Post by Curiosity on Oct 9, 2011 16:39:31 GMT -5
Characters Involved:
Wiraqu, male cougar
Arroyo, adol. female cougar
Kachina, juve. female cougar
=== Rock-Strewn Soil ===
Kitten, kitten, kitten. Where'd he leave that kitten anyhow? Wiraqu travels with Arroyo back toward the area where he last saw Kachina. The wolves have moved on, of course, and it takes him a moment to cast for the trail and turn to follow along it. It's not far at all, not as the mountain lion bounds, and dozens of paws on the snow make for an easy track. So, soon he's once more approaching a place full of the scent of wolves - and of one small, lone cougar. He lets out a soft but carrying chuff, announcing his presence as he slows to a walk. She's a nervous kitten. Best not to startle her.
At first Kachina continued to follow along with the wolves, not like they would actually leave her anyway with everything that happened. Though at the moment she has settled down within the crook of a tree's roots to get some sleep, her head settled between her forepaws, her thin form quivering slightly as she's cold from the recent snow that has fallen over the area. An even in her sleep with Wiraqu still some distance away the movement is heard and her eyes slowly open so she can peer out wondering if its one of the wolves coming to check on her. The chuff catches her attention and she blinks, her head lifting as she gazes out towards the movement, soon catching sight of the other feline even when his some distance away. She clambers up onto her paws and turns suddenly jumping up onto the tree and scrambles up it to rest upon her a low branch, her ears back and tail lashing as she crouchs there. Seems someone can't remember Wiraqu at the moment..
Arroyo's amber eyes alertly scan the surroundings as she follows Wiraqu towards the northeast, skirting the edge of the mountain where the woodlands begin to grow tall and thick. The lost kitten is soon revealed to their view when she scrambles up into the relative safety of one of those forest sentinels, no doubt frightened and generally on edge after whatever sort of danger she's been put through recently. Immediately, Arroyo's vigilant visage softens, the pale adolescent beginning to slowly approach the tree with a softly crooning voice calling towards the cub: "It's all right, little one. We're here to help you find your family again. I am Arroyo, of the Amaranth. What is your name?"
Wiraqu chuckles at the kitten's leap up and away, and pads closer. He sits back on his haunches, peering up into the tree-branches at Kachina. "Good. That is a kitten who will not be caught again," he says to her, and grins. The comforting words he leaves to Arroyo. She's rather better at them. Something about maternal instincts, maybe? Who knows!
Kachina watches the pair below her, eyeing the strange female a few moments before letting her head plunk down upon the branch. "When birds grab you it doesn't matter where you are." This offered after she hears Wiraqu. She remembers well how the eagle swooped down and snatched her, its a nightmare she has often. A ear twitches at the voice from Arroyo. "I don't have any family." Though she doesn't offer her name just yet.
A bird? Perhaps that's a hint as to what happened to traumatize the cub. Arroyo takes a moment to get a better look at the younger female hiding among the barren branches, and realizes she's not quite as small as she first imagined she might be. In fact, the juvenile might have been born the year after Arroyo was born herself. At Kachina's words, the light-furred adolescent takes another step closer before continuing her reassuring speech. "Everyone has family, little one. You've just lost yours...but we can help." Even if her true relatives can't be found, the Amaranth tribe would easily accept the young female among their numbers. Especially since Arroyo will be stepping into the role of matron as soon as she returns to her homelands again.
"Even birds can't get everywhere," says Wiraqu. "Branches slow them. Caves do the same. They are faster, but we are more agile." He sounds unworried; there's very little that can hope to hurt a full-grown cougar. Birds just don't cut it. That practical comment aside, the male remains quiet for the most part. Perhaps his friendly demeanor will help for something, or perhaps he's simply letting Arroyo take the lead because... well, it is her tribe. If anyone knows the kitten's parents, it will be her, right?
Kachina ears lower at the talk of the bird again, they didn't see the eagle that grabbed her when she was a mere cub, it was huge and evil. Her gaze drifts down to Arroyo watching her a few moments before she slowly sits herself up upon the branch. "Why do you want to help me?" A slight glance sent towards Wiraqu. "An why should I trust either of you? For all I know you want to stick be back in that hole."
