Post by helaku on Jan 16, 2010 20:53:05 GMT -5
Rowtag - Juvenile WolfDog
Skelaghe - Adult Wolf
Wanageeska - Adolescent Wolf.
----
Wan disappeared into the Foggy Path not too long after his encounter with Maka, though he didn't know her name as they never did introduce themselves. What good would it do him, anyhow? He was leaving this place to face whatever it was he'd face when he arrived back hom. He'd have plenty of time to think about it, nigh a month and a few weeks. The young wolf returned to his missionary mind, scent mute and his trek quiet though it wasn't as urgent that he remain exactly hidden.
The reasons for Rowtag's presence in the path are somewhat obvious. The pup could tell that this was still Ute land.. so the chances of him getting in real trouble were at least reduced.. right? He wanders through the fog carefully, his ears perked up and the canid aware of his surroundings. This time, he wasn't looking for trouble, really. He'd just gotten sidetracked on his way back to the den, and it just so happened to lead this way. Realizing just where he was, the pup's paws fall more quietly against the ground, his ears folding back in expectance of being "caught."
Wanageeska rose his head, listening for the presence of anyone nearby. He rather fancied this place being so fog-ridden. Perhance, if he stayed, he'd favor this area a lot given the easy ability to remain hidden. Wan murmured to himself, his nose soon catching the scent of another..one familiar. It was that young pup he met his first time through this place. He paused, believing for a moment he should wait, but for what he wasn't sure. Something called him to here, and the now.
Rowtag can smell the other wolf here as well, though it takes him a moment to remember just who it was, due to the fact that, as of yet, Wanageeska was just another nameless 'adult' to him. Content with that, he continued to pad along the path as quietly as he could, his tail flicking back and forth in nervousness. Perhaps getting distracted was more of a bad thing than he thought? Besides, the scent of his father was long gone. Not that.. that was why he was here, of course.. but just as an added fact.
Wanageeska blinked. Now how was this to fall out? If he left and did not have this pup back homem, then it would be dishonor to his own principles. Wan turned, facing the direction from whence the scent came. Was this pup deliberately trying to wander off, or was he following? It was hard to tell...pups these days, in his exprience witnessing the younger members of his own pack...were quite the troublemakers.
A soft whine escapes the young wolfdog, and he sits on his haunches, getting his bearings and trying to find the right direction home. East, right? No, no. North. No, that wasn't it either. Northeast? Yes, that was it! Perking his ears up, the younger male did all he could to ignore the presence of the other wolf. He had to get back to the den, and quick. It didn't matter if this was his mother's land or not, knowing her and knowing the rest of the pack, they would jump to conclusions. That Rowtag was running off, or was searching for his father. Lies! Hopping up, the young boy broke out into a sprint shortly afterward, tongue falling out of his mouth as he ran further and further. Home-bound he was, and he'd have to get there quickly to escape much trouble.
The conclusions have already been reached, and a certain worried mother has already begun following the trail her wayward son left. She wants to hope that he will stop before crossing the border. Of course she does. It might not even be false hope. After all, the last time Rowtag slipped away from his watcher, he did not try to leave. The last time, though, his path away from the den did not lead him to the south, where, for all Skelaghe knows, Vincent may still be lurking. Waiting to widen the chasm that has been growing in her pack ever since he forced himself upon her.
Wanageeska's ears perked when he heard the whine given byt he young pup. That settled it...he'd have to ensure the deliquent pup was delivered back home before he left for good. He narrowed his eyes and slowly walked back the way he came, silent as he was the first time they met here in this lonely place. Silent...less he see the pup himself this time.
Rowtag was already well on his way through the stretch of territory, before the familiar scent of his mother wafts through the air. Shortly thereafter, he sees her already on his trail. Great. Lowering his ears even as he sprinted away from the area, the little hooligan of a pup glances back in order to check on the whereabouts of the other wolf, not seeing him just yet. Either way, he had wolves on his trail from either side. His large paws carried him quicker, hoping maybe to just.. dash right past his mother, and book it for the den.
