Post by Pavane on Jul 5, 2011 2:00:08 GMT -5
This comes after "Trouble in Paradise", and introduces "Blood Bonds".
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Blackberry finds himself back at this place again. After the marsh the other day this place is a welcome improvement, despite the rain that presently falls. It could be a great deal worse. He had spent the day previous on the other side of the marsh exploring what lay beyond it. Findng nothing he took the long way around and made his way back here. He hopes to run into Asku, or perhaps even the alpha that he was told he would be able to speak with. At any rate its better than being in the marsh.
The rain is lightening up, though the clouds overhead continue to loom. Chewy, ears twitching faintly, is content to rest to the moment with Skah's departure, but that rest doesn't seem to last because as she JUST starts to settle in for a nap, she catches the sound and vague sense of someone approaching, and, lifting her head from her paws, spots the fox she'd seen the previous eve. The movement before recognition of shape sets her bristling defensively again, before her eyes narrow at sight of Blackberry, and knowledge that it is a fox. A fox yes, but still an intruder. She slowly stands, and lets out a warning wuff to alert him to her presence.
Blackberry is not in anyway surprised by her reaction, she had seemed rather excitable when he had met her the other day and so her gruff is not a shock. He simply sits himself down and sets his eyes on her, "Evening." he says. He had thought about explaining to her that he wasn't much of a threat, which physically he is not, but he decided against it, rather he chooses to ignore it. After greeting her he looks around, "I see your beta is no where to be found." he said in reference to Asku.
Ears lay back as Wachiwa says, bluntly, "I am not my Beta's keeper, Fox," and she stiffens some. He says he's not a threat.. But given he's come /way/ too close to the proximity of the den and the pups sleeping inside, she's not going to take that with much salt grains, especially since she saw him talking to the strange wolf, who she REALLY doesn't trust. "And I'm going to give you a single warning not to come closer. There are pups asleep inside this den, and I'll not have you waking them up prematurely." She doesn't stop defensive stance.. but once the warning is given, she does at least sit down instead of standing at complete alert.
Speak of the puppies... and here one of them comes. Ikuna pads up the tunnel from the den, his tail wagging as he sniffs at the interesting scents on the post-rain air. He glances around, and then his gaze falls on Blackberry. Oh, huh! Who's that? Interesting... He lifts one paw, and then stops. Waaaait a minute. That's a stranger. Which means... he looks around again, and his gaze falls on Chewy. There's a bigwolf. He trots toward her quietly, still watching the strange fox with wide, curious eyes.
Blackberry watches this one closely. Yes...she certainly has some spirit. Perhaps she too could be useful, or perhaps not he doesn't know her well enough to say yet. He makes no further movement closer, "As you wish." he says calmly. He had already been sitting down and had no intention of coming any closer at any rate, she is far to unpredicatable at this point for him to want to do that, "Clearly you are not his keeper, as he told me himself awhile ago." Well now that isn't exactly true, but when did he let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Ears lay back, "I don't know what Asku's been saying about me, but I'll thank you kindly not to try and use him against me like I'm some irrational idiot. I'm not the smartest wolf there is.. But I know Asku would never speak ill of me without good reason." Wachiwa is not liking this fox suddenly, either. And that's about when Ikuna comes up and does the GOOD thing she told him to do; instead of approaching the strange fox, he comes to her, a Bigwolf. She leans her head down to nuzzle at him quietly, and then steps forward enough to put Ikuna beneath her protectively. "That's a fox, Ikuna," she says, softly, to the littlewolf, "They're like wolves, only smaller."
Out of the distance a howl can be heard from a wolf that can not yet to be seen. If Sabin has learned anything it to at least announce his coming.
Ikuna tilts his head up and nuzzles back at Chewy, and wags his tail happily. He did good! "Foh?" he repeats, peering at the strange creature from around his bigwolf. It's sort of like a wolf, yeah... but sort of not! It's smaller, and the tail is fluffier, and there's lots of other little differences. He considers on it for a moment - and then his ears perk at the sound of a howl. "Wolf!" he says, recognizing it - though not the source. Another stranger!
Ears fleck forward, and Chewy scrunches her face with a sigh. Being an adult is so HAAAARD, she's got to watch out for danger from the FOX, and danger from that Helaku guy and now a new Wolf again? She frowns, and then dips her head down to nuzzle at Ikuna, "That's right, that's a wolf howling. I want you to stay here under me, Ikuna, until we see the other wolf. And if I tell you to hide in the den, you go hide in the den, okay, baby?" She smiles to him reassuringly, even if she feels all the fur on her back prickle at this. She keeps an eye on the fox... But lifts her head to give a returning howl to the one that was heard moments before.
Sabin was actually glad to hear the howl of another wolf. This causes him to quicken his pace until he come into view. Though stopping and not coming to close he dips his head towards Wachiwa whom he can see from his perspective. The scent of the fox does draw his attention but not as much as being on yet another packland.
Blackberry gives a bit of a smile, he is quite sure she isn't the smartest wolf in the world, and he dones't particularly care if he is liked or not...at least not by Wachiwa, "Who said he said anything bad about you." He glances to the pup as Wachiwa explains what a fox is. He knows better than to try to interct with the pup with Wachiwa sitting right there so he ignores it. He does however, glance to the toward the sound of the howl, 'who is this?' he wonders silently to himself.
Aww... the strangers might be all interesting! But... okay. Ikuna nods obediently, especially once he notices those little signs of worry in the bigwolf. Things can't be too bad, 'cause Chewy is still smiling, but... this is serious. He leans in close against her, small warm body pressing to hers - but with his ears still perked and his head turning to look around curiously and see if he can spot the new wolf first!
As Sabin approaches, Chewy is glad to see he's respectful of not just charging in will nill, and such, and doesn't try to come up, sniff the pup, or come closer to the earthen hole beforewhich Chewy and Ikuna sit. But she doesn't think Skah or shawnee would like him being on their land, either. Not after all the problems they've had in just so little time as the last few days. She frowns, ignores the fox a moment, and handles the wolf, bobbing her head: "Hullo.. You're on the pack land of the Ute, and as such I request you to give your name and reason for being here."
"I am Sabin. Just a wandering rogue, Miss." the wolf says while settling back to his haunches to not look threatening. "I did not mean to intrude on packlands. If you wish that I leave just point me in the direction of the borders but I also assure. I am here in peace... The ways of a pack are foreign to me so.. I do not know all the laws therein."
Blackberry is content to be ignored. He doesn't believe that much useful can come of this conversation anyway. So he just sits in silence. He does watch the arrival of the other wolf and listens with interest to what he has to say. He doesn't say anything to him either. He wouldn't have anything meaningful to add to that conversation anyway. He is curious to hear about where the boarders of the land are, that would be a useful bit of information.
Oh, there he is! A wolf! Ikuna peers up at Sabin, and his tail thumps hopefully against the ground. Is this a friendly stranger, or a mean one? Blackberry is mostly ignored for now - a fox is one thing, but wolves are more innately interesting to a little wolf. Sabin certainly _seems_ nice... Ikuna looks up at Chewy, trying to see what she thinks of him. Is this an okay stranger? How does a bigwolf tell that sort of thing, anyway?
Well, okay, Sabin SEEMS fine. He's not like that wolf who tried to offer her food just after she'd heard him badmouthing her pack. She mms, thoughtfully, and then looks down to Ikuna's wagging tail. Before looking back to Sabin. "Well, Sabin, I'm Wachiwa. I'm not in charge around here, so I'm not going to say you can or can't stay, you'd need to talk to the Alphas, Skahla, or my sister Shawnee, for that. But I will say that you've come very close to our home den, so it might be wiser for you to keep your distance and maybe stay by yonder tree," a nod toward the crab apple tree up the hill, "if you wish to stick around... How is it though, that you don't have a pack of your own?" She tilts her head, then says, to Ikuna, "Ikuna, honey, you can go talk to the bigwolf or the fox if you want, but stay where I can see you, okay?"
Askuwheteau's voice suddenly sounds from an easterly direction, and like mist rising off the surface of a pool he appears from behind a tree at the base of the hill leading up to the den, "Heloo, Chewy. Everything alright here?" he asks as he trots up to meet his little brother and best friend. He looks suspiciously at the strange wolf, and his eyes take on a downright unfriendly expression when he looks at the fox, "Oh...it's you again." Asku was normally serious, but the distatse in his voice was clear when he spoke to the fox before glancing at Wachiwa with a look at asked for a short briefing, it also asked if she needed his help with all this.
Sabin nods his head to the female, "Well met, Wachiwa. I was born to a rogue wolfess. I am the youngest of three. She said my father was part of a pack but didn't know which one." he shrugs his shoulder and then looks towards the tree. "I will do as you ask. But would you mind if I stay here a moment in this spot to rest my paws?"
Blackberry smiles, the fabulous and amazing Asku has arrived, "Yes its me." he says. This is the wolf that he is bound and determined to prove a point too, and he has a plan in place to at the very least make a good run at it, "I'm sure you missed me." he says. This is going to be a great deal of fun. It will be even better with Wachiwa here. Now Asku can embarass himself in front of her, it is after all always better to have an audience if you are going to cause a bit of mischief.
Yay! He gets to go see the strangers! "Okay!" says Ikuna, and starts to trot forward - then turns at the sound of Asku's voice, and grins big, his tail wiggling fast as he gives a little bark of greeting to his brother. His ears splay a little when he notices Asku's reaction to Blackberry, and that makes up his mind. He'll go see the new wolf, instead of the fox. His ears perk up again, and he trots up to Sabin, pausing a few steps away and inspecting the big wolf. "H'lo."
Asku's dismay is of course noticed; Chewy also notices it involves the fox, which only proves her dislike of him, ears flecking slightly back. "Asku, there you are. Skahla is looking for you, there's been some trouble at the borders, and he wants your help settling it," she says, softly, as Asku approaches; thank GOSH he's here, someone who can take over all the RESPONSIBLE STUFF so she can maybe play with Ikuna or like, rest. Chewy looks to Sabin with a forced smile: "Ah, I see, you were born outside a pack, I didn't know that could happen! But okay! And the Beta is here now, so I think as long as you don't cause any trouble, you can stay if Asku says so." She then looks to Asku: "This fox here says you and he are good friends, Asku." She motions to Blackberry with a nod of her head, "And he also seems to be of the opinion that because he knows you, he can stand around talking big."
Askuwheteau listens to Wachiwa and takes note that the new wolf seems to be of an amiable mindset. This actually helps him to loosen up a little. His face taking on a less tence look to it as he nods at Sabin, "My name is Askuwheteau, May I know yours?" He smiles at his little brother who seems to be eager to meet others, but the smart little guy is quick to pick up on the feelings of the adults around him. At Wachiwa's report on the fox he frowns, not being openly hostile but looking pointedly down at the vulpine, "The fox is given to exaggeration...vast exaggeration. One might even call him a blatent lier, He an I in point of fact do not get on. And I'll thank him to stay away from my baby brother and sister. It is one thing if he troubles me, but troubling my friends and family is something else again."
Sabin looks towards the pup as he wanders in his direction. "Greetings." he says lightly in response. "I am Sabin, who might you be young one?" he asks giving the pup a dip of the head politely. It is then he looks to the other male wolf, "Sabin. Well met, Askuwheteau."
Blackberry is given to a certain amount of exangeration, however, he didn't ever say that he was friends with him, he just said that they had spoken of many things. Perhaps Wachiwa is the one that is wrong in this case. Still he won't call her on that, at least at the moment, "Well it is true that we aren't exactly friends, but I'm hurt..." he says, "...though I suppose I can understand why you wouldn't want me near your family. You wouldn't want them knowing you were planning on leaving I suppose." He said.
Ikuna grins as Sabin talks to him like he's a bigwolf, and wags his tail with enthusiasm. "'m Oona!" he says. "Ni'a'mee'you." That's said as all one word, 'nice to meet you' copied from the bigger wolves but not really understood. It's just a thing. That you say. Ikuna glances over again at Chewy and Asku as they talk, and then an ear flicks to Blackberry at something the fox says. Leaving? Well... don't all the bigwolfs leave? They leave and come back and leave again, all the time! Why's the fox saying it like a scary thing?
