Post by tad on Jan 21, 2010 23:26:28 GMT -5
Meadows 2 - Thursday, January 21, 2010, 6:23 PM
-----------------------------------------------
Curling Creek
================================================================================
Upon this strip of land the water changes once again, running off from the brook and slanting first to the east and then back to the west, creating a sharp corner of bank on the western side that leads into some thick undergrowth. The area, unlike most others, is fairly open - the creekside is clean and littered with gentle blades of short and sweet grass, creating something more akin to a beach than a forested waterway. A few large boulders left here long ago by the world changing are planted in various spots, providing both vantage points and sunning spots.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Lawn [Northwest] along the Stream
[Southeast] to the Path [Southwest] along the Stream
[West] to Dense Undergrowth
================================================================================
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Siwa - Juvenile Female Wolf
Survivor - Male Wolf
Wanageeska - Adolescent Male Wolf
Wyanet - Female Wolf
Hahtalekin - Male Wolf
Kezu - Male Wolf
Crack, whoosh, THUMP! Something large fell near the creek, large and rotten. Wan had gone to the creek to have at its waters before returning to the den when he spotted a dangerously dead tree so fargone tilted that it might fall on someone. He murmured to himself, looking up at what he had done: dug out the soil from under it, enough that it fell and made...a bridge across the creek. What a nice thing it was, he thought. Too bad he didn't have the means to replicated it so others could see it after it was long gone. The young wolf jumped onto one end and eyed the length. True, it was rotten, but that made for better training and...pleasure. He could now enjoy his own self-conditioning based on what his mother taught him from father without a strick regiment. He poised himself on the rooted end of the trunk, breathing in smell. Footing is what he needed, accurate footing and this tree was wide enough but small enough to provide a challenge!
Few wild animals are strangers to falling trees. Normally, Skelaghe wouldn't think twice about the sound she hears, but she left a pup near where the sound comes from. A pup who may not know enough to have been alerted to the fact that she should have gotten out of the way by the initial cracking sounds that usually accompany a falling tree. With the hare she caught still in her mouth, her pace increases considerably.
After such a long and frightening journey, with her nerves on pins and needles the entire time, Siwa sank to the ground in a doze not long after the alpha female departed. She was too tired to make it to any real cover, but being fawn-colored and pressed up against the roots of an old stump, she's reasonably well-camoflagued. The crack that rends the air so suddenly jolts her to consciousness, and like a terrified cat Siwa presses her short claws into the dirt under her as she stares around for the source. As soon as she spots an unfamiliar male, Siwa blinks and gets to her paws to see what he's doing. She'd rather keep an eye on a possibly dangerous stranger than cower and pray he'll just disappear.
Wanageeska surveyed the trunk more closely, his mind on it rather than anyone else at the moment. He had ensured no one was too close when he started digging, and seconded his checks just before he removed the last bit of earth to fell the tree. He paws at the trunk, getting a feel for it, stepping out to
Survivor was asleep, cuddled around the still-nameless cougar cub in the Hills when the sound of the tree woke him up. Ensuring the pack's pup-and-cub-watchers were awake and alert, he leaves the cub gently to avoid waking him up and runs at full speed in the direction of the Creek. Seeing what was once standing when he last saw it now knocked over, he immediately goes to the log and worriedly looks down for anyone it might have knocked into the creek on its way down.
Skelaghe spots Wanageeska first, but just a few moments after that, she sees Siwa, and only then does she relax and slow down slightly. She passes the tree and the wolf upon it to approach the young girl who, quite understandably, appears concerned.
Siwa's blue-green eyes narrow slightly as she watches Wanageeska, and then Survivor when he appears. She's wary of them, but not afraid while their behavior continues to be innocent and not directed at her. When Skelaghe approaches, Siwa's ears lift and her expression alters to one of slight surprise. She hadn't expected the older wolf to keep her word and return so quickly - and with FOOD. Siwa swallows back the saliva that instantly welled in her mouth at the sight of the rabbit, then dips her head politely in greeting.
Wanageeska's ears splayed and rose. he knew there were others about at the moment, but he had yet to be addressed. And, across the trunk he bound in success. When he reached the other end, he doubled back and die it again, his steps careful and light. Again, across the trunk, and again back across it. Training! Entertaining training, rather! He jumped down from the trunk and trotted about before taking a full run and jumped from an angle over the water, his claws catching the bark. He sat atop the fallen tree, the sun shining down on his black and silver fur. How regal, yet rough he looked!
Survivor gazes at Wanageeska questioningly. "What happened? Was anyone hurt?" And then, remembering, "... you decided to stay?" Last Survivor had seen of Wana was when Survivor tried tending to him after Wana had passed out, and Wana had told him he would be leaving.
Skelaghe hears Wanageeska and Survivor behind her. She keeps her attention on the underfed juvenile, though. Skelaghe comes to a stop just a few feet away from Siwa, then sets the hare on the ground. If Siwa still seemed worried, she would try to comfort the girl, but Siwa doesn't seem much of anything, other than hungry. "You should eat, Siwa."
Siwa is less worried and more suspicious of Wanageeska's seemingly bizarre behavior as she watches him run around. Looking back at Skelaghe, the girl blushes faintly under her fur, both touched and embarrassed by the show of kindness. "I don't.. know what to say. Thank you, ma'am." She stoops and begins to systematically disembowel the hare, but all the while her gaze lingers on the two males as though expecting them to suddenly do something threatening.
Wanageeska paused while on that trunk, his attention shifting to the other wolves nearby. No, no one was hurt at all. "I made sure no one was in the way," he said, answering one and watching the other two, his eyes falling on, especially, Skelaghe. "No, I was asked to stay by Skelaghe."
Survivor has noticed Skel and the pup. He has not seen the pup before, but decides it not best to approach the Alphess when she is with a pup unless she calls to him. Survivor has become quite obsessed with the cougar cub he's adopted, spending much of his time if not cuddled with and watching over the cub, who seems to be trying to sleep off his near-death experience, then hunting for hares and small game just for the recovering cougar cub. Wanageeska would probably smell the scent of the cougar cub on Survivor. He does look over at Skelaghe and the pup she was attending to, at long last.
"You are more than welcome, Siwa." Skelaghe watches the pup tear into the hare for just a moment. Then, she turns to look at Wanageeska and Survivor. Though looking at and listening to them, she hangs back, for now.
Siwa lets out a little sigh as the first mouthfuls of the meat make it to her belly. The feeling of something substantial there - not a rat or a squirrel, which are more bone than flesh - is a far-flung memory, one she never thought to cherish during those days when she always had a full belly. She doesn't emerge for a few minutes, but eventually, her muzzle streaked with blood, she finally voices her curiosity about the males. "Is they your packmates, ma'am?"
Wanageeska did smell the cougar on Survivor, but didn't question it. Skelaghe was before him with another wolf he hadn't met before and he wasn't going to focus on things which were not priority. Wan jumped down into the shallow water and smiled at his Alpha. "I hope that did not startle you," he said. "The tree was dangerously leaning. I made sure no one was in its path when I felled it."
Survivor lowers to a lay to make himself less menacing to the pup, and to hopefully allay any concerns Wan might have over lingering by-gones, now that it seems his concern that packmates may be hurt or in danger was a false alarm.
"They are." Skelaghe remains where she is, just a little ahead of Siwa and in between Siwa and the two males. It is more incidental than anything. Skelaghe would not prevent Siwa from getting nearer the two males. If, however, it makes the girl more comfortable, then she will gladly stay where she is.
Siwa relaxes slightly at reassurance that these males are not just rogues who think nothing of parading around a pack's borders. For a few more minutes, she's occupied with eating but eventually the hare is picked all but clean. Siwa sits back on her haunches with another soft sigh, this time of ultimate content. Without the gift of eloquence, she can't think of how else to express her appreciation to the alpha beyond what she has already said. To fill the resultant silence, Siwa again scrutinizes the males. "The one who pulled down the tree is strange," she says bluntly.
Strange? Well, sure. He accepted being called strange if it pleased the young wolf. He slowly approached Skelaghe and promptly sat, a bright look on his face as well as a smile. "You seem in better spirits than you were the last time we met, Skelaghe," he said. "I am happy to see this. And your companion as well."
