Post by Curiosity on May 14, 2007 22:37:30 GMT -5
-- Characters Involved --
- Amaranth Tribe -
Ahiga, chieftain
Paoro, matron
- Viridian Pack -
Silver, alpha female
Grit, beta male
-- Snowy Highlands --
At the sequence of howls from the north, Paoro has left her cubs in the care of their older sister in order to determine what is causing their neighbors to make such a pleading chorus. She and her mate haven't explored too far along the mountain, so they know very little of the mysterious wolves they share the landmark with; they've both mostly kept to themselves and didn't bother the other, which up until now had seemed to work just fine. But this is the first time they've made so much noise, and Paoro decided it might be a good idea to figure out what's going on. After all, they share the mountain; if something's bothering them, it's likely to come visit her family as well.
Silver paces somewhat nervously amongst the sparse trees, casting occasional glances toward the south, awaiting the arrival of the feline she can scent off in the distance, the aroma growing stronger indicative that her cries were heard. When the cat's distinctive form appears in the distance, she ceases her pacing and stands, trying to calm herself. She's never spoken with a cougar before...bobcats a few times, but cougars she's only seen from a distance. A number of scenarios, both good and bad, run through her mind as she waits, taking a few tentative steps forward.
There is another form slinking along behind Paoro, but he does not look nearly as passive, and he hangs back, keeping an eye not only on the pacing wolf, but also on the surrounding area. The howling of the wolves has upset Ahiga a great deal, for hearing them amongst his territory unnerves him. Wolves have been known to kill his kind, and Ahiga has females and cubs to protect. He will listen to this discussion between Paoro and the strange canine, but he will keep an eye out in case of ambush.
Climbing to the snow-specked peak of the mountain, Paoro's grey-green eyes lift towards the sight of the lone wolf, apparently waiting for her. She hasn't had any direct experience with wolves, either, but she, unlike the alpha female, has little concern about their presence. Fortunately for Silver, Paoro hasn't a mean bone in her body - until someone tries to hurt her family, at least. "I assume by your presence that you were calling for us, Sister Wolf. What do you need?"
Silver sighs at the female cougar's words, appearing to visibly calm. She hadn't been sure what to expect, and she offers the feline a smile. She knows enough about felines to be aware of the differences between their kind and her own, so she carefully schools her expression, keeps her tail still and her ears forward. She dips her head politely as she approaches the last few steps toward Paoro, leaving a respectful distance. "Forgive me for disturbing you, Sister Puma, but indeed, I was calling, hoping to speak with you. There is a threat lurking to the north, beyond the mountains, one I fear may bleed into not only my territory, but yours as well. I have known of your presence for some time now, and considered approaching you before now...but as both our kind seemed content to leave eachother in peace, I was content as well to continue that arrangement until now..though I'm happy to continue it after now, as well.." she stammers a bit, ears splaying a bit self-consciously.
There are many reasons it is not a good idea for Grit to be here: first and foremost, Silver made it clear she wanted to do this alone. Second, he /hates/ cougars ... and last but not least, he /hates/ cougars. Still, something within him refused to let Silver stand alone and thus, following her trail but hanging far enough back that hopefully no paws on grass or leaves will alert her to the fact he's gone against her wishes. He fears the worst, the pack has lost so much ... there isn't a sniff of a chance he feels the pack could endure the loss of Silver. More to the point of why he himself went ... he doesn't feel he could endure losing her, whatever taking second to comfort her wishes might mean ... he cannot deny his feelings to himself. Hopefully, his fear of the cougars will prove to be mere paranoia and they won't take advantage ... one on one, the toughest wolf doesn't stand much of a chance against a cougar. Maybe, just maybe if something happens ... the mottled orange wolf prepares himself to burst anaerobically to give Silver time to escape, even if it means he himself cannot. He cannot help but raise his hackles as his ears and eyes catch sense of a cougress.
A threat? Ahiga paces a slow line some distance away from the conversing females, keeping himself in plain view to ward off any other wolves, should they think of attacking his Paoro. The male's ears shift forward and his gaze rests briefly on Silver when she mentions a threat. What threat is this? He knows his mate will ask his questions for him, and so says nothing. His eyes begin to roam the area once again soon after, but his ears are half-tuned to the discussion.
"A threat?" Paoro repeats in a slightly concerned, yet questioning, tone. She is not the type who is quick to panic, or any emotion, for that matter. "What sort of threat?" she inquires further, desiring details of what, precisely, she needs to be on the lookout for. A rabid dog is very different from a forest fire, after all.
