Post by Pavane on Jan 1, 2012 23:48:02 GMT -5
Coinin - male wolf (Beta of Cerulean)
Niyt - female wolf
Helaku - male wolf
Hada - female wolf
---Two-River Fork---
Coinin is sitting in his usual spot amongst the pack. Things seem to have been rather quiet over the last few days. He had heard that a healer arrived for Zuphi but he hadn't met him. The fox seems to have made himself rather scarce. He hasn't met all that many foxes in his life, but at least some help is better than no help.
Niyt pads easily along the familiar trails, humming to herself softly as she checks out the packlands and sees who's up and about, who's out hunting, and so forth. The collection of herbs from the healer has been slowly growing, but apparently he's been spending more time than not out looking for them.
Coinin notices the movement immediately and lifts his head to see Niyt arriving. He hasn't seen her for a few days, and figured she was probably out working with the healer. He is hopeful that they can do something for Zuphi, though he has no knowledge of that sort of thing, "Hi Niyt." he says.
Niyt perks her ears toward Coinin, and nods. "Hello, Coinin," she calls back, turning her steps in that direction and padding closer. "How have you been?"
Coinin has been decent enough, nothing really interesting has happened of late. He can't say he is sorry. Its nice to have things sort of quiet for a change, "I've been ok. You?" he asks
Niyt smiles, and nods. "I've been all right," she answers. "So has most of the pack, it seems." Which is nice.
Coinin nods. Its true, he isn't aware of anyone that is worried about anything or anyone causing any trouble. He is curious about a few newcomers, but beyond that its anyone's guess, "How is your friend?" he asks. He is curious to hear more about Zuphi.
"Resting," answers Niyt, and smiles. "Recovering some strength, I think."
Coinin is pleased to hear it, he doesn't want to see anything bad happen to him after all, "Has he told you why he wandered off and got himself into this situation?"
Niyt sighs softly. "I think he was looking for Anoki." He was going to help her on that search, after all - and it would be just like him to go out too far, to get in over his head because he thought he had a trail to follow.
Coinin nods slowly and smiles, if that is the case then he can certainly relate to that. He would have more respect for the young wolf if that was the case, "I'm glad he found his way back then. You've met the healer then?" he asks.
"I have," says Niyt. "A rather straightforward fox. I've seen him at work before; he seems to know his business well enough."
Coinin had heard that the healer was a fox. He finds that to be a rather odd thing, but there are many odd things in the world, "I certainly hope he is good. He will likely need to be. That arrow doens't look so good."
"No, it's not," answers Niyt. "He may not make it through. At least he's recovering strength for it, though."
Coinin smiles, "Perhaps I misjudged him a bit. If he was out looking for Anoki then I can understand a bit better why he left."
Niyt tilts her head toward Coinin, and frowns slightly. "It was not an easy time. For anyone," she says quietly. "I'm not angry with him, but I still don't know what the future holds."
Coinin can't really help but agree with her. It was a hard time that he largely missed, though he was going through his own difficult time back then and truth be told there are darker times in the future as well, "Well he's welcome to stay if he wishes too."
Niyt nods to Coinin. "I'm glad. He is... still a friend, at least." A friend that comes and goes is no great burden, nothing unusual in fact. She knows she can accept a friend who acted as Zuphi has. Now, if only her feelings didn't stir in directions beyond that... ah, but there's the heart of the tangled mess - or is it the tangled mess of the heart?
Coinin hasn't really ever been in love so he wouldn't be the individual to go to with such dilemmas. Though who knows if he has a bit of time he may find himself with similar dilemmas, "Niyt you don't have to explain anything..." and its true she doesn't. She could of course if she wanted too, but its not like he is owed any kind of answer.
If only Niyt knew it well enough to explain! But she's still got a great deal to think through, and so for now, she simply smiles to Coinin and nods. "I know. And you'll come to your own opinions, I'm sure."
Coinin is sure that he will come to his own opinion on things, but that doesn't really matter as much as what she thinks, "I think I might grow to like Molasses.." he says. Its sort of a random comment, but its been on his mind alot.
There's a connection there somewhere. Niyt smiles. "She seems to enjoy spending time with you... at least, she's definitely not lurking around the pack for any /other/ wolves, so far as I can tell."
Coinin hadn't really thought about that, that is something that would bother him a bit, "Really?' he asks. He never thought part.
Niyt smiles. "Has she even met any of the others, besides me?" she asks. "Or asked you about them?"
Coinin knows that Molasses has talked about wanting to meet some of the other members of the pack, but he doens't really know if she has met anyone else. If she has she hasn't talked to him about it, "I know she has talked about wanting to meet everyone, but thats all that she has said to me."
Niyt smiles, and nods. "What does she talk with you about?"
Coinin smiles, "Well she talked about looking for dens and about finding flowers...she told me a bit about her family situation and things like that."
Oh, yeah. Dens? That's like one step shy of outright saying 'I want puppies with you!' Niyt gets that knowing smile of one woman for another in regards to the sweet-but-ultimately-clueless males in their lives. She nods. "And what do you think of that? Of spending time with her?"
Coinin is pleased to spend time with her. After all she seems to be a smart wolf and fun in her way, "I like spending time with, but when I tell her...she is going to run for the hills." he says to her. Thats what has him worried above all else. How could anyone want to be in a relationship with him, with that hanging over his head.
Niyt smiles a little, and tilts her head to the side. "She might surprise you," says Niyt. "When my parents met, it was near here. By the waterfall, I think it was. They didn't get together, not at first - because my father was afraid. He could see what might happen, and he thought... how could he risk anything, with the world like that? They didn't get together until my mother asked him, right out. Said she was willing to risk whatever, with him. That took... months... for them to realize."
Coinin offers a bit of a sigh, it would make him sad if she bolted. He just doens't feel like he has enough time anymore to do the things that he wants to do, and that bothers him most of all, "I don't really want to take that long if I can help it." he says to her. He doens't really feel like he has months to waste...and then there is the matte of how it actually turned out for Niyt's parents...not good.
