Post by Pavane on Dec 15, 2011 14:33:04 GMT -5
Two small scenes at the Hilltop Vista: Troubles, and Good Times.
In the first, Askuwheteau considers on the troubles of the pack, including the injuries of his adolescent siblings, Ikuna and Tala. Meanwhile, the pup Hadir shows off a new discovery.
In the second, Ikuna encounters Althaea and Hadir, and attempts to amuse the pups.
---Troubles---
Askuwheteau is resting outside the densite, his brow furrowed and a more then troubled look on his face. He seems distracted, a far off look in his eyes and his ears lain back along his skull. He also shifts restlessly from time to time, his mind occupied with various troubles at the moment.
The creek isn't that far away, and right now, Ikuna is soaking wet from a trip there. It's washed away scent, at least - but the reddish pink of recent wounds are still visible, clawswipes across one of his legs and a few more mostly hidden by the thick fur of his body. He pads toward the hilltop at a slow pace, careful of those pains as they begin to heal.
Tala hasn't moved to much from her spot near the den, her head tucked under a forepaw while she seems to be asleep. Unlike Ikuna she is a bit more scrapped up to say the least. A healing bite to her right shoulder, claw marks across her neck and neck.. Seems the young wolves have been through the ringer or something along the lines..
Hadir is resting comfortably inside the den. He had been out and about near the den at various points over the last few days. He had a bit of a fun time with Ikuna the other day before he had another interesting incident. But at the present time he is very much asleep.
Askuwheteau turns his eyes down the incline to find his little brother, he had been looking over Tala as she seemed to sleep, his mind also wandering over his nephew and the tiny pup's 'episodes'. It seemed the Ute young were hard pressed to find any peace these days. Asku sighed softly and slowly shook his head before rumbling a greeting to his brother, "Hello Ikuna."
Ikuna wurfs in reply, and makes his careful way toward his elder brother. He glances around the densite, checking on who's here and what's happening, and then sits down. "Hey, Asku," he says with a smile, and starts to lean over to give a shoulder bump before reconsidering and aiming a nosing for his cheek instead.
Tala is starting to wake up somewhat, though she doesn't really want to. Her shoulder hurts along with the rest of her. A faint whine escapes her as she shifts, stretching her neck before stoping the movement and peers out. She blinks and licks across her maw, nose twitching while she slowly pushes herself upwards so she is settled upon her haunches.
Hadir doesn't really do too much more at the moment than sleep in the den. He will likely awaken if he were too hear too many more sounds from outside. He likes Ikuna. Ikuna is a genius who teaches him many things.
Askuwheteau smiles as he recieves the nuzzle from his baby brother, "Well it looks like you pups have gotten in a bit of trouble haven't you?" He offers with a sigh, then turning to look at Tala as she rises, "Evening little sis, have a nice nap or were you too sore to sleep well?"
Ikuna frowns a little. They're not pups anymore! He makes a little shake of his head to one side, then speaks simply. "We ran into a wolverine." Literally, as it happens. Still, they made it through the fight, and that's a start. "We'll be okay. I'm more worried about Skahla's pup. The boy."
Tala ears perk forward slightly and she lifts a forepaw to rub slightly across her nose a few times. A glance is offered over to Asku and she offers a slight smile and sway of her tail. "Ah.. Sorta both I guess?" She was rather sore to say the least. "An.. Ya.. Something is well.. Different about him." To say the least.
Hadir is presently blissfully unconcerned about others worries for him. His attention span at this age is very short and he has likely already forgotten about the other night with Ikuna.
Askuwheteau nods at his little brother, "Yes, I witnessed one of his fits the other day. Terrible thing for a little pup to have to endure. I think it bothered me more to watch it helplessly then it did him to have it. But I mean to talk with Shawnee about it as soon as I catch her awake." Asku softly chuckles and shakes his head, "Well at least the two of you are not badly hurt, I hope you and Tala aquitted yourselves well?"
At this point, the other wolves can talk right over Hadir's head. It's sort of convenient, even though it'd be nice to be able to actually ask him how he feels and other things like that. Ikuna tilts his head to the side as Asku speaks. "I dunno. He was whimpering pretty bad, an' like he couldn't breathe." The male sighs, glancing over toward the den. Two different experiences for Hadir's watchers... of, as it turns out, two /different/ problems. Ikuna looks back to Asku after a moment, and hehs. "It was bleeding when it ran. Tala got it in the side."
Tala ears twitch while she listens to the two talk about the pup, a soft oh escapes her and she frowns. "Is there anything we can do for him..?" She questions curiously with a tilt of her head. A soft ah escapes her and she clears her throat before nodding at what Ikuna says.
Hadir didn't really mind to have the fit that Asku witnessed that is true, because he was largely unaware of it. However, the incident that he had with Ikuna was a different matter entirely. That was something that he was very aware of, and it was most unpleasant. He stirs quietly as he hears the voices talking outside the den and lifts his head blinking his eyes.
Askuwheteau shakes his head sadly, "I do not think so Tala, I'm good at a great many things but healing is not one of them. I'm better at hurting then healing sadly. I'm not sure if Chewy would know anything about it but I'm afraid all we can do is search for a healer and be there for the little guy." He nuzzled his younger siblings and nodded, "You both did good then, maybe it'll stay away from our lands. It's not as if we haven't had enough interlopers already. Still and all they never seem to stay long, I haven't seen that Snow she-wolf in a few seasons. Of course our own Ute members have the tendancy to wander off as well..." His ears droop a moment, he was thinking about both of his sisters, he and Skahla had been the only wolves from his litter to stay with the pack.