Arroyo's maw spreads into a soft smile. "Because it is what the Great Mother would do," she answers, perhaps a bit ambiguously given that the younger female is not originally of her family's tribe. Ever since her spirit-vision, the near-adult has felt more comfortable slipping into the pawsteps of the matrons before her, and she now demonstrates her readiness to help and guide those who need it. "I am the heir of the Amaranth, a tribe of cougars who lives upon the mountain," she elaborates further, gesturing with a nod of her head towards the looming cliffs nearby. "And we welcome other Sisters among us, both young and old. Perhaps your mother is already one of them."
Wiraqu listens to Arroyo's answer with a slight smile. It's a rather mystic sort of thing. He's not surprised. His own answer is more practical and direct. "You interest me, kitten who has no family but has a brother. I wish to learn more of a kitten who hates birds but calls wolves friend." He grins up at Kachina. "I think such a kitten will become a strong cougar, and an interesting one... if she has the chance." His smile fades slightly. "I do not think living among wolves will give her that chance. I know Ute has been called friend to cougars, but they are wolves. They do not hunt like us. They do not speak like us. They will not know how a young cougar must eat to grow into her strength, or what to do when her season comes and she becomes wild. If you stay among them, they will not stay your friends."
Kachina glances towards the cliffs that Arroyo has pointed out, a twitch of her tail seen as she seems to be thinking over her options. Her gaze then drifts up to the sky, the branches above her as if searching for something but unable to find it. She's yet to see her little ghostly bird friend since leaving the evil place and a faint sigh escape her before her gaze turns back to Wiraqu. "Just because I have a brother.. or a mother.. does not mean I have a family." She states with a rather low tone. "The wolves saved me when no one else would." For one so young to already feel this way it most likely is not a good sign for things to come. She's hurt in more ways then just physically. Still, she knows she can't stay with the wolves, everything with them is so different then what she's use too, and perhaps too strange for her to even try adjust too. She shifts slowly upon her paws, claws gripping at the branch as she turns moving to to clamber back to the ground, which she nearly makes without a problem until she's a few feet from the ground and she drops down the rest of the way. A slight pained grunt escaping her at the feeling of hitting the earth with her thin frame even though she lands on her paws.
Arroyo's clear gaze slips from the kitten in the tree to the older male beside her as he speaks, unable to hide her apparent intrigue. He certainly has a way with words...and, perhaps, with children as well. She self-consciously turns her head away after a moment, however, once more returning her amber eyes to the lone juvenile in the tree. "Just because they didn't find you doesn't mean they weren't looking for you...and it certainly doesn't mean they weren't missing you while you were gone, either," Arroyo murmurs in a soothing response. "Don't you think they'd be happier to see you again, than go on thinking you're still lost...or worse?" Well, regardless of what it was that finally convinced Kachina to come down from the tree, whether something they said or the juvenile's own motivation, at least she's come this far. Ears picking up the pained grunt, Arroyo trots up closer, attempting to even go so far as offer the younger female a reassuring nuzzle, if she'll let her.
Wiraqu nods to Kachina as she argues about her lack of family. He concedes the point easily; the male has been a loner, a wandering rogue, since early in his adolescence. If this kitten does not choose to have a family, that is her choice. She will need help through the winter, though; and she will need a guide as she grows. That much, at least, he suspects Amaranth can provide. With his attention on Kachina, he doesn't notice Arroyo watching him, though his gaze does flit to her when she speaks. He doesn't argue, but there's a slight quirk of his muzzle. They come from somewhat different worlds, he and Arroyo. He stretches slightly, as the adolescent female approaches, but doesn't move toward Kachina himself. Adult males tend to be threatening for far longer than females. He's patient.
