Post by Chibiabos on Jan 11, 2010 9:41:16 GMT -5
Clover Lawn
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A carpet of prairie clover spans outward in all directions. In the summer, reddish purple and white blossoms spring up, attracting bees and butterflies from all over. Grass has tried, with only limited success, to overrun the area; blades poke up around the fringes, where they've charged down the hill from the northeast. Dandelions, as well as a few vine weeds, have also claimed their presence here. But the clover holds fast. Sitting conspicuously in the midst of all the greenage, are three moss-infested boulders of increasing height, set in a loose circle.
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Characters: Skelaghe, Jage, Rawiya, Survivor
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Anyone who knows Skelaghe, or, rather, who knew Skelahe before, would find it easy to believe she would not be bothered by any visit from an old colleague. Unfortunately for all of those animals, and for Skelaghe as well... The shewolf has seen many changes over the year and a half of holding a territory of he own. If she had it all to do again... But such thoughts remain beneath her, and so, when she spots movement off in the distance, she calls to her daughter as she sprints forward to place herself between Rawiya and whoever is approaching, since there is little chance anyone coming from that direction would be a packmate.
Survivor arrives at the pack's marked border by the river. He sniffs intently the border marking, remains standing just outside, and howls a greeting and call to the pack whose territory he finds himself upon. The wolf stands patiently, but keen senses would find a degree of eagerness in his manner as well.
Squinting a little, Jage recognises the still-far outline against the field. That's Skelaghe, certainly, though the little pup gets just as much attention as she is giving the dog. However, when Jage has only taken a few hesitant steps forward to invite Skelaghe to come and greet her, this new howl snaps her head up and she peers about. It's not a voice she recognises, and she hopes against hope that Benny isn't close enough to think about getting into trouble with a strange wolf. Perhaps, though, this is one of Skelaghe's friends.
As Jage gets a little closer, Skelaghe manages to recognize her. Before she can answer her daughter, though, a sound, one that most certainly does not come from one of her packmates, sounds through the territory. Well, if anyone else is nearby, they'll be heading it this direction as soon as possible, but with Abel ties up with ROwtag and Wyanet with Ciqala... "I need you to stay here, puppy, just for a bit. Can you do that for me?" Skelaghe can't know if Rawiya is old enough to remember the wolf who attacked them, but the last thing Skelaghe intends to do is allow that incident to be repeated in from of her growing daughter.
Another sound! So many visitors today, how extraordinary. Th\e bold little pup looks up at her mother as if she wishes to protest, then sighs dramatically. "Oh, fiiine. But I want to play so if my paws start walking I can't stop them," she says matter-of-factly. Even so, Rawiya plops down in the clover and stares hard at Jage, since she can't yet see the other visitor. There's plenty of time. She can meet everybody!
Survivor bows submissively and respectfully, tucking the remnant of his tail under himself. "I am called Survivor," he woofs from his posture. As lone wolves go, he seems -- in terms of his bulk -- to have not done too badly for himself in terms of hunting, but he is certainly no threat to a well-earning-of-his-place alpha, unless one counts ugly scars as a factor. The wolf is focused on the alphess, and no concern or undue curiousity is given to those the alphess has chosen not to bring with her. "I bid you greetings, and bid whatever blessings Luna might yet hold for me into blessings of peace and prosperity for your pack," he speaks in a polite and formal tongue not often used by wolves in this day and age. His words are sincere, offered whilst remaining in proper submission, and perceptiveness would affirm they are from his heart.
From Skelaghe's reaction, Jage surmises that the new wolf is not one she recognises, or perhaps not one whose company she appreciates. The hunter stays where she is for now, though she stands tense in case a fight breaks out. She doesn't have much in her to stand against a younger male wolf anymore, but at least she can try keeping the pup out of trouble. Something is puzzling her about the pup, though she isn't yet close enough to figure out what.
Even Skelaghe is hard pressed to hold her own against most wolves, save for the very young or very old. She is aging, herself, more rapidly that she might, otherwise, with all of the stressed of being an older alphaess. At least it is Rawiya who is with her, right now, and not Ciqala, who would try to cling to her out of fear, or Rowtag, who would defy her, deliberately, to try to meet the newcomers. having gotten her daughter to agree to stay put, Skelaghe begins moving away from her as a fair pace. Oh yes, she knows how Jage feels about most wolves, and as far as the stranger... "I'll ask both of you not to come any closer." At least, she says she's asking. It sounds like more of a command, though.
