Post by helaku on Jan 30, 2010 10:30:22 GMT -5
Rowtag - Juvenile Wolfdog.
Siwa - Juvenile Wolf.
Wanageeska - Adolescent Wolf.
Skelaghe - Adult Wolf.
----
Unfortunately, somehow there is a segment of this RP missing where the bear is concerned.
Wanageeska had not entirely left the territory sense his last meeting with Skelaghe. The fog here was nice and thick, partly what kept him from leaving too early. He didn't want to go home, and didn't want to go back, and furthermore he didn't know where to go in general. The young wolf had curled up against a tree and took a few hours to rest, and now he merely watched the fog, contemplating whatever it was someone like him contemplated. Not much. Wan, or more appropriately 'Snow' or 'Snow Eyes', wondered his purpose. What was he to do with his training now? Perhaps he could become a hired wolf in exchange for food.
The reason for Rowtag's presense in the path was obvious. Since meeting his father here months ago, he still has some shreds of hope that he'll meet him again soon, and now that he's grown more.. well, maybe Vincent would be proud of him for it? Whatever the Alsatian might think, the juvenile has long since re-gained his freedom, and this spot is still part of his mother's land. Thus, he is merely sitting in the grass, pawing at some of the passing bugs, as such a habit has become something of a hobby for him. Observing the small insects, watching them, and then squishing them with his large paws. Passes the time, and is rather fun to boot. Though, at times he wishes for somewhat /larger/ prey so that he could practice his hunting skills that undoubtedly need to be honed.
There was, conveniently, larger prey out there. Large. Dark. Eater of careless little pups that wandered away from mother. Not far from where Rowtag tormented poor little insects like a spoiled little brat loomed a large bulk among the fog and trees that in no ways prevented itself from announcing its presence with the breaking of trees and frightening of little animals. Wan, meanwhile, heard the distant ruckus, but paid no mind. No one was howling for attention exactly and thus he went about his thoughts.
Snickering to himself at the sightly piles of dead bugs that were scattered around, the wolfdog's ears perk up at the sounds of something in the trees, louder than normal. Staring ahead, Rowtag remained seated in the grass, paying no mind to it just yet. There were a lot of wolves back home now, he figured that maybe there were just a bunch of them, hunting or something. As a large grasshoper dared to cross the path in front of the juvenile's chest, a paw swept and loudly landed on the ground, a victorious growl heard afterward.
( Amber eyes widening, the little hybrid was at a total loss as far as what to do as soon as the huge bear came lumbering out of the forest in the fashion that it did. A gulp was given, and Rowtag's paws pushed him up as quickly as possible, before he began sprinting off back towards home as fast as his paws could carry him. Ears flattened against his skull and his tail curling inward, it was very, very obvious that he was about as frightened as he'd ever been, but he didn't call out for help just yet. He was a fast, agile little guy. He could outrun that big ol' heap of bear.. right? )
Wanageeska perked up at the blaring roar of the bear. Someone wasn't happy, and he grunted, having to get up from his nice little rest to go see what what happening. The young wolf muttered to himself, sniffing for scents. Low and behold, that young pup of Skelaghe's scent was in the air...and so was the bear. "@#$%" he muttered to himself. That pup really got himself into trouble. As for the bear, he immediately gave charge, as dear Helaku had forewarned, frothing at the mouth as if Rowtag had darted around and kicked it in the rear. This bear, it was not happy. It was hungry, cranky, and thought the pup would be a good snack!
Hearing the roar of the bear again only did more to frighten poor Rowtag, and he nearly took on the role of a prey animal in froze in fright there for a minute.. but he knew better, and he kept on running as fast as his paws would go. Adrenaline was high, but his legs were already burning by the sheer force of pressure he was putting against his limbs; he'd never run this fast in his entire life. But the bear was fast as well, and motivated by anger and hunger. What had Rowtag done? Nothing! There was no time to bark or yelp or whine or anything, and so he just kept on running and running and running..
Wanageeska wasted no time. The bear wouldn't give up chasing Rowtag, and he'd most likely die if no one intervened. He was willing to bet the other Ute were not close enough being as the Foggy Path was not a massively traveled part of the territory. The young wolf darted through the trees and finally caught the vague shape of the bear in pursuit of Rowtag. That was one mean-looking bear, and Wan had seen several in his days but not so up close and not so angry. What had that wolfdog pup done now? Wan shot across the path and through a few shrubs before rounding back with his teeth fullybeared and tail raised. The bear, having not expected such an ambush struggled to come to a stop, and in the cloud of dust, the two stared at each other in silence. Rowtag didn't have to run anymore, just look back and wonder what happened.
..And running, and running.. and all the sudden came a noise of someone /else/ running. Who would it be but the odd wolf himself, the one his mother had started calling 'Snow Eyes,' Wanageeska. Though part of him wanted to keep on running until he was at the safety of the den, the terrified juvenile paused and remained behind Wan' as soon as he saw that his 'big brother' of sorts had run the bear off. Saved his life. Blinking, the dark pup was panting up a storm, his entire body shaking violently with fear and the after-effects of his adrenaline rush, almost ready to collapse. Saying nothing to the older wolf just yet out of not being able to speak, he stared up at him with a completely subordinate body posture, afraid that he would be reprimanded for taunting the bear, which he hadn't done in the least.