Kachina is quiet for a few moments, tensing up as Arroyo attempts to nuzzle her and even pulls her head back, tail flicking a few times. "I don't know.." Is offered about her family.. "What I do know is that the wolves came looking for their pups.. An no one came to find me." This stated while she glances back to the other female. "How would that make you feel?" is questioned while she slowly stands herself up. Now that she's down on the ground Arroyo can see how thin she is, her ribs easily seen across her sides, and other bones across her form as well. She just didn't get enough food to keep herself in shape when down in the hole.
Arroyo doesn't push the issue when Kachina pulls away from the offered affection, merely taking a single step back to give the younger female some space. "I'd be sad they weren't there...but I'd still want to try and see them as soon as possible," she answers, looking the skinny juvenile over. They'll have to try and find her some food sometime soon. "But I can't really help you too much with finding them until you tell me their names, or at least your own," the matron-to-be continues, attempting to finally coax an answer out of the reluctant cub.
Wiraqu watches and listens. There's something nagging at his mind, from when that wolf came to tell him the news. Not that Wiraqu was a good messenger, and he told the silly canine as much, but... he mentioned a name, didn't he? Now what was it? The male's expression grows distant for a moment as he tries to remember. Hurm. Wait... was that it? Maybe? He's not sure. He murmurs it to himself, almost under his breath, to test how it sounds. "Kachina."
Kachina is quiet for a few moments her gaze resting upon the ground and she soon sighs. "My mother's name is Shanira, my father was Tantallon.." There is a pause while her gaze turns towards Wiraqu. "Ya.. that's my name.. An my brother is Chaska."
Unfortunately, none of those names sound familiar to Arroyo. But given that she's been away from the Amaranth homelands the past few seasons, and before then she was but a young cub living in a rather sheltered way only among her close family, it's not really much of a surprise. Regardless, she's as hopeful as ever. "Will you come with us to try and find them, Kachina?"
So he did remember it. Wiraqu nods slightly. He doesn't recognize any of the other names, though he'll try to remember them. The male flicks one ear toward Arroyo as she speaks, then lowers his head slightly. She cares for her family a great deal, does Arroyo. She expects that family is always a positive. Always something wanted. She's never had a bitter experience, such as Kachina has had. Such as even Wiraqu has had, though less painfully. "Your path is your own, kitten," he says softly. "But if it joins with ours for a time, we will help you learn to walk along it."
Kachina didn't think either of the pair would know her family, no one else really has after all. At the question about join the two she seems unsure for a few moments before a slight snuffle escapes him. "At this point in time.. I suppose it would be a good idea.." She offers after a few moments, her gaze drifting back towards the two.
Arroyo turns again to briefly consider Wiraqu as he speaks up, a soft smile subtly appearing on her maw before she returns her gaze to Kachina once more. "It may take a couple days of travel to reach the heart of the tribelands, but we will rest whenever needed...and perhaps it might be a good idea to find you some dinner before we set out," the adolescent muses thoughtfully, considering their best options at this time of winter. The river to the east, while a bit out of the way, may have slow-moving fish for easy pickings...but perhaps they can find a sluggish hare, or even a wandering deer for them all to eat.
Wiraqu nods his head as Kachina agrees to come with them, and smiles. "I will go hunting," he says, lowering himself with a slight bow and a grin. "Start toward the place where three rocks keep watch on the slope?" he says to Arroyo with a tilt of his head. "I will meet the two of you there with something to eat." He gives himself a small shake, and turns to bound away. A classic way for a male cougar to act toward his female and young. The hunter, the bringer of gifts. He's beginning to settle into his newly-acquired role, even if things aren't quite like that. Not this time.
Kachina is quiet while she watches the two, a ear twitching as she seems a bit unsure what else to say. She takes in a soft breath and nods at the talk of food, her stomach grumbling at the thought. "I.. would appreciate it.." This said with a soft tone. Her bright gaze rests on Arroyo waiting for her to lead to where they may be heading.
Arroyo's admiring gaze once again returns to Wiraqu as he takes charge, already proving his worth as protector and provider a mere number of hours after being asked to step into such a role. The pale female watches him leave, only then returning her focus to the juvenile left in her care. "Come, Kachina...it's not far from here," she murmurs, turning to begin padding away towards the slope to the southwest.
