Post by avalikia on Feb 2, 2010 0:23:57 GMT -5
Characters:
Catori - Female Elk
Niabi - Female Elk
Ojalo - Male Elk
Mojag - Male Elk
Setting:
Trickling River
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Ojalo stood there basking in the moonlight, the river flowing past his knees creating a chill within the nights cool breeze. The trees sang songs echoing amongst the trickling of the river and the chirping of crickets as the gentle reflection of the moon danced. It was a peaceful night and the bull was there to enjoy it even if he was alone or not. His eyes closed and head pointed toward the sky, Oja' held a certain grace - a majestic look as he'd turn from the stars and to the forest around him.
Coming from the forest that she had ran off into in one of her moody huffs the few days previous, Catori could sense Ojalo on the wind for a good portion of her trip, and that just quickened her pace. Excited to see the bull, she practically pranced through the wooded area before she came to the clearing just before the river, and her presence was announced with the crunching of the pebbles, dirt and whatnot beneath her hooves. The bull /did/ look majestic, and it just made Catori all the more happy to see him. "Hey, you." She spoke softly as she walked into the river, wasting no time trotting up to his side.
Niabi is alone as she approaches the river tonight, having left Aylen sleeping in a secure hideaway among the trees only a short distance away. If only sleep would come to her so easily! But her mind has been full of so many thoughts lately that she often finds herself unable to settle down. She comes to the river for a drink, not really looking for company, but when she sees Ojalo's outline in the darkness and hears another walking around, she turns towards them. Seeing that it's Catori that's making the sound makes her smile, glad that the other cow is back after leaving so quickly the other day.
"...and Sitirrick the cricket calls each night to the Moon, professing his love, though she has no ears to hear him." Comes a voice carrying through the trees, silencing in it's wake the crickets that seem to inspire the words. "And Teeku the firefly burns bright with his admiration for the Silver Lady, though she has not eyes to behold him. And lo', the wolf cries out in mourning for the loveless night, but the cold, distant Moon remains aloft, shining and unreachable." The voice, to those familiar with it, belongs to Mojag as the bull slowly steps through the trees, a burnished shadow when the moonlight catches him.
A moment ruined, or was it improved by the presence of the cow; Ojalo turned his crowned head to the crunching of his surroundings, a light smile forming over his face just for knowing who it was. Seeing Catori, and seemingly in a better mood he hopes, is acknowledged with a bow. Though he stands above her - what is a bull with out a cow; what is a bull without a herd to follow him. Catching a glimpse of another at shore, Ojalo's dark eyes turn and yet another smile and bow is posed. To see Niabi was always an honor. When stepped beside, he turns to Catori once more but fails to say much of anything when the chant of a new, yet familiar voice falls in tune with the song of the trees. All in silence, he turns once more; the burnished shadow of Mojag next to gain his gaze; but unlike the cows he is given just a welcoming nod should it be seen.
As soon as she got to the bulls side, she immediately victimized him with an onslaught of nuzzles and nudges. Oh, she was very happy to see him, and it was horrifyingly obvious, too. She sees him smile and returns the gesture, along with even /more/ nuzzles. A bit obsessive, but so long as she was getting her affection across. Staring off at the moon as he was, her thoughts were interrupted by the incoming elk of both genders, and her tail and ears flicked in notice of them. "Hello, Niabi!" She greeted, turning her neck round to greet the cow properly. Then, what was that? That voice. It's words were certainly pretty, and the voice was handsome to boot. It must've been.. yes, it was! Turning her neck around the other way, a wide smile appeared, and her ears went all the way forward. "Mojag!" She practically cheered, and took only a few steps toward the other bull, keeping note that she didn't want to offend Ojalo. Only one bull held the place of favorite in her heart, and that was the one she was standing nearest to. But, ..well, there were reasons why elk didn't mate for life. Handsome other bulls were included in that reasoning.
"Good to see you, Catori!" Niabi says and is about to say more, but whatever words she would have said become lost when her ears twist to pick up a different voice: one that she recognizes, but just barely. Listening for a moment, she smiles with Mojag is finished and comments, "Hmm, that makes the moon sound like a jerk." She glances at it thoughtfully, thinking about all the predators she's met who seem to worship the thing. She has her own beliefs, but they do not include that particular celestial object. Despite her words, she really quite enjoyed it and that's apparent by the smile on her face. Or is it that she's just glad to see Mojag again?
"..hm?" Comes the murmur as Mojag's head swings to regard the small gathering, ears pricking forward to either side of the crown of antlers atop his head. "Ah, evening, evening!" He responds to Catori as he makes his way closer. "And a nice, quiet one at that. A good night for thinking." While he hadn't quiet been paying attention enough to see Ojalo's greeting, he gives the dominant bull a dip of his own head in acknowledgment before he glances aside to Niabi, snorting out a note of laughter. "Ah, but she is, isn't she? Beautiful she may be, but, I've always appreciate the warm embrace of the sun, myself."
Victimized perhaps, but is was those things that he had missed about the cow. She seemed so distant these past couple days and yet so near at the same time. What was it that drew her to him he wondered; was he not like any other bull thats crossed her path; or was it because he stayed, because he showed he cared in a time when all was lost. A shrug clearly displayed on the inner parts of his being, Ojalo's smile grew to her affection if only for a moment before her attention shifts to that of the other male with a few steps. In a way, he envied the attention Catori gave to the bull, but it was something he had to live with. Letting the voice of others fill the air, Oja peers at one than the next shifting his weight, a heavy breath escaping him and recovered from the wind.
