Post by Pavane on Dec 4, 2011 3:40:43 GMT -5
The Wandering Ute:
- Ikuna - male adolescent wolf
- Tala - female adolescent wolf
- Ahiga - male adolescent wolf
The Cerulean Pack:
- Tariro - male wolf (Alpha)
- Coinin - male wolf (Beta)
- Anoki - male adolescent wolf
---Fallen Log---
Coinin was out on one of his daily patrols around earlier today when he scented the presence of several wolves that he didn't recognize. They appeared to be on the young side, but not too young. He had followed their scent back to the log. Also among the scents that he noted was Anoki. Could these visitors be friends with Anoki? Well no time like the present moment to find out. He had followed along the river before moving off through the forest vegetation.
The three Ute youngsters are no longer in the clearing, but still near the borders of Cerulean's lands, at a cluster of three maples near the fallen log. Ikuna's keeping watch, at the moment. The young wolf is sitting near the others - at least one of which is definitely sleeping, 'cause those paws are wiggling at a dream - and looking out over the forest.
It seems that Coinin has found were the group is resting. As he wanders through the vegetation he soon spots Ikuna, and though he can't see them just yet its readily apparent to him that the others are there as well. He slowly walks toward the gathering of young, mostly sleeping wolves. "Hello." he says to the one who seems to be awake.
Tala was sleeping for a while there, but now she happens to be awake, head settled upon her forepaws and maw twitching while she peers out slightly. An ear twitching forward and she licks across her maw before yawning. The voice of another is heard an she glances around before catching sight of the adult and shifts backwards to her haunches.
Ikuna notices Coinin approaching, and the adolescent gets to his feet. He's in a neutral posture, neither challenging nor offering submission; ears erect with interest, fur smooth, and tail curved out calmly behind him. At Coinin's greeting, he nods. "Hello," he answers. "Are you of Cerulean?"
Coinin holds his tail high in a show of dominance, his ears erect and his head held high. Now that he is the beta of the pack he has had to remember to hold his tail a bit higher and stand a bit taller. He hasn't quite gotten used to doing that all the time yet, but is working on it. He gives the young wolf a polite nod, "Yes. I'm Cerulean." he says in response to the question. He moves closer to the group of young wolves, though not close enough that he would frighten them. He isn't sure of course, but he has a rough idea where they come from.
Tala glances over to her brother while shifting on her paws, choosing to be quiet for the moment it would seem. Well Ikuna is the better talker after all!
Ikuna holds himself steady in that neutral pose, not challenging Coinin's dominance - these are Cerulean lands, after all - but not admitting it applies to him. After all, "We are of Ute." That would be him, the female wolf next to him, and the other male still dozing, presumably. "We came to see Anoki, and mean your pack no trouble."
Coinin has never met any of the Ute wolves before, though he has heard of them. He had intended at one point to go take a look at the Ute lands, but simply never got around to it. Niyt had good things to say about the Ute, and Helaku didn't. So the reviews he has heard have been rather mixed. Especially given that Maka also left Ute. Still he isn't going to judge something on what other folks have said alone. He would like to have his own experiences to judge by. He had figured that these young ones were from the other pack, "I see." he says to him. It would also stand to reason that Ute was where Anoki had run off to for several days. Its probably good that he play with other young wolves.
So here's Ute; or at least, three youngsters from it. Ikuna nods slightly at Coinin's acknowledgement, but doesn't move otherwise. He's simply waiting to see what Coinin will do: if he'll ask further questions, or try to chase them off, or whatever else he might have in mind.
Coinin isn't going to chase the youths off, at least not at the present time. They haven't done anything yet that would merit that. He takes a seat and watches the youth, "So you are friends with Anoki huh?" he asks. Its a shame that the Cerulean pack doesn't have many youngsters, but it does seem that Ute have quite a few. It would be interesting to hear more about their pack.
"Yes," says Ikuna. "We met last fall." When, well, they ended up together because of the whole mess with the kidnappings and the narrow escapes from death and the fleeing and the rescue mission and all that. Ikuna doesn't really want to go into it, so he doesn't.
Coinin doesn't really want to go into any of that, because he knows how it affected Anoki. Since this all happened last fall he can guess where he met him then, "How many of the Ute young ones have come up here?" He would like to find out more about this pack. The young ones will probably be the most honest.
Ikuna gazes steadily at Coinin for a few moments at the question. On the one side, it might be curiosity. On the other, it might be to plan for an attack. Other wolves aren't always to be trusted. "The three of us came together," he answers at last.
Tala gives her head a slight shake and blinks while looking around and then glances to Coinin and Ikuna. Her maw twitches and she offers a soft smile while nodding to what her brother says.
Coinin has no desire to attack anyone. You probably won't meet a more peaceable wolf than Coinin. Still he could see where the young wolf would be cautious. Especially when they are sort of trespassing, though he wouldn't call what the young wolves are doing that. He is aware that most young wolves do a fair amount of roaming, and he wouldn't stop them without a pressing reason. Now if the pack had young pups around the Ute might find a slightly more frigid reception, "I see. Well you are welcome to stay and play with Anoki if you wish. As long as you don't cause any trouble you won't be run off."
Ikuna nods to Coinin's answer. "Thank you. You are a leader of this pack, then?" He doesn't think this is that 'Unca Tariro' that Anoki mentioned - the other wolf doesn't smell right - but the wolf is certainly acting and talking like he has the right to make those sorts of declarations, so hey. Better find out properly.
Coinin isn't the leader of the pack, but is the second in command. He was only made beta a week or so ago and is still trying to figure out what exactly that means. So far he has determined that beyond having more ability to make declarations and such it doesn't mean too much, and that pleases him a great deal since it also means that he probably can't mess up the job too much either, "I'm the Beta of this pack. My name is Coinin. Tariro is our Alpha."
Tala shifts to her paws and moves on over towards where Ikuna is. A slight nod offered once more. "Hello.." She offers with a friendly tone. "An thank you for letting us stay. We won't cause any problems."
Ikuna nods at the introduction. Now he finally has a better idea who is is he's talking to: That new beta, the one who was gonna teach Anoki to hunt and was googly over his sister. It's good to know these things, and he relaxes a little and smiles. "Ute's alphas are Skahla and Shawnee," he replies, because it seems appropriate after the other's declaration, then adds, "I'm Ikuna."
Coinin glances over toward the young lady and nods, "I trust you guys not to cause a ruckus." he says before turning back toward Ikuna who seems to be something of a leader in this little band of merrymakers, "I see." he says. He hasn't really heard their names before, but he will have to hold onto that bit of information, "Its nice to meet you Ikuna." he says with a smile.
Tala smiles still and nods. "I'm Tala, Ikuna is my brother." She offers with a soft tone. "An we won't, promise. We just wanted to come and see Anoki. His said before he doesn't have any friends his own age around here."
Ikuna nods, and says to Coinin, "Nice to meet you too." He glances over to his sister, and nods slightly as she speaks. "Our third is Ahiga," he says of the still-sleeping wolf. And no wonder; the other youngster was up for quite a while last night. "We won't be around for too long, but we'd like to visit again sometimes."
Coinin doesn't see the harm in the youths visiting so long as they announce their presence whey they arrive and make sure that its an opportune time to visit, "I'm assuming that you all have your parents permission to be here?" he asks. He has run into this before with a young coyote who had wandered through the lands and his guardian hadn't known where he was. Its true that these wolves are on the older side, and he has no problem it them being on their own, but its his parents he is most concerned about.
Tala smiles and nods a few times. A soft ah escapes her and her maw twitches. "Well.. Are parents are dead.. Have been for some time now." This said with a soft tone and a slight glance is offered to Ikuna before she looks back to Coinin. "As for our older brothers.. No they don't know we are here. But we don't plan on staying long so that shouldn't cause a problem."
Ikuna nods at Tala's mention of their dead parents, meeting her gaze a moment with an encouraging look before turning his attention back to Coinin as she continues. "Learning to take initiative is part of our training." Which might actually be true, come to think of it. Skahla has certainly implied things like that, and it fits with the observed behavior of Asku. Now he just has to remember that line if if comes down to an argument later!