Wiraqu, male cougar
Arroyo, adol. female cougar
Kachina, juve. female cougar
=== Rock-Strewn Soil ===
Kitten, kitten, kitten. Where'd he leave that kitten anyhow? Wiraqu travels with Arroyo back toward the area where he last saw Kachina. The wolves have moved on, of course, and it takes him a moment to cast for the trail and turn to follow along it. It's not far at all, not as the mountain lion bounds, and dozens of paws on the snow make for an easy track. So, soon he's once more approaching a place full of the scent of wolves - and of one small, lone cougar. He lets out a soft but carrying chuff, announcing his presence as he slows to a walk. She's a nervous kitten. Best not to startle her.
At first Kachina continued to follow along with the wolves, not like they would actually leave her anyway with everything that happened. Though at the moment she has settled down within the crook of a tree's roots to get some sleep, her head settled between her forepaws, her thin form quivering slightly as she's cold from the recent snow that has fallen over the area. An even in her sleep with Wiraqu still some distance away the movement is heard and her eyes slowly open so she can peer out wondering if its one of the wolves coming to check on her. The chuff catches her attention and she blinks, her head lifting as she gazes out towards the movement, soon catching sight of the other feline even when his some distance away. She clambers up onto her paws and turns suddenly jumping up onto the tree and scrambles up it to rest upon her a low branch, her ears back and tail lashing as she crouchs there. Seems someone can't remember Wiraqu at the moment..
Arroyo's amber eyes alertly scan the surroundings as she follows Wiraqu towards the northeast, skirting the edge of the mountain where the woodlands begin to grow tall and thick. The lost kitten is soon revealed to their view when she scrambles up into the relative safety of one of those forest sentinels, no doubt frightened and generally on edge after whatever sort of danger she's been put through recently. Immediately, Arroyo's vigilant visage softens, the pale adolescent beginning to slowly approach the tree with a softly crooning voice calling towards the cub: "It's all right, little one. We're here to help you find your family again. I am Arroyo, of the Amaranth. What is your name?"
Wiraqu chuckles at the kitten's leap up and away, and pads closer. He sits back on his haunches, peering up into the tree-branches at Kachina. "Good. That is a kitten who will not be caught again," he says to her, and grins. The comforting words he leaves to Arroyo. She's rather better at them. Something about maternal instincts, maybe? Who knows!
Kachina watches the pair below her, eyeing the strange female a few moments before letting her head plunk down upon the branch. "When birds grab you it doesn't matter where you are." This offered after she hears Wiraqu. She remembers well how the eagle swooped down and snatched her, its a nightmare she has often. A ear twitches at the voice from Arroyo. "I don't have any family." Though she doesn't offer her name just yet.
A bird? Perhaps that's a hint as to what happened to traumatize the cub. Arroyo takes a moment to get a better look at the younger female hiding among the barren branches, and realizes she's not quite as small as she first imagined she might be. In fact, the juvenile might have been born the year after Arroyo was born herself. At Kachina's words, the light-furred adolescent takes another step closer before continuing her reassuring speech. "Everyone has family, little one. You've just lost yours...but we can help." Even if her true relatives can't be found, the Amaranth tribe would easily accept the young female among their numbers. Especially since Arroyo will be stepping into the role of matron as soon as she returns to her homelands again.
"Even birds can't get everywhere," says Wiraqu. "Branches slow them. Caves do the same. They are faster, but we are more agile." He sounds unworried; there's very little that can hope to hurt a full-grown cougar. Birds just don't cut it. That practical comment aside, the male remains quiet for the most part. Perhaps his friendly demeanor will help for something, or perhaps he's simply letting Arroyo take the lead because... well, it is her tribe. If anyone knows the kitten's parents, it will be her, right?
Kachina ears lower at the talk of the bird again, they didn't see the eagle that grabbed her when she was a mere cub, it was huge and evil. Her gaze drifts down to Arroyo watching her a few moments before she slowly sits herself up upon the branch. "Why do you want to help me?" A slight glance sent towards Wiraqu. "An why should I trust either of you? For all I know you want to stick be back in that hole."
