Post by Pavane on Jan 1, 2012 23:49:13 GMT -5
Wiraqu - Male Cougar (Chieftain of Amaranth)
Minya - Female Juvenile Cougar
Finian - Male Coyote
---Sprawling Mesa---
Wandering paws do not give up their meanders easily, but lately Wiraqu's haven't been wandering far. They keep bringing him back to the same places, too - like this mesa. He's lazing atop one of the reddish boulders, his tail out behind him and twitching a little from time to time... though except for that, he might as well be asleep for all he's moving.
Minya climbs another boulder to look around and find something interesting for this day - and spots a large cougar! She starts walking towards him, trying not to make too much noise.
Wiraqu doesn't stir, save for those slow tail-twitches. Lazy cats are good at being lazy! ...and sneaky cats are good at sneaking.
Minya stops near the large cougar's boulder. She recognizes the cougar and after a short while decides to climb the boulder to have a closer look at him.
So maybe Wiraqu isn't utterly asleep, because as Minya starts to climb up the boulder, he opens one eye and turns his head to look at her, then gives a chirp of greeting.
The chirp interrupts Minya's climbing. Maybe the climbing wasn't a good idea? She stares at him for a short moment. She says, "Hello!" and finally climbs the boulder, as if nothing happened.
Wiraqu smiles, and nods in acknowledgement. "Hello," he says back, and then his head swings away from her to look out across the mountaintop. After a few moments, still looking into the distance, he asks, "How are you?"
Minya grins and moves closer to the cougar's head. She wants to see whatever he is looking at too! "Good! And you?"
Wiraqu is looking at, well... the mountain. He's roamed over most of it, but he still doesn't know every corner. He chuckles softly. "Oh, well enough," he answers, and then tilts his head, inspecting the young cougar. "I suppose you'll be learning to hunt soon, won't you? Or have you already started?"
Minya says, "Not yet, but I hope we will start soon." She extends her neck towards the large cougar's head to sniff at him. "What's your name?"
"Ah, I see," says the adult. He nods... then chuckles. "I am Wiraqu." His usual introduction, only... huh. He supposes there's something he should add to it! Something offical and formal, maybe.... naaaaah. "I'm the one who keeps watch over this mountain so you little ones can run around."
Minya smiles. "I am Minya." She turns and starts walking towards Wiraqu's back and to the other side to inspect his large body.
Wiraqu nods. He continues to sprawl, letting Minya look him over. He's about average, as adult male cougars go... which is to say, probably one of the top three or four biggest cougars she's ever seen, up until now.
Minya stops next to Wiraqu's shoulder and attempts to climb him. If she's successful, she slowly moves closer to his head to look around.
As Minya tries to climb him, Wiraqu lets out an amused snort, and stretches himself out a bit as she clambers on top of him. "Hmmm," he says, after a moment. "You're Maul's cub, aren't you? At least, if I've remembered that right..."
Minya says, "Yes, my mama is Maul." After a few moments of looking around, she decides that one of Wiraqu's ears is the most interesting object nearby and tries to take it. Fortunately, she can control the strength of her bite if it hits.
This means, if cougar mama shows up, Wiraqu can have important Chieftainly Chats with her. Or... not. His ear is chomped, and the male laughs, aiming a paw back to thump at the juvenile's side and see if he can knock her against him as he rolls around onto his back.
After the paw hits Minya and the terrain becomes too unstable, she releases the ear. She lands near Wiraqu and quickly tries to stand up.
Wiraqu sprawls on his back, peering over at the youngster as his tail flicks slowly. He chirps.
Minya grins and moves closer to Wiraqu's head. She tries to give his nose a lick, followed by a quick gentle chomp.
Wiraqu nudges at Minya's side with a paw, batting playfully.
Minya rolls onto her side to chomp at the paw while batting at it with all of her paws.
Wiraqu nudges the paw about, ruffling at the juvenile as she play-attacks him in return.
Minya pauses batting, waiting for the paw to get closer to surprise-attack it.
Wiraqu reaches up to bat right at Minya's nose, and chirps.
Minya bats at the large paw with her forepaws after it hits her nose.
Wiraqu lets Minya wrestle his paw, wiggling it back and forth as she does.
Minya wrestles the paw and tries to chomp and hold the paw to ensure that it won't get away.
Wiraqu lifts up his paw, while Minya is clinging to it, trying to drag the kitten into the air by how she's holding on
The prey is trying to get away, but Minya holds on. She is dragged into the air.
Wiraqu waggles his paw about, making Minya move in mid-air while being careful not to lift it /too/ high.
Minya still holds on and tries to use her forepaws to grasp Wiraqu's paw.
Wiraqu chuckles, letting kitten dangle from his paw as he wiggles it.
Minya dangles from the paw for a while, but this uses a lot of her energy and she releases her grasp.
When Minya lets go, Wiraqu chuckles, and then he stretches his paws up over his head.
Minya rubs against Wiraqu's side and starts moving closer to his head.
Wiraqu gazes up at the sky, stretching a bit more and then relaxing into a sprawl. "So," he muses in a considering tone. "This is Amaranth."