Niyt nods softly. "They were together for two years. Almost three," she says quietly. A few years; a few children... that's how things turned out. Life goes on, and yet... a few years can be an awfully long time, if they're the right years.
Coinin isn't exactly opposed to having a short time or anything like that. He is committed to really live in the time that he has, "If...well...after would you look after her and if there were pups would you look after them?" he asks. Thats really what he would want to know...that they would be looked after and cared for.
"If she chose to stay with Cerulean, yes," answers Niyt. "She would have a home here, so long as she wanted one. So would the pups. And I would keep my eye on them, for your sake as well as theirs." She steps forward, and aims a soft nosing for the wolf's cheek. Sometimes, even less-physical wolves need a friendly touch, or so she thinks.
Coinin accepts the friendly gesture for what it is and nods, "Well I couldn't see her wanting to move if she had pups here." he says. And truthfully it wouldn't make much sense, especially if she was already integrated into the pack, "I'll have to ask her what she thinks sometime..." He of course won't tell her right away it would be something of a romance killer.
Niyt smiles, and nods. "You still have time to decide. Nothing is so serious it can't be broken off with no more than hurt feelings until pups come... and it's summer yet. You don't have to worry about those before wintertime. Don't take too long... but don't worry about rushing yourself either."
Coinin isn't the sort of guy who would break something off once he had committed to the relationship. He is sort of traditional that way, "I know. Still I want to make sure I go about this thing right."
Niyt smiles, and nods. "So long as you don't forget to enjoy yourself as well."
Coinin shrugs and generally always enjoys himself, though he could certainly loosen up from time to time, "I always try to enjoy myself. I don't always succeed, but I certainly try."
Niyt laughs. "Good," she says. "It's not good to be too serious. Everyone needs to relax sometimes."
Coinin isn't really the kind of guy that can relax completely but who knows what might happen in the future. Though his responsibilities will probably continue to weigh him down, "So other than Zuphi returning is there any other big news?"
Niyt considers on it, then shakes her head. Zuphi's return, Lex and Ray getting together... yeah, that's all the news she knows about!
Coinin hadn't really expected anything but it never hurts to ask. After all Niyt knows just about everyone and everything that goes on, "I keep hoping that Hel will come back."
Niyt perks her ears. Now there's some news she hadn't heard about, assuming this is something more than the wanders he's always been prone to. "He left?" she asks.
Coinin hmms and wonders if Niyt hasn't heard. It seems that she hasn't, "Well sorta....it was a week or so ago when he came to Tar and asked him to join and then refused...he told me himself. He is sticking around the borders of the land though. I told him he should just go back to Tar and say he wanted in, but I'm not sure if he did or not."
Niyt lets out a small snort of breath, and nods. "I see," she says, and then shakes her head. "He may not. He has a great deal of pride."
Coinin is aware that Helaku has a great deal of pride, but despite that he still likes the guy and hopes that he sticks around and can find a bit of happiness. He feels that the poor wolf has been through a great deal, "He really likes you Niyt. Though he won't admit it."
Niyt pauses, tilting her head to what Coinin says. "You may be right," she answers after a long moment. "His life is his own, though. He chooses his own path." A faint smile, and she adds, "As now."
Coinin agrees that everyone has to find their own way, but sometimes they need a bit of help along the way as well and there is no harm in trying, "I think I'll still try to convince him to stick around and rejoin the pack. I
It was true Helaku had been out of the territory. It had broken him mentally to the point that it washed things from his mind. Everything felt different once he had a taste of isolation after being with a pack for the entire winter, and part of spring. Something that which could not be explained transpired, and it was unlikely he'd say. The wolf's pelthad filled itself nicely, and the step in his walk was that of a confident, dominant wolf. He was one who appeared at behind Coinin like the creepy little specter he could be, his voice one of...power. "Wouldn't admit what?"
Niyt is quiet for a moment, thinking on what Coinin says. She's still caught up in those thoughts when a voice enters the conversation. "Hello, Helaku," she simply says, instead of any more specific answer to Coinin.
Coinin turns around to face Helaku. He hadn't really expected to see him, but is pleased none the less, "I was referring to you needing the pack. I was just telling Niyt that I had hoped you would stick around and perhaps even change your mind and talk to Tar again."
Helaku's white eyes watched Coinin's face, searching for any trace of things he may wish to hide out of bashfulness, or whatever. However, the honesty was blunt. "Niyt," he said, with a noticeably softer voice. The last time Coinin saw Helaku differed greatly from the one he saw now, as if the two were not even the same wolf at all. "I will not be speaking with Tariro again," he said, "for there is no need." There was some elaborate meaning behind his response, but it didn't need to be explained. Tariror had said to Helaku, his last words on that meeting, 'if that is what you want'. It was a sign to him that Tariro still would have him if he wanted to be had, and his being on the territory, within the borders, would be enough of a statement to confirm it.
Niyt remains silent for now, letting her thoughts wander and consider while Coinin and Helaku speak.
Coinin isn't really all that into hiding things. If he says something in general he means it, "Ok." he says simply. No sense in making anything needlessly complex, "So you are planning on sticking aroud then?" He hopes he will stay but as Niyt had pointed out its completely up to him.
That was...a good and short answer. He slowly stepped around Coinin, ears erect as he took a sniff of the surrounding air and land. "That is correct," he answered. "You now have the resources of everything of which I've been trained at your disposal, Coinin." His paws sounded lightly on the ground before Niyt, and his voice once again softened. "I had a feeling a certain wolf may wish me to stay...for whatever inner reason she may have if she has them." Holy hell, did he just throw a hint of his liking for Niyt? Yes, he did. Helaku wasn't playing around anymore about living. "I smell several things in this land Coinin. One fox, in particular and male. Be careful of him for I've met him before, a fox that may have ulterior motives. It would be wise to see him content and avoid anything that may seem offending, for he could stir trouble if irked." Unlike before, his words did not come with a harsh, judging demeanor. He merely stated the fact. Blackberry was double-edged. "The other fox I do not recognize."
