Post by Therdde on Nov 7, 2011 17:26:43 GMT -5
Characters:
Arroyo - Adolescent Female COugar
Kein - Male Cougar
Wiraqu - Male Cougar
- Pine Grove -
Having headed further into the woods to the southeast from where they left the small family to mend their broken ties, Arroyo steels herself for what's to come -- both the immediate talk with her father regarding the strange male she's brought back home with her, as well as the big transition she will soon be making herself as well. It's a bit overwhelming for the not-quite-yet adult female, but she'd hardly admit it out loud, at least at this critical time; after all, a matron-to-be is meant to be a strong-willed leader ready to handle anything life throws her way, no? With a deep breath, she slows her pace to a stop, turning to face both of the male cougars following along with her, before finally addressing the chieftain first. "Father...I am ready." As ready as she'll ever be, at least.
At least Kein does not have the discomfort of a nearly completely unknown female and her two cubs nearby to cause him to be any more awkward, tense, than he already is. Arroyo may very well be ready... but is he? And does it, in fact, matter? None of this has been his choice, for their lives are guided by the spirits, so what he wants or is ready for... really doesn't factor into things. Before responding, Kein takes in a deep breath. "I wish you weren't," the still-chieftain answers honestly. Not for any desire to keep his position, especially in want of a matron to stand by his side. But he truly did not want any of this for his youngest children. "But you are, aren't you? You wouldn't have returned if you weren't. What of him, though, Arroyo?" Kein casts a sideways glance to the other male. Does the younger male have any idea what he is getting himself into? Kein never did.
Wiraqu pads after Arroyo, though he's just as aware of the other male following her. Just because Kein hasn't chosen to take action yet doesn't mean he won't, and depending on the chieftain's actions, this current peace may be quite tenuous. Fun, isn't it? When Arroyo stops, Wiraqu does the same. He has no idea what he'll say, but he supposes he'll figure something out. Always does. Ready or not, Arroyo has certainly changed since she first went out. Then, she would have hesitated, and wanted advice. Now, she makes a firm statement. At Kein's questioning of his presence, Wiraqu tilts his head to the side. "Name's Wiraqu," he offers. Does he have any idea? Nope. Would it change his mind if he did? Probably not. He's not a planner, is Wiraqu. Seize the moment.
Arroyo has only ever been superficially aware of her parents' (particularly her father's) resistance to the idea of her foretold fate, but even still she is somewhat surprised by his reluctance to her readiness. Perhaps she had imagined that after a full turn of seasons away from home, she might have been easily accepted into the long-vacant role she was destined to fill, or that her return might have triggered some subtle change in the status quo, but her father apparently still desires to leave tribal life behind - and take the rest of his family away with him as well. Still, she says nothing in response to his first words, merely addressing his question about his potential replacement: "I have told him what is expected of a chieftain...I do not think our paths would have crossed so many times if the fates did not will it so."
For some time, Nyssa has been mentioning that the voice of her guide is only getting louder. And there was the prediction she made, that when it returned to her properly... would be the end of their time in this land. Though he does not look away from his daughter, what he says next is largely for Wiraqu's benefit, in a sense. "Your mother and I... you know we will never be far. Where your predecessor and I had only those who had passed to guide us... to keep us on track... you will have creatures much more physical to help you whenever you need it, Arroyo, for as long as we can." And if he is called back to Amaranth, it's almost certain the words he'll have for Wiraqu then will not be half so kind, because with his time in Amaranth coming to a close, only one thing about his daughter's chosen mate concerns Kein, and that is that he keeps her safe and as happy as he is capable of keeping her. Something he failed to do with his own matron in both respects.
Fate? Ah, Arroyo hasn't changed to much as all that since he first met her. Wiraqu can't stop himself from grinning. What she might call fate, he might call coincidence or clever schemes. Not that it couldn't be fate, but there are so many simpler explanations! Still, she's got the rest of it more-or-less right, and he nods. When Kein answers her, he perks his ears, listening to what the chieftain has to say to his daughter, and pondering on what it might mean for him.
So he will be leaving, then. Somehow she always knew, no matter how much she ignored the feeling. Even still, the news brings her a deep sense of sorrow, though the only apparent signs of such are the slight droop to her rounded ears and the tinge of sadness in her amber-hued eyes. She's not quite two years old, half of that having been spent away from her home and family, and already she's being forced to grow up and be on her own. Well...perhaps not entirely on her own. "I will miss you both," she murmurs in a slightly hushed tone, perhaps in an attempt to keep her hidden emotions in check. "Will you be leaving soon, father?" His answer will determine how quickly Arroyo and Wiraqu are thrust into their new roles among the tribe.