Ikuna's ears perk hopefully at his sister's question, but he nods without too much surprise at Asku's answer. "We'll be here," he agrees, and then nods about the wolverine. "It... didn't seem a good neighbor." After a moment of thought, he tilts his head to the side. "Did anyone ever find that other she-wolf? The one that led me away?"
Tala frowns at the answer and slowly shift to lean closer to Asku. Her head settling between her forepaws and she sniffs out softly. "It.. Just seems like we should be able to do something else to help him." She offers with a faint murmur. A ear perks forward. "I dono if he will or not.. He.. he killed a baby deer." Her gaze turns to Asku. "I thought one was only suppose to hunt the ill, hurt or old.."
Askuwheteau frowns and his expression becomes dark, "No Iku, although I still search for her. And when I find her..." He left the threat unspoken and hanging in the air, but if his expression was anything to go by the offending she-wolf would end up viewing Mlawatu the ghost's fate as a mercy. Asku let his anger fall away and he sighed again, "I wish we could do more also Tala, but sadly we can only do just so much as we can do. And you are right, but remember the stories I told you when you were smaller about the hero Stonebender and the great she-wolf Whitefell. There is much in this world that we are not /suppose/ to do, but creatures do them anyway. It is up to those of us who try to live rightly and the spirits themselves to punsh the wicked animals of this world."
So it didn't just happen and he didn't hear about it. She's still out there, and perhaps still causing trouble. Ikuna nods. Another thing to watch out for. Ikuna sighs, and leans over to nuzzle at his sister's uninjured shoulder. "We try," he says softly, a sort of mantra as much for himself as any of the others.
Tala hums softly and nods while she takes in a soft breath. "I know.." She offers softly, a glance offered to Ikuna and she noses back at him. Her tail swaying a few times before she takes in a soft breath.
Askuwheteau watches his younger siblings and then allows a small smile to grace his muzzle, "So...besides all this mountain of trouble we face, anybody have any good news?" Asku truely hoped so, it felt to me as if there were no end to the troubles that plagued his pack, even the miracle of new pups seemed destined to be marred somehow. Nothing seemed to be going right, starting even before the death of his parents. In point of fact it seemed nothing had been going in the pack's favor for nigh on two years now.
Ikuna smiles to his sister, and then tilts his head to his brother. Something about that expression on Asku's face, despite the smile, makes Ikuna really want to look for good news to give him. Well... there's one thing. "We saw Anoki again. He's well. And..." Why not? Take the plunge! It's not like /Asku/ is likely to be mad at them for going off without permission. "We met Cerulean's Alpha and Beta. They're good wolves."
Tala ears perk forward a moment, a soft oh escapes her and she clears her throat before nodding at what Ikuna says. A slight glance offered up to Asku. "Ya.. I.. Hope your not made at us or anything.."
Hadir had fallen asleep again somewhat but now at the sound of persistant voices he lifts his head and yawns. After another moment he lifts himself to his paws and makes his way to the entrance of the den and pokes his head out. It seems like a nice enough night, and look who all is here. There are more than there were even the other night. He offers the group a little bark.
Askuwheteau gives a light chuckle and shakes his head at his little brother and sister, "I'm not mad you two, I'd be terribly hypocritical if I was. Because when I was a younger wolf I did the same thing, only I wasn't even an adolescent when I slipped away to meet them. And yes they are good wolves, they nearly panicked when they found that the son of the Ute Alpha's has snuck away to visit without telling his parents. I was in a whole lot of trouble when mom- Oh hello? Did we wake you up little guy? Come to join the party?" Asku smirked and opened his paws to his nephew, "Lookee here, Aunt Tala and Uncle Ikuna are here too! It's a big family meeting isn't it?" He smiled while talking to the puppy.
Ikuna is a bit relieved that the news goes over without a hitch. He grins a bit, and nods. "Was Tariro alpha then?" he asks. That Coinin beta was new, he thinks, but Tariro had the look of an old wolf, at least according to adolescent standards. At the sound of Hadir's bark, he turns his head toward the pup and wurfs in answer. That's right, it's the talky uncle _and_ the quiet uncle, not to mention the aunt!
Tala grins as she hears Asku, her tail swaying around a few times. "Well.. I can imagen that you did get in trouble with mom." She offers with an amused tone before her attention turns to Hadir and she lowers her head to sniff out at him slightly before offering a soft bark back to him.
Hadir smiles as Asku pays attention to him. That is the wolf talked to him a lot. He likes being talked to. Soon enough he will begin working toward using words. He offers a bark back to Asku and looks over to Ikuna and Tala. Yep he knows those guys. Ikuna is fun. Tala he doens't really know as well yet.
Askuwheteau grins and wags slightly, for being so fearsome he really does love puppies. "C'mere you!" He laughs and then glances at Ikuna, "Yes I believe he was, although it was just the beta's that found me. That was probably what scared them so muh, having an alpha's son in their midst and not have an alpha's authority to deal with the situation..."
Ikuna tilts his head, considering on that, and nods. Alpha's son. Betas. Authority. Rank. So much to think about, but he doesn't entirely want to ask those questions here. Not in his own pack, not where his own brother is Alpha. He doesn't want to challenge Skahla, but he does wonder sometimes about what happens next. "It all worked out okay, though..." he says instead. So maybe all the current troubles will too, right?