... And noooow Wachiwa's ears lay back again, flat. She narrows her eyes, and says, to the fox, in a very matter-of-fact voice: "We already know he's planning to leave, but he's also planning to come back. If he was not, he would not be the beta here. Believe it or not, we /do/ talk to one another as friends and family, Fox," and the fact that he mentioned that in such a SMUG manner after mentioning that Asku would ask him not to bother them because they might not know something.. that annoys her. And while Chewy has been on edge ever since seeing Helaku, she's NOT usually one that's prone to anger fits. "Ikuna, honey," Chewy says, suddenly, "Can you please come back a little closer to the den? And stay away from the fox. He's trying to cause trouble."
Askuwheteau for a moment looks frightened, then he recovers himself and stands even taller. "Wachiwa, I believe our little 'guest' is refering to a moment of weakness I experianced two nights ago. A momentary flagging of my own confidence, a moment he exploited by trying to get in my head, I doubted my ability to be there for you and Skahla and the rest of the pack, I doubted my place here. This fox then began trying to convince me to leave the pack, telling me...many things that were untrue. But he made a mistake, and I realized in that moment that I really did belong here." Asku turns his head to look at Wachiwa and there is a mingling of anger and fear in his eyes as he says very quietly, "Do not let this one get into your head. He can twist the truth to make things that are false seem almost reasonable. He managed to manipulate me easily, and that scares me with him hanging about."
Sabin looks over towards the fox with a squint of the eyes. Always has to be at least one to cause trouble, "Best do as asked, young wolf. Just in case the fox has harsh intentions. We would not want you being harmed." he says to the young pup. Staying seated to his haunches while eyes remain on the fox that suggest he would rip of his hide if he makes one false move regardless if this is his pack or not. "Sounds like you have wore out your welcome fox."
Blackberry has kept his eyes closely on the various reactions to his words.
Wachiwa reacts just about as he would have expected her too. Though the little bit about a planned departure is new, he will have to keep that in the back of his mind to be used later on. He does, however, note the fear on Asku's face and that pleases him a bit. Perhaps this wolf has properly learned that he is not a fox to be trifled with, "Is your head really that unguarded Asku that a poor little old wandering fox can cause such havoc?" he asks, "After all aren't you 'amazing' and 'fabulous' or does that only happen occasionally? After all weren't you telling me the other night that you were better than your brother and that you should be alpha instead?" He then turns his attention toward Sabin, "I have no fight with you." he says tersely before turning his attention back to the others.
Aww. But he was just getting to know this wolf! Ikuna ear-droops sadly for a moment, then looks up at Sabin. "Yeah... 'cause Chewy says I gotta go," he explains in a grave tone, as though that wasn't heard anyway. "Bye bye..." he adds, then turns and trots back toward Chewy and Asku. His sadface fades as he approaches them - even if he can't talk to the new wolf, there are two of his favorite bigwolfs here! He nuzzles up at Chewy first, then pads over and does the same for Asku, licking at the underside of his big brother's muzzle. All those words flying around make him kind of confused...
That frown worsens on Chewy's face, and she replies to Asku: "I'm not letting him inside my head, but I'm angry that he's /trying/." Her fur bristles out, and she starts for the fox in a measured pace. "You have indeed worn out your welcome. You should be minding your own tail instead of trying to cause trouble with the words of others. Asku is allowed moments of doubt in himself, as all are. And Asku is allowed his jealousy of his brother, too. He may say words, but he knows the truth, as do I, and if you do not leave fast, Fox, I will make sure you learn to keep your head elsewhere."
Askuwheteau feels his own ire rise, but then his little brother is there licking at him, and he licks back. As Chewy rises to his defence he lets his fury cool further. A nod of gratitude is given to Sabin. The new wolf's actions are noted and they speak well of him. Asku nuzzles his brother and whispers softly in Ikuna's ear, "That fox is mean, a bad fox. I don't want you or Tala to talk to him ever okay? He is saying bad things about big brother. He is telling lies and thats not nice. That is why Chewy is mad and trying to chase him away." He noses between Ikuna's ears and murmurs, "Look closely at him and try to remember what he looks like. And if you see him around the den or Tala run and get a big wolf okay?"
Sabin stays seated though doesn't remove his gaze from the fox for a moment. Tail thumping against the ground as he goes into thought, "Perhaps if we ignore it, it might go away." he now turns his gaze towards Wachiwa with a smirk.
Blackberry would rather not become involved in a physical confrontation with Wachiwa. He has always felt that if you have resort to losing your teeth you have lost control of the situation. He would also rather not leave, at least not just yet. He feels his mission is a bit undone. This didn't go exactly like he had planned, but no matter he did learn some new bits of information, especially about how Wachiwa feels about Asku, "Well its nice to know you have to have a girl defend you and can't handle things on your own. I think you made a good choice in staying. You wouldn't survive on your own" He says to Asku. He then turns his attention toward Wachiwa who is coming toward him. He stands but doesn't make any aggresive moves toward her, "I have no intention of fighting with you. Are you always so excitable?" He is not in the least frightened.
Ikuna nods to his big brother. Asku's smart. And so's Chewy! He's not sure which of them is smarter, but when they're both agreed about something, that thing is clearly true. He nuzzles up, "Okay. Ba' foh," he says, then turns a little to watch what's happening. Asku is the one he stays close to, now, watching bigwolf Chewy and this fox. Little, sure, compared to a wolf, but clearly still a problem. He's glad the bigwolfs are dealing with it.
"Exciteable? Not always. Well, not in this way anyway," Chewy responds, ears back, as she stops breifly, "Usually I'm excitable in a, 'YAY!' kind of way. Right now though, I'm excitable in a different kind of way. Also, you're being very stupid to keep talking when I already told you to stop. I'm not defending Asku, I'm defending my pack and my pups, and you are very clearly interested in causing trouble for both, just like that Kelaku wolf you were talking to." That said, she then lunges for Blackberry in a sharp motion -- her intent is NOT damage, so much as it is to try and catch his snout with her own and then shove him to the ground with her forepaws: a motion normally used by wolves against their lesser ranking members to rebuke.
Blackberry could have dodged her grab and push if he had wished to, however, he feels that he has an in now and is more stubborn than she is. He makes no move, aggresive or otherwise and simply lets her push him to the ground. It does hurt when he finds himself slammed to the ground, but he makes no noises and doesn't cry out. A bit of pain now and again never hurt anyone. Besides in comparison to some of the things he has gone through this is a walk in the park. On the downside he is growing rather tired of Wachiwa and to make an enemy of Blackberry is not a good thing. After a second he opens his eyes again and looks up to her, "Again." he says to her as he stands up, "Do that again."
Askuwheteau watches for a moment, and as the fox mocks him for having a female defending him he smirks, knowing the real reason Chewy is doing this. "You are clearly incapable of reading this situation fox, a wolf's strength is his or her pack. Chewy understands this as well as I do, and the fact that you have gotten the most gentle member of our group this infuriated should tell you that you had better listen to her. We don't like your troublemaking around here, and believe me whan I say that I am Letting Chewy handle you because if she so much as asked me to, I would make sure you were never a problem for us again, And feed my little brother and sister at the same time."
Sabin raises up to his paws, "Would you like me to rid of this fox?" he asks looking between Wachiwa and Asku. "I know I am not part of the pack but I'd be glad to help get rid of this problem." he smirks now looking at the fox.
Ikuna makes a face. "Bu'... mean foh tas'e ba'," he says. Right? Wouldn't the mean, like... get into Blackberry's body and make him taste as mean as he acts? His eyes get really wide as Chewy attacks the fox. She's not like Skahla, or like his mama was... if she's mad enough to bite, it's something very bad. The puppy backs up against his big brother's legs a little, scared... but not enough to stop watching.
"That was your only warning, Fox," Chewy says, remaining close enough that she could attack again. "The next time I won't /let/ you go, I'll just bite down as hard as I can, and take the consiquences from my Alpha and the Spirits. I'll say it one last time. Leave this place now. I don't care if you stay on these lands, but this is our den, and I want you out of range of it and the pups /now/. Go back to your little friend in the marshland, or go visit the other foxes up the river. Go talk to the horses if you like, or hang around the crab apple tree waiting for our Alpha 'take care of you', I don't care, as long as you take your twisting of words and your attempts at trickery away." She narrows her eyes, and for a moment, there's a dangerous spark to those normally plauful blue lights in them.
Blackberry is a bit disappointed when she doesn't try again, however he feels that he must make his departure now. Unless he wishes to take them on. He would in certainty lose that fight and he has never been one to shoot for a long shot. If he wishes he can wait and be patient and make his response some other way. He stares down the female wolf a fire lit in his own eyes, "If you have to resort to violence in response to simple words perhaps this pack is as Helaku said it was. You must be terribly weak to feel a need to show force to a plainly weaker enemey." He snorts finding himself getting angry, he hates being angry because it does make one prone to making mistakes. It also opens a part of himself that he doesn't much like and honestly frightens him a bit, "One day you will apologize for your disrespect." With those words he turns and walks away down the hill. Making sure not to run.
Askuwheteau watches saying nothing for now, he slips one paw around his little brother trying to comfort the little male, then he huffs softly still watching the fox depart, " I wonder, Chewy, do you think we should let him go? His parting words make me think perhaps the pack would be better off if he joined the spirits. But at the same time I find myself questioning just what a fox could do to us. Still is it worth the risk in order to show mercy? He even called himself our enemy before finally leaving." He shook his head before looking over at Sabin, "Thank you for your offer of support. I will mention what you did here to my brother. I am sure he will be equally grateful. especially considering the pups safety." He turned back to Wachiwa, "Perhaps I should call Skahla back here, You did mention he was looking for me yes?" Then he nuzzles his baby brother softly and licks the pup, "Yeah we wouldn't want to taste nasty fox like that one."
Sabin nods his head to Asku yet ignores the ramblings of the fox. "Glad to be of some help." he resettles down to his haunches rather intrigued over this pack a little more and how it all works.
Ikuna stays close to his big brother while Chewy fights off the mean stranger fox, nuzzling back softly and watching. Once Blackberry is safely out of the way, he runs over to Chewy, looking up at her and offering soft headbutts and licks for her chestfur. "Okay?" he asks. Everything's okay, right? She and Asku have made it all better?
"So many words.. and none of them worth your tongue." Chewy spits after the fox, letting him go, noticing that he doesn't run, and that he seems heckbent on making her look and feel stupid. WELL THE JOKE IS ON HIM, Chewy already does tnough 'Stupid', Silly things on a regular day that nothing makes her feel guilty! HAH! She snorts... and as soon as the fox is gone, she turns, and stalks back for the den, stiff-legged, passing up Ikuna's attempts to love into her. And in case Asku thinks he's off the hook.. Nope. She gives him a look: "Askuwheteau. You are the Beta here, it's your job to be taking care of intruders, not mine. And it is now your job to tell Skahla about that fox, and to tell him the things the fox said. All of them, including your moment of weakness and jealousy. If you cannot admit your feelings to your pack but to strangers you meet at random, problems like this arise where someone can use your words against you." Then, turning a three circle on the ground, she flops over to her side, and lets out a long, angry breath into the air; the rain having let off by now. "All this being responsible gives me a headache.."
Askuwheteau accepts Wachiwa's rebuke without interruption, but when she is done he opens his paws to Ikuna offering his little brother a place between them again, "Everything is okay now Ikuna, Chewy made the bad fox go away." He then turns to look at his friend before softly replying, "Chewy, I didn't know I had been made Beta. I thought Quidel was still the Beta. Skahla has not talked to be about it, I was surprised when everyone started referring to me as the Beta, but I didn't want to contradict you in front of the fox. So I played the part as best I could. And the Fox was lying completely. I am not jealous of Skahla, in fact I fully support him. As his little brother it is my job Beta or simple packmember to help him in every way I can. I want him to know he can lean on me when he needs to. I'm sure you feel the same about your sister. I'll call for Skahla now..." He sits up again and lifting his head towards the sky he howls, long and hauntingly melodic.
Sabin stays seated as the who he presumes alpha is called for. Watching those near the den he smiles looking towards Wachiwa, "You did an excellent job, Wachiwa. Good show.. It shows you can stand on your own four paws."