Finian makes his away along the rather barren surface of the ground. Well this certainly isn't as nice as it is up north he thinks to himself. Though he does approve of the den that he found a fair ways off from here. He thinks wolves might have used it at one point but no one has since. They weren't very bright for leaving it..its a good place. He might make this his new base of operations.
Minya says, "Mama told me." She rolls onto her side next to his head, facing him.
Wiraqu tilts his head to Minya, and blinks. "Told you -" Ah, right. That this is Amaranth. Yes, he supposes she would have. The male was more pondering on it from his own ideas of where he's ended up, but the kitten can't know that. He chuckles. "So she did. She'll probably tell you all about it, when you're older," he says - and then pauses as a scent catches his nose, turning his head to look for the source of it.
Finian had known that cougars were around nearby. He has met them before. On the whole they aren't very bright, but having one on your side could be rather useful. He had attempted in the past to get Kachina to travel with him but at that time it was to no avail. Still....the plan was sound. He can't really see them yet, but might as well make himself known. He lifts his head and howls.
At the Sprawling Mesa, Finian howls.
Minya turns her head to look for whatever Wiraqu is looking for. She stands up when she hears the strange sound and asks, "What was that?" while looking for the sound's source.
Wiraqu's ears flick at the sound of a howl, and he rolls around to his feet. His tail flicks. "Stay up here," he tells Minya. Atop the rock, she should be safe - most canids can't climb very well at all. Then the adult jumps down, padding toward the source of the sound to investigate. Coyote, hmm?
A coyote...yes indeed. If he should be scared he isn't. Or at least he isn't letting any of it show. He is after all an accomplished con artist. He does note the sound of motion and catches the movement of the adult. Good a male. They tend to be more personable, "Greetings friend..." he calls out.
Minya sits on the edge of the boulder, watching curiously.
Wiraqu laughs at Finian's salutation, though his ears stay perked to see if the canine is alone. Coyotes often are... unlike wolves. "Hello, coyote," he answers, with a smile about his muzzle. His head tilts to the side. "I have not seen you before."
Yes coyotes are definitely not wolves, which Finian views to be a very good thing indeed. Wolves are so boring...with their packs and rules and things. Bah! They can have all that if they want but they are missing out, "No you haven't. And I haven't seen you before either. I don't know any of the cougars in this area beyond what I've heard in legend of course."
Minya sniffs at the air, trying to catch the creature's scent. He seems friendly and she smiles but stays silent.
"Legend," repeats Wiraqu, and laughs. "You will find there is more than legend to it. Actual cougars, both flesh and blood." The male sits, and his tail flicks, then curls around his legs. "So, what brings you wandering around here? More legends?"
Yes legendary cougars that were the stuff of legend...and all that. Every group likes to think of themselves as so superior and awesome. Why not feed the ego a bit...its better than feeding the stomach, "Mainly exploring around. I'm also wondering what happened to Kachina. I met her a long while back and I thought I'd look in on her."
Minya continues watching the scene and examining the strange creature's body.
If there are legends here, Wiraqu knows for a fact he's not part of them. Still, he holds an amused smile on his face. "And if I asked Kachina," he muses, looking at Finian as he does, "Would she be pleased to hear you visiting?" He appears to recognize the name, at least.
Finian offers the cougar something of a shrug. He hadn't known her all that well though he would think she would probably be at least sort of pleased to see him, "I don't think she has any reason to dislike me or be upset that I'm here. She might not even remember me."
"I see," says Wiraqu, considering the coyote before him. After a few moments, he laughs. "Well. I won't keep you from your wandering, but..." he leans in, and lowers his voice slightly. Not in threat; his tone is almost confidential. "This _is_ cougar territory. I'd mind your manners around here, if I were you. I'm sure you already know that, of course."
Finian always minds his manners. After all you can't cause half the trouble you would get to cause if you were rude and put everything out there. No its much better to play things close to the vest. He chuckles and smiles to the cougar, "Oh I always mind my manners, besides...why would I want to cause any trouble when I could be lunch in a heartbeat?"
...because Finian is a coyote, that's why. The species has a reputation, and Wiraqu may be easygoing, but he's not stupid. Too honest a face can easily mean a very skilled liar. He simply chuckles in response, and nods, before turning around and padding back to where he left Minya. He bounds up onto the rock, and noses at her side. "You can go look, if you like. It's a coyote. Watch out for creatures like that when you're alone, though."
Finian is very much a skilled liar. He takes great joy in playing games with folks. He has had his shot at many groups and now he is here. He is sure to have a good time with this lot, "You should definetly do as your father says and be careful with anyone when you are alone." he says to Minya. Hey...its a good bit of advice after all.
Minya jumps down and starts walking towards Finian. "Father?" she asks and stops. "He's not my..." She turns her to look at Wiraqu.
Wiraqu laughs at the mis-naming. "No. I'm not her father." Which makes it even weirder that he's a male cougar near a cub. Most cougar dads don't stick around, let alone strange males! Just what's going on here, huh? Wiraqu settles himself atop the rock again, watching serenely. "Still good advice, though."