Survivor giggles a bit ... she was right about that, but usually its Survivor being the strange one given his disfigurement. Nice to not be considered the freak, for a change. He remains laying back a bit, listening in but not crowding the pup with his own strangeness.
"He is... But you'll probably find that it's not very uncommon to be, well, uncommon, in this pack." Skelaghe's voice is soft as she answers, and only a little louder as she says, "Siwa, this is Snow Eyes, whose father was once my mate, and Survivor. The pack's omega." Acknowledging Survivor's position as such is not particularly easy for her, but she does it.
Siwa is generally not one to judge on looks, which is why she does not remark on Survivor's tattered appearance, but instead on actions. And to her at least, a wolf pulling down a tree is something a little unnatural and therefore unsettling. Listening to Skelaghe's words, Siwa glances in surprise between the alpha and this 'Snow Eyes.' Huh. "Must take after his pa," she observes, assuming in the naive way of youth that a male has only one mate all his life. "Hi, Snow Eyes.. Survivor" She nods to them both, though her face is still guarded.
Wanageeska tilted his head, blinking at Siwa. "Hello, Siwa," he said. Snow Eyes. He actually did prefer that name opposed to the one given to him. "You can merely call me Snow if you wish." Snow...a good name for a new start. "Is she a new member of the pack, Skelaghe?" As of note, he did not call her Alpha. He did not want their relationship to seem as if he was merely a wolf by rank and circumstance, rather a wolf that knew his alpha more than just an alpha. His long ears raised, listening to everything in front and after him. "If you are hungry, I can fish."
Survivor bows his head as best he can from his lay. He pants contentedly. He, of course, has no problem being the omega. "Hello there," he yaps back in a friendly fashion. Survivor rolls over in his lay, a bit goofily, his tongue lolling out onto the grass and watching the pup upside-down.
"He does strongly resemble his father." That's all the more Skelaghe says, regarding Wanageeska's lineage. No reason to confuse the girl. "Siwa will be staying with us for as long as she likes." And that's all the more Skelaghe says, period. Siwa can answer for herself as to whether she remains hungry, and respond for herself to the greeting from Survivor.
Wyanet has arrived.
Siwa flattens her ears slightly, heat rising in her cheeks as the subject of her membership in the pack comes up. She raises her chin a little though and chastises herself for getting flustered so easily. They're not asking anything she can't readily answer, not yet. What Skelaghe said earlier about it being normal to be uncommon in Ute comes back to her briefly, and Siwa relaxes a little and hopes that's truly the case. She's about to reply to Wan' when Survivor rolls over and lolls his tongue at her. Siwa's lips don't so much as twitch. She just stares at the older wolf blankly, not sure what he's doing or what she ought to do in response. Bfuh?
"Either way, it is nice to have you with us, Siwa," said Wan. He looked between them, and then back to Survivor, and back again to Skelaghe. "I thank you for the compliment, Skelaghe." Compliment? The one about his father, Helaku. How could he not be thankful? It meant that he was probably handsome. "Just say the word, and food you'll have."
Survivor chuckles, wagging his tail curled under (okay, technically over given his upside-down state) himself. So long as he doesn't seem scary, he's accomplished his aim.
Siwa looks away from Survivor, still feeling perplexed about him but Wan' is talking to her and she doesn't want to be rude. She furrows her brows a little at his words, and motions to the remains of the hare. "I'm fine, thank you, sir." But the confused expression doesn't leave her face and after a few beats she puts thought into words. "Everyone here is very.. generous. You all give me food like it just grows right out of the ground." For some species, it does, but Siwa knows exactly how hard it can be to track down your own food, much less to do so for someone else!
Wanageeska's eyes fell on Siwa once again. "That is Ute," he said softly. Of course, he wasn't sure if that was entirely accurate, being as some things were different here than what was described to him by his father, though he had a feeling that Skelaghe wouldn't disapprove of his words. He murmured, looking to Skel, wondering if she had anything for him to do. He did say he'd serve her as best he could. "No reason to deny someone food."
Making her way into the creek area is Wyanet, lumbering with her usual confident demeanor. It's hard to get a good read on her, whether she's in a good, or bad mood. She appears quite neutral, despite the rather smug look upon her face. It seems that she was up all day, running about on a long, and exhausting hunt. She brought back quite a kill with the help of Haht' in the sunny afternoon, and left it near the den for the pack to feast upon. Yawning loudly, the newly minted pack Beta makes herself known by all as she comes across the rise. Staring over at those gathered, she assess the situation, then ambles to the water.
Siwa follows Wyanet with her eyes for a moment, much less tense now than before given Skelaghe's presence nearby. But she frowns even deeper at Wanageeska now, struggling to comprehend his words. She soon loses, though, and makes her disagreement known. "But there is! There's lots of reasons. It's YOUR food, and why else does a pack claim lands but to keep it that way? You don't know me and for all you know, I.. I could be.. I don't know, a spy or something! Or just.. a scrounger! For all you know, maybe I go around mooching off them who's too soft-hearted." She poses this scenario to the adult, her face serious and a little worried as she again assesses the sanity of those around her who act so differently to what she's used to.
Wanageeska tilted his head. How curious! His ears shifted on the approach of Wyanet, but his attention remained on Siwa. No doubt the approaching female might recognize his...muted scent...but he wasn't too worried about that. "Your ease with Skelaghe's presence tells me that you know her, and being as she has no qualms with you that it is highly unlikely you are a mooch or spy," he said softly. "Moochers would repeat their behaviors, and never offer anything to service of a pack which likewise doesn't seem to be within your demeanor. Posture, voice tone, the way you move your head--no indication." He grinned at her. "Though, spies come in many forms, some blend and some evade. Each situation is isolated wolf per wolf. I, for one, eat mainly fish, and several wolves have fish for their diet."
Ears lifting upwards, Wyanet turns her attention towards the pair of them, eyes narrowing for a moment. She recognizes the one with the faint scent from Skelaghe, and everyone else's description of him. The young female, not a clue. With a curl of her lips along her muzzle, she flashes a bit of teeth as she heads over towards the two of them. Her tail is raised, ears, at least one of them, sticking straight up. "I haven't met you two yet." She states rather bluntly as she gives her fur a bit of a fluff out around her neck, and shoulders, eyes narrowing a bit.
Hahtalekin has arrived.
Demea- what? And what's.. 'evade' mean? Siwa's frown turns into a real scowl and she shakes her head. "I don't know. You use a lot of big words, so maybe I just don't understand. But them I've met before ALWAYS made you do something to prove you was loyal. You had to hunt for THEM, like as not, or guard the border 'til your feet got bloody just to show you weren't going to turn around and bite them in the night. Packs /always/ assume you're playing them false, at least all them I've met." Siwa then turns her attention to the approaching Wyanet, and though her body tenses at least she's not confused. Here's the hostility she's been anticipating. It's oddly comforting to the girl-child to see at least ONE person in this strange land acting as they should.
Survivor is splayed out on his back not far from the pup or Wanageeska. As Wyanet approaches, he rolles back over to a right-side up lay, keeping his tail submissively tucked. "Good evening, Wyanet," he greets her. Survivor has been intensely attending the cougar cub ever since carrying him home on his back, spending every waking minute if not with the cub directly then hunting small game solely for the cub, escorting the cub for a save drink of water, etc.
Wanageeska murmured, though when Wyanet came along, he peered at Wyanet rather...oddly. No, they had not met and he found her approach to be needlessly threatening, especially given his was Skelaghe's land. Survivor's words told him her name and so he'd use it as if he'd known her very long. "No, you've not met us Wyanet," he answered with a hint of aristocratic slur. "But Skelaghe and others have, and Survivor being right over there oddly comfortable with our presence speaks volumes as to your display. Showing your teeth to newcomers when they present not a threatening image. You should only show your teeth if ready to use them." How...familiar that sounded, like a certain former Alpha. "This is Siwa and I am Snow."
