Post by ayett on Feb 27, 2010 15:53:22 GMT -5
Setting:
Sparse Copse
Characters:
Ojalo, Male Elk
Niabi, Female Elk
Tewa, Female Elk
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The first sign of winter has come; Niabi's winter coat is starting to grow in. She first realized it this morning when she awoke itchy, very itchy. Sufficeth to say, she's now eating a very late breakfast since it took awhile for her to get the itching to stop. Today's menu is whatever tips of the bushes that look tasty, and she looks rather rumpled as she eats. Not that she's ever really cared what she looks like; she wouldn't have the time to worry about it much even if she did.
The season he adored the most was slowly coming to an end and with the feeling of a heavy winter to come just didn't seem to make things any better for Ojalo. Trailing close behind the rumpled Niabi, the bull grazes off the last bits of grass still able to be found while keeping an eye out for any possible movement thats out of the ordinary.
The area's abundant grasses have beckoned Tewa to this particular spot. Throughout the early morning, the cow has been gorging on a buffet of things: plants, pine needles, bushes, berries and of course, tons of grass. She thinks that if she stays here, she'll put on weight in no time - something that has been at the forefront of Tewa's mind for a while. Not only is it important for the upcoming winter, but it's necessary for successful reproduction. That's not to say she will be participating in the rut this season; her herd is probably far south by now. But that primal urge to pass on her genes is there, even if the opportunity isn't, and it's pure instinct that guides her to prepare herself just in case. At the present time, Tewa is lying at the south end of the copse, closest to the trees, and is half-dozing while her food digests. A sudden rustling, however, startles her. Her muscles tense and she lifts one leg in preparation, but ultimately stays where she is, and lets out a slow breath as she sees a pair of elk walk into sight. It's a pleasant surprise, though she doesn't speak just yet.
A quiet noise is all that it takes for Niabi to be alerted to another's presence. She too suddenly tenses, but only for a split second before she recognises that it's not something dangerous. Then again, she doesn't recognise this particular cow elk. "Oh, hello," she says as a large smile crosses her face, "I'm sorry if we startled you." An elk that she doesn't know is still an uncommon thing, and Niabi can't hide that she's pleased to see a new face. Abandoning her browsing, she approaches slowly, stopping while she still a short distance away in case this unknown elk is the shy sort.
Ojalo never was the kind to jump, tense or even be surprised by the sudden presence of another, so he's rather casual about the whole unknown presence just in the distance. Picking up on Niabi's tense posture, he looks over to where her voice projects, finding yet another cow elk in a rather same state. Picking his head up from the ground, he makes small approach behind his companion stopping just short of her. The bulls silence remains evident as he gazes at the unknown female.
Given that it's rude to greet others lying down, Tewa rises to her feet. The wounds on her shoulder and rump become visible as she stands and faces the pair; bite marks, they are, though they're definitely not much of an attention-grabber now as they've healed quite a bit. "Hello," she returns, looking from the cow to the bull and then back again. Both look to be strong and in their prime, and this pleases her... though she has yet to actually smile. She's not one to show much emotion. "My name is Tewa."
Given her many experiences tending to the injured, Niabi is generally quick to notice wounds, even if they are subtle. But she forces herself to attend to introductions before she'll dive into worrying over Tewa. "I am Niabi, and this is Ojalo. We're leaders of the Umber herd," she says with a nod. Okay, now she can feel free to ask "Are you alright?" while glancing at the injuries. She can see that they're partway healed, but her question is also more general than that since she finds the lack of emotion a bit odd.
Seeings the cows lack of emotion draws a hidden smile upon the bulls face. He too was a book whos cover laid blank. However, it didn't exactly please him to know that he'd have to work to find some kind emotional leak either. Given the situation it wasn't much to complain about. The partical healed wounds on the cow are noticed but lately who doesn't bare a scare or two; he certainly does with a new one on his side to prove it. As introductions are made, Ojalo steps forward a bit more so that he stands just about evenly at Niabi's side.