Coinin frowns slightly at the mention of the mention of dead parents. Well that is a rather sad story. It seems that Ute have had their issues with death lately as well, "I see. Well as long as you won't be gone for long I think it might be alright." He wouldn't want to create an incident between the two packs.
Tala nods a moment. "Yes.. I feel we're be home before they know we're gone for sure." She isn't going to mention the part about the pack having new pups after all.
Yep. All will be well, no problems here. ...at least, Ikuna hopes. If not, they'll deal with the problems when they happen. "Yeah. It'll work out." The boy sits down, curling his tail around his legs, and is quiet for a moment before he perks his ears and asks in a curious tone, "How did you become beta?"
Coinin doesn't really have any idea how all that happened. He was actually rather surprised when Tariro asked him if he would be willing to fill this role. He never really got the chance to ask Tariro why he thought this was a good idea. After his conversation with Niyt the other day he might have to have that conversation, "I became the beta when Tariro asked me if I would be willing to do it." he said, "...you become beta when the alpha thinks that you will be of service I guess."
Tala tilts her head and ohs softly at this before nodding. "Well.. I suppose that makes sense don't it?" A glance is offered over to Ikuna pondering what he thinks on it.
Ikuna listens to Coinin's answer, considering on it, then nods. "It does," he agrees with his sister, then tilts his head as he questions further. "How was the alpha decided?" The boy is curious about pack structures and leadership, it seems... and it's somehow easier to ask those questions here instead of in his own pack. Or maybe he just wants to compare and contrast!
Coinin thinks that is an excellent question to ask. In the case of Cerulean he doesn't have any idea how Tariro became alpha, so he will have to be more general in his response, "Some packs seem to decide who becomes alpha by family relationships. The title passes from father to son and so on. Other packs decide who will be alpha by physical challenge. I suppose other packs might have different ways of choosing. Cerulean seems to be more of a family type of pack."
Tala is rather curious in the conversation as well, so much that she settles down and keeps a eye on the pair. A ear witching from one to another. "I suppose there are a few other ways that could possible be done when it deals with coming to alphas and so forth."
The general answer seems just as satisfactory to Ikuna as a more specific one, judging from how he nods along as he listens. As for his own pack... well, that will need more consideration. "So that's what being an alpha is? Being related to someone, or being strong?"
Coinin supposes that someone could become alpha because the whole pack decided that they wanted them to be alpha as well, "I think its a bit more than that. I think you have to have the support of the pack, and also do a good job making sure the pack is safe and make smart calls on important decisions." He offers the pair of them a smile, "Do either of you want to be alpha of Ute some day?"
Tala hums a moment and nods while she takes this all in. At the question towards them she blinks, a soft ah escapes her and her ears lower before she looks to Ikuna. "Ikuna would make a better alpha then I could." Her tail swaying a few times in the process. "Never gave it much thought to tell you the truth."
Ikuna listens with perked ears to Coinin, then nods. At the question, he starts to say "Just -" but then his sister speaks, and he turns his head to look at her with what actually seems a somewhat surprised expression. Him? An alpha? But he's not anything special, he just does stuff when it needs doing! That's all. He does, at least, take a moment to think about it before he replies. "I don't know." That's the best he can come up with? Apparently. "It's a big sort of thing."
Coinin agrees with Ikuna that it is a very big deal to be alpha. As a matter of fact now that he is beta it has become a far bigger deal. He hasn't given it a great deal of thought, but with Tariro getting older it is likely that someday he will be alpha of Cerulean. He isn't taking it as a sure thing, but it is a real possibility. It isn't really something that he wants, "I suppose you will just have to wait and see what happens as you guys grow up."
Tala glances to Ikuna and offers him a smile before nodding. "I think you'd be a great leader." She offers with a thump of her tail. "But ya.. We're have to wait a while more until we're older of course.. An then you know.. She what happens back home." There are new pups there.. Wouldn't they be in line now instead.
Ikuna smiles back to Tala, though he's still not sure what he thinks about all this. "Yeah... We'll see," he says, looking briefly to the sleeping Ahiga who is the other primary instigator around here, and then back to the conversation. "There's probably plenty of time." Skahla is in good health, after all... not that it always works that way. Not like their parents' good health saved them from that bear. But... probably.
Coinin would assume that there would be pleanty of time for these young wolves to grow into their own before they had to worry about running things in their home pack, "So tell me more about your pack. Who are the beta's of your pack?" he asks. They had mentioned the names of the alphas of the group, but hadn't said anything about other leadership of the pack.
Tala ahs and ums a moment before peering over to Ikuna. Her maw twitching a moment. "Isn't it Asku and Chewy?" She questions with a faint murmur to her brother. Well, Its what she always assumed.. Maybe she's wrong.
Ikuna shakes his head. "We don't really have them," he says. "Askuwheteau and Wachiwa help out, but they're not exactly betas." Maybe this is part of why the young wolf is so curious about how pack structure works. "I suppose Asku's the closest."
It sounds like Ute was very much in Cerulean's position in regards to leadership. They must be in a state of flux as well, "I'm sure that situation will resolve itself in time. Its nice to see that your pack is doing well. How many are in Ute?" he asks. He is just naturally curious.
"It's always been a rather large pack.. All family in one way or another." Tala offers while stretching her forelegs out in front of her. She doesn't want to go giving numbers though as they wouldn't not be good to let the other pack know how many was in theirs, right?
Ikuna hehs a little. "Well, mostly family, anyway. Some are just good friends." Still no exact numbers. Of course, if Coinin just tallies up the names already given, he'd come up with at least seven - and most likely a fair bit more, since a pack isn't going to be just two alphas and two pseudo-betas and a handful of youngsters. "What about Cerulean?" he asks in return.
Coinin can tell that the young wolves are being intentionally vague, and that is ok with him. As a matter of fact is probably rather smart on their part. "Cerulean is a pack that is made up of mostly family. There are some folks that have come in from the outside recently though. I'm one of them." Its turning out to be something that is kind of difficult for some folks in the pack to accept.
Tala smiles and nods while her tail sways around a few times. "Well.. That's good. We've had some visitors before. Though they don't tend to stick around all that long."
Ikuna nods at the answer. "They must like you a lot, if you're new but you're beta," he says to the adult wolf, then nods to Tala. Visitors come and go, except for those rare exceptions that stick around until you forget they weren't always there. Like, say, Ahiga. "I think most packs are family, 'cause unless people move, they stay with family."
Coinin thinks they like him just fine, though there are times when he does wonder a bit about how much they like him. He is a young wolf after all and prone to bouts of self doubt, "Most of our visitors lately seem to have stuck around. As a matter of fact the pack is growing." Its nice to see the pack grow. Its grown quite a bit since he had joined.
Tala smiles and nods, her tail swaying a few times. "That's nice for them to stay.. I mean as long the alpha is ok with it an all.." Sure that makes sense to her!
"And there's enough hunting," adds Ikuna. Funny, how learning to hunt for himself has made him more conscious of the effort that goes into feeding a pack, instead of food just being something that magically appears from adults. "Maybe it'll be more a mixed-up pack than a family pack, soon!" he suggests with a small grin.
Coinin doesn't really think that the outsiders will outnumber the family members any time soon, but he imagines that eventually the outsiders will become family of sorts anyway. He isn't concerned at all, "Yes hunting is very important. Which is why I plan to teach your friend how to hunt and defend himself soon enough." He hopes to do so when he finally is able to track Anoki down.
Anoki, like his mother rest her soul, had an odd means of knowing one, when people are talking about him, and two, songs that always catch his lips as he plods along. His river song has been left behind for the moment, for a song he heard running in the snow. Why? It just comes to him sometimes, these songs and voices in his ears. "See the sunlight through the pines, taste the warm and winter fine, dream of softly falling snow, winter's cold, apsenglow, as the winter days unfold, hearts grow warmer with the cold, peace of mind is all you know." he hums this to himself, voice occasionally cracking lightly, but otherwise the boy carries a pleasant pitched voice, tail wagging along as he trots away from the river toward where he'd left his friends last.
