Post by helsnow on Aug 9, 2011 21:58:28 GMT -5
Niyt - Female Wolf
Helaku - Male Wolf
Askuwheteau - Male Wolf
Wachiwa - Female Wolf
Location: Foggy Path
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Helaku
TictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictac.....the sound of human chronology. Helaku knew it well, so well it perveyed his mind whenever at rest and solitude. The wolf sat alone in the fog, deep within his own memories of a time when he obeyed the commands of Men, but not just any Men. The family was of natives, not the white man, and a native who took up horology, as they called it. TictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictac...so far back in his memories did he delve that he was a ghost within them, the day his father Helaku I left the Redwood Barrens prior to the founding of the New Ute. The tones of the music box owned by his human master subtly drowned those memories, when he had siblings and a destiny as Alpha. Then came the mission to find his father, only to later discover his arrival to these parts came too late. Hel breathed and opened his eyes to the silent, fog-saturated place, the music box and ticking of clocks extinguished by the silence of nature. He would revive father, become him and make them remember. He was his father as much as he was himself. THe remains of a completely eaten rabbit lay at his paws to which he whispered. "You've been great use to me, dear rabbit. Your offspring are relocated as promised."
Niyt
A journey of days has become one of weeks for Niyt as she weaves back and forth to scour the land for any sign of her brother. So far, her search has been without success. There has been no sound of his little howl, no trace of his young scent. Perhaps it's time to turn back, and try another direction... she's been wondering that for a while. Recently, though, she's detected the scents - not of Anoki - but of other wolves. It seems there's a pack near here, and that's made her decide to continue on a little further. Maybe these other wolves will know something. And so she walks through the fog, her ears alert and her nose testing the mist for any scents it may bear for her.
Helaku
Helaku slowly pushed the rabbit's remains to the side of the path so other creatures wouldn't walk upon them. A matter of courtesy. The male sat up straight, the breeze in the trees sifting the fog and pushing his scent down the old trail. He was searching...he was searching. The bear that killed Wyanet and Haht, how he wanted to know if it was the same bear from which he saved Rowtag. What a lovely coincidence that would be, yes, to face the same bear years later.The wind was not in his favor, but who needed to rely entirely on the wind? His ears upturned, listening for anything that could be listened for.
Niyt
The wind teases through the fog. It's not strong enough to push it away entirely, but it does make it thin somewhat. As the wind reaches her, Niyt lifts her head into the breeze, letting it ruffle through her fur. The scent on it is fresh. Another wolf. She pauses, considering for a moment, and then gives a soft, brief howl. She is the trespasser on these lands, after all; courtesy dictates she should announce herself. That greeting done, she holds her position, waiting for a reply or a visitor.
Helaku
A howl. This wasn't exactly his land either though it was his land by extension and odd turns of events. Even if he was not recognized by the current Ute, he still was Ute in some sense of declaration. However, Helaku was one wolf who would not represent the current Ute in this regard as the current Ute's Alphas did not mete with him yet. He gave no audible response and moved forward through the fog, allowing his shape to do the talking for him. No need to attract other attention.
Niyt
Niyt waits patiently. Her nose continues to taste the scents of the little breezes, and her ears are erect - but even once her shape is looming almost clear through the fog to Helaku, her gaze doesn't turn to focus on him. Instead, her eyes seem to still stare into the foggy distance, focused on nothing. Still, she has some awareness of what's going on, it seems - for, as Helaku approaches into close range, she nods her head slightly, an acknowledgement of his presence.
Helaku
Helaku stopped before her, his ears raised by his tail not so much. This wolf was a stranger to the Ute lands, someone he hadn't met before who carried scents he hadn't smelled too often. His white eyes gave her a subtle overlook. No matter how he presented himself, the element of cold overly saturated his presence, as if winter itself had latched onto him even through the hot months. "A lone female...do you have no male companion?" What exactly he meant by this question was anyone's guess.
Niyt
The scents Niyt carries with her have been worn by her long travel - but they are certainly strange. Other wolves, and the hot bright of the desert and the cold wind of the steppes - strange, here in this forest. Her own posture is one of confidence. Not of challenge - but somehow, despite how a fog deeper than the one clinging to the ground shadows her eyes, she seems to hold herself with dignity and a sense of being capable. Just as clear, though, to that careful observation, is the fact that she's tired. She's been journeying for a long time, and her body has been honed to so sharp an edge that there is little reserve left to sustain it. "My companions and I have spread out our paths," is her reply, leaving many of the possible questions unanswered.
Helaku
"You are searching," said Helaku. He knew too well what spreading out paths meant. His father did it, he did it. His pack did it. And she wasn't the first creature looking for something he encountered in the last few weeks. "If your efforts be for a healer of disease, I'd implore you to search elsewhere," he said, "...even with the amount of traveling you have achieved."
Niyt
Niyt nods her head in acknowledgement as Helaku calls her searching. That's hardly something she's kept a secret, and she's not surprised that the other wolf picked up on it. His second comment, though, akes her ears perk and her head tilt to the side in a curious gesture. "A healer of disease?" she repeats. "A fox, with a gruff manner and intense focus? That is not who I am searching for, but I have seen such a one on my journey. He was near the horse-herd to the south."
Helaku
"A fox with a gruff manner and intense focus I saw near the coyote territory a short time ago," he answered, his eyes not leaving her for a single moment. Helaku remained stiff, but not unpleasantly stiff, tense perhaps but only out of appearance and not reality. His ears didn't move, nor did his tail. "The fox has a noble cause...but if he is from the infected region then he may carry the disease. If not a healer of disease, then what is it you search for?"
Niyt
With those eyes on her, Niyt's eyes still stare blankly into nothing. She considers briefly on such foxes, but they're not her true concern. Just a passing thought. At best, it will be useful enough to others that they will provide her aid in turn. At worst, a moment's conversation with no future consequence. The matter that has sparked her journey and continues to take her attention is, "Anoki. My brother," she replies. "He is a pup, born this past spring. He disappeared some time ago."
Helaku
She was a smart wolf, focusing her eyes in such ways to avoid direct contact. She almost got away with tricking him into thinking she was staring at him but he wouldn't punish her for it. "And of what pack are you two siblings from, if any?" said Helaku. Straight to the point, he was. Most wolves upon territory would be more demanding of the why and how and what and which, but that wasn't Hel's way of doing things.
Niyt
"We are of Cerulean," replies Niyt simply. The oddity of her gaze is not some clever trick, and more an aspect of her blindness - but that can be rather less than obvious, between the confidence with which she moves and the way the fog all around can trick the eye. She's perhaps better suited to this place than a sighted creature is, since the wisps of fog can't distract her.
Helaku
The Cerulean. He knew of it, and expected it to have died out a long time ago. The Ute and Cerulean didn't have much contact with each other, and likely that was for the best...given his own experience of what happens when multiple packs form alliances. The Ute hadn't been too responsive since he spoke with Wachiwa...what a curious turn of events. "Does Haze still live?"
Niyt
So this wolf has heard of her pack. Interesting. "He does." At least, as of when last she was among her pack - but he is very old, as Helaku would doubtless be aware if he considered on it for a moment. But she's not really here for gossip, though the pause for her tired paws is somewhat welcome. "Have you heard anything of my brother, or rumors of a stray pup?" she asks, returning to her quest.
Helaku
"I've heard nothing until your mention," said Helaku. He didn't want to stray into any talk that would reveal how he knew of Haze, only that he had encountered or heard of an encounter with the wolf once. His father met Haze, but Helaku considered himself as his own father and therefore to him Haze was to be regarded as a potential old contact. This sort of psychology made very little sense among most wolves. "You should be wary of this area outside of the Ute land. A bear has been sighted and it has killed."
Niyt
Niyt nods. She's hardly surprised that Helaku hasn't encountered her brother; none of those she's encountered so far have. She's still clinging on to hope, though, increasingly desperate as it may seem. Perhaps she should have turned in a different direction after all, but there's just so much territory to search here. And so many hazards, for searchers - and especially for pups. Like this bear, apparently. "I will be wary," she replies, with a nod of her head in acknowledgement. So these are the lands of Ute she approaches... that name sounds vaguely familiar to her. She's heard it before, when she was just a pup herself. "Are you of Ute, then?" she asks. An innocent enough question - and one she expects to be simple.
Helaku
"That would depend on who you ask," came his response. He wasn't going to say he definitely was when the current Ute may not consider him part of them despite the fact he was part of their history. "The previous Alphas were killed not too long ago by the aforementioned bear. It is an old female according to my sources, highly territorial."
Niyt
Helaku is most likely a rogue, by her reckoning; but one that chooses to affiliate himself with a pack without quite joining it. Hardly a fatal flaw, to her mind; she's met enough loners of good nature. "The old alphas..." she muses, trying to remember from her puphood. Who were those two, that came to visit Cerulean? It was... the black male with the gruff voice, and the female as sharp as ice... "Hahtalekin and Wyanet?" she asks, tone uncertain. "They are gone?" She sounds inquisitive, not as though she is mourning a friend - and she moves on quickly to practical matters. "Who leads in their place?"