Yeah..that is wierd..but what can you do right? The world is a very wierd place and its best just to accept some things and move on, "Ok." he sakys in reply as he watches the cub, "Whats your name?" he asks.
Minya replies, "I am Minya." She resumes walking and asks, "And what's your name?" when she's closer.
Wiraqu sits and watches, smiling.
Finian smiles to the cub, well cubs are cubs after all, he may be a cheat, a liar, a thief and a trouble maker but he generally draws the lines at cubs, "I'm Finian." he replies to the cub.
Minya stops before Finian and smiles. "Hello, Finian!" she greets the coyote. She sniffs at him to remember his strange scent and walks a few steps away from him to look at him from the side.
Finian chuckles at the cub. It is entirely possible that she hasn't seen a coyote or any kind of canine before. He doens't really know how many make it to this area. Perhaps they are all scared away by the cougars? "So if that gent over there isn't your father who is?" he asks. He is curious to learn more about this area.
Minya says, "Uh... he keeps watch... over this place?" She turns her head to look at Wiraqu.
A cougar Wiraqu hasn't met, that's who. A lurker and hider in shadows... or at least a rather shy male. He smiles. "Her father was her mother's choice. Here in Amaranth, the females choose their mates." Which is why he's here, right? Arroyo made herself a choice!
Finian is pleased to hear that is the case, "I see." he says to the older cougar. His own family was rather dysfunctional after all...well not by his standards, but certainly by most normal folks standards. When the cub responds to his question he nods slowly, so this cougar is the boss cougar....interesting.
Minya decides to return to Wiraqu. Finian is interesting, but she prefers being with someone of her own species.
Yep, Wiraqu's in charge. Well, something like that. He keeps watch over the place, at least, and when he hunts extra, he brings it back for the other cougars here to eat. Not so much with organizing or anything like that. He peers down to Minya as she returns to him. "So, what do you think?"
Minya smiles and says, "He is strange." She climbs the boulder and decides to rest for a while, tired from the playing today. "How many coyotes are there?" she asks.
Wiraqu chuckles softly. "Many. They live on the rough slopes, mostly, and in the deserts. There are more of them than cougars, I think - though they are smaller."
Minya tries to find a comfortable place to rest next to Wiraqu. "Desert? What is it like there?" She's not too tired to ask questions!
Wiraqu shifts somewhat, letting Minya have a nice spot to curl up in. "It's sort of like here, only it's flatter, and there are fewer rocks. Everything is sand, and it almost never rains. Just sand, going on and on forever, with sharp prickle-plants."
Minya curls up next to Wiraqu. "Why do they want to live there?" She likes it here, but she wouldn't want to live here all the time.
Wiraqu chuckles, and leans over to lick between Minya's ears. "Some of them don't have a choice. You see... the biggest and strongest take the best territories, and the rest have to go wherever they can find a place. Even if it's not as nice."
Minya closes her eyes after the lick and thinks about Wiraqu's words. She will probably be sleeping before another question comes to her mind.
Wiraqu, for his part, is in no rush to talk. He lies where he is, and rumbles with a quiet purr as he relaxes and gives another few licks to the young cat.
---Some Time Later---
Kachina - Female Adolescent Cougar
Jarin - Male Cougar
Wiraqu - Male Cougar (Chieftain of Amaranth)
Finian - Male Coyote
---Viridian Valley---
With summer in full bloom Kachina has been doing a lot of wandering, at the moment she is settled upon one of the large fallen logs. Her forepaws stretched before her, tail lashing a few times in the process. Her gaze drifts off slightly and she seems to be looking at something off to her right, though there is nothing there but a bush. To everyone else yes nothing is there, but to her there is a little fawn that looks to have died before it was able to walk. "I'm.. truely sorry you couldn't make it through the summer.." She may be heard saying to the fawn. The young cougar is indeed sorry for the fawn's death, but there is little she can do now, other then give it someone to speak with. Though anyone else will most likely think she is crazy if they saw this.
Jarin is wandering as well, having become board at the log. He knows there is a tribe somewhere, and kinda wants to avoid them. He likes being a unattached. He has wandered from an area of fallen logs and now he's in an area of... oh great more logs. Though... there is someone there. He bearly hears what she says. Wondering if she actually saw him he does say. "Hello there?"
Kachina hums softly and glances over to the voice, shifting up to her paws and eyes the strange male a few moment. "Hello back.." Is offered with a faint tone, and snap of her tail. Other cougars are not high on her list of likes, especially strangers. The fawn tilts its head peering towards the new commer before running behind China, which is of course only seen by herself. There the fawn slowly disappears, for now..
Jarin ponders at the tone in response. He really hasn't intereacted with a lot of different felines since going on his own. That one male up North, not sure about much else. So maybe that's the standard greeting all have. He sits down so as not getting too close or lookign threatening or anything. "You stay around here?"
Kachina watches the male a few moments, her ears lowering a moment while her nose twitches. "I suppose you could say that." She shifts to glance back the way she came and then looks back to Jarin. "I take it your not one of the tribe.. Can't recall seeing you before after all."