Ears and tail droop as Chewy goes right by Ikuna. Not okay. The bad fox is gone, but clearly, things still aren't okay. He pads after her, but more slowly, and pauses to look up to Asku with wide eyes. "Okay..." he says softly in reply, though he's not sure he entirely believes it, before going over to flopped Chewy and trying another nuzzle to her shoulder. Surely things can't be so bad that she doesn't want at least a little love... It's like how Tala's sad. Just because she's unhappy doesn't mean he gets to stop loving her and trying to help her. Though, if she really doesn't want it now, he'll just have to be patient. Ikuna's not very good at patience.
A siggh. "Yeah. Well. Asku, about that other wolf. The one I mentioned, as well as the fox. Helaku. You're not allowed to mention him to Shawnee if you see her." ... Once flopped thoguh, Chewy allows all her anger to flood out in her breath, and Ikuna is more welcome and warmly received, tail whapping the ground in a wag. "Ikuna baby, I'm sorry you had to see the scary, but that bad fox had to be dealt with." She looks over to the pup lazily, but doesn't move otherwise. "And I don't care about standing on my own four paws, Sabin.. I just care about keeping my family safe, and right now, they needed to be safe."
Askuwheteau nods at Wachiwa's reply, but he does look curious, "I'll keep that in mind. Just because I'm feeling a bit nosy at the moment may I ask why? Is Shawnee having some trouble lately? I mean, no one knows better then me how Skahla can be difficult to get along with but I had been under the impression that things were going better between our Alpha pair? Or is it just the pressures of being Alpha that are getting to her?" He stands and pads over to nuzzle both his little brother and his bestfriend then, "And speaking of how others are doing, how are you doing Chewy? You seem really stressed out. I want you to know you can also lean on me if you need to. I'll try to be here for everyone in the pack, especially if Skahla has actually made me Beta and just forgot to tell me."
Sabin ears lay back as feeling scolded for making a compliment. This is why he doesn't understand females at all. Now going silently he lays down to his stomach for the moment and begins to lightly groom over his forepaws in silence. None of their business is his really.
Ikuna smiles as Chewy relaxes enough to accept the love, and his tail wags as he nuzzles at her. Okay. Things are really okay now. "Chewy tuff," he says. She's big and strong and smart and can solve anything, except those things that are too big for anywolf to solve. Those problems do exist, he knows. His parents ran into one of those. He noses up and nuzzles at Asku, too, when he comes over. The bigwolfs still have problems, but now they're talking problems. There are a lot of those, but they're not as bad as growling and fighting types of problems.
"... Well, Asku, because Skah asked me not to tell her, so I'm asking you. I guess maybe she wasn't expecting to be an alpha any sooner than Skah was.. and maybe she's .. y'know, not handling it well. I mean... Your mom and dad practically rasied us after ours passed on, and .. It's kind of hard to believe they're gone. Even I can't believe it, I keep hoping it's all a joke. But I just kinda shove it all away and go about takin' care of these adorable babies they left behind," she says, reaching a paw out to tag at Ikuna's hips in a slight tickle, before she smiles weakly. "... And yeah.. I'm strssed out.. I've been having to hunt for the pups.. and then I keep running into trouble for the pack, like that fox.. And that rogue wolf.. And.. And Sabin, I'm sorry if I made you feel insulted, I didn't mean to, just.. Yeah, I'm.. I'm just one wolf.. And all I can really think to do is take care of the pups."
Askuwheteau perks his ears as he listens to Wachiwa, then he nods at his little brother's comment, "Yes she is Ikuna, Chewy is tougher then most wolves think." He licks the little wolf's ears and then playfully fleabites him, being careful not to let the pup see his ears start to droop at the talk of his parents and the pressure on his brother and Chewy's sister, "I won't mention anything to her then. I'm sorry you are being so put upon Chewy, I'll try to be here for you more, if you ever need me for anything or just to get away and think just let me know and I'll do all I can to help you get as much time as you need." The young adult male makes no mention of his own pain at his parents passing, but it's there in his eyes and the way his shoulders slump just a touch. He's trying hard to be strong and not let what he is feeling show, for Chewy and Skahla and Shawnee as much as for the pups. Asku pushes his own pain aside in his desire to help his loved ones, this is made clear in the next moment when he lifts a paw and bats at Chewy's muzzle playfully, "Or I might just wrestle with you instead, we haven't scuffled in a long time. Not since we were bigger pups."
"Chewy goo'!" insists Ikuna. She's one of the best people he knows, and he wants to assure her of that, with all the earnestness of a small puppy. Even if he doesn't understand all the problems... he knows she's a very good bigwolf. And Asku agrees, and he's a smart wolf too. He wuffs happily, and nuzzles at big brother and big Chewy, then rolling over onto his back when she bumps at his side and batting up at her paw, giggling a little as he watches Asku bat at her too. Everyone loves a Chewy!
A laugh, and Chewy replies, "Some of us never grew up," she teases at Asku, as he paws at her face, and she snaps at him playfully, but not dangerously. She then grins at the giggling Ikuna, and hmms, rolling to her back, peering at him upside down. "So Ikuna. You wanna know all Asku's secret tickle spots? C'os I cal tell ya them if you want, I know them alllllll.." She grins mischeviously.
Askuwheteau blinks then chuckles as he draws back his paw a bit, "Ohhhhh no you don't!" He then pounces the she-wolf and placing his mouth on her exposed stomach he blows a raspberry there, followed by teasing playful bites, He grins at his little brother, "Rawr! I'mma keep Chewy from telling! She can't tell ya nothing if she is giggling too hard!"
Ikuna giggles! Secret tickle spots? Totally! "Uh-huh!" he says, and looks up at Asku with a big grin as his tail thumps down against the ground and he wiggles in place. "Wanna see! Chewy 'ickle Asku, an' Asku 'ickle Chewy, an' ev'yone happy happy happy!" Just like that! Happy pouncings and playings and romping with each other, and his two bestest bigwolf friends together!
Sabin simply listens to the trio glad the other stuff is over. Resting his head down against his paws while observing this way of pack life and friends. All foreign to him at least.
"AhhH! No! No no, not fair!" Yelps the she-wolf, as she's beset by Asku and being tickled by him, and Ikuna's words. She laughs, and swats a playful paw for Asku's face, then coughs. "Aaaasku, not in front of the strange wolf.." She half protests, in a laugh, grinning over at Ikuna, before she paws at Asku's face, leaning in to give him a brief lick at the cheek, and letting him go. "Sabin, I'm sorry, Asku's a crazy wolf." She grins.. And noticing the other wolf seems perplexed, she grins. "Ask, Sabin was telling me, he didn't have a pack growing up. D'ya think he might be welcome here if he wants to stay?"
Askuwheteau grins and laughs closing his eyes as he is swatted by the she-wolf, then as she licks his cheek his ears flush a bit but he sits up and nods to Sabin, "I do apologize, sometimes my pent up crazies do get the better of me. I could put in a word for you with my brother, the Ute could use all the able bodied wolves we can get at the moment. And if we can trust you...which on a personal note I do feel we can. We would very likely welcome you into our pack. If you are interested in pack life that is." He starts to sit up and climb off Chewy but before he does he leans down and whispers something into her ear before moving over to sit in front of Sabin looking just a fraction more serious. "I don't want to pressure you into it if it does not look like something you would enjoy. But I hope you'll say you are interested."
Sabin pushes himself back up into a seated position as he is addressed. Looking towards Wachiwa and then to the one now before him, "I am willing to learn and become part of a pack. Life as a rogue is not one I'd wish on anyone. So.. Yes, I am interested."
The playing doesn't last nearly long enough, from Ikuna's point of view, but at least it's good while it lasts. He rolls around and sits up, shaking out his fur a bit and grinning. Maybe Sabin is going to be part of the pack, too... that would be nice! He seems nice. And that would definitely make him not a stranger, which would mean Ikuna could play with him. "Sabin be bigwolf!" he says, and grins. A real bigwolf, part of his pack.
A blink and a slight, embaressed smile crosses Wachiwa's face at Asku's whisper, and then she murmurs, "Yes, Ikuna, we're asking Sabin to be a bigwolf." She grins, and rolls over to her belly to wag her tail at both the pup and the older wolf. "It's very nice to have a pack.. It's like.. knowing you'll always have somewhere to call home. We sometimes fight with one another.. but.. We're not perfect. No one but the Great Spirits are perfect, and while we are their children, we cannot emulate them entirely." She chuckles softly, then hmms at Ikuna. "Ikuna, did you know, Asku once used to be a small as you are? And he showed me this really neat hiding place near the den.."
Askuwheteau smiles at the memory that Wachiwa brings up, his old hiding spot, now far too small for him, it was a fun little secret to show the pups. And sort of poetic that it's location be passed down to his little brother and sister. "Wachiwa is right, we depend on one another, and like any family we fight, but while we might get angry with one another the love does not go anywhere. I will have a talk with my brother Skahla, our Alpha and I'll be sure to talk you up. I don't think i'll have to do much persuading but I will be sure to add my voice in petition to letting you join."
Ahiga has been keeping a low profile lately. There's been a bad vibe going around, and it has him feeling a little ill at ease. By now he's learned of the sad thing that's happened, and he was a little sad too, for he met the former male alpha not very long before his demise, and he seemed like a pretty cool wolf! But now he is gone and his friends had been sad, and being not at all good at consoling grown wolves or sad pups, he's kept a lot to himself. He's had his own sad feelings to deal with, afterall, not at all related to the loss of the alphas. But now.. here he is! Arriving from the wildwood, the young wolf can be seen dragging with him a thick looking tree branch. Gripping it between his teeth, he tugs it along, walking backwards in a stop-go, jerking motion. Step step, pause, pull! In this way, he approaches tail first, putting much effort in getting his...uh..prize, up the hill.
Sabin takes in this moment to learn from them all. A nod is given, "I appreciate it. You all have been very kind. I think that I will go sleep some out by the tree. If that is alright."
It is now your pose.
Ikuna grins, and nods to Chewy. His own tail keeps wagging, swaying back and forth along the ground as he sits and watches. Yeah, packs are great. He couldn't put it nearly so eloquently, though. He tilts his head back to Chewy as she mentions a secret spot, looking at her upside down. "Asku bii now... Oona get bii too!" he says, and nods, upside-downishly. "Where hide?" He'd go looking, but... a hiding spot must be well hidden! He's getting tired of holding his head upside down, so he resumes the normal position. And... oh, hey! It's bigpuppy! Ikuna gives a happy bark, and he bounces away from Chewy to go greet Ahiga. Hiding spots are one thing, but he hasn't seen his friend in _forever_. Long enough that his cheerful nature has mostly reasserted itself, as long as nothing reminds him of the sad.
"Sleeping on it is a good idea," Agrees Chewy, and she's about to gove him directions she notices Ahiga and his goliath branch. Her eears perk, she shoots Asku a curious look, and then looks back to the older pup. She chuckles, getting the feeling this is a doozy. "The tree is just up the hill, Sabin," Chewy says, before she stands, and trots after Ikuna. Yeah, her pup-like curiosity must be answered. "... Ahiga, goodness, you must have been stalking that for hours, that's a ginormous kill you've got there.."
Askuwheteau nods at the other adult male, "Quite alright, None of the pack will bother you until you rouse on your own, But I'm sure Skahla will want to talk to you personally before the final decision is made. Still, sleep well." He then turns and smiles with a little wag of his tail to see his brother and Chewy heading over to investigate Ahiga's catch.
Ahiga's ears twist as he hears a familiar bark, and then familiar voices. But he can't let go to reply else all of his efforts would have been for nothing! And thus, the young male drags and tugs and pulls until.. "Whew!" He releases his cumbersome load and rotates his tired jaw. That was a lot of hard work! Now he turns around, spitting out flecks of bark in the process, and fixes his eyes on Ikuna. "S'up!" he greets with a grin, cuz you know saying "s'up" is so much cooler than saying "hello" or even "hi". "Lookit /I/ hunted," he says proudly, tail wagging as he steps aside to show off his woody kill. /Ginormous/ is right! And upon hearing this, he quickly nods in agreement to Wachiwa. "Yup, an' it took me like...a whole day an' a /half/ to get it. It was the greatest hunt ever. It thought it could run faster'n me, but no way. I kept followin' and followin' and didn't stop to sleep or drink or even /pee/."
Sabin rises to his paws in a stretch, "Good evening." he tells them all then turns heading for the crabapple tree in the distance.