Tala tail sways a few times while she watches Hadir and leans over close to Ikuna, her head settling againt his shoulder slightly. A soft yawn escapes her, eyes half closing. "I guess it did work out then, and now. Funny how some things work out." The thought of rank hasn't crossed her mind much, not like she ever expected to be high in it to start with. An with Skahla alpha now it doesn't really matter anymore.
Hadir plans to take over the world...oh yes. With the power of cuteness. The wolves here present are already in his power and they don't even know it...mwhaha. In all actuality the young pup just likes it when folks pay attention to him. He has been thinking about this for a long while and decides he will try to lay this gem on them, "Dir!" he says loudly. Probably the most consistent sound that he has heard his mother make is the sound of his name. He has sort of connected the sound with himself and so attempts to lay it on the group.
Askuwheteau laughs softly at his little brother and sister, "Yes it did, and no I didn't start a pack war as the adults at the time feared, I did get a serious hiding from mom though yes. I was always the pup that was forever getting in trouble. I never could quite put my paw on just why though. I always felt I was well behaved save for that one time of slipping away from home and the single fight I had with Skahla. Mom just never seemed very pleased with me for some reason." Asku blinked at the tiny puppy when he announces part of his name, "Dir?" he questions in surprise.
Ikuna listens to Asku's discussion of his puphood, and shrugs a little. Who can say what really went on? Not him, that's for sure. Maybe it's just mom being weird. After all, Skahla's weird that way, about seeming to dislike people even when he doesn't, and he's heard everyone say that Skah took after their mother. He nods to Asku, and then tilts his head curiously at the pup's addition to the conversation. Dir, indeed. He laughs, watching.
Tala doesn't really remember there mother either, so its sorta hard to understand what she may have acted like. Ikuna and herself lost there mother when they was rather young after all. A curious glance is offered to the pup, her ears perking and she hums softly. "is he trying to say his name you think?"
Hadir is pleased with the response that got. Good they seem to get that its important too. He babbles happily, "Dir...Dir...Dir..." This talking thing is easy. He doens't know why he hasn't tried it before.
Askuwheteau smirks and nods, "Yes Tala I think thats exactly what he's doing. The little guy is smart." He leans down to nose at the little male and speaks slowly so that the puppy can hear every syllable distinctly, "Ha-Dir?"
Ikuna shifts himself somewhat, and leans against Tala, watching as Asku interacts with the little pup. So, this is what it was like when they were little, huh? Well, there are new puppies around now. He and Tala are grown up. Yeah, that's right. He lets out a small whff, half-sigh.
Tala watches Hadir a few moments before letting her eyes close. She takes in a soft breath and just relaxes against Ikuna's side. Seems she's somewhat tired, with everything that went on it really shouldn't be a surprize. A ear twitches forward while she listens somewhat to the others.
Hadir is definitely trying ot say his name. He watches Asku and perks his ears forward. He doens't think he is ready for two syllables just yet, "Dir!" he says back to him. Yep he is going to have to keep working ont he rest of it. He offers a yawn as well and sinks to his stomach and beats Tala to sleep.
Askuwheteau smiles and lightly nuzzles the little pup as he nods off, "Well okay then...little ones have little stamina as well. Sweet dreams." He turns and smirks as he sees both his siblings looking tired as well, "Good night to you also..."
Adolescents have more stamina. These particular adolescents, however, also have the tiredness that comes from their bodies working hard to repair themselves. Ikuna nods to Asku, and murmurs a, "Good night," before cuddling against his sister and falling asleep together with her.
---Good Times---
Hadir is presently outside the den. He is sleeping under the stars. He has been asleep for most of the day. Though he periodically would wake up and look around. Not much has been going on today.
It always seemed to be quiet when she was up and about; a sad realization for the pup. Althaea wasn't really even sure what it meant for things to be quiet, blinking her blue eyes in random directions before a beetle crawls over one of her paws, catching her attention. Head tilting she reaches to smell the weird creature.
It'll take more than injuries to keep Ikuna down! He's been out hunting. And if it weren't for those injuries, maybe he'd have something more to show for it than... a squirrel. That's a pup sort of prey. Seriously. Oh well, it's something. Maybe the pups will have fun playing with it? The fluffy tail dangles from his muzzle as he pads back to the densite.
Hadir lifts his head and glances around sleepily. He yawns loudly and glances around. He quickly spots both Ikuna and his sister, "Dir!" he shouts loudly to the group. Yep he is working on talking.
Althaea's twitch to the sudden 'dir', turning from the bug and to the voice of her brother. As she does, its the form of another whom she hasn't seen before that brings the girl to her paws and a small bark.
Ikuna looks around between the pups, squirrel still in his muzzle, and gives them a nod. He pads closer, and sets it down, licking his lips before giving a low wurf. "Oh. Hey."
Much like she had looked at the beetle does Althaea look at Ikuna. Her lack of presence amongst the group has made anyone outside her siblings and parents an unfamiliar encounter. Sniffing the air she watches the much larger wolf before slowly creeping forward.
Ikuna is fluffier than the beetle, at least. He's not that unlike wolfparents, except for not being one. He flops down onto his belly, tilting his head to the side as the young female approaches but otherwise not moving and letting her approach at her own pace.
Althaea comes to a halt when the older moves, dropping her ears. Who was he? Why was he here? Was he nice? Did mommy and daddy know him? Looking to her brother she wanders in silence if he knew this one, but with him not being of much help at the moment she looks back to the big wolf. Looks like it was up to her to find out these questions.
Ikuna stays where he is, watching the pup. After a few moments further, he offers a quiet wuff to Althaea. Her mother and father most certainly do know him, since he's her uncle. Not that she and her siblings are old enough to understand that yet. For now, he waits, his tail wagging a little in a friendly gesture.