As much as she had hoped, Skelaghe finds herself somewhat surprised to see Rowtag coming towards her, instead of walking away. And comind towards her at a fast pace, too. "Puppy?" Skelaghe moves to place herself between Rowtag and the den, but her tone is not disciplinary. Rather, she seems concerned, and she looks as much past Rowtag as at him, to try to spot what has her son rushing back home.
Wanageeska too, smelled the familiar scent of Skelaghe not too far from him, and he should in all order consider it a success given the scents were now together, but things were not so easy. He looked over his shoulder and inhaled a good breathe. He swore there was something else here...old scents, but something recent. For now, he paid it no mind and continued towards the scents familiar. He shouldn't leave a mother and a pup alone until they were safe.
To someone who was new to the entire scene, it might seem like Rowtag was running from Wanageeska. This was partly true, but it was mostly just to save his own skin. "I'm sorry!" he called out as he ran, and ducked behind his mother's legs as he skidded to a halt, and nuzzled his forehead against one of her forelegs. "I was on my way back home, and I got lost.." he said, /sounding/ like he was telling the truth, and he mostly was. A little white lie, because he wasn't lost. He was just distracted. "I'm sorry!" He said once more, and stared off in the direction of the other wolf, waiting to see if he would actually be able to see him. So far, he couldn't.
The apologies, which come without her demanding them, almost make Skelaghe smile. Yes, he did wrong, though not as wrong as some of his activities in the past. He seems to recognize that, though, without punishment from her. "It's okay, puppy. It's okay." As she speaks to him, she continues to look ahead, until, finally, Wanageeska is in sight. Upon spotting him, she says nothing, immediately, but rather takes a deep breath.
Wanageeska saw the silhouettes of them not far from where he stepped, and given silence was no longer needed, he'd speak. His white eyes fell on Skel, then the pup behind her. "So," he said, "he is yours. Little pup was here a few days ago; I sent him home." Wan, though, didn't give time for a response yet, moving to the next topic. "I do not believe it is safe here. Someone else has recently been prowling here."
Rowtag's muzzle contracts into a pout, his brows furrowing at what the 'stranger' had said to his mother. It was safe enough here. Creepy, yes.. but safe enough. After all, he'd been here on his own what, two times? Nothing had happened. Lowering his ears, a soft rumble emitted from his throat, directed at the other wolf. "Nuh-uh.." Putting up a good argument, he cautiously side-stepped away from his mother. "It's fine here." Looking back up to Skelaghe, he blinked, and then looked back over toward the other wolf.. and then at the ground. Not much to say, apparently. Not when he was already on hot coals, or so he believed he was.
"I am well aware of who has been here recently." Skelaghe does not reprimand her son for his soft growl, but she does make a point of brushing up against him. It someone here will be presenting an argument, it will be Skelaghe. "I would have your forgiveness, child. You have been punished harshly for something that is minimally your fault. Perhaps if I had been kinder from the beginning, I may have been able to help you better see how, on Ute land, Ute laws take precedent."
Wanageeska hadn't expected any sort of real discussion to occur here, only further concentration on the pup whom seemed so keen to wander off. Wan sat as she spoke, as respectable wolves should. He tilted his head, wondering...about the other day when they had their fateful encounter. "You were in your right to be stern," he answered. "I have accepted the fallout from the discussion and will soon be departing." Still..insistant on leaving? For now, that was all he had to say unless she had more.
Skelaghe remains standing where she is, and she keeps her eyes on Wanageeska, though she does listen to make sure her son stays at her side. "Whether I was within my rights is not at issue." She is the Alphaess of these lands, and as of now, Ute's sole Alpha. What she decides is right, is right. It's as simple as that. "I allowed the strain of recent events to let me look upon you more harshly than I might have, otherwise, and it served neither of us. Besides, I know at least one wolf who would have you stay... Even though he is no longer with us."