"That much," Kein says, "is as out of my control as your place in this tribe always was. When your mother's guide arrives to tell her that it is time for us to leave, we will go." And for good reason, reason that encourages him to say, "But I have not been useful here for years, Arroyo. All I have been doing is keeping it in trust for you... and for you, Wiraqu." Kein's tone is not even remotely friendly as he finally addresses his daughter's chosen chieftain. "And now that you are old enough to make the decisions that need to be made, I see no more point in pretending that I am more than I am. So you... well, not so much you, Arroyo," Kein says with a pointed look at her birthmark, "but you, Wiraqu, should visit my other daughter, who will stay here to help you both when Ruya returns to the tribe she left behind."
It's just a little awkward for Wiraqu, listening to this loving conversation between the two. He shifts from paw to paw, listening while trying not to intrude more than, well, he's intruding simply by being here. More spirits and guides and all that... well, he supposes he'll have to get used to it. One wandering cougar finds a place. Another settled cougar begins to wander. Hey, trading places. "Here I am, then," he says, and chuckles. "I'll try to keep the place in shape." Though all that spirit stuff is pretty much going to land on Arroyo. Still, he can chase away rogues and troublemakers, and he can hunt for the females and young. Practical things. At the mention of another daughter, he tilts his head. "Whereabouts?" He doesn't mind hearing advice and help. Even pays attention, usually. Now, actually following it... that's another thing entirely.
Arroyo simply replies to her father's words with a mute nod, ears cupping forward once more to carefully consider his words, both those directed towards her as well as towards her chosen mate. She can certainly sense the slight tension in the air between her father and the rival who's come to take his place, but at least it hasn't come to blows yet. At the mention of one of her half-sisters taking the place of her grandmother as shamaness, her ears prick up even further. "Who is it?" she inquires, searching for a specific name; after all, the former chieftain has fathered a number of children in his tribal tenure.
"Maul." If there were any other of Kein's daughters he should have preferred to take from Amaranth, it would be Maul. The last time he left her here, after all... Kein casts another quick glance to Wiraqu. No. The now-former-chieftain will not be going very far at all, at least at first. "She is also Amaranth's newest mother. You gains some new nieces and a nephew while you were gone, so be careful when you go to visit her. Her cubs are still in the birthing cave. Arroyo, I'm sure, will be able to show you where." Kein, however, seems no more welcome in his second-most-troublesome daughter's life than he ever was, so this next task is for Arroyo and Wiraqu to accomplish on their own.
Nope, he doesn't recognize that name. Wiraqu nods nevertheless, glancing over to Arroyo. Whatever Kein's tangled motivations, Wiraqu finds himself blissfully free of them. "I'll go see her, then... When Arroyo is ready." He smiles, looking between the pair. Wiraqu can imagine many things that would distract Arroyo for a time, her father not least among them despite how practical he's currently being. His upcoming departure is all the more reason his daughter might want time with him.
Arroyo isn't too familiar with Maul - then again, she's not too familiar with most of her elder siblings, having lived a rather sheltered life before she was sent out on her spirit quest the year before. Nonetheless, this is something she intends to remedy, both as a family member as well as the new matron. She nods in response to Kein's reference to the den, as well as his warning about a new mother being holed up inside it. "We will visit her soon...and the rest of the tribe, as well." They both certainly have a bit of work ahead of them, including getting to know the Amaranth better as they get settled into their new roles themselves. "Is mother around? I would like to see her again, if I may." Even in regards to her own birth-giver, Arroyo speaks in politely roundabout terms, though it doesn't mean her love is any less strong for either of her parents.
"The last time I saw her, she was a bit to the north," Kein answers, stepping forward to offer his daughter a nuzzle now that, he hopes, all of their business is concluded. There was no ceremony to it at all, but then, Kein has really never been one for ceremony. Parhaps Maul will have something different in mind, to make it feel more official. "If I see her before you to, I'll tell her to find you. But if I know your mother, the first time she catches your scent, there won't be anything in Amaranth that could keep her from finding you. She has missed you as much as you have missed her. We both have."
"If there's nothing more you need of me now," interjects Wiraqu into the Tender Moment, "I caught the scent of a goat on our way here. I could go catch it, while you're figuring out what needs doing. Nothing like a snack to help things along." Yes, okay. It's partly just an excuse to let Arroyo have the rest of her reunion with her father, and the one with her mother, in peace without a strange male looking on. But that doesn't mean it's not also true.
The edges of Arroyo's maw turn up into a sweet little smile at Kein's words about her mother, especially since she knows them to be true. Glancing over towards Wiraqu as he speaks up, she offers an understanding nod, certainly aware of the fact that he no doubt feels like an outsider right now, even despite being the one she's chosen to take as her co-leader. Hopefully soon those feelings will fade, but until then, if he needs to take a break for some personal time, particularly after living a solitary life thus far, she can most definitely understand that. Even so, once she has reunited with her family again, she intends to continue getting acquainted with her future mate as well.