Althaea does indeed notice the tail wagging and her ears go up peaking her interest. It was like Ikuna didn't exist anymore as she watches the furry thing move side to side. Her own tail wags, taking a few steps forward then a leap. The tail had become a moving target and she just has to get it.
Ikuna blinks as Althaea suddenly goes after his tail, the motion of it pausing for a moment as he looks at the little pup, perplexed.
Reaching the tail, she is about to puppy attack it when it stops sending Althaea into a very confused state. What happened? Head tilting, she stands before it with raised paw, poking at it curiously.
Ikuna chuckles softly, his tail slowly swaying again and bumping against Althaea as he peers back to watch the youngster.
Althaea eeps at the tail as it starts up again and bumps into her; raising up her forepaws. It only takes her a moment to gather herself and begin her previous intentions, jumping at the tail and even trying to gnaw on it.
Ikuna's tail, being rather large relative to the pup, just keeps right on wagging despite the chewings and pouncings. Nice slow sweeps, and he chuckles as it baps back and forth against the puppy. She's mostly just getting fluff, anyhow.
As the tail continues its motion, Althaea drops to the ground onto her belly. Each time it comes in close, she bats opening her mouth in assistance to her paws. Even if fur was all that she caught it was still something. Something that put a smile on her face and perhaps even a little giggle.
Apparently, pups are easily amused. Ikuna whuffs, and he stretches out his forepaws, lowering his head to rest on them as his tail continues to sway back and forth and bump against the youngster, batting back at her with fluff as she paws at it and gnaws on his thick fur.
Everything was new; Althaea couldn't help herself when it came to figureing something out, even if it meant sticking her nose where it probably shouldn't. Lasting a while longer with the tail, she soon picks herself up and looks to the wolf who looks a tad bored in her opinion. Yipping at him, her tongue loals out.
Ikuna's tail slides to a stop, and he peers back at the young female. "Really, now?" he asks her, and then chuckles. "Here. If you want something to chew on..." He lifts up the dropped squirrel again, wiggling it for the pup before dropping it toward her. That's how pups learn, right? He remembers having small prey to play with when he was a little puppy - not so little as Althaea and her siblings, but still from about as early as he remembers anything.
Althaea looks to the squirral and blinks, What is that? Head tilting she slowly moves over to it. Up close she blinks once more. Was it another like her; it certianly didnt smell like her, didnt much look like her either. Looking to Ikuna her head tilts the otherway not sure what to do with it.
Ikuna chuckles, and reaches his head over to nudge the pup encouragingly toward the squirrel. "Go on. Rough it up a bit." He leans his head down and chomps lightly on one of the prey's legs to demonstrate. "See? It's fun."
Althaea watches the demonstration and is a bit slow to pick up on what needs to be done. He wanted her to do what? Chew on it... Moving closer to the squirrel she noses it then takes a seat. Well ok, here goes nothing. Imitating Ikuna, she chomps on the prey. Certainly was not squeak toy, but it did sorta have the squish affect.
Ikuna grins encouragingly, and nods. "There ya go," he says, reaching out a paw to nudge the squirrel gently and make it wriggle as Althaea bites it. It doesn't squeak - at least, not once it's already dead - but it is suitable for gnawing on and tugging around and shaking.
Althaea stops when it wriggles; surprised. When it just lays there again she bites it again.
Ikuna chuckles, resting his head back on his paws and watching the pup as she explores this new toy. It's all hers - well, hers and her brother's and sister's. Not like it's more than a few bites for an adult wolf, anyhow.
Having her way with it, Althaea looks to her brother for a moment and then smiles an idea poping into her head. Picking the squirrel up- the best a pup can that is -taking it to show Hadir like it were the best thing ever.
Ikuna grins. That's right. Strut that mighty squirrel-getting prowess! Sure, the tail drags on the ground and tries to tangle with her paws, but it's still a fine trophy for her to show off to her brother. Maybe being squirreled! will wake him up again.
Althaea dragging the squirrel to her brother, tripping a few times on the way, she drops it down right in front of him then nudging it forward. "Dir! Dir!" Yes, she's heard hm say that a few times.
Ikuna chuckles. Yeah, so Hadir's syllable is proving to be a popular one. Althaea will teach her brother all about this 'squirrel' thing, he's sure. Maybe they'll even discover tug-o-war! ...hopefully that'll be okay for Hadir. Ikuna frowns briefly, considering on his little nephew's problems. Poor kid.
Althaea was unaware of her brothers ailment, he seemed perfectly fine to her. Nudging her brother this time, she frowns when he doesn't give any response. Was he asleep? Yipping at him as to say 'wake up' she plops her butt to the ground and waits.
Ikuna watches for a few moments, as Hadir continues what seems to be a doze despite his sister's nudging. Still breathing, at least. Ikuna can see that much. After a bit, he gets up and pads over toward the two pups, tilting his head down to nudge at Althaea and applying a lick between her ears. "Hadir will play with you later."
So that was his name.. Shows how much she pays attention to her parents. Still it was "Dir?" that escapes her lips as she gives her brother one last nudge before looking up to Ikuna with a continued frown.
Ikuna sighs softly. "Hadir will play later," he says again, and oh how he hopes that it's actually true. He leans over to give Hadir a nuzzle as well, checking his scent to see if that will tell him more, and then lifts his head to look back at Althaea. "We'll leave the squirrel here, okay? For when Hadir wakes up."