"Why don't you just shut the hell up, because I don't really care what -you- think." Wyanet says in a quick, snappish tone towards Wanageeska. "From what I've heard from you, is that you've been rude, obnoxious, foolish, and borderline suicidal. Believe me, pup, I'm /always/ ready to use them, and if you don't want to know what they'll feel like deep in your throat, I'd swiftly show some respect, and quiet your tone." It's obvious that she already doesn't like the male, perhaps well before she met him. "I know you're Helaku's boy, and it shows. Both of you are morons, so, if you don't like my position of authority around here." She motions with her paw. "You can very well take off, I don't think anyone will shed a tear." Turning towards Siwa, she gives a stunning smile, tail swaying. "Hey sweetie, my name is Wyanet, the Beta of the Ute pack." She says with a sweet tone to her voice.
Survivor woofs lowly in 'friendly warning' to Wanageeska, "That may be, Wana ... err, should I call you Snow Eyes? But Wyanet is a standing member, and you are relatively new. Skelaghe may not strictly enforce traditional pack protocols, but you would do well to learn them. Wyanet is a fierce protector of the pack. Baring teeth is a warning against disrespect, not a threat of imminent attack."
Siwa gapes outright at Wanageeska, and hastens to add in a tone that is surprisingly audible considering all the grumbling that's going on, "He does NOT speak for me, ma'am." She's starting to see even from knowing him for a short time that she and 'Snow Eyes' will never see eye to eye about expected pack protocol. Siwa's eyes widen as Wyanet suddenly turns toward her, and the adult's smile earns a wary look from the girl. What.. just happened? But Siwa knows what 'beta' means, so she hastily ducks her head. "Nice to meet you, ma'am," she replies softly, looking at the ground.
Survivor woofs lowly in 'friendly warning' to Wanageeska, "That may be, Wana ... err, should I call you Snow Eyes? But Wyanet is a standing member of Ute, and you are relatively new. Skelaghe may not strictly enforce traditional pack protocols, but you would do well to learn them. Wyanet is a fierce protector of the pack. Baring teeth is a warning against disrespect, not a threat of imminent attack. Lunging and sinking her fangs into you would be the threat of imminent attack. Its a way of saying she's serious, and not joking."
Wanageeska's ears turned to Survivor, though he kept his eyes on Wyanet. She made a mistake...a very bad one and he was going to call her on it. "Wyanet," he said, sternly. "You are unfit for the title of Beta, and I'll not regonize you as Beta as long as you carry such a hostile attitude. Any member of a pack whom has a concern or an opinion needs to be minded by the ranks, if it not then they are useless and ill fit. My allegiance is to Skelaghe, and her alone. You may insult me as much as you wish, but don't be so quick to insult my father. He is a major reason why the pack you so fiercy protect even exists, but learn now if you're going to be a bitch then no matter what rank you are, I will judge you as a member of Ute. I will speak to Skelaghe about your questionable behavior quite soon." Wan wasn't going to stick around, he immediately turned and ran off instead, disappearing into the forest as he had done when Survivor howled the other day.
"Oh boo hoo. How ever will I sleep at night." Wyanet says with a roll of her eyes upwards, giving the wolf a dismissing wave of her paw as he strides off in a huff. "Cry me a damn river." Settling herself back upon her haunches, she gives her pelt a firm shaking, then settles her gaze upon Siwa. "So, Siwa, how are you doing? What brings you to the lovely lands of the Ute?" She says with a grin on her face. Wicked as she may be, it seems that she isn't about to turn her wrath upon the much younger girl. She seems to get the point quite well enough. "As I said, I am the Beta of the pack, whether or not 'some' may feel. I am the pack's babysitter, protector, and hunter. Have you had the chance to meet our Alpha, Skelaghe?" She asks, casting a look over towards Survivor for a moment, studying the wolf. She hasn't seen him since they found the kitten, and she is curious to how he's holding up.
Drawn by the distinct tone of raised voices and the bitter tang of temper-influenced scents, a scarred shadow of a wolf slips clear of the trees, crisp blue eyes narrowed in the fleeing direction of Wanageeska where they linger before he swings his head until his muzzle points the way of Wyanet. His distinctly deep, rasped voice is gruff, edged with a tone akin to weary annoyance. "You know, next time, just don't talk. Bite. It saves time and energy." Hahtalekin strides towards the grey wolf, his eyes turning over towards Survivor first, to whom he gives a nod and a, "Still around, eh?" before he turns to Siwa, "And a new face, yes?"
Kezu has arrived.
Siwa flattens her ears and tries to block out all that Wanageeska says to the beta wolf. Her own embarrassment is plain as she continues to gaze at the ground, now and again shuffling her paws. She waits for it to end, then only reluctantly glances up when Wyanet speaks to her. The beta's question makes her tense a little more, and she quickly racks her mind for something noncommital. "Oh.. you know. I just.. heard this was a good place," she murmurs. "I have met mistress Skelaghe, yes. She brought me a hare-" a gesture to the picked-clean carcass near her, "-And told me I might stay here for a while." She shuts up instantly at the sight of yet another wolf. She lowers her head, her blue-green eyes guarded as they follow Hahtalekin. "Yes, sir," she replies when he speaks to her.
Survivor grrowls at Wanageeska as he leaves, but ends it abruptly, not wanting to upset the pup. Had Survivor not accepted permanent rank as Omega, he should punish the disobedient pup, but that would not be his place. He feels confident, though, that however tolerant the Alphess is, she will not do Wanageeska's bidding. He rises from his lay and crawls toward the pup and Wyanet, tail swishing. As Haht suddenly appears, Survivor bows politely to him. "Good evening ... yes, is that a surprise? I've been ... busying myself ... with a rather special project. Wyanet, Quidel and myself found a cougress slain by rampaging elk, she had cubs nearby. Tragically, only one was still alive ... I've been busy looking after him." Probably not a good thing to say in front of a pup, but Survivor is not known for making appropriate conversation when young are present.
"I see. Good then, you met my better half. Skelaghe is like a sister to me. As you probably noticed, she's the calm one." Wyanet says with a laugh. "And yes, this is a very good place. The Ute is almost magical. It's saved my life, gave me something to believe in." The Beta gives herself a long stretch, then turns at the sound of Haht's voice. Leaning over, she pushes her face up against his neck, rubbing fondly with a half lidded smile. Talk about a true calming effect. "This is Hahtalekin.. my mate, my love." She says with a wry grin upon her face as she rumbles softly in her throat. "Well, Siwa, how well do you hunt?" She asks the younger pup, tail swaying.
"Not at all, glad to see it, in fact." Hahtalekin remarks to Survivor as he sinks down on his rump, leaning his shoulder in towards Wyanet at her nuzzle, though his attentions remain on the omega wolf. "A cougar, you say? Really? Huh. Well, now I've seen just about everything. Well... as long as it doesn't get the bright idea to eat any of us later on, I suppose it's fair enough to give a little one a chance. Though, I will be rather impressed if you teach it to howl." Says the black wolf, tongue lolling out of his mouth in an expression of amusement.
Siwa listens to Survivor, brows lifting as he mentions caring for the orphaned cougar. She doesn't know much about cougars personally, since they weren't too commonly seen in the land where she was born, but the cub's story weighs heavily on the girl's heart. She knows what it's like to be alone. It's very fortunate for that cub that the Ute was nearby, although who ever heard of a wolf pack sheltering a cougar? "Odds bobs, what IS normal about this place?" the girl blurts out, then bites her tongue as she remembers her audience. She's gotten so used to talking to herself outloud in the wild. "I can hunt alright," she says to Wyanet. "I've been catching rats and squirrels for myself every day for a long time."
Survivor draws his muzzle taut ... mate? He knows better than to ask, but wonders if the next litter of pups actually born to the pack will be hers and his. He chuckle-wuffs at Hahtalekin. "I thought there was already a cougar being looked after by Ute, a blind one? Or does the Alphess keep him to herself?" Come to think of it, Survivor hasn't actually seen that cougar, though he's caught residual scents on Skela, so at least he knows its real -- not that he even slightly distrusts the Alphess. He smiles to the pup. "Ute is a place of love and peace," he says. He's been in the packlands for less than a full moon, but has strong impressions of what it is about. "The kind and warmhearted, the tolerant and forgiving, and ... those in need of peace and love."