Niyt lifts her head up slightly, her ears erect, but her voice is even. "No, Helaku. I ask nothing of you. If you wish to stay with Cerulean, that is between you and those who lead Cerulean... whatever your reasons for it are." As for the foxes, well, she knows them both... but she sees no need to comment on that now.
Coinin had thought that might be one of the main reasons that Hel had chosen to stay. Its good to see him more calm and willing to take a chance or two. The information about the fox surprises him a bit. Most of the healers that he had met or heard of were sort of long suffering individuals that you didn't need to give much of a second thought to. Still he isn't overly concerned, after all what could a fox do to a wolf pack? Besides doesn't everyone have ulterior motives at times and can't everyone be a bit cranky when irked, "Where did you meet him?" He is curious though.
"Of course you ask nothing, Niyt, but I give because I wish to," he said, voice as soft as ever before he swayed to Coinin's address. "This fox I met near Ute, disenchanted with Asku and the others, vengeful, and had a row with them. I am uncertain of his further relations, but I would not be surprised if he used anything he could get to his advantage against those who have wronged him. Yet, he can be quite amicable. At that time he didn't travel with the other fox to my knowledge."
So Helaku has always done. Niyt frowns slightly at his answer to her, and then tilts her head at the further mention of the foxes. "No, they are newly met. Chance companions." She shrugs slightly, and then goes. "He is a healer; I have seen him work before. Perhaps you should speak with him."
Coinin doesn't really have much information to go on when it comes to Ute beyond what others have told him. He is willing to accept that sometimes rows can happen even between folks that are generally good and decent, "I see. I guess its something we will keep in mind. I guess for the time being we will give him whatever he wants and hope for the best." No sense in making an enemy of someone that could be useful if they were a friend.
Hada announces her arrival in a not-so-subtle way, by practically crashing through the undergrowth and making sure that her presence is known well before she actually appears. She is a guest on these lands, and it would not be good to simply wander in unannounced. Noting the scent of others, she slows herself so that the last few yards of approach are much less noisy. Pausing a respectful distance away, the silver wolf waits calmly, ears pricked forward with tail swaying side to side in a nonchalant manner.
Helaku's ears curled to Niyt's words. So, he did have a companion. Somebody was looking to be in the business of making more business, as that was the only real time foxes got together. "Oh, speak with him, I will," he said. "But will he bring his grudge with me out, hopefully not. Zuphi needs both our eyes on that wound." Of course there was an option unspoken: if Blackberry did hold the grudge, Helaku could always hold him over a raging river of rapidly death until he changed his mind. Huhuhhahahah, but this thought didn't penetrate his mind nor his expression. His ears shot up at the sound of plants being disturbed, stiff as a hunting dog but not with the voice. "You there!" he said. "Come forward, why don't you? We won't bite." How untypically casual for Helaku!
Temper, temper... yeah, there might be a fair bit of that in such a meeting. Still, looking at it from the perspective of a common goal is a good one. Perhaps it will all work out after all. Niyt nods somewhat, and then tilts her head to the sound of crashing branches and approaching wolf. One she somewhat recognizes, as it turns out; and so she gives a soft wuff of salutation.
Coinin ponders what Helaku says for a moment, "You and the fox have a grudge?" he asks. That seems rather odd to him, but he is sure that Hel will explain it. He turns toward Hada and smiles, its nice to see her again. Hopefully things continue to go well for her, "Hi Hada...nice to see you."
Hada waits until she's acknowledged by those she knows before coming closer. A friendly sort of huff is directed towards Niyt and she offers a slight dip of the muzzle to Coinin. "Ain't been run off yet," she offers in a strange way of greeting laden with wry humor. "Haven't seen you about before," she turns to peer at Helaku, standing a bit taller to get a better look at him. "Name's Hada. I'm just visitin'." She offers up, as if that explains everything.
"Oh...I don't think he liked my criticism of the modern Ute compared to the old, and then my stanceon if he intended seeking them harm, he'd have to deal with me, more importantly, than their members. Like father, like son, you know..." The way Helaku spoke of it was of a wolf who didn't care if the grudged existed, so long as it didn't hamper what was the Now. The white-eyed wolf gazed back at Hada, getting a fair look at her. No, hadn't seen this one before but he surely did smell her. "Haven't seen me?" he said. "Nobody sees anything of me." A joke, a sly one. Youuu didn't see anyyyything, with wavy paws.
Coinin considers this for a moment, ok so the fox had a beef with Ute. It seems that most of the folks here with a few exceptions have had similar beefs. If that is the only difficulty he is willing to over look it, "I see. Well as long as he is civil to us we will be civil back." He smiles to Hada, "I don't think anyone will be running you off Hada. You could probably even stay if you wanted too."
"So, you travel a lot. So do I." Obviously she didn't get the implication or chose to ignore it. Hada unceremoniously plops herself into a comfortable sitting position, pausing to scratch behind her ear. "Eh, get along just fine by myself. Don't see a reason to stick around an' burden others when I'm just as capable on my own as with a group." Pausing, she looks off in contemplation. "Though I s'pose it'd make huntin' big game easier."
"Nice to have a bit of variety in the diet," says Niyt with a laugh. "Though there are plenty of small things around. More than the big stuff, even if you just count by different kinds instead of for each critter." She smiles. "Perhaps you'll join us for a hunt from time to time, when you're in the area."
Coinin agrees that it is easier to hunt in a group, even if it always seems to be other folks that go out and do the hunting, "You wouldn't be a burden I assure you, and you're right. It would be a great deal easier for hunting large game. I'm sure that they would like having another set of paws."
Hada shifts her weight so that she leans more towards the left, head tilted slightly in the opposite direction. "Least I could do is help with a hunt. Ya'll have been kind to let me stay without any sticky caveats like some packs have." She shifts again, though more to break up the awkwardness of her statement than anything else. "It'd be nice to have a pack again, though that's a ways down the trail to be thinkin' about."
Even lone wolves like a bit of company from time to time... and hunting is one of the nice traditional things that wolves do together! Niyt smiles, and nods - though she herself is... rather less than useful when hunting in a group, most of the time. She turns to Coinin, and smiles. "I know Maka found some deer to the north of here... they might still be in the area."