Staying seated, her tail scuffing gently back and forth behind her, Rawiya stares at her mother's back. She wills her to turn around and call Rawiya to her, but it doesn't seem like she's going to get to meet anyone new. And they look so interesting! One with such scars, one with...with a...a...thing on her neck. Rawiya yawns, getting rapidly bored. This isn't fair at all.
Survivor obediently does not move. He keeps his tail remnant tucked under himself, but does lift his head. "I would beg your indulgence ... alphess?" he asks in presumption. "... and with any others you should confer with, for an opportunity to serve your leadership as a pledgeling for awhile. I am a strong hunter."
Though she doesn't show the obvious signs of submission that Survivor does, Jage shifts a step or two backwards in clear deference to Skelaghe's authority. She keeps most of her attention on the strange wolf, looking over him closely. Oh yes, she knows the creature he must have had a run-in with to get those, and a long, soft snort escapes her as she watches him. Unfortunate, or fortunate for him? She has seen dogs put down for less than the wounds he appears to have lived through.
Skelaghe slows her pace after puttign a little distance between Rawiya and herself, and as Jage and the stranger prove themselves to both be obedient. She has bigger thins on her mind than how the stranger god his scars. Particularly, making sure they are not duplicated in any of her packmates. "Yes, I am the alphaess here. My name is Skelaghe, and this is Ute land." Actually... Perhaps this could not have worked out any better, if the stranger truly wants to join the pack. "And Jage. I... can only assume that, perhaps, you heard I was looking for you, some time back. I am glad you are here." Not... really... She's not /angry/, but neither is she particularly glad. This is a valuable opportunity to see how a potential new member fo the pack might interact with dogs, though.
Survivor notices the elder dog on the periphery of his senses, but his focus remains on the alphess. He does not seem remotely alarmed nor bothered that a non-wolf is so close, though of course he does bear a curiousity toward the unfamiliar; his life has, fortunately, kept him far from humans and thus he has never before encountered a dog. As the alphess recognizes the being, the scarred wolf offers a bow to the familiar-of-the-alphess. "Good tidings to you as well," he offers in a strikingly polite greeting.
The current pose order is: {Jage Skelaghe Survivor}.
The elkhound watches Survivor for a moment longer before she returns with a slow nod. She has not made a habit of attacking strange wolves since she was out here, and she isn't about to start now. "Good day," comes her brief reply, before she looks back at Skelaghe intently with her head cocked. "No, I had not heard, Skelaghe. This is just a chance meeting. I had intended to pass through, but your scent caught my attention." She looks between them. "You have more immediate concerns than speaking with me, however."
It is more unfortunate than Skelaghe would admit that Jage is, in fact, here. She was prepared to accept Jage's anger when it would not put her children at risk, but now... "What I have to speak to you about... It is a private matter, but no less important than... than greeting Survivor, here." That si what he said he name was, right? "Survivor, I must ask your forgiveness." Again, she doesn't much sound like she's asking. "We are not as welcoming of newcomers as we once were. If, however, you can agree to stay away from my den, to the east of here, then I can see my way to allowing you to stay long enough to prove yourself, one way or the other."
Enough is enough. Rawiya can't help herself, and stands. However, she doesn't charge towards the group of adults. No, no, she must be sneaky about these things. So dropping to the ground again, she makes a spirited attempt at crawling forward on her belly, clearly believing that she's very good at this. She isn't. She's slow, too.
Survivor comments to both Skelaghe and Jage, "It is I who should apologize, Alphess Skelaghe, for intruding myself into a pack's business." He cannot help but sniff in the dog's direction, trying to learn whatever he can without rudely ignoring the alphess to sate his curiosity. He keeps his gaze, submissively, to the alphess however. "Of course, it is only a few moons past whelping. I do recall a pack's most prized and sensitive resource. I am at your disposal for whatever need you have." His ears flit and prick at the nearby pup's rather unsuccessful attempt at stealth.
Jage nods to Skelaghe. A private matter? The only thing she can think of is Sketch, who clearly isn't here. She wonders what news Skelaghe has on her friend's daughter. As the elkhound falls quiet to the conversation of the wolves, her gaze, too, is drawn every now and again to the sneaky child's disobedience. Her lip twitches in the vaguest hint of a smile as she sees the pup clearly, close enough for details now. She looks...hmm. Her eyes, her colour - she looks almost doglike. The quick smile fades. Perhaps this is one of Sketch's pups.