Niabi's concern for her - a mere acquaintance - coaxes a small half-smile onto Tewa's face. "I'll be okay," she assures her, noticing that both of them bear scars of a similar make. Anyway, she's more interested in the cow's previous words. She tilts her head a fraction of an inch. "What did you say your herd was called? Umber?" There is no hope of catching up to her herd now, and though she freely admits enjoying the solitary nature of the past few weeks, she's not designed to live alone. Perhaps this cow, who seems very friendly, would be willing to let her tag along with them.
Being concerned about others is nearly a reflex for Niabi; indeed, it takes up most of her life aside from the basic need to care for herself. And Tewa's answer only slightly lessens her concern, though she's pleased to see the hint of a smile. "Yes; there's not many of us though. Well, in the elk half anyway. We've joined ourselves to a group of whitetails," she rambles a little.
Motioning to give response, Ojalo is met only with "..." in words as Niabi, as always, beats him to the punch. Not big on words anyways, he decides to just nod.
Nodding thoughtfully, Tewa considers her options. She's very pleased with the area - it's close to water and the soil is rich, which means better forage, and there's plenty of timber nearby for safety. Though she's never seen such a thing, she isn't even opposed to the idea of the elk having joined with the whitetails. Perhaps the only cause for concern is the fact that their herd is a small one, but Niabi seems like a wise and competent leader, and Ojalo a strong protector. "Perhaps I can add to your numbers," she suggests, flicking her ears.
It's never Niabi's intention to talk over Ojalo, but since he's prone to be quiet and Niabi is very much the opposite, that's the way things end up sometimes. Still, she notices Ojalo's attempt at words, and she looks slightly embarrassed. To make up for it, this time she turns to him and says, "Hmm, I think we could use another set of eyes, what do you think?" It hasn't been long enough since a certain evening for it not to be apparent that she cares a lot for this bull whenever she looks directly at him.
A nod seemed like enough for the time being but as the cow offered, or rather voluteered herself to become a part of their small herd, Ojalo finds such an act unworthy of the situation. Ruffling his pelt with a slight shake, the bull is more than willing to accept this cow as one of them. He has seen no ill intent from her so far and has been no indication there ever will be. He remains skeptical however, as he does with most unfamiliar to him, even as Niabi looks to him for some kind of agreement. A voice well out of place amongst the females, Ojalo gladly speaks. "I could not agree more." He says turning from Niabi and to Tewa. "You are welcome here Tewa. On behalf of the Umber, I welcome you as part of the herd."
The bull's deep voice brings an unexpected smile to Tewa's face. "Glad to hear it," she tells them both. Though perhaps a little impersonal (such has always been her personality), Tewa is confident that she'll be a strong contributor to her new family, all while gaining the protection she needs to survive. Of course, there's also the rut - an important role in the creating of new generations. Which reminds her: it wouldn't hurt to gain a few more pounds.
Always one to assume the best in anyone until they prove otherwise, Niabi is hardly going to not accept someone on the basis that she doesn't know them yet. If things turn out otherwise, then she'll just have to deal with it then. "You'll love it here," she says enthusiastically, "The main thing we worry about in this area is dogs, and dogs are... not difficult. Plenty of forage, water nearby, you could hardly ask for better." She's already taken advantage of the food herself, well on her way to getting to where she needs to be to last the winter and provide for the calf she's now almost certain she's carrying.
A light smile now upon the bulls face, he is certainly grateful to be able to add another to their ranks. Once again quiet, Ojalo gives nod to Tewa before stepping up and giving a short circle around the cow in inspection; possibly giving her the chance aswell. Stopping along side the cow, he gives a slight bump to her side before passing forward. "It would be better without the dogs if you ask me." Is then suddenly said by the bull.