Wan ran the bear off. Yes. It had been a stare down match and this bear, for whatever reason, didn't seem too keen on having to fight for the food although it could very well take Wan out to get to Rowtag, though then it would have a bigger meal. As the bear lumbered off, growling its disappointments, Wan looked back at Rowtag, aside from having to breathe after running, quite calm. "Running from a bear will always have it give chase, Rowtag," he said softly. "No one taught you this?"
With his ears still pinned back against his head and still giving the overall terrified look, it took a moment for the juvenile to even consider responding to his pack brother. He had to make sure the bear was gone first.. and as soon as it was, he glanced over to Wan', the whites of his eyes showing, his legs shaking horribly still. "N...No.." he said in practically a whisper, and laid himself down in the grass again with a flop. What would have happened if Wanageeska wasn't there? He would've probably been dead, that's what. Rowtag's voice reappeared with the sound of a few post-traumatic whines, burying his muzzle into the grass and pulling his paws onto his face in embarassment, but saying nothing.
"You need to breathe," he said, his tone remaining soft. "I did not hear anything indicating you tempted or taunted the bear. However, you are a fortunate pup that I was here. Your packmates would have most likely attacked the bear instead of engaging a staredown." He sat right there, in front of Rowtag, not talking down to him like a certain wolf might.
Keeping his face hidden, the little male continued to shake within his fur, still not able to get over the horrific sight of that demon-faced bear with spit and froth coming out of it's mouth. It was the wildest thing that he'd seen in his short life, and it would undoubtedly leave a mark on his psyche for the rest of his time here. "Thank you.." He managed to sputter out, his voice shaky still, but improving with each minute.
"Breathe again until you feel your nerves settle," Wan said, ears upright and listening. The pup was lucky to have survived against the bear, or even lasted so long. "I will have to escort you to the den when you are ready, though I'm not too sure how welcome I will be." Yes, even if he was intent on leaving he'd escort Row back to his den. It was the right thing to do.
Taking a deep breath as recommended by the older wolf, Rowtag's nerves slowly begin to calm, but very, very slowly indeed. The poor thing is still shaking like a leaf, and didn't quite want to get up and walk anywhere just yet. "..Don't tell my mom, okay?" He said, removing his paws from his face, and instead just laying it down on the grass. "I don't want to get in trouble again."
"Don't tell your mother?" said Wan, eyeing the pup. "Of course, I won't tell your mother, but I still must take you back to the den." He wondered about this put, he did. "At any rate you are taking your first encounter with a bear quite well compared to some I've seen. One notation being, you're still alive."
Shaking his head, he let out a long sigh, and stood up on his paws. Wan' was right. What if the bear happened to come back? If he was hungry and almost had a snack, he would've run back to see if it was still around after the danger had passed. Ignoring the rather forboding comment that the older male made, Rowtag looked up at him strangely, and blinked, but that was it.
"Are you ready, then," said Wan. "We better move should that bear decide to return--they often do, and on the second time they are more aggressive." The young male himself stood and watched Rowtag, wondering how he'd respond. The pup wasn't exactly the most obedient creature.
Rowtag held his head in a sunken, defeated manner, his tail still curled slightly inward at his fear of the bear's return. The juvenile's heart was still beating hard, and all of his adrenaline had yet to wear off. Still, he was ready to return home. He only hoped that the bear wouldn't follow.
----
Who was this walking back towards the den? A certain snow-eyed wolf that had said he'd leave for sure. But, as things were, here he came with a certain youngster at his side, but Wan himself didn't speak to anyone. No, he merely looked at Rowtag. "I've brought you home," he said. "Do you wish me to stay?" Of course, he had to ask the question. The pup felt safe around him, most likely.
"I don't care.." Rowtag said rather defeatedly, still staring at the ground as he walked, feeling rather ashamed of himself for getting so frightened. Still frightened, still shaking, he was in a sad state. Feeling sorry for himself but also grateful for Wanageeska saving him, he stopped as soon as he saw the den not to far ahead, and looked back at the strange wolf. "..Why would you go?"
Why would Wanageeska go? Because the last he and the Alphaess spoke, Wanageeska wore his welcome pretty thin. Indeed, even as Skel sees him approaching, now, it is difficult for her to keep calm. She slowly stands, wincing at joints that, though they don't hurt, are far too stiff for her liking. She does not bother greeting either her son or her mate's son, though, until she is greeted.
"There are reasons," he said to Rowtag, his eyes shifting to Skelaghe. He didn't bear any distasteful expression, but the same he always did, being calm. Despite whatever did transpire between them, she had not harmed him. "An unforeseen encounter brings me back here, Skelaghe," he said. "Rowtag has something to tell you." That's right. He did say he wouldn't tell his mother, but he didn't say anything about not making Rowtag tell his mother.
Per her usual, Siwa is sticking close to Skelaghe. She'd been lying near the Alphess up until now, just resting and feeling as content and secure as she ever has on Ute's lands. When Skel' stands, the small girl stirs from her drowsing and fixes suddenly anxious eyes on the approaching pair. She recognizes Wanageeska immediately, but not the pup with him, so she hovers nervously for now some feet behind Skelaghe.
The young male's head practically snaps back at Wanageeska, and he lets out a rather loud growl, his ears pinned back rather quickly. What a traitor! Even though, he didn't do anything /wrong/, he was the victim. Still! "Thanks a /lot/.." Rowtag growled, and turned to look at his mother, who he didn't greet either. Hesitantly, he attempted to just walk past her, not wanting to explain the situation at all.
