Post by maka on Jan 29, 2010 15:38:25 GMT -5
Curling Creek
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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.
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Maka, Female Adolescent Wolf (Ute Member)
Bodhi, Male Wolf
Skelaghe, Female Wolf (Ute Alpha)
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The tall grasses that make up the fringe areas around the creek make for the perfect hiding spot. The sound of burbling water neatly disguises stealthy pawsteps as Maka crouches, amber eyes peering through the reeds as she edges closer to an unsuspecting hare. Her ears flatten, her tail tucks, and her rear end gives the smallest of wiggles before the young hunter launches. It's over in a matter of seconds as the little white bunny is neatly dispatched in the girl's jaws. Triumphant, a grin spreads on her face as she gives a somewhat childish hop with her tail wagging behind her - a victory dance. She seems quite absorbed in her prize, settling down in a laying position to start her meal.
Bodhi having caught sight of the young huntress as he explores this newfound land decided to stalk her as she in turn stalked something else; his lips twisting into a sly grin as he enjoys this small game. His head cocking slightly to the side as he watches her prepare then after a sucessfull kill, the victory dance "Well hunted young one; I couldn't have done it better myself if I tried" a soft chuckle escaping his lips "You must have had an good teacher."
Maka's ears perk and her head lifts almost as soon as the unfamiliar voice speaks. Her ears fold back defensively at first, not recognising the stranger as Ute and obviously not all that comfortable with the idea of outsiders around her kill, small as it is. The time spend 'wild' without a pack has her heckles rising. With her mouth half-full, the girl struggles to chew and swollow quickly and ends up giving one barking cough before she manages to find her voice. Surprise marks her tones, "Wh-Who're you?" She asks, seeming to realize that his comments aren't exactly threatening. "You aren't Ute." Her nose twitches, as if affirming her words by scent alone. "What are you doing here?" Apparently, the compliment is nearly forgotten in her surprise.
Bodhi can't help but laugh softly as he dips his head "I am Bodhi; formerly of the Lazuli at your service" his own mannerism quite laid back and relaxed in contrast to Makas "and i was simply exploring since my den is quite near here. I decided it was about time i actually went over the creek" his voice halting for a few seconds as something the young female said seem to register in his brain and he wracks it to recall the details "Wait; did you say you where of the Ute?" his head tilting the other way "Would you by any chance know somebody called Skelaghe then?"
"Lazuli?" Maka's ears tilt forward, the initial defensive response beginning to fade as she stands more upright on her feet. Even so, she keeps her kill behind her forepaws, just incase this might be a ruse to steal her half-eaten hare. "That's one of the other packs nearby, isn't it?" Her nose twitches, and her voice sounds uncertain of this. Still, the girl bobs her head slightly, seeming to accept the dark wolf's words. "Skelaghe is the Ute alpha. My sister Wyanet is beta." Although the other wolf is obviously older, larger, and an outsider, Maka doesn't show any of the usual signs of fear or agression. "I'm Maka." She inclines her head slightly, tail swishing easily behind her.
Bodhi dips his head respectfully as the female introduces herself; his own tail starting to swish happily behind him at her words "An honor to meet you Maka; and i must say i am quite happy to hear that Skelaghe has managed to achieve one of her dreams" his voice sounding quite happy as he settles down to watch her "Feel free to finish eating your kill; more food and energy is always wise afterall." brows furrowing slightly as he takes a deep breath "And you are correct in that the Lazuli is one of the other packs in the area, tho some distance from here these days." his gaze turning in the direction of the oasis "There are days i still miss them i must admit."
Maka gives a momentary glance down to her kill, weighing if it were safe to continue to eat or not. Eventually, she decides that this one doesn't seem to be a threat. So, the young wolf settles herself once again, shifting the hare into her paws. "She dreampt of being an alpha?" Somehow, this doesn't quite match up with her image of Skelaghe, and thus it lends a flicker of confusion to the girl's face. "If you miss them, why don't you go back there?" It seems like a logical enough suggestion. Maka lowers her head and continues to eat, although she does pause slightly, licking at her muzzle. "If you do plan on lingering nearby, though, you'd be best talking to her. Some are pretty protective of the pack and not quite so friendly to outsiders." Her tail sways, and then settles.