"You are speaking of my father, then," he said, his ears now sitting upright. Perhaps there was something here that he had quickly judged, as it was in the Miakoda way to judge so quick and harsh. "He retained his Ute ways even when told he has to abide Miakoda...what you may know as Eloone. Some did not like it, as it opened up the pack to weakness, but he only made it stronger. The Elders prefer Ute way, but the newer Alphas soon to take charge are...reverting to older methods." He had a lot to say about that gone wolf, apparently...and it might unveil some of the history that Helaku never had a chance to tell Skelaghe.
"If you remain here, you may find that what your birth pack considers weakness and what I consider weakness are two very different things." She knows all she wants to know of the pack her deceased mate called the Eloone. She can only how that, if the Helaku she saw just days ago, as opposed to the Helaku who recently died, had ever come onto a warring pack, he would have never given into their ways. "If you are to stay, as your father would have it, you must accept that what you knew is not what you will find here. I can offer no proof that this is what he would want, except for to say that your father would have had you named Snow Eyes, instead of... Wanageeska." The name that this youthful wolf never actually gave her, but that she seems to know, anyway.
Wanageeska's eyes twitched. Snow Eyes? There was no possible way for her to know this except for is Helaku had told her about him, which...he couldn't figure out how he'd arise in a conversation. Wan approached Skelaghe, coming closer so she could get a better look at his face than the one she had seen days earlier. He was truly a son of Helaku, having taken his looks more than his mother's, though at the same time there were several smakk marks about his cheeks, scars from past experiences. "Where...did you learn that? My mother called me this more than father did."
Skelaghe smiles slightly. "If I were to tell you, it would create more questions than it would answer. Can you no just trust me?" Yes, it would be difficult to explain... But mroe importantly than that, Skelaghe has to know that Wanageeska is not going to fight against her authority. She has to deal with enough of that, as it is, and with her nerves frayed as much as they are, she cannot handle too much more.
Wanageeska returned her smile, hsi tail even wagged a little. "Your approach...denotes that you wish me to stay," he answered. "Who would I be to refuse, when you yourself said my father was your mate? In Miakoda belief, this would make you as much a mother as my own birthmother." He lowered his ears. Yes, Skelaghe had found a wolf who would not argue, a wolf that would follow her word. "From here I am no longer Miakoda or Rogue if you would have it. While I retain my knowledge and experience, it will be for you, Skelaghe, and any you appoint in your rank in the future."
Would Skelaghe accept Wanageeska as her "son"? She ought to. Helaku was perfectly willing to be a father to her pups. But then, Skelaghe was hardly willing, when she became pregnant... And just now, she cannot see this wolf as anything more than a new member of her pack. Hopefully, in time, that will change. "Then welcome home, child." Skelaghe glances to her very silent pup, then looks back to Wanageeska. "Now, if you will excuse me, I think I must be getting back to the den. I am very tired." Actually, she rather suspects Rowtag is the tired one, but saying so would be no way to get him to return to the den with her.
Wanageeska murmured, looking down to the younger pup. "Thank you," he said. "I will not disappoint you." Would he force her to see him as a son? No, but if she did he would accept this. "If it is permissible, then I will accompany you to the den?" he said. "A second watching your adventurous wanderer would be helpful."
Skelaghe smiles in response to the offer, then nods her head. Yes. A second pair of eyes watching over Rowtag would be helpful, even with Rowtag as quiet as he seems to be. After nodding, she turns to head back toward the den, nudging her son along gently. Whether her being tired is the reason for returning to the den or not, she will be lad to get a bit of rest, herself.
Wanageeska followed as an obedient wolf would, his eyes remaining mostly on Rowtag, the other on where he was going and the last bit on Skel. "I thank you again," he said. "Though it isn't necessary, I do again. You are truly what my father said you are."