Maybe Wanageeska's presence her has her dander up. Perhaps she's tired because of other things. Either way, at hearing Rowtag's tone towards Wanageeska and as he attempts to walk past her, Skelaghe growls, "Sit, Rowtag." Her tone is not as harsh as it would be with a dangeorus outsider, but it is certainly much harsher than any she has used around Siwa, before, and it is generally followed by physical reprimand, if not obeyed. She can guess what these unforeseen circumstances are. She can't guess corrently, no, but she is correct in guessing that she won't be pleased.
"I said I wouldn't tell your mother, yes," said Wan, "but I never said I'd not ask you to tell her for yourself." He sat, noting Siwa's presence, but he came no closer to the den than where he stood. "Though if it is easier, then I'll have to break my word and explain what happened." Part of him expected to be reprimanded by Skel, yet it didn't come. It was all on Rowtag, but he was partially innocent. Partially.
The tone of Skelaghe's voice takes her by surprise, and after a split-second's pause, Siwa plops down on her haunches as obediently as though the adult had been talking to her. Her sharp eyes regard 'Snow' and especially Rowtag with undisguised suspicion as she listens to the talk. One sniff tells her that Rowtag is probably Skel's pup, but there's something else in his scent that makes her wrinkle her nose.
Still standing, Rowtag regards his mother with a wrinkling of his nose and the baring of his teeth, but eventually, he sits as he is told. His goal here was to /not/ get in trouble. Sending a brief glare in the direction of Wanageeska, he takes in a deep breath and proceeds to spill the beans about the incident. "A bear chased me." He murmured, looking down at the ground and willing his muscles to calm. "It came out of the forest.. I didn't do anything to it.. but it chased me."
Skelaghe listens attentively to Rowtag's brief retelling of the story, and after a short time, her tenseness leaves her, replaced but a combination of understanding, compassion, and yes, gratitude. "In that case, I owe you a thank you, Snow Eyes, for bringing my son back safely." Her tone is pleasant enough as she says that, then she looks back to Rowtag. "I hope you understand, now, some of the warnings that some of us have given you. Were you hurt, pu- Rowtag?"
"You are welcome, Skelaghe," he answered, falling silent until he found an appropriate second to add to the story where it was appropriate. "He was out in the Foggy Path, and the bear gave chase the moment it saw him. It almost caught up with Rowtag, but I jumped between the two and stared the bear down. It left, but may still be in that area." Snow. He. He stared down a bear. This wasn't the typical young wolf. /Hebrokeabearwithhiseyes/
Siwa flattens her ears. Chased by a bear? She glances sidelong at the other pup with a raised brow, impressed by his story - IF it's true. Her attention then slides back to Snow-Eyes and she regards him in an equally appraising way. He stared down a bear? She wonders if that's true too, but she doesn't see why either male would lie to the Alphess. Not wanting to interject her own opinions just yet, Siwa continues to watch with almost un-childlike shrewdness.
Shaking his head, Rowtag still seems angry at both Wanageeska, for breaking his word, or at least manipulating it, and for Skelaghe for.. making him sit down and explain. Of course. "No, it didn't catch me." He said rather arrogantly, though he was sure it would've eventually, had Wan' not interjected. Looking over to Siwa, Rowtag blinks and perks his ears up for a moment, having never seen her before. He stares, and then looks away quickly without a word, looking instead up to his mother. "Can I /go/ now?"
It sounds, to Skelaghe, like they are simply both lucky the bear decided not to fight someone who might be able to do a bit of damage back. However it happened, though, Skelaghe is grateful. For the time being, though, the shewolf keeps her eyes on her son. No doubt, he's upset, but she has to be firm with him. "You may go when you ask politely." Later, when he does not feel a need to posture for Wanageeska and, perhaps, Siwa, Skel will try to comfort him. For now, she'll just let him go. Once he is polite about it, that is.
When she feels eyes on her, Siwa looks across at Rowtag and returns his look coldly. Already the girl has become quite devoted to Skelaghe - she was the first adult to show Siwa any kindness in a long time - and she doesn't like the impudent tone Skel's son uses when he talks to her. Siwa would never disrespect her own ma so. But after a moment she scolds herself for passing judgement. Guilt urges her to open her mouth and attempt to help, though maybe if she knew these Ute folks a bit better she wouldn't have been so presumptuous. "Say 'please'," she whispers to the other pup softly.
Ask politely? Psh. Since when did Rowtag ask for anything politely? Sitting there wouldn't be so bad. He didn't really want to go back to the den anyway. He wanted to go back to the path, but that would be all kinds of stupid. Perhaps to the lawn? The lawn was nice. Plenty of insects to slaughter over there. But, maybe not. Keeping his eyes down, he heard Siwa whisper something to him, and stared at her again, his head tilting and his brows lowering. "Who are /you/?" He asked, his tone rather rude. Maybe it was just him trying to be intimidating.
"I would choose my next words and the tone in which I said them very carefully if I were you, Rowtag. Unless you want me to think twice about whether I ought to be upset at the fact that you were so far from home, alone, instead of merely releaved that you are back, safe." The warning is very clear. She is glad her son has been returned to her, but she will not put up with much of his behavior. "This is Siwa. She is a new member of this pack. You should treat her as I /expect/ you to treat every pack member.
Her brows spike up at his tone, and she automatically opens her mouth to respond but Skelaghe intervenes. After that, Siwa continues to regard Rowtag with a bit of an edge, not too ruffled but definitely untrusting of the boy's random rudeness. After a moment or two, the girl adds quietly, "I'm new arrived, so like as not you ain't seen me before. But I do hope to stay." And she'd hate to have to bite him.