"Oh yeah.. love and peace. I'm full of that." Wyanet says with an amused grin on her face as she keeps herself leaned back against the chest of Haht', her demeanor noticeably calmer now that the black male is around. Her head rubs up along his chin, and jawline slowly for a moment, softly rumbling. "But yes, Ute is a place for second, and sometime third chances. Skelaghe has a heart of gold. She's worth every breath I take here. I'd follow her into the sun if she asked me." She wags her tail back, and forth behind her as she reflects upon her pack sister. "So, Siwa.. you're about the same age as Skelaghe's pups." Oh boy. A gleam fills her eyes as she lifts her ears up. "I should introduce you to my favorite puppy, Ciqala. He's as sweet as honey."
And it is at this moment a rather large wolf satarts lumbering in from the Clover Lawn, one ear lain against his head, the other perked, eyes lidded, though one is distinctly lacking a pupil as he watches over those speaking from their places. Haht... Wyanet... the Survivor he'd met a bit ago... And others he wasn't acquainted with as of yet. The wolf is rather silent, emitting a darker aura than he usually does, seeming... tense. And moving slowly, a true lumbering session torwards the group.
Hahtalekin tilts his head towards Survivor, "Really? Hm, well, I'm not one to be kept in the loop of the gossips and secrets, I'm generally too impatient for them anyway. But, like I said, as long as I don't find a cat chewing on my face when I wake up in the morning, than I'll leave a wolf to their business. Who am I to tell someone what to do with their free time? As long as it's not bringing harm to the pack, of course, than I'll be having some words." An ear flicks at Wyanet's words to Siwa, and he slants his mate a sideways glance. "...oh no. I know that look. Leave be, Wya'. The poor girl looks ready to jump out of her fur and you're trying to meddle." The arrival of Kezu doesn't go unnoticed, and there's the subtle turn of an ear in the direction of the lumbering giant.
Siwa is quiet as she considers what the adults say. A place of second chances.. Love and peace.. "No wonder they led me here," she murmurs to herself, casting a surreptitious glance at the creek that tumbles noisily in the distance. That's just what she needs, a second chance. A chance to forget the past and never to think of the horrible truth again. She glances around as Kezu enters, and his sheer presence elicts a wide-eyed look of wonder from the girl, but almost immediately her attention goes back to Wyanet - also a distinctly commanding presence. Her furious blush is mercifully hidden by her fur. A meek glance is thrown to Hahtalekin as he speaks up for her, and Siwa's nervousness subsides. Aw. Crush! <3
Survivor gazes at Kezu as he approaches as well. Survivor looks back toward the hills, wanting to be with the cougar cub, but he knows the pack's sitters would call if there was trouble. Survivor shakes his head, trying not to worry ... more than worrying, though, he's quickly becoming attached to the cub, who still hasn't given his name, if he's even old enough to speak. He looks to Haht and woofs, "I do not think you need worry about that, not from the cubs in the care of Ute anyhow." Turning to the pup, he asks, with his head tilted in a look of curiosity, "Where /did/ you come from?"
"I'm not meddling! Just trying to help her make new friends." Wyanet says with a grin up towards Haht', leaning upwards to nip at his muzzle playfully, before letting out a soft huff. She looks amused for a moment in her thoughts, as if something hilarious just crossed her mind. "Yes, where -is- here.. and who led you?" She asks the younger pup as she tilts her head to one side. Turning her attention over towards Kezu, she rumbles in his direction, motioning with her head to come join them as she gives the large black wolf a smile. "Siwa, this is Kezu, Haht's brother. He's huge, huh?"
A flickering of ears, Kezu looking torwards the group, catching the motion of Wyanet, before approaching. Step, after step, each one seeming heavier than the last, before he comes to rest his mass slightly behind Haht and Wya... giving each a single lick upon the head, before looking over Siwa, his eyes lidded, focused... and he bows his head, smiling softly, hunched over slightly behind the talkative pair, like a looming guard tower over a castle.
Hahtalekin gives his head a shake at the nip to his muzzle, slanting a glance to Wyanet that gleams with just a hint of mischief, though, he's soon put back on the look of perfectly innocent professionalism as he turns to nibble the fur on his ruffled shoulder back into place, though one can pick out his murmur of, "...he's just full of hot air, really.. s'why he's so big." But soon enough he looks up to regard his brother properly, though one would be hard-pressed to mark them as kin with their marked differences. The silence of the large wolf is noted and then responded to with a sharp, noisy snort. "Oh, you're pulling one of these again? Oh this'll be grand. How long did it take me last time to get you to talk? About a week or so?"
Siwa yawns widely, the effect of a full belly and glances toward the stump she's been sleeping by. Suppose if she's going to truly give in and try to join this odd pack, she may as well start by following them to their sleeping place. Though that would involve having someone actually SHOW her where that is, which necessitates waiting until someone apart from her gets sleepy. Sigh. Again Kezu draws her eyes and she offers him a reluctant smile, the first that she's offered anyone since appearing on Ute territory. But suddenly, her blue-green eyes snap wide and dart to Survivor. When Wyanet seconds the male's question, Siwa bypasses alarmed and goes straight to panicked. "Nothing No where!" she cries, her voice trembling as it rises through a whole octave. "I don't- I don't know what you're talking about!"
Survivor cocks his head back, and tilts it to the opposite angle it had been before. "Its okay, Siwa ... I didn't mean to scare you with my question." Looking around, he looks back to her, then puts himself back down to a lay. "Is Skelaghe the only Ute member you feel safe around?" he asks, thinking maybe she was freaking out by so many unfamiliar wolves about.
Quirking a brow upwards as Siwa suddenly gets borderline hysterical, Wyanet doesn't seem too amused, or convinced. "Well, you didn't just fall out of the sky, but, if you aren't comfortable talking about it, then don't. Long as you aren't bringing any danger behind you." She says as she turns her head around to peer up at Kezu who is standing behind them. "Hey, what's wrong with you tonight? You look stressed out about something." She raises an ear upwards. "You gonna tell us, or just brood?"
Kezu lowers one ear, quirking a brow to Haht... and giving a sly grin, his eyes narrowing, before Wyanet's words entrap him, his tail raising for a moment... before he shakes his head, and licks her nose, smiling quite charmingly torwards her... before his brows waggle, gaze then shifting over to Siwa, closing his eyes as he motions, and takes a deep breath. "... Calm." And he goes silent once more.
Hahtalekin turns his gaze down to Siwa and her panic, the black wolf murmuring a 'See?' aside to Wyanet before he looks down to the juvenile. He regards the younger with a solemn expression, though one that suggests he's not ignorant to some of her feelings. "Peace, little one. We all have our stories, some harder than others." He tips up his chin, letting the deep, ragged scar across his neck be clearly seen, just to help make a point. "You're free to tell yours when you feel ready, we'll be here to listen. Just, don't be afraid to let us know if you're in danger, alright? And not just to protect the pack, but you too."
All she can hear few moments is the sound of her own blood pounding in her ears. This is it, they're going to demand to know. Then, after they hear - after they know - they'll drive her away. Or worse, if they chose. There's so much worse they could do. Siwa trembles all over. She's quite close to legitimate hysterics when Kezu's movements make her look toward him. His words - well, word - have a profound effect on her. She squeaks in surprise and stops shaking, her eyes locked on his. Then she swallows and looks down, letting out a slow breath through her nostrils. When Hahtalekin speaks, the softness and sincerity of his words calm her further though at this point her composure is gone. She's only a little girl, after all. Tears slide quietly down her cheeks to be lost in her fur, and all she can do is nod.
Survivor steps into the pup, nuzzling her and licking tenderly at her muzzle. "Hey, its okay ... please ... no one here is going to hurt you, I promise you!" he woofs.
As the girl starts to cry, Wyanet lets out a soft breath, staring up at the sky for a moment. Was she ever this dramalicious? With a chuff towards the child, she leans forward and butts her muzzle up against the girl, followed by a slurp between her ears. "Hey, c'mon. Haht' and I will take you to the den, and you can get some rest with the other puppies, alright? It looks like you could use some shut eye." She says, then turns her head around to face Kezu for a moment. Leaning forward, she gives him a quick kiss, followed by a smile as she rumbles, "Maybe we can talk tomorrow, alright?" She asks, then pushes up against Haht' as she looks to lead him, and hopefully the child off for a evening of slumber.