Bodhi shakes his head and grins for a moment before letting it return to his more permanent calm smile "no; i don't think she had dreams of being an alpha, but i do recall her speaking fondly of the Ute a number of times when i saw her in the past; which made me think she would like to see it prospering again which i guess it is even if not the original one" one of his lips quirking as he shakes his head "the times i visited my old packlands nobody was ever awake; and there are only so many times one wishes to return to the same situation before it becomes to much for one" his voice somewhat sad as he recalls the past before shaking his head hard as to dispell such emotions "I will make sure to seek out Skel tho since it sounds like i have a lot of catching up to do"
Maka's head tilts from side to side, her mind obviously working as she tries to piece together what this wolf is telling her with the image of Ute that she's formed in her limited time as a member of the pack. Rather than saying anything right away, she chews thoughtfully, one ear flicking as a low-passing bug comes too close to it. "I've only heard of Lazuli from my sister and the rest of the pack. I'm afraid I don't know anything about their current state." Her shoulders shrug in an indifferent way. "But I could send a howl if you'd like, see if Skelaghe will answer. If it's catching up you want, I'm the last one to ask." A small laugh builds in the girl's chest. "I only arrived a few weeks ago. I'm hardly an Ute expert."
Bodhi dips his head slightly "If you wish to call for Skelaghe then be my guest; tho i must admit i am quite happy with your company as is" his voice having regained its soft and cheerfull tone as his tail resumes it swishing "In all honesty just talking to another wolf is a very nice change for me" his lips quirking into a slight grin as he watches Maka "so i will leave the choice to you."
It doesn't take long for the last of the decent meat to be stripped from the hare in Maka's paws, so the girl gives the bones a few last licks before rising to her feet. She murmurs something quietly under her breath, like some quiet prayer, before lifting her eyes again to Bodhi. "Well, it's not really my call on who comes and goes around Ute. No way am I getting myself in trouble if you're some outsider she doesn't like and you're just conning me or something." Maka smirks a little, but at least her words show she has some smarts in that fuzzy brain of her's. "So, regardless of how wonderful a conversationalist I might be, I think I'll give a howl and see if someone ranking has a say about you." She peers at him closely again for a moment, and then leans back, letting loose a howl.
Bodhi gives a wry smirk in return before surveying the area to see if anybody responds.
The howl echos for a time, leaving silence behind in its wake. When no reply comes, Maka is left a little bit at a loss. Perhaps they were out on a hunt, or otherwise busy? Hrm. Confusion lingers across her brows, but eventually gives way to a roll of her eyes. "Hmm." A bit of a laugh builds up again in the girl's chest as she shakes her shaggy head from side to side. "Guess we won't get an answer right now. So I'll just have to do the job." She straitens a little, and attempts to look bigger, which fails miserably. "So, until you get permission from an alpha or a beta, you're not to go to the lands East of here, got it?" She attempts to sound firm, but the amusement playing in Maka's eyes gives away the fact that she's not exactly in charge.
Bodhi quirks a brow at the lack of response to the howl then manages to resist grinning when she speaks, his head dipping in acknowledgment; his mannerism moving in opposition to hers as he tries to seem more subservient and submissive then normal "As you command great huntress, your wish is my command" his voice turning quite meek and soft as he replies; tho as with Maka his eyes show great amusement at this 'charade'.
"Good." Maka says with her best attempt at a firm voice, bobbing her head up and down. However, that's just about the time when an itch strikes her and the young wolf ends up flopping unceremoniously to her rump, leaning over, and scratching at it like mad with her back leg. The image of a wolf commanding respect... Maka certainly is not ... at least not yet. "Someone snuck past the borrrder through our omega recentttttly." Her voice studders as she scratches. "So we'vvve got to be carrreeful."
And as Maka starts to scratch like mad bodhi can't belp but grin and chuckle softly at the quick change from 'intimidating huntress' to 'amusing youth' "Being carefull is always an good idea; tho if i had wanted to enter deeper within the lands earlier i would obviously have bypassed you rather then following to see how your hunting went" his voice retaining some of his amusement " and do you need any help with that itch?" His head giving a slight twitch as he resists the urge to scratch himself even tho he has no need to do so.
"Even if you got past me, you wouldn't have gotten past the others." Maka replies, finally finishing with her relieving scratch. With a sigh, she shakes her head and neck out, little bits of wolf-fluff floating to the ground in the process. "And I'm sure my sister wouldn't be too happy to hear about someone sneaking around trying to get into the lands." Somehow, the thought of what Wyanet would say to such a thing brings a bemused look to Maka's face. "So, it's better that you didn't, and don't try it. Besides, I'm pretty fierce when I want to be." She flashes her teeth, but then returns to grinning wolfishly.