"Yes, I can see that the food is plentiful," Tewa responds with an approving nod. "It was one of the things that drew me here in the first place." At the mention of dogs, her brow furrows but hasn't time to answer back before Ojalo begins to circle her. She stands comfortably throughout his inspection despite knowing that she probably looks a little worse for wear at this point in time - however, she intends to change that. As for Ojalo, he has already met her requirements. She gives him a lingering glance as he concludes his examination with a nudge. "I bet," she says in response to his comment about the dogs. Her eyes turn toward Niabi once again. "Have you lived here long?" she asks, making an effort to be social.
"Hmm, almost two years now, off and on," Niabi replies somewhat cryptically, not in the mood to go into detail about how she disappeared on everyone then came back. "And I agree about the dogs, but perhaps their presence means that no wolves will bother to claim the area; it could be worse." Though she notices the interaction between the other two elk, she hardly cares. Ojalo would hardly be the first bull she's been with that's been with other cows during the same season, not by a long shot.
Ojalo could care less what the other looked like; it wasn't what drove him to stay and do what was required of him; it was the personality, the determination. Though some of that has changed over the past few weeks, he doesn't let a small incident or even a promise run him astray. Returning along side Niabi, brushing up against her as he does, he says "A year less for me." Infact it hasn't even been a year; he came along later in the year. "And indeed it could be worse, but since they have no been a threat so far, I see no reason to worry." That doesn't mean he'll stop his patrols though; he's not that careless.
"I wouldn't mind it if I never saw another wolf again," Tewa says with a subdued chuckle. Her statement is highly unrealistic, but eh, her most recent memory of canis lupus is less than fond. She briefly sweeps her eyes over the area before cocking a hoof and relaxing a little more. "I've noticed a lot more insects here than in the higher ground where I come from. But if that's the best complaint that I can come up with, then that's, well... really good." She offers a smile and another flick of her ears. "Is there anything else I should watch out for around here, besides dogs?"
Smiling a little, Niabi shakes her head, but ammends the answer with, "I have seen more dangerous things pass through, but you'd see that anywhere, I'm sure, especially this close to a river. But it's mostly the dogs, and even with them you merely see the signs of their presence and little else. Just enough to remind you to be cautious; good advice anywhere." She might have continued, but she's completely incapable of thinking and being touched by Ojalo at the same time, and she responds by gently nuzzling his shoulder.
Ojalo smiles outwardly as he is nuzzled due to his affection toward Niabi. "If dogs are the only thing wondering these parts these days, then I'd say were safe." A dog was no challenge for him, unless it was an entire pack.. He shakes the thought away. Between him and Mojag, as much as he hates to include the other bull, nothing should get through here with out a fight. "As for watchiing out for anything else. I'd say unruly bulls. If you manage to find one that is."
Tewa considers Ojalo's advice predictable considering the source, though his words still bring a smirk to her face. The smile disappears quickly, lest either of them think that she sees anything more than a little humor in the statement. Yes, she'll be sure to watch out for unruly bulls. As for the moment, she's feeling a little hungry again. "Thank you again for letting me join you," she says to both. "I think I'm going to look around a little and get some more to eat, if you don't mind. But I'll be close by if you need me."
Niabi can't help but smile at Ojalo's slightly different take on the safety of the area; just like a bull to be so confident when she felt the need to be wary. But she's hardly unpracticed at defending herself from canines, as her birth herd was frequently preyed upon by wolves. Dogs are usually far less organised, and she's learned to capitalize on their every mistake. She doesn't really fear them, but she is wary; there's always the possiblity that she'll make the mistake. Ojalo's joke about the bulls causes an actual laugh, and she nudges him playfully with her shoulder, "Oh, you don't need to worry about the unruly bulls; I keep them in line." Turning her attention more fully back to Tewa, she nods, "Make yourself at home."
Ojalo laughs right back at her. "Oh i'm sure you do." To Tewa he nods in mile. "Its a pleasure to have you with us." he says. "Take care." Although she was to remain near, one could never be to careful. With that, he shifts in his spot just about rready to settle for the night.