Helaku
"I am unaware as to who leads in their place," said Helaku. His way of certainly answering her question, that was. This Helaku had no love for either of the two named wolves and it underlaid his voice. Vague. "My loyalty was to their predecessor, Alpha Skelaghe, for I am Helaku." He stepped closer to her for the first time, curiosity having it this female being very sharp earned her favors of him.
Niyt
Niyt shows no hint of recognition to the name Skelaghe - or that of Helaku. She holds her ground, as the other wolf approaches; her eyes may not tell her so, but there is the feel in the air, the murmur of the wind and the sense of his spirit. Just because she is blind does not mean she is oblivious; her senses are simply tuned to perceive different things. She has no response to the names he speaks, save one: To introduce herself in turn. "I am Niyt."
Helaku
"Niyt," he said. "I've one question for you concerning your search." His muzzle hovered close to her face, but it was more or less an investigative motion. No hostility or threateneing presence wafted from him--just curiosity and typical rogue nature regarding the presence of a female. However rogue it might have been, it wasn't the creep sort...instead a more gauging, analytical aura of one who knew control, balance and power. "You speak of companion-s. Why is it the Cerulean would send out more than a couple of wolves to search for a lost pup? Most packs would do no such thing."
Niyt
This close, it's clear that Niyt's eyes are blind, clouded over like this path is with fog. She nods as he says he has a question - and then, as she hears what it is, her response is a slight smile. "He is my brother," she replies softly. She's not bragging, simply stating the matter as a fact. Many of the wolves who are searching are doing it for her sake; whether because they wish to please her directly, or they think to thereby curry favor with her pack. She is the beta's daughter, after all, and the alpha's niece. There are not all that many of those searchers, to tell the truth - four or five, and some of those have doubtless returned to the pack already. But she is the one who has launched this search, not Cerulean as a whole.
Helaku
Blind. He never had met a blind creature before, and she carried herself well with the other senses wolves were granted, maybe something extra like himself. Her composure remarked much about how she might have been raised and who she was at heart. By this comparison the Ute seemed too casual, or lost their reserved air with the separation of generations between the Ancient Ute and the New. "Some time ago, the Alpha of a pack sent his Beta to retrieve something of value," he said. "He failed. But he did it for the bond within his pack and not the pack itself or mere Beta loyalty...the very same you do now. The Cerulean live a good distance from Ute. It is unlikely your brother traveled this far or has survived unless the situation is not what it appears to be." He decided to circle around her once, examining her entirety as curious males typically did but still...that air of his which asserted his reasons for giving such curiosity in her were not of the perverted kind. "Because you speak of this same devotion, and because you are of Elder Haze's retinue...I'd wish to present you an offer."
Niyt
Niyt holds her position as she is circled round, though her ear flicks back to keep Helaku's words in it. Unlikely? Yes. But there are many unlikely things in this world, and she has heard many of them whispered by the wind. It keeps secrets, but such news as her brother's death could not remain hidden for long. Not from her. That tiny certainty is all she has, but it's enough to sustain her. Things may not be as they seem - in fact, they probably aren't. But her paws will continue on this trail for as long as it takes to unravel it all, no matter what strange twists and turns it may lead her through. She considers for a moment on the story Helaku tells in sparse overview, and on his proposal. "Haze is my father's uncle. He is a good wolf," she replies, and nods. "I will hear your offer." What she'll do with it, well, that's another question entirely. But she'll hear it, and give it due consideration.
Helaku
The wolf circled around back to her front where he once again stood face to face, muzzle inches from her own. Instinct, perhaps ancient wisdom pointed him in this direction. "Logically, you have until Winter to find your brother alive," he said. "You have time." He paused, considering his next words very carefully as he sniffed the air about Niyt. "You have journeyed far, are no doubt beginning to feel the early stages of fatique which you currently...possibly...struggle with. You've navigated well for one who I see now is without physical sight. You are likely able to defend yourself by sound and feel of vibrations in the ground if that ground is suitable...but as you spend more time looking for your brother your emotional state is bound to start unraveling out of desperation unless you're mentally strong...." Everything tactical, of course...as Helaku was a very tactic-based creature. "For the remainder of your search and journey back to your pack, I offer my eyesight, defense and companionship where and when you need it...as the son of Alphas myself."
Niyt
Helaku's assessment of the situation has little enough new for Niyt. If her brother is not found by winter - whether by her, or some other pack or creature willing to aid him - his chances do become rather grimmer. Fatigue has already been a companion for her; her run has turned to walking, when it must. As for defending herself, well - she's survived. What more can any creature say than that? Even a sighted wolf may fall - to a bear, for instance. She is no different in that way than any other. Her spirit is strong, but the hope she holds herself up by is a thin and tenuous thread, and she does not delude herself otherwise. She knows what despair is; she has felt it before, though not for this. Ah, but then comes the meat of Helaku's offer. Companionship; aid; defense. "It is a foolish thing, to turn away aid freely offered," she says, and gives a slight, respectful bow of her head. "I thank you for it."
Helaku
Helaku was inclined to believe more and more there was little the Ute could offer him, though he wasn't seeking anything at the same time. Perhaps a mate in the future but that was to be determined. "Then you will have it," said Helaku. "the first thing to be tended to is your goal for the remainder of this day."
Niyt
Niyt smiles gently. Difficult as this search has been, it would be harder still were it not for the aid she has recieved from others. "You are right to say it is unlikely that Anoki came this far, but there may yet be news of him. I had intended to speak with the pack here - with Ute - before I departed." The corner of her mouth twists up wryly as she adds, "In a way, I have achieved that." This Helaku calls himself Ute, after all. "But I still wish to hear what news the pack here may have, before I turn back." Since, Ute though he may be, Helaku isn't part of the current pack. She's curious about that, but... curiosity can wait to be satisfied.
Helaku
"Given the pack's situation, I'm not sure how long it will take you to get that information," said Helaku. "I've been fortunate with encountering its members...and they know my scent by now." It was almost as if he said they didn't really know him much at all...which was true. Only a few members of the Ute really knew Helaku...members who may not even make themselves present these days. "But perhaps we might be able to obtain what you need quick. We are on the border, so to speak." And with that said, Helaku howled for the attention of Ute if they were to respond..only..his howl didn't sound warm, welcoming and otherwise social. It was the howl of the nature that often incited fear and frigid feelings of dread, abyssmal horror and things that are nigh unspeakable as the Winter's worst blizzard. It was his default howl, not anything he forced. Perhaps this Helaku had been a rather nastily tortured creature.
Niyt
The pack's situation? This doesn't seem so strange to Niyt as it might to another wolf; after all, Cerulean's wolves tend to wander far from each other and only come together from time to time. So, she's willing to assume the same is true of Ute. She nods about their presence on the border - she's smelled the scent-marks nearby, and has been hesitant to cross them. As Helaku begins to howl, she pauses a moment - and then lifts her own muzzle to add to it. Hers is a melodic thing, a song of greeting and supplication. If perhaps some of the sorrow of her search touches it, well - some of that sorrow touches everything about her, these days, and it is counterbalanced by hope.
Asku
Askuwheteau replies to the howl of the other male, and soon he is seen coming through the fog, He looks less then pleasent. His hackles are raised, his eyes intence, and there seems to be a vicious snarl on his lips that never quite makes it past his glistening fangs. His walk is measured and slow. And his nose continuelly twitches scenting the air. Taken together Asku's normally stoic demenor has morphed into something all together vicious and vindictive. "Who is that on our borders?" He snaps, his words clipped and nasty, "If you have anything to do with my pup-napped brother, then you should begin praying to whatever spirits you serve now...before my fangs find you. If you are innocent...then I apologize."
Helaku
Helaku lightly inclined his head to the ever unpleasant-looking Asku, somehow not surprised that he'd get a reaction such as this. His howl was indead dreadful, militant and ruthless and nature...but then he mentioned the theft of pups. The strange ghost-eyed wolf regarded Asku when a serene air despite the situation as he was not one to excite about most things. "One of the two wolves I hoped to see return to my howl," said Helaku. "The guest is of Cerulean, name of Niyt, Askuwheteau. It would seem you both search for the same creature now...a lost brother pup."
Niyt
Before Askuwheteau's approach can even be seen, Niyt can feel that anger. It's a sharp, bristling thing; hot and fresh. Her posture subtly changes, shifting into the ready position of one who may have to flee, though she makes no threatening sign. The blind wolfess may not be able to see Asku, but the degree of his emotion makes him quite clear to her, and her head turns almost directly toward him. Not quite, though - without vision, she can only manage so much. At his words, her ears wilt back for a moment. Pup-napped brother? Was Anoki not just lost, but... "I search for my own brother," she says, directly to Askuwheteau. Their cases may be related, but she is as much a victim as he. What Helaku says of her is correct, but she keeps her attention fully on the angry wolf approaching them.
