Post by avalikia on Jan 16, 2010 19:18:01 GMT -5
Characters:
Niabi - Female Elk
Ojalo - Male Elk
Aylen - Female Elk Calf (NPC)
Setting:
Sparse Copse
----------------------------------------
The sun has just passed noon when the terrain becomes pleasingly familiar to Niabi. She inhales the familiar scents greedily, lingering near a tree or two that she recognizes. Still, she's cautious; it's been almost a year since she was last here and much could have changed, though the signs of deer are promising. She keeps one ear turned attentively backwards, but the rest of her searches carefully for friend or foe, though the former seems much more likely the closer she gets to the copse she considers home.
Ojalo returned back to the Copse just the other day after deciding it was no longer safe near the river; fearing the return of a small band of cougars. He did not return alone however, as another like himself, a cow, has joined him however he wasn't real sure as to where she had run off to. Mingling about now, the bull elk makes his runs of the area making sure no threats are found.
When the wind brings a fresh and somewhat familiar scent to her nose, Niabi pauses and checks it again just to be sure. Yes, she knows that scent! Turning upwind to follow it, her movements become less stealthy as her concern for danger decreases. Finally she catches sight of him in the distance and she calls out, "Hey, Ojalo!" She takes a step to hurry in his direction, but when she hears the subtle crackle of a bush behind her she decides it's better to stay put and let him come to her.
It started off like any other day, quiet and in by means of Ojalo, rather boring. Head a bit higher than usual as he walks the male scans the area rather nonchalantly up to the point of hearing his name echo off the trees around him. Stopping, each flicking outward he peers around. The voice seemed familiar and is certainly was Catori of Fronds so could if be... It had been along time and he's only really heard her a few times; if it really was the lead cow he'd be amazed. Listening to the sound of hurried steps Ojalo turns to their direction raising a brow then they suddenly stop. "Hrm." He lets out moving forward to investigate.
"I'm over here! It's me, Niabi!" Niabi adds as soon as Ojalo turns. Her voice sounds happy, but also strangely calm and content. The Niabi that's returned isn't quite as worried as the one that disappeared, and she doesn't look any worse for the wear. Actually, she may even look a bit stronger and healthier. She's actually a little surprised that it's Ojalo she's found first. They'd had so much bad luck with bulls, and yet he seems to still be around. Excellent! This strengthens her hopes that everyone else she'd left behind is still safe and sound.
Ojalo shifts his position at the calling, looking through the brush and finally spotting the female in the distance. Looking at her he half smiles, "Well I'll be.." Short worded as usual; he sounds quite shocked as he proceeds to the cow. He never gave of hope that he'd see her again, but didn't quite linger on it either he had other things to worry about. "And here we thought you were dead."
Dead? The very thought makes her burst into a chuckle. "Hardly! Though I'll admit that I saw my fair share of close calls," she says pleasantly, as if describing a recent walk through a deserted meadow, "Though I don't blame you for thinking that, it's often the case when our kind disappear like I did. And I'm sorry for that; there's only one thing that would have made me leave like that, but now I'm back and can't imagine I'll leave again. It's good to be home again." Indeed, she keeps stealing glances at her surroundings as if it too were a friend she hadn't seen in a very long time.
Ojalo only said that because she's been missing for quite some time; he'd basically taken up her position as leader because of it, something he didn't actually think would be bestowed upon himself quite so soon. A light chuckle escaping him he says, "Its good to see you back nonetheless..." Following Niabi's gaze outward, "Acting as you wasn't as easy as I imagined." He smirks.
Niabi smiles kindly. "Is it any wonder why I didn't want to lead in the first place?" she asks, before shaking her head, "Thank you for that, I was worried sick about everyone the whole time. I'm sure if it was up to Roscoe, it'd have all fallen apart. Unless, of course, he's changed since then." She pauses, suddenly frowning and twisting an ear backwards. "You've had plenty of time to see he's friendly, Aylen, come on out now," she says, her voice suddenly loud enough that it's clear that she's not talking to Ojalo.
She didn't want to lead in the first place - odd. Seemed to him like she did when he first met her. A shrug follows his thoughts. "As so you should have.. you have no idea that'd I'd even stick around." Ojalo states. "As for what Roscoe wants or would have done, I do not know. I hardly see him." As much as they both are of the Umber, it would seem the Whitetail and the Elk are on two separate paths. "You are welcome, however." Looking a bit confused for a moment as Niabi speaks aloud to what seems to be another, he blinks looking past the cow.