Tala hums softly and nods, her tail swaying a few times. "Our older brother Asku has started to teach us how to hunt. We was able to get a deer too with his training and help." He grins at that rather liking that hunt to say the least.
Long has it been since the white wolf has left the fork, though rather than venturing off on his own accord this time he followed another from the pack. A curious eye struck the young wolf in question; why did he wander off alone? Keeping a fair distance behind him, Tariro watched Anoki as he trots from the river with tune in maw. It was about time he learned what going on in his nephews life.
Ikuna nods to Coinin and Tala. Yeah, hunting is important, so's defense. He doesn't say anything, though, because he's perking his ears to the sound of someone singing. It's distant at first, just enough to distract him, but then as Anoki gets closer he starts to be pretty sure it actually is someone. Not just a generic someone, either. He lifts up his muzzle, and lets out an aroo! to reveal the spot where the three travelers had spent the night.
Coinin heard the sound of Anoki approaching and turned his head toward the sound of the song. Yes that is most definitely Anoki. He is the only one he knows who sings those particular songs, and besides he knows that voice, "Hello Anoki..." he calls out to him. Another smell makes its way to his nose, it smells like Tariro. Good. He had missed talking to him. It probably has only been a few days, but given the events with Niyt over the last week or so it seems like much longer. Beyond that he is just glad to see his friend.
The 'roo first, then his beta's voice cause Anoki to look up, pausing mid warble to smile, before he trots that way with a smile. "Hallooo all," he replies, as he comes closed, flumping into a sprawl as soon as he gets close, pausing to lick at his paws briefly. Then he says, looking to Ikuna and Tala, "You two sleep well last night, yar?" he asks, with a grin, "Not too strange out here is it, away from yer hill an' cranky brother?" He winks playfully. Then he looks to Coinin. "Halloo, Coinin, sir. You met my friends from the Ute!"
Funny how chit chat can fall upon deaf ears, but the moment he hears a howling, consciousness hits Ahiga like a stone. And it's too bad too because he was just getting to the best part of his dream! He wakes with an inhaled snortish snore, and when his eyes open, they look a little crossed. "So what'f I scarfed th'las bunnyfeet.." is his awakening mumble of nonsense that's exhaled against the grass. He wakes with such grace!
Tala hum softly and titls her head, maw twitching at the new scent that catches her attention. She hums and then glances to Ikuna and soon licks across her maw. A glance is offered back to Ahiga, and her tail thumps a few times and smiles. "Hey Ahiga."
The white wolf's curiosity leads him to the group of youngsters in the distance ahead of them, stopping within the trees and glancing to them in silent question. Looking to each wolf, it was Coinin who caught his eye the longest. What was he doing out this way? Listening from the shadows, Tariro moves in and takes a seat in a spot just out of the way.
Ikuna wags his tail briefly at the appearance of that there Anoki, and grins. "Oh, we were fine. You got good moss 'round here, and the sticks aren't too stabby. Keep up the good work!" Yeah, definitely a change from the ponderous, careful face he presented to the Unknown Wolf... though even that did relax once he established Coinin's identity. The boy glances over to the waking Ahiga, and hehs, padding a step over to nudge at the other's head with a paw, 'helping' him wake up. Ikuna doesn't really notice Tariro's approach at first - too many distractions!
Coinin goes where he needs to go when there is a mystery to solve. He had noted the scents of new wolves when he had been out on patrol and they lead him here. That is when he encountered Ikuna and then Tala, and finally the rest. He knows Tariro is out there somewhere, but he doesn't say anything to give that away. Tariro will pop in if he wishes too. Most of his attention at the present moment is on Anoki, "I did." he said, "They said that they had come to see you, and as long as they don't make any trouble I don't see the harm in it. Its good to have folks your own age to play with, though I don't think they should stay too long since the rest of the wolves from Ute don't know they are here." He then turns his attention back toward the waking wolf, this must be the last of the sleepers.
A grin splits Anoki's face at Ikuna's words, and Anoki lets his tongue loll just a bit. This ends as he smirks amusedly at Coinin and then looks his wat. "Yeah, I told'em that myself, that they shoulda told the adults, but." he smirks, and shrugs. Then looks back to the other young'ns. "See? You're good here 'nless ya cause trouble or get caught hangin' around by Ol' Grumpyface." he smirks.. then turns to Coinin, murmuring softly, "I've told them about Helaku hangin' around, I figured it would be a good idea not ta let him know they're here, or he'll go off on one of his moody mopey bits again." He says, not adding that he felt his friends would probably also try to harm said 'Mopey' wolf for the things he'd said about their family in their company. He then says, "So what you been doin' anyway, Coinin? You and Niyt still .. y'know, hangin' out? Ikuna said that HIS brother said that girls get a smell about'em and that makes guys wanna have puppies with'em, but I ain't never smelled nothin' like that around Niyt. Have you though?"
Ahiga blinks a few times before giving up and closing his eyes again. Sleep is caaalling his name. Or.. no wait, that's Tala. And the knocking on his head is not the sandman, it's Ikuna he thinks. "Dude...stop bangin' my head.." he murmurs, voice still groggy with sleep as he shifts his head away from the offending paw. But it's no use now, he's up! With a yaaaawn, he raises his head, smaking his muzzle a bit and then freezing at the sight of Coinin. New wolf! But he must be alright as neither Ikuna or Tala have took off running. "..S'up," he offers.
Tariro's attempts to remain hidden seemed favorable even though he wasn't really trying to conceal himself. If one were to look, his presence was quite noticeable but until someone does notice him he keep quiet leaning against a tree and watching. Each wolf is given a looking to, even the waking sleeper, before stopping along Anoki. He knew his nephew was to go to Ute for personal reasons but little did he think he'd bring any back with him. Flicking an ear to the phrase 'ol grumpyface' Tar raises a brow and wonders who he refers to by that.. then his brows knot at the mention of Helaku. Its not like he minded the wolf, but he didn't exactly like him either. Hearing the next bit puts a rather amused smirk on the wolfs face. Coinin and Niyt.. where'd he get that idea. Now 'smells' and 'puppies'.. oy. Being a voice to answer that, he decides to keep his silence a while longer curious on how Coinin will answer that.
Next time, tell the pack. Ikuna did get that part. Assuming, of course, they're not grounded for life as opposed to being respected for having taken initiative and carrying out a successful plan. It's a little up in the air. He doesn't say anything about it, though, just sort of rolling between his paws in a shrug, then nods. "Yeah, all good." Well, except for that Helaku guy. What's up with him, really? Ikuna has heard just enough to set him really wondering... though Helaku doesn't sound like a nice guy to meet. When Anoki goes asking for more about the whole... mating thing... his ears perk curiously, though he takes the opportunity when the other two are engaged to lower his head to Ahiga and say quietly. "That's Coinin. The beta."
Coinin sighs, he had hoped that Anoki would be off that particular kick by now. At first it was sort of embarrassing, and now it is quickly moving into the territory of irritating. There is nothing whatsoever romantic going on between he and Niyt...at all. In any way. Nothing. Nada. Zip, ziltch, and zero. Niyt is his friend nothing more, and a friend that he is sort of irritated with at the moment. She probably doens't even know that she hurt his feelings, but she did. He will probably talk to her later about it when he sees her, but now is not the time for that. He takes a moment and composes himself, not wanting to seem upset in front of the guests. He fixes Anoki with something of a stare and says, "Anoki...your sister and I are friends, good friends. But there is no chance in us being a couple. It is never going to happen. I want to be really clear about that. Ok?" he asks. He wants some kind of confirmation that he has been understood. For the time being the others are forgotten.
Ears cup forward, and then lay back at the stern look. "... Uh, okay," Anoki says, with a frown. "I was just curious what Asku had meant about 'smells' and stuff. It sounds.. like, stupid." He says, blinking balnky at Coinin. Well, yes, it does! Since he's never smelled anything like that, so why should it be true? "Like maybe Asku was just tryin' to skirt around sayin' the truth c'os it's like, I dunno." He shoots a look to Ikuna, Ahiga, and Tala, adding, in a mumble as he looks at his paws, "Like if we knew the truth it would make the sun fall outta the sky or something c'os we're not old enough yet or something." He frowns.