Bodhi snickergrins slightly "and i can run very fast when i need to" his nose wrinkling slightly as he surveys the area more out of habit then anything else "And i have no doubt you can be fierce; afterall you have shown yourself to be a fairly competent hunter in that i didn't really see any real flaws during your stalk and pounce" His own grin turning just slightly feral "ofcourse, you could maybe use some training in listening for possible danger"
"I can run very fast, too." Maka replies, holding her head up high as she informs him of this fact. "Fast enough that I'm not so worried about anyone else catching up to me." Her nose twitches, tail swaying back and forth as she seems to be quite enjoying the conversation. "I out ran my former pack's alpha when he tried to follow me leaving." She pauses, ears perked as she glances around, perhaps immitating his way of surveying the area. "But you're right, I should have paid more attention." Licking a bit of red stain off of her muzzle, Maka shrugs her shoulders. "I figured the only wolf I'd run in to out here is that weird black wolf with the strange markings. I heard he left, though."
Bodhi slowly stands up before starting to approach Maka "Well, you were half-right atleast; you did run into a black wolf afterall" his left brow furrowing slightly as he muses "or did i run into you" his head given a quick shake "And from what you are saying you must be quite quick; or your old packs alpha had gotten lazy and complacent" His head cocking slightly to the side "do you mind if i ask how large Skel's pack is?"
"True." Maka replies easily enough, batting her paw at one of the dead hare's ears distractedly. "Although I've seen lots of black wolves before. I just think white and gray ones are prettier." She smirks, shrugging her shoulders once more before starting to paw at the ground lightly with her forepaws. She shifts a bit of dirt to the side even as she addresses Bodhi. "I'm quick. And he couldn't go too far away from the pack or he'd risk someone else trying to usurp him." The idea of that, seems to appeal to her, even as she shakes her head in answer to his question. "Big enough. You can understand why I can't tell you that, right?"
Bodhi dips his head and he chuckles "Indeed i can; i could afterall be a hostile spy seeking a weak pack by trying to charm information from you" Slowly starting to circle Maka as he reaches up to her "so your vagueness speaks well of your intelligence and wisdom." a slight nod of his head as he stops alongside her "and your form shows you speaks truly about your speed, not that i really doupted your words as i'm fairly sure one of Skelaghe's rules would involve being honorable and truthfull" the information of her former alpha given a nod and shrug as its not really relevant tho he quirks his lips slightly at a stray thought.
"Charm information?" Maka seems amused by the thought, throwing her muzzle up in the air a little bit while managing to only laugh a little bit. "Talk to my sister. She's the one who likes to charm and be charmed." It seems as if she might want to say something else, but holds her tongue, chest heaving with contained laughter. "As for rules, well... I was told I had to respect the laws of Ute, and the land and animals who live here. Beyond that..." She shrugs her shoulders once. "I technically don't even know what the laws of Ute are, but unless I accidentally step on one, I'm probably okay." She doesn't seem at all bothered by his circling, or his approach, almost as if she were fearless when it came to encountering strangers.
Bodhi dips his head slightly as he lies down alongside her and as suchshowing some trust in that his neck would be within easy reach for her "Aaah, that sounds fairly similar to the attitude i had with the laws of the Lazuli" a soft chuckle escaping his lips "would you be willing to tell me of your sister tho since you have mentioned her a few times?" his voice idle as his tail swishes the ground behind him in happy contentment. His head cocking slightly as he looks up at her face.
"I wouldn't know if they are similar or different." For the time being, Maka remains sitting, still pawing a little hole in the ground in the process. Once it's sufficiently deep enough, though, she noses the remains of the rabbit into it and starts to scoop dirt back over it into a neat little mound. "Wyanet." She says the name with a nod. "She's beta here. Looks kind of like me, but biger, louder, brasher. She's got a wicked keen mind, and knows how to wrap males around her little digit." There is obvious respect in the younger wolf's tones when talking about her sister, even if some of the adjectives she uses aren't necessarily flattering.
Bodhi grins slyly "Sounds like somebody i would have fun matching wits against; assuming we get along obviously" wrinkles his nose "which again assumes i'd be permitted to hang around here but i don't really consider that a problem since i already knew Skel from before she became an alpha." his gaze turning slightly to the sky "Of the two of you tho; i think i'd likely get along better with you since you sound more laid back and relaxed which i prefer over loud and brash"
"Oh, I'm sure she'll have fun with you." Maka replies, amusement showing in her eyes after her little ritual of burying her kill is finished. Just what sort of 'fun' her sister would have, of course, is left to interpretation. "Well, I can't speak for the alpha or any of the others. The wolf with the weird marks was supposedly a son of the previous alpha male, and he wasn't let in at first." How exactly that works, is beyond Maka, and the confusion shows in the slight curling of her tail and the set of her brows. "We're two sides of the same sort of magic, Wya and I. Always have been. There can't be two of the same personalities in any family. Otherwise they'd rub each other the wrong way too much."