Ikuna is halfway down the hill before he remembers that he's supposed to be careful and stay near the den. That gives him half a step of hesitation, but... nah, Ahiga belongs! He's not a bigwolf, but he's definitely not a stranger anymore. And besides, Chewy's coming along too. It's double extra safe. So he resumes his headlong run, tail wagging with enthusiasm as he barks and prances around the stick-dragging wolf! He playbows to the bigpuppy when he's greeted - ooh, what a cool greeting! He's not that cool, though. Not yet. "Hi hi 'higa!" he says, and giggles. "Is bii..." he says, peering up at the branch. Bigger than him, that's for sure! But... "'higa more bii an' tuff!"
"Oh, I bet," Chewy says, looking the large branch over. She considers, then says, bemused, "Well, Ahiga, you caught it.. Now you've got to eat it. After all, that's why we hunt, to eat." She sits down, amused, and wonders just what the pup will say to this. "Yessir, Ikuna, Ahiga's a really big puppy, and he's made a really big kill here. He can't share though, it was his kill." She chuckles softly, peering at the branch. OH! Wait. "Ahiga, I wanted to talk to you, by the way. You know, it's been kind of dangerous lately, and I was wondering if you'd like to stay in the Den for a while.."
Askuwheteau nods as Sabin leaves, and business done he rises to his paws and slowly walks over to sit beside Wachiwa, listening to the talk and he coughs to hide the chouckle when Chewy tells the pup he's got to eat the branch.
"Yeah, I'm big 'n tough!" See, this is why Ahiga likes this pack. They're full of so much praise! Giggling a little, he hops upon the branch, which half rolls a little beneath the moment his paws land on it, and he almost goes toppling. But luckily, balance is regained andh e's spared the embarassment. He holds his head high, basking in his make-believe glory. But...huh-what? He blinks back to reality, eyeing Wachiwa. Eat it? He peers down at the what his imagination had pictured massive moose kill, but slowly that picture is dissolving back down to a not so tasty looking branch. "Nah, I can't eat it. See, I got it for you. For the pack! Cuz...ya've been so nice so, s'like..sayin' thank you," he says, grinning toothily after. Mwuaha! You eat it! "Don'tcha want some, Ikuna? S'a big ol' yummy elk." He pats the bark with his paw, as if it were the most delicious thing a wolf could ever want. A sidelong look is given to Wachiwa though, as she continues on. "How's it been dangerous?" he asks, head tilting. "An' I can't go in there ... right?" He glances to Askuwheteau as he moves up, instantly brightening at the sight of him. "/Can/ I go in there?" he questions."
"Goo' tree-frien'," says Ikuna, grinning. Chewy told him a story about that! How wolves have to keep trees company, so they don't get lonely. Ahiga's so good, doing that sort of thing for big branches. He giggles unabashedly at the bit about eating it. Silly Chewy, teasing about eating things. He prances up to the branch and tugs at a still-leafy bit, making it bend down and then letting it go so it sproings back up. That, too, makes him giggle... and then he pauses, getting a little seriousface again as Ahiga asks about the dangerous scary bits. He's just seen some of those! "Bad people..." he says, and scowls.
There's a wince and Chewy mms. "Well, Ahiga, there's a bad wolf and fox who've been around. We had to chase the fox off earlier because he was trying to cause trouble for Asku. And considering that circumstance, and the fact that we still can't find your mom, I feel like it's a good idea for you to stay where we can watch out for you for a while. I know Skahla and Shawnee won't be upset if you stick around, and .. they're kind of in charge now, which is another reason why I feel like you should stay a little closer to us until we can find your mom." she says, softly, before leaning in to give Ahiga a comforting lick about the ears. "We're sorry we haven't had a chance to find her.."
Askuwheteau nods and smiles at Ahiga, "Yes you can Ahiga, and I am sorry too. With the new dangers of the wolf and fox about we would feel safer if you stayed in the den with the other pups, and Skahla and Shawnee are indeed the ones in charge now. My brother and I are trying to deal with the threat, but we haven't run down the vicious wolf yet."
Ahiga's ears perk up as Ikuna voices his opinion. Uh oh. If he says there's bad folk about...they must be really bad folk! He's all ears as he listens to Wachiwa report about these fox and wolf baddies. "He was bein' mean to Asku?" He bristles, a frown settling on his face. No one messes with his...uh...'I wish you were my brother' wolf and gets away with it! He dismounts from his perch on the branch, his eyes shifting to Askuwheteau. "I bet ya scared'm off real good, huh? Bet he won't never show his stupid fox nose here anymore." Heh, stupid fox nose. He grins a bit smugly, though his expression shifts as his mother his mentioned, and the grin is quick to vanish despite the warmth of the female's tongue. But he stays wordless on that touchy subject and instead presses on to another. "Skahla? /He's/ in charge?" His eyes widen as he looks from grown up, to grown up, to pup for conformation. "Aww, man! He hates me! He'll /eat/ me if he sees me in there."
Trouble, yeah. Bad stuff, yeah. But... "higa inna den!" barks Ikuna happily, and does a little dance. Like the most epic playdate or sleepover ever. Yeah, the reasons for it are sad - Ahiga's missing mama, and the scary wolf and mean fox, and the monster that got Ikuna and Tala's parents, but... Ahiga. Staying with them. Awyeah! He grins. "Chewy /bit/ the badfoh... right onna nose!" he says. And that should show just how bad the fox was, if gentle Wachiwa was moved to that much anger. Then he nods. "Uh-huh. But S'ahla no eat you. Jus'... growl lots." Yeah, okay, that's not the best of reassurances. But Ikuna is being honest!
There's a laugh from Wachiwa, and she says, "Don't worry, Ahiga. If Skahla see you, just tell him I asked you to help me watch out for Ikuna and Tala because I thought it would keep you safe. I'll take all the blame for this one." She smiles, and nuzzles at the older pup again, before looking to Ikuna: "Ikuna, why don't you show Ahiga the game you and Asku play with the trees to make them happy." She grins. "Me and Asku will join in with you in a moment." She looks to her fellow cohoert in Bad Fox Beatery, and motions him aside. ".. Asku," She murmurs, if she gets him alone, "... You .. don't think the bear..?" She looks to Ahiga pointedly.
Askuwheteau listens to the pups and then when Wachiwa motions with her head towards a more private spot where the little ones can't hear, he perks his ears to her question and glances over at Ahiga, and without letting his smile slip he nevertheless speaks in a rather grave tone, "I think so yes Chewy, I'm sorry to say it. But it got both our alphas, it was more then a match for two wolves. Things don't look good, I think little Ahiga may have much more in common with my little brother and sister then he knows."
Ahiga blinks wide at Ikuna at this bit of news. Wachiwa /bit/ the fox? The super nice female who he figured didn't have a mean bone in her body? "...Cool.." he says, a grin beginning to stretch over his muzzle as he considers the wolf heroine. But despite this and her assurance, he doesn't seem all too convinced that Skahla won't make a snack out of him if he catches him in the den and can only watch her with a disbelieving look on his face. But she's off having grown folk's talk with Asku, and thus all of his attention is given to Ikuna. "Yeah, no kiddin' he growls a lot. A /whole/ lot. He's all...Grrrrr, watchoo doin' here? Grrrrowwl! Who are you? Grrrrrrrr Stay away cuz I'm bigger'n you, GRRRRR do what I say! Grroooowll Come here!" His act is accompanied with many comically dramatic growly faces, teeth bared squinty eyes, scrunched up nose, the works.
Ikuna nods to Chewy as she goes off for grownup conversations, then giggles at Ahiga's imitation of Skahla! "Uh-huh!" he says. "Allus grr!" And bigpuppy is so funny, demonstrating... all those scrunchy fierce faces that are so funny when they're not real. "He even growls at himself inna water!" Even Ikuna knows that's not a real wolf! Not that Ikuna growls at, well, anyone. "Maybe he's forgotted how not to..." muses the little wolf.
Somehow, Wachiwa keeps a stiff wag of tail going when Asku confirms her concerns, concurring. She frowns, and then nods. "Well, then," she murmurs, "We can't let him live out there alone in the forest, not when there's so much .. danger, going around. If Skahla won't let him stay in the den, we should at least see if he'll agree to letting him sleep near it. I'll take the heat for this.. if Skah gets angry, I'll try and diffuse it." She sighs, shaking her head though, hoping the pups are distracted as she breifly tucks closer to asku, head laying to his shoulders, and one forepaw lifting to tug at his back, "... I know that our parents said the winter before we were born was the worse season they'd ever had, Asku.. but I think this season of summer may be even worse than that." Her ears perk at the comical faces Ahiga is making, and her face softens a bit, tail wagging slightly. "... Look at them, Asku.. Puppies are hard work even if they're not really mine.. but they sure make it worth it in the long run. Even I'm having a hard time believing we were that small once.."
Askuwheteau nods and then shakes his head, "No Chewy we'll both take the heat. I adore the little guy. I'd keep feeding him and all even if Skahla said he couldn't stay. I might take to sleeping whereever he bedded down for the night as well." He responds to the hug with a return embrace, softly snuffling into her neck fur before licking her cheek, "I'm afraid you are right Chewy, Things are harder right now then I ever remember them being." He chuckles and bumps his nose against her's, "oh I remember you being that small, you were super cute, of course that hasn't changed."
"Ha! In the water? Really?" laughs Ahiga, and he plops back onto his haunches in laughter. Eventually, he falls over and rolls onto his back, licking up in hind legs in mirth. "Maybe he's nutty like a squirrel. Or batty as a bat. Or..." Gasp! It dawns on him that this is the new Alpha he's going on about...an alpha who could be lurking close enough to hear him! He closes his mouth quickly and, still on his back, looks from side to side. Phew! No angry Skahlas to be seen. He blows out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding, purposely blowing it up in Ikuna's direction. Grinning, he reaches up, aiming to batbat at him with both forepaws. "Hey, ya talk better now than y'did before when I first saw you. Guess all that teachin' I did really worked, huh?"
Ikuna giggles along with Ahiga, and nods! "Crazy like a cat!" he suggests, and laughs! He's less worried about Skahla, still grinning as Ahiga looks around. But then, it's his brother, and so there's no question that Ikuna belongs here. He whffs at the puff of air, and gives himself a shake, padding closer and lowering his muzzle to nosebump all along Ahiga's belly as he gets batted at "Uh-huh!" he says. "'higa teach goo'!" he says. Of course, all the time Chewy and Asku have spent with him probably also helped a bit... as, in its own way, did the way Tala went silent after the loss of their parents. Not having her to speak for him meant he had to figure out the words to do it for himself.
"Oh, shoo fly," chuckles Chewy as Asku bumps his nose against her, and she gives a playful swipe aside of paw, half shoving, with a grin. Then, tail going into a happy wag again, she starts for the two pups. "Ahiga, Ikuna! I've got an idea. Why don't I show you the hiding place Asku and I used to have when we were your size. I can't fit there anymore myself, but you two can.. AND you can use it if you ever need to hide from a bad person, but don't want them to find our home. Plus, dude, super cool secret fort."
Askuwheteau gives a little laugh as he is pushed away and rolls onto his side, laying his head down to watch as Chewy takes the little males to show them the secret hide away he and she shared when they were only little balls of fluff. His tail beating the ground in a happy wag, despite all the trouble lately he felt happy.
"Aw, good one! Crazy like a cat," Ahiga snickers, though he does make it a point to keep his voice lower than it was before. He wiggles and laughs as the pup's cold nose tests his bellyfur, and all the while he clamps his paws upon his muzzle, trying to push him away. "An' hey, you're right. I do teach good. Maybe /that's/ what I can do!" He rolls onto his stomach in order to sit up again, ears erect with sudden inspiration. "That can be my job. Y'know how there's like, Alphas an' Betas an' hunters an'...uh, whatever else? /I/ can be the Talkin' Teacher." An ear turns as he's called by Wachiwa, and... oooh, a secret place? "Awesome!"
Ikuna grins! Yay, he made a good joke! Puppytail wags happily. "Ooh..." he says to Ahiga's suggestion. That's totally a real job, and bigpuppy can totally have it. Then he, too, perks up at Wachiwa's comment. Oh yeah! She was going to show him earlier, but then he got distracted. "Or if S'ahla's too mean..." he says to the bigpuppy softly... Not that he's gonna let his growly brother chase Ahiga away, but... it doesn't hurt to have a refuge. He bounces toward Chewy. "Lessee!"