Asku
Askuwheteau's posture shifts as well, where before he was blind rage mingled with fear for his baby brother, when Helaku speaks he turns to look at the she-wolf. And gradually his hackles lower, his voice takes on a more sympathetic note and he steps closer, "I...I am very sorry. I am, frightened for my little brother, I hope yours has simply wandered away from your pack. The Cerulean Pack is considered an ally by the Ute, My own sister lives among you. I will do everything in my power to help you Niyt. Do you have any clues? Any strange scents in your territory? Perhaps of a strange she-wolf or a large bird? My own brother's last scent was located near a spot where those two scents converged, then it was simply gone like he had been spirited away. There was no body so I believe he was likely carried off by the bird rather then killed and..." Here there is a slight choking in his voice, "...and eaten."
Helaku
How...uncanny. Helaku eyed the both of them. He intended to service one, but now there were two he would have to function for. Strange turn of events, yes. The pale-eyed wolf regarded Asku even more than before, and even more on this second meeting than in their first encounter. "How long has he been missing, Askuwheteau?"
Niyt
Niyt takes a step toward Asku. There, past the anger, is the fear that comes from love. She nods understandingly, as he apologizes for his fear - and then her body tenses as he mentions his sister. Wait, he can't mean - they haven't heard? The news didn't get back to Ute? "Is your sister... Keaughe?" she asks hesitantly. This, on top of the other news! "There were several strange wolves, but... no, the only females were those in our pack." She shakes her head slowly. "But perhaps, even so. There was rain, that night, and the trail became lost."
Asku
Askuwheteau nods to Helaku, "A day, perhaps a day and a half only I think. The scent is still very fresh." Then he turns to look at the She-wolf a stricken expression taking over his muzzle and he lowers his head, "Please no...don't tell me Keaughe is?" He swallows hard trying to push down the rising lump in his throat, "She isn't dead is she? Not three full moons ago our parents were killed by a bear. If my sister is gone as well I...I think I might lose my mind." True tears begin to fall from Asku's eyes now, pain heaped upon pain, and until now he had just kept pushing it down. Now it welled up inside him and spilled from his eyes. "Oh Ancestors...don't let anything happen to the little ones. How much more can I carry?"
Wachiwa
And to the south, where the marsh lays, comes a weak howl; tempered by something unknown. Shortly comes the muddy frame of a somewhat frantic she-wolf; ears back, entire body a painting in gunk. She's bee-lining right for Asku, too. "Asku, asku, oh Asku, he's not in the Marsh, and the're no sign of him at the den, and oh my /gosh/ I have /so/ failed at pup-sitting, i never should have taken them to the crab apple tree, how could I have ever thought it was safe for them to see the rest of the lands, oh my stars and spirits, what are we going to do.." Chewy is all worry and words as she approaches, distracted from Helaku and Niyt's presence by her whimpering and whining and she comes directly to Asku, and tries to bury her face in his shoulder fur with a long suffering whine and--.. oh. Then she notices there are others present, and her ears twitch. The muddy dancer mumbles, "Hello, Helaku," but is staring at Niyt confusedly. Who is this one?
Helaku
Death. Ever since he learned his father died he had been immune to its effects. The entire concept of death Helaku was numb to as the coldest hoarfrost. He heard a rumor among those that spoke with spirits his father became the spirit of snow and the following winter after his death was vengeance on the living that made his final months hell. Why was he dwelling on this anyhow? "Wachiwa," he said softly, his eyes barely flicking in her direction, remaining on Asku. Nothing had changed since he left before Skelaghe died.
Niyt
Niyt's expression answers Asku's question clearly enough, even without words. "I'm sorry," she says softly. She looks as though she might step forward to try and offer further comfort, but then the sound of Wachiwa's howl reaches her, and Niyt subsides to let the Ute wolf make her way directly to Askuwheteau. With missing pups on the mind, it's easy enough to pick out the main thread of what's going on in that whimpering, and her ears wilt back. That pain is one she knows all too well, and finding it fresh in these two makes her own heart ache. At least these two have the comfort of each other. Her gaze, fogged-over and blind, can't see when Wachiwa's comes to her, but she hears those whines subside, and the greeting to the other wolf, and can guess that she's been noticed. "I am Niyt," she says softly, and then makes a statement that she knows is true, without entirely knowing why. The wind murmurs along with it, and the earth echoes it. "There is something out there, taking pups."
Askuwheteau
Askuwheteau turns to look at Wachiwa as she draws near, and when she nuzzles into his shoulder fur he places his more distant forepaw around her shoulder, even in his dispair trying to give what comfort he may to his bestfriend, "Wachiwa, Niyt has lost her little brother as well, she is of Cerulean and has come this far north looking for him. Keaughe is...she is gone as well, like mother and father. I don't know if you knew that." It all becomes to much for the young adult male and he lifts his muzzle to the sky howling out the most mournful sounding cry he has ever given.
AwwwoooooOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo....." then his voice breaks and he gives a shuttering sob, his face falling before more tears begin to hit the ground, Asku seems to be pouring out all the sadness and suffering that he has in recent months pushed aside, for his pack, for his little siblings, for his older brother, It all comes rushing upon Askuwheteau now and he gasps brokenly, "I was 'He who keeps watch' I...I should have done better at watchin
"I was 'He who keeps watch' I...I should have done better at watching over my pack...I should have done better."
Wachiwa
Ears twitch and then Chewy nods. "I'm Wachiwa. I was watching the pups when Ikuna disappeared.. I'm sorry to hear about your brother.." She says, before she frowns, and nods. "A bird took Ikuna.. I found Ahiga and Tala the other evening and they're fine but.. but yeah. And I feel like we should warn Hinto about his pups, too, Asku," before she frowns at his breakdown. She lets out a thready whine, befoore she says, "Asku, hush, this isn't your fault. You couldn't have known it would happen.. if anything it's more my fault. I've been so tired lately I keep falling asleep on the job, and I'm the pupsitter." She frowns, furrowing her brows. "... What I don't understand, she adds, after a moment of thought.. "... is why that strange she-wolf's smell was around the hole Ikuna was at before he was taken.. I mean.. I know everyone in the pack, I thought, but.. I don't know hers. If she was there, why wouldn't she have stopped the bird from taking him?"
Helaku
During all this agony and drama, Helaku's attention mostly diverted itself to Asku due to his being the most superior among them. It riled an old trait within Helaku, the Alpha trait, which he hadn't needed to practice in some time due to circumstance. His all ready erect ears grew stiffer and his tail lightly rose high. "Askuwheteau," he said calmly, but not without a leader's air, "Pick yourself up and look me in the eye." But would the younger wolf do so? Asku needed something to encourage him that he wasn't an absolute failure.
Niyt
Niyt nods as Wachiwa tells the facts of the matter for this pack. "Anoki was taken from the grasslands." She doesn't know much more than that, to be honest; the rain confused all the scents, and there was nobody there. She can guess, though - that her little brother was trying to recapture the carefree days of his early puphood, before mama got sick. That something came upon him there... but what? Some predator. His little mousie friend wouldn't have been so frantic otherwise. Perhaps this same bird? It seems possible, but she's uncertain. She listens to Askuwheteau's agony, her own ears wilted back. She understands, far too well, how he feels - but it isn't her place to try and comfort him. Perhaps she would have tried, in other circumstances, but Wachiwa is there, a wolf of Askuwheteau's own pack, and the two are clearly close. They will give each other what comfort they can. Wachiwa's question makes her shake her head slowly. "Perhaps she is a false friend," says Niyt. "It is sometimes easy to make mistakes." There's a small, self-deriding smile with those words. Niyt has made such mistakes, oh yes; and she has paid their price. But she made it through then, and she intends to do the same now.
Asku
The younger male blinks and he looks up, Askuwheteau's eyes finding Helaku's ghostly white ones. He realizes then what a fool he is being and lifts one paw to wipe away his tears, "I am sorry, weeping never did anything for anyone. I am ashamed of myself, I will speak to my older brother, I am certain Niyt that he will be willing to help, perhaps both of our searches will bring us to the same place. Whoever took our pups is very foolish, If they harm them in the smallest of ways they will find all of the Ute after them. My big brother is the packs Alpha male, and he is far more passionate then I am. I am sure that as furious as I was his anger will far outstrip mine." He turns and nuzzles Wachiwa, "It is not your fault either Chewy, noone can watch all the time. We should have had two pupsitters, that way you could trade off and both of you would be well rested. I don't think the bird has harmed Ikuna, there would be little point in leading him away when they could have hurt him right there. And Niyt is right, the she-wolf might have told him lies and lead him away, only to turn him over to the bird for something, I have no clue why a bird would want a wolf pup, much less two."