Bodhi muses toughtfully "Some might possibly view the marked one as a possible threat due to being the son of the old alpha" a slight shrug of his shoulders "whereas i would likely only be known as one who loves to wander which is a much smaller risk" a slight nod of his head at her words "Tho you are correct; its fairly normal to get some rivalries when two in a family is quite similar; tho i wouldn't know to much about that personally" his brows furrowing for a split second before they start to twinkle slightly "I hope you will introduce me to your sister sometimes tho as this sounds like an meeting that will one of two things; a total disaster or quite fun"
"No clue." Maka replies, stretching her paws out infront of her and arching her back a little into the motion. "I seemed to have missed part of the fun. The old alpha male apparently got into it with my sister or something, and then went nuts, left, and died. At least, that's the closest I can come to figuring out what happened." As usual, she doesn't sound quite certain of what she's saying, bits and pieces put together from things she's seen or heard. "It's all terribly confusing, let me tell you." As she finishes her stretch, she settles down with a comfortable distance between her and Bodhi. "As for Wyanet... Stick around. You'll meet her sooner or later."
Bodhi dips his head slightly as he frowns and surveys the area again "Hmm, still no reply to your howl and no patrols" his nose wrinkling slightly "seems somewhat lax; tho i guess they might have scented you in the area and are simply checking other areas knowing you would be giving a howl of warning or somesuch if danger approaches." Shrugs slightly "Meh; no business of mine anyhow but old habits die hard i guess" his gaze looking over at Maka "i will make sure to stay around until i have met both Wyanet and Skelaghe"
"This is really beyond the boundaries of the pack's lands." Maka explains with a shake of her head. "It's quite possible that other things are keeping them. You aren't the center of the universe you know." The girl teases, thwaping the ground with her fluffy tail. "Besides, I didn't exactly give a howl of alarm. I'd rather not have them come in here teeth bared and fur flying."
Other things, like the many children is Skelaghe's life, her own and others. Still, as soon as she was able, she left the area around her den to find the source of the howl, so near her territory. True, there didn't seem to be any alarm behind the sound, but certainly trouble has visited them often enough that she should not ignore the possibility of more. Her pace is not too fast as she approaches the creek.
Bodhi chuckles softly and dips his head "I concur; if they all came here teeth barred and fur flying i think i would have likely made a very bad first impression on them" his lips quirking slightly "as for the center of the universe; its hard to know; you could afterall just be a figment of my imagenation in one of my dreams" his voice humored before going silent as his ears perk, whatever else he was about to say lost "somebody is approaching" his gaze surveying the area as if trying to center on the source of the sound
"If I'm a figment of your imagination, then you should stop eating funny things in the forest." Maka replies with a snort, showing that this particular figment at least has a sense of humor. Her ears happen to catch the sound of the approach a moment before Bodhi's, showing that she isn't totally unobservant. Pushing herself to her feet, the young wolf pads a bit away from the outsider to meet up with the arriving alpha. "Skelaghe." She says with a motion of her head over her shoulder. "This wolf says he is formerly from Lazuli and that he knows you? I told him to not head near our lands until he had a chance to speak to you." See, good guard do--err, wolf. Guard wolf.
"Maka." Her simple greeting to the young wolfess is said in a kind tone. Then, she looks to the male. It takes a moment for her to recognize who he is. It has, after all, been a couple years since she saw him last. Certainly, Skelaghe has changed some, in the meantime. The recognition comes, though. "Bodhi." His name is said with a smile, though she remains far more reserved than the last time they met. Though she has made great progress, she is simply not as relaxed, physically, as she once was. "It is wonderful to see you again, friend."
Bodhi slowly stands up and dips his head respectfully to Skelaghe; while much like it always used to be its also deeper and more respectfull due to her change in status "As its an pleasure to see you again Skelaghe" his tail swishing behind him happily as he retains his relaxed and content stance "I can't believe you have been this close for so long tho without me finding out" his tone seeming to chide himself before he shakes his head "especially with a whole pack making noise; in which regards i must offer my congratulations"
With the pack's alpha now present, Maka side-steps a little to stay out of the way, allowing a clear line of sight between Skelaghe and Bodhi. She settles to her haunches, black tail-tip twitching against the ground. The ease that the girl had previously seems to fade a bit, perhaps due to the alpha's present and a need to not make too much of an arse of herself in her new family.
Skelaghe keeps an eye on Maka, to make sure she does not need Skelaghe for something, but otherwise, she is happy to catch up with her old friend. "We have kept to ourselves for some time. Thank you, though." Skelaghe's reserved nature has absolutely nothing to do with her position in this pack. Not with Bodhi. Though she does not get too near, once they begin speaking, she sits, to keep this casual. "How have you been?"