Jarin shakes his head. "No, I'm not part of any tribe. I'm .. on my own." He still doesn't know about living in a tribe, it's like what the canines do, he thinks. "Are you one of them?"
Kachina smirks faintly as she watches Jarin. "Yes I am.." For the moment at least anyway. "What is your name?" Is questioned after a few moments, and she pauses before clearing her throat. "I'm Kachina.." Might as well act nice.
Jarin decides he can't let his thoughts really sour the conversation. "Ahh, so this is near tribe land." he will try to remember that, not wanting to get in too much trouble, at least according to that one cougar he had talked to when he was younger. "I'm Jarin, glad to meet you Kachina."
Kachina looks amused for a moment and nods. "Well.. Yes you could say that." Her gaze drifts back the way she came and then around her. Though truthfully she has no idea how far the tribe's land even goes. "As long you don't do anything stupid your be find with them."
Near the tribe lands, yes. Actually in them? Not so much, but since when have cougars paid much attention to exact borders? Certainly not a curious one like Wiraqu, meandering down through the valley atop one log and then the next. He pauses when he catches the scent of other cougars, known and unknown, and slips closer to investigate.
Jarin nods.. "Well I try not to do stupid things. So what brings you out to this particular area?" he glances aroudn, "Though this is a good area for food and drink."
Kachina ahs softly and nods while a ear twitching backwards as soemthing get her attention, there is another around, though what told her for sure no one knows. "I was just out wandeirng I suppose one might say. Taking a look see around and stuff here and there." She says with a nod. "What about yourself?"
Jarin notices the ear twitching and does a glance around. "I was looking around really, same, though I was getting tired of seeing the same fallen logs I had been staying at. The food figured out I was there too, so I had to move areas.
Wiraqu pads closer, his ears perked curiously. What /does/ bring not just one but three cougars to this place? He'd like to hear the answer! The male gathers himself, bounding down from a log and into the dappled sunlight as he walks toward the others.
Kachina nods sightly at this and soon turns his head to look towards Wiraqu, whome actually gets a smile. "Evening fearless leader.." Some greeting from a cougar that hates other cougars. A soft ah escapes her. "This is Jarin.. A wandering it seems.."
Jarin turns his attention to the newcomer.. okay the important newcomer. He nods to him. "Yes, Jarin." he repeats. He's not sure how this will play out if that is the leader of the tribe.
Finian has been spending a great deal of time at the den at the end of the valley. The wolves that had claimed it are long gone and its really makes for a nice home. The meeting with Wiraqu the other day had gone rather well and he had gotten permission to stick around. He had told Wiraqu that he was going to do a bit of searching for Kachina since it had been ages since he had last seen her, and it seems that now his search had paid off. He wanders up the valley from the den and comes across the grouping of cougars. Two he knows and one that he doesn't.
Wiraqu chuckles at Kachina's greeting to him, and nods his head to her. "Hello, little wanderer," he says in a cheerful tone, and then turns his head to look over Jarin. "Ah," he says, and nods. "Hello. I'm Wiraqu... as she said, Chieftain of Amaranth. You've come rather near those lands."
Kachina smiles to Wiraqu, its an actual true full feeling smile, which just about no one gets anymore. She shifts on her paws, her tail twitching while she grins and nods. A curious glance is sent towards Finian and she hums softly. "Hello there.. Haven't seen you in a rather long time.." A ear is kept on the conversation that is now between Wiraqu and Jarin, curious where it may lead.
Jarin ponders that good piece of information. He's not ON the territory, but just Near... good good. He turns and glances over at the other newcomer, not hearing a name, just little wanderer. So another one that is like him. He turns back over to the Chieftain, whater that means besides leader. "Ahh, I'm glad to know where they are so that I might not cross there without your permission." So he did remember a few things that that cougar had told him a while ago, is coming back to the forfront of thought.
Finian comes a bit closer to the group and offers a smile to all of them. He doens't know who Jarin is, but at the present moment he is rather inconsequential. He isn't part of the tribe apparently, "Yeah I sorta wondered what happened to you. I figured that if I wandered long enough I might bump into you again." He offers with a shrug before taking a seat making himself comfortable.
Wiraqu turns to glance at Finian, and then away. Ah, so the coyote's here again, and apparently Kachina doesn't mind his company. A point in the fellow's favor, admittedly, but either way he's still not terribly concerned. He nods to Jarin. "This valley, you are free to wander in. None of the sisters claim territory further north than the edges of the lake."
Kachina hums softly while watching the coyote. "Well.. I am a cougar so most likely a good reason why I may be found here." She points out with an amused tone. A slight glance is offered back to Jarin while Wiraqu explains the land set up.
Jarin cocks his head some. first there's canine that is being tolerated, but then .. the sisters territory. OH wait, he remembers now. "ahh, so their teritory is right over there." He glances over in the proper direction. He turns back to the felines. "This does seem like a good area here though." He does observe that the the female and the coyote have met each other before.