"Oh.." Ahiga answers quietly to Ikuna's whisper, nodding. Beta means be on his best behavior, got it! He finally pushes himself up off of his stomach with one last yawn and shake of his head to clear it of the sleepies. Yes, he's good and awake now. Just in time to catch up on the conversation between Anoki and the aforementioned Beta. His ears prick a little, quiet as to not interrupt (and likely so he can listen and piece together what they're talking about). Smells. Asku.. Oh, he gets it! "Oh hey man," he says to Anoki, grinning as he stands to trot towards the other youth to bump his head encouragingly against his shoulder. "Don' worry about all that. Cuz see, we figured it out last night. We're just not gonna do it. All that stuff about smellin' something and goin' goofy in the head? We're just not gonna, easy as that. Right guys?" he looks to Ahiga and Tala for confirmation. United they stand!
While awaiting the response, Tariro takes a moment to look around the area a bit baffled by how the place has changed since he was last here. Upon hearing his packmate, the wolf turns back and is quiet taken by the way he decides to break the news to Anoki. Ears drop wondering if that was really the best way to go about it, but then again its not really his to say. Looking to Anoki Tar half smiles feeling somewhat sorry for him. Turning to the three Ute, he softly chuckles from his spot in the shadows shaking his head. maybe they'll do it, may be they wont; he'd certainly like to see them try.
Ikuna's perked ears flick back briefly as Coinin not only fails to answer Anoki's question informatively for the other youngsters lurking, but actually gets a little grumpy. It's never nice to see friends get scolded. When Anoki goes looking back to them, he nods. Inquiring young minds want to know! "I dunno if it's gonna be /easy/," he says to Ahiga, then looks to Anoki as he continues. "But we figure, we can stop from actually doing anything stupid, 'cause we have willpower and all that." He looks between the two young males and Coinin, then adds, "It'd be good to know more about it, though. So we know what to avoid..."
Coinin had just wanted to make it absolutely crystal clear. He isn't all that into scolding people but the nerve is just raw enough that he felt he had to make it clear. Now that the issue seems to be resolved he can relax a little bit more. He listens to what the young ones are saying and to what Anoki said. It doesn't really feel like his place to answer this question for the young ones of another pack. He doesn't even really feel all that comfortable answering the question for Anoki, though it would be different if they were by themselves and didn't have all these ears listening in, "If you have any questions about that I would suggest that you direct them to your grown up packmates." he says to the Ute crowd. He isn't going there. He offers a smile to Anoki, "I'm sure that your sister would be happy to answer any and all questions you have.." No way is he going anywhere near this topic.
A bit of Ahiga's confidence in their plan of "just not doing it" wavers a bit as Ikuna speaks. Well, his pal isn't sounding so sure... Maybe it won't be as easy as he's imagining. Willpower, he has but is it going to take much more than that? His eyes are drawn towards Coinin now, as if seeing him in a new light. Now this guy might have answers! He holds the key to unlocking a drama free adult life...and he's not being very helpful right now! "Aw c'mon, you can tell us," he encourages, tail waving a little. "Our pack's too busy now. An' plus, I bet Wachiwa 'n Asku are way tired've tellin' us things, 'specially now that there's pups around an' they've got to help with them. We're like...old news. /You'd/ be helpin' us an' our pack out."
They could just avoid females all together... As a wolf who hasn't had the sensation of love or commitment in a very long time, Tariro found it rather easy to keep from the embarrassing moments that came with courtship. "Or perhaps ask someone whos experienced it before." Is said in subtle tone, itching his head against the tree beside him. But as Coinin suggests they find something within their own pack to help fill them in, he frowns. Sure it was for Ute to tend to their own but what was wrong with a little friendly help from a neighbor.
Yet another thing that adults don't want youngsters to know about, to judge from how Coinin is pushing them away from the question. Hmmm. For all Ikuna and his friends have concluded this particular thing isn't really something they're going to /do/, it's kind of annoying to be denied. He gives his head a little shake, and then pauses mid-motion as he hears a little voice and notices a rather large white thing that wasn't there before, he swears. He turns to face Tariro, looking questioningly at him. "Uh. Hello," he says. How long has that white wolf been there, anyway?
Coinin isn't exactly pushing them away, its just that he doesn't really feel like this is his question to answer. Besides he has never been in love. He doesn't even really have a point of reference, "Alright guys...I will say this. The most important thing in life is to find someone to love and have a commitment to..." he is interrupted by Tariro's hello. Well thank goodness. He was hoping that Tariro would join in the conversation. He has known he was there for awhile now, but wasn't going to draw attention to it.
Ahiga perks his ears up, as it seems as if Coinin is going to relent! The secret of this scent thing, and females, and...other stuff, he guesses. He's all ears, waiting to receive the golden knowledge from this wolf, though the beginning doesn't sound promising. Love and commitment? He's not even quite sure what that second word means, but before he can ask, he too turns his attention to the once silent white wolf. Woah, who's that? He lowers his head and brows a bit, not sure if he's looking at a friend or foe! Ikuna's greeting is not echoed, for now anyway, as he focuses on half-glaring.
Long enough to know whats going on apparently. A pleasent and calm look on his face, Tariro slowly stands to shake out of pelt before addressing the first of the young wolves to finally notice him. "Hello." He nods politely flicking his tail side to side. Ikuna held a slight familiar presence to the white wolf as the one who was rescued those several moons ago. My has he grown. Then his attention draws upon Coinin and the same nodding of his head is given. "Hello Coinin." Looking back to the younger wolves the glare from Ahiga he paused upon. "I am not your enemy young one." He announces stepping forward. "I am Cerulean's Alpha. You may call me Tariro if you like."
Besides, it's not like this 'someone to love and commitment' can trump His Pack, right? So it can't be THE most important thing. These questions about scent and mating can be asked of Chewy or Asku later, though, and Ikuna's attention is now mostly on the unknown wolf, who quickly becomes a known wolf. "Oh!" he lets out, because with the combination of face and name he does sort of vaguely recognize the Cerulean alpha. He nods his head respectfully, keeping fur smooth and tail dipped just barely below level. "It's good to see you, Tariro," the boy says in a somewhat formal tone. "I don't know if you remember... I'm Ikuna, and this is my friend Ahiga and sister Tala."
Ok good. It seems that Tariro has offered the group a bit of distraction from the topic at hand. Coinin offers a smile and a nod to Tariro. He is pleased to see him. He had been back for a few days and hadn't seen him around at all, "Hi Tariro..." he says to him before turning back toward Ikuna. It seems that the conversation from earlier about how he knows Anoki is coming to the foreground again. He smiles to Ahiga and nods as Tariro speaks. No Tariro is definitely not going to harm anyone here. He thinks that perhaps these young wolves might need to hear about love, commitment and service because those are the important things to understand.
The vocal wolf Tariro remembered. It was hard to forget one whom his nephew spoke so much of upon his return. "As it is with you Ikuna." He smiles, flicking an ear to Coinin acknowledging his returned greeting. Looking to the others when pointed out he puts them to memory for future reference before turning back to Ikuna for a moment. "Did you happen to see where Anoki ran off to?" Seemed he missed placed the young wolf. "There is something I'd like to speak to him on." He might as well just go look for him without even an answer. Waiting just long enough for a response he looks back toward the river ready to head out should his nephew gone that way.
Ikuna smiles, and nods to Tariro. At the question about Anoki, he uhms for a moment, then says, "Back to the river, I think?" He nudges at a vague quadrant of the forest with his muzzle, though he's not entirely certain of it. When Tariro turns to head away, Ikuna sits down again, glancing to his friends. It's about time for a consultation on what to do next, he figures.
Coinin gives Ikuna a smile, "Night!" he says to him as he turns to follow Tariro. He did feel a bit bad for being brusk with Anoki earlier and perhaps when Tariro finds him he can apologize and let him know that he isn't upset or anything, even though he did want to be really clear on that since he has apparently been telling everyone.