Arroyo's maw spreads into a soft smile. "Because it is what the Great Mother would do," she answers, perhaps a bit ambiguously given that the younger female is not originally of her family's tribe. Ever since her spirit-vision, the near-adult has felt more comfortable slipping into the pawsteps of the matrons before her, and she now demonstrates her readiness to help and guide those who need it. "I am the heir of the Amaranth, a tribe of cougars who lives upon the mountain," she elaborates further, gesturing with a nod of her head towards the looming cliffs nearby. "And we welcome other Sisters among us, both young and old. Perhaps your mother is already one of them."
Wiraqu listens to Arroyo's answer with a slight smile. It's a rather mystic sort of thing. He's not surprised. His own answer is more practical and direct. "You interest me, kitten who has no family but has a brother. I wish to learn more of a kitten who hates birds but calls wolves friend." He grins up at Kachina. "I think such a kitten will become a strong cougar, and an interesting one... if she has the chance." His smile fades slightly. "I do not think living among wolves will give her that chance. I know Ute has been called friend to cougars, but they are wolves. They do not hunt like us. They do not speak like us. They will not know how a young cougar must eat to grow into her strength, or what to do when her season comes and she becomes wild. If you stay among them, they will not stay your friends."
Kachina glances towards the cliffs that Arroyo has pointed out, a twitch of her tail seen as she seems to be thinking over her options. Her gaze then drifts up to the sky, the branches above her as if searching for something but unable to find it. She's yet to see her little ghostly bird friend since leaving the evil place and a faint sigh escape her before her gaze turns back to Wiraqu. "Just because I have a brother.. or a mother.. does not mean I have a family." She states with a rather low tone. "The wolves saved me when no one else would." For one so young to already feel this way it most likely is not a good sign for things to come. She's hurt in more ways then just physically. Still, she knows she can't stay with the wolves, everything with them is so different then what she's use too, and perhaps too strange for her to even try adjust too. She shifts slowly upon her paws, claws gripping at the branch as she turns moving to to clamber back to the ground, which she nearly makes without a problem until she's a few feet from the ground and she drops down the rest of the way. A slight pained grunt escaping her at the feeling of hitting the earth with her thin frame even though she lands on her paws.
Arroyo's clear gaze slips from the kitten in the tree to the older male beside her as he speaks, unable to hide her apparent intrigue. He certainly has a way with words...and, perhaps, with children as well. She self-consciously turns her head away after a moment, however, once more returning her amber eyes to the lone juvenile in the tree. "Just because they didn't find you doesn't mean they weren't looking for you...and it certainly doesn't mean they weren't missing you while you were gone, either," Arroyo murmurs in a soothing response. "Don't you think they'd be happier to see you again, than go on thinking you're still lost...or worse?" Well, regardless of what it was that finally convinced Kachina to come down from the tree, whether something they said or the juvenile's own motivation, at least she's come this far. Ears picking up the pained grunt, Arroyo trots up closer, attempting to even go so far as offer the younger female a reassuring nuzzle, if she'll let her.
Wiraqu nods to Kachina as she argues about her lack of family. He concedes the point easily; the male has been a loner, a wandering rogue, since early in his adolescence. If this kitten does not choose to have a family, that is her choice. She will need help through the winter, though; and she will need a guide as she grows. That much, at least, he suspects Amaranth can provide. With his attention on Kachina, he doesn't notice Arroyo watching him, though his gaze does flit to her when she speaks. He doesn't argue, but there's a slight quirk of his muzzle. They come from somewhat different worlds, he and Arroyo. He stretches slightly, as the adolescent female approaches, but doesn't move toward Kachina himself. Adult males tend to be threatening for far longer than females. He's patient.