Wachiwa
Chewy nods, thoughtfully, nuzzling at Asku's shoulder before she thinks about things again. "A false friend.. We should warn Skahla about this she-wolf. She might have been a stranger intruding on our lands," she says, before she then closes her eyes in thought. "We should talk to the spirits about this. I will ask them tonight what we should do," she says, softly, nodding to herself, before she opens her eyes, and considers. Hm. But in the meantime: "Helaku... You wander all around, right? You could go see if any other animals around here are missing younglings.. Look for things that are unusual, like uhm.. Like cats and coyotes and foxes.. Prey animals, really, it makes sense they'd lose young, But us predators.. we shouldn't lose them. -- And check into the strange wolf!" She then looks to Niyt, and offers: "You have come a long way from Cerulean lands.. You must be really tired and hungry. Please come back to the crab apple tree with us, you can rest there, and seek council with our Alpha. You should tell Skah about what happened with your brother... And Keaughe."
Helaku
Helaku didn't need to say anything; his eyes did it. However, he did have a fair warning for Asku given the response given. The strange wolf once again spoke with that same calm air. "No," he said. "I much advise rousing several Ute to search and destroy if possible should that become a potential decision." He wasn't intending to usurp Asku, but instead point out a very fatal flaw in the reasoning. "It is in Ute nature for the pack to strike against anyone that poses it a harm. However...consider the pup-thieving a worst-case scenario in the back of your mind that it might be only a diversion to make you use your pack's full resources. You all ready run on bonded emotion, even Niyt. I've given her my service to aid in finding her brother, but the same is also given to you because you are Ute." Helaku sounded older than he was and didn't mean to...or mean to point out the grimmest possibility but it was a fact that could be true. "For all you know, those responsible for the disappearance of your pups may be linked to the bear...or maybe not. You are the Watcher, Asku." And then his attention turned to Wachiwa, to whom his face softened considerably. Perhaps there was a liking there? Who knew. "That was the idea as I journey with Niyt, Wachiwa. Even our little fox guest we oh-so tolerate may be useful..."
Niyt
When Niyt was young, it was a raven. It spoke of the shadows, and then those shadows came and wanted her eyes and her sight and her self. The wolf shivers, and then shakes herself to bring her throughts back to the present. She nods to Asku's words of Ute sharing the search, and of the idea that perhaps those searches will end up in the same place. "My brother still lives. I know that much. If yours is with him, likely so does he," she says. "But... there are worse things than being eaten." She stops herself, there. No, no point in giving these wolves more nightmares than they already have. What was a matter of one missing pup is starting to seem like something terrifying indeed. No wonder the wind has been silent to her questions. At Wachiwa's suggestion to her, she hesitates. Her fatigue is clear enough, but... can she afford the time? Who knows what evil may be lurking there, menacing her brother and this Ikuna pup? Finally, sense catches up with her. Here are allies, and a place to recover while she plans where to go next. And this pack deserves to know what happened to Keaughe. She lowers her head, accepting this. Anoki must wait another day. Be strong, little moon! Be strong! "I will come with you. But... we cannot afford to rest for long." Not with those pups in unknown danger. At Helaku's comment, she tilts her head slightly. There is something to what he says. Especially... she recalls other names, mentioned by Wachiwa. "There are other pups here, yes?" she asks, and then continues. "They must be kept safe, then. What has happened once... twice... may happen again. Send a hunt - but guard your den also. The warriors will fight better for knowing their home is safe."
Asku
Askuwheteau looks up once again, his ears forward and his eyes attentive as the older male speaks. He nods, then nuzzles at Wachiwa's side as he recalls something he once learned, "The tree is a good place for Niyt to rest. I once heard that when a wolf loses one sense like sight or hearing the others grow stronger, It maybe that even while resting she can learn more about this matter, her nose might be better able to pick out things in the scents that we can't. And since all this started at the tree..." He pauses and huffs softly taking in all the words of the other three. "Yes the spirits may be able to help us. But Helaku raises a good question, who to send...and who to keep guard over the den and the rest of the pack? I would be willing to do either, but where would I serve best?"
Wachiwa
"We should consult Skahla about that," Wachiwa says softly, "We cannot all leave.. and we cannot all stay." Chewy says, thoughtfully, bobbing her head in thought, before she mms softly. And gives Asku a reassuring lick about the cheek. She can calm when she sees others calm-- Helaku and Niyt both have helped in this. The muddy wolf then says, softly, "Niyt.. Search for Ikuna's scent, please? While at the tree? And ask the wind.." she says, worredly, before she then adds, "And I will consult the Spirits.. They may know what we cannot, may know what we need."
Niyt
Niyt smiles at Asku's comment. "I can only try," she says. Are her other senses keener? Perhaps in some ways. Certainly, it can't hurt to have a fresh nose on the problem. She nods to Wachiwa. "I will try. As best I can." A bitter voice could say that Niyt's only met with failure so far on her own quest, so how can she possibly help here? But a more hopeful tone might suggest that seeing more of these circumstances could lead to a common thread. It's a fragile hope, but it's a hope, and that is a precious resource to be treasured in these times. Helaku's comment about directions gets a considering hmm. She may have accepted his aid, but she's not sure whether she agrees with him - or is overly fond of his tendency to take things over. "If a direction has promise, it should be followed. Whatever is the source of this is not a thing for one wolf to tackle alone," she says. His suggestion about the small creatures gets a nod, though. "I have spoken to a small bird by the plains, who promised her aid. Whether anything will come of it..." she shrugs. "But we will find the pups. Somehow, we will." Her words and firm, and she turns her head as best she can to the position that Wachiwa was in, and then the one that Asku was, as she speaks.
Asku
Askuwheteau nods to the recommendations of the others and he seems to consider something, "I will see what my brother thinks, who should go and who should stay. I am not as big as other males my age even though I am stockier. I wouldn't be so good at running something down as another with longer legs would. I tend to think I should stand guard here. While Chewy speaks with the spirits, and Helaku and Niyt search for physical clues. I will consult with the dead. They often see things the living do not. Perhaps Mlawatu and Kondo may have something for me. You will know where to find me Chewy if you need me." And with that Asku turns and slowly begins to pad off pausing to call back, "Helaku, If I indeed do stay with the pups and the pack as I think my brother might ask of me I will be counting on those that do go to act in my stead. That means you and Niyt." He then turns again and continues on his way, the mist quickly shrouding him.
Wachiwa
Chewy.. sighs, and shakes her head, murmuring, "Spirits, go with him. Keep that Shewolf from completing her failed plans of the yester year," before she looks to Niyt and Helaku. "Any help, any help at all, is good. That is why I ask that maybe you could look for others to help us, too, Helaku. Maybe there are those who have had similar experiences. ... And keep an eye out for she-wolves you do not know, who do not smell of the pack." She leans in to nuzzle the elder wolf thankfully-- any paw in help indeed is welcome. She then offers Niyt a similar nuzzle-- Chewy is just a friendly ball o' fur all over even when she's muddy as heck. "I'm going to go seek the spirits.. If you need to find me, Helaku, Niyt, I shall be to the north where the Stars are open above at night." She turns, and starts in that direction, slowly, pausing to dip her head. "And may the Spirits be with you both. Niyt, you will find the tree to the Northeast on a hill.. but don't stray into the den near it."
Helaku
Helaku hadn't been given any sort of nuzzle since Crescendo...the action made him pause significantly as Wachiwa went about her habit. There was a point in his life when among the Ute during Alpha Skelaghe's reign that he nearly gave up on everything and Crescendo was there to encourage him. What would his life have been if he stayed and didn't leave? He might have fathered his own pups by now...and his eyes shifted to the blind Niyt. "Thank you, Wachiwa," he said softly. "Niyt...what we do now is up to you."
Niyt
Niyt nods to Asku's words, and her ears perk to the sound of his retreating footsteps. Chewy's nuzzle she returns with a soft smile, not seeming to mind the mud. "Of course. I will rest, and see what I can learn." She pauses, and then noses the female wolf again. "I know it hurts," she says softly. "But perhaps this will help us all to find our loved ones again." She turns her head to listen as Wachiwa pads off, with her final words of direction, and nods. Then her attention turns back to Helaku. "Now?" She laughs, softly; a sound more of tiredness than cheer. "I will go to this tree, and rest there. Perhaps I will speak to their Alpha, if he comes to visit. As for you..." She smiles. "Take what action you think best. When I have rested, then it will be time to plan further."
Helaku
"I will rest with you at the tree," said Helaku, his ghostly white eyes focused on her. It didn't matter much to him that she couldn't see him; she knew where he was. The fact she was blind was something that made him want to stay near her. "Even if you're on friendly land, I'd rather not leave you without my presence." He came up next to her, his ears listening for the sounds among the fog. It was quiet here, very quiet. "If you are exhausted I could always carry you to the tree."
Niyt
Niyt nods slightly. "Then let us go there," she says. The offer to be carried makes her snort faint amusement; she is no puppy. She doesn't bother to reply to it, though - simply sets out northward and east, the fog swirling around her as a gentle breeze follows her path.