- Ikuna - male adolescent wolf
- Tala - female adolescent wolf
- Ahiga - male adolescent wolf
The Cerulean Pack:
- Tariro - male wolf (Alpha)
- Coinin - male wolf (Beta)
- Anoki - male adolescent wolf
---Fallen Log---
Coinin was out on one of his daily patrols around earlier today when he scented the presence of several wolves that he didn't recognize. They appeared to be on the young side, but not too young. He had followed their scent back to the log. Also among the scents that he noted was Anoki. Could these visitors be friends with Anoki? Well no time like the present moment to find out. He had followed along the river before moving off through the forest vegetation.
The three Ute youngsters are no longer in the clearing, but still near the borders of Cerulean's lands, at a cluster of three maples near the fallen log. Ikuna's keeping watch, at the moment. The young wolf is sitting near the others - at least one of which is definitely sleeping, 'cause those paws are wiggling at a dream - and looking out over the forest.
It seems that Coinin has found were the group is resting. As he wanders through the vegetation he soon spots Ikuna, and though he can't see them just yet its readily apparent to him that the others are there as well. He slowly walks toward the gathering of young, mostly sleeping wolves. "Hello." he says to the one who seems to be awake.
Tala was sleeping for a while there, but now she happens to be awake, head settled upon her forepaws and maw twitching while she peers out slightly. An ear twitching forward and she licks across her maw before yawning. The voice of another is heard an she glances around before catching sight of the adult and shifts backwards to her haunches.
Ikuna notices Coinin approaching, and the adolescent gets to his feet. He's in a neutral posture, neither challenging nor offering submission; ears erect with interest, fur smooth, and tail curved out calmly behind him. At Coinin's greeting, he nods. "Hello," he answers. "Are you of Cerulean?"
Coinin holds his tail high in a show of dominance, his ears erect and his head held high. Now that he is the beta of the pack he has had to remember to hold his tail a bit higher and stand a bit taller. He hasn't quite gotten used to doing that all the time yet, but is working on it. He gives the young wolf a polite nod, "Yes. I'm Cerulean." he says in response to the question. He moves closer to the group of young wolves, though not close enough that he would frighten them. He isn't sure of course, but he has a rough idea where they come from.
Tala glances over to her brother while shifting on her paws, choosing to be quiet for the moment it would seem. Well Ikuna is the better talker after all!
Ikuna holds himself steady in that neutral pose, not challenging Coinin's dominance - these are Cerulean lands, after all - but not admitting it applies to him. After all, "We are of Ute." That would be him, the female wolf next to him, and the other male still dozing, presumably. "We came to see Anoki, and mean your pack no trouble."
Coinin has never met any of the Ute wolves before, though he has heard of them. He had intended at one point to go take a look at the Ute lands, but simply never got around to it. Niyt had good things to say about the Ute, and Helaku didn't. So the reviews he has heard have been rather mixed. Especially given that Maka also left Ute. Still he isn't going to judge something on what other folks have said alone. He would like to have his own experiences to judge by. He had figured that these young ones were from the other pack, "I see." he says to him. It would also stand to reason that Ute was where Anoki had run off to for several days. Its probably good that he play with other young wolves.
So here's Ute; or at least, three youngsters from it. Ikuna nods slightly at Coinin's acknowledgement, but doesn't move otherwise. He's simply waiting to see what Coinin will do: if he'll ask further questions, or try to chase them off, or whatever else he might have in mind.
Coinin isn't going to chase the youths off, at least not at the present time. They haven't done anything yet that would merit that. He takes a seat and watches the youth, "So you are friends with Anoki huh?" he asks. Its a shame that the Cerulean pack doesn't have many youngsters, but it does seem that Ute have quite a few. It would be interesting to hear more about their pack.
"Yes," says Ikuna. "We met last fall." When, well, they ended up together because of the whole mess with the kidnappings and the narrow escapes from death and the fleeing and the rescue mission and all that. Ikuna doesn't really want to go into it, so he doesn't.
Coinin doesn't really want to go into any of that, because he knows how it affected Anoki. Since this all happened last fall he can guess where he met him then, "How many of the Ute young ones have come up here?" He would like to find out more about this pack. The young ones will probably be the most honest.
Ikuna gazes steadily at Coinin for a few moments at the question. On the one side, it might be curiosity. On the other, it might be to plan for an attack. Other wolves aren't always to be trusted. "The three of us came together," he answers at last.
Tala gives her head a slight shake and blinks while looking around and then glances to Coinin and Ikuna. Her maw twitches and she offers a soft smile while nodding to what her brother says.
Coinin has no desire to attack anyone. You probably won't meet a more peaceable wolf than Coinin. Still he could see where the young wolf would be cautious. Especially when they are sort of trespassing, though he wouldn't call what the young wolves are doing that. He is aware that most young wolves do a fair amount of roaming, and he wouldn't stop them without a pressing reason. Now if the pack had young pups around the Ute might find a slightly more frigid reception, "I see. Well you are welcome to stay and play with Anoki if you wish. As long as you don't cause any trouble you won't be run off."
Ikuna nods to Coinin's answer. "Thank you. You are a leader of this pack, then?" He doesn't think this is that 'Unca Tariro' that Anoki mentioned - the other wolf doesn't smell right - but the wolf is certainly acting and talking like he has the right to make those sorts of declarations, so hey. Better find out properly.
Coinin isn't the leader of the pack, but is the second in command. He was only made beta a week or so ago and is still trying to figure out what exactly that means. So far he has determined that beyond having more ability to make declarations and such it doesn't mean too much, and that pleases him a great deal since it also means that he probably can't mess up the job too much either, "I'm the Beta of this pack. My name is Coinin. Tariro is our Alpha."
Tala shifts to her paws and moves on over towards where Ikuna is. A slight nod offered once more. "Hello.." She offers with a friendly tone. "An thank you for letting us stay. We won't cause any problems."
Ikuna nods at the introduction. Now he finally has a better idea who is is he's talking to: That new beta, the one who was gonna teach Anoki to hunt and was googly over his sister. It's good to know these things, and he relaxes a little and smiles. "Ute's alphas are Skahla and Shawnee," he replies, because it seems appropriate after the other's declaration, then adds, "I'm Ikuna."
Coinin glances over toward the young lady and nods, "I trust you guys not to cause a ruckus." he says before turning back toward Ikuna who seems to be something of a leader in this little band of merrymakers, "I see." he says. He hasn't really heard their names before, but he will have to hold onto that bit of information, "Its nice to meet you Ikuna." he says with a smile.
Tala smiles still and nods. "I'm Tala, Ikuna is my brother." She offers with a soft tone. "An we won't, promise. We just wanted to come and see Anoki. His said before he doesn't have any friends his own age around here."
Ikuna nods, and says to Coinin, "Nice to meet you too." He glances over to his sister, and nods slightly as she speaks. "Our third is Ahiga," he says of the still-sleeping wolf. And no wonder; the other youngster was up for quite a while last night. "We won't be around for too long, but we'd like to visit again sometimes."
Coinin doesn't see the harm in the youths visiting so long as they announce their presence whey they arrive and make sure that its an opportune time to visit, "I'm assuming that you all have your parents permission to be here?" he asks. He has run into this before with a young coyote who had wandered through the lands and his guardian hadn't known where he was. Its true that these wolves are on the older side, and he has no problem it them being on their own, but its his parents he is most concerned about.
Tala smiles and nods a few times. A soft ah escapes her and her maw twitches. "Well.. Are parents are dead.. Have been for some time now." This said with a soft tone and a slight glance is offered to Ikuna before she looks back to Coinin. "As for our older brothers.. No they don't know we are here. But we don't plan on staying long so that shouldn't cause a problem."
Ikuna nods at Tala's mention of their dead parents, meeting her gaze a moment with an encouraging look before turning his attention back to Coinin as she continues. "Learning to take initiative is part of our training." Which might actually be true, come to think of it. Skahla has certainly implied things like that, and it fits with the observed behavior of Asku. Now he just has to remember that line if if comes down to an argument later!