Coinin is in general interested in making folks feel welcome as he was once made to feel welcome. She is welcome to stay as long as she wishes or not, "You don't have to repay anything, but if you wish to hunt you are more than welcome, and as you say you don't have to make up your mind any time soon. We have several very long term guests it seems."
Hada snorts quietly in amusement at the mention of 'long term guests'. "My pack wasn't so welcomin' to outsiders, so this is still a bit of a novelty to me." She admits with the slightest touch of shame. "An' we were all expected to carry our own weight or we was left behind." This part is stated plainly, however. It's just the way of things. "If there's anythin' else besides hunting I could do to pay back the kindness, I'd be happy to." Obviously she's not going to let this self-imposed obligation go easily.
So the circle of welcoming continues! Niyt smiles at Coinin's words, and then nods to Hada. "Every pack is different. In Cerulean... well, there are few wolves in Cerulean who were born to it," she says with a smile.
Coinin can remember saying something very similar to Tariro when he was first welcomed into the pack. He had wanted so badly to be useful. He still wants to be useful, but its different now..its not really work its just sort of friends and family stuff, "If I think of anything I'm sure I will let you know."
"Sure thing," Hada offers as a simple response. "Anythin' else of note I should know 'bout? I heard there's another pack 'round here. Should I avoid them?"
The answer to /that/ question depends very much on who you ask. If Helaku were still around, he'd have strong opinions. As it is, Hada gets an answer from Niyt instead. "Ute. Their territory is north and beyond the river," she says. "Our youth and theirs visit sometimes, and we have worked together before. They are... a more formal pack, in some regards. Be aware of their borders, and introduce yourself before you cross them, but they should give you no trouble if you are polite."
Coinin thinks that Niyts comment on the Ute is sufficent. He is really going to have to get around to meeting them at some point so he can form his own opinion about them, but his opinion will likely be similar to Niyts. The ute pups seemed like an alright bunch, "Ute recently had pups so I would be extra careful...beyond that we have two foxes as guests right now. Apprently the male can be rather interesting. I guess its best to leave him alone for now since we need his help."
"Help? Oh, I remember hearing something 'bout...an arrow?" Hada squints as she pulls that tidbit of information from memory, probably while she was accidentally eavesdropping. It happens. "Is being hunted an issue here?" She asks with just the slightest bit of a tremor in her voice while once more she shifts uncomfortably.
Niyt nods along with Coinin's additions, and then tilts her head to Hada. "Arrow." The word is unfamiliar in her mouth still. "Yes." At the question, well... "The injury did not happen here, nor had I heard of such before. If it is a danger here, then it is a new and unwelcome one. You are familiar with these things?"
Coinin is afraid he is beginning to feel tired. He lowers his head to his paws an offers the pair a smile, "I'm afraid I must rest now. I'm sure that Niyt can fill you in on anything you might like to know. Good night to the both of you."
"To a point, yes." Hada admits. "It was an issue in my family pack's huntin' grounds, but our dens were safe last I was there. I never saw 'em myself, though I lost a littermate to somethin' like it. I really only know what little I saw an' what my parents told me."
Niyt frowns slightly at Hada's description, though not the wolf herself, and nods. "I seem to hear of it more and more, lately. The elders know nothing, but the younger wolves traveling through here... they've almost all heard something, seen something, know someone... it's somewhat worrisome."
"I heard...," Hada begins slowly. She stops, though, and lays her ears flat against her skull, a low whine rolling up from her chest. "Well, my parents heard. From a bird. Maybe a crow, or an' owl. They knew a lot of the birds in our territory." She's getting off track and she knows it. With a huff, she starts again. "I heard somethin' about our skin bein' taken." On this, she does not elaborate.
Niyt nods slightly at Hada's start. She knows a handful of the birds herself; a useful source of news, though not always entirely trustworthy. Still, she hardly dismisses them outright. But where's the other going with this? Her head tilts to listen, and then... she simply lets out a slow breath, closing her blind eyes for a moment. She's met those who take before. Not this sort, but she's met them. It was not a pleasant meeting. "But why?" she asks softly, not really expecting an answer, and then shakes her head. "Perhaps I can find some answers. Still... I hope they do not come this way."
"I don't know. I ain't sure if I want to." Hada exhales heavily, body slumping in mental defeat as if she literally deflated. Being skinny already, this makes her look even more ragged than usual. "I came south from my home in hopes it'd be a bit safer. I was hopin' it would be safer." Silence, for a time, as she retreats to thought. "I don't know anyone 'sides you an' a few others here, otherwise I'd go out an' ask myself. It's not exactly a good conversation starter."
Niyt nods slowly at Hada's lack of any answer, and then lets out a soft sigh. "There is always danger of some sort. When my family lived in the mountains, the snowslides; in the desert, the dryness... sickness in the grass, and snakes in the forest. But... that danger, the danger of arrows and... humans... it is not here yet. Perhaps it is coming, but it is not yet arrived."
"Perhaps." Hada replies with a sigh. "Things are easy to deal with, but /things/ are...those are more difficult." The emphasis on the last 'things' obviously means those of a more homid and sinister nature. "But, I s'pose we can discuss this at a later time. I should be findin' a place to bed down for the night, too."
Niyt sighs as well, and nods. "I am worried, but I am not so worried yet as to keep you from your rest to fret with me," she says, offering a smile. "If I find anything out... I'll let you know."
Hada nods while she rises. Giving herself a complete bodyshake, as if to physically release the clinging thoughts from her being, she readies herself to leave. "Likewise. An' if ya need an ear to talk at, feel free to bother me. I've got lots of spare time."
Niyt smiles at the offer, and nods. "I will," she answers, and makes an effort to lighten her tone. "You've got two of them, after all. Might as well put them to good use from time to time..." She can't entirely manage to keep her voice light, but at least she's trying. "I'll see you around."
Hada snorts in that amused way again. "Night." With that she trots off into the darkness, much quieter than her arrival, to some hidden place away from the heart of the territory, where she has been residing for the time being.