Sparse Copse
Characters:
Ojalo, Male Elk
Niabi, Female Elk
Tewa, Female Elk
----------------------------------------
The first sign of winter has come; Niabi's winter coat is starting to grow in. She first realized it this morning when she awoke itchy, very itchy. Sufficeth to say, she's now eating a very late breakfast since it took awhile for her to get the itching to stop. Today's menu is whatever tips of the bushes that look tasty, and she looks rather rumpled as she eats. Not that she's ever really cared what she looks like; she wouldn't have the time to worry about it much even if she did.
The season he adored the most was slowly coming to an end and with the feeling of a heavy winter to come just didn't seem to make things any better for Ojalo. Trailing close behind the rumpled Niabi, the bull grazes off the last bits of grass still able to be found while keeping an eye out for any possible movement thats out of the ordinary.
The area's abundant grasses have beckoned Tewa to this particular spot. Throughout the early morning, the cow has been gorging on a buffet of things: plants, pine needles, bushes, berries and of course, tons of grass. She thinks that if she stays here, she'll put on weight in no time - something that has been at the forefront of Tewa's mind for a while. Not only is it important for the upcoming winter, but it's necessary for successful reproduction. That's not to say she will be participating in the rut this season; her herd is probably far south by now. But that primal urge to pass on her genes is there, even if the opportunity isn't, and it's pure instinct that guides her to prepare herself just in case. At the present time, Tewa is lying at the south end of the copse, closest to the trees, and is half-dozing while her food digests. A sudden rustling, however, startles her. Her muscles tense and she lifts one leg in preparation, but ultimately stays where she is, and lets out a slow breath as she sees a pair of elk walk into sight. It's a pleasant surprise, though she doesn't speak just yet.
A quiet noise is all that it takes for Niabi to be alerted to another's presence. She too suddenly tenses, but only for a split second before she recognises that it's not something dangerous. Then again, she doesn't recognise this particular cow elk. "Oh, hello," she says as a large smile crosses her face, "I'm sorry if we startled you." An elk that she doesn't know is still an uncommon thing, and Niabi can't hide that she's pleased to see a new face. Abandoning her browsing, she approaches slowly, stopping while she still a short distance away in case this unknown elk is the shy sort.
Ojalo never was the kind to jump, tense or even be surprised by the sudden presence of another, so he's rather casual about the whole unknown presence just in the distance. Picking up on Niabi's tense posture, he looks over to where her voice projects, finding yet another cow elk in a rather same state. Picking his head up from the ground, he makes small approach behind his companion stopping just short of her. The bulls silence remains evident as he gazes at the unknown female.
Given that it's rude to greet others lying down, Tewa rises to her feet. The wounds on her shoulder and rump become visible as she stands and faces the pair; bite marks, they are, though they're definitely not much of an attention-grabber now as they've healed quite a bit. "Hello," she returns, looking from the cow to the bull and then back again. Both look to be strong and in their prime, and this pleases her... though she has yet to actually smile. She's not one to show much emotion. "My name is Tewa."
Given her many experiences tending to the injured, Niabi is generally quick to notice wounds, even if they are subtle. But she forces herself to attend to introductions before she'll dive into worrying over Tewa. "I am Niabi, and this is Ojalo. We're leaders of the Umber herd," she says with a nod. Okay, now she can feel free to ask "Are you alright?" while glancing at the injuries. She can see that they're partway healed, but her question is also more general than that since she finds the lack of emotion a bit odd.
Seeings the cows lack of emotion draws a hidden smile upon the bulls face. He too was a book whos cover laid blank. However, it didn't exactly please him to know that he'd have to work to find some kind emotional leak either. Given the situation it wasn't much to complain about. The partical healed wounds on the cow are noticed but lately who doesn't bare a scare or two; he certainly does with a new one on his side to prove it. As introductions are made, Ojalo steps forward a bit more so that he stands just about evenly at Niabi's side.