Coinin frowns slightly at the mention of the mention of dead parents. Well that is a rather sad story. It seems that Ute have had their issues with death lately as well, "I see. Well as long as you won't be gone for long I think it might be alright." He wouldn't want to create an incident between the two packs.
Tala nods a moment. "Yes.. I feel we're be home before they know we're gone for sure." She isn't going to mention the part about the pack having new pups after all.
Yep. All will be well, no problems here. ...at least, Ikuna hopes. If not, they'll deal with the problems when they happen. "Yeah. It'll work out." The boy sits down, curling his tail around his legs, and is quiet for a moment before he perks his ears and asks in a curious tone, "How did you become beta?"
Coinin doesn't really have any idea how all that happened. He was actually rather surprised when Tariro asked him if he would be willing to fill this role. He never really got the chance to ask Tariro why he thought this was a good idea. After his conversation with Niyt the other day he might have to have that conversation, "I became the beta when Tariro asked me if I would be willing to do it." he said, "...you become beta when the alpha thinks that you will be of service I guess."
Tala tilts her head and ohs softly at this before nodding. "Well.. I suppose that makes sense don't it?" A glance is offered over to Ikuna pondering what he thinks on it.
Ikuna listens to Coinin's answer, considering on it, then nods. "It does," he agrees with his sister, then tilts his head as he questions further. "How was the alpha decided?" The boy is curious about pack structures and leadership, it seems... and it's somehow easier to ask those questions here instead of in his own pack. Or maybe he just wants to compare and contrast!
Coinin thinks that is an excellent question to ask. In the case of Cerulean he doesn't have any idea how Tariro became alpha, so he will have to be more general in his response, "Some packs seem to decide who becomes alpha by family relationships. The title passes from father to son and so on. Other packs decide who will be alpha by physical challenge. I suppose other packs might have different ways of choosing. Cerulean seems to be more of a family type of pack."
Tala is rather curious in the conversation as well, so much that she settles down and keeps a eye on the pair. A ear witching from one to another. "I suppose there are a few other ways that could possible be done when it deals with coming to alphas and so forth."
The general answer seems just as satisfactory to Ikuna as a more specific one, judging from how he nods along as he listens. As for his own pack... well, that will need more consideration. "So that's what being an alpha is? Being related to someone, or being strong?"
Coinin supposes that someone could become alpha because the whole pack decided that they wanted them to be alpha as well, "I think its a bit more than that. I think you have to have the support of the pack, and also do a good job making sure the pack is safe and make smart calls on important decisions." He offers the pair of them a smile, "Do either of you want to be alpha of Ute some day?"
Tala hums a moment and nods while she takes this all in. At the question towards them she blinks, a soft ah escapes her and her ears lower before she looks to Ikuna. "Ikuna would make a better alpha then I could." Her tail swaying a few times in the process. "Never gave it much thought to tell you the truth."
Ikuna listens with perked ears to Coinin, then nods. At the question, he starts to say "Just -" but then his sister speaks, and he turns his head to look at her with what actually seems a somewhat surprised expression. Him? An alpha? But he's not anything special, he just does stuff when it needs doing! That's all. He does, at least, take a moment to think about it before he replies. "I don't know." That's the best he can come up with? Apparently. "It's a big sort of thing."
Coinin agrees with Ikuna that it is a very big deal to be alpha. As a matter of fact now that he is beta it has become a far bigger deal. He hasn't given it a great deal of thought, but with Tariro getting older it is likely that someday he will be alpha of Cerulean. He isn't taking it as a sure thing, but it is a real possibility. It isn't really something that he wants, "I suppose you will just have to wait and see what happens as you guys grow up."
Tala glances to Ikuna and offers him a smile before nodding. "I think you'd be a great leader." She offers with a thump of her tail. "But ya.. We're have to wait a while more until we're older of course.. An then you know.. She what happens back home." There are new pups there.. Wouldn't they be in line now instead.
Ikuna smiles back to Tala, though he's still not sure what he thinks about all this. "Yeah... We'll see," he says, looking briefly to the sleeping Ahiga who is the other primary instigator around here, and then back to the conversation. "There's probably plenty of time." Skahla is in good health, after all... not that it always works that way. Not like their parents' good health saved them from that bear. But... probably.
Coinin would assume that there would be pleanty of time for these young wolves to grow into their own before they had to worry about running things in their home pack, "So tell me more about your pack. Who are the beta's of your pack?" he asks. They had mentioned the names of the alphas of the group, but hadn't said anything about other leadership of the pack.
Tala ahs and ums a moment before peering over to Ikuna. Her maw twitching a moment. "Isn't it Asku and Chewy?" She questions with a faint murmur to her brother. Well, Its what she always assumed.. Maybe she's wrong.
Ikuna shakes his head. "We don't really have them," he says. "Askuwheteau and Wachiwa help out, but they're not exactly betas." Maybe this is part of why the young wolf is so curious about how pack structure works. "I suppose Asku's the closest."
It sounds like Ute was very much in Cerulean's position in regards to leadership. They must be in a state of flux as well, "I'm sure that situation will resolve itself in time. Its nice to see that your pack is doing well. How many are in Ute?" he asks. He is just naturally curious.
"It's always been a rather large pack.. All family in one way or another." Tala offers while stretching her forelegs out in front of her. She doesn't want to go giving numbers though as they wouldn't not be good to let the other pack know how many was in theirs, right?
Ikuna hehs a little. "Well, mostly family, anyway. Some are just good friends." Still no exact numbers. Of course, if Coinin just tallies up the names already given, he'd come up with at least seven - and most likely a fair bit more, since a pack isn't going to be just two alphas and two pseudo-betas and a handful of youngsters. "What about Cerulean?" he asks in return.
Coinin can tell that the young wolves are being intentionally vague, and that is ok with him. As a matter of fact is probably rather smart on their part. "Cerulean is a pack that is made up of mostly family. There are some folks that have come in from the outside recently though. I'm one of them." Its turning out to be something that is kind of difficult for some folks in the pack to accept.
Tala smiles and nods while her tail sways around a few times. "Well.. That's good. We've had some visitors before. Though they don't tend to stick around all that long."
Ikuna nods at the answer. "They must like you a lot, if you're new but you're beta," he says to the adult wolf, then nods to Tala. Visitors come and go, except for those rare exceptions that stick around until you forget they weren't always there. Like, say, Ahiga. "I think most packs are family, 'cause unless people move, they stay with family."
Coinin thinks they like him just fine, though there are times when he does wonder a bit about how much they like him. He is a young wolf after all and prone to bouts of self doubt, "Most of our visitors lately seem to have stuck around. As a matter of fact the pack is growing." Its nice to see the pack grow. Its grown quite a bit since he had joined.
Tala smiles and nods, her tail swaying a few times. "That's nice for them to stay.. I mean as long the alpha is ok with it an all.." Sure that makes sense to her!
"And there's enough hunting," adds Ikuna. Funny, how learning to hunt for himself has made him more conscious of the effort that goes into feeding a pack, instead of food just being something that magically appears from adults. "Maybe it'll be more a mixed-up pack than a family pack, soon!" he suggests with a small grin.
Coinin doesn't really think that the outsiders will outnumber the family members any time soon, but he imagines that eventually the outsiders will become family of sorts anyway. He isn't concerned at all, "Yes hunting is very important. Which is why I plan to teach your friend how to hunt and defend himself soon enough." He hopes to do so when he finally is able to track Anoki down.
Anoki, like his mother rest her soul, had an odd means of knowing one, when people are talking about him, and two, songs that always catch his lips as he plods along. His river song has been left behind for the moment, for a song he heard running in the snow. Why? It just comes to him sometimes, these songs and voices in his ears. "See the sunlight through the pines, taste the warm and winter fine, dream of softly falling snow, winter's cold, apsenglow, as the winter days unfold, hearts grow warmer with the cold, peace of mind is all you know." he hums this to himself, voice occasionally cracking lightly, but otherwise the boy carries a pleasant pitched voice, tail wagging along as he trots away from the river toward where he'd left his friends last.