"You're quite the storyteller.." Catori says in a kind sort of tone, and lets out a brief chuckle at the conversation that went on between the new bull and the lead cow. Yeah, yeah, the moon was pretty, the sun was nice, but she didn't really have any beliefs that she clung to. To her, the moon was there at night and the sun was there during the day, end of story. But she wasn't going to ruin their fun. Turning her head back to look at Ojalo, she decides against leaving his side this time, thinking over the last time she did and remembering how guilt-stricken she felt afterward. Perhaps it was odd, to cling to one male as she had been since his arrival, but .. well, there was something special about him that she guessed she felt drawn to. Too bad the affection and bonding was probably one-sided. All males simply cared about breeding rights, that was all. That was what she was taught anyway. Content with that and her place at the moment, she grinned kindly to Mojag, but then remained focused on Ojalo, turning her head back to him and resting her head on his sturdy, strong shoulder.
"The sun's embrace has been a bit too warm lately, if you ask me." Niabi says with a laugh, "But every season has its own challenge, and keeping cool is one of the least of them. I'd take a bad summer's day over a bad winter's day every time." For her part, she doesn't seem to pay either bull any more attention than the other, for though she's talking to Mojag, it's because he's talking back. Though Ojalo tends to not say as much, the cow frequently looks to him to read whatever he happens to be saying without using words.
Mojag tosses his head, antlers flicking skyward towards the cold moon as his tail lazily twitches behind him. "If the seasons didn't have their own challenges, we would simply have one season.. and I, for one, enjoy the change of scenery throughout the year." Remarks the bull, seeming content to make polite conversation where many a bull might not be keen to spend so much time around cows outside the rut. But then, he does seem the talkative sort.
A storyteller she says; he's heard better but doesn't voice his opinion on it. Continuing to listen to the chatter, Ojalo hmms. One of the moon and one of the sun- he much preferred the wind. It was warm when the sun gave heart and cool when the moon showed mercy. To have the best of both sides, that was the wind. Noticing Catori's choice to stay by him pleases the bull, but in truth is concerns him and its shown on his face. If she wished to join Mojag she could, he would not stop her; he would find other means to satisfy his lust for company. Turning from the cow and back out toward the other, he is lost in their conversation.
Catori stays with Ojalo precisely to /stop/ him from fulfilling his lust for company in other ways. She wanted to be special, dangit! Even if it slightly went against nature to be so privy to stay with one individual, she didn't care much. Besides, it wasn't as if she were completely ignoring the others, anyway. It was perfectly reasonable for her to stay at Ojalo's side, and converse with the other, more talkative elk. Removing her head from the strong bull's shoulder, she let her red eyes wander to Niabi and Mojag, and let out a pleased sigh. "So, Mojag." She began, and blinked a few times, tilting her head to one side. "How'd your search for those healing plants and whatnot go?"
One of Niabi's ears twists thoughtfully at Mojag's words before she responds, "Perhaps, though I could go without winter. Pretty, yes, but deadly." As for Niabi she prefers the earth over the heavens or the wind. About this time she notices Ojalo's reaction to Catori, but she does nothing but file that away to think about later. At Catori's change of subject she smiles and adds, "If you've found anything good, I'd like to know. I know my herbs very well, but my absence and other duties have left me out of date as to where they can be found."
"Well enough, in that I at least found some of what I was looking for." Mojag remarks with a smile towards Catori. "Though, it's hardly enough to be of much use, so I'll be going out again to search. It's a cool night and the wind is clear, so I was out hoping I could catch good wind of them. I was searching when I ran across you all. I should excuse myself to continue my search, I did not mean to intrude, but since you called me I at least wanted to offer a good evening."
Whether she stayed or went, it didn't sway Ojalo's concerns. He wanted what was best for her; for all those of the herd; if standing here all day would help provide that then that is exactly what he'd do. The bulls prolonged silence remains as the conversation has moved far beyond his known knowledge. However, as Mojag announces his departure its then that the bull speaks. "And I good evening to you, Mojag." That said, he falls back. To see one go was always a disappointment, he wasn't going to tie the other down and make him stay either.
Catori couldn't help but wonder what was going on in that odd, male mind of his. Ojalo's that is. He was always so dang quiet, it was no wonder that she couldn't place specific thought patterns on the bull. So, what /was/ he thinking? Was she annoying him with her presence, or was she making him happy? A self conscious thought that had resulted in a frown, and she pulled herself away just a bit. Not too much, but enough to place herself in the happy middle between Niabi and him. Looking toward the other cow, Catori smiled and let out a deep breath. "Really is a beautiful night, though.." She said quietly, and blinked as Mojag had already begun to leave. She must've been lost in her thoughts as he left, but she called out anyway. "Don't be a stranger, alright?" Of course, the 'goodbye' would fall on deaf ears, but, it was the thought that counted.
"Good luck to you then," Niabi says after Mojag, making a mental note that she absolutely has to do a proper look-around for herbs. She's been noting the locations of those she's happened to come across while she's been going through the forest, but that's only of minimal help. Filing this away, she too takes a moment to look around again at their surroundings, though it's not the beauty of the stars that she enjoys most, but the coolness of the air. "Hmm, yes, much better than winter. Especially last winter," she says quietly, as if to herself.
When all went quiet again and the mention of the nights beauty, Ojalo turns up to the sky once more. He enjoyed times like this whether he was alone or not; since he wasn't alone however, he enjoyed them more. Looking to Niabi as she speaks, he smirks. He wasn't here most of last winter.. his former home a place where winter falls short of snow. A good thing perhaps.
"Oh? Think that's funny, do you?" Niabi says to Ojalo, though a smile creeps to her face, "Well, I suppose it was my own fault that I was alone, and that's hardly the first winter I've spent on my own. Of course, the other times I wasn't pregnant, but that too is also my fault." And then she lapses back into silence, appearing to contemplate the stars, though her actual thoughts are about as far removed as they can be from the here and now.