Althaea suddenly smiles and nods like she really understands. Leaving the squirel there, she moves to the side and and lays down. She'll see him later like Ikuna says.
In the first, Askuwheteau considers on the troubles of the pack, including the injuries of his adolescent siblings, Ikuna and Tala. Meanwhile, the pup Hadir shows off a new discovery.
In the second, Ikuna encounters Althaea and Hadir, and attempts to amuse the pups.
---Troubles---
Askuwheteau is resting outside the densite, his brow furrowed and a more then troubled look on his face. He seems distracted, a far off look in his eyes and his ears lain back along his skull. He also shifts restlessly from time to time, his mind occupied with various troubles at the moment.
The creek isn't that far away, and right now, Ikuna is soaking wet from a trip there. It's washed away scent, at least - but the reddish pink of recent wounds are still visible, clawswipes across one of his legs and a few more mostly hidden by the thick fur of his body. He pads toward the hilltop at a slow pace, careful of those pains as they begin to heal.
Tala hasn't moved to much from her spot near the den, her head tucked under a forepaw while she seems to be asleep. Unlike Ikuna she is a bit more scrapped up to say the least. A healing bite to her right shoulder, claw marks across her neck and neck.. Seems the young wolves have been through the ringer or something along the lines..
Hadir is resting comfortably inside the den. He had been out and about near the den at various points over the last few days. He had a bit of a fun time with Ikuna the other day before he had another interesting incident. But at the present time he is very much asleep.
Askuwheteau turns his eyes down the incline to find his little brother, he had been looking over Tala as she seemed to sleep, his mind also wandering over his nephew and the tiny pup's 'episodes'. It seemed the Ute young were hard pressed to find any peace these days. Asku sighed softly and slowly shook his head before rumbling a greeting to his brother, "Hello Ikuna."
Ikuna wurfs in reply, and makes his careful way toward his elder brother. He glances around the densite, checking on who's here and what's happening, and then sits down. "Hey, Asku," he says with a smile, and starts to lean over to give a shoulder bump before reconsidering and aiming a nosing for his cheek instead.
Tala is starting to wake up somewhat, though she doesn't really want to. Her shoulder hurts along with the rest of her. A faint whine escapes her as she shifts, stretching her neck before stoping the movement and peers out. She blinks and licks across her maw, nose twitching while she slowly pushes herself upwards so she is settled upon her haunches.
Hadir doesn't really do too much more at the moment than sleep in the den. He will likely awaken if he were too hear too many more sounds from outside. He likes Ikuna. Ikuna is a genius who teaches him many things.
Askuwheteau smiles as he recieves the nuzzle from his baby brother, "Well it looks like you pups have gotten in a bit of trouble haven't you?" He offers with a sigh, then turning to look at Tala as she rises, "Evening little sis, have a nice nap or were you too sore to sleep well?"
Ikuna frowns a little. They're not pups anymore! He makes a little shake of his head to one side, then speaks simply. "We ran into a wolverine." Literally, as it happens. Still, they made it through the fight, and that's a start. "We'll be okay. I'm more worried about Skahla's pup. The boy."
Tala ears perk forward slightly and she lifts a forepaw to rub slightly across her nose a few times. A glance is offered over to Asku and she offers a slight smile and sway of her tail. "Ah.. Sorta both I guess?" She was rather sore to say the least. "An.. Ya.. Something is well.. Different about him." To say the least.
Hadir is presently blissfully unconcerned about others worries for him. His attention span at this age is very short and he has likely already forgotten about the other night with Ikuna.
Askuwheteau nods at his little brother, "Yes, I witnessed one of his fits the other day. Terrible thing for a little pup to have to endure. I think it bothered me more to watch it helplessly then it did him to have it. But I mean to talk with Shawnee about it as soon as I catch her awake." Asku softly chuckles and shakes his head, "Well at least the two of you are not badly hurt, I hope you and Tala aquitted yourselves well?"
At this point, the other wolves can talk right over Hadir's head. It's sort of convenient, even though it'd be nice to be able to actually ask him how he feels and other things like that. Ikuna tilts his head to the side as Asku speaks. "I dunno. He was whimpering pretty bad, an' like he couldn't breathe." The male sighs, glancing over toward the den. Two different experiences for Hadir's watchers... of, as it turns out, two /different/ problems. Ikuna looks back to Asku after a moment, and hehs. "It was bleeding when it ran. Tala got it in the side."
Tala ears twitch while she listens to the two talk about the pup, a soft oh escapes her and she frowns. "Is there anything we can do for him..?" She questions curiously with a tilt of her head. A soft ah escapes her and she clears her throat before nodding at what Ikuna says.
Hadir didn't really mind to have the fit that Asku witnessed that is true, because he was largely unaware of it. However, the incident that he had with Ikuna was a different matter entirely. That was something that he was very aware of, and it was most unpleasant. He stirs quietly as he hears the voices talking outside the den and lifts his head blinking his eyes.
Askuwheteau shakes his head sadly, "I do not think so Tala, I'm good at a great many things but healing is not one of them. I'm better at hurting then healing sadly. I'm not sure if Chewy would know anything about it but I'm afraid all we can do is search for a healer and be there for the little guy." He nuzzled his younger siblings and nodded, "You both did good then, maybe it'll stay away from our lands. It's not as if we haven't had enough interlopers already. Still and all they never seem to stay long, I haven't seen that Snow she-wolf in a few seasons. Of course our own Ute members have the tendancy to wander off as well..." His ears droop a moment, he was thinking about both of his sisters, he and Skahla had been the only wolves from his litter to stay with the pack.