Even if Skelaghe could miss her child's movements, she does not miss where the gaze and ears of the two she is speaking to are directed. Without turning to look at her daughter, she takes a deep breath. "Rawiya." She can be grateful, at least, for the litle bit of time Rawiya did give her, and so her tone is not /too/ stern as she says, "Come here, puppy." This is a bad idea. Either Jage or Survivor, or both, could react unfavorably to the wolfdog pup. It would seem the meeting is inevitable, though, and as she waits for her daughter to approach, she keeps her eyes on the wolf and do before her.
How could they possibly have noticed her? Miffed, Rawiya stands and trots over with her tail head high. The closer she gets, the bigger the strangers seem, so it's no surprise that when she reaches Skelaghe she sneaks underneath her again and peeks out between her forepaws, examining them from close up. Her stare is bold and wide-eyed, and right now it's fixed mostly on Survivor. If only her fascination could manifest in a more polite way. "What happened to /you/?"
Survivor senses tension, and that he himself is a source. Not sure what else to do, he slumps to an erect lay, hoping that might make himself seem less menacing. He cannot help, however, but to study the curiosity that is the wolf-pup peering out between her mother's forelegs ... and yet not a wolf. "I did something naughty, and was punished," he answers simply.
Staring down at the pup, almost fascinated by her after having not been around children for so long, Jage has to stop herself from leaning forward to sniff at Rawiya. It would hardly be a smart move. Survivor's words draw a quick glance from her - a punishment? Perhaps that's why he isn't dead - but no more than that. The aging dog's maternal instincts are strong, and she has to look away from the pup.
"Rawiya." Skelaghe says nothing else, as Survivor actually answers the inquisitive pup, but the warning for the rude question remains there. Not that she particularly appreciates that answer, either. She does not need her pups thinking that might happen to them, if they misbehave. She doesn't mention it, though. "I should like you both to meet my younest daughter, Rawiya. Rawiya, this is Jage and Survivor. Our guests."
The thought that such a punishment could exist does go straight to bury itself in Rawiya's thoughts, though the imaginative little thing has not yet reached a point where she imagines it happening to her. She ducks her head at the remonstration, but still manages a polite, "Pleased to meet you!" when they are introduced. Looking at Jage, she opens her mouth to ask of the collar, but her mother's tone stops her and she settles again. For the moment.
Survivor smiles warmly, remaining laying. "I am pleased to meet you, mighty Rawiya!" he greets the pup. He glances toward the dog, as a name is finally put to her. He senses a disappointment from the alphess in the answer he had given the pup, but decides against attempting to explain his answer any further.
Jage gives another rare smile as the pup pipes up, before looking between the two grown wolves. Skelaghe's daughter. This dark-eyed pup is Skelaghe's daughter. How curious. Even if she were ignorant of the tension, the elkhound knows that a pup's place is not at a meeting of an alphaess and a stranger. She clears her throat, looking at Skelaghe. "This old dog is weary," she says in a tone clearly intended for the child instead. "I would fancy a liedown in the clover here for some time, to allow you two your words in private. Perhaps Rawiya would like to come with me? Perhaps she can teach me her sneaking skills?" She cocks her head at Skelaghe meaningfully. A pup and a dog have no place in wolf politics.
Does Skelaghe trust Jage with her pup? Not really, but that has absolutely nothing to do with Jage, herself, and everything to do with Skelaghe's overprotectiveness. Jage was a mother and, at least as of now... Has no reason to hurt the pup, so Skelaghe nodes her head slightly, lowering it, then, to nuzzle and speak to Rawiya. "You can go with her, puppy. I'll be right here, okay?"
Survivor rises again as the pup leaves, his tail remaining submissive and his gaze never lifting to challenge. "My ears and full attention are yours, alphess," he prompts, hoping his strong sense the alphess did have much to say or ask was not a false assumption.
Skelaghe might have things to ask, but she is opposed to prying where she might not be wanted, unless it's a matter of safety for her pups. She does have things to say, though. She waits just until Rawiya and Jage seem to have found a spot to play, then gives her attention back to Survivor. "If you are to remain here, I will require that you treat the land and the animals here with respect. My packmates are not the trusting sort, these days, so should you encounter any of them, you would do best to be polite, even in the face of temporary rudeness, and invoke my name."
Survivor nods. "I charge myself to pay you, the pack, friends, foes and prey, and the land itself, and of course Luna above with all the respect I am capable of paying, alphess. I have been taught a lesson in paying politeness, courtesy and respect even when my foolish heart would have me do otherwise, alphess."
Even with the hints that he gives, Skelaghe does not pry further, not even the slightest bit. Even with her packmates, she has always been big on respecting their privacy. "Very well, then. You are welcome to stay for the foreseeable future, Survivor. I hope you will find peace here." He looks like he could use it... And, certainly, Skelaghe does not need any more conflict.
