forward, and reaches over, wrapping a paw around Wyanet and pulling her lithe frame under his own, kneading his paws in against her shoulders. "He was talking to a wolf I am unfamiliar with, with strange symbols on his shoulders, other than that, I am unsure. A dog such as him can't have too powerful allies, after all, mmm?"
"If you're going to do /what/, Wyanet?" Skelaghe begins to move forward again. She only gave Wyanet Vincent's name because... But then that dog had the nerve to show his face around here, and now, Skelaghe is forced to regret her decision to tell Wyanet anything at all. And just as she had almost convinced herself to show mercy to Vincent, once more... Now, she is certain that she must deal with him more harshly than she has ever dealt with anyone. She must do to him what Helaku probably would have, if Helaku had still be around, or damn near it, anyway.
"Symbols on their shoulder?" Wyanet questions with a frown upon her face. "Like Helaku's, a symbol of the sun? I really hope not.." She trails off, before her ears swivel towards the sound of Skelaghe's voice. Turning herself a bit around, she noses Kezu to the side for a moment, before settling back upon her haunches, curling her tail around to rest against her hip. "Good afternoon, Skelaghe! It's nice to see you out, and about." She puts on a broad grin upon her face, charming as always. "Oh, you over heard? Well, we were thinking about...escorting Vincent away from the territory, you know.. letting him know in... so many ways that he's not wanted around here." She says with a tilt of her head to the side.
Kezu chuckles, taking the hint and taking a few steps to the side, stretching languidly, before yawning out. "Like the moon." He says gently, before looking over towards the voice, and closing his eyes, only smiling. "Good afternoon, Skelaghe, how fare you?" And that's all he says, his tail thumping against the earth.
Skelaghe is not drawn in by the grin. Rather, upon hearing Wyanet's explanation, she bares her teeth. It is a silent gesture, a warning that precedes her speech as she listens to, and then proceeds to ignore, Kezu's greeting and question. "I warned you to leave him be, Wyanet. I expect you to abide by that warning, yet." Still, she does not growl, but she could just as easily be reprimanding one of her disobedient pups.
And here comes Quidel. For such a vocal wolf he's been surprisingly hard to spot around here. But up he comes to the hilltop, humming something to himself. Maybe something he's made up in the intervening time between meeting the other wolves of his new pack. He lays eyes on the others with a nod. There they are. "Such a scrupulous meeting for such a soporific afternoon," he remarks with a lazy smile. "Something the new Errant of Ute can help with, perhaps?"
"Well, yes, you did say that, but that was before Rowtag got himself tangled up with him, and now, we consider him to be pack business, and his presence here is not wanted, so.. we're taking it upon ourselves to show him off, so that he will no longer be a distraction here. I am sure that you agree with me, that you do not want Rowtag chasing off after him, being influenced, or worse by that mutt." Wyanet says as she straightens her shoulders backwards, ears perking forward.
Kezu rolls his shoulders gently, yawning even wider as his tongue lolls from his maw... as he peeks one eye at the two she-wolves, chuckling to himself. "Ah... The furies of the fairer sex..." He says to himself, and nodding, as if too agreeing with himself.
"Do you not think that, if I /wanted/ you to see Vincent off further away from these lands, I might have told you so?" Skelaghe's anger, though there, seems minimal. Is she actually not horribly angry, or is she jsut getting better at hiding it? "If you truly desire to keep Rowtag away from Vincent, in the meantime, you can do me a favor by continuing to watch him. Other than that... My commands still stand."
"I... suppose not," Quidel says to himself, bowing his head and folding his ears back as he simply drops onto his stomach nearby, assuming a bored, guarded expression as the quarrel continues between the two. He knows Rowtag, or knows *of* him. That troublesome boy that hated his own mother. Vincent he's heard in passing. Quidel is quite well versed in what usually happens to creatures the pack has a distaste for... but the Alphaess is disgruntled enough as it is without him speaking up.
"Skelaghe, you know very well that I'm the last one that should be watching over Rowtag. I'd spank that pup's ass so hard he'd forget what it'd feel like to sit down. I don't have your patience in dealing with him, and the moment he'd try to sneak out on me like he did last time, I'd lose it on him." Wyanet says with a tick tock motion of her tail behind her. "Besides, what good is having pack mates who'd die for you, if you aren't going to utilize their skills to the best of their ability? You know what I'm good at, so, you may as well just let me do what I do, that way, you're rid of him, and you don't have to worry about him lingering in the back of your mind." She says with a roll of her tongue across her lips. "Just the mere stench of him gets my hackles up, Skelaghe. I don't want him near our lands. So, you either deal with it.." She trails off. "Or, we're going to, with or without your permission."