Silver blinks a few times, glancing behind her. She has a feeling someone is there, but can see nor smell any evidence thereof. She shrugs off the feeling, looking back to Paoro. "A wolf pack...Foreign...A menace...Into the territory of the lowland wolves. Life is "easy" down there...soft...it may be that these intruders find the soft life to their liking and choose to stay down there, but if they decide to venture into the mountains, they may be a threat to both our People...and our children." She lowers her head, ears splaying again. "I believe it would be mutually beneficial if our two People forged an alliance against such intruders, to protect our lands in the face of such a threat. In times of peace...we would simply continue as we have been: Leaving eachother alone."
Grit ducks as Silver glances back in the direction she came, back toward him, but lifts his head again and listens intently to the exchange between her and the cougress. His hackles refuse to relax ...
A low, rumbling feline growl bubbles forth from Ahiga's throat. A foreign wolf pack invading /his/ lands is not an idea he likes, especially if they plan to harm his harem and cubs. The cougar's ears flit back against his skull, and his pacing increases in speed, tail lashing. The question is: does he /need/ an alliance with wolves? He can't face an entire pack by himself, and he can't have them seeking his females and killing them off one by one.
The cougar matron considers the alpha wolf's words, pondering them briefly before asking: "What of the lowland wolves? Do they not need help as well?" Paoro is by no means a hero who goes out of her way to save everyone, but she is too big-hearted to allow someone to suffer when she is in a position to offer help. She, like her mate, is weighing the pros and cons of an alliance with either (or both) packs - how far is too far to get involved with matters of wolves?
Silver sighs, lowering her head. She shakes herself a bit. "I fear that if this Menace has reached them, it is already too late. Our members are debating venturing down into the valley to investigate, but I fear that to do so would simply alert these intruders to our presence." She narrows her eyes in thought. "Perhaps we can send someone down to investigate...someone...inconspicuous..." She starts to form an idea, a twinkle growing in her eyes.
Ahiga's pacing slows only slightly and he once again glances to Silver when she mentions sending someone to investigate the other pack. He hopes she isn't thinking of a cougar, because he will not allow one of his own to go alone into a nest of wolves. The cougar emits another growl, softer than the first, and his gaze returns to scanning the area.
"Do you have someone in mind? Perhaps while they are scouting about for this threat, they can check in with the lowlands wolves - I am sure having a pack in your debt would be something beneficial to your own." She pauses, suddenly chuckling. "My, my. Where are my manners? All this planning and we haven't even been introduced. I am Matron Paoro, and this is my mate, Chief Ahiga."
Grit shifts his attention to the male cougar. He has to fight hard just to keep from pacing, which would make himself visible ... but he merely lays, cautiously watching, his leg muscles twitching, ready to surge.
Silver blinks, realizing she, too, has been rude. Her ears splay in a blush and she dips her head. "Ah...forgive me. I am Silver, One of the Viridian wolves. My mate is Silvan, though I insisted on making this foray alone, much to his, and my Second's, chagrin." She smirks wryly. "As for this scout...It must be neither wolf nor cougar, lest, as I said, we alert these others to our presence. No, it must be someone who can be perceived as independent from us both...I have sniffed one such about lately who may be useful. I would speak with her first before getting either of our hopes up."
When he's introduced, Ahiga casts another short-lived glance at the female wolf and his head seems to faintly bob in acknowledgement of the formalities. It's then back to examining his surroundings. The cougar's pace is slackening back to a slow plod, and he's slowly growing less on-edge. Silver says that she came alone, and though he is not inclined to blindly believing wolves, this one is proving herself to be somewhat trustworthy.
"We are the Amaranth tribe. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Paoro concludes properly, her rounded ears cupping forward to listen carefully to the wolf's continuation. "Very well. I shall leave that up to you, then." She looks back over her shoulder at Ahiga, offering a gently inquiring look as if to ask, 'Well?' This is a very big decision, and she's not about to make it by herself.
Grit idly gnaws on a foreleg in frustration, but keeps his ears keenly focused on the goings on with the cougars.
Silver smiles, dipping her muzzle politely. As a gesture of good faith, she sits down, a more vulnerable position, proving that she is willing to trust. She casts her gaze toward the male, recognizing that, like with her and her mate, there is a joint effort in such decisions.
Ahiga's slow pacing comes to a halt, and he glances between Silver and Paoro, ears shifted back in an irate fashion. He does not like allying himself with wolves, but he knows that doing so will be a wise decision, especially in the shadow of this "threat". Silver's terms are agreeable, and so the cougar rumbles out a soft: "Very well."