-End-
Helaku - Male Wolf
Askuwheteau - Male Wolf
Wachiwa - Female Wolf
Location: Foggy Path
----
Helaku
TictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictac.....the sound of human chronology. Helaku knew it well, so well it perveyed his mind whenever at rest and solitude. The wolf sat alone in the fog, deep within his own memories of a time when he obeyed the commands of Men, but not just any Men. The family was of natives, not the white man, and a native who took up horology, as they called it. TictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictacTictac...so far back in his memories did he delve that he was a ghost within them, the day his father Helaku I left the Redwood Barrens prior to the founding of the New Ute. The tones of the music box owned by his human master subtly drowned those memories, when he had siblings and a destiny as Alpha. Then came the mission to find his father, only to later discover his arrival to these parts came too late. Hel breathed and opened his eyes to the silent, fog-saturated place, the music box and ticking of clocks extinguished by the silence of nature. He would revive father, become him and make them remember. He was his father as much as he was himself. THe remains of a completely eaten rabbit lay at his paws to which he whispered. "You've been great use to me, dear rabbit. Your offspring are relocated as promised."
Niyt
A journey of days has become one of weeks for Niyt as she weaves back and forth to scour the land for any sign of her brother. So far, her search has been without success. There has been no sound of his little howl, no trace of his young scent. Perhaps it's time to turn back, and try another direction... she's been wondering that for a while. Recently, though, she's detected the scents - not of Anoki - but of other wolves. It seems there's a pack near here, and that's made her decide to continue on a little further. Maybe these other wolves will know something. And so she walks through the fog, her ears alert and her nose testing the mist for any scents it may bear for her.
Helaku
Helaku slowly pushed the rabbit's remains to the side of the path so other creatures wouldn't walk upon them. A matter of courtesy. The male sat up straight, the breeze in the trees sifting the fog and pushing his scent down the old trail. He was searching...he was searching. The bear that killed Wyanet and Haht, how he wanted to know if it was the same bear from which he saved Rowtag. What a lovely coincidence that would be, yes, to face the same bear years later.The wind was not in his favor, but who needed to rely entirely on the wind? His ears upturned, listening for anything that could be listened for.
Niyt
The wind teases through the fog. It's not strong enough to push it away entirely, but it does make it thin somewhat. As the wind reaches her, Niyt lifts her head into the breeze, letting it ruffle through her fur. The scent on it is fresh. Another wolf. She pauses, considering for a moment, and then gives a soft, brief howl. She is the trespasser on these lands, after all; courtesy dictates she should announce herself. That greeting done, she holds her position, waiting for a reply or a visitor.
Helaku
A howl. This wasn't exactly his land either though it was his land by extension and odd turns of events. Even if he was not recognized by the current Ute, he still was Ute in some sense of declaration. However, Helaku was one wolf who would not represent the current Ute in this regard as the current Ute's Alphas did not mete with him yet. He gave no audible response and moved forward through the fog, allowing his shape to do the talking for him. No need to attract other attention.
Niyt
Niyt waits patiently. Her nose continues to taste the scents of the little breezes, and her ears are erect - but even once her shape is looming almost clear through the fog to Helaku, her gaze doesn't turn to focus on him. Instead, her eyes seem to still stare into the foggy distance, focused on nothing. Still, she has some awareness of what's going on, it seems - for, as Helaku approaches into close range, she nods her head slightly, an acknowledgement of his presence.
Helaku
Helaku stopped before her, his ears raised by his tail not so much. This wolf was a stranger to the Ute lands, someone he hadn't met before who carried scents he hadn't smelled too often. His white eyes gave her a subtle overlook. No matter how he presented himself, the element of cold overly saturated his presence, as if winter itself had latched onto him even through the hot months. "A lone female...do you have no male companion?" What exactly he meant by this question was anyone's guess.
Niyt
The scents Niyt carries with her have been worn by her long travel - but they are certainly strange. Other wolves, and the hot bright of the desert and the cold wind of the steppes - strange, here in this forest. Her own posture is one of confidence. Not of challenge - but somehow, despite how a fog deeper than the one clinging to the ground shadows her eyes, she seems to hold herself with dignity and a sense of being capable. Just as clear, though, to that careful observation, is the fact that she's tired. She's been journeying for a long time, and her body has been honed to so sharp an edge that there is little reserve left to sustain it. "My companions and I have spread out our paths," is her reply, leaving many of the possible questions unanswered.
Helaku
"You are searching," said Helaku. He knew too well what spreading out paths meant. His father did it, he did it. His pack did it. And she wasn't the first creature looking for something he encountered in the last few weeks. "If your efforts be for a healer of disease, I'd implore you to search elsewhere," he said, "...even with the amount of traveling you have achieved."
Niyt
Niyt nods her head in acknowledgement as Helaku calls her searching. That's hardly something she's kept a secret, and she's not surprised that the other wolf picked up on it. His second comment, though, akes her ears perk and her head tilt to the side in a curious gesture. "A healer of disease?" she repeats. "A fox, with a gruff manner and intense focus? That is not who I am searching for, but I have seen such a one on my journey. He was near the horse-herd to the south."
Helaku
"A fox with a gruff manner and intense focus I saw near the coyote territory a short time ago," he answered, his eyes not leaving her for a single moment. Helaku remained stiff, but not unpleasantly stiff, tense perhaps but only out of appearance and not reality. His ears didn't move, nor did his tail. "The fox has a noble cause...but if he is from the infected region then he may carry the disease. If not a healer of disease, then what is it you search for?"
Niyt
With those eyes on her, Niyt's eyes still stare blankly into nothing. She considers briefly on such foxes, but they're not her true concern. Just a passing thought. At best, it will be useful enough to others that they will provide her aid in turn. At worst, a moment's conversation with no future consequence. The matter that has sparked her journey and continues to take her attention is, "Anoki. My brother," she replies. "He is a pup, born this past spring. He disappeared some time ago."
Helaku
She was a smart wolf, focusing her eyes in such ways to avoid direct contact. She almost got away with tricking him into thinking she was staring at him but he wouldn't punish her for it. "And of what pack are you two siblings from, if any?" said Helaku. Straight to the point, he was. Most wolves upon territory would be more demanding of the why and how and what and which, but that wasn't Hel's way of doing things.
Niyt
"We are of Cerulean," replies Niyt simply. The oddity of her gaze is not some clever trick, and more an aspect of her blindness - but that can be rather less than obvious, between the confidence with which she moves and the way the fog all around can trick the eye. She's perhaps better suited to this place than a sighted creature is, since the wisps of fog can't distract her.
Helaku
The Cerulean. He knew of it, and expected it to have died out a long time ago. The Ute and Cerulean didn't have much contact with each other, and likely that was for the best...given his own experience of what happens when multiple packs form alliances. The Ute hadn't been too responsive since he spoke with Wachiwa...what a curious turn of events. "Does Haze still live?"
Niyt
So this wolf has heard of her pack. Interesting. "He does." At least, as of when last she was among her pack - but he is very old, as Helaku would doubtless be aware if he considered on it for a moment. But she's not really here for gossip, though the pause for her tired paws is somewhat welcome. "Have you heard anything of my brother, or rumors of a stray pup?" she asks, returning to her quest.
Helaku
"I've heard nothing until your mention," said Helaku. He didn't want to stray into any talk that would reveal how he knew of Haze, only that he had encountered or heard of an encounter with the wolf once. His father met Haze, but Helaku considered himself as his own father and therefore to him Haze was to be regarded as a potential old contact. This sort of psychology made very little sense among most wolves. "You should be wary of this area outside of the Ute land. A bear has been sighted and it has killed."
Niyt
Niyt nods. She's hardly surprised that Helaku hasn't encountered her brother; none of those she's encountered so far have. She's still clinging on to hope, though, increasingly desperate as it may seem. Perhaps she should have turned in a different direction after all, but there's just so much territory to search here. And so many hazards, for searchers - and especially for pups. Like this bear, apparently. "I will be wary," she replies, with a nod of her head in acknowledgement. So these are the lands of Ute she approaches... that name sounds vaguely familiar to her. She's heard it before, when she was just a pup herself. "Are you of Ute, then?" she asks. An innocent enough question - and one she expects to be simple.
Helaku
"That would depend on who you ask," came his response. He wasn't going to say he definitely was when the current Ute may not consider him part of them despite the fact he was part of their history. "The previous Alphas were killed not too long ago by the aforementioned bear. It is an old female according to my sources, highly territorial."
Niyt
Helaku is most likely a rogue, by her reckoning; but one that chooses to affiliate himself with a pack without quite joining it. Hardly a fatal flaw, to her mind; she's met enough loners of good nature. "The old alphas..." she muses, trying to remember from her puphood. Who were those two, that came to visit Cerulean? It was... the black male with the gruff voice, and the female as sharp as ice... "Hahtalekin and Wyanet?" she asks, tone uncertain. "They are gone?" She sounds inquisitive, not as though she is mourning a friend - and she moves on quickly to practical matters. "Who leads in their place?"