Kachina is quiet for a few moments, tensing up as Arroyo attempts to nuzzle her and even pulls her head back, tail flicking a few times. "I don't know.." Is offered about her family.. "What I do know is that the wolves came looking for their pups.. An no one came to find me." This stated while she glances back to the other female. "How would that make you feel?" is questioned while she slowly stands herself up. Now that she's down on the ground Arroyo can see how thin she is, her ribs easily seen across her sides, and other bones across her form as well. She just didn't get enough food to keep herself in shape when down in the hole.
Arroyo doesn't push the issue when Kachina pulls away from the offered affection, merely taking a single step back to give the younger female some space. "I'd be sad they weren't there...but I'd still want to try and see them as soon as possible," she answers, looking the skinny juvenile over. They'll have to try and find her some food sometime soon. "But I can't really help you too much with finding them until you tell me their names, or at least your own," the matron-to-be continues, attempting to finally coax an answer out of the reluctant cub.
Wiraqu watches and listens. There's something nagging at his mind, from when that wolf came to tell him the news. Not that Wiraqu was a good messenger, and he told the silly canine as much, but... he mentioned a name, didn't he? Now what was it? The male's expression grows distant for a moment as he tries to remember. Hurm. Wait... was that it? Maybe? He's not sure. He murmurs it to himself, almost under his breath, to test how it sounds. "Kachina."
Kachina is quiet for a few moments her gaze resting upon the ground and she soon sighs. "My mother's name is Shanira, my father was Tantallon.." There is a pause while her gaze turns towards Wiraqu. "Ya.. that's my name.. An my brother is Chaska."
Unfortunately, none of those names sound familiar to Arroyo. But given that she's been away from the Amaranth homelands the past few seasons, and before then she was but a young cub living in a rather sheltered way only among her close family, it's not really much of a surprise. Regardless, she's as hopeful as ever. "Will you come with us to try and find them, Kachina?"
So he did remember it. Wiraqu nods slightly. He doesn't recognize any of the other names, though he'll try to remember them. The male flicks one ear toward Arroyo as she speaks, then lowers his head slightly. She cares for her family a great deal, does Arroyo. She expects that family is always a positive. Always something wanted. She's never had a bitter experience, such as Kachina has had. Such as even Wiraqu has had, though less painfully. "Your path is your own, kitten," he says softly. "But if it joins with ours for a time, we will help you learn to walk along it."
Kachina didn't think either of the pair would know her family, no one else really has after all. At the question about join the two she seems unsure for a few moments before a slight snuffle escapes him. "At this point in time.. I suppose it would be a good idea.." She offers after a few moments, her gaze drifting back towards the two.
Arroyo turns again to briefly consider Wiraqu as he speaks up, a soft smile subtly appearing on her maw before she returns her gaze to Kachina once more. "It may take a couple days of travel to reach the heart of the tribelands, but we will rest whenever needed...and perhaps it might be a good idea to find you some dinner before we set out," the adolescent muses thoughtfully, considering their best options at this time of winter. The river to the east, while a bit out of the way, may have slow-moving fish for easy pickings...but perhaps they can find a sluggish hare, or even a wandering deer for them all to eat.
Wiraqu nods his head as Kachina agrees to come with them, and smiles. "I will go hunting," he says, lowering himself with a slight bow and a grin. "Start toward the place where three rocks keep watch on the slope?" he says to Arroyo with a tilt of his head. "I will meet the two of you there with something to eat." He gives himself a small shake, and turns to bound away. A classic way for a male cougar to act toward his female and young. The hunter, the bringer of gifts. He's beginning to settle into his newly-acquired role, even if things aren't quite like that. Not this time.
Kachina is quiet while she watches the two, a ear twitching as she seems a bit unsure what else to say. She takes in a soft breath and nods at the talk of food, her stomach grumbling at the thought. "I.. would appreciate it.." This said with a soft tone. Her bright gaze rests on Arroyo waiting for her to lead to where they may be heading.
Arroyo's admiring gaze once again returns to Wiraqu as he takes charge, already proving his worth as protector and provider a mere number of hours after being asked to step into such a role. The pale female watches him leave, only then returning her focus to the juvenile left in her care. "Come, Kachina...it's not far from here," she murmurs, turning to begin padding away towards the slope to the southwest.