Finian has indeed met Kachina before. He had offered for her to come and wander with him. Course that was before she had decided to go home. He is glad that she has made it safely back though, "So are you enjoying being here? I know that you had your reservations before." He is curious to hear about what has been going on with her. Wiraqu and the other are ignored for the time being, though doubtless he will have lots to say to the pair of them in time.
Wiraqu keeps one ear perked to Kachina and Finian's conversation. This is indeed a place where cougars are found... well, or else not found. Some are more social than others. The one male nods to the other, and tilts his head. "You're not exactly from here, I gather... where are you from?" His tone seems more curious than anything.
Kachina ums faintly at the question from Finian, is she enjoying being here? A glance is offered towards Wiraqu then to Jarin and soon back to Finian. "Yes.. I'm enjoying myself here. Is.. Nice to be around other cougars again." She knows how to lie rather well from the looks of it. She doesn't even flinch and smiles faintly while saying that.
Jarin picks up a piece of the conversation between the female and the yote, but his attention seems to be fully on the Cheiften. "No, I'm not actually. I'm from over on the other side of the mountain. I came here to see what this side had to offer. It seems to be a bit busier on this side." He can believe that this one has lived all his life here.
Finian knows a lie when he hears one. He is a con artist after all and a trickster besides. Oh well. He'll doubtless have the chance to talk to her about it later. For now he will let the lie slide and he won't confront her on it, "Really? Thats...interesting to hear." he says, "I've sort of set up shop in the den down the valley a ways, its a rather nice place. So what are you enjoying the most about being home? Getting to see your mother I suppose?"
Appearances can be decieving. As it turns out, Wiraqu's been living on this mountain for, oh, a few moons now? Has it been even that long? He supposes so. Still, he nods at Jarin. "Ah, I see. This side is rather wetter, I think - at least, this part of it. It means more prey, and that, of course, means more hunters living on it. Perhaps that's why you find it busier than where you began."
Kachina nods slightly, a faint ah escapes her at the question on her mother which she ponders what to say. "Yes.. I've seen my mother, and brother. They are doing well." An she is doing her best to stay away from them both. Not that she will say that outloud at the moment.
Jarin does pick up on something with Kachina's answer, but he's still talking to the leader. "And warmer too. There was more snow on the other side. This is good, plenty of prey." He does glance at the coyote at the level of knowledge he has on the feline.
Finian nods his head slowly, well its good that she saw her mother...and so she has a brother too...how interesting, "So your brother wasn't taken when you were huh?" he asks. He is always curious about things like that. He will have to meet this brother of hers.
Yeah, Kachina has seen her mother and brother. And Wiraqu saw just how enthusiastic she was at the prospect of it! Which is to say, he's seen happier faces on deer he's just dragged down and is about to start eating. The Chieftain glances her way, then back to Jarin and nods. Less snow here? Well, he'll have to see for himself come wintertime - he only saw the final bit of this past one. "So there is." Enough prey, in fact, he's not too worried about other cougars lurking around to share it. Jarin's glance to the coyote doesn't go unnoticed, and Wiraqu chuckles. "Long noses are for poking in at things."
Kachina is quiet for a moment and watches the ground, hey look there's an ant! "Sure he was. Why wouldn't he be?" She offers more then questions remembering the reaction from her brother. It wasn't all fuzzy, but then she was a little cold bitch so to speak. "I'm going back home.." Is suddenly said while she stands up and turns moving back towards the tribe lands without a word. The little fawn 'appears' by her again, once again she's the only one able to see it, and she casts it a slight glance, a faint smile seen before she moves along.
Jarin has no problem being called a snooper if the discussion is in public after all. It's not like he's sneaking around to find out whatever it is that is happening in an area he really doesn't know about. He's about to answer the Chieftain's statement when Kachina decides at that moment to leave. Hmm unresolved issues maybe. This homecoming might not have been as good as one had thought. He watches her leave with a slight smile, he did catch. He turns back to Wiraqu. "I can believe that, on both counts."
Thats an odd reaction Finian thinks. Oh well its no matter. He is sure that he will have another chance to talk to her. Perhaps without the ears of others present. He still hopes to turn her for his purpose. He does need a good bodyguard after all and Kachina would make a perfect bodyguard. Also being a thief and a trickster might do her some good. She certainly seems to have a great deal of pent up anger, "Kachina...when you want to talk I'm at the den at the end of the valley." he says no more. He suspects that when the time if right she will come to find him, and not vice versa. She is an individual in need of purpose..and clearly that isn't happening here.
Wiraqu turns his gaze to Kachina as she goes to depart. "Your brother was at the mesa when I left," he tells her. Always useful to know what places she might want to avoid! From her, he looks to Finian, gazing at the coyote for a long moment, as well as filing away his location... should he ever care about it. He's not about to stop either of them right now, though, and returns his attention to Jarin, and grins. "Be a shame to let a curiosity go unsatisfied."
Kachina ear twitch towards Finian, a glance sent towards him and she hums softly and nods while she continues to move along. So her brother is at the mesa, alright she'll stay clear of that area then. Tail swaying as she continues along soon disappearing..