Helaku
"I am unaware as to who leads in their place," said Helaku. His way of certainly answering her question, that was. This Helaku had no love for either of the two named wolves and it underlaid his voice. Vague. "My loyalty was to their predecessor, Alpha Skelaghe, for I am Helaku." He stepped closer to her for the first time, curiosity having it this female being very sharp earned her favors of him.
Niyt
Niyt shows no hint of recognition to the name Skelaghe - or that of Helaku. She holds her ground, as the other wolf approaches; her eyes may not tell her so, but there is the feel in the air, the murmur of the wind and the sense of his spirit. Just because she is blind does not mean she is oblivious; her senses are simply tuned to perceive different things. She has no response to the names he speaks, save one: To introduce herself in turn. "I am Niyt."
Helaku
"Niyt," he said. "I've one question for you concerning your search." His muzzle hovered close to her face, but it was more or less an investigative motion. No hostility or threateneing presence wafted from him--just curiosity and typical rogue nature regarding the presence of a female. However rogue it might have been, it wasn't the creep sort...instead a more gauging, analytical aura of one who knew control, balance and power. "You speak of companion-s. Why is it the Cerulean would send out more than a couple of wolves to search for a lost pup? Most packs would do no such thing."
Niyt
This close, it's clear that Niyt's eyes are blind, clouded over like this path is with fog. She nods as he says he has a question - and then, as she hears what it is, her response is a slight smile. "He is my brother," she replies softly. She's not bragging, simply stating the matter as a fact. Many of the wolves who are searching are doing it for her sake; whether because they wish to please her directly, or they think to thereby curry favor with her pack. She is the beta's daughter, after all, and the alpha's niece. There are not all that many of those searchers, to tell the truth - four or five, and some of those have doubtless returned to the pack already. But she is the one who has launched this search, not Cerulean as a whole.
Helaku
Blind. He never had met a blind creature before, and she carried herself well with the other senses wolves were granted, maybe something extra like himself. Her composure remarked much about how she might have been raised and who she was at heart. By this comparison the Ute seemed too casual, or lost their reserved air with the separation of generations between the Ancient Ute and the New. "Some time ago, the Alpha of a pack sent his Beta to retrieve something of value," he said. "He failed. But he did it for the bond within his pack and not the pack itself or mere Beta loyalty...the very same you do now. The Cerulean live a good distance from Ute. It is unlikely your brother traveled this far or has survived unless the situation is not what it appears to be." He decided to circle around her once, examining her entirety as curious males typically did but still...that air of his which asserted his reasons for giving such curiosity in her were not of the perverted kind. "Because you speak of this same devotion, and because you are of Elder Haze's retinue...I'd wish to present you an offer."
Niyt
Niyt holds her position as she is circled round, though her ear flicks back to keep Helaku's words in it. Unlikely? Yes. But there are many unlikely things in this world, and she has heard many of them whispered by the wind. It keeps secrets, but such news as her brother's death could not remain hidden for long. Not from her. That tiny certainty is all she has, but it's enough to sustain her. Things may not be as they seem - in fact, they probably aren't. But her paws will continue on this trail for as long as it takes to unravel it all, no matter what strange twists and turns it may lead her through. She considers for a moment on the story Helaku tells in sparse overview, and on his proposal. "Haze is my father's uncle. He is a good wolf," she replies, and nods. "I will hear your offer." What she'll do with it, well, that's another question entirely. But she'll hear it, and give it due consideration.
Helaku
The wolf circled around back to her front where he once again stood face to face, muzzle inches from her own. Instinct, perhaps ancient wisdom pointed him in this direction. "Logically, you have until Winter to find your brother alive," he said. "You have time." He paused, considering his next words very carefully as he sniffed the air about Niyt. "You have journeyed far, are no doubt beginning to feel the early stages of fatique which you currently...possibly...struggle with. You've navigated well for one who I see now is without physical sight. You are likely able to defend yourself by sound and feel of vibrations in the ground if that ground is suitable...but as you spend more time looking for your brother your emotional state is bound to start unraveling out of desperation unless you're mentally strong...." Everything tactical, of course...as Helaku was a very tactic-based creature. "For the remainder of your search and journey back to your pack, I offer my eyesight, defense and companionship where and when you need it...as the son of Alphas myself."
Niyt
Helaku's assessment of the situation has little enough new for Niyt. If her brother is not found by winter - whether by her, or some other pack or creature willing to aid him - his chances do become rather grimmer. Fatigue has already been a companion for her; her run has turned to walking, when it must. As for defending herself, well - she's survived. What more can any creature say than that? Even a sighted wolf may fall - to a bear, for instance. She is no different in that way than any other. Her spirit is strong, but the hope she holds herself up by is a thin and tenuous thread, and she does not delude herself otherwise. She knows what despair is; she has felt it before, though not for this. Ah, but then comes the meat of Helaku's offer. Companionship; aid; defense. "It is a foolish thing, to turn away aid freely offered," she says, and gives a slight, respectful bow of her head. "I thank you for it."
Helaku
Helaku was inclined to believe more and more there was little the Ute could offer him, though he wasn't seeking anything at the same time. Perhaps a mate in the future but that was to be determined. "Then you will have it," said Helaku. "the first thing to be tended to is your goal for the remainder of this day."
Niyt
Niyt smiles gently. Difficult as this search has been, it would be harder still were it not for the aid she has recieved from others. "You are right to say it is unlikely that Anoki came this far, but there may yet be news of him. I had intended to speak with the pack here - with Ute - before I departed." The corner of her mouth twists up wryly as she adds, "In a way, I have achieved that." This Helaku calls himself Ute, after all. "But I still wish to hear what news the pack here may have, before I turn back." Since, Ute though he may be, Helaku isn't part of the current pack. She's curious about that, but... curiosity can wait to be satisfied.
Helaku
"Given the pack's situation, I'm not sure how long it will take you to get that information," said Helaku. "I've been fortunate with encountering its members...and they know my scent by now." It was almost as if he said they didn't really know him much at all...which was true. Only a few members of the Ute really knew Helaku...members who may not even make themselves present these days. "But perhaps we might be able to obtain what you need quick. We are on the border, so to speak." And with that said, Helaku howled for the attention of Ute if they were to respond..only..his howl didn't sound warm, welcoming and otherwise social. It was the howl of the nature that often incited fear and frigid feelings of dread, abyssmal horror and things that are nigh unspeakable as the Winter's worst blizzard. It was his default howl, not anything he forced. Perhaps this Helaku had been a rather nastily tortured creature.
Niyt
The pack's situation? This doesn't seem so strange to Niyt as it might to another wolf; after all, Cerulean's wolves tend to wander far from each other and only come together from time to time. So, she's willing to assume the same is true of Ute. She nods about their presence on the border - she's smelled the scent-marks nearby, and has been hesitant to cross them. As Helaku begins to howl, she pauses a moment - and then lifts her own muzzle to add to it. Hers is a melodic thing, a song of greeting and supplication. If perhaps some of the sorrow of her search touches it, well - some of that sorrow touches everything about her, these days, and it is counterbalanced by hope.
Asku
Askuwheteau replies to the howl of the other male, and soon he is seen coming through the fog, He looks less then pleasent. His hackles are raised, his eyes intence, and there seems to be a vicious snarl on his lips that never quite makes it past his glistening fangs. His walk is measured and slow. And his nose continuelly twitches scenting the air. Taken together Asku's normally stoic demenor has morphed into something all together vicious and vindictive. "Who is that on our borders?" He snaps, his words clipped and nasty, "If you have anything to do with my pup-napped brother, then you should begin praying to whatever spirits you serve now...before my fangs find you. If you are innocent...then I apologize."
Helaku
Helaku lightly inclined his head to the ever unpleasant-looking Asku, somehow not surprised that he'd get a reaction such as this. His howl was indead dreadful, militant and ruthless and nature...but then he mentioned the theft of pups. The strange ghost-eyed wolf regarded Asku when a serene air despite the situation as he was not one to excite about most things. "One of the two wolves I hoped to see return to my howl," said Helaku. "The guest is of Cerulean, name of Niyt, Askuwheteau. It would seem you both search for the same creature now...a lost brother pup."
Niyt
Before Askuwheteau's approach can even be seen, Niyt can feel that anger. It's a sharp, bristling thing; hot and fresh. Her posture subtly changes, shifting into the ready position of one who may have to flee, though she makes no threatening sign. The blind wolfess may not be able to see Asku, but the degree of his emotion makes him quite clear to her, and her head turns almost directly toward him. Not quite, though - without vision, she can only manage so much. At his words, her ears wilt back for a moment. Pup-napped brother? Was Anoki not just lost, but... "I search for my own brother," she says, directly to Askuwheteau. Their cases may be related, but she is as much a victim as he. What Helaku says of her is correct, but she keeps her attention fully on the angry wolf approaching them.