Niyt - female wolf
Helaku - male wolf
Hada - female wolf
---Two-River Fork---
Coinin is sitting in his usual spot amongst the pack. Things seem to have been rather quiet over the last few days. He had heard that a healer arrived for Zuphi but he hadn't met him. The fox seems to have made himself rather scarce. He hasn't met all that many foxes in his life, but at least some help is better than no help.
Niyt pads easily along the familiar trails, humming to herself softly as she checks out the packlands and sees who's up and about, who's out hunting, and so forth. The collection of herbs from the healer has been slowly growing, but apparently he's been spending more time than not out looking for them.
Coinin notices the movement immediately and lifts his head to see Niyt arriving. He hasn't seen her for a few days, and figured she was probably out working with the healer. He is hopeful that they can do something for Zuphi, though he has no knowledge of that sort of thing, "Hi Niyt." he says.
Niyt perks her ears toward Coinin, and nods. "Hello, Coinin," she calls back, turning her steps in that direction and padding closer. "How have you been?"
Coinin has been decent enough, nothing really interesting has happened of late. He can't say he is sorry. Its nice to have things sort of quiet for a change, "I've been ok. You?" he asks
Niyt smiles, and nods. "I've been all right," she answers. "So has most of the pack, it seems." Which is nice.
Coinin nods. Its true, he isn't aware of anyone that is worried about anything or anyone causing any trouble. He is curious about a few newcomers, but beyond that its anyone's guess, "How is your friend?" he asks. He is curious to hear more about Zuphi.
"Resting," answers Niyt, and smiles. "Recovering some strength, I think."
Coinin is pleased to hear it, he doesn't want to see anything bad happen to him after all, "Has he told you why he wandered off and got himself into this situation?"
Niyt sighs softly. "I think he was looking for Anoki." He was going to help her on that search, after all - and it would be just like him to go out too far, to get in over his head because he thought he had a trail to follow.
Coinin nods slowly and smiles, if that is the case then he can certainly relate to that. He would have more respect for the young wolf if that was the case, "I'm glad he found his way back then. You've met the healer then?" he asks.
"I have," says Niyt. "A rather straightforward fox. I've seen him at work before; he seems to know his business well enough."
Coinin had heard that the healer was a fox. He finds that to be a rather odd thing, but there are many odd things in the world, "I certainly hope he is good. He will likely need to be. That arrow doens't look so good."
"No, it's not," answers Niyt. "He may not make it through. At least he's recovering strength for it, though."
Coinin smiles, "Perhaps I misjudged him a bit. If he was out looking for Anoki then I can understand a bit better why he left."
Niyt tilts her head toward Coinin, and frowns slightly. "It was not an easy time. For anyone," she says quietly. "I'm not angry with him, but I still don't know what the future holds."
Coinin can't really help but agree with her. It was a hard time that he largely missed, though he was going through his own difficult time back then and truth be told there are darker times in the future as well, "Well he's welcome to stay if he wishes too."
Niyt nods to Coinin. "I'm glad. He is... still a friend, at least." A friend that comes and goes is no great burden, nothing unusual in fact. She knows she can accept a friend who acted as Zuphi has. Now, if only her feelings didn't stir in directions beyond that... ah, but there's the heart of the tangled mess - or is it the tangled mess of the heart?
Coinin hasn't really ever been in love so he wouldn't be the individual to go to with such dilemmas. Though who knows if he has a bit of time he may find himself with similar dilemmas, "Niyt you don't have to explain anything..." and its true she doesn't. She could of course if she wanted too, but its not like he is owed any kind of answer.
If only Niyt knew it well enough to explain! But she's still got a great deal to think through, and so for now, she simply smiles to Coinin and nods. "I know. And you'll come to your own opinions, I'm sure."
Coinin is sure that he will come to his own opinion on things, but that doesn't really matter as much as what she thinks, "I think I might grow to like Molasses.." he says. Its sort of a random comment, but its been on his mind alot.
There's a connection there somewhere. Niyt smiles. "She seems to enjoy spending time with you... at least, she's definitely not lurking around the pack for any /other/ wolves, so far as I can tell."
Coinin hadn't really thought about that, that is something that would bother him a bit, "Really?' he asks. He never thought part.
Niyt smiles. "Has she even met any of the others, besides me?" she asks. "Or asked you about them?"
Coinin knows that Molasses has talked about wanting to meet some of the other members of the pack, but he doens't really know if she has met anyone else. If she has she hasn't talked to him about it, "I know she has talked about wanting to meet everyone, but thats all that she has said to me."
Niyt smiles, and nods. "What does she talk with you about?"
Coinin smiles, "Well she talked about looking for dens and about finding flowers...she told me a bit about her family situation and things like that."
Oh, yeah. Dens? That's like one step shy of outright saying 'I want puppies with you!' Niyt gets that knowing smile of one woman for another in regards to the sweet-but-ultimately-clueless males in their lives. She nods. "And what do you think of that? Of spending time with her?"
Coinin is pleased to spend time with her. After all she seems to be a smart wolf and fun in her way, "I like spending time with, but when I tell her...she is going to run for the hills." he says to her. Thats what has him worried above all else. How could anyone want to be in a relationship with him, with that hanging over his head.
Niyt smiles a little, and tilts her head to the side. "She might surprise you," says Niyt. "When my parents met, it was near here. By the waterfall, I think it was. They didn't get together, not at first - because my father was afraid. He could see what might happen, and he thought... how could he risk anything, with the world like that? They didn't get together until my mother asked him, right out. Said she was willing to risk whatever, with him. That took... months... for them to realize."
Coinin offers a bit of a sigh, it would make him sad if she bolted. He just doens't feel like he has enough time anymore to do the things that he wants to do, and that bothers him most of all, "I don't really want to take that long if I can help it." he says to her. He doens't really feel like he has months to waste...and then there is the matte of how it actually turned out for Niyt's parents...not good.