"C'mon over this way then, kiddos," chuckles Chewy, as she starts leading them for the shadows just aside the den.
---
Blackberry finds himself back at this place again. After the marsh the other day this place is a welcome improvement, despite the rain that presently falls. It could be a great deal worse. He had spent the day previous on the other side of the marsh exploring what lay beyond it. Findng nothing he took the long way around and made his way back here. He hopes to run into Asku, or perhaps even the alpha that he was told he would be able to speak with. At any rate its better than being in the marsh.
The rain is lightening up, though the clouds overhead continue to loom. Chewy, ears twitching faintly, is content to rest to the moment with Skah's departure, but that rest doesn't seem to last because as she JUST starts to settle in for a nap, she catches the sound and vague sense of someone approaching, and, lifting her head from her paws, spots the fox she'd seen the previous eve. The movement before recognition of shape sets her bristling defensively again, before her eyes narrow at sight of Blackberry, and knowledge that it is a fox. A fox yes, but still an intruder. She slowly stands, and lets out a warning wuff to alert him to her presence.
Blackberry is not in anyway surprised by her reaction, she had seemed rather excitable when he had met her the other day and so her gruff is not a shock. He simply sits himself down and sets his eyes on her, "Evening." he says. He had thought about explaining to her that he wasn't much of a threat, which physically he is not, but he decided against it, rather he chooses to ignore it. After greeting her he looks around, "I see your beta is no where to be found." he said in reference to Asku.
Ears lay back as Wachiwa says, bluntly, "I am not my Beta's keeper, Fox," and she stiffens some. He says he's not a threat.. But given he's come /way/ too close to the proximity of the den and the pups sleeping inside, she's not going to take that with much salt grains, especially since she saw him talking to the strange wolf, who she REALLY doesn't trust. "And I'm going to give you a single warning not to come closer. There are pups asleep inside this den, and I'll not have you waking them up prematurely." She doesn't stop defensive stance.. but once the warning is given, she does at least sit down instead of standing at complete alert.
Speak of the puppies... and here one of them comes. Ikuna pads up the tunnel from the den, his tail wagging as he sniffs at the interesting scents on the post-rain air. He glances around, and then his gaze falls on Blackberry. Oh, huh! Who's that? Interesting... He lifts one paw, and then stops. Waaaait a minute. That's a stranger. Which means... he looks around again, and his gaze falls on Chewy. There's a bigwolf. He trots toward her quietly, still watching the strange fox with wide, curious eyes.
Blackberry watches this one closely. Yes...she certainly has some spirit. Perhaps she too could be useful, or perhaps not he doesn't know her well enough to say yet. He makes no further movement closer, "As you wish." he says calmly. He had already been sitting down and had no intention of coming any closer at any rate, she is far to unpredicatable at this point for him to want to do that, "Clearly you are not his keeper, as he told me himself awhile ago." Well now that isn't exactly true, but when did he let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Ears lay back, "I don't know what Asku's been saying about me, but I'll thank you kindly not to try and use him against me like I'm some irrational idiot. I'm not the smartest wolf there is.. But I know Asku would never speak ill of me without good reason." Wachiwa is not liking this fox suddenly, either. And that's about when Ikuna comes up and does the GOOD thing she told him to do; instead of approaching the strange fox, he comes to her, a Bigwolf. She leans her head down to nuzzle at him quietly, and then steps forward enough to put Ikuna beneath her protectively. "That's a fox, Ikuna," she says, softly, to the littlewolf, "They're like wolves, only smaller."
Out of the distance a howl can be heard from a wolf that can not yet to be seen. If Sabin has learned anything it to at least announce his coming.
Ikuna tilts his head up and nuzzles back at Chewy, and wags his tail happily. He did good! "Foh?" he repeats, peering at the strange creature from around his bigwolf. It's sort of like a wolf, yeah... but sort of not! It's smaller, and the tail is fluffier, and there's lots of other little differences. He considers on it for a moment - and then his ears perk at the sound of a howl. "Wolf!" he says, recognizing it - though not the source. Another stranger!
Ears fleck forward, and Chewy scrunches her face with a sigh. Being an adult is so HAAAARD, she's got to watch out for danger from the FOX, and danger from that Helaku guy and now a new Wolf again? She frowns, and then dips her head down to nuzzle at Ikuna, "That's right, that's a wolf howling. I want you to stay here under me, Ikuna, until we see the other wolf. And if I tell you to hide in the den, you go hide in the den, okay, baby?" She smiles to him reassuringly, even if she feels all the fur on her back prickle at this. She keeps an eye on the fox... But lifts her head to give a returning howl to the one that was heard moments before.
Sabin was actually glad to hear the howl of another wolf. This causes him to quicken his pace until he come into view. Though stopping and not coming to close he dips his head towards Wachiwa whom he can see from his perspective. The scent of the fox does draw his attention but not as much as being on yet another packland.
Blackberry gives a bit of a smile, he is quite sure she isn't the smartest wolf in the world, and he dones't particularly care if he is liked or not...at least not by Wachiwa, "Who said he said anything bad about you." He glances to the pup as Wachiwa explains what a fox is. He knows better than to try to interct with the pup with Wachiwa sitting right there so he ignores it. He does however, glance to the toward the sound of the howl, 'who is this?' he wonders silently to himself.
Aww... the strangers might be all interesting! But... okay. Ikuna nods obediently, especially once he notices those little signs of worry in the bigwolf. Things can't be too bad, 'cause Chewy is still smiling, but... this is serious. He leans in close against her, small warm body pressing to hers - but with his ears still perked and his head turning to look around curiously and see if he can spot the new wolf first!
As Sabin approaches, Chewy is glad to see he's respectful of not just charging in will nill, and such, and doesn't try to come up, sniff the pup, or come closer to the earthen hole beforewhich Chewy and Ikuna sit. But she doesn't think Skah or shawnee would like him being on their land, either. Not after all the problems they've had in just so little time as the last few days. She frowns, ignores the fox a moment, and handles the wolf, bobbing her head: "Hullo.. You're on the pack land of the Ute, and as such I request you to give your name and reason for being here."
"I am Sabin. Just a wandering rogue, Miss." the wolf says while settling back to his haunches to not look threatening. "I did not mean to intrude on packlands. If you wish that I leave just point me in the direction of the borders but I also assure. I am here in peace... The ways of a pack are foreign to me so.. I do not know all the laws therein."
Blackberry is content to be ignored. He doesn't believe that much useful can come of this conversation anyway. So he just sits in silence. He does watch the arrival of the other wolf and listens with interest to what he has to say. He doesn't say anything to him either. He wouldn't have anything meaningful to add to that conversation anyway. He is curious to hear about where the boarders of the land are, that would be a useful bit of information.
Oh, there he is! A wolf! Ikuna peers up at Sabin, and his tail thumps hopefully against the ground. Is this a friendly stranger, or a mean one? Blackberry is mostly ignored for now - a fox is one thing, but wolves are more innately interesting to a little wolf. Sabin certainly _seems_ nice... Ikuna looks up at Chewy, trying to see what she thinks of him. Is this an okay stranger? How does a bigwolf tell that sort of thing, anyway?
Well, okay, Sabin SEEMS fine. He's not like that wolf who tried to offer her food just after she'd heard him badmouthing her pack. She mms, thoughtfully, and then looks down to Ikuna's wagging tail. Before looking back to Sabin. "Well, Sabin, I'm Wachiwa. I'm not in charge around here, so I'm not going to say you can or can't stay, you'd need to talk to the Alphas, Skahla, or my sister Shawnee, for that. But I will say that you've come very close to our home den, so it might be wiser for you to keep your distance and maybe stay by yonder tree," a nod toward the crab apple tree up the hill, "if you wish to stick around... How is it though, that you don't have a pack of your own?" She tilts her head, then says, to Ikuna, "Ikuna, honey, you can go talk to the bigwolf or the fox if you want, but stay where I can see you, okay?"
Askuwheteau's voice suddenly sounds from an easterly direction, and like mist rising off the surface of a pool he appears from behind a tree at the base of the hill leading up to the den, "Heloo, Chewy. Everything alright here?" he asks as he trots up to meet his little brother and best friend. He looks suspiciously at the strange wolf, and his eyes take on a downright unfriendly expression when he looks at the fox, "Oh...it's you again." Asku was normally serious, but the distatse in his voice was clear when he spoke to the fox before glancing at Wachiwa with a look at asked for a short briefing, it also asked if she needed his help with all this.
Sabin nods his head to the female, "Well met, Wachiwa. I was born to a rogue wolfess. I am the youngest of three. She said my father was part of a pack but didn't know which one." he shrugs his shoulder and then looks towards the tree. "I will do as you ask. But would you mind if I stay here a moment in this spot to rest my paws?"
Blackberry smiles, the fabulous and amazing Asku has arrived, "Yes its me." he says. This is the wolf that he is bound and determined to prove a point too, and he has a plan in place to at the very least make a good run at it, "I'm sure you missed me." he says. This is going to be a great deal of fun. It will be even better with Wachiwa here. Now Asku can embarass himself in front of her, it is after all always better to have an audience if you are going to cause a bit of mischief.
Yay! He gets to go see the strangers! "Okay!" says Ikuna, and starts to trot forward - then turns at the sound of Asku's voice, and grins big, his tail wiggling fast as he gives a little bark of greeting to his brother. His ears splay a little when he notices Asku's reaction to Blackberry, and that makes up his mind. He'll go see the new wolf, instead of the fox. His ears perk up again, and he trots up to Sabin, pausing a few steps away and inspecting the big wolf. "H'lo."
Asku's dismay is of course noticed; Chewy also notices it involves the fox, which only proves her dislike of him, ears flecking slightly back. "Asku, there you are. Skahla is looking for you, there's been some trouble at the borders, and he wants your help settling it," she says, softly, as Asku approaches; thank GOSH he's here, someone who can take over all the RESPONSIBLE STUFF so she can maybe play with Ikuna or like, rest. Chewy looks to Sabin with a forced smile: "Ah, I see, you were born outside a pack, I didn't know that could happen! But okay! And the Beta is here now, so I think as long as you don't cause any trouble, you can stay if Asku says so." She then looks to Asku: "This fox here says you and he are good friends, Asku." She motions to Blackberry with a nod of her head, "And he also seems to be of the opinion that because he knows you, he can stand around talking big."
Askuwheteau listens to Wachiwa and takes note that the new wolf seems to be of an amiable mindset. This actually helps him to loosen up a little. His face taking on a less tence look to it as he nods at Sabin, "My name is Askuwheteau, May I know yours?" He smiles at his little brother who seems to be eager to meet others, but the smart little guy is quick to pick up on the feelings of the adults around him. At Wachiwa's report on the fox he frowns, not being openly hostile but looking pointedly down at the vulpine, "The fox is given to exaggeration...vast exaggeration. One might even call him a blatent lier, He an I in point of fact do not get on. And I'll thank him to stay away from my baby brother and sister. It is one thing if he troubles me, but troubling my friends and family is something else again."
Sabin looks towards the pup as he wanders in his direction. "Greetings." he says lightly in response. "I am Sabin, who might you be young one?" he asks giving the pup a dip of the head politely. It is then he looks to the other male wolf, "Sabin. Well met, Askuwheteau."
Blackberry is given to a certain amount of exangeration, however, he didn't ever say that he was friends with him, he just said that they had spoken of many things. Perhaps Wachiwa is the one that is wrong in this case. Still he won't call her on that, at least at the moment, "Well it is true that we aren't exactly friends, but I'm hurt..." he says, "...though I suppose I can understand why you wouldn't want me near your family. You wouldn't want them knowing you were planning on leaving I suppose." He said.
Ikuna grins as Sabin talks to him like he's a bigwolf, and wags his tail with enthusiasm. "'m Oona!" he says. "Ni'a'mee'you." That's said as all one word, 'nice to meet you' copied from the bigger wolves but not really understood. It's just a thing. That you say. Ikuna glances over again at Chewy and Asku as they talk, and then an ear flicks to Blackberry at something the fox says. Leaving? Well... don't all the bigwolfs leave? They leave and come back and leave again, all the time! Why's the fox saying it like a scary thing?