Jarin watches the female a little more then turns to glance at Finian as he watches her leaving, noticing some thinking being done, at least that's how Jarin would describe it. He looks back to Wiraqu before the coyote looks back. "Curiosity is always a double edge sword you know."
Finian certainly knows that curiosity can get you into a fair amount of trouble, but up until this point in time he has always managed to get himself out of the trouble again. He offers a smile to the pair of them and shrugs, "I'm glad that I got to see her again. When I met her she was on her own and had just been kidnapped. The wolves from up north a bit freed her. She has alot of....issues to work through I think, but once she does she will be just fine." He offers a glance toward Wiraqu that says, 'See I told you I knew her and I wasn't making it up.'
Wiraqu chuckles, and sits down, curling his tail around his legs comfortably. "Is it? And what would you call those two edges?" he asks the other cougar, then tilts his head at Finian's explanation. Nothing in it he doesn't know - he's the one who found her with those wolves, after all - but still, it's interesting to hear him mention it. "Not the first cougar of Amaranth to know wolves."
Jarin listens and absorbs. It gets more and more interesting. He'll just have to keep track of all of the information. For the cheiften to ask that question though makes him want to do a smartalchy response.. but shouldn't sour bridges after all. "Well, it can lead you to find something good, or it can lead you in the middle of a wolf pack."
Finian is growing rather tired of this conversation now that Kachina has left. That is his primary reason for being here...well that and causing what troulbe that he can. Still since the chief is here has to play at being nice and interested and all that other stuff that goes along with being involved with a group, "I try to mind my own business where I can." he adds. Which is a complete and total lie, but still no one here will really call him on it...they don't know him well enough.
"One cat's wolves are another cat's good news," replies Wiraqu with a smile. "Still, I'd rather they keep some distance." He's a tolerant cougar - as evinced by the fact that he's letting a coyote wander about and is talking friendly to another male near his borders - but that does have limits.
Jarin doesn't think Wiraqu should have too much to worry about Jarin at least.. he's got no mind to deal with a tribe of cats. A lone cat, that would be another matter. Now this Coyote. He's never really trusted them to begin with. Hasn't really trusted any canine's.. He actually is more curious about what's going on. He at least knows where this one is staying and there is plenty of trees to climb to hide in. Especailly being summer with leaves. He might have to stick around here without people knowing this.
Finian makes it his business to know what is going on everywhere. At least everywhere that he is able to go. He has already established wher the main group of cougars is, and also established a based of operations that is close enough but not too close, and already found Kachina and had a chance to have a brief chat with her anyway. Life is pretty good, "So Wiraqu what have you been up to?"
Wiraqu hmms to Jarin, as the other cougar seems to contemplate for a bit, then tilts his head to Finian. He chuckles. "Oh, the usual set of wanders. What of you? Other than finding yourself a den, apparently."
Jarin looks back to Wiraqu with a smile, but is content to hear the conversation between the other two. He might learn some more. The coyote seems to have a content look now though. He looks to Finian for his answer of the chieftain's question.
Finian hasn't been up to anything beyond that. He had gone to look for Kachina but had been unsucessful in finding her until this moment, "The den is seriously nice. I think wolves lived there before...at any rate its mine now." he says, "Other than that...not much."
Wiraqu nods, and then stretches, rising to his feet. "Well, I think I shall head out now to do some hunting. Perhaps I'll see both of you around here again," he says, nodding to cougar and coyote before pacing back off through the fallen logs and trees.
Jarin nods to the leader of the one tribe. "You might." he turns to the yote, then pads off in another direction. "I shall head back towards my fallen tree."
Finian heads off toward his den. Well at least the first parts of his scheme have been going well. He will hang around and continue to meet more of these cats, and play it by ear a bit. Hopefully Kachina will stop by when she is ready to talk. If not, well there are always other ways to play the game, "Later guys."
Minya - Female Juvenile Cougar
Finian - Male Coyote
---Sprawling Mesa---
Wandering paws do not give up their meanders easily, but lately Wiraqu's haven't been wandering far. They keep bringing him back to the same places, too - like this mesa. He's lazing atop one of the reddish boulders, his tail out behind him and twitching a little from time to time... though except for that, he might as well be asleep for all he's moving.
Minya climbs another boulder to look around and find something interesting for this day - and spots a large cougar! She starts walking towards him, trying not to make too much noise.
Wiraqu doesn't stir, save for those slow tail-twitches. Lazy cats are good at being lazy! ...and sneaky cats are good at sneaking.
Minya stops near the large cougar's boulder. She recognizes the cougar and after a short while decides to climb the boulder to have a closer look at him.
So maybe Wiraqu isn't utterly asleep, because as Minya starts to climb up the boulder, he opens one eye and turns his head to look at her, then gives a chirp of greeting.
The chirp interrupts Minya's climbing. Maybe the climbing wasn't a good idea? She stares at him for a short moment. She says, "Hello!" and finally climbs the boulder, as if nothing happened.