Niyt nods softly. "They were together for two years. Almost three," she says quietly. A few years; a few children... that's how things turned out. Life goes on, and yet... a few years can be an awfully long time, if they're the right years.
Coinin isn't exactly opposed to having a short time or anything like that. He is committed to really live in the time that he has, "If...well...after would you look after her and if there were pups would you look after them?" he asks. Thats really what he would want to know...that they would be looked after and cared for.
"If she chose to stay with Cerulean, yes," answers Niyt. "She would have a home here, so long as she wanted one. So would the pups. And I would keep my eye on them, for your sake as well as theirs." She steps forward, and aims a soft nosing for the wolf's cheek. Sometimes, even less-physical wolves need a friendly touch, or so she thinks.
Coinin accepts the friendly gesture for what it is and nods, "Well I couldn't see her wanting to move if she had pups here." he says. And truthfully it wouldn't make much sense, especially if she was already integrated into the pack, "I'll have to ask her what she thinks sometime..." He of course won't tell her right away it would be something of a romance killer.
Niyt smiles, and nods. "You still have time to decide. Nothing is so serious it can't be broken off with no more than hurt feelings until pups come... and it's summer yet. You don't have to worry about those before wintertime. Don't take too long... but don't worry about rushing yourself either."
Coinin isn't the sort of guy who would break something off once he had committed to the relationship. He is sort of traditional that way, "I know. Still I want to make sure I go about this thing right."
Niyt smiles, and nods. "So long as you don't forget to enjoy yourself as well."
Coinin shrugs and generally always enjoys himself, though he could certainly loosen up from time to time, "I always try to enjoy myself. I don't always succeed, but I certainly try."
Niyt laughs. "Good," she says. "It's not good to be too serious. Everyone needs to relax sometimes."
Coinin isn't really the kind of guy that can relax completely but who knows what might happen in the future. Though his responsibilities will probably continue to weigh him down, "So other than Zuphi returning is there any other big news?"
Niyt considers on it, then shakes her head. Zuphi's return, Lex and Ray getting together... yeah, that's all the news she knows about!
Coinin hadn't really expected anything but it never hurts to ask. After all Niyt knows just about everyone and everything that goes on, "I keep hoping that Hel will come back."
Niyt perks her ears. Now there's some news she hadn't heard about, assuming this is something more than the wanders he's always been prone to. "He left?" she asks.
Coinin hmms and wonders if Niyt hasn't heard. It seems that she hasn't, "Well sorta....it was a week or so ago when he came to Tar and asked him to join and then refused...he told me himself. He is sticking around the borders of the land though. I told him he should just go back to Tar and say he wanted in, but I'm not sure if he did or not."
Niyt lets out a small snort of breath, and nods. "I see," she says, and then shakes her head. "He may not. He has a great deal of pride."
Coinin is aware that Helaku has a great deal of pride, but despite that he still likes the guy and hopes that he sticks around and can find a bit of happiness. He feels that the poor wolf has been through a great deal, "He really likes you Niyt. Though he won't admit it."
Niyt pauses, tilting her head to what Coinin says. "You may be right," she answers after a long moment. "His life is his own, though. He chooses his own path." A faint smile, and she adds, "As now."
Coinin agrees that everyone has to find their own way, but sometimes they need a bit of help along the way as well and there is no harm in trying, "I think I'll still try to convince him to stick around and rejoin the pack. I
It was true Helaku had been out of the territory. It had broken him mentally to the point that it washed things from his mind. Everything felt different once he had a taste of isolation after being with a pack for the entire winter, and part of spring. Something that which could not be explained transpired, and it was unlikely he'd say. The wolf's pelthad filled itself nicely, and the step in his walk was that of a confident, dominant wolf. He was one who appeared at behind Coinin like the creepy little specter he could be, his voice one of...power. "Wouldn't admit what?"
Niyt is quiet for a moment, thinking on what Coinin says. She's still caught up in those thoughts when a voice enters the conversation. "Hello, Helaku," she simply says, instead of any more specific answer to Coinin.
Coinin turns around to face Helaku. He hadn't really expected to see him, but is pleased none the less, "I was referring to you needing the pack. I was just telling Niyt that I had hoped you would stick around and perhaps even change your mind and talk to Tar again."
Helaku's white eyes watched Coinin's face, searching for any trace of things he may wish to hide out of bashfulness, or whatever. However, the honesty was blunt. "Niyt," he said, with a noticeably softer voice. The last time Coinin saw Helaku differed greatly from the one he saw now, as if the two were not even the same wolf at all. "I will not be speaking with Tariro again," he said, "for there is no need." There was some elaborate meaning behind his response, but it didn't need to be explained. Tariror had said to Helaku, his last words on that meeting, 'if that is what you want'. It was a sign to him that Tariro still would have him if he wanted to be had, and his being on the territory, within the borders, would be enough of a statement to confirm it.
Niyt remains silent for now, letting her thoughts wander and consider while Coinin and Helaku speak.
Coinin isn't really all that into hiding things. If he says something in general he means it, "Ok." he says simply. No sense in making anything needlessly complex, "So you are planning on sticking aroud then?" He hopes he will stay but as Niyt had pointed out its completely up to him.
That was...a good and short answer. He slowly stepped around Coinin, ears erect as he took a sniff of the surrounding air and land. "That is correct," he answered. "You now have the resources of everything of which I've been trained at your disposal, Coinin." His paws sounded lightly on the ground before Niyt, and his voice once again softened. "I had a feeling a certain wolf may wish me to stay...for whatever inner reason she may have if she has them." Holy hell, did he just throw a hint of his liking for Niyt? Yes, he did. Helaku wasn't playing around anymore about living. "I smell several things in this land Coinin. One fox, in particular and male. Be careful of him for I've met him before, a fox that may have ulterior motives. It would be wise to see him content and avoid anything that may seem offending, for he could stir trouble if irked." Unlike before, his words did not come with a harsh, judging demeanor. He merely stated the fact. Blackberry was double-edged. "The other fox I do not recognize."