Survivor dips his head in a bow. "Thank you, Skelaghe, alphess of Ule ..." he starts, then does correct himself. "... my Alphess." His mind aware of odd tensions, he asks, "Is there an alpha male?"
That question brings a twitch of her tail upwards, as she feels a need to display her dominance. "Should you meet a male named Teketa, he is my equal within this pack, and deserving of your heightened respect." She has not actually suggested that Teketa take the title of alpha, yet, but that is only because they have had so little time together, since Helaku left.
Survivor nods, and suddenly realizes he may have mis-implied something in his question. It is already in the past, however. "How many are in the pack? When and where would be good for me to meet and mutually get to know them ... away from the sensitive areas of the pups, of course?"
"We number around ten, though some of our packmates are scarcer than others. If you stay here, in the field, and north of here, and avoid the hill to the east, I suspect you will meet all of them soon enough, without having them snarl at you." Of course, Skelaghe may be wrong, particularly is any of her packmates are also leading pups when they come this way, but at least if he does not approach the hill, he will not risk getting too near the den.
Survivor nods. He looks after the direction the dog had taken the alphess' daughter. "Could I beg you to indulge my ... curiosity, Alphess? I had not encountered one like that before ... not wolf ... not coyote ...?" he asks, genuinely confused.
That explains it, then. Skelahe, being, herself, from an area where dogs were not common, and Teketa, too, have none of the prejudices against dogs that so many in this area, and areas like this one, have. "She is a dog. She told me her breed once, I think, though I don't remember it. You'll find that emotions run deep about dos in these lands, but in my time here, I have found they are no different than any other species. Some are good... Others..." She doesn't finish her statement, but rather just shakes her head a bit.
Survivor nods. "In my vagrant meanderings, I have found coyotes worthy to lead wolves, and a wolf and cougar, secreted away, in a mutually enriching peaceful partnership. I was not always so open-minded, of course."
"Well, few of us are ever so wise, in our infancy, as we are when we grow older." Skelaghe may now have the scars to show for it, but she has learned plenty of hard lessons of her own. "Speaking of cougars, one of them is also in our numbers. He is a young one, and blind, and as a son to me."
Survivor nods. "That is no problem for me." He shakes his head a bit. "Dogs, a cougar ... I think Luna has guided me to your pack," he says, "that now I might finally begin to learn."
"If there is one thing we will be glad to do, it is help you to learn. Something new every day. Starting with the name of the Ute's guardian. Tobba." Skelaghe gestures with her head to the shoulder that bears the marking of the sun.
Survivor repeats, "Tobba," studying the mark. However adult the wolf may appear, and however much more experience his scars would seem to paint he's had, he seems to as determined to learn as the best-behaved cub. "Tell me of Tobba," he pleads.
"Luna offers us a strong guiding force when Tobba must guide his other children, yes. But were it not for his power and guidance, life would never return to the land after a hard winter. Our children would not be able to learn and grow, nor could we find our way once lost." Skelaghe's speech is very basic. She would gladly speak more with Survivor in the future about it, but as she is perpetually keeping one eye on Rawiya and Jage's location, this is, perhaps, not the best time.
Survivor comments, "There is balance in all. There is no joy without sorrow, no spring without winter, no success without failure."
Skelaghe gives a nod of her head in response to Survivor's statement, after which she says, "Well then, by the looks of you, peace really ought to be what finds you here, to balance your life. I hope it might find me too." It's not a complaint. Just a statement. She has had her own fair share of troubles in recent months, most of which she believes she brought on herself. Now, it's time for her to turn her fortune around.
Survivor speaks, "I have much I do need to rebalance. You say you have a young cougar who is blind? I may well be just as blind in other ways. I do intend to carry my weight, however ... as I promised, I am a strong hunter."
Skelaghe nods her head again. "You need only to feed yourself, Survivor. If you have any left over... It is, of course, your choice, what to do with it. So long as you follow the rules I have already laid down, I will not demand food from you." It is different, of course, when they work together to bring down larger prey, but she does not expect anyone to hunt alone to feed her, her packmates, or her pups. And, that said... "I think I should get back to Rawiya now. But you will be okay?"
Survivor woofs, "I believe I will be far more than okay. I believe my soul will learn to flourish here ... if I do not blow it," he adds with a chuckle.
Skelaghe responds to Survivor's statement with aa slight smile, then says, "Farewell, Survivor. We will speak again soon." She waits only long enough for a similar farewell before turning around to head in the direction that Rawiya and Jage left.