Ikuna's ears perk hopefully at his sister's question, but he nods without too much surprise at Asku's answer. "We'll be here," he agrees, and then nods about the wolverine. "It... didn't seem a good neighbor." After a moment of thought, he tilts his head to the side. "Did anyone ever find that other she-wolf? The one that led me away?"
Tala frowns at the answer and slowly shift to lean closer to Asku. Her head settling between her forepaws and she sniffs out softly. "It.. Just seems like we should be able to do something else to help him." She offers with a faint murmur. A ear perks forward. "I dono if he will or not.. He.. he killed a baby deer." Her gaze turns to Asku. "I thought one was only suppose to hunt the ill, hurt or old.."
Askuwheteau frowns and his expression becomes dark, "No Iku, although I still search for her. And when I find her..." He left the threat unspoken and hanging in the air, but if his expression was anything to go by the offending she-wolf would end up viewing Mlawatu the ghost's fate as a mercy. Asku let his anger fall away and he sighed again, "I wish we could do more also Tala, but sadly we can only do just so much as we can do. And you are right, but remember the stories I told you when you were smaller about the hero Stonebender and the great she-wolf Whitefell. There is much in this world that we are not /suppose/ to do, but creatures do them anyway. It is up to those of us who try to live rightly and the spirits themselves to punsh the wicked animals of this world."
So it didn't just happen and he didn't hear about it. She's still out there, and perhaps still causing trouble. Ikuna nods. Another thing to watch out for. Ikuna sighs, and leans over to nuzzle at his sister's uninjured shoulder. "We try," he says softly, a sort of mantra as much for himself as any of the others.
Tala hums softly and nods while she takes in a soft breath. "I know.." She offers softly, a glance offered to Ikuna and she noses back at him. Her tail swaying a few times before she takes in a soft breath.
Askuwheteau watches his younger siblings and then allows a small smile to grace his muzzle, "So...besides all this mountain of trouble we face, anybody have any good news?" Asku truely hoped so, it felt to me as if there were no end to the troubles that plagued his pack, even the miracle of new pups seemed destined to be marred somehow. Nothing seemed to be going right, starting even before the death of his parents. In point of fact it seemed nothing had been going in the pack's favor for nigh on two years now.
Ikuna smiles to his sister, and then tilts his head to his brother. Something about that expression on Asku's face, despite the smile, makes Ikuna really want to look for good news to give him. Well... there's one thing. "We saw Anoki again. He's well. And..." Why not? Take the plunge! It's not like /Asku/ is likely to be mad at them for going off without permission. "We met Cerulean's Alpha and Beta. They're good wolves."
Tala ears perk forward a moment, a soft oh escapes her and she clears her throat before nodding at what Ikuna says. A slight glance offered up to Asku. "Ya.. I.. Hope your not made at us or anything.."
Hadir had fallen asleep again somewhat but now at the sound of persistant voices he lifts his head and yawns. After another moment he lifts himself to his paws and makes his way to the entrance of the den and pokes his head out. It seems like a nice enough night, and look who all is here. There are more than there were even the other night. He offers the group a little bark.
Askuwheteau gives a light chuckle and shakes his head at his little brother and sister, "I'm not mad you two, I'd be terribly hypocritical if I was. Because when I was a younger wolf I did the same thing, only I wasn't even an adolescent when I slipped away to meet them. And yes they are good wolves, they nearly panicked when they found that the son of the Ute Alpha's has snuck away to visit without telling his parents. I was in a whole lot of trouble when mom- Oh hello? Did we wake you up little guy? Come to join the party?" Asku smirked and opened his paws to his nephew, "Lookee here, Aunt Tala and Uncle Ikuna are here too! It's a big family meeting isn't it?" He smiled while talking to the puppy.
Ikuna is a bit relieved that the news goes over without a hitch. He grins a bit, and nods. "Was Tariro alpha then?" he asks. That Coinin beta was new, he thinks, but Tariro had the look of an old wolf, at least according to adolescent standards. At the sound of Hadir's bark, he turns his head toward the pup and wurfs in answer. That's right, it's the talky uncle _and_ the quiet uncle, not to mention the aunt!
Tala grins as she hears Asku, her tail swaying around a few times. "Well.. I can imagen that you did get in trouble with mom." She offers with an amused tone before her attention turns to Hadir and she lowers her head to sniff out at him slightly before offering a soft bark back to him.
Hadir smiles as Asku pays attention to him. That is the wolf talked to him a lot. He likes being talked to. Soon enough he will begin working toward using words. He offers a bark back to Asku and looks over to Ikuna and Tala. Yep he knows those guys. Ikuna is fun. Tala he doens't really know as well yet.
Askuwheteau grins and wags slightly, for being so fearsome he really does love puppies. "C'mere you!" He laughs and then glances at Ikuna, "Yes I believe he was, although it was just the beta's that found me. That was probably what scared them so muh, having an alpha's son in their midst and not have an alpha's authority to deal with the situation..."
Ikuna tilts his head, considering on that, and nods. Alpha's son. Betas. Authority. Rank. So much to think about, but he doesn't entirely want to ask those questions here. Not in his own pack, not where his own brother is Alpha. He doesn't want to challenge Skahla, but he does wonder sometimes about what happens next. "It all worked out okay, though..." he says instead. So maybe all the current troubles will too, right?
Tala tail sways a few times while she watches Hadir and leans over close to Ikuna, her head settling againt his shoulder slightly. A soft yawn escapes her, eyes half closing. "I guess it did work out then, and now. Funny how some things work out." The thought of rank hasn't crossed her mind much, not like she ever expected to be high in it to start with. An with Skahla alpha now it doesn't really matter anymore.