Wiraqu smiles, and nods in acknowledgement. "Hello," he says back, and then his head swings away from her to look out across the mountaintop. After a few moments, still looking into the distance, he asks, "How are you?"
Minya grins and moves closer to the cougar's head. She wants to see whatever he is looking at too! "Good! And you?"
Wiraqu is looking at, well... the mountain. He's roamed over most of it, but he still doesn't know every corner. He chuckles softly. "Oh, well enough," he answers, and then tilts his head, inspecting the young cougar. "I suppose you'll be learning to hunt soon, won't you? Or have you already started?"
Minya says, "Not yet, but I hope we will start soon." She extends her neck towards the large cougar's head to sniff at him. "What's your name?"
"Ah, I see," says the adult. He nods... then chuckles. "I am Wiraqu." His usual introduction, only... huh. He supposes there's something he should add to it! Something offical and formal, maybe.... naaaaah. "I'm the one who keeps watch over this mountain so you little ones can run around."
Minya smiles. "I am Minya." She turns and starts walking towards Wiraqu's back and to the other side to inspect his large body.
Wiraqu nods. He continues to sprawl, letting Minya look him over. He's about average, as adult male cougars go... which is to say, probably one of the top three or four biggest cougars she's ever seen, up until now.
Minya stops next to Wiraqu's shoulder and attempts to climb him. If she's successful, she slowly moves closer to his head to look around.
As Minya tries to climb him, Wiraqu lets out an amused snort, and stretches himself out a bit as she clambers on top of him. "Hmmm," he says, after a moment. "You're Maul's cub, aren't you? At least, if I've remembered that right..."
Minya says, "Yes, my mama is Maul." After a few moments of looking around, she decides that one of Wiraqu's ears is the most interesting object nearby and tries to take it. Fortunately, she can control the strength of her bite if it hits.
This means, if cougar mama shows up, Wiraqu can have important Chieftainly Chats with her. Or... not. His ear is chomped, and the male laughs, aiming a paw back to thump at the juvenile's side and see if he can knock her against him as he rolls around onto his back.
After the paw hits Minya and the terrain becomes too unstable, she releases the ear. She lands near Wiraqu and quickly tries to stand up.
Wiraqu sprawls on his back, peering over at the youngster as his tail flicks slowly. He chirps.
Minya grins and moves closer to Wiraqu's head. She tries to give his nose a lick, followed by a quick gentle chomp.
Wiraqu nudges at Minya's side with a paw, batting playfully.
Minya rolls onto her side to chomp at the paw while batting at it with all of her paws.
Wiraqu nudges the paw about, ruffling at the juvenile as she play-attacks him in return.
Minya pauses batting, waiting for the paw to get closer to surprise-attack it.
Wiraqu reaches up to bat right at Minya's nose, and chirps.
Minya bats at the large paw with her forepaws after it hits her nose.
Wiraqu lets Minya wrestle his paw, wiggling it back and forth as she does.
Minya wrestles the paw and tries to chomp and hold the paw to ensure that it won't get away.
Wiraqu lifts up his paw, while Minya is clinging to it, trying to drag the kitten into the air by how she's holding on
The prey is trying to get away, but Minya holds on. She is dragged into the air.
Wiraqu waggles his paw about, making Minya move in mid-air while being careful not to lift it /too/ high.
Minya still holds on and tries to use her forepaws to grasp Wiraqu's paw.
Wiraqu chuckles, letting kitten dangle from his paw as he wiggles it.
Minya dangles from the paw for a while, but this uses a lot of her energy and she releases her grasp.
When Minya lets go, Wiraqu chuckles, and then he stretches his paws up over his head.
Minya rubs against Wiraqu's side and starts moving closer to his head.
Wiraqu gazes up at the sky, stretching a bit more and then relaxing into a sprawl. "So," he muses in a considering tone. "This is Amaranth."
Finian makes his away along the rather barren surface of the ground. Well this certainly isn't as nice as it is up north he thinks to himself. Though he does approve of the den that he found a fair ways off from here. He thinks wolves might have used it at one point but no one has since. They weren't very bright for leaving it..its a good place. He might make this his new base of operations.
Minya says, "Mama told me." She rolls onto her side next to his head, facing him.
Wiraqu tilts his head to Minya, and blinks. "Told you -" Ah, right. That this is Amaranth. Yes, he supposes she would have. The male was more pondering on it from his own ideas of where he's ended up, but the kitten can't know that. He chuckles. "So she did. She'll probably tell you all about it, when you're older," he says - and then pauses as a scent catches his nose, turning his head to look for the source of it.
Finian had known that cougars were around nearby. He has met them before. On the whole they aren't very bright, but having one on your side could be rather useful. He had attempted in the past to get Kachina to travel with him but at that time it was to no avail. Still....the plan was sound. He can't really see them yet, but might as well make himself known. He lifts his head and howls.
At the Sprawling Mesa, Finian howls.
Minya turns her head to look for whatever Wiraqu is looking for. She stands up when she hears the strange sound and asks, "What was that?" while looking for the sound's source.