Asku
Askuwheteau's posture shifts as well, where before he was blind rage mingled with fear for his baby brother, when Helaku speaks he turns to look at the she-wolf. And gradually his hackles lower, his voice takes on a more sympathetic note and he steps closer, "I...I am very sorry. I am, frightened for my little brother, I hope yours has simply wandered away from your pack. The Cerulean Pack is considered an ally by the Ute, My own sister lives among you. I will do everything in my power to help you Niyt. Do you have any clues? Any strange scents in your territory? Perhaps of a strange she-wolf or a large bird? My own brother's last scent was located near a spot where those two scents converged, then it was simply gone like he had been spirited away. There was no body so I believe he was likely carried off by the bird rather then killed and..." Here there is a slight choking in his voice, "...and eaten."
Helaku
How...uncanny. Helaku eyed the both of them. He intended to service one, but now there were two he would have to function for. Strange turn of events, yes. The pale-eyed wolf regarded Asku even more than before, and even more on this second meeting than in their first encounter. "How long has he been missing, Askuwheteau?"
Niyt
Niyt takes a step toward Asku. There, past the anger, is the fear that comes from love. She nods understandingly, as he apologizes for his fear - and then her body tenses as he mentions his sister. Wait, he can't mean - they haven't heard? The news didn't get back to Ute? "Is your sister... Keaughe?" she asks hesitantly. This, on top of the other news! "There were several strange wolves, but... no, the only females were those in our pack." She shakes her head slowly. "But perhaps, even so. There was rain, that night, and the trail became lost."
Asku
Askuwheteau nods to Helaku, "A day, perhaps a day and a half only I think. The scent is still very fresh." Then he turns to look at the She-wolf a stricken expression taking over his muzzle and he lowers his head, "Please no...don't tell me Keaughe is?" He swallows hard trying to push down the rising lump in his throat, "She isn't dead is she? Not three full moons ago our parents were killed by a bear. If my sister is gone as well I...I think I might lose my mind." True tears begin to fall from Asku's eyes now, pain heaped upon pain, and until now he had just kept pushing it down. Now it welled up inside him and spilled from his eyes. "Oh Ancestors...don't let anything happen to the little ones. How much more can I carry?"
Wachiwa
And to the south, where the marsh lays, comes a weak howl; tempered by something unknown. Shortly comes the muddy frame of a somewhat frantic she-wolf; ears back, entire body a painting in gunk. She's bee-lining right for Asku, too. "Asku, asku, oh Asku, he's not in the Marsh, and the're no sign of him at the den, and oh my /gosh/ I have /so/ failed at pup-sitting, i never should have taken them to the crab apple tree, how could I have ever thought it was safe for them to see the rest of the lands, oh my stars and spirits, what are we going to do.." Chewy is all worry and words as she approaches, distracted from Helaku and Niyt's presence by her whimpering and whining and she comes directly to Asku, and tries to bury her face in his shoulder fur with a long suffering whine and--.. oh. Then she notices there are others present, and her ears twitch. The muddy dancer mumbles, "Hello, Helaku," but is staring at Niyt confusedly. Who is this one?
Helaku
Death. Ever since he learned his father died he had been immune to its effects. The entire concept of death Helaku was numb to as the coldest hoarfrost. He heard a rumor among those that spoke with spirits his father became the spirit of snow and the following winter after his death was vengeance on the living that made his final months hell. Why was he dwelling on this anyhow? "Wachiwa," he said softly, his eyes barely flicking in her direction, remaining on Asku. Nothing had changed since he left before Skelaghe died.
Niyt
Niyt's expression answers Asku's question clearly enough, even without words. "I'm sorry," she says softly. She looks as though she might step forward to try and offer further comfort, but then the sound of Wachiwa's howl reaches her, and Niyt subsides to let the Ute wolf make her way directly to Askuwheteau. With missing pups on the mind, it's easy enough to pick out the main thread of what's going on in that whimpering, and her ears wilt back. That pain is one she knows all too well, and finding it fresh in these two makes her own heart ache. At least these two have the comfort of each other. Her gaze, fogged-over and blind, can't see when Wachiwa's comes to her, but she hears those whines subside, and the greeting to the other wolf, and can guess that she's been noticed. "I am Niyt," she says softly, and then makes a statement that she knows is true, without entirely knowing why. The wind murmurs along with it, and the earth echoes it. "There is something out there, taking pups."
Askuwheteau
Askuwheteau turns to look at Wachiwa as she draws near, and when she nuzzles into his shoulder fur he places his more distant forepaw around her shoulder, even in his dispair trying to give what comfort he may to his bestfriend, "Wachiwa, Niyt has lost her little brother as well, she is of Cerulean and has come this far north looking for him. Keaughe is...she is gone as well, like mother and father. I don't know if you knew that." It all becomes to much for the young adult male and he lifts his muzzle to the sky howling out the most mournful sounding cry he has ever given.
AwwwoooooOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo....." then his voice breaks and he gives a shuttering sob, his face falling before more tears begin to hit the ground, Asku seems to be pouring out all the sadness and suffering that he has in recent months pushed aside, for his pack, for his little siblings, for his older brother, It all comes rushing upon Askuwheteau now and he gasps brokenly, "I was 'He who keeps watch' I...I should have done better at watchin
"I was 'He who keeps watch' I...I should have done better at watching over my pack...I should have done better."
Wachiwa
Ears twitch and then Chewy nods. "I'm Wachiwa. I was watching the pups when Ikuna disappeared.. I'm sorry to hear about your brother.." She says, before she frowns, and nods. "A bird took Ikuna.. I found Ahiga and Tala the other evening and they're fine but.. but yeah. And I feel like we should warn Hinto about his pups, too, Asku," before she frowns at his breakdown. She lets out a thready whine, befoore she says, "Asku, hush, this isn't your fault. You couldn't have known it would happen.. if anything it's more my fault. I've been so tired lately I keep falling asleep on the job, and I'm the pupsitter." She frowns, furrowing her brows. "... What I don't understand, she adds, after a moment of thought.. "... is why that strange she-wolf's smell was around the hole Ikuna was at before he was taken.. I mean.. I know everyone in the pack, I thought, but.. I don't know hers. If she was there, why wouldn't she have stopped the bird from taking him?"
Helaku
During all this agony and drama, Helaku's attention mostly diverted itself to Asku due to his being the most superior among them. It riled an old trait within Helaku, the Alpha trait, which he hadn't needed to practice in some time due to circumstance. His all ready erect ears grew stiffer and his tail lightly rose high. "Askuwheteau," he said calmly, but not without a leader's air, "Pick yourself up and look me in the eye." But would the younger wolf do so? Asku needed something to encourage him that he wasn't an absolute failure.
Niyt
Niyt nods as Wachiwa tells the facts of the matter for this pack. "Anoki was taken from the grasslands." She doesn't know much more than that, to be honest; the rain confused all the scents, and there was nobody there. She can guess, though - that her little brother was trying to recapture the carefree days of his early puphood, before mama got sick. That something came upon him there... but what? Some predator. His little mousie friend wouldn't have been so frantic otherwise. Perhaps this same bird? It seems possible, but she's uncertain. She listens to Askuwheteau's agony, her own ears wilted back. She understands, far too well, how he feels - but it isn't her place to try and comfort him. Perhaps she would have tried, in other circumstances, but Wachiwa is there, a wolf of Askuwheteau's own pack, and the two are clearly close. They will give each other what comfort they can. Wachiwa's question makes her shake her head slowly. "Perhaps she is a false friend," says Niyt. "It is sometimes easy to make mistakes." There's a small, self-deriding smile with those words. Niyt has made such mistakes, oh yes; and she has paid their price. But she made it through then, and she intends to do the same now.
Asku
The younger male blinks and he looks up, Askuwheteau's eyes finding Helaku's ghostly white ones. He realizes then what a fool he is being and lifts one paw to wipe away his tears, "I am sorry, weeping never did anything for anyone. I am ashamed of myself, I will speak to my older brother, I am certain Niyt that he will be willing to help, perhaps both of our searches will bring us to the same place. Whoever took our pups is very foolish, If they harm them in the smallest of ways they will find all of the Ute after them. My big brother is the packs Alpha male, and he is far more passionate then I am. I am sure that as furious as I was his anger will far outstrip mine." He turns and nuzzles Wachiwa, "It is not your fault either Chewy, noone can watch all the time. We should have had two pupsitters, that way you could trade off and both of you would be well rested. I don't think the bird has harmed Ikuna, there would be little point in leading him away when they could have hurt him right there. And Niyt is right, the she-wolf might have told him lies and lead him away, only to turn him over to the bird for something, I have no clue why a bird would want a wolf pup, much less two."