Hadir plans to take over the world...oh yes. With the power of cuteness. The wolves here present are already in his power and they don't even know it...mwhaha. In all actuality the young pup just likes it when folks pay attention to him. He has been thinking about this for a long while and decides he will try to lay this gem on them, "Dir!" he says loudly. Probably the most consistent sound that he has heard his mother make is the sound of his name. He has sort of connected the sound with himself and so attempts to lay it on the group.
Askuwheteau laughs softly at his little brother and sister, "Yes it did, and no I didn't start a pack war as the adults at the time feared, I did get a serious hiding from mom though yes. I was always the pup that was forever getting in trouble. I never could quite put my paw on just why though. I always felt I was well behaved save for that one time of slipping away from home and the single fight I had with Skahla. Mom just never seemed very pleased with me for some reason." Asku blinked at the tiny puppy when he announces part of his name, "Dir?" he questions in surprise.
Ikuna listens to Asku's discussion of his puphood, and shrugs a little. Who can say what really went on? Not him, that's for sure. Maybe it's just mom being weird. After all, Skahla's weird that way, about seeming to dislike people even when he doesn't, and he's heard everyone say that Skah took after their mother. He nods to Asku, and then tilts his head curiously at the pup's addition to the conversation. Dir, indeed. He laughs, watching.
Tala doesn't really remember there mother either, so its sorta hard to understand what she may have acted like. Ikuna and herself lost there mother when they was rather young after all. A curious glance is offered to the pup, her ears perking and she hums softly. "is he trying to say his name you think?"
Hadir is pleased with the response that got. Good they seem to get that its important too. He babbles happily, "Dir...Dir...Dir..." This talking thing is easy. He doens't know why he hasn't tried it before.
Askuwheteau smirks and nods, "Yes Tala I think thats exactly what he's doing. The little guy is smart." He leans down to nose at the little male and speaks slowly so that the puppy can hear every syllable distinctly, "Ha-Dir?"
Ikuna shifts himself somewhat, and leans against Tala, watching as Asku interacts with the little pup. So, this is what it was like when they were little, huh? Well, there are new puppies around now. He and Tala are grown up. Yeah, that's right. He lets out a small whff, half-sigh.
Tala watches Hadir a few moments before letting her eyes close. She takes in a soft breath and just relaxes against Ikuna's side. Seems she's somewhat tired, with everything that went on it really shouldn't be a surprize. A ear twitches forward while she listens somewhat to the others.
Hadir is definitely trying ot say his name. He watches Asku and perks his ears forward. He doens't think he is ready for two syllables just yet, "Dir!" he says back to him. Yep he is going to have to keep working ont he rest of it. He offers a yawn as well and sinks to his stomach and beats Tala to sleep.
Askuwheteau smiles and lightly nuzzles the little pup as he nods off, "Well okay then...little ones have little stamina as well. Sweet dreams." He turns and smirks as he sees both his siblings looking tired as well, "Good night to you also..."
Adolescents have more stamina. These particular adolescents, however, also have the tiredness that comes from their bodies working hard to repair themselves. Ikuna nods to Asku, and murmurs a, "Good night," before cuddling against his sister and falling asleep together with her.
---Good Times---
Hadir is presently outside the den. He is sleeping under the stars. He has been asleep for most of the day. Though he periodically would wake up and look around. Not much has been going on today.
It always seemed to be quiet when she was up and about; a sad realization for the pup. Althaea wasn't really even sure what it meant for things to be quiet, blinking her blue eyes in random directions before a beetle crawls over one of her paws, catching her attention. Head tilting she reaches to smell the weird creature.
It'll take more than injuries to keep Ikuna down! He's been out hunting. And if it weren't for those injuries, maybe he'd have something more to show for it than... a squirrel. That's a pup sort of prey. Seriously. Oh well, it's something. Maybe the pups will have fun playing with it? The fluffy tail dangles from his muzzle as he pads back to the densite.
Hadir lifts his head and glances around sleepily. He yawns loudly and glances around. He quickly spots both Ikuna and his sister, "Dir!" he shouts loudly to the group. Yep he is working on talking.
Althaea's twitch to the sudden 'dir', turning from the bug and to the voice of her brother. As she does, its the form of another whom she hasn't seen before that brings the girl to her paws and a small bark.
Ikuna looks around between the pups, squirrel still in his muzzle, and gives them a nod. He pads closer, and sets it down, licking his lips before giving a low wurf. "Oh. Hey."
Much like she had looked at the beetle does Althaea look at Ikuna. Her lack of presence amongst the group has made anyone outside her siblings and parents an unfamiliar encounter. Sniffing the air she watches the much larger wolf before slowly creeping forward.
Ikuna is fluffier than the beetle, at least. He's not that unlike wolfparents, except for not being one. He flops down onto his belly, tilting his head to the side as the young female approaches but otherwise not moving and letting her approach at her own pace.
Althaea comes to a halt when the older moves, dropping her ears. Who was he? Why was he here? Was he nice? Did mommy and daddy know him? Looking to her brother she wanders in silence if he knew this one, but with him not being of much help at the moment she looks back to the big wolf. Looks like it was up to her to find out these questions.
Ikuna stays where he is, watching the pup. After a few moments further, he offers a quiet wuff to Althaea. Her mother and father most certainly do know him, since he's her uncle. Not that she and her siblings are old enough to understand that yet. For now, he waits, his tail wagging a little in a friendly gesture.