"I wasn't that far away.. I go there all the time and that's the first thing that's ever happened!" He said, his tone increasing as he practically yelled at Skelaghe, obviously not getting the hint. Really, he wasn't trying to be so rude and disrespectful, but it was almost like he couldn't help it. Grinning at Siwa, he perks his ears up, and then stands to wander over and sniff at her and whatnot. Treat her like he treated others? That was simple enough. Granted, she was a girl, so he wouldn't be too mean. Not as mean as he was to Ciqala, but he wasn't necessarily nice to his sister either. Arriving near her, he keeps his head and tail held tall, and looks down at her for a moment, but doesn't say anything.
Skelaghe watches her son, but she does not continue to reprimand him. Embarrassing him now will do neither of them any good, so she will address how he speaks to her later, so long as he is polite to Siwa. She has already said all she has to say to Wanageeska. She thanked him for saving her son. Now, she would be happy to just watch and try to avoid the next potential crisis.
Siwa is not one to be bullied, which Rowtag will hopefully learn at some point -- it'll be to his cost if he doesn't. She of course wants to stay on Ute lands and will ultimately submit to any rules and regulations they ask of her, but bullying is not something she can tolerate, not any more. Not since.. Well, at any rate, Siwa stiffens when Rowtag approaches her and her gaze is rather wary. "Were it a big bear or just some mite cub what chased you?" Siwa asks with sincere curiosity as she gets to her own paws. Again his scent touches her nose and she balks, taking an uncertain step back. What IS that?
Wanageeska remained as he was, though seeing that Rowtag was home safetly he slowly stood and turned. His role in this was over as far as he knew. So he did a deed that saved the life of a pup. No big deal as far as he was concerned and he wasn't about to use that as an excuse to stay. What he did had been natural, nothing more.
Well, Siwa was alright so far. He blinked, especially at her question, and his ears tilted back. Was that an insult, or was she really wondering? A light growl was given, but he answered the question peacefully enough. With a cocky grin, no doubt. "No, it was a BIG bear. A REALLY big bear." He said with added enthusiasm, and stood on his hind legs for a brief moment, swatting his paws. "With huge claws.. and red eyes, and foamy stuff coming out of his moth, and his teeth were as big as your head!"
Siwa squints at Rowtag, the picture of a skeptic. "Bears ain't got red eyes," she retorts reasonably. "And if it was so big and hungry and all, why is Snow-Eyes still alive? Why didn't it gobble him down?" Blue-green eyes shift to Wan' as he begins to go. "Snow, wait! Rowtag's telling tales about the bear! Tell him bears ain't got red eyes. And it was a mite cub, that bear, weren't it?" How else could just one adolescent wolf drive it off?
Wanageeska looked back at Siwa, his white eyes rather callous to the look, though it wasn't intended. "Bears always chase anything that runs. They do not chase what stares them in the eyes...if your fortunate. The bear had dark eyes, and no Siwa--it was a full adult." His tone was flat, calm, and not sarcastic. Wan wasn't capable of being sarcastic, in theory.
"Hmmph. See?" He said, and circled around her playfully, his tone taking on a confident, cocky side all of a sudden. "I outran that big ol' thing for a long time. It couldn't catch me! It probably wouldn't have either, even after Wan' stood in it's way." Yep, he outran a /bear./ A big bear! He was proud of himself, and it certainly came off that way, as the dark juvenile continued to circle around Siwa.
"Odds bobs!" Siwa cries in frustration. "So.. if Rowtag hadn't run - if he'd just stopped in that bear's path and LOOKED at it.. It would have gone all soft and said 'oh noo, little wolf, please! I was gonna chomp you in one gulp and pick you out of my teeth later with a stick, but NOW..'" While playing the part of the bear, the girl pulls a goofy face and affects a slow, dim-witted voice. Transforming now back into herself, Siwa glares at Rowtag. "And stop going around me! You ain't a vulture-bird."
Wanageeska sighed softly, watching the two. "Rowtag, telling fibs will amount to you trouble in the future. You were at the point of collapse when I intervened, and you needed several moments afterwards to settle yourself before walking back here with me." At this point, Wan sat down and faced both of them, his ears flicking. "It takes skill to stare down a bear, Siwa. The only reason I was able to is because of how I was raised."
Seemingly done with talking, Rowtag cast a glare and a growl over at Wanageeska again, sick of him ruining the nice story he was making up for Siwa. Hmm, was this Rowtag trying to impress a lady? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, he didn't say anything to her either, but finished his circle when he was in front of her again, and sat down instead. "Where are you from, anyway?"
She watches Wanageeska for a moment or two, her small brows furrowed while she's deep in thought. He was raised to drive off bears? But that's such an un-wolflike thing, isn't it? It makes her a little nervous, though she doesn't dislike the adolescent by any means. She's about to probe him about his last statement, in fact, when Rowtag's voice intrudes on her thoughts. Looking back at the other pup, Siwa utters a little huff and scowls. "Why are folks around here forever asking me that? I'm getting up the pluck to tell Mistress Skelaghe, since she's the Alpha and ought to know such things I suppose, but why do other folks care?"
Wanageeska kept sitting there, listening to the both of them. He hadn't been asked to stay by the Alpha and that was a part of his desire to leave. He didn't have anything here, really. He didn't answer the question on where he was from, if it were meant for the both of them.