Hmm. Well, now she didn't know quite what to do. Sitting around and talking was fine she assumed, as that was what the four of them were doing well before she suddenly felt slightly bored with the situation. A long, dramatic sigh was given, and she wades around in the water aimlessly, looking to the water, to the sky, then back to the water.. it was quite an odd sight, really. Just wandering around in the shallow creek. "Where is Aylen?" She suddenly asks, having not seen the small calf since the last time they were all together.
Ojalo gives a rather puzzled look at first toward Niabi, then head shakes. Oh no, he wasn't smirking cause of that... really. "What.." he holds back a bit of laughter trying to act all innocent and clueless. "I didn't even say anything." He didn't have to apparently. Flicking an ear to Catori he blinks... thats right, where was Aylen.
"Asleep," Niabi says, looking relatively unconcerned, "She's over in the bushes, that way." Pointing with a jerk of her head, she adds, "We had a long day today, and as soon as we stopped she fell right to sleep. I wish I had that talent." Yes, to be so unconcerned about the world that merely being tired was enough to cause that brief respite from the world.
Nodding her head, Catori looks off in the direction of the bushes, and blinks a few times. The mention of Aylen has her, of course, thinking about the rut once again. It was like a weird obsession with this cow. She probably thought about it more than the bulls did, and /that/ was a bit concerning, even to her. Either way, she wound up wondering what she would name her first calf. If she would ever have one, that is. It still seemed highly painful and whatnot to her, not something that she figured she would look forward to in any way. Looking over to Ojalo briefly, she quickly turns her head toward Niabi. "What .. what made you decide on that name? It's pretty.." She asked, her questions a bit awkward, coming out of nowhere.
Least someone had the right idea, sleeping sure sounded good but where would he go, would he even be allowed to do so. Oh the pondering thoughts that plagued him. In hope that the attention was drawn off him for the moment during the inquiry of the youngster Ojalo wonders off down the river a short ways to a shallower area. Splashing about in the water he hums, dipping his head down to drink.
The other cow's question brings a smile to Niabi's face because it reminds Niabi of the day she had Aylen, "It means 'happiness' in one of the old languages, and that's what Aylen means to me." Which probably explains why Niabi's overall mood changed while she was gone: there was a pre-Aylen Niabi, and this is the post-Aylen Niabi. Had it not been for the calf, then quite the opposite would have happened. When Ojalo steps away, Niabi watches him but does nothing, figuring that discussions about calves were probably boring to him.
"Oh.. well, it's very pretty. Suiting for her!" She says, her tone taking a jump for the better, it seemed. Her eyes a bit wide with some sort of light all the sudden, she looked back toward Ojalo, who was off moseying around somewhere; without them both, and the smirked a bit wickedly. Perking her ears up, she took one step towards the bull and flicked her tail. "Isn't that a pretty name, Ojalo?" She asked, and then let out a chuckle towards Niabi, as if letting her know of the rather joking step she was about to take. "We'll have to come up with something prettier for our calves, won't we?"
A drink and the bull was back. Sure he wasn't intrigued but the current topic, but least he could say he was there to witness it. Munching on a few leaves he found on the way back, Ojalo tries to be discrete. Though no matter how concealing he tried to be a look of guilt is what crosses his face. "Oh um..." he swallows. "Yea, pretty." He then blinks and is taken back. "Our calves... um..." What was he suppose to say to that; Ojalo can be such a moron sometimes.
Well, that's certainly one way to make a bull take an interest in a conversation about calves! Niabi laughs and laughs at Ojalo's reaction, and it takes her a few moments to be in any state to talk again. When she does, she says, "Well, let me know if you'd like any help with that, there's plenty more where that came from. It isn't hard though, just pick something that you like and that you wouldn't mind being /your/ name." Eyes still shining with humor, Niabi can't seem to stop grinning at Catori.
Catori's always been pretty forward with Ojalo in particular, but this was probably the most extreme case of her liking for him. Grinning wildly, she trotted over to his side and nudged at his shoulder playfully. "Yeah, /our/ calves!" She reiterated, and let out another chuckle. Though she was serious, her tone was so .. friendly and the two cows seemed to be making a joke out of it, that she wouldn't necessarily blame Ojalo if he thought that she was joking. "Personally, I'd like a little bull just like you. Then we could name him .." She trailed off, and looked over to Niabi, bursting into laugher again. "I don't know, I can't think of anything."
They sure knew how to put a guy on the point. He was as dumbfounded as one could get right now and Ojalo was uncertain as how to get out. Following rather closely with the cows, he gave a very unlike him response when Catori drew a fake blank. "Jurombi..." To him, the name held value though it meant nothing. After a moment he head shakes as if to realize something. "Wait, I thought you didn't want any." He recalls hearing that rather well.
Mind racing quickly for suggestions when Catori can't think of any, Niabi says, "Well, Huritt means 'handsome'; Honovi means 'strong'; Wynono means 'firstborn'; and Tate means 'talks too much'. I particularly like that last one." Hearing Ojalo's suggestion, she nods and says, "That sounds like a fine name, though it's not one I've heard of before." As for Catori wanting calves, Niabi's not surprised that the other cow is sounding like she's changed her mind. After all, Niabi considers herself to be the one who planted that seed and now she's just waiting for it to grow. Question is, what will become of the similar seed that Catori planted in Niabi?