(To be continued...)
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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.
===========================================================================
Maka, Female Adolescent Wolf (Ute Member)
Bodhi, Male Wolf
Skelaghe, Female Wolf (Ute Alpha)
-----
The tall grasses that make up the fringe areas around the creek make for the perfect hiding spot. The sound of burbling water neatly disguises stealthy pawsteps as Maka crouches, amber eyes peering through the reeds as she edges closer to an unsuspecting hare. Her ears flatten, her tail tucks, and her rear end gives the smallest of wiggles before the young hunter launches. It's over in a matter of seconds as the little white bunny is neatly dispatched in the girl's jaws. Triumphant, a grin spreads on her face as she gives a somewhat childish hop with her tail wagging behind her - a victory dance. She seems quite absorbed in her prize, settling down in a laying position to start her meal.
Bodhi having caught sight of the young huntress as he explores this newfound land decided to stalk her as she in turn stalked something else; his lips twisting into a sly grin as he enjoys this small game. His head cocking slightly to the side as he watches her prepare then after a sucessfull kill, the victory dance "Well hunted young one; I couldn't have done it better myself if I tried" a soft chuckle escaping his lips "You must have had an good teacher."
Maka's ears perk and her head lifts almost as soon as the unfamiliar voice speaks. Her ears fold back defensively at first, not recognising the stranger as Ute and obviously not all that comfortable with the idea of outsiders around her kill, small as it is. The time spend 'wild' without a pack has her heckles rising. With her mouth half-full, the girl struggles to chew and swollow quickly and ends up giving one barking cough before she manages to find her voice. Surprise marks her tones, "Wh-Who're you?" She asks, seeming to realize that his comments aren't exactly threatening. "You aren't Ute." Her nose twitches, as if affirming her words by scent alone. "What are you doing here?" Apparently, the compliment is nearly forgotten in her surprise.
Bodhi can't help but laugh softly as he dips his head "I am Bodhi; formerly of the Lazuli at your service" his own mannerism quite laid back and relaxed in contrast to Makas "and i was simply exploring since my den is quite near here. I decided it was about time i actually went over the creek" his voice halting for a few seconds as something the young female said seem to register in his brain and he wracks it to recall the details "Wait; did you say you where of the Ute?" his head tilting the other way "Would you by any chance know somebody called Skelaghe then?"
"Lazuli?" Maka's ears tilt forward, the initial defensive response beginning to fade as she stands more upright on her feet. Even so, she keeps her kill behind her forepaws, just incase this might be a ruse to steal her half-eaten hare. "That's one of the other packs nearby, isn't it?" Her nose twitches, and her voice sounds uncertain of this. Still, the girl bobs her head slightly, seeming to accept the dark wolf's words. "Skelaghe is the Ute alpha. My sister Wyanet is beta." Although the other wolf is obviously older, larger, and an outsider, Maka doesn't show any of the usual signs of fear or agression. "I'm Maka." She inclines her head slightly, tail swishing easily behind her.
Bodhi dips his head respectfully as the female introduces herself; his own tail starting to swish happily behind him at her words "An honor to meet you Maka; and i must say i am quite happy to hear that Skelaghe has managed to achieve one of her dreams" his voice sounding quite happy as he settles down to watch her "Feel free to finish eating your kill; more food and energy is always wise afterall." brows furrowing slightly as he takes a deep breath "And you are correct in that the Lazuli is one of the other packs in the area, tho some distance from here these days." his gaze turning in the direction of the oasis "There are days i still miss them i must admit."
Maka gives a momentary glance down to her kill, weighing if it were safe to continue to eat or not. Eventually, she decides that this one doesn't seem to be a threat. So, the young wolf settles herself once again, shifting the hare into her paws. "She dreampt of being an alpha?" Somehow, this doesn't quite match up with her image of Skelaghe, and thus it lends a flicker of confusion to the girl's face. "If you miss them, why don't you go back there?" It seems like a logical enough suggestion. Maka lowers her head and continues to eat, although she does pause slightly, licking at her muzzle. "If you do plan on lingering nearby, though, you'd be best talking to her. Some are pretty protective of the pack and not quite so friendly to outsiders." Her tail sways, and then settles.