Siwa - Juvenile Wolf.
Wanageeska - Adolescent Wolf.
Skelaghe - Adult Wolf.
----
Unfortunately, somehow there is a segment of this RP missing where the bear is concerned.
Wanageeska had not entirely left the territory sense his last meeting with Skelaghe. The fog here was nice and thick, partly what kept him from leaving too early. He didn't want to go home, and didn't want to go back, and furthermore he didn't know where to go in general. The young wolf had curled up against a tree and took a few hours to rest, and now he merely watched the fog, contemplating whatever it was someone like him contemplated. Not much. Wan, or more appropriately 'Snow' or 'Snow Eyes', wondered his purpose. What was he to do with his training now? Perhaps he could become a hired wolf in exchange for food.
The reason for Rowtag's presense in the path was obvious. Since meeting his father here months ago, he still has some shreds of hope that he'll meet him again soon, and now that he's grown more.. well, maybe Vincent would be proud of him for it? Whatever the Alsatian might think, the juvenile has long since re-gained his freedom, and this spot is still part of his mother's land. Thus, he is merely sitting in the grass, pawing at some of the passing bugs, as such a habit has become something of a hobby for him. Observing the small insects, watching them, and then squishing them with his large paws. Passes the time, and is rather fun to boot. Though, at times he wishes for somewhat /larger/ prey so that he could practice his hunting skills that undoubtedly need to be honed.
There was, conveniently, larger prey out there. Large. Dark. Eater of careless little pups that wandered away from mother. Not far from where Rowtag tormented poor little insects like a spoiled little brat loomed a large bulk among the fog and trees that in no ways prevented itself from announcing its presence with the breaking of trees and frightening of little animals. Wan, meanwhile, heard the distant ruckus, but paid no mind. No one was howling for attention exactly and thus he went about his thoughts.
Snickering to himself at the sightly piles of dead bugs that were scattered around, the wolfdog's ears perk up at the sounds of something in the trees, louder than normal. Staring ahead, Rowtag remained seated in the grass, paying no mind to it just yet. There were a lot of wolves back home now, he figured that maybe there were just a bunch of them, hunting or something. As a large grasshoper dared to cross the path in front of the juvenile's chest, a paw swept and loudly landed on the ground, a victorious growl heard afterward.
( Amber eyes widening, the little hybrid was at a total loss as far as what to do as soon as the huge bear came lumbering out of the forest in the fashion that it did. A gulp was given, and Rowtag's paws pushed him up as quickly as possible, before he began sprinting off back towards home as fast as his paws could carry him. Ears flattened against his skull and his tail curling inward, it was very, very obvious that he was about as frightened as he'd ever been, but he didn't call out for help just yet. He was a fast, agile little guy. He could outrun that big ol' heap of bear.. right? )
Wanageeska perked up at the blaring roar of the bear. Someone wasn't happy, and he grunted, having to get up from his nice little rest to go see what what happening. The young wolf muttered to himself, sniffing for scents. Low and behold, that young pup of Skelaghe's scent was in the air...and so was the bear. "@#$%" he muttered to himself. That pup really got himself into trouble. As for the bear, he immediately gave charge, as dear Helaku had forewarned, frothing at the mouth as if Rowtag had darted around and kicked it in the rear. This bear, it was not happy. It was hungry, cranky, and thought the pup would be a good snack!
Hearing the roar of the bear again only did more to frighten poor Rowtag, and he nearly took on the role of a prey animal in froze in fright there for a minute.. but he knew better, and he kept on running as fast as his paws would go. Adrenaline was high, but his legs were already burning by the sheer force of pressure he was putting against his limbs; he'd never run this fast in his entire life. But the bear was fast as well, and motivated by anger and hunger. What had Rowtag done? Nothing! There was no time to bark or yelp or whine or anything, and so he just kept on running and running and running..
Wanageeska wasted no time. The bear wouldn't give up chasing Rowtag, and he'd most likely die if no one intervened. He was willing to bet the other Ute were not close enough being as the Foggy Path was not a massively traveled part of the territory. The young wolf darted through the trees and finally caught the vague shape of the bear in pursuit of Rowtag. That was one mean-looking bear, and Wan had seen several in his days but not so up close and not so angry. What had that wolfdog pup done now? Wan shot across the path and through a few shrubs before rounding back with his teeth fullybeared and tail raised. The bear, having not expected such an ambush struggled to come to a stop, and in the cloud of dust, the two stared at each other in silence. Rowtag didn't have to run anymore, just look back and wonder what happened.
..And running, and running.. and all the sudden came a noise of someone /else/ running. Who would it be but the odd wolf himself, the one his mother had started calling 'Snow Eyes,' Wanageeska. Though part of him wanted to keep on running until he was at the safety of the den, the terrified juvenile paused and remained behind Wan' as soon as he saw that his 'big brother' of sorts had run the bear off. Saved his life. Blinking, the dark pup was panting up a storm, his entire body shaking violently with fear and the after-effects of his adrenaline rush, almost ready to collapse. Saying nothing to the older wolf just yet out of not being able to speak, he stared up at him with a completely subordinate body posture, afraid that he would be reprimanded for taunting the bear, which he hadn't done in the least.