-----------------------------------------------
Curling Creek
================================================================================
Upon this strip of land the water changes once again, running off from the brook and slanting first to the east and then back to the west, creating a sharp corner of bank on the western side that leads into some thick undergrowth. The area, unlike most others, is fairly open - the creekside is clean and littered with gentle blades of short and sweet grass, creating something more akin to a beach than a forested waterway. A few large boulders left here long ago by the world changing are planted in various spots, providing both vantage points and sunning spots.
=================================== Exits ===================================
[East] to the Lawn [Northwest] along the Stream
[Southeast] to the Path [Southwest] along the Stream
[West] to Dense Undergrowth
================================================================================
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Siwa - Juvenile Female Wolf
Survivor - Male Wolf
Wanageeska - Adolescent Male Wolf
Wyanet - Female Wolf
Hahtalekin - Male Wolf
Kezu - Male Wolf
Crack, whoosh, THUMP! Something large fell near the creek, large and rotten. Wan had gone to the creek to have at its waters before returning to the den when he spotted a dangerously dead tree so fargone tilted that it might fall on someone. He murmured to himself, looking up at what he had done: dug out the soil from under it, enough that it fell and made...a bridge across the creek. What a nice thing it was, he thought. Too bad he didn't have the means to replicated it so others could see it after it was long gone. The young wolf jumped onto one end and eyed the length. True, it was rotten, but that made for better training and...pleasure. He could now enjoy his own self-conditioning based on what his mother taught him from father without a strick regiment. He poised himself on the rooted end of the trunk, breathing in smell. Footing is what he needed, accurate footing and this tree was wide enough but small enough to provide a challenge!
Few wild animals are strangers to falling trees. Normally, Skelaghe wouldn't think twice about the sound she hears, but she left a pup near where the sound comes from. A pup who may not know enough to have been alerted to the fact that she should have gotten out of the way by the initial cracking sounds that usually accompany a falling tree. With the hare she caught still in her mouth, her pace increases considerably.
After such a long and frightening journey, with her nerves on pins and needles the entire time, Siwa sank to the ground in a doze not long after the alpha female departed. She was too tired to make it to any real cover, but being fawn-colored and pressed up against the roots of an old stump, she's reasonably well-camoflagued. The crack that rends the air so suddenly jolts her to consciousness, and like a terrified cat Siwa presses her short claws into the dirt under her as she stares around for the source. As soon as she spots an unfamiliar male, Siwa blinks and gets to her paws to see what he's doing. She'd rather keep an eye on a possibly dangerous stranger than cower and pray he'll just disappear.
Wanageeska surveyed the trunk more closely, his mind on it rather than anyone else at the moment. He had ensured no one was too close when he started digging, and seconded his checks just before he removed the last bit of earth to fell the tree. He paws at the trunk, getting a feel for it, stepping out to
Survivor was asleep, cuddled around the still-nameless cougar cub in the Hills when the sound of the tree woke him up. Ensuring the pack's pup-and-cub-watchers were awake and alert, he leaves the cub gently to avoid waking him up and runs at full speed in the direction of the Creek. Seeing what was once standing when he last saw it now knocked over, he immediately goes to the log and worriedly looks down for anyone it might have knocked into the creek on its way down.
Skelaghe spots Wanageeska first, but just a few moments after that, she sees Siwa, and only then does she relax and slow down slightly. She passes the tree and the wolf upon it to approach the young girl who, quite understandably, appears concerned.
Siwa's blue-green eyes narrow slightly as she watches Wanageeska, and then Survivor when he appears. She's wary of them, but not afraid while their behavior continues to be innocent and not directed at her. When Skelaghe approaches, Siwa's ears lift and her expression alters to one of slight surprise. She hadn't expected the older wolf to keep her word and return so quickly - and with FOOD. Siwa swallows back the saliva that instantly welled in her mouth at the sight of the rabbit, then dips her head politely in greeting.
Wanageeska's ears splayed and rose. he knew there were others about at the moment, but he had yet to be addressed. And, across the trunk he bound in success. When he reached the other end, he doubled back and die it again, his steps careful and light. Again, across the trunk, and again back across it. Training! Entertaining training, rather! He jumped down from the trunk and trotted about before taking a full run and jumped from an angle over the water, his claws catching the bark. He sat atop the fallen tree, the sun shining down on his black and silver fur. How regal, yet rough he looked!
Survivor gazes at Wanageeska questioningly. "What happened? Was anyone hurt?" And then, remembering, "... you decided to stay?" Last Survivor had seen of Wana was when Survivor tried tending to him after Wana had passed out, and Wana had told him he would be leaving.
Skelaghe hears Wanageeska and Survivor behind her. She keeps her attention on the underfed juvenile, though. Skelaghe comes to a stop just a few feet away from Siwa, then sets the hare on the ground. If Siwa still seemed worried, she would try to comfort the girl, but Siwa doesn't seem much of anything, other than hungry. "You should eat, Siwa."
Siwa is less worried and more suspicious of Wanageeska's seemingly bizarre behavior as she watches him run around. Looking back at Skelaghe, the girl blushes faintly under her fur, both touched and embarrassed by the show of kindness. "I don't.. know what to say. Thank you, ma'am." She stoops and begins to systematically disembowel the hare, but all the while her gaze lingers on the two males as though expecting them to suddenly do something threatening.
Wanageeska paused while on that trunk, his attention shifting to the other wolves nearby. No, no one was hurt at all. "I made sure no one was in the way," he said, answering one and watching the other two, his eyes falling on, especially, Skelaghe. "No, I was asked to stay by Skelaghe."
Survivor has noticed Skel and the pup. He has not seen the pup before, but decides it not best to approach the Alphess when she is with a pup unless she calls to him. Survivor has become quite obsessed with the cougar cub he's adopted, spending much of his time if not cuddled with and watching over the cub, who seems to be trying to sleep off his near-death experience, then hunting for hares and small game just for the recovering cougar cub. Wanageeska would probably smell the scent of the cougar cub on Survivor. He does look over at Skelaghe and the pup she was attending to, at long last.
"You are more than welcome, Siwa." Skelaghe watches the pup tear into the hare for just a moment. Then, she turns to look at Wanageeska and Survivor. Though looking at and listening to them, she hangs back, for now.
Siwa lets out a little sigh as the first mouthfuls of the meat make it to her belly. The feeling of something substantial there - not a rat or a squirrel, which are more bone than flesh - is a far-flung memory, one she never thought to cherish during those days when she always had a full belly. She doesn't emerge for a few minutes, but eventually, her muzzle streaked with blood, she finally voices her curiosity about the males. "Is they your packmates, ma'am?"
Wanageeska did smell the cougar on Survivor, but didn't question it. Skelaghe was before him with another wolf he hadn't met before and he wasn't going to focus on things which were not priority. Wan jumped down into the shallow water and smiled at his Alpha. "I hope that did not startle you," he said. "The tree was dangerously leaning. I made sure no one was in its path when I felled it."
Survivor lowers to a lay to make himself less menacing to the pup, and to hopefully allay any concerns Wan might have over lingering by-gones, now that it seems his concern that packmates may be hurt or in danger was a false alarm.
"They are." Skelaghe remains where she is, just a little ahead of Siwa and in between Siwa and the two males. It is more incidental than anything. Skelaghe would not prevent Siwa from getting nearer the two males. If, however, it makes the girl more comfortable, then she will gladly stay where she is.
Siwa relaxes slightly at reassurance that these males are not just rogues who think nothing of parading around a pack's borders. For a few more minutes, she's occupied with eating but eventually the hare is picked all but clean. Siwa sits back on her haunches with another soft sigh, this time of ultimate content. Without the gift of eloquence, she can't think of how else to express her appreciation to the alpha beyond what she has already said. To fill the resultant silence, Siwa again scrutinizes the males. "The one who pulled down the tree is strange," she says bluntly.
Strange? Well, sure. He accepted being called strange if it pleased the young wolf. He slowly approached Skelaghe and promptly sat, a bright look on his face as well as a smile. "You seem in better spirits than you were the last time we met, Skelaghe," he said. "I am happy to see this. And your companion as well."