Niabi's concern for her - a mere acquaintance - coaxes a small half-smile onto Tewa's face. "I'll be okay," she assures her, noticing that both of them bear scars of a similar make. Anyway, she's more interested in the cow's previous words. She tilts her head a fraction of an inch. "What did you say your herd was called? Umber?" There is no hope of catching up to her herd now, and though she freely admits enjoying the solitary nature of the past few weeks, she's not designed to live alone. Perhaps this cow, who seems very friendly, would be willing to let her tag along with them.
Being concerned about others is nearly a reflex for Niabi; indeed, it takes up most of her life aside from the basic need to care for herself. And Tewa's answer only slightly lessens her concern, though she's pleased to see the hint of a smile. "Yes; there's not many of us though. Well, in the elk half anyway. We've joined ourselves to a group of whitetails," she rambles a little.
Motioning to give response, Ojalo is met only with "..." in words as Niabi, as always, beats him to the punch. Not big on words anyways, he decides to just nod.
Nodding thoughtfully, Tewa considers her options. She's very pleased with the area - it's close to water and the soil is rich, which means better forage, and there's plenty of timber nearby for safety. Though she's never seen such a thing, she isn't even opposed to the idea of the elk having joined with the whitetails. Perhaps the only cause for concern is the fact that their herd is a small one, but Niabi seems like a wise and competent leader, and Ojalo a strong protector. "Perhaps I can add to your numbers," she suggests, flicking her ears.
It's never Niabi's intention to talk over Ojalo, but since he's prone to be quiet and Niabi is very much the opposite, that's the way things end up sometimes. Still, she notices Ojalo's attempt at words, and she looks slightly embarrassed. To make up for it, this time she turns to him and says, "Hmm, I think we could use another set of eyes, what do you think?" It hasn't been long enough since a certain evening for it not to be apparent that she cares a lot for this bull whenever she looks directly at him.
A nod seemed like enough for the time being but as the cow offered, or rather voluteered herself to become a part of their small herd, Ojalo finds such an act unworthy of the situation. Ruffling his pelt with a slight shake, the bull is more than willing to accept this cow as one of them. He has seen no ill intent from her so far and has been no indication there ever will be. He remains skeptical however, as he does with most unfamiliar to him, even as Niabi looks to him for some kind of agreement. A voice well out of place amongst the females, Ojalo gladly speaks. "I could not agree more." He says turning from Niabi and to Tewa. "You are welcome here Tewa. On behalf of the Umber, I welcome you as part of the herd."
The bull's deep voice brings an unexpected smile to Tewa's face. "Glad to hear it," she tells them both. Though perhaps a little impersonal (such has always been her personality), Tewa is confident that she'll be a strong contributor to her new family, all while gaining the protection she needs to survive. Of course, there's also the rut - an important role in the creating of new generations. Which reminds her: it wouldn't hurt to gain a few more pounds.
Always one to assume the best in anyone until they prove otherwise, Niabi is hardly going to not accept someone on the basis that she doesn't know them yet. If things turn out otherwise, then she'll just have to deal with it then. "You'll love it here," she says enthusiastically, "The main thing we worry about in this area is dogs, and dogs are... not difficult. Plenty of forage, water nearby, you could hardly ask for better." She's already taken advantage of the food herself, well on her way to getting to where she needs to be to last the winter and provide for the calf she's now almost certain she's carrying.
A light smile now upon the bulls face, he is certainly grateful to be able to add another to their ranks. Once again quiet, Ojalo gives nod to Tewa before stepping up and giving a short circle around the cow in inspection; possibly giving her the chance aswell. Stopping along side the cow, he gives a slight bump to her side before passing forward. "It would be better without the dogs if you ask me." Is then suddenly said by the bull.