Wan ran the bear off. Yes. It had been a stare down match and this bear, for whatever reason, didn't seem too keen on having to fight for the food although it could very well take Wan out to get to Rowtag, though then it would have a bigger meal. As the bear lumbered off, growling its disappointments, Wan looked back at Rowtag, aside from having to breathe after running, quite calm. "Running from a bear will always have it give chase, Rowtag," he said softly. "No one taught you this?"
With his ears still pinned back against his head and still giving the overall terrified look, it took a moment for the juvenile to even consider responding to his pack brother. He had to make sure the bear was gone first.. and as soon as it was, he glanced over to Wan', the whites of his eyes showing, his legs shaking horribly still. "N...No.." he said in practically a whisper, and laid himself down in the grass again with a flop. What would have happened if Wanageeska wasn't there? He would've probably been dead, that's what. Rowtag's voice reappeared with the sound of a few post-traumatic whines, burying his muzzle into the grass and pulling his paws onto his face in embarassment, but saying nothing.
"You need to breathe," he said, his tone remaining soft. "I did not hear anything indicating you tempted or taunted the bear. However, you are a fortunate pup that I was here. Your packmates would have most likely attacked the bear instead of engaging a staredown." He sat right there, in front of Rowtag, not talking down to him like a certain wolf might.
Keeping his face hidden, the little male continued to shake within his fur, still not able to get over the horrific sight of that demon-faced bear with spit and froth coming out of it's mouth. It was the wildest thing that he'd seen in his short life, and it would undoubtedly leave a mark on his psyche for the rest of his time here. "Thank you.." He managed to sputter out, his voice shaky still, but improving with each minute.
"Breathe again until you feel your nerves settle," Wan said, ears upright and listening. The pup was lucky to have survived against the bear, or even lasted so long. "I will have to escort you to the den when you are ready, though I'm not too sure how welcome I will be." Yes, even if he was intent on leaving he'd escort Row back to his den. It was the right thing to do.
Taking a deep breath as recommended by the older wolf, Rowtag's nerves slowly begin to calm, but very, very slowly indeed. The poor thing is still shaking like a leaf, and didn't quite want to get up and walk anywhere just yet. "..Don't tell my mom, okay?" He said, removing his paws from his face, and instead just laying it down on the grass. "I don't want to get in trouble again."
"Don't tell your mother?" said Wan, eyeing the pup. "Of course, I won't tell your mother, but I still must take you back to the den." He wondered about this put, he did. "At any rate you are taking your first encounter with a bear quite well compared to some I've seen. One notation being, you're still alive."
Shaking his head, he let out a long sigh, and stood up on his paws. Wan' was right. What if the bear happened to come back? If he was hungry and almost had a snack, he would've run back to see if it was still around after the danger had passed. Ignoring the rather forboding comment that the older male made, Rowtag looked up at him strangely, and blinked, but that was it.
"Are you ready, then," said Wan. "We better move should that bear decide to return--they often do, and on the second time they are more aggressive." The young male himself stood and watched Rowtag, wondering how he'd respond. The pup wasn't exactly the most obedient creature.
Rowtag held his head in a sunken, defeated manner, his tail still curled slightly inward at his fear of the bear's return. The juvenile's heart was still beating hard, and all of his adrenaline had yet to wear off. Still, he was ready to return home. He only hoped that the bear wouldn't follow.
----
Who was this walking back towards the den? A certain snow-eyed wolf that had said he'd leave for sure. But, as things were, here he came with a certain youngster at his side, but Wan himself didn't speak to anyone. No, he merely looked at Rowtag. "I've brought you home," he said. "Do you wish me to stay?" Of course, he had to ask the question. The pup felt safe around him, most likely.
"I don't care.." Rowtag said rather defeatedly, still staring at the ground as he walked, feeling rather ashamed of himself for getting so frightened. Still frightened, still shaking, he was in a sad state. Feeling sorry for himself but also grateful for Wanageeska saving him, he stopped as soon as he saw the den not to far ahead, and looked back at the strange wolf. "..Why would you go?"
Why would Wanageeska go? Because the last he and the Alphaess spoke, Wanageeska wore his welcome pretty thin. Indeed, even as Skel sees him approaching, now, it is difficult for her to keep calm. She slowly stands, wincing at joints that, though they don't hurt, are far too stiff for her liking. She does not bother greeting either her son or her mate's son, though, until she is greeted.
"There are reasons," he said to Rowtag, his eyes shifting to Skelaghe. He didn't bear any distasteful expression, but the same he always did, being calm. Despite whatever did transpire between them, she had not harmed him. "An unforeseen encounter brings me back here, Skelaghe," he said. "Rowtag has something to tell you." That's right. He did say he wouldn't tell his mother, but he didn't say anything about not making Rowtag tell his mother.
Per her usual, Siwa is sticking close to Skelaghe. She'd been lying near the Alphess up until now, just resting and feeling as content and secure as she ever has on Ute's lands. When Skel' stands, the small girl stirs from her drowsing and fixes suddenly anxious eyes on the approaching pair. She recognizes Wanageeska immediately, but not the pup with him, so she hovers nervously for now some feet behind Skelaghe.
The young male's head practically snaps back at Wanageeska, and he lets out a rather loud growl, his ears pinned back rather quickly. What a traitor! Even though, he didn't do anything /wrong/, he was the victim. Still! "Thanks a /lot/.." Rowtag growled, and turned to look at his mother, who he didn't greet either. Hesitantly, he attempted to just walk past her, not wanting to explain the situation at all.