Niyt lifts her head up slightly, her ears erect, but her voice is even. "No, Helaku. I ask nothing of you. If you wish to stay with Cerulean, that is between you and those who lead Cerulean... whatever your reasons for it are." As for the foxes, well, she knows them both... but she sees no need to comment on that now.
Coinin had thought that might be one of the main reasons that Hel had chosen to stay. Its good to see him more calm and willing to take a chance or two. The information about the fox surprises him a bit. Most of the healers that he had met or heard of were sort of long suffering individuals that you didn't need to give much of a second thought to. Still he isn't overly concerned, after all what could a fox do to a wolf pack? Besides doesn't everyone have ulterior motives at times and can't everyone be a bit cranky when irked, "Where did you meet him?" He is curious though.
"Of course you ask nothing, Niyt, but I give because I wish to," he said, voice as soft as ever before he swayed to Coinin's address. "This fox I met near Ute, disenchanted with Asku and the others, vengeful, and had a row with them. I am uncertain of his further relations, but I would not be surprised if he used anything he could get to his advantage against those who have wronged him. Yet, he can be quite amicable. At that time he didn't travel with the other fox to my knowledge."
So Helaku has always done. Niyt frowns slightly at his answer to her, and then tilts her head at the further mention of the foxes. "No, they are newly met. Chance companions." She shrugs slightly, and then goes. "He is a healer; I have seen him work before. Perhaps you should speak with him."
Coinin doesn't really have much information to go on when it comes to Ute beyond what others have told him. He is willing to accept that sometimes rows can happen even between folks that are generally good and decent, "I see. I guess its something we will keep in mind. I guess for the time being we will give him whatever he wants and hope for the best." No sense in making an enemy of someone that could be useful if they were a friend.
Hada announces her arrival in a not-so-subtle way, by practically crashing through the undergrowth and making sure that her presence is known well before she actually appears. She is a guest on these lands, and it would not be good to simply wander in unannounced. Noting the scent of others, she slows herself so that the last few yards of approach are much less noisy. Pausing a respectful distance away, the silver wolf waits calmly, ears pricked forward with tail swaying side to side in a nonchalant manner.
Helaku's ears curled to Niyt's words. So, he did have a companion. Somebody was looking to be in the business of making more business, as that was the only real time foxes got together. "Oh, speak with him, I will," he said. "But will he bring his grudge with me out, hopefully not. Zuphi needs both our eyes on that wound." Of course there was an option unspoken: if Blackberry did hold the grudge, Helaku could always hold him over a raging river of rapidly death until he changed his mind. Huhuhhahahah, but this thought didn't penetrate his mind nor his expression. His ears shot up at the sound of plants being disturbed, stiff as a hunting dog but not with the voice. "You there!" he said. "Come forward, why don't you? We won't bite." How untypically casual for Helaku!
Temper, temper... yeah, there might be a fair bit of that in such a meeting. Still, looking at it from the perspective of a common goal is a good one. Perhaps it will all work out after all. Niyt nods somewhat, and then tilts her head to the sound of crashing branches and approaching wolf. One she somewhat recognizes, as it turns out; and so she gives a soft wuff of salutation.
Coinin ponders what Helaku says for a moment, "You and the fox have a grudge?" he asks. That seems rather odd to him, but he is sure that Hel will explain it. He turns toward Hada and smiles, its nice to see her again. Hopefully things continue to go well for her, "Hi Hada...nice to see you."
Hada waits until she's acknowledged by those she knows before coming closer. A friendly sort of huff is directed towards Niyt and she offers a slight dip of the muzzle to Coinin. "Ain't been run off yet," she offers in a strange way of greeting laden with wry humor. "Haven't seen you about before," she turns to peer at Helaku, standing a bit taller to get a better look at him. "Name's Hada. I'm just visitin'." She offers up, as if that explains everything.
"Oh...I don't think he liked my criticism of the modern Ute compared to the old, and then my stanceon if he intended seeking them harm, he'd have to deal with me, more importantly, than their members. Like father, like son, you know..." The way Helaku spoke of it was of a wolf who didn't care if the grudged existed, so long as it didn't hamper what was the Now. The white-eyed wolf gazed back at Hada, getting a fair look at her. No, hadn't seen this one before but he surely did smell her. "Haven't seen me?" he said. "Nobody sees anything of me." A joke, a sly one. Youuu didn't see anyyyything, with wavy paws.
Coinin considers this for a moment, ok so the fox had a beef with Ute. It seems that most of the folks here with a few exceptions have had similar beefs. If that is the only difficulty he is willing to over look it, "I see. Well as long as he is civil to us we will be civil back." He smiles to Hada, "I don't think anyone will be running you off Hada. You could probably even stay if you wanted too."
"So, you travel a lot. So do I." Obviously she didn't get the implication or chose to ignore it. Hada unceremoniously plops herself into a comfortable sitting position, pausing to scratch behind her ear. "Eh, get along just fine by myself. Don't see a reason to stick around an' burden others when I'm just as capable on my own as with a group." Pausing, she looks off in contemplation. "Though I s'pose it'd make huntin' big game easier."
"Nice to have a bit of variety in the diet," says Niyt with a laugh. "Though there are plenty of small things around. More than the big stuff, even if you just count by different kinds instead of for each critter." She smiles. "Perhaps you'll join us for a hunt from time to time, when you're in the area."
Coinin agrees that it is easier to hunt in a group, even if it always seems to be other folks that go out and do the hunting, "You wouldn't be a burden I assure you, and you're right. It would be a great deal easier for hunting large game. I'm sure that they would like having another set of paws."
Hada shifts her weight so that she leans more towards the left, head tilted slightly in the opposite direction. "Least I could do is help with a hunt. Ya'll have been kind to let me stay without any sticky caveats like some packs have." She shifts again, though more to break up the awkwardness of her statement than anything else. "It'd be nice to have a pack again, though that's a ways down the trail to be thinkin' about."
Even lone wolves like a bit of company from time to time... and hunting is one of the nice traditional things that wolves do together! Niyt smiles, and nods - though she herself is... rather less than useful when hunting in a group, most of the time. She turns to Coinin, and smiles. "I know Maka found some deer to the north of here... they might still be in the area."