Arroyo - Adolescent Female COugar
Kein - Male Cougar
Wiraqu - Male Cougar
- Pine Grove -
Having headed further into the woods to the southeast from where they left the small family to mend their broken ties, Arroyo steels herself for what's to come -- both the immediate talk with her father regarding the strange male she's brought back home with her, as well as the big transition she will soon be making herself as well. It's a bit overwhelming for the not-quite-yet adult female, but she'd hardly admit it out loud, at least at this critical time; after all, a matron-to-be is meant to be a strong-willed leader ready to handle anything life throws her way, no? With a deep breath, she slows her pace to a stop, turning to face both of the male cougars following along with her, before finally addressing the chieftain first. "Father...I am ready." As ready as she'll ever be, at least.
At least Kein does not have the discomfort of a nearly completely unknown female and her two cubs nearby to cause him to be any more awkward, tense, than he already is. Arroyo may very well be ready... but is he? And does it, in fact, matter? None of this has been his choice, for their lives are guided by the spirits, so what he wants or is ready for... really doesn't factor into things. Before responding, Kein takes in a deep breath. "I wish you weren't," the still-chieftain answers honestly. Not for any desire to keep his position, especially in want of a matron to stand by his side. But he truly did not want any of this for his youngest children. "But you are, aren't you? You wouldn't have returned if you weren't. What of him, though, Arroyo?" Kein casts a sideways glance to the other male. Does the younger male have any idea what he is getting himself into? Kein never did.
Wiraqu pads after Arroyo, though he's just as aware of the other male following her. Just because Kein hasn't chosen to take action yet doesn't mean he won't, and depending on the chieftain's actions, this current peace may be quite tenuous. Fun, isn't it? When Arroyo stops, Wiraqu does the same. He has no idea what he'll say, but he supposes he'll figure something out. Always does. Ready or not, Arroyo has certainly changed since she first went out. Then, she would have hesitated, and wanted advice. Now, she makes a firm statement. At Kein's questioning of his presence, Wiraqu tilts his head to the side. "Name's Wiraqu," he offers. Does he have any idea? Nope. Would it change his mind if he did? Probably not. He's not a planner, is Wiraqu. Seize the moment.
Arroyo has only ever been superficially aware of her parents' (particularly her father's) resistance to the idea of her foretold fate, but even still she is somewhat surprised by his reluctance to her readiness. Perhaps she had imagined that after a full turn of seasons away from home, she might have been easily accepted into the long-vacant role she was destined to fill, or that her return might have triggered some subtle change in the status quo, but her father apparently still desires to leave tribal life behind - and take the rest of his family away with him as well. Still, she says nothing in response to his first words, merely addressing his question about his potential replacement: "I have told him what is expected of a chieftain...I do not think our paths would have crossed so many times if the fates did not will it so."
For some time, Nyssa has been mentioning that the voice of her guide is only getting louder. And there was the prediction she made, that when it returned to her properly... would be the end of their time in this land. Though he does not look away from his daughter, what he says next is largely for Wiraqu's benefit, in a sense. "Your mother and I... you know we will never be far. Where your predecessor and I had only those who had passed to guide us... to keep us on track... you will have creatures much more physical to help you whenever you need it, Arroyo, for as long as we can." And if he is called back to Amaranth, it's almost certain the words he'll have for Wiraqu then will not be half so kind, because with his time in Amaranth coming to a close, only one thing about his daughter's chosen mate concerns Kein, and that is that he keeps her safe and as happy as he is capable of keeping her. Something he failed to do with his own matron in both respects.
Fate? Ah, Arroyo hasn't changed to much as all that since he first met her. Wiraqu can't stop himself from grinning. What she might call fate, he might call coincidence or clever schemes. Not that it couldn't be fate, but there are so many simpler explanations! Still, she's got the rest of it more-or-less right, and he nods. When Kein answers her, he perks his ears, listening to what the chieftain has to say to his daughter, and pondering on what it might mean for him.
So he will be leaving, then. Somehow she always knew, no matter how much she ignored the feeling. Even still, the news brings her a deep sense of sorrow, though the only apparent signs of such are the slight droop to her rounded ears and the tinge of sadness in her amber-hued eyes. She's not quite two years old, half of that having been spent away from her home and family, and already she's being forced to grow up and be on her own. Well...perhaps not entirely on her own. "I will miss you both," she murmurs in a slightly hushed tone, perhaps in an attempt to keep her hidden emotions in check. "Will you be leaving soon, father?" His answer will determine how quickly Arroyo and Wiraqu are thrust into their new roles among the tribe.