Survivor giggles a bit ... she was right about that, but usually its Survivor being the strange one given his disfigurement. Nice to not be considered the freak, for a change. He remains laying back a bit, listening in but not crowding the pup with his own strangeness.
"He is... But you'll probably find that it's not very uncommon to be, well, uncommon, in this pack." Skelaghe's voice is soft as she answers, and only a little louder as she says, "Siwa, this is Snow Eyes, whose father was once my mate, and Survivor. The pack's omega." Acknowledging Survivor's position as such is not particularly easy for her, but she does it.
Siwa is generally not one to judge on looks, which is why she does not remark on Survivor's tattered appearance, but instead on actions. And to her at least, a wolf pulling down a tree is something a little unnatural and therefore unsettling. Listening to Skelaghe's words, Siwa glances in surprise between the alpha and this 'Snow Eyes.' Huh. "Must take after his pa," she observes, assuming in the naive way of youth that a male has only one mate all his life. "Hi, Snow Eyes.. Survivor" She nods to them both, though her face is still guarded.
Wanageeska tilted his head, blinking at Siwa. "Hello, Siwa," he said. Snow Eyes. He actually did prefer that name opposed to the one given to him. "You can merely call me Snow if you wish." Snow...a good name for a new start. "Is she a new member of the pack, Skelaghe?" As of note, he did not call her Alpha. He did not want their relationship to seem as if he was merely a wolf by rank and circumstance, rather a wolf that knew his alpha more than just an alpha. His long ears raised, listening to everything in front and after him. "If you are hungry, I can fish."
Survivor bows his head as best he can from his lay. He pants contentedly. He, of course, has no problem being the omega. "Hello there," he yaps back in a friendly fashion. Survivor rolls over in his lay, a bit goofily, his tongue lolling out onto the grass and watching the pup upside-down.
"He does strongly resemble his father." That's all the more Skelaghe says, regarding Wanageeska's lineage. No reason to confuse the girl. "Siwa will be staying with us for as long as she likes." And that's all the more Skelaghe says, period. Siwa can answer for herself as to whether she remains hungry, and respond for herself to the greeting from Survivor.
Wyanet has arrived.
Siwa flattens her ears slightly, heat rising in her cheeks as the subject of her membership in the pack comes up. She raises her chin a little though and chastises herself for getting flustered so easily. They're not asking anything she can't readily answer, not yet. What Skelaghe said earlier about it being normal to be uncommon in Ute comes back to her briefly, and Siwa relaxes a little and hopes that's truly the case. She's about to reply to Wan' when Survivor rolls over and lolls his tongue at her. Siwa's lips don't so much as twitch. She just stares at the older wolf blankly, not sure what he's doing or what she ought to do in response. Bfuh?
"Either way, it is nice to have you with us, Siwa," said Wan. He looked between them, and then back to Survivor, and back again to Skelaghe. "I thank you for the compliment, Skelaghe." Compliment? The one about his father, Helaku. How could he not be thankful? It meant that he was probably handsome. "Just say the word, and food you'll have."
Survivor chuckles, wagging his tail curled under (okay, technically over given his upside-down state) himself. So long as he doesn't seem scary, he's accomplished his aim.
Siwa looks away from Survivor, still feeling perplexed about him but Wan' is talking to her and she doesn't want to be rude. She furrows her brows a little at his words, and motions to the remains of the hare. "I'm fine, thank you, sir." But the confused expression doesn't leave her face and after a few beats she puts thought into words. "Everyone here is very.. generous. You all give me food like it just grows right out of the ground." For some species, it does, but Siwa knows exactly how hard it can be to track down your own food, much less to do so for someone else!
Wanageeska's eyes fell on Siwa once again. "That is Ute," he said softly. Of course, he wasn't sure if that was entirely accurate, being as some things were different here than what was described to him by his father, though he had a feeling that Skelaghe wouldn't disapprove of his words. He murmured, looking to Skel, wondering if she had anything for him to do. He did say he'd serve her as best he could. "No reason to deny someone food."
Making her way into the creek area is Wyanet, lumbering with her usual confident demeanor. It's hard to get a good read on her, whether she's in a good, or bad mood. She appears quite neutral, despite the rather smug look upon her face. It seems that she was up all day, running about on a long, and exhausting hunt. She brought back quite a kill with the help of Haht' in the sunny afternoon, and left it near the den for the pack to feast upon. Yawning loudly, the newly minted pack Beta makes herself known by all as she comes across the rise. Staring over at those gathered, she assess the situation, then ambles to the water.
Siwa follows Wyanet with her eyes for a moment, much less tense now than before given Skelaghe's presence nearby. But she frowns even deeper at Wanageeska now, struggling to comprehend his words. She soon loses, though, and makes her disagreement known. "But there is! There's lots of reasons. It's YOUR food, and why else does a pack claim lands but to keep it that way? You don't know me and for all you know, I.. I could be.. I don't know, a spy or something! Or just.. a scrounger! For all you know, maybe I go around mooching off them who's too soft-hearted." She poses this scenario to the adult, her face serious and a little worried as she again assesses the sanity of those around her who act so differently to what she's used to.
Wanageeska tilted his head. How curious! His ears shifted on the approach of Wyanet, but his attention remained on Siwa. No doubt the approaching female might recognize his...muted scent...but he wasn't too worried about that. "Your ease with Skelaghe's presence tells me that you know her, and being as she has no qualms with you that it is highly unlikely you are a mooch or spy," he said softly. "Moochers would repeat their behaviors, and never offer anything to service of a pack which likewise doesn't seem to be within your demeanor. Posture, voice tone, the way you move your head--no indication." He grinned at her. "Though, spies come in many forms, some blend and some evade. Each situation is isolated wolf per wolf. I, for one, eat mainly fish, and several wolves have fish for their diet."
Ears lifting upwards, Wyanet turns her attention towards the pair of them, eyes narrowing for a moment. She recognizes the one with the faint scent from Skelaghe, and everyone else's description of him. The young female, not a clue. With a curl of her lips along her muzzle, she flashes a bit of teeth as she heads over towards the two of them. Her tail is raised, ears, at least one of them, sticking straight up. "I haven't met you two yet." She states rather bluntly as she gives her fur a bit of a fluff out around her neck, and shoulders, eyes narrowing a bit.
Hahtalekin has arrived.
Demea- what? And what's.. 'evade' mean? Siwa's frown turns into a real scowl and she shakes her head. "I don't know. You use a lot of big words, so maybe I just don't understand. But them I've met before ALWAYS made you do something to prove you was loyal. You had to hunt for THEM, like as not, or guard the border 'til your feet got bloody just to show you weren't going to turn around and bite them in the night. Packs /always/ assume you're playing them false, at least all them I've met." Siwa then turns her attention to the approaching Wyanet, and though her body tenses at least she's not confused. Here's the hostility she's been anticipating. It's oddly comforting to the girl-child to see at least ONE person in this strange land acting as they should.
Survivor is splayed out on his back not far from the pup or Wanageeska. As Wyanet approaches, he rolles back over to a right-side up lay, keeping his tail submissively tucked. "Good evening, Wyanet," he greets her. Survivor has been intensely attending the cougar cub ever since carrying him home on his back, spending every waking minute if not with the cub directly then hunting small game solely for the cub, escorting the cub for a save drink of water, etc.
Wanageeska murmured, though when Wyanet came along, he peered at Wyanet rather...oddly. No, they had not met and he found her approach to be needlessly threatening, especially given his was Skelaghe's land. Survivor's words told him her name and so he'd use it as if he'd known her very long. "No, you've not met us Wyanet," he answered with a hint of aristocratic slur. "But Skelaghe and others have, and Survivor being right over there oddly comfortable with our presence speaks volumes as to your display. Showing your teeth to newcomers when they present not a threatening image. You should only show your teeth if ready to use them." How...familiar that sounded, like a certain former Alpha. "This is Siwa and I am Snow."