Bodhi shakes his head and grins for a moment before letting it return to his more permanent calm smile "no; i don't think she had dreams of being an alpha, but i do recall her speaking fondly of the Ute a number of times when i saw her in the past; which made me think she would like to see it prospering again which i guess it is even if not the original one" one of his lips quirking as he shakes his head "the times i visited my old packlands nobody was ever awake; and there are only so many times one wishes to return to the same situation before it becomes to much for one" his voice somewhat sad as he recalls the past before shaking his head hard as to dispell such emotions "I will make sure to seek out Skel tho since it sounds like i have a lot of catching up to do"
Maka's head tilts from side to side, her mind obviously working as she tries to piece together what this wolf is telling her with the image of Ute that she's formed in her limited time as a member of the pack. Rather than saying anything right away, she chews thoughtfully, one ear flicking as a low-passing bug comes too close to it. "I've only heard of Lazuli from my sister and the rest of the pack. I'm afraid I don't know anything about their current state." Her shoulders shrug in an indifferent way. "But I could send a howl if you'd like, see if Skelaghe will answer. If it's catching up you want, I'm the last one to ask." A small laugh builds in the girl's chest. "I only arrived a few weeks ago. I'm hardly an Ute expert."
Bodhi dips his head slightly "If you wish to call for Skelaghe then be my guest; tho i must admit i am quite happy with your company as is" his voice having regained its soft and cheerfull tone as his tail resumes it swishing "In all honesty just talking to another wolf is a very nice change for me" his lips quirking into a slight grin as he watches Maka "so i will leave the choice to you."
It doesn't take long for the last of the decent meat to be stripped from the hare in Maka's paws, so the girl gives the bones a few last licks before rising to her feet. She murmurs something quietly under her breath, like some quiet prayer, before lifting her eyes again to Bodhi. "Well, it's not really my call on who comes and goes around Ute. No way am I getting myself in trouble if you're some outsider she doesn't like and you're just conning me or something." Maka smirks a little, but at least her words show she has some smarts in that fuzzy brain of her's. "So, regardless of how wonderful a conversationalist I might be, I think I'll give a howl and see if someone ranking has a say about you." She peers at him closely again for a moment, and then leans back, letting loose a howl.
Bodhi gives a wry smirk in return before surveying the area to see if anybody responds.
The howl echos for a time, leaving silence behind in its wake. When no reply comes, Maka is left a little bit at a loss. Perhaps they were out on a hunt, or otherwise busy? Hrm. Confusion lingers across her brows, but eventually gives way to a roll of her eyes. "Hmm." A bit of a laugh builds up again in the girl's chest as she shakes her shaggy head from side to side. "Guess we won't get an answer right now. So I'll just have to do the job." She straitens a little, and attempts to look bigger, which fails miserably. "So, until you get permission from an alpha or a beta, you're not to go to the lands East of here, got it?" She attempts to sound firm, but the amusement playing in Maka's eyes gives away the fact that she's not exactly in charge.
Bodhi quirks a brow at the lack of response to the howl then manages to resist grinning when she speaks, his head dipping in acknowledgment; his mannerism moving in opposition to hers as he tries to seem more subservient and submissive then normal "As you command great huntress, your wish is my command" his voice turning quite meek and soft as he replies; tho as with Maka his eyes show great amusement at this 'charade'.
"Good." Maka says with her best attempt at a firm voice, bobbing her head up and down. However, that's just about the time when an itch strikes her and the young wolf ends up flopping unceremoniously to her rump, leaning over, and scratching at it like mad with her back leg. The image of a wolf commanding respect... Maka certainly is not ... at least not yet. "Someone snuck past the borrrder through our omega recentttttly." Her voice studders as she scratches. "So we'vvve got to be carrreeful."
And as Maka starts to scratch like mad bodhi can't belp but grin and chuckle softly at the quick change from 'intimidating huntress' to 'amusing youth' "Being carefull is always an good idea; tho if i had wanted to enter deeper within the lands earlier i would obviously have bypassed you rather then following to see how your hunting went" his voice retaining some of his amusement " and do you need any help with that itch?" His head giving a slight twitch as he resists the urge to scratch himself even tho he has no need to do so.
"Even if you got past me, you wouldn't have gotten past the others." Maka replies, finally finishing with her relieving scratch. With a sigh, she shakes her head and neck out, little bits of wolf-fluff floating to the ground in the process. "And I'm sure my sister wouldn't be too happy to hear about someone sneaking around trying to get into the lands." Somehow, the thought of what Wyanet would say to such a thing brings a bemused look to Maka's face. "So, it's better that you didn't, and don't try it. Besides, I'm pretty fierce when I want to be." She flashes her teeth, but then returns to grinning wolfishly.