Maybe Wanageeska's presence her has her dander up. Perhaps she's tired because of other things. Either way, at hearing Rowtag's tone towards Wanageeska and as he attempts to walk past her, Skelaghe growls, "Sit, Rowtag." Her tone is not as harsh as it would be with a dangeorus outsider, but it is certainly much harsher than any she has used around Siwa, before, and it is generally followed by physical reprimand, if not obeyed. She can guess what these unforeseen circumstances are. She can't guess corrently, no, but she is correct in guessing that she won't be pleased.
"I said I wouldn't tell your mother, yes," said Wan, "but I never said I'd not ask you to tell her for yourself." He sat, noting Siwa's presence, but he came no closer to the den than where he stood. "Though if it is easier, then I'll have to break my word and explain what happened." Part of him expected to be reprimanded by Skel, yet it didn't come. It was all on Rowtag, but he was partially innocent. Partially.
The tone of Skelaghe's voice takes her by surprise, and after a split-second's pause, Siwa plops down on her haunches as obediently as though the adult had been talking to her. Her sharp eyes regard 'Snow' and especially Rowtag with undisguised suspicion as she listens to the talk. One sniff tells her that Rowtag is probably Skel's pup, but there's something else in his scent that makes her wrinkle her nose.
Still standing, Rowtag regards his mother with a wrinkling of his nose and the baring of his teeth, but eventually, he sits as he is told. His goal here was to /not/ get in trouble. Sending a brief glare in the direction of Wanageeska, he takes in a deep breath and proceeds to spill the beans about the incident. "A bear chased me." He murmured, looking down at the ground and willing his muscles to calm. "It came out of the forest.. I didn't do anything to it.. but it chased me."
Skelaghe listens attentively to Rowtag's brief retelling of the story, and after a short time, her tenseness leaves her, replaced but a combination of understanding, compassion, and yes, gratitude. "In that case, I owe you a thank you, Snow Eyes, for bringing my son back safely." Her tone is pleasant enough as she says that, then she looks back to Rowtag. "I hope you understand, now, some of the warnings that some of us have given you. Were you hurt, pu- Rowtag?"
"You are welcome, Skelaghe," he answered, falling silent until he found an appropriate second to add to the story where it was appropriate. "He was out in the Foggy Path, and the bear gave chase the moment it saw him. It almost caught up with Rowtag, but I jumped between the two and stared the bear down. It left, but may still be in that area." Snow. He. He stared down a bear. This wasn't the typical young wolf. /Hebrokeabearwithhiseyes/
Siwa flattens her ears. Chased by a bear? She glances sidelong at the other pup with a raised brow, impressed by his story - IF it's true. Her attention then slides back to Snow-Eyes and she regards him in an equally appraising way. He stared down a bear? She wonders if that's true too, but she doesn't see why either male would lie to the Alphess. Not wanting to interject her own opinions just yet, Siwa continues to watch with almost un-childlike shrewdness.
Shaking his head, Rowtag still seems angry at both Wanageeska, for breaking his word, or at least manipulating it, and for Skelaghe for.. making him sit down and explain. Of course. "No, it didn't catch me." He said rather arrogantly, though he was sure it would've eventually, had Wan' not interjected. Looking over to Siwa, Rowtag blinks and perks his ears up for a moment, having never seen her before. He stares, and then looks away quickly without a word, looking instead up to his mother. "Can I /go/ now?"
It sounds, to Skelaghe, like they are simply both lucky the bear decided not to fight someone who might be able to do a bit of damage back. However it happened, though, Skelaghe is grateful. For the time being, though, the shewolf keeps her eyes on her son. No doubt, he's upset, but she has to be firm with him. "You may go when you ask politely." Later, when he does not feel a need to posture for Wanageeska and, perhaps, Siwa, Skel will try to comfort him. For now, she'll just let him go. Once he is polite about it, that is.
When she feels eyes on her, Siwa looks across at Rowtag and returns his look coldly. Already the girl has become quite devoted to Skelaghe - she was the first adult to show Siwa any kindness in a long time - and she doesn't like the impudent tone Skel's son uses when he talks to her. Siwa would never disrespect her own ma so. But after a moment she scolds herself for passing judgement. Guilt urges her to open her mouth and attempt to help, though maybe if she knew these Ute folks a bit better she wouldn't have been so presumptuous. "Say 'please'," she whispers to the other pup softly.
Ask politely? Psh. Since when did Rowtag ask for anything politely? Sitting there wouldn't be so bad. He didn't really want to go back to the den anyway. He wanted to go back to the path, but that would be all kinds of stupid. Perhaps to the lawn? The lawn was nice. Plenty of insects to slaughter over there. But, maybe not. Keeping his eyes down, he heard Siwa whisper something to him, and stared at her again, his head tilting and his brows lowering. "Who are /you/?" He asked, his tone rather rude. Maybe it was just him trying to be intimidating.
"I would choose my next words and the tone in which I said them very carefully if I were you, Rowtag. Unless you want me to think twice about whether I ought to be upset at the fact that you were so far from home, alone, instead of merely releaved that you are back, safe." The warning is very clear. She is glad her son has been returned to her, but she will not put up with much of his behavior. "This is Siwa. She is a new member of this pack. You should treat her as I /expect/ you to treat every pack member.
Her brows spike up at his tone, and she automatically opens her mouth to respond but Skelaghe intervenes. After that, Siwa continues to regard Rowtag with a bit of an edge, not too ruffled but definitely untrusting of the boy's random rudeness. After a moment or two, the girl adds quietly, "I'm new arrived, so like as not you ain't seen me before. But I do hope to stay." And she'd hate to have to bite him.