... And noooow Wachiwa's ears lay back again, flat. She narrows her eyes, and says, to the fox, in a very matter-of-fact voice: "We already know he's planning to leave, but he's also planning to come back. If he was not, he would not be the beta here. Believe it or not, we /do/ talk to one another as friends and family, Fox," and the fact that he mentioned that in such a SMUG manner after mentioning that Asku would ask him not to bother them because they might not know something.. that annoys her. And while Chewy has been on edge ever since seeing Helaku, she's NOT usually one that's prone to anger fits. "Ikuna, honey," Chewy says, suddenly, "Can you please come back a little closer to the den? And stay away from the fox. He's trying to cause trouble."
Askuwheteau for a moment looks frightened, then he recovers himself and stands even taller. "Wachiwa, I believe our little 'guest' is refering to a moment of weakness I experianced two nights ago. A momentary flagging of my own confidence, a moment he exploited by trying to get in my head, I doubted my ability to be there for you and Skahla and the rest of the pack, I doubted my place here. This fox then began trying to convince me to leave the pack, telling me...many things that were untrue. But he made a mistake, and I realized in that moment that I really did belong here." Asku turns his head to look at Wachiwa and there is a mingling of anger and fear in his eyes as he says very quietly, "Do not let this one get into your head. He can twist the truth to make things that are false seem almost reasonable. He managed to manipulate me easily, and that scares me with him hanging about."
Sabin looks over towards the fox with a squint of the eyes. Always has to be at least one to cause trouble, "Best do as asked, young wolf. Just in case the fox has harsh intentions. We would not want you being harmed." he says to the young pup. Staying seated to his haunches while eyes remain on the fox that suggest he would rip of his hide if he makes one false move regardless if this is his pack or not. "Sounds like you have wore out your welcome fox."
Blackberry has kept his eyes closely on the various reactions to his words.
Wachiwa reacts just about as he would have expected her too. Though the little bit about a planned departure is new, he will have to keep that in the back of his mind to be used later on. He does, however, note the fear on Asku's face and that pleases him a bit. Perhaps this wolf has properly learned that he is not a fox to be trifled with, "Is your head really that unguarded Asku that a poor little old wandering fox can cause such havoc?" he asks, "After all aren't you 'amazing' and 'fabulous' or does that only happen occasionally? After all weren't you telling me the other night that you were better than your brother and that you should be alpha instead?" He then turns his attention toward Sabin, "I have no fight with you." he says tersely before turning his attention back to the others.
Aww. But he was just getting to know this wolf! Ikuna ear-droops sadly for a moment, then looks up at Sabin. "Yeah... 'cause Chewy says I gotta go," he explains in a grave tone, as though that wasn't heard anyway. "Bye bye..." he adds, then turns and trots back toward Chewy and Asku. His sadface fades as he approaches them - even if he can't talk to the new wolf, there are two of his favorite bigwolfs here! He nuzzles up at Chewy first, then pads over and does the same for Asku, licking at the underside of his big brother's muzzle. All those words flying around make him kind of confused...
That frown worsens on Chewy's face, and she replies to Asku: "I'm not letting him inside my head, but I'm angry that he's /trying/." Her fur bristles out, and she starts for the fox in a measured pace. "You have indeed worn out your welcome. You should be minding your own tail instead of trying to cause trouble with the words of others. Asku is allowed moments of doubt in himself, as all are. And Asku is allowed his jealousy of his brother, too. He may say words, but he knows the truth, as do I, and if you do not leave fast, Fox, I will make sure you learn to keep your head elsewhere."
Askuwheteau feels his own ire rise, but then his little brother is there licking at him, and he licks back. As Chewy rises to his defence he lets his fury cool further. A nod of gratitude is given to Sabin. The new wolf's actions are noted and they speak well of him. Asku nuzzles his brother and whispers softly in Ikuna's ear, "That fox is mean, a bad fox. I don't want you or Tala to talk to him ever okay? He is saying bad things about big brother. He is telling lies and thats not nice. That is why Chewy is mad and trying to chase him away." He noses between Ikuna's ears and murmurs, "Look closely at him and try to remember what he looks like. And if you see him around the den or Tala run and get a big wolf okay?"
Sabin stays seated though doesn't remove his gaze from the fox for a moment. Tail thumping against the ground as he goes into thought, "Perhaps if we ignore it, it might go away." he now turns his gaze towards Wachiwa with a smirk.
Blackberry would rather not become involved in a physical confrontation with Wachiwa. He has always felt that if you have resort to losing your teeth you have lost control of the situation. He would also rather not leave, at least not just yet. He feels his mission is a bit undone. This didn't go exactly like he had planned, but no matter he did learn some new bits of information, especially about how Wachiwa feels about Asku, "Well its nice to know you have to have a girl defend you and can't handle things on your own. I think you made a good choice in staying. You wouldn't survive on your own" He says to Asku. He then turns his attention toward Wachiwa who is coming toward him. He stands but doesn't make any aggresive moves toward her, "I have no intention of fighting with you. Are you always so excitable?" He is not in the least frightened.
Ikuna nods to his big brother. Asku's smart. And so's Chewy! He's not sure which of them is smarter, but when they're both agreed about something, that thing is clearly true. He nuzzles up, "Okay. Ba' foh," he says, then turns a little to watch what's happening. Asku is the one he stays close to, now, watching bigwolf Chewy and this fox. Little, sure, compared to a wolf, but clearly still a problem. He's glad the bigwolfs are dealing with it.
"Exciteable? Not always. Well, not in this way anyway," Chewy responds, ears back, as she stops breifly, "Usually I'm excitable in a, 'YAY!' kind of way. Right now though, I'm excitable in a different kind of way. Also, you're being very stupid to keep talking when I already told you to stop. I'm not defending Asku, I'm defending my pack and my pups, and you are very clearly interested in causing trouble for both, just like that Kelaku wolf you were talking to." That said, she then lunges for Blackberry in a sharp motion -- her intent is NOT damage, so much as it is to try and catch his snout with her own and then shove him to the ground with her forepaws: a motion normally used by wolves against their lesser ranking members to rebuke.
Blackberry could have dodged her grab and push if he had wished to, however, he feels that he has an in now and is more stubborn than she is. He makes no move, aggresive or otherwise and simply lets her push him to the ground. It does hurt when he finds himself slammed to the ground, but he makes no noises and doesn't cry out. A bit of pain now and again never hurt anyone. Besides in comparison to some of the things he has gone through this is a walk in the park. On the downside he is growing rather tired of Wachiwa and to make an enemy of Blackberry is not a good thing. After a second he opens his eyes again and looks up to her, "Again." he says to her as he stands up, "Do that again."
Askuwheteau watches for a moment, and as the fox mocks him for having a female defending him he smirks, knowing the real reason Chewy is doing this. "You are clearly incapable of reading this situation fox, a wolf's strength is his or her pack. Chewy understands this as well as I do, and the fact that you have gotten the most gentle member of our group this infuriated should tell you that you had better listen to her. We don't like your troublemaking around here, and believe me whan I say that I am Letting Chewy handle you because if she so much as asked me to, I would make sure you were never a problem for us again, And feed my little brother and sister at the same time."
Sabin raises up to his paws, "Would you like me to rid of this fox?" he asks looking between Wachiwa and Asku. "I know I am not part of the pack but I'd be glad to help get rid of this problem." he smirks now looking at the fox.
Ikuna makes a face. "Bu'... mean foh tas'e ba'," he says. Right? Wouldn't the mean, like... get into Blackberry's body and make him taste as mean as he acts? His eyes get really wide as Chewy attacks the fox. She's not like Skahla, or like his mama was... if she's mad enough to bite, it's something very bad. The puppy backs up against his big brother's legs a little, scared... but not enough to stop watching.
"That was your only warning, Fox," Chewy says, remaining close enough that she could attack again. "The next time I won't /let/ you go, I'll just bite down as hard as I can, and take the consiquences from my Alpha and the Spirits. I'll say it one last time. Leave this place now. I don't care if you stay on these lands, but this is our den, and I want you out of range of it and the pups /now/. Go back to your little friend in the marshland, or go visit the other foxes up the river. Go talk to the horses if you like, or hang around the crab apple tree waiting for our Alpha 'take care of you', I don't care, as long as you take your twisting of words and your attempts at trickery away." She narrows her eyes, and for a moment, there's a dangerous spark to those normally plauful blue lights in them.
Blackberry is a bit disappointed when she doesn't try again, however he feels that he must make his departure now. Unless he wishes to take them on. He would in certainty lose that fight and he has never been one to shoot for a long shot. If he wishes he can wait and be patient and make his response some other way. He stares down the female wolf a fire lit in his own eyes, "If you have to resort to violence in response to simple words perhaps this pack is as Helaku said it was. You must be terribly weak to feel a need to show force to a plainly weaker enemey." He snorts finding himself getting angry, he hates being angry because it does make one prone to making mistakes. It also opens a part of himself that he doesn't much like and honestly frightens him a bit, "One day you will apologize for your disrespect." With those words he turns and walks away down the hill. Making sure not to run.
Askuwheteau watches saying nothing for now, he slips one paw around his little brother trying to comfort the little male, then he huffs softly still watching the fox depart, " I wonder, Chewy, do you think we should let him go? His parting words make me think perhaps the pack would be better off if he joined the spirits. But at the same time I find myself questioning just what a fox could do to us. Still is it worth the risk in order to show mercy? He even called himself our enemy before finally leaving." He shook his head before looking over at Sabin, "Thank you for your offer of support. I will mention what you did here to my brother. I am sure he will be equally grateful. especially considering the pups safety." He turned back to Wachiwa, "Perhaps I should call Skahla back here, You did mention he was looking for me yes?" Then he nuzzles his baby brother softly and licks the pup, "Yeah we wouldn't want to taste nasty fox like that one."
Sabin nods his head to Asku yet ignores the ramblings of the fox. "Glad to be of some help." he resettles down to his haunches rather intrigued over this pack a little more and how it all works.
Ikuna stays close to his big brother while Chewy fights off the mean stranger fox, nuzzling back softly and watching. Once Blackberry is safely out of the way, he runs over to Chewy, looking up at her and offering soft headbutts and licks for her chestfur. "Okay?" he asks. Everything's okay, right? She and Asku have made it all better?
"So many words.. and none of them worth your tongue." Chewy spits after the fox, letting him go, noticing that he doesn't run, and that he seems heckbent on making her look and feel stupid. WELL THE JOKE IS ON HIM, Chewy already does tnough 'Stupid', Silly things on a regular day that nothing makes her feel guilty! HAH! She snorts... and as soon as the fox is gone, she turns, and stalks back for the den, stiff-legged, passing up Ikuna's attempts to love into her. And in case Asku thinks he's off the hook.. Nope. She gives him a look: "Askuwheteau. You are the Beta here, it's your job to be taking care of intruders, not mine. And it is now your job to tell Skahla about that fox, and to tell him the things the fox said. All of them, including your moment of weakness and jealousy. If you cannot admit your feelings to your pack but to strangers you meet at random, problems like this arise where someone can use your words against you." Then, turning a three circle on the ground, she flops over to her side, and lets out a long, angry breath into the air; the rain having let off by now. "All this being responsible gives me a headache.."
Askuwheteau accepts Wachiwa's rebuke without interruption, but when she is done he opens his paws to Ikuna offering his little brother a place between them again, "Everything is okay now Ikuna, Chewy made the bad fox go away." He then turns to look at his friend before softly replying, "Chewy, I didn't know I had been made Beta. I thought Quidel was still the Beta. Skahla has not talked to be about it, I was surprised when everyone started referring to me as the Beta, but I didn't want to contradict you in front of the fox. So I played the part as best I could. And the Fox was lying completely. I am not jealous of Skahla, in fact I fully support him. As his little brother it is my job Beta or simple packmember to help him in every way I can. I want him to know he can lean on me when he needs to. I'm sure you feel the same about your sister. I'll call for Skahla now..." He sits up again and lifting his head towards the sky he howls, long and hauntingly melodic.
Sabin stays seated as the who he presumes alpha is called for. Watching those near the den he smiles looking towards Wachiwa, "You did an excellent job, Wachiwa. Good show.. It shows you can stand on your own four paws."
Ears and tail droop as Chewy goes right by Ikuna. Not okay. The bad fox is gone, but clearly, things still aren't okay. He pads after her, but more slowly, and pauses to look up to Asku with wide eyes. "Okay..." he says softly in reply, though he's not sure he entirely believes it, before going over to flopped Chewy and trying another nuzzle to her shoulder. Surely things can't be so bad that she doesn't want at least a little love... It's like how Tala's sad. Just because she's unhappy doesn't mean he gets to stop loving her and trying to help her. Though, if she really doesn't want it now, he'll just have to be patient. Ikuna's not very good at patience.