Finding herself staring up at the bull, Catori is fully pleased when she hears him suggest a name, and she actually really likes the name. Mulling it over, she mumbles it to herself. "Jurombi..?" Nodding her head, she grinned up at him, and gave him another nuzzle along his long-furred neck. How sweet of him to egg her on! Then came all of Niabi's suggestions, and she liked many of them too. Laughing a bit at the meaning of the last one, Tate, she rolled her eyes a bit. "If he'd be the son of this guy.. I don't think we'd have to worry about him talking, hmm?" She teased, and then shook her head. All of them sounded nice, and she couldn't decide. Though, she wasn't even expecting any sons or daughters at the moment, so.. she didn't have to worry about it. "I just.. changed my mind, I guess." She said to Ojalo, and shrugged a bit. "The herd has to grow somehow, doesn't it?"
It was just a name; he'd rather of said nothing. A shrug presenting itself, Ojalo had to agree, but it kinda sounded as if she were the only one capable of such a task. A sudden chuckles come from the bull. "I suppose." What did he know about growing anything but antlers; calves were beyond him, that was a cow thing.
Chuckling at her own joke of a name suggestion, Niabi comments, "Well, you never know. A calf can be completely different from their father. I, for one, hope that Aylen doesn't turn out too much like hers." Not that she didn't like Aylen's father, far from it, but she wouldn't want Aylen to be exactly like him.
Frowning a bit at Ojalo's apathy, her ears sunk as well, as did her head. There was that feeling that she was being too pushy, annoying him somehow. Though he was going along with everything, it seemed reluctant to her. The chuckle he gave was the least bit reassuring, but she wound up pulling away from him anyway. Perhaps her rut instincts were just kicking in early? She was so.. hormonal, to put it bluntly. Emotional and everything. Nodding her head slowly, she let her neck sink a little, and gave a heavy sigh. "Yeah.. I guess.." She agreed with Niabi, albeit in passing, and moved her eyes from Ojalo, to the ground.
Eyes shifting subtly between the cow and the bull, Niabi chuckles inwardly. Obviously an old hat at all of this, she finds it amusing to watch others who are still figuring things out. But she won't give any external signs of this; it might make them feel worse. Instead she says, "Well, we've still got another moon ahead of us before it even matters. A lot might change in that time." Perhaps that will help get rid of some of the awkwardness in this conversation. Or it's worth a shot, anyway.
Keeping her eyes on the ground, the influx of extra hormones for the oncoming season have undoubtedly caught an early victim in Catori. Her heart beats a little faster, and all the sudden, she does feel rather.. awkward. The butterflies in the stomach feeling, but not in the good way. In the bad way, the embarrassed way. What was she thinking? Bulls didn't keep any particular cow in mind! Nor did cows usually cling to one specific bull as she was doing. It was outside of the norm for their species, and she began to feel a bit sick to her stomach. "Uh.. n-nevermind." She said quickly, and shook her head. "I'd be a horrible mother anyway. Niabi's a good mother, though." She said, and forced a really half-hearted smile, a twinge of jealousy overtaking the younger cow. A few more steps away from the two were taken, but she wasn't on her way out of here.. yet.
Ojalo sighs at what he sees. He didn't know what to do but stand there like some kind of idiot. What did they want him to think, what was he suppose to think; he didn't know, he wasn't sure he wanted to know. With another sigh he just watches Catori for a moment wanting to say something but nothing comes out. How could she just say something like that; she seemed so confident and now.. now she's dug herself a hole to dog out of again. Looking over to Niabi for a moment he retains his silence very much so agreeing with what she had said. There was still time between now and then and many things could change. Taking a step forward toward Cat' he suddenly says, "Don't put yourself down all the time. I'm sure you'll be a great mother when the time comes. Maybe not like Niabi, but that'll come in time.." For one with so few words to say, he sure said a lot this time around. "I'm sure of it." He repeats himself.
"And it's not like you'll be alone," Niabi is quick to add, "I got a lot of help from my mother when my first calf was born, and I can certainly do the same for you." But though she means what she's saying, her thoughts are more focused on trying to explain Catori's mood swings. Perhaps if her own hormones weren't stuck on 'you have a calf already' she might be quicker to figure it out, but as it is she's a little perplexed. She'd ask if everything was okay, but with what happened last time she asked that particular question she's hesitant to do it again.
With the sudden sighs from Ojalo and then his pretty comforting words, along with Niabi's reassurance that she would help her with her calf, Catori nods her head, and her smile slowly becomes genuine once again. Nervousness was one reason for her mood swing, hormones, another. The major benefactor, actually. Lifting her head back up, she turned her head around to look back at her stomach, and let out a groan. "I'll get so fat.." She said, serious, but it was said in a comedic tone, so it could be taken as a joke. Either way, her mood seemed to improve again, but she felt that need to be by herself once more. "Thank you, Niabi." She said, and dipped her head respectfully. "I'll definitely need your help." With a chuckle, she then looked over to Ojalo, and gave him a final nuzzle along his neck again, before she carried herself slowly and gracefully away, looking up at the night sky for a brief moment. It was time to rest.
Was that all she was worried about.. getting fat. Ojalo would most certainly laugh at such a joking remark but doesn't. "If it helps any.. we'll still like you no matter how 'fat' you get." This he chuckles to. "I'll get fat with you if you want." Oja getting fat, now that'll be something to see. When Catori turns to leave, he steps up and returns her nuzzle, though belated, he means it. Why did she always have to leave he wonders.. he's half a mind to just follow her but remains where he stands.
Smiling a little as Catori's mood swings the other way, Niabi says, "I'm certain that I'll probably get much fatter. And you're welcome." Well, that took a turn for the better. But then why is she leaving now? Niabi's getting really close to giving up trying to figure out why Catori's been the way she's been lately. Once she's sure Catori's out of earshot, Niabi turns to Ojalo and says, "I don't understand that cow anymore. She's a different elk than the one I left." And based on Niabi's tone that doesn't seem to be a good thing or a bad thing, just something confusing.