Survivor returns warmly, "Good day, Alphess."
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A carpet of prairie clover spans outward in all directions. In the summer, reddish purple and white blossoms spring up, attracting bees and butterflies from all over. Grass has tried, with only limited success, to overrun the area; blades poke up around the fringes, where they've charged down the hill from the northeast. Dandelions, as well as a few vine weeds, have also claimed their presence here. But the clover holds fast. Sitting conspicuously in the midst of all the greenage, are three moss-infested boulders of increasing height, set in a loose circle.
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Characters: Skelaghe, Jage, Rawiya, Survivor
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Anyone who knows Skelaghe, or, rather, who knew Skelahe before, would find it easy to believe she would not be bothered by any visit from an old colleague. Unfortunately for all of those animals, and for Skelaghe as well... The shewolf has seen many changes over the year and a half of holding a territory of he own. If she had it all to do again... But such thoughts remain beneath her, and so, when she spots movement off in the distance, she calls to her daughter as she sprints forward to place herself between Rawiya and whoever is approaching, since there is little chance anyone coming from that direction would be a packmate.
Survivor arrives at the pack's marked border by the river. He sniffs intently the border marking, remains standing just outside, and howls a greeting and call to the pack whose territory he finds himself upon. The wolf stands patiently, but keen senses would find a degree of eagerness in his manner as well.
Squinting a little, Jage recognises the still-far outline against the field. That's Skelaghe, certainly, though the little pup gets just as much attention as she is giving the dog. However, when Jage has only taken a few hesitant steps forward to invite Skelaghe to come and greet her, this new howl snaps her head up and she peers about. It's not a voice she recognises, and she hopes against hope that Benny isn't close enough to think about getting into trouble with a strange wolf. Perhaps, though, this is one of Skelaghe's friends.
As Jage gets a little closer, Skelaghe manages to recognize her. Before she can answer her daughter, though, a sound, one that most certainly does not come from one of her packmates, sounds through the territory. Well, if anyone else is nearby, they'll be heading it this direction as soon as possible, but with Abel ties up with ROwtag and Wyanet with Ciqala... "I need you to stay here, puppy, just for a bit. Can you do that for me?" Skelaghe can't know if Rawiya is old enough to remember the wolf who attacked them, but the last thing Skelaghe intends to do is allow that incident to be repeated in from of her growing daughter.
Another sound! So many visitors today, how extraordinary. Th\e bold little pup looks up at her mother as if she wishes to protest, then sighs dramatically. "Oh, fiiine. But I want to play so if my paws start walking I can't stop them," she says matter-of-factly. Even so, Rawiya plops down in the clover and stares hard at Jage, since she can't yet see the other visitor. There's plenty of time. She can meet everybody!
Survivor bows submissively and respectfully, tucking the remnant of his tail under himself. "I am called Survivor," he woofs from his posture. As lone wolves go, he seems -- in terms of his bulk -- to have not done too badly for himself in terms of hunting, but he is certainly no threat to a well-earning-of-his-place alpha, unless one counts ugly scars as a factor. The wolf is focused on the alphess, and no concern or undue curiousity is given to those the alphess has chosen not to bring with her. "I bid you greetings, and bid whatever blessings Luna might yet hold for me into blessings of peace and prosperity for your pack," he speaks in a polite and formal tongue not often used by wolves in this day and age. His words are sincere, offered whilst remaining in proper submission, and perceptiveness would affirm they are from his heart.
From Skelaghe's reaction, Jage surmises that the new wolf is not one she recognises, or perhaps not one whose company she appreciates. The hunter stays where she is for now, though she stands tense in case a fight breaks out. She doesn't have much in her to stand against a younger male wolf anymore, but at least she can try keeping the pup out of trouble. Something is puzzling her about the pup, though she isn't yet close enough to figure out what.
Even Skelaghe is hard pressed to hold her own against most wolves, save for the very young or very old. She is aging, herself, more rapidly that she might, otherwise, with all of the stressed of being an older alphaess. At least it is Rawiya who is with her, right now, and not Ciqala, who would try to cling to her out of fear, or Rowtag, who would defy her, deliberately, to try to meet the newcomers. having gotten her daughter to agree to stay put, Skelaghe begins moving away from her as a fair pace. Oh yes, she knows how Jage feels about most wolves, and as far as the stranger... "I'll ask both of you not to come any closer." At least, she says she's asking. It sounds like more of a command, though.