"That much," Kein says, "is as out of my control as your place in this tribe always was. When your mother's guide arrives to tell her that it is time for us to leave, we will go." And for good reason, reason that encourages him to say, "But I have not been useful here for years, Arroyo. All I have been doing is keeping it in trust for you... and for you, Wiraqu." Kein's tone is not even remotely friendly as he finally addresses his daughter's chosen chieftain. "And now that you are old enough to make the decisions that need to be made, I see no more point in pretending that I am more than I am. So you... well, not so much you, Arroyo," Kein says with a pointed look at her birthmark, "but you, Wiraqu, should visit my other daughter, who will stay here to help you both when Ruya returns to the tribe she left behind."
It's just a little awkward for Wiraqu, listening to this loving conversation between the two. He shifts from paw to paw, listening while trying not to intrude more than, well, he's intruding simply by being here. More spirits and guides and all that... well, he supposes he'll have to get used to it. One wandering cougar finds a place. Another settled cougar begins to wander. Hey, trading places. "Here I am, then," he says, and chuckles. "I'll try to keep the place in shape." Though all that spirit stuff is pretty much going to land on Arroyo. Still, he can chase away rogues and troublemakers, and he can hunt for the females and young. Practical things. At the mention of another daughter, he tilts his head. "Whereabouts?" He doesn't mind hearing advice and help. Even pays attention, usually. Now, actually following it... that's another thing entirely.
Arroyo simply replies to her father's words with a mute nod, ears cupping forward once more to carefully consider his words, both those directed towards her as well as towards her chosen mate. She can certainly sense the slight tension in the air between her father and the rival who's come to take his place, but at least it hasn't come to blows yet. At the mention of one of her half-sisters taking the place of her grandmother as shamaness, her ears prick up even further. "Who is it?" she inquires, searching for a specific name; after all, the former chieftain has fathered a number of children in his tribal tenure.
"Maul." If there were any other of Kein's daughters he should have preferred to take from Amaranth, it would be Maul. The last time he left her here, after all... Kein casts another quick glance to Wiraqu. No. The now-former-chieftain will not be going very far at all, at least at first. "She is also Amaranth's newest mother. You gains some new nieces and a nephew while you were gone, so be careful when you go to visit her. Her cubs are still in the birthing cave. Arroyo, I'm sure, will be able to show you where." Kein, however, seems no more welcome in his second-most-troublesome daughter's life than he ever was, so this next task is for Arroyo and Wiraqu to accomplish on their own.
Nope, he doesn't recognize that name. Wiraqu nods nevertheless, glancing over to Arroyo. Whatever Kein's tangled motivations, Wiraqu finds himself blissfully free of them. "I'll go see her, then... When Arroyo is ready." He smiles, looking between the pair. Wiraqu can imagine many things that would distract Arroyo for a time, her father not least among them despite how practical he's currently being. His upcoming departure is all the more reason his daughter might want time with him.
Arroyo isn't too familiar with Maul - then again, she's not too familiar with most of her elder siblings, having lived a rather sheltered life before she was sent out on her spirit quest the year before. Nonetheless, this is something she intends to remedy, both as a family member as well as the new matron. She nods in response to Kein's reference to the den, as well as his warning about a new mother being holed up inside it. "We will visit her soon...and the rest of the tribe, as well." They both certainly have a bit of work ahead of them, including getting to know the Amaranth better as they get settled into their new roles themselves. "Is mother around? I would like to see her again, if I may." Even in regards to her own birth-giver, Arroyo speaks in politely roundabout terms, though it doesn't mean her love is any less strong for either of her parents.
"The last time I saw her, she was a bit to the north," Kein answers, stepping forward to offer his daughter a nuzzle now that, he hopes, all of their business is concluded. There was no ceremony to it at all, but then, Kein has really never been one for ceremony. Parhaps Maul will have something different in mind, to make it feel more official. "If I see her before you to, I'll tell her to find you. But if I know your mother, the first time she catches your scent, there won't be anything in Amaranth that could keep her from finding you. She has missed you as much as you have missed her. We both have."
"If there's nothing more you need of me now," interjects Wiraqu into the Tender Moment, "I caught the scent of a goat on our way here. I could go catch it, while you're figuring out what needs doing. Nothing like a snack to help things along." Yes, okay. It's partly just an excuse to let Arroyo have the rest of her reunion with her father, and the one with her mother, in peace without a strange male looking on. But that doesn't mean it's not also true.
The edges of Arroyo's maw turn up into a sweet little smile at Kein's words about her mother, especially since she knows them to be true. Glancing over towards Wiraqu as he speaks up, she offers an understanding nod, certainly aware of the fact that he no doubt feels like an outsider right now, even despite being the one she's chosen to take as her co-leader. Hopefully soon those feelings will fade, but until then, if he needs to take a break for some personal time, particularly after living a solitary life thus far, she can most definitely understand that. Even so, once she has reunited with her family again, she intends to continue getting acquainted with her future mate as well.