Coinin is in general interested in making folks feel welcome as he was once made to feel welcome. She is welcome to stay as long as she wishes or not, "You don't have to repay anything, but if you wish to hunt you are more than welcome, and as you say you don't have to make up your mind any time soon. We have several very long term guests it seems."
Hada snorts quietly in amusement at the mention of 'long term guests'. "My pack wasn't so welcomin' to outsiders, so this is still a bit of a novelty to me." She admits with the slightest touch of shame. "An' we were all expected to carry our own weight or we was left behind." This part is stated plainly, however. It's just the way of things. "If there's anythin' else besides hunting I could do to pay back the kindness, I'd be happy to." Obviously she's not going to let this self-imposed obligation go easily.
So the circle of welcoming continues! Niyt smiles at Coinin's words, and then nods to Hada. "Every pack is different. In Cerulean... well, there are few wolves in Cerulean who were born to it," she says with a smile.
Coinin can remember saying something very similar to Tariro when he was first welcomed into the pack. He had wanted so badly to be useful. He still wants to be useful, but its different now..its not really work its just sort of friends and family stuff, "If I think of anything I'm sure I will let you know."
"Sure thing," Hada offers as a simple response. "Anythin' else of note I should know 'bout? I heard there's another pack 'round here. Should I avoid them?"
The answer to /that/ question depends very much on who you ask. If Helaku were still around, he'd have strong opinions. As it is, Hada gets an answer from Niyt instead. "Ute. Their territory is north and beyond the river," she says. "Our youth and theirs visit sometimes, and we have worked together before. They are... a more formal pack, in some regards. Be aware of their borders, and introduce yourself before you cross them, but they should give you no trouble if you are polite."
Coinin thinks that Niyts comment on the Ute is sufficent. He is really going to have to get around to meeting them at some point so he can form his own opinion about them, but his opinion will likely be similar to Niyts. The ute pups seemed like an alright bunch, "Ute recently had pups so I would be extra careful...beyond that we have two foxes as guests right now. Apprently the male can be rather interesting. I guess its best to leave him alone for now since we need his help."
"Help? Oh, I remember hearing something 'bout...an arrow?" Hada squints as she pulls that tidbit of information from memory, probably while she was accidentally eavesdropping. It happens. "Is being hunted an issue here?" She asks with just the slightest bit of a tremor in her voice while once more she shifts uncomfortably.
Niyt nods along with Coinin's additions, and then tilts her head to Hada. "Arrow." The word is unfamiliar in her mouth still. "Yes." At the question, well... "The injury did not happen here, nor had I heard of such before. If it is a danger here, then it is a new and unwelcome one. You are familiar with these things?"
Coinin is afraid he is beginning to feel tired. He lowers his head to his paws an offers the pair a smile, "I'm afraid I must rest now. I'm sure that Niyt can fill you in on anything you might like to know. Good night to the both of you."
"To a point, yes." Hada admits. "It was an issue in my family pack's huntin' grounds, but our dens were safe last I was there. I never saw 'em myself, though I lost a littermate to somethin' like it. I really only know what little I saw an' what my parents told me."
Niyt frowns slightly at Hada's description, though not the wolf herself, and nods. "I seem to hear of it more and more, lately. The elders know nothing, but the younger wolves traveling through here... they've almost all heard something, seen something, know someone... it's somewhat worrisome."
"I heard...," Hada begins slowly. She stops, though, and lays her ears flat against her skull, a low whine rolling up from her chest. "Well, my parents heard. From a bird. Maybe a crow, or an' owl. They knew a lot of the birds in our territory." She's getting off track and she knows it. With a huff, she starts again. "I heard somethin' about our skin bein' taken." On this, she does not elaborate.
Niyt nods slightly at Hada's start. She knows a handful of the birds herself; a useful source of news, though not always entirely trustworthy. Still, she hardly dismisses them outright. But where's the other going with this? Her head tilts to listen, and then... she simply lets out a slow breath, closing her blind eyes for a moment. She's met those who take before. Not this sort, but she's met them. It was not a pleasant meeting. "But why?" she asks softly, not really expecting an answer, and then shakes her head. "Perhaps I can find some answers. Still... I hope they do not come this way."
"I don't know. I ain't sure if I want to." Hada exhales heavily, body slumping in mental defeat as if she literally deflated. Being skinny already, this makes her look even more ragged than usual. "I came south from my home in hopes it'd be a bit safer. I was hopin' it would be safer." Silence, for a time, as she retreats to thought. "I don't know anyone 'sides you an' a few others here, otherwise I'd go out an' ask myself. It's not exactly a good conversation starter."
Niyt nods slowly at Hada's lack of any answer, and then lets out a soft sigh. "There is always danger of some sort. When my family lived in the mountains, the snowslides; in the desert, the dryness... sickness in the grass, and snakes in the forest. But... that danger, the danger of arrows and... humans... it is not here yet. Perhaps it is coming, but it is not yet arrived."
"Perhaps." Hada replies with a sigh. "Things are easy to deal with, but /things/ are...those are more difficult." The emphasis on the last 'things' obviously means those of a more homid and sinister nature. "But, I s'pose we can discuss this at a later time. I should be findin' a place to bed down for the night, too."
Niyt sighs as well, and nods. "I am worried, but I am not so worried yet as to keep you from your rest to fret with me," she says, offering a smile. "If I find anything out... I'll let you know."
Hada nods while she rises. Giving herself a complete bodyshake, as if to physically release the clinging thoughts from her being, she readies herself to leave. "Likewise. An' if ya need an ear to talk at, feel free to bother me. I've got lots of spare time."
Niyt smiles at the offer, and nods. "I will," she answers, and makes an effort to lighten her tone. "You've got two of them, after all. Might as well put them to good use from time to time..." She can't entirely manage to keep her voice light, but at least she's trying. "I'll see you around."
Hada snorts in that amused way again. "Night." With that she trots off into the darkness, much quieter than her arrival, to some hidden place away from the heart of the territory, where she has been residing for the time being.