Staying seated, her tail scuffing gently back and forth behind her, Rawiya stares at her mother's back. She wills her to turn around and call Rawiya to her, but it doesn't seem like she's going to get to meet anyone new. And they look so interesting! One with such scars, one with...with a...a...thing on her neck. Rawiya yawns, getting rapidly bored. This isn't fair at all.
Survivor obediently does not move. He keeps his tail remnant tucked under himself, but does lift his head. "I would beg your indulgence ... alphess?" he asks in presumption. "... and with any others you should confer with, for an opportunity to serve your leadership as a pledgeling for awhile. I am a strong hunter."
Though she doesn't show the obvious signs of submission that Survivor does, Jage shifts a step or two backwards in clear deference to Skelaghe's authority. She keeps most of her attention on the strange wolf, looking over him closely. Oh yes, she knows the creature he must have had a run-in with to get those, and a long, soft snort escapes her as she watches him. Unfortunate, or fortunate for him? She has seen dogs put down for less than the wounds he appears to have lived through.
Skelaghe slows her pace after puttign a little distance between Rawiya and herself, and as Jage and the stranger prove themselves to both be obedient. She has bigger thins on her mind than how the stranger god his scars. Particularly, making sure they are not duplicated in any of her packmates. "Yes, I am the alphaess here. My name is Skelaghe, and this is Ute land." Actually... Perhaps this could not have worked out any better, if the stranger truly wants to join the pack. "And Jage. I... can only assume that, perhaps, you heard I was looking for you, some time back. I am glad you are here." Not... really... She's not /angry/, but neither is she particularly glad. This is a valuable opportunity to see how a potential new member fo the pack might interact with dogs, though.
Survivor notices the elder dog on the periphery of his senses, but his focus remains on the alphess. He does not seem remotely alarmed nor bothered that a non-wolf is so close, though of course he does bear a curiousity toward the unfamiliar; his life has, fortunately, kept him far from humans and thus he has never before encountered a dog. As the alphess recognizes the being, the scarred wolf offers a bow to the familiar-of-the-alphess. "Good tidings to you as well," he offers in a strikingly polite greeting.
The current pose order is: {Jage Skelaghe Survivor}.
The elkhound watches Survivor for a moment longer before she returns with a slow nod. She has not made a habit of attacking strange wolves since she was out here, and she isn't about to start now. "Good day," comes her brief reply, before she looks back at Skelaghe intently with her head cocked. "No, I had not heard, Skelaghe. This is just a chance meeting. I had intended to pass through, but your scent caught my attention." She looks between them. "You have more immediate concerns than speaking with me, however."
It is more unfortunate than Skelaghe would admit that Jage is, in fact, here. She was prepared to accept Jage's anger when it would not put her children at risk, but now... "What I have to speak to you about... It is a private matter, but no less important than... than greeting Survivor, here." That si what he said he name was, right? "Survivor, I must ask your forgiveness." Again, she doesn't much sound like she's asking. "We are not as welcoming of newcomers as we once were. If, however, you can agree to stay away from my den, to the east of here, then I can see my way to allowing you to stay long enough to prove yourself, one way or the other."
Enough is enough. Rawiya can't help herself, and stands. However, she doesn't charge towards the group of adults. No, no, she must be sneaky about these things. So dropping to the ground again, she makes a spirited attempt at crawling forward on her belly, clearly believing that she's very good at this. She isn't. She's slow, too.
Survivor comments to both Skelaghe and Jage, "It is I who should apologize, Alphess Skelaghe, for intruding myself into a pack's business." He cannot help but sniff in the dog's direction, trying to learn whatever he can without rudely ignoring the alphess to sate his curiosity. He keeps his gaze, submissively, to the alphess however. "Of course, it is only a few moons past whelping. I do recall a pack's most prized and sensitive resource. I am at your disposal for whatever need you have." His ears flit and prick at the nearby pup's rather unsuccessful attempt at stealth.
Jage nods to Skelaghe. A private matter? The only thing she can think of is Sketch, who clearly isn't here. She wonders what news Skelaghe has on her friend's daughter. As the elkhound falls quiet to the conversation of the wolves, her gaze, too, is drawn every now and again to the sneaky child's disobedience. Her lip twitches in the vaguest hint of a smile as she sees the pup clearly, close enough for details now. She looks...hmm. Her eyes, her colour - she looks almost doglike. The quick smile fades. Perhaps this is one of Sketch's pups.
Even if Skelaghe could miss her child's movements, she does not miss where the gaze and ears of the two she is speaking to are directed. Without turning to look at her daughter, she takes a deep breath. "Rawiya." She can be grateful, at least, for the litle bit of time Rawiya did give her, and so her tone is not /too/ stern as she says, "Come here, puppy." This is a bad idea. Either Jage or Survivor, or both, could react unfavorably to the wolfdog pup. It would seem the meeting is inevitable, though, and as she waits for her daughter to approach, she keeps her eyes on the wolf and do before her.