A siggh. "Yeah. Well. Asku, about that other wolf. The one I mentioned, as well as the fox. Helaku. You're not allowed to mention him to Shawnee if you see her." ... Once flopped thoguh, Chewy allows all her anger to flood out in her breath, and Ikuna is more welcome and warmly received, tail whapping the ground in a wag. "Ikuna baby, I'm sorry you had to see the scary, but that bad fox had to be dealt with." She looks over to the pup lazily, but doesn't move otherwise. "And I don't care about standing on my own four paws, Sabin.. I just care about keeping my family safe, and right now, they needed to be safe."
Askuwheteau nods at Wachiwa's reply, but he does look curious, "I'll keep that in mind. Just because I'm feeling a bit nosy at the moment may I ask why? Is Shawnee having some trouble lately? I mean, no one knows better then me how Skahla can be difficult to get along with but I had been under the impression that things were going better between our Alpha pair? Or is it just the pressures of being Alpha that are getting to her?" He stands and pads over to nuzzle both his little brother and his bestfriend then, "And speaking of how others are doing, how are you doing Chewy? You seem really stressed out. I want you to know you can also lean on me if you need to. I'll try to be here for everyone in the pack, especially if Skahla has actually made me Beta and just forgot to tell me."
Sabin ears lay back as feeling scolded for making a compliment. This is why he doesn't understand females at all. Now going silently he lays down to his stomach for the moment and begins to lightly groom over his forepaws in silence. None of their business is his really.
Ikuna smiles as Chewy relaxes enough to accept the love, and his tail wags as he nuzzles at her. Okay. Things are really okay now. "Chewy tuff," he says. She's big and strong and smart and can solve anything, except those things that are too big for anywolf to solve. Those problems do exist, he knows. His parents ran into one of those. He noses up and nuzzles at Asku, too, when he comes over. The bigwolfs still have problems, but now they're talking problems. There are a lot of those, but they're not as bad as growling and fighting types of problems.
"... Well, Asku, because Skah asked me not to tell her, so I'm asking you. I guess maybe she wasn't expecting to be an alpha any sooner than Skah was.. and maybe she's .. y'know, not handling it well. I mean... Your mom and dad practically rasied us after ours passed on, and .. It's kind of hard to believe they're gone. Even I can't believe it, I keep hoping it's all a joke. But I just kinda shove it all away and go about takin' care of these adorable babies they left behind," she says, reaching a paw out to tag at Ikuna's hips in a slight tickle, before she smiles weakly. "... And yeah.. I'm strssed out.. I've been having to hunt for the pups.. and then I keep running into trouble for the pack, like that fox.. And that rogue wolf.. And.. And Sabin, I'm sorry if I made you feel insulted, I didn't mean to, just.. Yeah, I'm.. I'm just one wolf.. And all I can really think to do is take care of the pups."
Askuwheteau perks his ears as he listens to Wachiwa, then he nods at his little brother's comment, "Yes she is Ikuna, Chewy is tougher then most wolves think." He licks the little wolf's ears and then playfully fleabites him, being careful not to let the pup see his ears start to droop at the talk of his parents and the pressure on his brother and Chewy's sister, "I won't mention anything to her then. I'm sorry you are being so put upon Chewy, I'll try to be here for you more, if you ever need me for anything or just to get away and think just let me know and I'll do all I can to help you get as much time as you need." The young adult male makes no mention of his own pain at his parents passing, but it's there in his eyes and the way his shoulders slump just a touch. He's trying hard to be strong and not let what he is feeling show, for Chewy and Skahla and Shawnee as much as for the pups. Asku pushes his own pain aside in his desire to help his loved ones, this is made clear in the next moment when he lifts a paw and bats at Chewy's muzzle playfully, "Or I might just wrestle with you instead, we haven't scuffled in a long time. Not since we were bigger pups."
"Chewy goo'!" insists Ikuna. She's one of the best people he knows, and he wants to assure her of that, with all the earnestness of a small puppy. Even if he doesn't understand all the problems... he knows she's a very good bigwolf. And Asku agrees, and he's a smart wolf too. He wuffs happily, and nuzzles at big brother and big Chewy, then rolling over onto his back when she bumps at his side and batting up at her paw, giggling a little as he watches Asku bat at her too. Everyone loves a Chewy!
A laugh, and Chewy replies, "Some of us never grew up," she teases at Asku, as he paws at her face, and she snaps at him playfully, but not dangerously. She then grins at the giggling Ikuna, and hmms, rolling to her back, peering at him upside down. "So Ikuna. You wanna know all Asku's secret tickle spots? C'os I cal tell ya them if you want, I know them alllllll.." She grins mischeviously.
Askuwheteau blinks then chuckles as he draws back his paw a bit, "Ohhhhh no you don't!" He then pounces the she-wolf and placing his mouth on her exposed stomach he blows a raspberry there, followed by teasing playful bites, He grins at his little brother, "Rawr! I'mma keep Chewy from telling! She can't tell ya nothing if she is giggling too hard!"
Ikuna giggles! Secret tickle spots? Totally! "Uh-huh!" he says, and looks up at Asku with a big grin as his tail thumps down against the ground and he wiggles in place. "Wanna see! Chewy 'ickle Asku, an' Asku 'ickle Chewy, an' ev'yone happy happy happy!" Just like that! Happy pouncings and playings and romping with each other, and his two bestest bigwolf friends together!
Sabin simply listens to the trio glad the other stuff is over. Resting his head down against his paws while observing this way of pack life and friends. All foreign to him at least.
"AhhH! No! No no, not fair!" Yelps the she-wolf, as she's beset by Asku and being tickled by him, and Ikuna's words. She laughs, and swats a playful paw for Asku's face, then coughs. "Aaaasku, not in front of the strange wolf.." She half protests, in a laugh, grinning over at Ikuna, before she paws at Asku's face, leaning in to give him a brief lick at the cheek, and letting him go. "Sabin, I'm sorry, Asku's a crazy wolf." She grins.. And noticing the other wolf seems perplexed, she grins. "Ask, Sabin was telling me, he didn't have a pack growing up. D'ya think he might be welcome here if he wants to stay?"
Askuwheteau grins and laughs closing his eyes as he is swatted by the she-wolf, then as she licks his cheek his ears flush a bit but he sits up and nods to Sabin, "I do apologize, sometimes my pent up crazies do get the better of me. I could put in a word for you with my brother, the Ute could use all the able bodied wolves we can get at the moment. And if we can trust you...which on a personal note I do feel we can. We would very likely welcome you into our pack. If you are interested in pack life that is." He starts to sit up and climb off Chewy but before he does he leans down and whispers something into her ear before moving over to sit in front of Sabin looking just a fraction more serious. "I don't want to pressure you into it if it does not look like something you would enjoy. But I hope you'll say you are interested."
Sabin pushes himself back up into a seated position as he is addressed. Looking towards Wachiwa and then to the one now before him, "I am willing to learn and become part of a pack. Life as a rogue is not one I'd wish on anyone. So.. Yes, I am interested."
The playing doesn't last nearly long enough, from Ikuna's point of view, but at least it's good while it lasts. He rolls around and sits up, shaking out his fur a bit and grinning. Maybe Sabin is going to be part of the pack, too... that would be nice! He seems nice. And that would definitely make him not a stranger, which would mean Ikuna could play with him. "Sabin be bigwolf!" he says, and grins. A real bigwolf, part of his pack.
A blink and a slight, embaressed smile crosses Wachiwa's face at Asku's whisper, and then she murmurs, "Yes, Ikuna, we're asking Sabin to be a bigwolf." She grins, and rolls over to her belly to wag her tail at both the pup and the older wolf. "It's very nice to have a pack.. It's like.. knowing you'll always have somewhere to call home. We sometimes fight with one another.. but.. We're not perfect. No one but the Great Spirits are perfect, and while we are their children, we cannot emulate them entirely." She chuckles softly, then hmms at Ikuna. "Ikuna, did you know, Asku once used to be a small as you are? And he showed me this really neat hiding place near the den.."
Askuwheteau smiles at the memory that Wachiwa brings up, his old hiding spot, now far too small for him, it was a fun little secret to show the pups. And sort of poetic that it's location be passed down to his little brother and sister. "Wachiwa is right, we depend on one another, and like any family we fight, but while we might get angry with one another the love does not go anywhere. I will have a talk with my brother Skahla, our Alpha and I'll be sure to talk you up. I don't think i'll have to do much persuading but I will be sure to add my voice in petition to letting you join."
Ahiga has been keeping a low profile lately. There's been a bad vibe going around, and it has him feeling a little ill at ease. By now he's learned of the sad thing that's happened, and he was a little sad too, for he met the former male alpha not very long before his demise, and he seemed like a pretty cool wolf! But now he is gone and his friends had been sad, and being not at all good at consoling grown wolves or sad pups, he's kept a lot to himself. He's had his own sad feelings to deal with, afterall, not at all related to the loss of the alphas. But now.. here he is! Arriving from the wildwood, the young wolf can be seen dragging with him a thick looking tree branch. Gripping it between his teeth, he tugs it along, walking backwards in a stop-go, jerking motion. Step step, pause, pull! In this way, he approaches tail first, putting much effort in getting his...uh..prize, up the hill.
Sabin takes in this moment to learn from them all. A nod is given, "I appreciate it. You all have been very kind. I think that I will go sleep some out by the tree. If that is alright."
It is now your pose.
Ikuna grins, and nods to Chewy. His own tail keeps wagging, swaying back and forth along the ground as he sits and watches. Yeah, packs are great. He couldn't put it nearly so eloquently, though. He tilts his head back to Chewy as she mentions a secret spot, looking at her upside down. "Asku bii now... Oona get bii too!" he says, and nods, upside-downishly. "Where hide?" He'd go looking, but... a hiding spot must be well hidden! He's getting tired of holding his head upside down, so he resumes the normal position. And... oh, hey! It's bigpuppy! Ikuna gives a happy bark, and he bounces away from Chewy to go greet Ahiga. Hiding spots are one thing, but he hasn't seen his friend in _forever_. Long enough that his cheerful nature has mostly reasserted itself, as long as nothing reminds him of the sad.
"Sleeping on it is a good idea," Agrees Chewy, and she's about to gove him directions she notices Ahiga and his goliath branch. Her eears perk, she shoots Asku a curious look, and then looks back to the older pup. She chuckles, getting the feeling this is a doozy. "The tree is just up the hill, Sabin," Chewy says, before she stands, and trots after Ikuna. Yeah, her pup-like curiosity must be answered. "... Ahiga, goodness, you must have been stalking that for hours, that's a ginormous kill you've got there.."
Askuwheteau nods at the other adult male, "Quite alright, None of the pack will bother you until you rouse on your own, But I'm sure Skahla will want to talk to you personally before the final decision is made. Still, sleep well." He then turns and smiles with a little wag of his tail to see his brother and Chewy heading over to investigate Ahiga's catch.
Ahiga's ears twist as he hears a familiar bark, and then familiar voices. But he can't let go to reply else all of his efforts would have been for nothing! And thus, the young male drags and tugs and pulls until.. "Whew!" He releases his cumbersome load and rotates his tired jaw. That was a lot of hard work! Now he turns around, spitting out flecks of bark in the process, and fixes his eyes on Ikuna. "S'up!" he greets with a grin, cuz you know saying "s'up" is so much cooler than saying "hello" or even "hi". "Lookit /I/ hunted," he says proudly, tail wagging as he steps aside to show off his woody kill. /Ginormous/ is right! And upon hearing this, he quickly nods in agreement to Wachiwa. "Yup, an' it took me like...a whole day an' a /half/ to get it. It was the greatest hunt ever. It thought it could run faster'n me, but no way. I kept followin' and followin' and didn't stop to sleep or drink or even /pee/."
Sabin rises to his paws in a stretch, "Good evening." he tells them all then turns heading for the crabapple tree in the distance.