And there's nothing there. Or at least, it appears that way until Niabi says "Aylen" again, but this time in a firm tone that doesn't leave room for argument. It's then that a small girl calf appears from behind a bush not very far away and dashes directly behind Niabi where she can still keep herself almost completely out of view of the stranger. Switching to a soothing tone, Niabi says, "This is Ojalo. I told you a little about him, remember?" Curiosity overcomes fear just a little and one of the calf's eyes peers around Niabi, taking the bull elk in with a mixture of shyness and wonder.
Ojalo waits, what he's waiting for he isn't sure but he had a feeling that he would soon find out. Shifting weight amongst his forelegs the bull takes a breath tilting his head to one side just a bit, correcting it upon the noticing of the calf. He certainly didn't expect that. Looking at the girl who Niabi has called Aylen he blinks. "Umm.. Niabi.." Ojalo wasn't sure how to continue those words; now just as curious as the calf.
Niabi suddenly finds herself unsure of what to say to Ojalo too. How does one explain all the things that have happened to her since they last spoke, especially since there's a few key points that she'd rather not discuss. But she disguises her discomfort by saying, "Say 'hi' to Ojalo, Aylen." This the calf promptly does, very quietly. It seems to do nothing to convince the little one that Ojalo is 'safe', but it does give Niabi a moment to decide what to say. "This is my daughter Aylen," she says with obvious pride and not even a hint of shame, "And I suppose that partly explains why I was gone for so long."
Daughter... this brings Ojalo in more of a pause as he practically goes lop-jawed at the very thought of Niabi having a child. Eyes still on the calf he shakes himself back into reality at the rather quiet greeting from the calf. A polite and yet quiet nod is given in return. Turning back to Niabi he says, "I suppose it does." He still isn't sure what to make of this.
Amusement pokes at Niabi's eyes when she sees Ojalo react. Did he think her incapable of reproducing? This would be the fifth time. Didn't she mention that to him before? She hardly remembers the few talks they'd had, but she thought that had come up. Regardless, her attention is drawn to her offspring's continued shyness, which causes a frown. "The poor child's spent her entire life walking here with me." she says thoughtfully and with some regret, "Didn't push her too hard, but we didn't have time to stop and make friends. She'll have to get used to being around more than just mom now."
No that wasn't it at all, even though thats probably what it look like. Ojalo was just simply shocked she'd some back with.. well a calf. "I do not blame her." He says rather randomly. "I'm sure in time she'll learn to be more open." He's never been the real open type either, but lets leave that for another time. Turning down to Aylen he nods. "You have nothing to worry from me." He tells her. "I am here to protect and guide." And whatever else is need from him too.
A calf is probably the last thing she expected to bring back with her, but no less unwelcome for that. In fact, Aylen is most of the reason that Niabi is so at peace with the world at the moment. But though she expects that she'll have to explain the whole thing at some point, she's not inclined to go into all that at the moment unless she's asked. For now she's simply glad to be home safe and sound. "Yes, I'm sure she just needs a little time. And likely a bit of a rest; we've come a long ways today because I knew we were very close," she glances back to Aylen, "You can go ahead and take a nap if you want." And the calf immediately takes this as an excuse to disappear back into the bush again; whether she's seeking a concealed place to lay down or is just using the excuse to get further away from Ojalo remains unclear.
Whats done is done, he supposes, Ojalo just always thought that he'd be... He head shakes; best not get into that. There were so many things he wanted to ask Niabi now, but wasn't sure how, whether he really wanted to bard into her own personal life; so he just kept to himself for the time being. Watching Aylen retreat back into the bush he frowns just a tad but understands her reason. "Perhaps we should all be getting some rest, don't you think." A suggestion he is ready to take action upon. "We've busy days ahead of us." He turns to head out, stopping if only to see if Niabi had anymore to say.
"Yes, I imagine so," Niabi quickly agrees as her mind suddenly spins with everyone she needs to talk to, and all the work she's certain needs doing. Why, simply looking up all her friends and reassuring them that she's still alive could take a couple days, with all the travel. But her thoughts don't distract her from adding, "I'll see later then, Ojalo. You don't know how glad I'm am that you've stayed."
Ojalo nods soundly, "No need to thank me." He has seen that he is needed, so he has stayed; besides he's a few promises to keep. Completely his turn he starts to head out. "It was good seeing you again, Niabi." He says rather proud of himself. "Till we meet again." Thus he ventures out till that time comes.