"I wasn't that far away.. I go there all the time and that's the first thing that's ever happened!" He said, his tone increasing as he practically yelled at Skelaghe, obviously not getting the hint. Really, he wasn't trying to be so rude and disrespectful, but it was almost like he couldn't help it. Grinning at Siwa, he perks his ears up, and then stands to wander over and sniff at her and whatnot. Treat her like he treated others? That was simple enough. Granted, she was a girl, so he wouldn't be too mean. Not as mean as he was to Ciqala, but he wasn't necessarily nice to his sister either. Arriving near her, he keeps his head and tail held tall, and looks down at her for a moment, but doesn't say anything.
Skelaghe watches her son, but she does not continue to reprimand him. Embarrassing him now will do neither of them any good, so she will address how he speaks to her later, so long as he is polite to Siwa. She has already said all she has to say to Wanageeska. She thanked him for saving her son. Now, she would be happy to just watch and try to avoid the next potential crisis.
Siwa is not one to be bullied, which Rowtag will hopefully learn at some point -- it'll be to his cost if he doesn't. She of course wants to stay on Ute lands and will ultimately submit to any rules and regulations they ask of her, but bullying is not something she can tolerate, not any more. Not since.. Well, at any rate, Siwa stiffens when Rowtag approaches her and her gaze is rather wary. "Were it a big bear or just some mite cub what chased you?" Siwa asks with sincere curiosity as she gets to her own paws. Again his scent touches her nose and she balks, taking an uncertain step back. What IS that?
Wanageeska remained as he was, though seeing that Rowtag was home safetly he slowly stood and turned. His role in this was over as far as he knew. So he did a deed that saved the life of a pup. No big deal as far as he was concerned and he wasn't about to use that as an excuse to stay. What he did had been natural, nothing more.
Well, Siwa was alright so far. He blinked, especially at her question, and his ears tilted back. Was that an insult, or was she really wondering? A light growl was given, but he answered the question peacefully enough. With a cocky grin, no doubt. "No, it was a BIG bear. A REALLY big bear." He said with added enthusiasm, and stood on his hind legs for a brief moment, swatting his paws. "With huge claws.. and red eyes, and foamy stuff coming out of his moth, and his teeth were as big as your head!"
Siwa squints at Rowtag, the picture of a skeptic. "Bears ain't got red eyes," she retorts reasonably. "And if it was so big and hungry and all, why is Snow-Eyes still alive? Why didn't it gobble him down?" Blue-green eyes shift to Wan' as he begins to go. "Snow, wait! Rowtag's telling tales about the bear! Tell him bears ain't got red eyes. And it was a mite cub, that bear, weren't it?" How else could just one adolescent wolf drive it off?
Wanageeska looked back at Siwa, his white eyes rather callous to the look, though it wasn't intended. "Bears always chase anything that runs. They do not chase what stares them in the eyes...if your fortunate. The bear had dark eyes, and no Siwa--it was a full adult." His tone was flat, calm, and not sarcastic. Wan wasn't capable of being sarcastic, in theory.
"Hmmph. See?" He said, and circled around her playfully, his tone taking on a confident, cocky side all of a sudden. "I outran that big ol' thing for a long time. It couldn't catch me! It probably wouldn't have either, even after Wan' stood in it's way." Yep, he outran a /bear./ A big bear! He was proud of himself, and it certainly came off that way, as the dark juvenile continued to circle around Siwa.
"Odds bobs!" Siwa cries in frustration. "So.. if Rowtag hadn't run - if he'd just stopped in that bear's path and LOOKED at it.. It would have gone all soft and said 'oh noo, little wolf, please! I was gonna chomp you in one gulp and pick you out of my teeth later with a stick, but NOW..'" While playing the part of the bear, the girl pulls a goofy face and affects a slow, dim-witted voice. Transforming now back into herself, Siwa glares at Rowtag. "And stop going around me! You ain't a vulture-bird."
Wanageeska sighed softly, watching the two. "Rowtag, telling fibs will amount to you trouble in the future. You were at the point of collapse when I intervened, and you needed several moments afterwards to settle yourself before walking back here with me." At this point, Wan sat down and faced both of them, his ears flicking. "It takes skill to stare down a bear, Siwa. The only reason I was able to is because of how I was raised."
Seemingly done with talking, Rowtag cast a glare and a growl over at Wanageeska again, sick of him ruining the nice story he was making up for Siwa. Hmm, was this Rowtag trying to impress a lady? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, he didn't say anything to her either, but finished his circle when he was in front of her again, and sat down instead. "Where are you from, anyway?"
She watches Wanageeska for a moment or two, her small brows furrowed while she's deep in thought. He was raised to drive off bears? But that's such an un-wolflike thing, isn't it? It makes her a little nervous, though she doesn't dislike the adolescent by any means. She's about to probe him about his last statement, in fact, when Rowtag's voice intrudes on her thoughts. Looking back at the other pup, Siwa utters a little huff and scowls. "Why are folks around here forever asking me that? I'm getting up the pluck to tell Mistress Skelaghe, since she's the Alpha and ought to know such things I suppose, but why do other folks care?"
Wanageeska kept sitting there, listening to the both of them. He hadn't been asked to stay by the Alpha and that was a part of his desire to leave. He didn't have anything here, really. He didn't answer the question on where he was from, if it were meant for the both of them.