Tala hums softly and nods, her tail swaying a few times. "Our older brother Asku has started to teach us how to hunt. We was able to get a deer too with his training and help." He grins at that rather liking that hunt to say the least.
Long has it been since the white wolf has left the fork, though rather than venturing off on his own accord this time he followed another from the pack. A curious eye struck the young wolf in question; why did he wander off alone? Keeping a fair distance behind him, Tariro watched Anoki as he trots from the river with tune in maw. It was about time he learned what going on in his nephews life.
Ikuna nods to Coinin and Tala. Yeah, hunting is important, so's defense. He doesn't say anything, though, because he's perking his ears to the sound of someone singing. It's distant at first, just enough to distract him, but then as Anoki gets closer he starts to be pretty sure it actually is someone. Not just a generic someone, either. He lifts up his muzzle, and lets out an aroo! to reveal the spot where the three travelers had spent the night.
Coinin heard the sound of Anoki approaching and turned his head toward the sound of the song. Yes that is most definitely Anoki. He is the only one he knows who sings those particular songs, and besides he knows that voice, "Hello Anoki..." he calls out to him. Another smell makes its way to his nose, it smells like Tariro. Good. He had missed talking to him. It probably has only been a few days, but given the events with Niyt over the last week or so it seems like much longer. Beyond that he is just glad to see his friend.
The 'roo first, then his beta's voice cause Anoki to look up, pausing mid warble to smile, before he trots that way with a smile. "Hallooo all," he replies, as he comes closed, flumping into a sprawl as soon as he gets close, pausing to lick at his paws briefly. Then he says, looking to Ikuna and Tala, "You two sleep well last night, yar?" he asks, with a grin, "Not too strange out here is it, away from yer hill an' cranky brother?" He winks playfully. Then he looks to Coinin. "Halloo, Coinin, sir. You met my friends from the Ute!"
Funny how chit chat can fall upon deaf ears, but the moment he hears a howling, consciousness hits Ahiga like a stone. And it's too bad too because he was just getting to the best part of his dream! He wakes with an inhaled snortish snore, and when his eyes open, they look a little crossed. "So what'f I scarfed th'las bunnyfeet.." is his awakening mumble of nonsense that's exhaled against the grass. He wakes with such grace!
Tala hum softly and titls her head, maw twitching at the new scent that catches her attention. She hums and then glances to Ikuna and soon licks across her maw. A glance is offered back to Ahiga, and her tail thumps a few times and smiles. "Hey Ahiga."
The white wolf's curiosity leads him to the group of youngsters in the distance ahead of them, stopping within the trees and glancing to them in silent question. Looking to each wolf, it was Coinin who caught his eye the longest. What was he doing out this way? Listening from the shadows, Tariro moves in and takes a seat in a spot just out of the way.
Ikuna wags his tail briefly at the appearance of that there Anoki, and grins. "Oh, we were fine. You got good moss 'round here, and the sticks aren't too stabby. Keep up the good work!" Yeah, definitely a change from the ponderous, careful face he presented to the Unknown Wolf... though even that did relax once he established Coinin's identity. The boy glances over to the waking Ahiga, and hehs, padding a step over to nudge at the other's head with a paw, 'helping' him wake up. Ikuna doesn't really notice Tariro's approach at first - too many distractions!
Coinin goes where he needs to go when there is a mystery to solve. He had noted the scents of new wolves when he had been out on patrol and they lead him here. That is when he encountered Ikuna and then Tala, and finally the rest. He knows Tariro is out there somewhere, but he doesn't say anything to give that away. Tariro will pop in if he wishes too. Most of his attention at the present moment is on Anoki, "I did." he said, "They said that they had come to see you, and as long as they don't make any trouble I don't see the harm in it. Its good to have folks your own age to play with, though I don't think they should stay too long since the rest of the wolves from Ute don't know they are here." He then turns his attention back toward the waking wolf, this must be the last of the sleepers.
A grin splits Anoki's face at Ikuna's words, and Anoki lets his tongue loll just a bit. This ends as he smirks amusedly at Coinin and then looks his wat. "Yeah, I told'em that myself, that they shoulda told the adults, but." he smirks, and shrugs. Then looks back to the other young'ns. "See? You're good here 'nless ya cause trouble or get caught hangin' around by Ol' Grumpyface." he smirks.. then turns to Coinin, murmuring softly, "I've told them about Helaku hangin' around, I figured it would be a good idea not ta let him know they're here, or he'll go off on one of his moody mopey bits again." He says, not adding that he felt his friends would probably also try to harm said 'Mopey' wolf for the things he'd said about their family in their company. He then says, "So what you been doin' anyway, Coinin? You and Niyt still .. y'know, hangin' out? Ikuna said that HIS brother said that girls get a smell about'em and that makes guys wanna have puppies with'em, but I ain't never smelled nothin' like that around Niyt. Have you though?"
Ahiga blinks a few times before giving up and closing his eyes again. Sleep is caaalling his name. Or.. no wait, that's Tala. And the knocking on his head is not the sandman, it's Ikuna he thinks. "Dude...stop bangin' my head.." he murmurs, voice still groggy with sleep as he shifts his head away from the offending paw. But it's no use now, he's up! With a yaaaawn, he raises his head, smaking his muzzle a bit and then freezing at the sight of Coinin. New wolf! But he must be alright as neither Ikuna or Tala have took off running. "..S'up," he offers.
Tariro's attempts to remain hidden seemed favorable even though he wasn't really trying to conceal himself. If one were to look, his presence was quite noticeable but until someone does notice him he keep quiet leaning against a tree and watching. Each wolf is given a looking to, even the waking sleeper, before stopping along Anoki. He knew his nephew was to go to Ute for personal reasons but little did he think he'd bring any back with him. Flicking an ear to the phrase 'ol grumpyface' Tar raises a brow and wonders who he refers to by that.. then his brows knot at the mention of Helaku. Its not like he minded the wolf, but he didn't exactly like him either. Hearing the next bit puts a rather amused smirk on the wolfs face. Coinin and Niyt.. where'd he get that idea. Now 'smells' and 'puppies'.. oy. Being a voice to answer that, he decides to keep his silence a while longer curious on how Coinin will answer that.
Next time, tell the pack. Ikuna did get that part. Assuming, of course, they're not grounded for life as opposed to being respected for having taken initiative and carrying out a successful plan. It's a little up in the air. He doesn't say anything about it, though, just sort of rolling between his paws in a shrug, then nods. "Yeah, all good." Well, except for that Helaku guy. What's up with him, really? Ikuna has heard just enough to set him really wondering... though Helaku doesn't sound like a nice guy to meet. When Anoki goes asking for more about the whole... mating thing... his ears perk curiously, though he takes the opportunity when the other two are engaged to lower his head to Ahiga and say quietly. "That's Coinin. The beta."
Coinin sighs, he had hoped that Anoki would be off that particular kick by now. At first it was sort of embarrassing, and now it is quickly moving into the territory of irritating. There is nothing whatsoever romantic going on between he and Niyt...at all. In any way. Nothing. Nada. Zip, ziltch, and zero. Niyt is his friend nothing more, and a friend that he is sort of irritated with at the moment. She probably doens't even know that she hurt his feelings, but she did. He will probably talk to her later about it when he sees her, but now is not the time for that. He takes a moment and composes himself, not wanting to seem upset in front of the guests. He fixes Anoki with something of a stare and says, "Anoki...your sister and I are friends, good friends. But there is no chance in us being a couple. It is never going to happen. I want to be really clear about that. Ok?" he asks. He wants some kind of confirmation that he has been understood. For the time being the others are forgotten.
Ears cup forward, and then lay back at the stern look. "... Uh, okay," Anoki says, with a frown. "I was just curious what Asku had meant about 'smells' and stuff. It sounds.. like, stupid." He says, blinking balnky at Coinin. Well, yes, it does! Since he's never smelled anything like that, so why should it be true? "Like maybe Asku was just tryin' to skirt around sayin' the truth c'os it's like, I dunno." He shoots a look to Ikuna, Ahiga, and Tala, adding, in a mumble as he looks at his paws, "Like if we knew the truth it would make the sun fall outta the sky or something c'os we're not old enough yet or something." He frowns.