Kezu slowly crosses his paws, grinning with a gleam of his eyes as he lowers his ears, watching Skelaghe's reaction, though he does state, quite simply, and bluntly. "When you speak so forcefully on a subject, you just seem to radiate fierce seduction." Basically, that's really really hot.
Skelaghe's look to Kezu is anything but kind. No kinder than it is to Quidel. Both are equally brief, though, as she focuses her attention on Wyanet. "It will be dealt with, Wyanet. By me, or by Teketa. Either of us have more right to determine the appropriate punishment than you do. But it will be done on /our/ time." So she does not risk her mental health to see him, or else risk her son following her and seeing her harm his father. "And just as well as you should have known that... You should know that, whether I like it or not, I understand the type of guidance that Rowtag needs, if he is to, eventually, become a productive pack member." Certainly, Skelaghe has punished him often enough, herself. She could not judge Wyanet for doing the same, though, of course, she expects Wyanet would not actually be abusive.
Quidel doesn't know why *he* gets a look, he was just sitting here! And that he continues to do, not wanting to draw the ire of anyone right now. He knows what he would say, but it's obvious both of the combatants have already made up their minds. He is also well versed in the practice of wasting his breath.
"Really now? You and Teketa are the only two with the 'right' to deal with Vincent? What is that supposed to be? Haht', Kezu, and I aren't good enough to take out the trash you should have dealt with the moment he climbed on your back? You don't think I have anything invested in this? We're your /pack/, Skelaghe. For better or for worse, we're your family now. So, you either include us, so that we can create a united front, and show that cur that he's up against a formidable opponent, or else I'll sneak off into the night, and I'll tear his throat out, and leave nothing short of a bloodstain in the grass. You can kick me out of the pack if you wish, but I'll be /damned/ if I live my life, knowing there's a rapist out there, so close to the lands, possibly doing what he did to other females." She pauses for a moment, then spits out. "We're Ute, dammit. I'm your sister, and I'd die for you, whether you like it or not." With that, she gives a withering look to Kezu for his comment, then sniffs over in Quidel's direction for a moment, before shifting her weight, and heading back towards the den, ambling through the thick grass.
Kezu flicks his ears gently, huffing as he slowly stands, furrowing his brows as he looks after Wyanet and huffs, closing one eye, then to Skelaghe, taking a breath. "Skelaghe... I just have one thing to say." As he looks to the side. "... The world does not revolve around you." And his ears lower, sighing as he slowly begins to trot after the timber wolf, trying to sort his words in his head.
Skelaghe leaps after Wyanet, without thought. Her attempt to follow after Wyanet is cut short as Kezu speaks to her, though. The anger that takes her, then... Damn them. Damn them both. She was supposed to be spending tonight /peacefully/, regaining what has been a very thin grasp on her sanity and spirituality. But no. Instead, she had to stand here and face their disrespect for her commands, and when she called them on it... Being told that she has no say in how the male who raped her, who is, even now, tearing apart her pack, is punished... Because the world doesn't revolve around her. Because, apparently, she is behaving as though it is. Well, fine. But for one week, or month, if it takes that long... One month, in her entire, rapidly ending life, /she/ is going to be the center of her universe. And to hell with what Wyanet and Kezu want. She has hardly been doing anything but seeing that Wyanet is happy, is safe, is protected, for weeks, now. To hell with all of them. This is the thought that consumes her as, without another word, she stalks away.
"Ugh!" Quidel says, standing up and shaking himself off as though listening to all that gave him fleas. "Here I am with a job to do and nobody to let me do it," he complains to Kezu. "How *do* you handle this on such an apparently consistent basis?" he asks, though apparently it's rhetorical, as he's already shaking his head and walking away.
- Lone Crabapple Tree -
After taking some time to calm down, and tearing Kezu a new one about his last comment to the Alpha, Wyanet had stalked off through the night in search of Skelaghe. She completely understands that she acted inappropriately, but on one paw, she had no other clue on how to get it through Skel's head. She's on a mission, a personal one, for many, many reasons. "Skelaghe?!" She calls out as she makes her way through the territory, her voice howling out. As she approaches the lonely tree, she flops down, leaning her weight against it as she huffs.
Skelaghe is a slight distance from the tree. In the dark... She could probably, easily remain unnoticed, and for a while, she thinks about it. Finally, though, she says, "I am here, Wyanet." After speaking, Skelaghe sits up. Her tone is wary. She's not prepared for another spar with Wyanet, and if one develops... Well, it won't go well, for either of them.
Trotting through the grass towards her, Wyanet settles herself down in front of the other wolf, canting her head to one side. She takes in a deep breath, then leans in to push her muzzle against her shoulder. "I'm sorry, for what Kezu said, he's a moron. He doesn't know how to argue very well. Stupid boy." She says as her ears slant back against her skull. With a deep breath, she says, "Do you understand why I do what I do?" She asks as she settles herself back against her haunches. "Or at least, why I act the way I do?"