"Why don't you just shut the hell up, because I don't really care what -you- think." Wyanet says in a quick, snappish tone towards Wanageeska. "From what I've heard from you, is that you've been rude, obnoxious, foolish, and borderline suicidal. Believe me, pup, I'm /always/ ready to use them, and if you don't want to know what they'll feel like deep in your throat, I'd swiftly show some respect, and quiet your tone." It's obvious that she already doesn't like the male, perhaps well before she met him. "I know you're Helaku's boy, and it shows. Both of you are morons, so, if you don't like my position of authority around here." She motions with her paw. "You can very well take off, I don't think anyone will shed a tear." Turning towards Siwa, she gives a stunning smile, tail swaying. "Hey sweetie, my name is Wyanet, the Beta of the Ute pack." She says with a sweet tone to her voice.
Survivor woofs lowly in 'friendly warning' to Wanageeska, "That may be, Wana ... err, should I call you Snow Eyes? But Wyanet is a standing member, and you are relatively new. Skelaghe may not strictly enforce traditional pack protocols, but you would do well to learn them. Wyanet is a fierce protector of the pack. Baring teeth is a warning against disrespect, not a threat of imminent attack."
Siwa gapes outright at Wanageeska, and hastens to add in a tone that is surprisingly audible considering all the grumbling that's going on, "He does NOT speak for me, ma'am." She's starting to see even from knowing him for a short time that she and 'Snow Eyes' will never see eye to eye about expected pack protocol. Siwa's eyes widen as Wyanet suddenly turns toward her, and the adult's smile earns a wary look from the girl. What.. just happened? But Siwa knows what 'beta' means, so she hastily ducks her head. "Nice to meet you, ma'am," she replies softly, looking at the ground.
Survivor woofs lowly in 'friendly warning' to Wanageeska, "That may be, Wana ... err, should I call you Snow Eyes? But Wyanet is a standing member of Ute, and you are relatively new. Skelaghe may not strictly enforce traditional pack protocols, but you would do well to learn them. Wyanet is a fierce protector of the pack. Baring teeth is a warning against disrespect, not a threat of imminent attack. Lunging and sinking her fangs into you would be the threat of imminent attack. Its a way of saying she's serious, and not joking."
Wanageeska's ears turned to Survivor, though he kept his eyes on Wyanet. She made a mistake...a very bad one and he was going to call her on it. "Wyanet," he said, sternly. "You are unfit for the title of Beta, and I'll not regonize you as Beta as long as you carry such a hostile attitude. Any member of a pack whom has a concern or an opinion needs to be minded by the ranks, if it not then they are useless and ill fit. My allegiance is to Skelaghe, and her alone. You may insult me as much as you wish, but don't be so quick to insult my father. He is a major reason why the pack you so fiercy protect even exists, but learn now if you're going to be a bitch then no matter what rank you are, I will judge you as a member of Ute. I will speak to Skelaghe about your questionable behavior quite soon." Wan wasn't going to stick around, he immediately turned and ran off instead, disappearing into the forest as he had done when Survivor howled the other day.
"Oh boo hoo. How ever will I sleep at night." Wyanet says with a roll of her eyes upwards, giving the wolf a dismissing wave of her paw as he strides off in a huff. "Cry me a damn river." Settling herself back upon her haunches, she gives her pelt a firm shaking, then settles her gaze upon Siwa. "So, Siwa, how are you doing? What brings you to the lovely lands of the Ute?" She says with a grin on her face. Wicked as she may be, it seems that she isn't about to turn her wrath upon the much younger girl. She seems to get the point quite well enough. "As I said, I am the Beta of the pack, whether or not 'some' may feel. I am the pack's babysitter, protector, and hunter. Have you had the chance to meet our Alpha, Skelaghe?" She asks, casting a look over towards Survivor for a moment, studying the wolf. She hasn't seen him since they found the kitten, and she is curious to how he's holding up.
Drawn by the distinct tone of raised voices and the bitter tang of temper-influenced scents, a scarred shadow of a wolf slips clear of the trees, crisp blue eyes narrowed in the fleeing direction of Wanageeska where they linger before he swings his head until his muzzle points the way of Wyanet. His distinctly deep, rasped voice is gruff, edged with a tone akin to weary annoyance. "You know, next time, just don't talk. Bite. It saves time and energy." Hahtalekin strides towards the grey wolf, his eyes turning over towards Survivor first, to whom he gives a nod and a, "Still around, eh?" before he turns to Siwa, "And a new face, yes?"
Kezu has arrived.
Siwa flattens her ears and tries to block out all that Wanageeska says to the beta wolf. Her own embarrassment is plain as she continues to gaze at the ground, now and again shuffling her paws. She waits for it to end, then only reluctantly glances up when Wyanet speaks to her. The beta's question makes her tense a little more, and she quickly racks her mind for something noncommital. "Oh.. you know. I just.. heard this was a good place," she murmurs. "I have met mistress Skelaghe, yes. She brought me a hare-" a gesture to the picked-clean carcass near her, "-And told me I might stay here for a while." She shuts up instantly at the sight of yet another wolf. She lowers her head, her blue-green eyes guarded as they follow Hahtalekin. "Yes, sir," she replies when he speaks to her.
Survivor grrowls at Wanageeska as he leaves, but ends it abruptly, not wanting to upset the pup. Had Survivor not accepted permanent rank as Omega, he should punish the disobedient pup, but that would not be his place. He feels confident, though, that however tolerant the Alphess is, she will not do Wanageeska's bidding. He rises from his lay and crawls toward the pup and Wyanet, tail swishing. As Haht suddenly appears, Survivor bows politely to him. "Good evening ... yes, is that a surprise? I've been ... busying myself ... with a rather special project. Wyanet, Quidel and myself found a cougress slain by rampaging elk, she had cubs nearby. Tragically, only one was still alive ... I've been busy looking after him." Probably not a good thing to say in front of a pup, but Survivor is not known for making appropriate conversation when young are present.
"I see. Good then, you met my better half. Skelaghe is like a sister to me. As you probably noticed, she's the calm one." Wyanet says with a laugh. "And yes, this is a very good place. The Ute is almost magical. It's saved my life, gave me something to believe in." The Beta gives herself a long stretch, then turns at the sound of Haht's voice. Leaning over, she pushes her face up against his neck, rubbing fondly with a half lidded smile. Talk about a true calming effect. "This is Hahtalekin.. my mate, my love." She says with a wry grin upon her face as she rumbles softly in her throat. "Well, Siwa, how well do you hunt?" She asks the younger pup, tail swaying.
"Not at all, glad to see it, in fact." Hahtalekin remarks to Survivor as he sinks down on his rump, leaning his shoulder in towards Wyanet at her nuzzle, though his attentions remain on the omega wolf. "A cougar, you say? Really? Huh. Well, now I've seen just about everything. Well... as long as it doesn't get the bright idea to eat any of us later on, I suppose it's fair enough to give a little one a chance. Though, I will be rather impressed if you teach it to howl." Says the black wolf, tongue lolling out of his mouth in an expression of amusement.
Siwa listens to Survivor, brows lifting as he mentions caring for the orphaned cougar. She doesn't know much about cougars personally, since they weren't too commonly seen in the land where she was born, but the cub's story weighs heavily on the girl's heart. She knows what it's like to be alone. It's very fortunate for that cub that the Ute was nearby, although who ever heard of a wolf pack sheltering a cougar? "Odds bobs, what IS normal about this place?" the girl blurts out, then bites her tongue as she remembers her audience. She's gotten so used to talking to herself outloud in the wild. "I can hunt alright," she says to Wyanet. "I've been catching rats and squirrels for myself every day for a long time."
Survivor draws his muzzle taut ... mate? He knows better than to ask, but wonders if the next litter of pups actually born to the pack will be hers and his. He chuckle-wuffs at Hahtalekin. "I thought there was already a cougar being looked after by Ute, a blind one? Or does the Alphess keep him to herself?" Come to think of it, Survivor hasn't actually seen that cougar, though he's caught residual scents on Skela, so at least he knows its real -- not that he even slightly distrusts the Alphess. He smiles to the pup. "Ute is a place of love and peace," he says. He's been in the packlands for less than a full moon, but has strong impressions of what it is about. "The kind and warmhearted, the tolerant and forgiving, and ... those in need of peace and love."