Althaea does indeed notice the tail wagging and her ears go up peaking her interest. It was like Ikuna didn't exist anymore as she watches the furry thing move side to side. Her own tail wags, taking a few steps forward then a leap. The tail had become a moving target and she just has to get it.
Ikuna blinks as Althaea suddenly goes after his tail, the motion of it pausing for a moment as he looks at the little pup, perplexed.
Reaching the tail, she is about to puppy attack it when it stops sending Althaea into a very confused state. What happened? Head tilting, she stands before it with raised paw, poking at it curiously.
Ikuna chuckles softly, his tail slowly swaying again and bumping against Althaea as he peers back to watch the youngster.
Althaea eeps at the tail as it starts up again and bumps into her; raising up her forepaws. It only takes her a moment to gather herself and begin her previous intentions, jumping at the tail and even trying to gnaw on it.
Ikuna's tail, being rather large relative to the pup, just keeps right on wagging despite the chewings and pouncings. Nice slow sweeps, and he chuckles as it baps back and forth against the puppy. She's mostly just getting fluff, anyhow.
As the tail continues its motion, Althaea drops to the ground onto her belly. Each time it comes in close, she bats opening her mouth in assistance to her paws. Even if fur was all that she caught it was still something. Something that put a smile on her face and perhaps even a little giggle.
Apparently, pups are easily amused. Ikuna whuffs, and he stretches out his forepaws, lowering his head to rest on them as his tail continues to sway back and forth and bump against the youngster, batting back at her with fluff as she paws at it and gnaws on his thick fur.
Everything was new; Althaea couldn't help herself when it came to figureing something out, even if it meant sticking her nose where it probably shouldn't. Lasting a while longer with the tail, she soon picks herself up and looks to the wolf who looks a tad bored in her opinion. Yipping at him, her tongue loals out.
Ikuna's tail slides to a stop, and he peers back at the young female. "Really, now?" he asks her, and then chuckles. "Here. If you want something to chew on..." He lifts up the dropped squirrel again, wiggling it for the pup before dropping it toward her. That's how pups learn, right? He remembers having small prey to play with when he was a little puppy - not so little as Althaea and her siblings, but still from about as early as he remembers anything.
Althaea looks to the squirral and blinks, What is that? Head tilting she slowly moves over to it. Up close she blinks once more. Was it another like her; it certianly didnt smell like her, didnt much look like her either. Looking to Ikuna her head tilts the otherway not sure what to do with it.
Ikuna chuckles, and reaches his head over to nudge the pup encouragingly toward the squirrel. "Go on. Rough it up a bit." He leans his head down and chomps lightly on one of the prey's legs to demonstrate. "See? It's fun."
Althaea watches the demonstration and is a bit slow to pick up on what needs to be done. He wanted her to do what? Chew on it... Moving closer to the squirrel she noses it then takes a seat. Well ok, here goes nothing. Imitating Ikuna, she chomps on the prey. Certainly was not squeak toy, but it did sorta have the squish affect.
Ikuna grins encouragingly, and nods. "There ya go," he says, reaching out a paw to nudge the squirrel gently and make it wriggle as Althaea bites it. It doesn't squeak - at least, not once it's already dead - but it is suitable for gnawing on and tugging around and shaking.
Althaea stops when it wriggles; surprised. When it just lays there again she bites it again.
Ikuna chuckles, resting his head back on his paws and watching the pup as she explores this new toy. It's all hers - well, hers and her brother's and sister's. Not like it's more than a few bites for an adult wolf, anyhow.
Having her way with it, Althaea looks to her brother for a moment and then smiles an idea poping into her head. Picking the squirrel up- the best a pup can that is -taking it to show Hadir like it were the best thing ever.
Ikuna grins. That's right. Strut that mighty squirrel-getting prowess! Sure, the tail drags on the ground and tries to tangle with her paws, but it's still a fine trophy for her to show off to her brother. Maybe being squirreled! will wake him up again.
Althaea dragging the squirrel to her brother, tripping a few times on the way, she drops it down right in front of him then nudging it forward. "Dir! Dir!" Yes, she's heard hm say that a few times.
Ikuna chuckles. Yeah, so Hadir's syllable is proving to be a popular one. Althaea will teach her brother all about this 'squirrel' thing, he's sure. Maybe they'll even discover tug-o-war! ...hopefully that'll be okay for Hadir. Ikuna frowns briefly, considering on his little nephew's problems. Poor kid.
Althaea was unaware of her brothers ailment, he seemed perfectly fine to her. Nudging her brother this time, she frowns when he doesn't give any response. Was he asleep? Yipping at him as to say 'wake up' she plops her butt to the ground and waits.
Ikuna watches for a few moments, as Hadir continues what seems to be a doze despite his sister's nudging. Still breathing, at least. Ikuna can see that much. After a bit, he gets up and pads over toward the two pups, tilting his head down to nudge at Althaea and applying a lick between her ears. "Hadir will play with you later."
So that was his name.. Shows how much she pays attention to her parents. Still it was "Dir?" that escapes her lips as she gives her brother one last nudge before looking up to Ikuna with a continued frown.
Ikuna sighs softly. "Hadir will play later," he says again, and oh how he hopes that it's actually true. He leans over to give Hadir a nuzzle as well, checking his scent to see if that will tell him more, and then lifts his head to look back at Althaea. "We'll leave the squirrel here, okay? For when Hadir wakes up."
Althaea suddenly smiles and nods like she really understands. Leaving the squirel there, she moves to the side and and lays down. She'll see him later like Ikuna says.