Her mate has spoken, and Paoro is in full accordance with his decision. Looking back at Silver with a light smile on her maw, she bows her head slightly. "We will watch the southern realm of the mountain; I assume your pack will have the northern side covered. Should you need anything further from us, you know where to find us." She does not turn away just yet, waiting to see if the alpha has anything further to say before they return to their respective litters.
Grit rises as Silver sits and makes herself even more vulnerable facing at least two cougars, maybe even more hidden. What was she doing!?
Silver gets back to her feet, dipping her head in acquiescence. She smiles to the both of them. "It has been an honor meeting with you both. And if ever you require anything of us, the same is true." She starts to turn away, then pauses, turning a sheepish smile back there way. "Oh...there is one thing.." she chuckles softly. "Soon, my pups will likely get it into their heads to go adventuring...Should they decide to be brave and venture into 'scary cougar country....'" She trails off, ears splaying slightly, her expression hopeful that the fellow mother will catch her meaning.
Ahiga lifts a lip slightly in disgust. Ugh. Wolf pups. In /his/ territory. And because of this alliance, he won't be allowed to kill them. He shoots a glower at Paoro, as though to say, "Do you see the sacrifices I make?" before he drops onto his haunches with a low grumble. The wolf had better understand that the same applies for /his/ cubs in /her/ territory.
"...Then they will receive the same protection and tolerance I would expect when my curious cubs go exploring the valley of the wolves," Paoro finishes Silver's sentence with a smile. "May the spirits guide you until we meet again, Alpha Silver." With their meeting concluded, Paoro turns and begins pacing back towards their home territory, rubbing up alongside Ahiga's body with a rumbling purr in affectionate appreciation as she walks past him.
Silver dips her head again, chuckling. "Of course...And may your hunts be fruitful, Paoro." Feeling incredibly relieved, she turns and trots back toward her territory, a spring in her step and her tail streaming out behind her.
Grit indeed darts off, though with Silver now behind him, a telltale dustcloud may betray him -- or his paws crunching over leaves.
So the wolf was not alone after all! Ahiga tenses when he spots and hears the signs of a second wolf fleeing into the distance, but perhaps he was foolish to believe that the alpha would have come alone. The chieftan doesn't relax much, even when Paoro rubs against him, and he keeps a glower on the canine's back before he, too, turns and follows after his mate. He'll be in a bad mood for a while, but at least he knows that he need not fear the wolves around his territory.
- Amaranth Tribe -
Ahiga, chieftain
Paoro, matron
- Viridian Pack -
Silver, alpha female
Grit, beta male
-- Snowy Highlands --
At the sequence of howls from the north, Paoro has left her cubs in the care of their older sister in order to determine what is causing their neighbors to make such a pleading chorus. She and her mate haven't explored too far along the mountain, so they know very little of the mysterious wolves they share the landmark with; they've both mostly kept to themselves and didn't bother the other, which up until now had seemed to work just fine. But this is the first time they've made so much noise, and Paoro decided it might be a good idea to figure out what's going on. After all, they share the mountain; if something's bothering them, it's likely to come visit her family as well.
Silver paces somewhat nervously amongst the sparse trees, casting occasional glances toward the south, awaiting the arrival of the feline she can scent off in the distance, the aroma growing stronger indicative that her cries were heard. When the cat's distinctive form appears in the distance, she ceases her pacing and stands, trying to calm herself. She's never spoken with a cougar before...bobcats a few times, but cougars she's only seen from a distance. A number of scenarios, both good and bad, run through her mind as she waits, taking a few tentative steps forward.
There is another form slinking along behind Paoro, but he does not look nearly as passive, and he hangs back, keeping an eye not only on the pacing wolf, but also on the surrounding area. The howling of the wolves has upset Ahiga a great deal, for hearing them amongst his territory unnerves him. Wolves have been known to kill his kind, and Ahiga has females and cubs to protect. He will listen to this discussion between Paoro and the strange canine, but he will keep an eye out in case of ambush.
Climbing to the snow-specked peak of the mountain, Paoro's grey-green eyes lift towards the sight of the lone wolf, apparently waiting for her. She hasn't had any direct experience with wolves, either, but she, unlike the alpha female, has little concern about their presence. Fortunately for Silver, Paoro hasn't a mean bone in her body - until someone tries to hurt her family, at least. "I assume by your presence that you were calling for us, Sister Wolf. What do you need?"