Catori - Female Elk
Niabi - Female Elk
Ojalo - Male Elk
Mojag - Male Elk
Setting:
Trickling River
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Ojalo stood there basking in the moonlight, the river flowing past his knees creating a chill within the nights cool breeze. The trees sang songs echoing amongst the trickling of the river and the chirping of crickets as the gentle reflection of the moon danced. It was a peaceful night and the bull was there to enjoy it even if he was alone or not. His eyes closed and head pointed toward the sky, Oja' held a certain grace - a majestic look as he'd turn from the stars and to the forest around him.
Coming from the forest that she had ran off into in one of her moody huffs the few days previous, Catori could sense Ojalo on the wind for a good portion of her trip, and that just quickened her pace. Excited to see the bull, she practically pranced through the wooded area before she came to the clearing just before the river, and her presence was announced with the crunching of the pebbles, dirt and whatnot beneath her hooves. The bull /did/ look majestic, and it just made Catori all the more happy to see him. "Hey, you." She spoke softly as she walked into the river, wasting no time trotting up to his side.
Niabi is alone as she approaches the river tonight, having left Aylen sleeping in a secure hideaway among the trees only a short distance away. If only sleep would come to her so easily! But her mind has been full of so many thoughts lately that she often finds herself unable to settle down. She comes to the river for a drink, not really looking for company, but when she sees Ojalo's outline in the darkness and hears another walking around, she turns towards them. Seeing that it's Catori that's making the sound makes her smile, glad that the other cow is back after leaving so quickly the other day.
"...and Sitirrick the cricket calls each night to the Moon, professing his love, though she has no ears to hear him." Comes a voice carrying through the trees, silencing in it's wake the crickets that seem to inspire the words. "And Teeku the firefly burns bright with his admiration for the Silver Lady, though she has not eyes to behold him. And lo', the wolf cries out in mourning for the loveless night, but the cold, distant Moon remains aloft, shining and unreachable." The voice, to those familiar with it, belongs to Mojag as the bull slowly steps through the trees, a burnished shadow when the moonlight catches him.
A moment ruined, or was it improved by the presence of the cow; Ojalo turned his crowned head to the crunching of his surroundings, a light smile forming over his face just for knowing who it was. Seeing Catori, and seemingly in a better mood he hopes, is acknowledged with a bow. Though he stands above her - what is a bull with out a cow; what is a bull without a herd to follow him. Catching a glimpse of another at shore, Ojalo's dark eyes turn and yet another smile and bow is posed. To see Niabi was always an honor. When stepped beside, he turns to Catori once more but fails to say much of anything when the chant of a new, yet familiar voice falls in tune with the song of the trees. All in silence, he turns once more; the burnished shadow of Mojag next to gain his gaze; but unlike the cows he is given just a welcoming nod should it be seen.
As soon as she got to the bulls side, she immediately victimized him with an onslaught of nuzzles and nudges. Oh, she was very happy to see him, and it was horrifyingly obvious, too. She sees him smile and returns the gesture, along with even /more/ nuzzles. A bit obsessive, but so long as she was getting her affection across. Staring off at the moon as he was, her thoughts were interrupted by the incoming elk of both genders, and her tail and ears flicked in notice of them. "Hello, Niabi!" She greeted, turning her neck round to greet the cow properly. Then, what was that? That voice. It's words were certainly pretty, and the voice was handsome to boot. It must've been.. yes, it was! Turning her neck around the other way, a wide smile appeared, and her ears went all the way forward. "Mojag!" She practically cheered, and took only a few steps toward the other bull, keeping note that she didn't want to offend Ojalo. Only one bull held the place of favorite in her heart, and that was the one she was standing nearest to. But, ..well, there were reasons why elk didn't mate for life. Handsome other bulls were included in that reasoning.
"Good to see you, Catori!" Niabi says and is about to say more, but whatever words she would have said become lost when her ears twist to pick up a different voice: one that she recognizes, but just barely. Listening for a moment, she smiles with Mojag is finished and comments, "Hmm, that makes the moon sound like a jerk." She glances at it thoughtfully, thinking about all the predators she's met who seem to worship the thing. She has her own beliefs, but they do not include that particular celestial object. Despite her words, she really quite enjoyed it and that's apparent by the smile on her face. Or is it that she's just glad to see Mojag again?
"..hm?" Comes the murmur as Mojag's head swings to regard the small gathering, ears pricking forward to either side of the crown of antlers atop his head. "Ah, evening, evening!" He responds to Catori as he makes his way closer. "And a nice, quiet one at that. A good night for thinking." While he hadn't quiet been paying attention enough to see Ojalo's greeting, he gives the dominant bull a dip of his own head in acknowledgment before he glances aside to Niabi, snorting out a note of laughter. "Ah, but she is, isn't she? Beautiful she may be, but, I've always appreciate the warm embrace of the sun, myself."
Victimized perhaps, but is was those things that he had missed about the cow. She seemed so distant these past couple days and yet so near at the same time. What was it that drew her to him he wondered; was he not like any other bull thats crossed her path; or was it because he stayed, because he showed he cared in a time when all was lost. A shrug clearly displayed on the inner parts of his being, Ojalo's smile grew to her affection if only for a moment before her attention shifts to that of the other male with a few steps. In a way, he envied the attention Catori gave to the bull, but it was something he had to live with. Letting the voice of others fill the air, Oja peers at one than the next shifting his weight, a heavy breath escaping him and recovered from the wind.