"Oh yeah.. love and peace. I'm full of that." Wyanet says with an amused grin on her face as she keeps herself leaned back against the chest of Haht', her demeanor noticeably calmer now that the black male is around. Her head rubs up along his chin, and jawline slowly for a moment, softly rumbling. "But yes, Ute is a place for second, and sometime third chances. Skelaghe has a heart of gold. She's worth every breath I take here. I'd follow her into the sun if she asked me." She wags her tail back, and forth behind her as she reflects upon her pack sister. "So, Siwa.. you're about the same age as Skelaghe's pups." Oh boy. A gleam fills her eyes as she lifts her ears up. "I should introduce you to my favorite puppy, Ciqala. He's as sweet as honey."
And it is at this moment a rather large wolf satarts lumbering in from the Clover Lawn, one ear lain against his head, the other perked, eyes lidded, though one is distinctly lacking a pupil as he watches over those speaking from their places. Haht... Wyanet... the Survivor he'd met a bit ago... And others he wasn't acquainted with as of yet. The wolf is rather silent, emitting a darker aura than he usually does, seeming... tense. And moving slowly, a true lumbering session torwards the group.
Hahtalekin tilts his head towards Survivor, "Really? Hm, well, I'm not one to be kept in the loop of the gossips and secrets, I'm generally too impatient for them anyway. But, like I said, as long as I don't find a cat chewing on my face when I wake up in the morning, than I'll leave a wolf to their business. Who am I to tell someone what to do with their free time? As long as it's not bringing harm to the pack, of course, than I'll be having some words." An ear flicks at Wyanet's words to Siwa, and he slants his mate a sideways glance. "...oh no. I know that look. Leave be, Wya'. The poor girl looks ready to jump out of her fur and you're trying to meddle." The arrival of Kezu doesn't go unnoticed, and there's the subtle turn of an ear in the direction of the lumbering giant.
Siwa is quiet as she considers what the adults say. A place of second chances.. Love and peace.. "No wonder they led me here," she murmurs to herself, casting a surreptitious glance at the creek that tumbles noisily in the distance. That's just what she needs, a second chance. A chance to forget the past and never to think of the horrible truth again. She glances around as Kezu enters, and his sheer presence elicts a wide-eyed look of wonder from the girl, but almost immediately her attention goes back to Wyanet - also a distinctly commanding presence. Her furious blush is mercifully hidden by her fur. A meek glance is thrown to Hahtalekin as he speaks up for her, and Siwa's nervousness subsides. Aw. Crush! <3
Survivor gazes at Kezu as he approaches as well. Survivor looks back toward the hills, wanting to be with the cougar cub, but he knows the pack's sitters would call if there was trouble. Survivor shakes his head, trying not to worry ... more than worrying, though, he's quickly becoming attached to the cub, who still hasn't given his name, if he's even old enough to speak. He looks to Haht and woofs, "I do not think you need worry about that, not from the cubs in the care of Ute anyhow." Turning to the pup, he asks, with his head tilted in a look of curiosity, "Where /did/ you come from?"
"I'm not meddling! Just trying to help her make new friends." Wyanet says with a grin up towards Haht', leaning upwards to nip at his muzzle playfully, before letting out a soft huff. She looks amused for a moment in her thoughts, as if something hilarious just crossed her mind. "Yes, where -is- here.. and who led you?" She asks the younger pup as she tilts her head to one side. Turning her attention over towards Kezu, she rumbles in his direction, motioning with her head to come join them as she gives the large black wolf a smile. "Siwa, this is Kezu, Haht's brother. He's huge, huh?"
A flickering of ears, Kezu looking torwards the group, catching the motion of Wyanet, before approaching. Step, after step, each one seeming heavier than the last, before he comes to rest his mass slightly behind Haht and Wya... giving each a single lick upon the head, before looking over Siwa, his eyes lidded, focused... and he bows his head, smiling softly, hunched over slightly behind the talkative pair, like a looming guard tower over a castle.
Hahtalekin gives his head a shake at the nip to his muzzle, slanting a glance to Wyanet that gleams with just a hint of mischief, though, he's soon put back on the look of perfectly innocent professionalism as he turns to nibble the fur on his ruffled shoulder back into place, though one can pick out his murmur of, "...he's just full of hot air, really.. s'why he's so big." But soon enough he looks up to regard his brother properly, though one would be hard-pressed to mark them as kin with their marked differences. The silence of the large wolf is noted and then responded to with a sharp, noisy snort. "Oh, you're pulling one of these again? Oh this'll be grand. How long did it take me last time to get you to talk? About a week or so?"
Siwa yawns widely, the effect of a full belly and glances toward the stump she's been sleeping by. Suppose if she's going to truly give in and try to join this odd pack, she may as well start by following them to their sleeping place. Though that would involve having someone actually SHOW her where that is, which necessitates waiting until someone apart from her gets sleepy. Sigh. Again Kezu draws her eyes and she offers him a reluctant smile, the first that she's offered anyone since appearing on Ute territory. But suddenly, her blue-green eyes snap wide and dart to Survivor. When Wyanet seconds the male's question, Siwa bypasses alarmed and goes straight to panicked. "Nothing No where!" she cries, her voice trembling as it rises through a whole octave. "I don't- I don't know what you're talking about!"
Survivor cocks his head back, and tilts it to the opposite angle it had been before. "Its okay, Siwa ... I didn't mean to scare you with my question." Looking around, he looks back to her, then puts himself back down to a lay. "Is Skelaghe the only Ute member you feel safe around?" he asks, thinking maybe she was freaking out by so many unfamiliar wolves about.
Quirking a brow upwards as Siwa suddenly gets borderline hysterical, Wyanet doesn't seem too amused, or convinced. "Well, you didn't just fall out of the sky, but, if you aren't comfortable talking about it, then don't. Long as you aren't bringing any danger behind you." She says as she turns her head around to peer up at Kezu who is standing behind them. "Hey, what's wrong with you tonight? You look stressed out about something." She raises an ear upwards. "You gonna tell us, or just brood?"
Kezu lowers one ear, quirking a brow to Haht... and giving a sly grin, his eyes narrowing, before Wyanet's words entrap him, his tail raising for a moment... before he shakes his head, and licks her nose, smiling quite charmingly torwards her... before his brows waggle, gaze then shifting over to Siwa, closing his eyes as he motions, and takes a deep breath. "... Calm." And he goes silent once more.
Hahtalekin turns his gaze down to Siwa and her panic, the black wolf murmuring a 'See?' aside to Wyanet before he looks down to the juvenile. He regards the younger with a solemn expression, though one that suggests he's not ignorant to some of her feelings. "Peace, little one. We all have our stories, some harder than others." He tips up his chin, letting the deep, ragged scar across his neck be clearly seen, just to help make a point. "You're free to tell yours when you feel ready, we'll be here to listen. Just, don't be afraid to let us know if you're in danger, alright? And not just to protect the pack, but you too."
All she can hear few moments is the sound of her own blood pounding in her ears. This is it, they're going to demand to know. Then, after they hear - after they know - they'll drive her away. Or worse, if they chose. There's so much worse they could do. Siwa trembles all over. She's quite close to legitimate hysterics when Kezu's movements make her look toward him. His words - well, word - have a profound effect on her. She squeaks in surprise and stops shaking, her eyes locked on his. Then she swallows and looks down, letting out a slow breath through her nostrils. When Hahtalekin speaks, the softness and sincerity of his words calm her further though at this point her composure is gone. She's only a little girl, after all. Tears slide quietly down her cheeks to be lost in her fur, and all she can do is nod.
Survivor steps into the pup, nuzzling her and licking tenderly at her muzzle. "Hey, its okay ... please ... no one here is going to hurt you, I promise you!" he woofs.
As the girl starts to cry, Wyanet lets out a soft breath, staring up at the sky for a moment. Was she ever this dramalicious? With a chuff towards the child, she leans forward and butts her muzzle up against the girl, followed by a slurp between her ears. "Hey, c'mon. Haht' and I will take you to the den, and you can get some rest with the other puppies, alright? It looks like you could use some shut eye." She says, then turns her head around to face Kezu for a moment. Leaning forward, she gives him a quick kiss, followed by a smile as she rumbles, "Maybe we can talk tomorrow, alright?" She asks, then pushes up against Haht' as she looks to lead him, and hopefully the child off for a evening of slumber.