Skelaghe - Adult Wolf
Wanageeska - Adolescent Wolf.
----
Wan disappeared into the Foggy Path not too long after his encounter with Maka, though he didn't know her name as they never did introduce themselves. What good would it do him, anyhow? He was leaving this place to face whatever it was he'd face when he arrived back hom. He'd have plenty of time to think about it, nigh a month and a few weeks. The young wolf returned to his missionary mind, scent mute and his trek quiet though it wasn't as urgent that he remain exactly hidden.
The reasons for Rowtag's presence in the path are somewhat obvious. The pup could tell that this was still Ute land.. so the chances of him getting in real trouble were at least reduced.. right? He wanders through the fog carefully, his ears perked up and the canid aware of his surroundings. This time, he wasn't looking for trouble, really. He'd just gotten sidetracked on his way back to the den, and it just so happened to lead this way. Realizing just where he was, the pup's paws fall more quietly against the ground, his ears folding back in expectance of being "caught."
Wanageeska rose his head, listening for the presence of anyone nearby. He rather fancied this place being so fog-ridden. Perhance, if he stayed, he'd favor this area a lot given the easy ability to remain hidden. Wan murmured to himself, his nose soon catching the scent of another..one familiar. It was that young pup he met his first time through this place. He paused, believing for a moment he should wait, but for what he wasn't sure. Something called him to here, and the now.
Rowtag can smell the other wolf here as well, though it takes him a moment to remember just who it was, due to the fact that, as of yet, Wanageeska was just another nameless 'adult' to him. Content with that, he continued to pad along the path as quietly as he could, his tail flicking back and forth in nervousness. Perhaps getting distracted was more of a bad thing than he thought? Besides, the scent of his father was long gone. Not that.. that was why he was here, of course.. but just as an added fact.
Wanageeska blinked. Now how was this to fall out? If he left and did not have this pup back homem, then it would be dishonor to his own principles. Wan turned, facing the direction from whence the scent came. Was this pup deliberately trying to wander off, or was he following? It was hard to tell...pups these days, in his exprience witnessing the younger members of his own pack...were quite the troublemakers.
A soft whine escapes the young wolfdog, and he sits on his haunches, getting his bearings and trying to find the right direction home. East, right? No, no. North. No, that wasn't it either. Northeast? Yes, that was it! Perking his ears up, the younger male did all he could to ignore the presence of the other wolf. He had to get back to the den, and quick. It didn't matter if this was his mother's land or not, knowing her and knowing the rest of the pack, they would jump to conclusions. That Rowtag was running off, or was searching for his father. Lies! Hopping up, the young boy broke out into a sprint shortly afterward, tongue falling out of his mouth as he ran further and further. Home-bound he was, and he'd have to get there quickly to escape much trouble.
The conclusions have already been reached, and a certain worried mother has already begun following the trail her wayward son left. She wants to hope that he will stop before crossing the border. Of course she does. It might not even be false hope. After all, the last time Rowtag slipped away from his watcher, he did not try to leave. The last time, though, his path away from the den did not lead him to the south, where, for all Skelaghe knows, Vincent may still be lurking. Waiting to widen the chasm that has been growing in her pack ever since he forced himself upon her.
Wanageeska's ears perked when he heard the whine given byt he young pup. That settled it...he'd have to ensure the deliquent pup was delivered back home before he left for good. He narrowed his eyes and slowly walked back the way he came, silent as he was the first time they met here in this lonely place. Silent...less he see the pup himself this time.
Rowtag was already well on his way through the stretch of territory, before the familiar scent of his mother wafts through the air. Shortly thereafter, he sees her already on his trail. Great. Lowering his ears even as he sprinted away from the area, the little hooligan of a pup glances back in order to check on the whereabouts of the other wolf, not seeing him just yet. Either way, he had wolves on his trail from either side. His large paws carried him quicker, hoping maybe to just.. dash right past his mother, and book it for the den.