Skelaghe does not return the affectionate gestures. Clearly, someone is on her bad side, at the moment. "You want to protect me. You want to serve the pack. Fine. But I'll be damned if I let anyone tell me I have no say in what happens to the dog who has systematically destroyed everything I love about my pack, my family. I'll be damned if I stand aside while you dare to imply that you have felt half the pain that Teketa or I have because of Vincent's actions."
Snapping her tail back, and forth behind her, Wyanet says, "Fine. Skelaghe. I won't protect you then. You can /obviously/ take care of yourself. You and Teketa, do whatever you want." She says, knitting her brows together in a frown, before letting out a final snort.
Skelaghe bares her teeth again, the gesture becoming easier each time she does it. "How many times do I have to tell you, I appreciate what you do?" Skelaghe actually moves away from Wyanet, now. She is tired of this. "Think what you will of me, Wyanet... But I am not without knowledge of the mechanics of revenge. Whatever it does to me, Vincent will pay for his disobedience, and when he does so... If Teketa wants no part of it, the blood will be on /my/ paws." She'll give Teketa the opportunity, first. He wanted it, so badly. Much worse than Helaku did. If Teketa does not want it, though... Then yes. Skelaghe will be the one to punish Vincent for what he is doing to her pack. And, when the time comes, she will answer for the vengeful thoughts she has allowed to possess her.
"But the blood shouldn't be on yours. You're a mother now, you have a family to look over. Why add one more thing to settle in the back of your mind? I'm a killer, Skelaghe. It's in my bones. It's what I was born to do. You think that wolf I killed was the first throat I tore out? Hardly! You have puppies now to raise, you have to be their guiding light. If you kill Vincent, think of what it may do to the relationship with your pups? I'm OK with them hating me. I won't lose a moment of sleep over it, but this may haunt you for the rest of your life. I've been fighting my entire life, since I was born, Skelaghe. Let me do this. Let me protect you, please.." Wyanet says, her voice practically pleading as her ears lift upwards. "It's not like hunting for your food. Once you kill, regardless of the reason, it's with you, forever. I love you, Skelaghe, you're the only family I have, and I wouldn't wish this on anyone."
Yes, it would be with Skelaghe for the rest of her life. Of course, she already knew that, but... "The rest of my life is not as long as the rest of your life, Wyanet... And if you and the mate of your choice are to take over as Betas of the pack, someday... Well, then you need to learn how to be a guiding light as well." Rowtag already hates her. Oh, he hides it well, but it's still there. Ciqala doesn't have hate in him. And Rawiya? Well, with luck, it will be many years, yet, before Rawiya learns to hate. It certainly took Skelaghe long enough to learn it.
"I'm not fit to be an Alpha, Beta, or any other type of rank. I'm a soldier, Skelaghe. It's what my role in life is. I'm going to give you one headache after the other, push you to the edge sometimes, but when it comes down to it, I'll always be at your side, fangs, and claws ready. I am not a role model and I never pretended to be. I just feel that you should live the rest of your life without having this on your soul. I know where I'm going when my body returns to the earth. I was never a little angel, but you.. you're wonderful, and all you want is peace in your life." She stalks after the other female, huffing quietly. "You're a good wolf, Skelaghe. You're the best. Don't cross this line. Please."
"Says the wolf who has taken every opportunity to watch my pups, asked, or not. Who, every time I turn around, is courting another male..." Skelaghe doesn't smile, but there's the smallest hint of amusement in her tone. It fades quickly. "If Teketa decides that he does not want to deal with Vincent himself... Then, and only then, will you and I discuss this again."
With a loud snort, Wyanet says, "Alright then, I can live with that. Until then, I'm gonna keep monitoring his movements, to ensure he doesn't step into the territory, but if he does.." She trails off. "Am I allowed to treat him as hostile, and do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of these lands? I can't treat him like a guest."
Is Vincent really that stupid? Skelaghe can't be certain, but after a moment of silence, she says, "Yes. If he comes into our lands, then you may do whatever you need to." She's not pleased about the arrangement... But she'll abide by it.
"Alright then." Wyanet says as she sways her tail back and forth behind her, before offering up a quick smile. "We OK then?" She asks as she rolls her tongue across her muzzle slowly. "Still best friends?" She asks, a bit of teasing in her voice.
There is still one matter to be resolved... "My friends do not go behind my back to disregard my wishes, Wyanet... But if you can agree that it won't happen, again... Then, yes." Skelaghe's voice is calm as she speaks. Resolved, though.
There is another loud snort from Wyanet. "You don't even like me." She says with a smirk on her face, before she turns once more, and starts off through the grass. "I'm going to find Haht' and demand that he pays some attention to me. I'll see you in the morning, Skelaghe. Good night." She calls out over her shoulder.