"You're quite the storyteller.." Catori says in a kind sort of tone, and lets out a brief chuckle at the conversation that went on between the new bull and the lead cow. Yeah, yeah, the moon was pretty, the sun was nice, but she didn't really have any beliefs that she clung to. To her, the moon was there at night and the sun was there during the day, end of story. But she wasn't going to ruin their fun. Turning her head back to look at Ojalo, she decides against leaving his side this time, thinking over the last time she did and remembering how guilt-stricken she felt afterward. Perhaps it was odd, to cling to one male as she had been since his arrival, but .. well, there was something special about him that she guessed she felt drawn to. Too bad the affection and bonding was probably one-sided. All males simply cared about breeding rights, that was all. That was what she was taught anyway. Content with that and her place at the moment, she grinned kindly to Mojag, but then remained focused on Ojalo, turning her head back to him and resting her head on his sturdy, strong shoulder.
"The sun's embrace has been a bit too warm lately, if you ask me." Niabi says with a laugh, "But every season has its own challenge, and keeping cool is one of the least of them. I'd take a bad summer's day over a bad winter's day every time." For her part, she doesn't seem to pay either bull any more attention than the other, for though she's talking to Mojag, it's because he's talking back. Though Ojalo tends to not say as much, the cow frequently looks to him to read whatever he happens to be saying without using words.
Mojag tosses his head, antlers flicking skyward towards the cold moon as his tail lazily twitches behind him. "If the seasons didn't have their own challenges, we would simply have one season.. and I, for one, enjoy the change of scenery throughout the year." Remarks the bull, seeming content to make polite conversation where many a bull might not be keen to spend so much time around cows outside the rut. But then, he does seem the talkative sort.
A storyteller she says; he's heard better but doesn't voice his opinion on it. Continuing to listen to the chatter, Ojalo hmms. One of the moon and one of the sun- he much preferred the wind. It was warm when the sun gave heart and cool when the moon showed mercy. To have the best of both sides, that was the wind. Noticing Catori's choice to stay by him pleases the bull, but in truth is concerns him and its shown on his face. If she wished to join Mojag she could, he would not stop her; he would find other means to satisfy his lust for company. Turning from the cow and back out toward the other, he is lost in their conversation.
Catori stays with Ojalo precisely to /stop/ him from fulfilling his lust for company in other ways. She wanted to be special, dangit! Even if it slightly went against nature to be so privy to stay with one individual, she didn't care much. Besides, it wasn't as if she were completely ignoring the others, anyway. It was perfectly reasonable for her to stay at Ojalo's side, and converse with the other, more talkative elk. Removing her head from the strong bull's shoulder, she let her red eyes wander to Niabi and Mojag, and let out a pleased sigh. "So, Mojag." She began, and blinked a few times, tilting her head to one side. "How'd your search for those healing plants and whatnot go?"
One of Niabi's ears twists thoughtfully at Mojag's words before she responds, "Perhaps, though I could go without winter. Pretty, yes, but deadly." As for Niabi she prefers the earth over the heavens or the wind. About this time she notices Ojalo's reaction to Catori, but she does nothing but file that away to think about later. At Catori's change of subject she smiles and adds, "If you've found anything good, I'd like to know. I know my herbs very well, but my absence and other duties have left me out of date as to where they can be found."
"Well enough, in that I at least found some of what I was looking for." Mojag remarks with a smile towards Catori. "Though, it's hardly enough to be of much use, so I'll be going out again to search. It's a cool night and the wind is clear, so I was out hoping I could catch good wind of them. I was searching when I ran across you all. I should excuse myself to continue my search, I did not mean to intrude, but since you called me I at least wanted to offer a good evening."
Whether she stayed or went, it didn't sway Ojalo's concerns. He wanted what was best for her; for all those of the herd; if standing here all day would help provide that then that is exactly what he'd do. The bulls prolonged silence remains as the conversation has moved far beyond his known knowledge. However, as Mojag announces his departure its then that the bull speaks. "And I good evening to you, Mojag." That said, he falls back. To see one go was always a disappointment, he wasn't going to tie the other down and make him stay either.
Catori couldn't help but wonder what was going on in that odd, male mind of his. Ojalo's that is. He was always so dang quiet, it was no wonder that she couldn't place specific thought patterns on the bull. So, what /was/ he thinking? Was she annoying him with her presence, or was she making him happy? A self conscious thought that had resulted in a frown, and she pulled herself away just a bit. Not too much, but enough to place herself in the happy middle between Niabi and him. Looking toward the other cow, Catori smiled and let out a deep breath. "Really is a beautiful night, though.." She said quietly, and blinked as Mojag had already begun to leave. She must've been lost in her thoughts as he left, but she called out anyway. "Don't be a stranger, alright?" Of course, the 'goodbye' would fall on deaf ears, but, it was the thought that counted.
"Good luck to you then," Niabi says after Mojag, making a mental note that she absolutely has to do a proper look-around for herbs. She's been noting the locations of those she's happened to come across while she's been going through the forest, but that's only of minimal help. Filing this away, she too takes a moment to look around again at their surroundings, though it's not the beauty of the stars that she enjoys most, but the coolness of the air. "Hmm, yes, much better than winter. Especially last winter," she says quietly, as if to herself.
When all went quiet again and the mention of the nights beauty, Ojalo turns up to the sky once more. He enjoyed times like this whether he was alone or not; since he wasn't alone however, he enjoyed them more. Looking to Niabi as she speaks, he smirks. He wasn't here most of last winter.. his former home a place where winter falls short of snow. A good thing perhaps.
"Oh? Think that's funny, do you?" Niabi says to Ojalo, though a smile creeps to her face, "Well, I suppose it was my own fault that I was alone, and that's hardly the first winter I've spent on my own. Of course, the other times I wasn't pregnant, but that too is also my fault." And then she lapses back into silence, appearing to contemplate the stars, though her actual thoughts are about as far removed as they can be from the here and now.