As much as she had hoped, Skelaghe finds herself somewhat surprised to see Rowtag coming towards her, instead of walking away. And comind towards her at a fast pace, too. "Puppy?" Skelaghe moves to place herself between Rowtag and the den, but her tone is not disciplinary. Rather, she seems concerned, and she looks as much past Rowtag as at him, to try to spot what has her son rushing back home.
Wanageeska too, smelled the familiar scent of Skelaghe not too far from him, and he should in all order consider it a success given the scents were now together, but things were not so easy. He looked over his shoulder and inhaled a good breathe. He swore there was something else here...old scents, but something recent. For now, he paid it no mind and continued towards the scents familiar. He shouldn't leave a mother and a pup alone until they were safe.
To someone who was new to the entire scene, it might seem like Rowtag was running from Wanageeska. This was partly true, but it was mostly just to save his own skin. "I'm sorry!" he called out as he ran, and ducked behind his mother's legs as he skidded to a halt, and nuzzled his forehead against one of her forelegs. "I was on my way back home, and I got lost.." he said, /sounding/ like he was telling the truth, and he mostly was. A little white lie, because he wasn't lost. He was just distracted. "I'm sorry!" He said once more, and stared off in the direction of the other wolf, waiting to see if he would actually be able to see him. So far, he couldn't.
The apologies, which come without her demanding them, almost make Skelaghe smile. Yes, he did wrong, though not as wrong as some of his activities in the past. He seems to recognize that, though, without punishment from her. "It's okay, puppy. It's okay." As she speaks to him, she continues to look ahead, until, finally, Wanageeska is in sight. Upon spotting him, she says nothing, immediately, but rather takes a deep breath.
Wanageeska saw the silhouettes of them not far from where he stepped, and given silence was no longer needed, he'd speak. His white eyes fell on Skel, then the pup behind her. "So," he said, "he is yours. Little pup was here a few days ago; I sent him home." Wan, though, didn't give time for a response yet, moving to the next topic. "I do not believe it is safe here. Someone else has recently been prowling here."
Rowtag's muzzle contracts into a pout, his brows furrowing at what the 'stranger' had said to his mother. It was safe enough here. Creepy, yes.. but safe enough. After all, he'd been here on his own what, two times? Nothing had happened. Lowering his ears, a soft rumble emitted from his throat, directed at the other wolf. "Nuh-uh.." Putting up a good argument, he cautiously side-stepped away from his mother. "It's fine here." Looking back up to Skelaghe, he blinked, and then looked back over toward the other wolf.. and then at the ground. Not much to say, apparently. Not when he was already on hot coals, or so he believed he was.
"I am well aware of who has been here recently." Skelaghe does not reprimand her son for his soft growl, but she does make a point of brushing up against him. It someone here will be presenting an argument, it will be Skelaghe. "I would have your forgiveness, child. You have been punished harshly for something that is minimally your fault. Perhaps if I had been kinder from the beginning, I may have been able to help you better see how, on Ute land, Ute laws take precedent."
Wanageeska hadn't expected any sort of real discussion to occur here, only further concentration on the pup whom seemed so keen to wander off. Wan sat as she spoke, as respectable wolves should. He tilted his head, wondering...about the other day when they had their fateful encounter. "You were in your right to be stern," he answered. "I have accepted the fallout from the discussion and will soon be departing." Still..insistant on leaving? For now, that was all he had to say unless she had more.
Skelaghe remains standing where she is, and she keeps her eyes on Wanageeska, though she does listen to make sure her son stays at her side. "Whether I was within my rights is not at issue." She is the Alphaess of these lands, and as of now, Ute's sole Alpha. What she decides is right, is right. It's as simple as that. "I allowed the strain of recent events to let me look upon you more harshly than I might have, otherwise, and it served neither of us. Besides, I know at least one wolf who would have you stay... Even though he is no longer with us."