How could they possibly have noticed her? Miffed, Rawiya stands and trots over with her tail head high. The closer she gets, the bigger the strangers seem, so it's no surprise that when she reaches Skelaghe she sneaks underneath her again and peeks out between her forepaws, examining them from close up. Her stare is bold and wide-eyed, and right now it's fixed mostly on Survivor. If only her fascination could manifest in a more polite way. "What happened to /you/?"
Survivor senses tension, and that he himself is a source. Not sure what else to do, he slumps to an erect lay, hoping that might make himself seem less menacing. He cannot help, however, but to study the curiosity that is the wolf-pup peering out between her mother's forelegs ... and yet not a wolf. "I did something naughty, and was punished," he answers simply.
Staring down at the pup, almost fascinated by her after having not been around children for so long, Jage has to stop herself from leaning forward to sniff at Rawiya. It would hardly be a smart move. Survivor's words draw a quick glance from her - a punishment? Perhaps that's why he isn't dead - but no more than that. The aging dog's maternal instincts are strong, and she has to look away from the pup.
"Rawiya." Skelaghe says nothing else, as Survivor actually answers the inquisitive pup, but the warning for the rude question remains there. Not that she particularly appreciates that answer, either. She does not need her pups thinking that might happen to them, if they misbehave. She doesn't mention it, though. "I should like you both to meet my younest daughter, Rawiya. Rawiya, this is Jage and Survivor. Our guests."
The thought that such a punishment could exist does go straight to bury itself in Rawiya's thoughts, though the imaginative little thing has not yet reached a point where she imagines it happening to her. She ducks her head at the remonstration, but still manages a polite, "Pleased to meet you!" when they are introduced. Looking at Jage, she opens her mouth to ask of the collar, but her mother's tone stops her and she settles again. For the moment.
Survivor smiles warmly, remaining laying. "I am pleased to meet you, mighty Rawiya!" he greets the pup. He glances toward the dog, as a name is finally put to her. He senses a disappointment from the alphess in the answer he had given the pup, but decides against attempting to explain his answer any further.
Jage gives another rare smile as the pup pipes up, before looking between the two grown wolves. Skelaghe's daughter. This dark-eyed pup is Skelaghe's daughter. How curious. Even if she were ignorant of the tension, the elkhound knows that a pup's place is not at a meeting of an alphaess and a stranger. She clears her throat, looking at Skelaghe. "This old dog is weary," she says in a tone clearly intended for the child instead. "I would fancy a liedown in the clover here for some time, to allow you two your words in private. Perhaps Rawiya would like to come with me? Perhaps she can teach me her sneaking skills?" She cocks her head at Skelaghe meaningfully. A pup and a dog have no place in wolf politics.
Does Skelaghe trust Jage with her pup? Not really, but that has absolutely nothing to do with Jage, herself, and everything to do with Skelaghe's overprotectiveness. Jage was a mother and, at least as of now... Has no reason to hurt the pup, so Skelaghe nodes her head slightly, lowering it, then, to nuzzle and speak to Rawiya. "You can go with her, puppy. I'll be right here, okay?"
Survivor rises again as the pup leaves, his tail remaining submissive and his gaze never lifting to challenge. "My ears and full attention are yours, alphess," he prompts, hoping his strong sense the alphess did have much to say or ask was not a false assumption.
Skelaghe might have things to ask, but she is opposed to prying where she might not be wanted, unless it's a matter of safety for her pups. She does have things to say, though. She waits just until Rawiya and Jage seem to have found a spot to play, then gives her attention back to Survivor. "If you are to remain here, I will require that you treat the land and the animals here with respect. My packmates are not the trusting sort, these days, so should you encounter any of them, you would do best to be polite, even in the face of temporary rudeness, and invoke my name."
Survivor nods. "I charge myself to pay you, the pack, friends, foes and prey, and the land itself, and of course Luna above with all the respect I am capable of paying, alphess. I have been taught a lesson in paying politeness, courtesy and respect even when my foolish heart would have me do otherwise, alphess."
Even with the hints that he gives, Skelaghe does not pry further, not even the slightest bit. Even with her packmates, she has always been big on respecting their privacy. "Very well, then. You are welcome to stay for the foreseeable future, Survivor. I hope you will find peace here." He looks like he could use it... And, certainly, Skelaghe does not need any more conflict.