"Oh.." Ahiga answers quietly to Ikuna's whisper, nodding. Beta means be on his best behavior, got it! He finally pushes himself up off of his stomach with one last yawn and shake of his head to clear it of the sleepies. Yes, he's good and awake now. Just in time to catch up on the conversation between Anoki and the aforementioned Beta. His ears prick a little, quiet as to not interrupt (and likely so he can listen and piece together what they're talking about). Smells. Asku.. Oh, he gets it! "Oh hey man," he says to Anoki, grinning as he stands to trot towards the other youth to bump his head encouragingly against his shoulder. "Don' worry about all that. Cuz see, we figured it out last night. We're just not gonna do it. All that stuff about smellin' something and goin' goofy in the head? We're just not gonna, easy as that. Right guys?" he looks to Ahiga and Tala for confirmation. United they stand!
While awaiting the response, Tariro takes a moment to look around the area a bit baffled by how the place has changed since he was last here. Upon hearing his packmate, the wolf turns back and is quiet taken by the way he decides to break the news to Anoki. Ears drop wondering if that was really the best way to go about it, but then again its not really his to say. Looking to Anoki Tar half smiles feeling somewhat sorry for him. Turning to the three Ute, he softly chuckles from his spot in the shadows shaking his head. maybe they'll do it, may be they wont; he'd certainly like to see them try.
Ikuna's perked ears flick back briefly as Coinin not only fails to answer Anoki's question informatively for the other youngsters lurking, but actually gets a little grumpy. It's never nice to see friends get scolded. When Anoki goes looking back to them, he nods. Inquiring young minds want to know! "I dunno if it's gonna be /easy/," he says to Ahiga, then looks to Anoki as he continues. "But we figure, we can stop from actually doing anything stupid, 'cause we have willpower and all that." He looks between the two young males and Coinin, then adds, "It'd be good to know more about it, though. So we know what to avoid..."
Coinin had just wanted to make it absolutely crystal clear. He isn't all that into scolding people but the nerve is just raw enough that he felt he had to make it clear. Now that the issue seems to be resolved he can relax a little bit more. He listens to what the young ones are saying and to what Anoki said. It doesn't really feel like his place to answer this question for the young ones of another pack. He doesn't even really feel all that comfortable answering the question for Anoki, though it would be different if they were by themselves and didn't have all these ears listening in, "If you have any questions about that I would suggest that you direct them to your grown up packmates." he says to the Ute crowd. He isn't going there. He offers a smile to Anoki, "I'm sure that your sister would be happy to answer any and all questions you have.." No way is he going anywhere near this topic.
A bit of Ahiga's confidence in their plan of "just not doing it" wavers a bit as Ikuna speaks. Well, his pal isn't sounding so sure... Maybe it won't be as easy as he's imagining. Willpower, he has but is it going to take much more than that? His eyes are drawn towards Coinin now, as if seeing him in a new light. Now this guy might have answers! He holds the key to unlocking a drama free adult life...and he's not being very helpful right now! "Aw c'mon, you can tell us," he encourages, tail waving a little. "Our pack's too busy now. An' plus, I bet Wachiwa 'n Asku are way tired've tellin' us things, 'specially now that there's pups around an' they've got to help with them. We're like...old news. /You'd/ be helpin' us an' our pack out."
They could just avoid females all together... As a wolf who hasn't had the sensation of love or commitment in a very long time, Tariro found it rather easy to keep from the embarrassing moments that came with courtship. "Or perhaps ask someone whos experienced it before." Is said in subtle tone, itching his head against the tree beside him. But as Coinin suggests they find something within their own pack to help fill them in, he frowns. Sure it was for Ute to tend to their own but what was wrong with a little friendly help from a neighbor.
Yet another thing that adults don't want youngsters to know about, to judge from how Coinin is pushing them away from the question. Hmmm. For all Ikuna and his friends have concluded this particular thing isn't really something they're going to /do/, it's kind of annoying to be denied. He gives his head a little shake, and then pauses mid-motion as he hears a little voice and notices a rather large white thing that wasn't there before, he swears. He turns to face Tariro, looking questioningly at him. "Uh. Hello," he says. How long has that white wolf been there, anyway?
Coinin isn't exactly pushing them away, its just that he doesn't really feel like this is his question to answer. Besides he has never been in love. He doesn't even really have a point of reference, "Alright guys...I will say this. The most important thing in life is to find someone to love and have a commitment to..." he is interrupted by Tariro's hello. Well thank goodness. He was hoping that Tariro would join in the conversation. He has known he was there for awhile now, but wasn't going to draw attention to it.
Ahiga perks his ears up, as it seems as if Coinin is going to relent! The secret of this scent thing, and females, and...other stuff, he guesses. He's all ears, waiting to receive the golden knowledge from this wolf, though the beginning doesn't sound promising. Love and commitment? He's not even quite sure what that second word means, but before he can ask, he too turns his attention to the once silent white wolf. Woah, who's that? He lowers his head and brows a bit, not sure if he's looking at a friend or foe! Ikuna's greeting is not echoed, for now anyway, as he focuses on half-glaring.
Long enough to know whats going on apparently. A pleasent and calm look on his face, Tariro slowly stands to shake out of pelt before addressing the first of the young wolves to finally notice him. "Hello." He nods politely flicking his tail side to side. Ikuna held a slight familiar presence to the white wolf as the one who was rescued those several moons ago. My has he grown. Then his attention draws upon Coinin and the same nodding of his head is given. "Hello Coinin." Looking back to the younger wolves the glare from Ahiga he paused upon. "I am not your enemy young one." He announces stepping forward. "I am Cerulean's Alpha. You may call me Tariro if you like."
Besides, it's not like this 'someone to love and commitment' can trump His Pack, right? So it can't be THE most important thing. These questions about scent and mating can be asked of Chewy or Asku later, though, and Ikuna's attention is now mostly on the unknown wolf, who quickly becomes a known wolf. "Oh!" he lets out, because with the combination of face and name he does sort of vaguely recognize the Cerulean alpha. He nods his head respectfully, keeping fur smooth and tail dipped just barely below level. "It's good to see you, Tariro," the boy says in a somewhat formal tone. "I don't know if you remember... I'm Ikuna, and this is my friend Ahiga and sister Tala."
Ok good. It seems that Tariro has offered the group a bit of distraction from the topic at hand. Coinin offers a smile and a nod to Tariro. He is pleased to see him. He had been back for a few days and hadn't seen him around at all, "Hi Tariro..." he says to him before turning back toward Ikuna. It seems that the conversation from earlier about how he knows Anoki is coming to the foreground again. He smiles to Ahiga and nods as Tariro speaks. No Tariro is definitely not going to harm anyone here. He thinks that perhaps these young wolves might need to hear about love, commitment and service because those are the important things to understand.
The vocal wolf Tariro remembered. It was hard to forget one whom his nephew spoke so much of upon his return. "As it is with you Ikuna." He smiles, flicking an ear to Coinin acknowledging his returned greeting. Looking to the others when pointed out he puts them to memory for future reference before turning back to Ikuna for a moment. "Did you happen to see where Anoki ran off to?" Seemed he missed placed the young wolf. "There is something I'd like to speak to him on." He might as well just go look for him without even an answer. Waiting just long enough for a response he looks back toward the river ready to head out should his nephew gone that way.
Ikuna smiles, and nods to Tariro. At the question about Anoki, he uhms for a moment, then says, "Back to the river, I think?" He nudges at a vague quadrant of the forest with his muzzle, though he's not entirely certain of it. When Tariro turns to head away, Ikuna sits down again, glancing to his friends. It's about time for a consultation on what to do next, he figures.
Coinin gives Ikuna a smile, "Night!" he says to him as he turns to follow Tariro. He did feel a bit bad for being brusk with Anoki earlier and perhaps when Tariro finds him he can apologize and let him know that he isn't upset or anything, even though he did want to be really clear on that since he has apparently been telling everyone.