Niabi - Female Elk
Ojalo - Male Elk
Aylen - Female Elk Calf (NPC)
Setting:
Sparse Copse
----------------------------------------
The sun has just passed noon when the terrain becomes pleasingly familiar to Niabi. She inhales the familiar scents greedily, lingering near a tree or two that she recognizes. Still, she's cautious; it's been almost a year since she was last here and much could have changed, though the signs of deer are promising. She keeps one ear turned attentively backwards, but the rest of her searches carefully for friend or foe, though the former seems much more likely the closer she gets to the copse she considers home.
Ojalo returned back to the Copse just the other day after deciding it was no longer safe near the river; fearing the return of a small band of cougars. He did not return alone however, as another like himself, a cow, has joined him however he wasn't real sure as to where she had run off to. Mingling about now, the bull elk makes his runs of the area making sure no threats are found.
When the wind brings a fresh and somewhat familiar scent to her nose, Niabi pauses and checks it again just to be sure. Yes, she knows that scent! Turning upwind to follow it, her movements become less stealthy as her concern for danger decreases. Finally she catches sight of him in the distance and she calls out, "Hey, Ojalo!" She takes a step to hurry in his direction, but when she hears the subtle crackle of a bush behind her she decides it's better to stay put and let him come to her.
It started off like any other day, quiet and in by means of Ojalo, rather boring. Head a bit higher than usual as he walks the male scans the area rather nonchalantly up to the point of hearing his name echo off the trees around him. Stopping, each flicking outward he peers around. The voice seemed familiar and is certainly was Catori of Fronds so could if be... It had been along time and he's only really heard her a few times; if it really was the lead cow he'd be amazed. Listening to the sound of hurried steps Ojalo turns to their direction raising a brow then they suddenly stop. "Hrm." He lets out moving forward to investigate.
"I'm over here! It's me, Niabi!" Niabi adds as soon as Ojalo turns. Her voice sounds happy, but also strangely calm and content. The Niabi that's returned isn't quite as worried as the one that disappeared, and she doesn't look any worse for the wear. Actually, she may even look a bit stronger and healthier. She's actually a little surprised that it's Ojalo she's found first. They'd had so much bad luck with bulls, and yet he seems to still be around. Excellent! This strengthens her hopes that everyone else she'd left behind is still safe and sound.
Ojalo shifts his position at the calling, looking through the brush and finally spotting the female in the distance. Looking at her he half smiles, "Well I'll be.." Short worded as usual; he sounds quite shocked as he proceeds to the cow. He never gave of hope that he'd see her again, but didn't quite linger on it either he had other things to worry about. "And here we thought you were dead."
Dead? The very thought makes her burst into a chuckle. "Hardly! Though I'll admit that I saw my fair share of close calls," she says pleasantly, as if describing a recent walk through a deserted meadow, "Though I don't blame you for thinking that, it's often the case when our kind disappear like I did. And I'm sorry for that; there's only one thing that would have made me leave like that, but now I'm back and can't imagine I'll leave again. It's good to be home again." Indeed, she keeps stealing glances at her surroundings as if it too were a friend she hadn't seen in a very long time.
Ojalo only said that because she's been missing for quite some time; he'd basically taken up her position as leader because of it, something he didn't actually think would be bestowed upon himself quite so soon. A light chuckle escaping him he says, "Its good to see you back nonetheless..." Following Niabi's gaze outward, "Acting as you wasn't as easy as I imagined." He smirks.
Niabi smiles kindly. "Is it any wonder why I didn't want to lead in the first place?" she asks, before shaking her head, "Thank you for that, I was worried sick about everyone the whole time. I'm sure if it was up to Roscoe, it'd have all fallen apart. Unless, of course, he's changed since then." She pauses, suddenly frowning and twisting an ear backwards. "You've had plenty of time to see he's friendly, Aylen, come on out now," she says, her voice suddenly loud enough that it's clear that she's not talking to Ojalo.
She didn't want to lead in the first place - odd. Seemed to him like she did when he first met her. A shrug follows his thoughts. "As so you should have.. you have no idea that'd I'd even stick around." Ojalo states. "As for what Roscoe wants or would have done, I do not know. I hardly see him." As much as they both are of the Umber, it would seem the Whitetail and the Elk are on two separate paths. "You are welcome, however." Looking a bit confused for a moment as Niabi speaks aloud to what seems to be another, he blinks looking past the cow.