Survivor dips his head in a bow. "Thank you, Skelaghe, alphess of Ule ..." he starts, then does correct himself. "... my Alphess." His mind aware of odd tensions, he asks, "Is there an alpha male?"
That question brings a twitch of her tail upwards, as she feels a need to display her dominance. "Should you meet a male named Teketa, he is my equal within this pack, and deserving of your heightened respect." She has not actually suggested that Teketa take the title of alpha, yet, but that is only because they have had so little time together, since Helaku left.
Survivor nods, and suddenly realizes he may have mis-implied something in his question. It is already in the past, however. "How many are in the pack? When and where would be good for me to meet and mutually get to know them ... away from the sensitive areas of the pups, of course?"
"We number around ten, though some of our packmates are scarcer than others. If you stay here, in the field, and north of here, and avoid the hill to the east, I suspect you will meet all of them soon enough, without having them snarl at you." Of course, Skelaghe may be wrong, particularly is any of her packmates are also leading pups when they come this way, but at least if he does not approach the hill, he will not risk getting too near the den.
Survivor nods. He looks after the direction the dog had taken the alphess' daughter. "Could I beg you to indulge my ... curiosity, Alphess? I had not encountered one like that before ... not wolf ... not coyote ...?" he asks, genuinely confused.
That explains it, then. Skelahe, being, herself, from an area where dogs were not common, and Teketa, too, have none of the prejudices against dogs that so many in this area, and areas like this one, have. "She is a dog. She told me her breed once, I think, though I don't remember it. You'll find that emotions run deep about dos in these lands, but in my time here, I have found they are no different than any other species. Some are good... Others..." She doesn't finish her statement, but rather just shakes her head a bit.
Survivor nods. "In my vagrant meanderings, I have found coyotes worthy to lead wolves, and a wolf and cougar, secreted away, in a mutually enriching peaceful partnership. I was not always so open-minded, of course."
"Well, few of us are ever so wise, in our infancy, as we are when we grow older." Skelaghe may now have the scars to show for it, but she has learned plenty of hard lessons of her own. "Speaking of cougars, one of them is also in our numbers. He is a young one, and blind, and as a son to me."
Survivor nods. "That is no problem for me." He shakes his head a bit. "Dogs, a cougar ... I think Luna has guided me to your pack," he says, "that now I might finally begin to learn."
"If there is one thing we will be glad to do, it is help you to learn. Something new every day. Starting with the name of the Ute's guardian. Tobba." Skelaghe gestures with her head to the shoulder that bears the marking of the sun.
Survivor repeats, "Tobba," studying the mark. However adult the wolf may appear, and however much more experience his scars would seem to paint he's had, he seems to as determined to learn as the best-behaved cub. "Tell me of Tobba," he pleads.
"Luna offers us a strong guiding force when Tobba must guide his other children, yes. But were it not for his power and guidance, life would never return to the land after a hard winter. Our children would not be able to learn and grow, nor could we find our way once lost." Skelaghe's speech is very basic. She would gladly speak more with Survivor in the future about it, but as she is perpetually keeping one eye on Rawiya and Jage's location, this is, perhaps, not the best time.
Survivor comments, "There is balance in all. There is no joy without sorrow, no spring without winter, no success without failure."
Skelaghe gives a nod of her head in response to Survivor's statement, after which she says, "Well then, by the looks of you, peace really ought to be what finds you here, to balance your life. I hope it might find me too." It's not a complaint. Just a statement. She has had her own fair share of troubles in recent months, most of which she believes she brought on herself. Now, it's time for her to turn her fortune around.
Survivor speaks, "I have much I do need to rebalance. You say you have a young cougar who is blind? I may well be just as blind in other ways. I do intend to carry my weight, however ... as I promised, I am a strong hunter."
Skelaghe nods her head again. "You need only to feed yourself, Survivor. If you have any left over... It is, of course, your choice, what to do with it. So long as you follow the rules I have already laid down, I will not demand food from you." It is different, of course, when they work together to bring down larger prey, but she does not expect anyone to hunt alone to feed her, her packmates, or her pups. And, that said... "I think I should get back to Rawiya now. But you will be okay?"
Survivor woofs, "I believe I will be far more than okay. I believe my soul will learn to flourish here ... if I do not blow it," he adds with a chuckle.
Skelaghe responds to Survivor's statement with aa slight smile, then says, "Farewell, Survivor. We will speak again soon." She waits only long enough for a similar farewell before turning around to head in the direction that Rawiya and Jage left.
Survivor returns warmly, "Good day, Alphess."