Silver sighs at the female cougar's words, appearing to visibly calm. She hadn't been sure what to expect, and she offers the feline a smile. She knows enough about felines to be aware of the differences between their kind and her own, so she carefully schools her expression, keeps her tail still and her ears forward. She dips her head politely as she approaches the last few steps toward Paoro, leaving a respectful distance. "Forgive me for disturbing you, Sister Puma, but indeed, I was calling, hoping to speak with you. There is a threat lurking to the north, beyond the mountains, one I fear may bleed into not only my territory, but yours as well. I have known of your presence for some time now, and considered approaching you before now...but as both our kind seemed content to leave eachother in peace, I was content as well to continue that arrangement until now..though I'm happy to continue it after now, as well.." she stammers a bit, ears splaying a bit self-consciously.
There are many reasons it is not a good idea for Grit to be here: first and foremost, Silver made it clear she wanted to do this alone. Second, he /hates/ cougars ... and last but not least, he /hates/ cougars. Still, something within him refused to let Silver stand alone and thus, following her trail but hanging far enough back that hopefully no paws on grass or leaves will alert her to the fact he's gone against her wishes. He fears the worst, the pack has lost so much ... there isn't a sniff of a chance he feels the pack could endure the loss of Silver. More to the point of why he himself went ... he doesn't feel he could endure losing her, whatever taking second to comfort her wishes might mean ... he cannot deny his feelings to himself. Hopefully, his fear of the cougars will prove to be mere paranoia and they won't take advantage ... one on one, the toughest wolf doesn't stand much of a chance against a cougar. Maybe, just maybe if something happens ... the mottled orange wolf prepares himself to burst anaerobically to give Silver time to escape, even if it means he himself cannot. He cannot help but raise his hackles as his ears and eyes catch sense of a cougress.
A threat? Ahiga paces a slow line some distance away from the conversing females, keeping himself in plain view to ward off any other wolves, should they think of attacking his Paoro. The male's ears shift forward and his gaze rests briefly on Silver when she mentions a threat. What threat is this? He knows his mate will ask his questions for him, and so says nothing. His eyes begin to roam the area once again soon after, but his ears are half-tuned to the discussion.
"A threat?" Paoro repeats in a slightly concerned, yet questioning, tone. She is not the type who is quick to panic, or any emotion, for that matter. "What sort of threat?" she inquires further, desiring details of what, precisely, she needs to be on the lookout for. A rabid dog is very different from a forest fire, after all.
Silver blinks a few times, glancing behind her. She has a feeling someone is there, but can see nor smell any evidence thereof. She shrugs off the feeling, looking back to Paoro. "A wolf pack...Foreign...A menace...Into the territory of the lowland wolves. Life is "easy" down there...soft...it may be that these intruders find the soft life to their liking and choose to stay down there, but if they decide to venture into the mountains, they may be a threat to both our People...and our children." She lowers her head, ears splaying again. "I believe it would be mutually beneficial if our two People forged an alliance against such intruders, to protect our lands in the face of such a threat. In times of peace...we would simply continue as we have been: Leaving eachother alone."
Grit ducks as Silver glances back in the direction she came, back toward him, but lifts his head again and listens intently to the exchange between her and the cougress. His hackles refuse to relax ...
A low, rumbling feline growl bubbles forth from Ahiga's throat. A foreign wolf pack invading /his/ lands is not an idea he likes, especially if they plan to harm his harem and cubs. The cougar's ears flit back against his skull, and his pacing increases in speed, tail lashing. The question is: does he /need/ an alliance with wolves? He can't face an entire pack by himself, and he can't have them seeking his females and killing them off one by one.
The cougar matron considers the alpha wolf's words, pondering them briefly before asking: "What of the lowland wolves? Do they not need help as well?" Paoro is by no means a hero who goes out of her way to save everyone, but she is too big-hearted to allow someone to suffer when she is in a position to offer help. She, like her mate, is weighing the pros and cons of an alliance with either (or both) packs - how far is too far to get involved with matters of wolves?
Silver sighs, lowering her head. She shakes herself a bit. "I fear that if this Menace has reached them, it is already too late. Our members are debating venturing down into the valley to investigate, but I fear that to do so would simply alert these intruders to our presence." She narrows her eyes in thought. "Perhaps we can send someone down to investigate...someone...inconspicuous..." She starts to form an idea, a twinkle growing in her eyes.
Ahiga's pacing slows only slightly and he once again glances to Silver when she mentions sending someone to investigate the other pack. He hopes she isn't thinking of a cougar, because he will not allow one of his own to go alone into a nest of wolves. The cougar emits another growl, softer than the first, and his gaze returns to scanning the area.
"Do you have someone in mind? Perhaps while they are scouting about for this threat, they can check in with the lowlands wolves - I am sure having a pack in your debt would be something beneficial to your own." She pauses, suddenly chuckling. "My, my. Where are my manners? All this planning and we haven't even been introduced. I am Matron Paoro, and this is my mate, Chief Ahiga."