And there's nothing there. Or at least, it appears that way until Niabi says "Aylen" again, but this time in a firm tone that doesn't leave room for argument. It's then that a small girl calf appears from behind a bush not very far away and dashes directly behind Niabi where she can still keep herself almost completely out of view of the stranger. Switching to a soothing tone, Niabi says, "This is Ojalo. I told you a little about him, remember?" Curiosity overcomes fear just a little and one of the calf's eyes peers around Niabi, taking the bull elk in with a mixture of shyness and wonder.
Ojalo waits, what he's waiting for he isn't sure but he had a feeling that he would soon find out. Shifting weight amongst his forelegs the bull takes a breath tilting his head to one side just a bit, correcting it upon the noticing of the calf. He certainly didn't expect that. Looking at the girl who Niabi has called Aylen he blinks. "Umm.. Niabi.." Ojalo wasn't sure how to continue those words; now just as curious as the calf.
Niabi suddenly finds herself unsure of what to say to Ojalo too. How does one explain all the things that have happened to her since they last spoke, especially since there's a few key points that she'd rather not discuss. But she disguises her discomfort by saying, "Say 'hi' to Ojalo, Aylen." This the calf promptly does, very quietly. It seems to do nothing to convince the little one that Ojalo is 'safe', but it does give Niabi a moment to decide what to say. "This is my daughter Aylen," she says with obvious pride and not even a hint of shame, "And I suppose that partly explains why I was gone for so long."
Daughter... this brings Ojalo in more of a pause as he practically goes lop-jawed at the very thought of Niabi having a child. Eyes still on the calf he shakes himself back into reality at the rather quiet greeting from the calf. A polite and yet quiet nod is given in return. Turning back to Niabi he says, "I suppose it does." He still isn't sure what to make of this.
Amusement pokes at Niabi's eyes when she sees Ojalo react. Did he think her incapable of reproducing? This would be the fifth time. Didn't she mention that to him before? She hardly remembers the few talks they'd had, but she thought that had come up. Regardless, her attention is drawn to her offspring's continued shyness, which causes a frown. "The poor child's spent her entire life walking here with me." she says thoughtfully and with some regret, "Didn't push her too hard, but we didn't have time to stop and make friends. She'll have to get used to being around more than just mom now."
No that wasn't it at all, even though thats probably what it look like. Ojalo was just simply shocked she'd some back with.. well a calf. "I do not blame her." He says rather randomly. "I'm sure in time she'll learn to be more open." He's never been the real open type either, but lets leave that for another time. Turning down to Aylen he nods. "You have nothing to worry from me." He tells her. "I am here to protect and guide." And whatever else is need from him too.
A calf is probably the last thing she expected to bring back with her, but no less unwelcome for that. In fact, Aylen is most of the reason that Niabi is so at peace with the world at the moment. But though she expects that she'll have to explain the whole thing at some point, she's not inclined to go into all that at the moment unless she's asked. For now she's simply glad to be home safe and sound. "Yes, I'm sure she just needs a little time. And likely a bit of a rest; we've come a long ways today because I knew we were very close," she glances back to Aylen, "You can go ahead and take a nap if you want." And the calf immediately takes this as an excuse to disappear back into the bush again; whether she's seeking a concealed place to lay down or is just using the excuse to get further away from Ojalo remains unclear.
Whats done is done, he supposes, Ojalo just always thought that he'd be... He head shakes; best not get into that. There were so many things he wanted to ask Niabi now, but wasn't sure how, whether he really wanted to bard into her own personal life; so he just kept to himself for the time being. Watching Aylen retreat back into the bush he frowns just a tad but understands her reason. "Perhaps we should all be getting some rest, don't you think." A suggestion he is ready to take action upon. "We've busy days ahead of us." He turns to head out, stopping if only to see if Niabi had anymore to say.
"Yes, I imagine so," Niabi quickly agrees as her mind suddenly spins with everyone she needs to talk to, and all the work she's certain needs doing. Why, simply looking up all her friends and reassuring them that she's still alive could take a couple days, with all the travel. But her thoughts don't distract her from adding, "I'll see later then, Ojalo. You don't know how glad I'm am that you've stayed."
Ojalo nods soundly, "No need to thank me." He has seen that he is needed, so he has stayed; besides he's a few promises to keep. Completely his turn he starts to head out. "It was good seeing you again, Niabi." He says rather proud of himself. "Till we meet again." Thus he ventures out till that time comes.