Hmm. Well, now she didn't know quite what to do. Sitting around and talking was fine she assumed, as that was what the four of them were doing well before she suddenly felt slightly bored with the situation. A long, dramatic sigh was given, and she wades around in the water aimlessly, looking to the water, to the sky, then back to the water.. it was quite an odd sight, really. Just wandering around in the shallow creek. "Where is Aylen?" She suddenly asks, having not seen the small calf since the last time they were all together.
Ojalo gives a rather puzzled look at first toward Niabi, then head shakes. Oh no, he wasn't smirking cause of that... really. "What.." he holds back a bit of laughter trying to act all innocent and clueless. "I didn't even say anything." He didn't have to apparently. Flicking an ear to Catori he blinks... thats right, where was Aylen.
"Asleep," Niabi says, looking relatively unconcerned, "She's over in the bushes, that way." Pointing with a jerk of her head, she adds, "We had a long day today, and as soon as we stopped she fell right to sleep. I wish I had that talent." Yes, to be so unconcerned about the world that merely being tired was enough to cause that brief respite from the world.
Nodding her head, Catori looks off in the direction of the bushes, and blinks a few times. The mention of Aylen has her, of course, thinking about the rut once again. It was like a weird obsession with this cow. She probably thought about it more than the bulls did, and /that/ was a bit concerning, even to her. Either way, she wound up wondering what she would name her first calf. If she would ever have one, that is. It still seemed highly painful and whatnot to her, not something that she figured she would look forward to in any way. Looking over to Ojalo briefly, she quickly turns her head toward Niabi. "What .. what made you decide on that name? It's pretty.." She asked, her questions a bit awkward, coming out of nowhere.
Least someone had the right idea, sleeping sure sounded good but where would he go, would he even be allowed to do so. Oh the pondering thoughts that plagued him. In hope that the attention was drawn off him for the moment during the inquiry of the youngster Ojalo wonders off down the river a short ways to a shallower area. Splashing about in the water he hums, dipping his head down to drink.
The other cow's question brings a smile to Niabi's face because it reminds Niabi of the day she had Aylen, "It means 'happiness' in one of the old languages, and that's what Aylen means to me." Which probably explains why Niabi's overall mood changed while she was gone: there was a pre-Aylen Niabi, and this is the post-Aylen Niabi. Had it not been for the calf, then quite the opposite would have happened. When Ojalo steps away, Niabi watches him but does nothing, figuring that discussions about calves were probably boring to him.
"Oh.. well, it's very pretty. Suiting for her!" She says, her tone taking a jump for the better, it seemed. Her eyes a bit wide with some sort of light all the sudden, she looked back toward Ojalo, who was off moseying around somewhere; without them both, and the smirked a bit wickedly. Perking her ears up, she took one step towards the bull and flicked her tail. "Isn't that a pretty name, Ojalo?" She asked, and then let out a chuckle towards Niabi, as if letting her know of the rather joking step she was about to take. "We'll have to come up with something prettier for our calves, won't we?"
A drink and the bull was back. Sure he wasn't intrigued but the current topic, but least he could say he was there to witness it. Munching on a few leaves he found on the way back, Ojalo tries to be discrete. Though no matter how concealing he tried to be a look of guilt is what crosses his face. "Oh um..." he swallows. "Yea, pretty." He then blinks and is taken back. "Our calves... um..." What was he suppose to say to that; Ojalo can be such a moron sometimes.
Well, that's certainly one way to make a bull take an interest in a conversation about calves! Niabi laughs and laughs at Ojalo's reaction, and it takes her a few moments to be in any state to talk again. When she does, she says, "Well, let me know if you'd like any help with that, there's plenty more where that came from. It isn't hard though, just pick something that you like and that you wouldn't mind being /your/ name." Eyes still shining with humor, Niabi can't seem to stop grinning at Catori.
Catori's always been pretty forward with Ojalo in particular, but this was probably the most extreme case of her liking for him. Grinning wildly, she trotted over to his side and nudged at his shoulder playfully. "Yeah, /our/ calves!" She reiterated, and let out another chuckle. Though she was serious, her tone was so .. friendly and the two cows seemed to be making a joke out of it, that she wouldn't necessarily blame Ojalo if he thought that she was joking. "Personally, I'd like a little bull just like you. Then we could name him .." She trailed off, and looked over to Niabi, bursting into laugher again. "I don't know, I can't think of anything."
They sure knew how to put a guy on the point. He was as dumbfounded as one could get right now and Ojalo was uncertain as how to get out. Following rather closely with the cows, he gave a very unlike him response when Catori drew a fake blank. "Jurombi..." To him, the name held value though it meant nothing. After a moment he head shakes as if to realize something. "Wait, I thought you didn't want any." He recalls hearing that rather well.
Mind racing quickly for suggestions when Catori can't think of any, Niabi says, "Well, Huritt means 'handsome'; Honovi means 'strong'; Wynono means 'firstborn'; and Tate means 'talks too much'. I particularly like that last one." Hearing Ojalo's suggestion, she nods and says, "That sounds like a fine name, though it's not one I've heard of before." As for Catori wanting calves, Niabi's not surprised that the other cow is sounding like she's changed her mind. After all, Niabi considers herself to be the one who planted that seed and now she's just waiting for it to grow. Question is, what will become of the similar seed that Catori planted in Niabi?