"You are speaking of my father, then," he said, his ears now sitting upright. Perhaps there was something here that he had quickly judged, as it was in the Miakoda way to judge so quick and harsh. "He retained his Ute ways even when told he has to abide Miakoda...what you may know as Eloone. Some did not like it, as it opened up the pack to weakness, but he only made it stronger. The Elders prefer Ute way, but the newer Alphas soon to take charge are...reverting to older methods." He had a lot to say about that gone wolf, apparently...and it might unveil some of the history that Helaku never had a chance to tell Skelaghe.
"If you remain here, you may find that what your birth pack considers weakness and what I consider weakness are two very different things." She knows all she wants to know of the pack her deceased mate called the Eloone. She can only how that, if the Helaku she saw just days ago, as opposed to the Helaku who recently died, had ever come onto a warring pack, he would have never given into their ways. "If you are to stay, as your father would have it, you must accept that what you knew is not what you will find here. I can offer no proof that this is what he would want, except for to say that your father would have had you named Snow Eyes, instead of... Wanageeska." The name that this youthful wolf never actually gave her, but that she seems to know, anyway.
Wanageeska's eyes twitched. Snow Eyes? There was no possible way for her to know this except for is Helaku had told her about him, which...he couldn't figure out how he'd arise in a conversation. Wan approached Skelaghe, coming closer so she could get a better look at his face than the one she had seen days earlier. He was truly a son of Helaku, having taken his looks more than his mother's, though at the same time there were several smakk marks about his cheeks, scars from past experiences. "Where...did you learn that? My mother called me this more than father did."
Skelaghe smiles slightly. "If I were to tell you, it would create more questions than it would answer. Can you no just trust me?" Yes, it would be difficult to explain... But mroe importantly than that, Skelaghe has to know that Wanageeska is not going to fight against her authority. She has to deal with enough of that, as it is, and with her nerves frayed as much as they are, she cannot handle too much more.
Wanageeska returned her smile, hsi tail even wagged a little. "Your approach...denotes that you wish me to stay," he answered. "Who would I be to refuse, when you yourself said my father was your mate? In Miakoda belief, this would make you as much a mother as my own birthmother." He lowered his ears. Yes, Skelaghe had found a wolf who would not argue, a wolf that would follow her word. "From here I am no longer Miakoda or Rogue if you would have it. While I retain my knowledge and experience, it will be for you, Skelaghe, and any you appoint in your rank in the future."
Would Skelaghe accept Wanageeska as her "son"? She ought to. Helaku was perfectly willing to be a father to her pups. But then, Skelaghe was hardly willing, when she became pregnant... And just now, she cannot see this wolf as anything more than a new member of her pack. Hopefully, in time, that will change. "Then welcome home, child." Skelaghe glances to her very silent pup, then looks back to Wanageeska. "Now, if you will excuse me, I think I must be getting back to the den. I am very tired." Actually, she rather suspects Rowtag is the tired one, but saying so would be no way to get him to return to the den with her.
Wanageeska murmured, looking down to the younger pup. "Thank you," he said. "I will not disappoint you." Would he force her to see him as a son? No, but if she did he would accept this. "If it is permissible, then I will accompany you to the den?" he said. "A second watching your adventurous wanderer would be helpful."
Skelaghe smiles in response to the offer, then nods her head. Yes. A second pair of eyes watching over Rowtag would be helpful, even with Rowtag as quiet as he seems to be. After nodding, she turns to head back toward the den, nudging her son along gently. Whether her being tired is the reason for returning to the den or not, she will be lad to get a bit of rest, herself.
Wanageeska followed as an obedient wolf would, his eyes remaining mostly on Rowtag, the other on where he was going and the last bit on Skel. "I thank you again," he said. "Though it isn't necessary, I do again. You are truly what my father said you are."