Ikuna is halfway down the hill before he remembers that he's supposed to be careful and stay near the den. That gives him half a step of hesitation, but... nah, Ahiga belongs! He's not a bigwolf, but he's definitely not a stranger anymore. And besides, Chewy's coming along too. It's double extra safe. So he resumes his headlong run, tail wagging with enthusiasm as he barks and prances around the stick-dragging wolf! He playbows to the bigpuppy when he's greeted - ooh, what a cool greeting! He's not that cool, though. Not yet. "Hi hi 'higa!" he says, and giggles. "Is bii..." he says, peering up at the branch. Bigger than him, that's for sure! But... "'higa more bii an' tuff!"
"Oh, I bet," Chewy says, looking the large branch over. She considers, then says, bemused, "Well, Ahiga, you caught it.. Now you've got to eat it. After all, that's why we hunt, to eat." She sits down, amused, and wonders just what the pup will say to this. "Yessir, Ikuna, Ahiga's a really big puppy, and he's made a really big kill here. He can't share though, it was his kill." She chuckles softly, peering at the branch. OH! Wait. "Ahiga, I wanted to talk to you, by the way. You know, it's been kind of dangerous lately, and I was wondering if you'd like to stay in the Den for a while.."
Askuwheteau nods as Sabin leaves, and business done he rises to his paws and slowly walks over to sit beside Wachiwa, listening to the talk and he coughs to hide the chouckle when Chewy tells the pup he's got to eat the branch.
"Yeah, I'm big 'n tough!" See, this is why Ahiga likes this pack. They're full of so much praise! Giggling a little, he hops upon the branch, which half rolls a little beneath the moment his paws land on it, and he almost goes toppling. But luckily, balance is regained andh e's spared the embarassment. He holds his head high, basking in his make-believe glory. But...huh-what? He blinks back to reality, eyeing Wachiwa. Eat it? He peers down at the what his imagination had pictured massive moose kill, but slowly that picture is dissolving back down to a not so tasty looking branch. "Nah, I can't eat it. See, I got it for you. For the pack! Cuz...ya've been so nice so, s'like..sayin' thank you," he says, grinning toothily after. Mwuaha! You eat it! "Don'tcha want some, Ikuna? S'a big ol' yummy elk." He pats the bark with his paw, as if it were the most delicious thing a wolf could ever want. A sidelong look is given to Wachiwa though, as she continues on. "How's it been dangerous?" he asks, head tilting. "An' I can't go in there ... right?" He glances to Askuwheteau as he moves up, instantly brightening at the sight of him. "/Can/ I go in there?" he questions."
"Goo' tree-frien'," says Ikuna, grinning. Chewy told him a story about that! How wolves have to keep trees company, so they don't get lonely. Ahiga's so good, doing that sort of thing for big branches. He giggles unabashedly at the bit about eating it. Silly Chewy, teasing about eating things. He prances up to the branch and tugs at a still-leafy bit, making it bend down and then letting it go so it sproings back up. That, too, makes him giggle... and then he pauses, getting a little seriousface again as Ahiga asks about the dangerous scary bits. He's just seen some of those! "Bad people..." he says, and scowls.
There's a wince and Chewy mms. "Well, Ahiga, there's a bad wolf and fox who've been around. We had to chase the fox off earlier because he was trying to cause trouble for Asku. And considering that circumstance, and the fact that we still can't find your mom, I feel like it's a good idea for you to stay where we can watch out for you for a while. I know Skahla and Shawnee won't be upset if you stick around, and .. they're kind of in charge now, which is another reason why I feel like you should stay a little closer to us until we can find your mom." she says, softly, before leaning in to give Ahiga a comforting lick about the ears. "We're sorry we haven't had a chance to find her.."
Askuwheteau nods and smiles at Ahiga, "Yes you can Ahiga, and I am sorry too. With the new dangers of the wolf and fox about we would feel safer if you stayed in the den with the other pups, and Skahla and Shawnee are indeed the ones in charge now. My brother and I are trying to deal with the threat, but we haven't run down the vicious wolf yet."
Ahiga's ears perk up as Ikuna voices his opinion. Uh oh. If he says there's bad folk about...they must be really bad folk! He's all ears as he listens to Wachiwa report about these fox and wolf baddies. "He was bein' mean to Asku?" He bristles, a frown settling on his face. No one messes with his...uh...'I wish you were my brother' wolf and gets away with it! He dismounts from his perch on the branch, his eyes shifting to Askuwheteau. "I bet ya scared'm off real good, huh? Bet he won't never show his stupid fox nose here anymore." Heh, stupid fox nose. He grins a bit smugly, though his expression shifts as his mother his mentioned, and the grin is quick to vanish despite the warmth of the female's tongue. But he stays wordless on that touchy subject and instead presses on to another. "Skahla? /He's/ in charge?" His eyes widen as he looks from grown up, to grown up, to pup for conformation. "Aww, man! He hates me! He'll /eat/ me if he sees me in there."
Trouble, yeah. Bad stuff, yeah. But... "higa inna den!" barks Ikuna happily, and does a little dance. Like the most epic playdate or sleepover ever. Yeah, the reasons for it are sad - Ahiga's missing mama, and the scary wolf and mean fox, and the monster that got Ikuna and Tala's parents, but... Ahiga. Staying with them. Awyeah! He grins. "Chewy /bit/ the badfoh... right onna nose!" he says. And that should show just how bad the fox was, if gentle Wachiwa was moved to that much anger. Then he nods. "Uh-huh. But S'ahla no eat you. Jus'... growl lots." Yeah, okay, that's not the best of reassurances. But Ikuna is being honest!
There's a laugh from Wachiwa, and she says, "Don't worry, Ahiga. If Skahla see you, just tell him I asked you to help me watch out for Ikuna and Tala because I thought it would keep you safe. I'll take all the blame for this one." She smiles, and nuzzles at the older pup again, before looking to Ikuna: "Ikuna, why don't you show Ahiga the game you and Asku play with the trees to make them happy." She grins. "Me and Asku will join in with you in a moment." She looks to her fellow cohoert in Bad Fox Beatery, and motions him aside. ".. Asku," She murmurs, if she gets him alone, "... You .. don't think the bear..?" She looks to Ahiga pointedly.
Askuwheteau listens to the pups and then when Wachiwa motions with her head towards a more private spot where the little ones can't hear, he perks his ears to her question and glances over at Ahiga, and without letting his smile slip he nevertheless speaks in a rather grave tone, "I think so yes Chewy, I'm sorry to say it. But it got both our alphas, it was more then a match for two wolves. Things don't look good, I think little Ahiga may have much more in common with my little brother and sister then he knows."
Ahiga blinks wide at Ikuna at this bit of news. Wachiwa /bit/ the fox? The super nice female who he figured didn't have a mean bone in her body? "...Cool.." he says, a grin beginning to stretch over his muzzle as he considers the wolf heroine. But despite this and her assurance, he doesn't seem all too convinced that Skahla won't make a snack out of him if he catches him in the den and can only watch her with a disbelieving look on his face. But she's off having grown folk's talk with Asku, and thus all of his attention is given to Ikuna. "Yeah, no kiddin' he growls a lot. A /whole/ lot. He's all...Grrrrr, watchoo doin' here? Grrrrowwl! Who are you? Grrrrrrrr Stay away cuz I'm bigger'n you, GRRRRR do what I say! Grroooowll Come here!" His act is accompanied with many comically dramatic growly faces, teeth bared squinty eyes, scrunched up nose, the works.
Ikuna nods to Chewy as she goes off for grownup conversations, then giggles at Ahiga's imitation of Skahla! "Uh-huh!" he says. "Allus grr!" And bigpuppy is so funny, demonstrating... all those scrunchy fierce faces that are so funny when they're not real. "He even growls at himself inna water!" Even Ikuna knows that's not a real wolf! Not that Ikuna growls at, well, anyone. "Maybe he's forgotted how not to..." muses the little wolf.
Somehow, Wachiwa keeps a stiff wag of tail going when Asku confirms her concerns, concurring. She frowns, and then nods. "Well, then," she murmurs, "We can't let him live out there alone in the forest, not when there's so much .. danger, going around. If Skahla won't let him stay in the den, we should at least see if he'll agree to letting him sleep near it. I'll take the heat for this.. if Skah gets angry, I'll try and diffuse it." She sighs, shaking her head though, hoping the pups are distracted as she breifly tucks closer to asku, head laying to his shoulders, and one forepaw lifting to tug at his back, "... I know that our parents said the winter before we were born was the worse season they'd ever had, Asku.. but I think this season of summer may be even worse than that." Her ears perk at the comical faces Ahiga is making, and her face softens a bit, tail wagging slightly. "... Look at them, Asku.. Puppies are hard work even if they're not really mine.. but they sure make it worth it in the long run. Even I'm having a hard time believing we were that small once.."
Askuwheteau nods and then shakes his head, "No Chewy we'll both take the heat. I adore the little guy. I'd keep feeding him and all even if Skahla said he couldn't stay. I might take to sleeping whereever he bedded down for the night as well." He responds to the hug with a return embrace, softly snuffling into her neck fur before licking her cheek, "I'm afraid you are right Chewy, Things are harder right now then I ever remember them being." He chuckles and bumps his nose against her's, "oh I remember you being that small, you were super cute, of course that hasn't changed."
"Ha! In the water? Really?" laughs Ahiga, and he plops back onto his haunches in laughter. Eventually, he falls over and rolls onto his back, licking up in hind legs in mirth. "Maybe he's nutty like a squirrel. Or batty as a bat. Or..." Gasp! It dawns on him that this is the new Alpha he's going on about...an alpha who could be lurking close enough to hear him! He closes his mouth quickly and, still on his back, looks from side to side. Phew! No angry Skahlas to be seen. He blows out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding, purposely blowing it up in Ikuna's direction. Grinning, he reaches up, aiming to batbat at him with both forepaws. "Hey, ya talk better now than y'did before when I first saw you. Guess all that teachin' I did really worked, huh?"
Ikuna giggles along with Ahiga, and nods! "Crazy like a cat!" he suggests, and laughs! He's less worried about Skahla, still grinning as Ahiga looks around. But then, it's his brother, and so there's no question that Ikuna belongs here. He whffs at the puff of air, and gives himself a shake, padding closer and lowering his muzzle to nosebump all along Ahiga's belly as he gets batted at "Uh-huh!" he says. "'higa teach goo'!" he says. Of course, all the time Chewy and Asku have spent with him probably also helped a bit... as, in its own way, did the way Tala went silent after the loss of their parents. Not having her to speak for him meant he had to figure out the words to do it for himself.
"Oh, shoo fly," chuckles Chewy as Asku bumps his nose against her, and she gives a playful swipe aside of paw, half shoving, with a grin. Then, tail going into a happy wag again, she starts for the two pups. "Ahiga, Ikuna! I've got an idea. Why don't I show you the hiding place Asku and I used to have when we were your size. I can't fit there anymore myself, but you two can.. AND you can use it if you ever need to hide from a bad person, but don't want them to find our home. Plus, dude, super cool secret fort."
Askuwheteau gives a little laugh as he is pushed away and rolls onto his side, laying his head down to watch as Chewy takes the little males to show them the secret hide away he and she shared when they were only little balls of fluff. His tail beating the ground in a happy wag, despite all the trouble lately he felt happy.
"Aw, good one! Crazy like a cat," Ahiga snickers, though he does make it a point to keep his voice lower than it was before. He wiggles and laughs as the pup's cold nose tests his bellyfur, and all the while he clamps his paws upon his muzzle, trying to push him away. "An' hey, you're right. I do teach good. Maybe /that's/ what I can do!" He rolls onto his stomach in order to sit up again, ears erect with sudden inspiration. "That can be my job. Y'know how there's like, Alphas an' Betas an' hunters an'...uh, whatever else? /I/ can be the Talkin' Teacher." An ear turns as he's called by Wachiwa, and... oooh, a secret place? "Awesome!"
Ikuna grins! Yay, he made a good joke! Puppytail wags happily. "Ooh..." he says to Ahiga's suggestion. That's totally a real job, and bigpuppy can totally have it. Then he, too, perks up at Wachiwa's comment. Oh yeah! She was going to show him earlier, but then he got distracted. "Or if S'ahla's too mean..." he says to the bigpuppy softly... Not that he's gonna let his growly brother chase Ahiga away, but... it doesn't hurt to have a refuge. He bounces toward Chewy. "Lessee!"
"C'mon over this way then, kiddos," chuckles Chewy, as she starts leading them for the shadows just aside the den.