"Yes, I can see that the food is plentiful," Tewa responds with an approving nod. "It was one of the things that drew me here in the first place." At the mention of dogs, her brow furrows but hasn't time to answer back before Ojalo begins to circle her. She stands comfortably throughout his inspection despite knowing that she probably looks a little worse for wear at this point in time - however, she intends to change that. As for Ojalo, he has already met her requirements. She gives him a lingering glance as he concludes his examination with a nudge. "I bet," she says in response to his comment about the dogs. Her eyes turn toward Niabi once again. "Have you lived here long?" she asks, making an effort to be social.
"Hmm, almost two years now, off and on," Niabi replies somewhat cryptically, not in the mood to go into detail about how she disappeared on everyone then came back. "And I agree about the dogs, but perhaps their presence means that no wolves will bother to claim the area; it could be worse." Though she notices the interaction between the other two elk, she hardly cares. Ojalo would hardly be the first bull she's been with that's been with other cows during the same season, not by a long shot.
Ojalo could care less what the other looked like; it wasn't what drove him to stay and do what was required of him; it was the personality, the determination. Though some of that has changed over the past few weeks, he doesn't let a small incident or even a promise run him astray. Returning along side Niabi, brushing up against her as he does, he says "A year less for me." Infact it hasn't even been a year; he came along later in the year. "And indeed it could be worse, but since they have no been a threat so far, I see no reason to worry." That doesn't mean he'll stop his patrols though; he's not that careless.
"I wouldn't mind it if I never saw another wolf again," Tewa says with a subdued chuckle. Her statement is highly unrealistic, but eh, her most recent memory of canis lupus is less than fond. She briefly sweeps her eyes over the area before cocking a hoof and relaxing a little more. "I've noticed a lot more insects here than in the higher ground where I come from. But if that's the best complaint that I can come up with, then that's, well... really good." She offers a smile and another flick of her ears. "Is there anything else I should watch out for around here, besides dogs?"
Smiling a little, Niabi shakes her head, but ammends the answer with, "I have seen more dangerous things pass through, but you'd see that anywhere, I'm sure, especially this close to a river. But it's mostly the dogs, and even with them you merely see the signs of their presence and little else. Just enough to remind you to be cautious; good advice anywhere." She might have continued, but she's completely incapable of thinking and being touched by Ojalo at the same time, and she responds by gently nuzzling his shoulder.
Ojalo smiles outwardly as he is nuzzled due to his affection toward Niabi. "If dogs are the only thing wondering these parts these days, then I'd say were safe." A dog was no challenge for him, unless it was an entire pack.. He shakes the thought away. Between him and Mojag, as much as he hates to include the other bull, nothing should get through here with out a fight. "As for watchiing out for anything else. I'd say unruly bulls. If you manage to find one that is."
Tewa considers Ojalo's advice predictable considering the source, though his words still bring a smirk to her face. The smile disappears quickly, lest either of them think that she sees anything more than a little humor in the statement. Yes, she'll be sure to watch out for unruly bulls. As for the moment, she's feeling a little hungry again. "Thank you again for letting me join you," she says to both. "I think I'm going to look around a little and get some more to eat, if you don't mind. But I'll be close by if you need me."
Niabi can't help but smile at Ojalo's slightly different take on the safety of the area; just like a bull to be so confident when she felt the need to be wary. But she's hardly unpracticed at defending herself from canines, as her birth herd was frequently preyed upon by wolves. Dogs are usually far less organised, and she's learned to capitalize on their every mistake. She doesn't really fear them, but she is wary; there's always the possiblity that she'll make the mistake. Ojalo's joke about the bulls causes an actual laugh, and she nudges him playfully with her shoulder, "Oh, you don't need to worry about the unruly bulls; I keep them in line." Turning her attention more fully back to Tewa, she nods, "Make yourself at home."
Ojalo laughs right back at her. "Oh i'm sure you do." To Tewa he nods in mile. "Its a pleasure to have you with us." he says. "Take care." Although she was to remain near, one could never be to careful. With that, he shifts in his spot just about rready to settle for the night.