Bodhi snickergrins slightly "and i can run very fast when i need to" his nose wrinkling slightly as he surveys the area more out of habit then anything else "And i have no doubt you can be fierce; afterall you have shown yourself to be a fairly competent hunter in that i didn't really see any real flaws during your stalk and pounce" His own grin turning just slightly feral "ofcourse, you could maybe use some training in listening for possible danger"
"I can run very fast, too." Maka replies, holding her head up high as she informs him of this fact. "Fast enough that I'm not so worried about anyone else catching up to me." Her nose twitches, tail swaying back and forth as she seems to be quite enjoying the conversation. "I out ran my former pack's alpha when he tried to follow me leaving." She pauses, ears perked as she glances around, perhaps immitating his way of surveying the area. "But you're right, I should have paid more attention." Licking a bit of red stain off of her muzzle, Maka shrugs her shoulders. "I figured the only wolf I'd run in to out here is that weird black wolf with the strange markings. I heard he left, though."
Bodhi slowly stands up before starting to approach Maka "Well, you were half-right atleast; you did run into a black wolf afterall" his left brow furrowing slightly as he muses "or did i run into you" his head given a quick shake "And from what you are saying you must be quite quick; or your old packs alpha had gotten lazy and complacent" His head cocking slightly to the side "do you mind if i ask how large Skel's pack is?"
"True." Maka replies easily enough, batting her paw at one of the dead hare's ears distractedly. "Although I've seen lots of black wolves before. I just think white and gray ones are prettier." She smirks, shrugging her shoulders once more before starting to paw at the ground lightly with her forepaws. She shifts a bit of dirt to the side even as she addresses Bodhi. "I'm quick. And he couldn't go too far away from the pack or he'd risk someone else trying to usurp him." The idea of that, seems to appeal to her, even as she shakes her head in answer to his question. "Big enough. You can understand why I can't tell you that, right?"
Bodhi dips his head and he chuckles "Indeed i can; i could afterall be a hostile spy seeking a weak pack by trying to charm information from you" Slowly starting to circle Maka as he reaches up to her "so your vagueness speaks well of your intelligence and wisdom." a slight nod of his head as he stops alongside her "and your form shows you speaks truly about your speed, not that i really doupted your words as i'm fairly sure one of Skelaghe's rules would involve being honorable and truthfull" the information of her former alpha given a nod and shrug as its not really relevant tho he quirks his lips slightly at a stray thought.
"Charm information?" Maka seems amused by the thought, throwing her muzzle up in the air a little bit while managing to only laugh a little bit. "Talk to my sister. She's the one who likes to charm and be charmed." It seems as if she might want to say something else, but holds her tongue, chest heaving with contained laughter. "As for rules, well... I was told I had to respect the laws of Ute, and the land and animals who live here. Beyond that..." She shrugs her shoulders once. "I technically don't even know what the laws of Ute are, but unless I accidentally step on one, I'm probably okay." She doesn't seem at all bothered by his circling, or his approach, almost as if she were fearless when it came to encountering strangers.
Bodhi dips his head slightly as he lies down alongside her and as suchshowing some trust in that his neck would be within easy reach for her "Aaah, that sounds fairly similar to the attitude i had with the laws of the Lazuli" a soft chuckle escaping his lips "would you be willing to tell me of your sister tho since you have mentioned her a few times?" his voice idle as his tail swishes the ground behind him in happy contentment. His head cocking slightly as he looks up at her face.
"I wouldn't know if they are similar or different." For the time being, Maka remains sitting, still pawing a little hole in the ground in the process. Once it's sufficiently deep enough, though, she noses the remains of the rabbit into it and starts to scoop dirt back over it into a neat little mound. "Wyanet." She says the name with a nod. "She's beta here. Looks kind of like me, but biger, louder, brasher. She's got a wicked keen mind, and knows how to wrap males around her little digit." There is obvious respect in the younger wolf's tones when talking about her sister, even if some of the adjectives she uses aren't necessarily flattering.
Bodhi grins slyly "Sounds like somebody i would have fun matching wits against; assuming we get along obviously" wrinkles his nose "which again assumes i'd be permitted to hang around here but i don't really consider that a problem since i already knew Skel from before she became an alpha." his gaze turning slightly to the sky "Of the two of you tho; i think i'd likely get along better with you since you sound more laid back and relaxed which i prefer over loud and brash"
"Oh, I'm sure she'll have fun with you." Maka replies, amusement showing in her eyes after her little ritual of burying her kill is finished. Just what sort of 'fun' her sister would have, of course, is left to interpretation. "Well, I can't speak for the alpha or any of the others. The wolf with the weird marks was supposedly a son of the previous alpha male, and he wasn't let in at first." How exactly that works, is beyond Maka, and the confusion shows in the slight curling of her tail and the set of her brows. "We're two sides of the same sort of magic, Wya and I. Always have been. There can't be two of the same personalities in any family. Otherwise they'd rub each other the wrong way too much."