Finding herself staring up at the bull, Catori is fully pleased when she hears him suggest a name, and she actually really likes the name. Mulling it over, she mumbles it to herself. "Jurombi..?" Nodding her head, she grinned up at him, and gave him another nuzzle along his long-furred neck. How sweet of him to egg her on! Then came all of Niabi's suggestions, and she liked many of them too. Laughing a bit at the meaning of the last one, Tate, she rolled her eyes a bit. "If he'd be the son of this guy.. I don't think we'd have to worry about him talking, hmm?" She teased, and then shook her head. All of them sounded nice, and she couldn't decide. Though, she wasn't even expecting any sons or daughters at the moment, so.. she didn't have to worry about it. "I just.. changed my mind, I guess." She said to Ojalo, and shrugged a bit. "The herd has to grow somehow, doesn't it?"
It was just a name; he'd rather of said nothing. A shrug presenting itself, Ojalo had to agree, but it kinda sounded as if she were the only one capable of such a task. A sudden chuckles come from the bull. "I suppose." What did he know about growing anything but antlers; calves were beyond him, that was a cow thing.
Chuckling at her own joke of a name suggestion, Niabi comments, "Well, you never know. A calf can be completely different from their father. I, for one, hope that Aylen doesn't turn out too much like hers." Not that she didn't like Aylen's father, far from it, but she wouldn't want Aylen to be exactly like him.
Frowning a bit at Ojalo's apathy, her ears sunk as well, as did her head. There was that feeling that she was being too pushy, annoying him somehow. Though he was going along with everything, it seemed reluctant to her. The chuckle he gave was the least bit reassuring, but she wound up pulling away from him anyway. Perhaps her rut instincts were just kicking in early? She was so.. hormonal, to put it bluntly. Emotional and everything. Nodding her head slowly, she let her neck sink a little, and gave a heavy sigh. "Yeah.. I guess.." She agreed with Niabi, albeit in passing, and moved her eyes from Ojalo, to the ground.
Eyes shifting subtly between the cow and the bull, Niabi chuckles inwardly. Obviously an old hat at all of this, she finds it amusing to watch others who are still figuring things out. But she won't give any external signs of this; it might make them feel worse. Instead she says, "Well, we've still got another moon ahead of us before it even matters. A lot might change in that time." Perhaps that will help get rid of some of the awkwardness in this conversation. Or it's worth a shot, anyway.
Keeping her eyes on the ground, the influx of extra hormones for the oncoming season have undoubtedly caught an early victim in Catori. Her heart beats a little faster, and all the sudden, she does feel rather.. awkward. The butterflies in the stomach feeling, but not in the good way. In the bad way, the embarrassed way. What was she thinking? Bulls didn't keep any particular cow in mind! Nor did cows usually cling to one specific bull as she was doing. It was outside of the norm for their species, and she began to feel a bit sick to her stomach. "Uh.. n-nevermind." She said quickly, and shook her head. "I'd be a horrible mother anyway. Niabi's a good mother, though." She said, and forced a really half-hearted smile, a twinge of jealousy overtaking the younger cow. A few more steps away from the two were taken, but she wasn't on her way out of here.. yet.
Ojalo sighs at what he sees. He didn't know what to do but stand there like some kind of idiot. What did they want him to think, what was he suppose to think; he didn't know, he wasn't sure he wanted to know. With another sigh he just watches Catori for a moment wanting to say something but nothing comes out. How could she just say something like that; she seemed so confident and now.. now she's dug herself a hole to dog out of again. Looking over to Niabi for a moment he retains his silence very much so agreeing with what she had said. There was still time between now and then and many things could change. Taking a step forward toward Cat' he suddenly says, "Don't put yourself down all the time. I'm sure you'll be a great mother when the time comes. Maybe not like Niabi, but that'll come in time.." For one with so few words to say, he sure said a lot this time around. "I'm sure of it." He repeats himself.
"And it's not like you'll be alone," Niabi is quick to add, "I got a lot of help from my mother when my first calf was born, and I can certainly do the same for you." But though she means what she's saying, her thoughts are more focused on trying to explain Catori's mood swings. Perhaps if her own hormones weren't stuck on 'you have a calf already' she might be quicker to figure it out, but as it is she's a little perplexed. She'd ask if everything was okay, but with what happened last time she asked that particular question she's hesitant to do it again.
With the sudden sighs from Ojalo and then his pretty comforting words, along with Niabi's reassurance that she would help her with her calf, Catori nods her head, and her smile slowly becomes genuine once again. Nervousness was one reason for her mood swing, hormones, another. The major benefactor, actually. Lifting her head back up, she turned her head around to look back at her stomach, and let out a groan. "I'll get so fat.." She said, serious, but it was said in a comedic tone, so it could be taken as a joke. Either way, her mood seemed to improve again, but she felt that need to be by herself once more. "Thank you, Niabi." She said, and dipped her head respectfully. "I'll definitely need your help." With a chuckle, she then looked over to Ojalo, and gave him a final nuzzle along his neck again, before she carried herself slowly and gracefully away, looking up at the night sky for a brief moment. It was time to rest.
Was that all she was worried about.. getting fat. Ojalo would most certainly laugh at such a joking remark but doesn't. "If it helps any.. we'll still like you no matter how 'fat' you get." This he chuckles to. "I'll get fat with you if you want." Oja getting fat, now that'll be something to see. When Catori turns to leave, he steps up and returns her nuzzle, though belated, he means it. Why did she always have to leave he wonders.. he's half a mind to just follow her but remains where he stands.
Smiling a little as Catori's mood swings the other way, Niabi says, "I'm certain that I'll probably get much fatter. And you're welcome." Well, that took a turn for the better. But then why is she leaving now? Niabi's getting really close to giving up trying to figure out why Catori's been the way she's been lately. Once she's sure Catori's out of earshot, Niabi turns to Ojalo and says, "I don't understand that cow anymore. She's a different elk than the one I left." And based on Niabi's tone that doesn't seem to be a good thing or a bad thing, just something confusing.