Grit shifts his attention to the male cougar. He has to fight hard just to keep from pacing, which would make himself visible ... but he merely lays, cautiously watching, his leg muscles twitching, ready to surge.
Silver blinks, realizing she, too, has been rude. Her ears splay in a blush and she dips her head. "Ah...forgive me. I am Silver, One of the Viridian wolves. My mate is Silvan, though I insisted on making this foray alone, much to his, and my Second's, chagrin." She smirks wryly. "As for this scout...It must be neither wolf nor cougar, lest, as I said, we alert these others to our presence. No, it must be someone who can be perceived as independent from us both...I have sniffed one such about lately who may be useful. I would speak with her first before getting either of our hopes up."
When he's introduced, Ahiga casts another short-lived glance at the female wolf and his head seems to faintly bob in acknowledgement of the formalities. It's then back to examining his surroundings. The cougar's pace is slackening back to a slow plod, and he's slowly growing less on-edge. Silver says that she came alone, and though he is not inclined to blindly believing wolves, this one is proving herself to be somewhat trustworthy.
"We are the Amaranth tribe. It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Paoro concludes properly, her rounded ears cupping forward to listen carefully to the wolf's continuation. "Very well. I shall leave that up to you, then." She looks back over her shoulder at Ahiga, offering a gently inquiring look as if to ask, 'Well?' This is a very big decision, and she's not about to make it by herself.
Grit idly gnaws on a foreleg in frustration, but keeps his ears keenly focused on the goings on with the cougars.
Silver smiles, dipping her muzzle politely. As a gesture of good faith, she sits down, a more vulnerable position, proving that she is willing to trust. She casts her gaze toward the male, recognizing that, like with her and her mate, there is a joint effort in such decisions.
Ahiga's slow pacing comes to a halt, and he glances between Silver and Paoro, ears shifted back in an irate fashion. He does not like allying himself with wolves, but he knows that doing so will be a wise decision, especially in the shadow of this "threat". Silver's terms are agreeable, and so the cougar rumbles out a soft: "Very well."
Her mate has spoken, and Paoro is in full accordance with his decision. Looking back at Silver with a light smile on her maw, she bows her head slightly. "We will watch the southern realm of the mountain; I assume your pack will have the northern side covered. Should you need anything further from us, you know where to find us." She does not turn away just yet, waiting to see if the alpha has anything further to say before they return to their respective litters.
Grit rises as Silver sits and makes herself even more vulnerable facing at least two cougars, maybe even more hidden. What was she doing!?
Silver gets back to her feet, dipping her head in acquiescence. She smiles to the both of them. "It has been an honor meeting with you both. And if ever you require anything of us, the same is true." She starts to turn away, then pauses, turning a sheepish smile back there way. "Oh...there is one thing.." she chuckles softly. "Soon, my pups will likely get it into their heads to go adventuring...Should they decide to be brave and venture into 'scary cougar country....'" She trails off, ears splaying slightly, her expression hopeful that the fellow mother will catch her meaning.
Ahiga lifts a lip slightly in disgust. Ugh. Wolf pups. In /his/ territory. And because of this alliance, he won't be allowed to kill them. He shoots a glower at Paoro, as though to say, "Do you see the sacrifices I make?" before he drops onto his haunches with a low grumble. The wolf had better understand that the same applies for /his/ cubs in /her/ territory.
"...Then they will receive the same protection and tolerance I would expect when my curious cubs go exploring the valley of the wolves," Paoro finishes Silver's sentence with a smile. "May the spirits guide you until we meet again, Alpha Silver." With their meeting concluded, Paoro turns and begins pacing back towards their home territory, rubbing up alongside Ahiga's body with a rumbling purr in affectionate appreciation as she walks past him.
Silver dips her head again, chuckling. "Of course...And may your hunts be fruitful, Paoro." Feeling incredibly relieved, she turns and trots back toward her territory, a spring in her step and her tail streaming out behind her.
Grit indeed darts off, though with Silver now behind him, a telltale dustcloud may betray him -- or his paws crunching over leaves.
So the wolf was not alone after all! Ahiga tenses when he spots and hears the signs of a second wolf fleeing into the distance, but perhaps he was foolish to believe that the alpha would have come alone. The chieftan doesn't relax much, even when Paoro rubs against him, and he keeps a glower on the canine's back before he, too, turns and follows after his mate. He'll be in a bad mood for a while, but at least he knows that he need not fear the wolves around his territory.