Bodhi muses toughtfully "Some might possibly view the marked one as a possible threat due to being the son of the old alpha" a slight shrug of his shoulders "whereas i would likely only be known as one who loves to wander which is a much smaller risk" a slight nod of his head at her words "Tho you are correct; its fairly normal to get some rivalries when two in a family is quite similar; tho i wouldn't know to much about that personally" his brows furrowing for a split second before they start to twinkle slightly "I hope you will introduce me to your sister sometimes tho as this sounds like an meeting that will one of two things; a total disaster or quite fun"
"No clue." Maka replies, stretching her paws out infront of her and arching her back a little into the motion. "I seemed to have missed part of the fun. The old alpha male apparently got into it with my sister or something, and then went nuts, left, and died. At least, that's the closest I can come to figuring out what happened." As usual, she doesn't sound quite certain of what she's saying, bits and pieces put together from things she's seen or heard. "It's all terribly confusing, let me tell you." As she finishes her stretch, she settles down with a comfortable distance between her and Bodhi. "As for Wyanet... Stick around. You'll meet her sooner or later."
Bodhi dips his head slightly as he frowns and surveys the area again "Hmm, still no reply to your howl and no patrols" his nose wrinkling slightly "seems somewhat lax; tho i guess they might have scented you in the area and are simply checking other areas knowing you would be giving a howl of warning or somesuch if danger approaches." Shrugs slightly "Meh; no business of mine anyhow but old habits die hard i guess" his gaze looking over at Maka "i will make sure to stay around until i have met both Wyanet and Skelaghe"
"This is really beyond the boundaries of the pack's lands." Maka explains with a shake of her head. "It's quite possible that other things are keeping them. You aren't the center of the universe you know." The girl teases, thwaping the ground with her fluffy tail. "Besides, I didn't exactly give a howl of alarm. I'd rather not have them come in here teeth bared and fur flying."
Other things, like the many children is Skelaghe's life, her own and others. Still, as soon as she was able, she left the area around her den to find the source of the howl, so near her territory. True, there didn't seem to be any alarm behind the sound, but certainly trouble has visited them often enough that she should not ignore the possibility of more. Her pace is not too fast as she approaches the creek.
Bodhi chuckles softly and dips his head "I concur; if they all came here teeth barred and fur flying i think i would have likely made a very bad first impression on them" his lips quirking slightly "as for the center of the universe; its hard to know; you could afterall just be a figment of my imagenation in one of my dreams" his voice humored before going silent as his ears perk, whatever else he was about to say lost "somebody is approaching" his gaze surveying the area as if trying to center on the source of the sound
"If I'm a figment of your imagination, then you should stop eating funny things in the forest." Maka replies with a snort, showing that this particular figment at least has a sense of humor. Her ears happen to catch the sound of the approach a moment before Bodhi's, showing that she isn't totally unobservant. Pushing herself to her feet, the young wolf pads a bit away from the outsider to meet up with the arriving alpha. "Skelaghe." She says with a motion of her head over her shoulder. "This wolf says he is formerly from Lazuli and that he knows you? I told him to not head near our lands until he had a chance to speak to you." See, good guard do--err, wolf. Guard wolf.
"Maka." Her simple greeting to the young wolfess is said in a kind tone. Then, she looks to the male. It takes a moment for her to recognize who he is. It has, after all, been a couple years since she saw him last. Certainly, Skelaghe has changed some, in the meantime. The recognition comes, though. "Bodhi." His name is said with a smile, though she remains far more reserved than the last time they met. Though she has made great progress, she is simply not as relaxed, physically, as she once was. "It is wonderful to see you again, friend."
Bodhi slowly stands up and dips his head respectfully to Skelaghe; while much like it always used to be its also deeper and more respectfull due to her change in status "As its an pleasure to see you again Skelaghe" his tail swishing behind him happily as he retains his relaxed and content stance "I can't believe you have been this close for so long tho without me finding out" his tone seeming to chide himself before he shakes his head "especially with a whole pack making noise; in which regards i must offer my congratulations"
With the pack's alpha now present, Maka side-steps a little to stay out of the way, allowing a clear line of sight between Skelaghe and Bodhi. She settles to her haunches, black tail-tip twitching against the ground. The ease that the girl had previously seems to fade a bit, perhaps due to the alpha's present and a need to not make too much of an arse of herself in her new family.
Skelaghe keeps an eye on Maka, to make sure she does not need Skelaghe for something, but otherwise, she is happy to catch up with her old friend. "We have kept to ourselves for some time. Thank you, though." Skelaghe's reserved nature has absolutely nothing to do with her position in this pack. Not with Bodhi. Though she does not get too near, once they begin speaking, she sits, to keep this casual. "How have you been?"
(To be continued...)