Wachiwa
Chewy nods, thoughtfully, nuzzling at Asku's shoulder before she thinks about things again. "A false friend.. We should warn Skahla about this she-wolf. She might have been a stranger intruding on our lands," she says, before she then closes her eyes in thought. "We should talk to the spirits about this. I will ask them tonight what we should do," she says, softly, nodding to herself, before she opens her eyes, and considers. Hm. But in the meantime: "Helaku... You wander all around, right? You could go see if any other animals around here are missing younglings.. Look for things that are unusual, like uhm.. Like cats and coyotes and foxes.. Prey animals, really, it makes sense they'd lose young, But us predators.. we shouldn't lose them. -- And check into the strange wolf!" She then looks to Niyt, and offers: "You have come a long way from Cerulean lands.. You must be really tired and hungry. Please come back to the crab apple tree with us, you can rest there, and seek council with our Alpha. You should tell Skah about what happened with your brother... And Keaughe."
Helaku
Helaku didn't need to say anything; his eyes did it. However, he did have a fair warning for Asku given the response given. The strange wolf once again spoke with that same calm air. "No," he said. "I much advise rousing several Ute to search and destroy if possible should that become a potential decision." He wasn't intending to usurp Asku, but instead point out a very fatal flaw in the reasoning. "It is in Ute nature for the pack to strike against anyone that poses it a harm. However...consider the pup-thieving a worst-case scenario in the back of your mind that it might be only a diversion to make you use your pack's full resources. You all ready run on bonded emotion, even Niyt. I've given her my service to aid in finding her brother, but the same is also given to you because you are Ute." Helaku sounded older than he was and didn't mean to...or mean to point out the grimmest possibility but it was a fact that could be true. "For all you know, those responsible for the disappearance of your pups may be linked to the bear...or maybe not. You are the Watcher, Asku." And then his attention turned to Wachiwa, to whom his face softened considerably. Perhaps there was a liking there? Who knew. "That was the idea as I journey with Niyt, Wachiwa. Even our little fox guest we oh-so tolerate may be useful..."
Niyt
When Niyt was young, it was a raven. It spoke of the shadows, and then those shadows came and wanted her eyes and her sight and her self. The wolf shivers, and then shakes herself to bring her throughts back to the present. She nods to Asku's words of Ute sharing the search, and of the idea that perhaps those searches will end up in the same place. "My brother still lives. I know that much. If yours is with him, likely so does he," she says. "But... there are worse things than being eaten." She stops herself, there. No, no point in giving these wolves more nightmares than they already have. What was a matter of one missing pup is starting to seem like something terrifying indeed. No wonder the wind has been silent to her questions. At Wachiwa's suggestion to her, she hesitates. Her fatigue is clear enough, but... can she afford the time? Who knows what evil may be lurking there, menacing her brother and this Ikuna pup? Finally, sense catches up with her. Here are allies, and a place to recover while she plans where to go next. And this pack deserves to know what happened to Keaughe. She lowers her head, accepting this. Anoki must wait another day. Be strong, little moon! Be strong! "I will come with you. But... we cannot afford to rest for long." Not with those pups in unknown danger. At Helaku's comment, she tilts her head slightly. There is something to what he says. Especially... she recalls other names, mentioned by Wachiwa. "There are other pups here, yes?" she asks, and then continues. "They must be kept safe, then. What has happened once... twice... may happen again. Send a hunt - but guard your den also. The warriors will fight better for knowing their home is safe."
Asku
Askuwheteau looks up once again, his ears forward and his eyes attentive as the older male speaks. He nods, then nuzzles at Wachiwa's side as he recalls something he once learned, "The tree is a good place for Niyt to rest. I once heard that when a wolf loses one sense like sight or hearing the others grow stronger, It maybe that even while resting she can learn more about this matter, her nose might be better able to pick out things in the scents that we can't. And since all this started at the tree..." He pauses and huffs softly taking in all the words of the other three. "Yes the spirits may be able to help us. But Helaku raises a good question, who to send...and who to keep guard over the den and the rest of the pack? I would be willing to do either, but where would I serve best?"
Wachiwa
"We should consult Skahla about that," Wachiwa says softly, "We cannot all leave.. and we cannot all stay." Chewy says, thoughtfully, bobbing her head in thought, before she mms softly. And gives Asku a reassuring lick about the cheek. She can calm when she sees others calm-- Helaku and Niyt both have helped in this. The muddy wolf then says, softly, "Niyt.. Search for Ikuna's scent, please? While at the tree? And ask the wind.." she says, worredly, before she then adds, "And I will consult the Spirits.. They may know what we cannot, may know what we need."
Niyt
Niyt smiles at Asku's comment. "I can only try," she says. Are her other senses keener? Perhaps in some ways. Certainly, it can't hurt to have a fresh nose on the problem. She nods to Wachiwa. "I will try. As best I can." A bitter voice could say that Niyt's only met with failure so far on her own quest, so how can she possibly help here? But a more hopeful tone might suggest that seeing more of these circumstances could lead to a common thread. It's a fragile hope, but it's a hope, and that is a precious resource to be treasured in these times. Helaku's comment about directions gets a considering hmm. She may have accepted his aid, but she's not sure whether she agrees with him - or is overly fond of his tendency to take things over. "If a direction has promise, it should be followed. Whatever is the source of this is not a thing for one wolf to tackle alone," she says. His suggestion about the small creatures gets a nod, though. "I have spoken to a small bird by the plains, who promised her aid. Whether anything will come of it..." she shrugs. "But we will find the pups. Somehow, we will." Her words and firm, and she turns her head as best she can to the position that Wachiwa was in, and then the one that Asku was, as she speaks.
Asku
Askuwheteau nods to the recommendations of the others and he seems to consider something, "I will see what my brother thinks, who should go and who should stay. I am not as big as other males my age even though I am stockier. I wouldn't be so good at running something down as another with longer legs would. I tend to think I should stand guard here. While Chewy speaks with the spirits, and Helaku and Niyt search for physical clues. I will consult with the dead. They often see things the living do not. Perhaps Mlawatu and Kondo may have something for me. You will know where to find me Chewy if you need me." And with that Asku turns and slowly begins to pad off pausing to call back, "Helaku, If I indeed do stay with the pups and the pack as I think my brother might ask of me I will be counting on those that do go to act in my stead. That means you and Niyt." He then turns again and continues on his way, the mist quickly shrouding him.
Wachiwa
Chewy.. sighs, and shakes her head, murmuring, "Spirits, go with him. Keep that Shewolf from completing her failed plans of the yester year," before she looks to Niyt and Helaku. "Any help, any help at all, is good. That is why I ask that maybe you could look for others to help us, too, Helaku. Maybe there are those who have had similar experiences. ... And keep an eye out for she-wolves you do not know, who do not smell of the pack." She leans in to nuzzle the elder wolf thankfully-- any paw in help indeed is welcome. She then offers Niyt a similar nuzzle-- Chewy is just a friendly ball o' fur all over even when she's muddy as heck. "I'm going to go seek the spirits.. If you need to find me, Helaku, Niyt, I shall be to the north where the Stars are open above at night." She turns, and starts in that direction, slowly, pausing to dip her head. "And may the Spirits be with you both. Niyt, you will find the tree to the Northeast on a hill.. but don't stray into the den near it."
Helaku
Helaku hadn't been given any sort of nuzzle since Crescendo...the action made him pause significantly as Wachiwa went about her habit. There was a point in his life when among the Ute during Alpha Skelaghe's reign that he nearly gave up on everything and Crescendo was there to encourage him. What would his life have been if he stayed and didn't leave? He might have fathered his own pups by now...and his eyes shifted to the blind Niyt. "Thank you, Wachiwa," he said softly. "Niyt...what we do now is up to you."
Niyt
Niyt nods to Asku's words, and her ears perk to the sound of his retreating footsteps. Chewy's nuzzle she returns with a soft smile, not seeming to mind the mud. "Of course. I will rest, and see what I can learn." She pauses, and then noses the female wolf again. "I know it hurts," she says softly. "But perhaps this will help us all to find our loved ones again." She turns her head to listen as Wachiwa pads off, with her final words of direction, and nods. Then her attention turns back to Helaku. "Now?" She laughs, softly; a sound more of tiredness than cheer. "I will go to this tree, and rest there. Perhaps I will speak to their Alpha, if he comes to visit. As for you..." She smiles. "Take what action you think best. When I have rested, then it will be time to plan further."
Helaku
"I will rest with you at the tree," said Helaku, his ghostly white eyes focused on her. It didn't matter much to him that she couldn't see him; she knew where he was. The fact she was blind was something that made him want to stay near her. "Even if you're on friendly land, I'd rather not leave you without my presence." He came up next to her, his ears listening for the sounds among the fog. It was quiet here, very quiet. "If you are exhausted I could always carry you to the tree."
Niyt
Niyt nods slightly. "Then let us go there," she says. The offer to be carried makes her snort faint amusement; she is no puppy. She doesn't bother to reply to it, though - simply sets out northward and east, the fog swirling around her as a gentle breeze follows her path.
-End-