Wiraqu's ears flick at the sound of a howl, and he rolls around to his feet. His tail flicks. "Stay up here," he tells Minya. Atop the rock, she should be safe - most canids can't climb very well at all. Then the adult jumps down, padding toward the source of the sound to investigate. Coyote, hmm?
A coyote...yes indeed. If he should be scared he isn't. Or at least he isn't letting any of it show. He is after all an accomplished con artist. He does note the sound of motion and catches the movement of the adult. Good a male. They tend to be more personable, "Greetings friend..." he calls out.
Minya sits on the edge of the boulder, watching curiously.
Wiraqu laughs at Finian's salutation, though his ears stay perked to see if the canine is alone. Coyotes often are... unlike wolves. "Hello, coyote," he answers, with a smile about his muzzle. His head tilts to the side. "I have not seen you before."
Yes coyotes are definitely not wolves, which Finian views to be a very good thing indeed. Wolves are so boring...with their packs and rules and things. Bah! They can have all that if they want but they are missing out, "No you haven't. And I haven't seen you before either. I don't know any of the cougars in this area beyond what I've heard in legend of course."
Minya sniffs at the air, trying to catch the creature's scent. He seems friendly and she smiles but stays silent.
"Legend," repeats Wiraqu, and laughs. "You will find there is more than legend to it. Actual cougars, both flesh and blood." The male sits, and his tail flicks, then curls around his legs. "So, what brings you wandering around here? More legends?"
Yes legendary cougars that were the stuff of legend...and all that. Every group likes to think of themselves as so superior and awesome. Why not feed the ego a bit...its better than feeding the stomach, "Mainly exploring around. I'm also wondering what happened to Kachina. I met her a long while back and I thought I'd look in on her."
Minya continues watching the scene and examining the strange creature's body.
If there are legends here, Wiraqu knows for a fact he's not part of them. Still, he holds an amused smile on his face. "And if I asked Kachina," he muses, looking at Finian as he does, "Would she be pleased to hear you visiting?" He appears to recognize the name, at least.
Finian offers the cougar something of a shrug. He hadn't known her all that well though he would think she would probably be at least sort of pleased to see him, "I don't think she has any reason to dislike me or be upset that I'm here. She might not even remember me."
"I see," says Wiraqu, considering the coyote before him. After a few moments, he laughs. "Well. I won't keep you from your wandering, but..." he leans in, and lowers his voice slightly. Not in threat; his tone is almost confidential. "This _is_ cougar territory. I'd mind your manners around here, if I were you. I'm sure you already know that, of course."
Finian always minds his manners. After all you can't cause half the trouble you would get to cause if you were rude and put everything out there. No its much better to play things close to the vest. He chuckles and smiles to the cougar, "Oh I always mind my manners, besides...why would I want to cause any trouble when I could be lunch in a heartbeat?"
...because Finian is a coyote, that's why. The species has a reputation, and Wiraqu may be easygoing, but he's not stupid. Too honest a face can easily mean a very skilled liar. He simply chuckles in response, and nods, before turning around and padding back to where he left Minya. He bounds up onto the rock, and noses at her side. "You can go look, if you like. It's a coyote. Watch out for creatures like that when you're alone, though."
Finian is very much a skilled liar. He takes great joy in playing games with folks. He has had his shot at many groups and now he is here. He is sure to have a good time with this lot, "You should definetly do as your father says and be careful with anyone when you are alone." he says to Minya. Hey...its a good bit of advice after all.
Minya jumps down and starts walking towards Finian. "Father?" she asks and stops. "He's not my..." She turns her to look at Wiraqu.
Wiraqu laughs at the mis-naming. "No. I'm not her father." Which makes it even weirder that he's a male cougar near a cub. Most cougar dads don't stick around, let alone strange males! Just what's going on here, huh? Wiraqu settles himself atop the rock again, watching serenely. "Still good advice, though."
Yeah..that is wierd..but what can you do right? The world is a very wierd place and its best just to accept some things and move on, "Ok." he sakys in reply as he watches the cub, "Whats your name?" he asks.
Minya replies, "I am Minya." She resumes walking and asks, "And what's your name?" when she's closer.
Wiraqu sits and watches, smiling.
Finian smiles to the cub, well cubs are cubs after all, he may be a cheat, a liar, a thief and a trouble maker but he generally draws the lines at cubs, "I'm Finian." he replies to the cub.
Minya stops before Finian and smiles. "Hello, Finian!" she greets the coyote. She sniffs at him to remember his strange scent and walks a few steps away from him to look at him from the side.
Finian chuckles at the cub. It is entirely possible that she hasn't seen a coyote or any kind of canine before. He doens't really know how many make it to this area. Perhaps they are all scared away by the cougars? "So if that gent over there isn't your father who is?" he asks. He is curious to learn more about this area.
Minya says, "Uh... he keeps watch... over this place?" She turns her head to look at Wiraqu.
A cougar Wiraqu hasn't met, that's who. A lurker and hider in shadows... or at least a rather shy male. He smiles. "Her father was her mother's choice. Here in Amaranth, the females choose their mates." Which is why he's here, right? Arroyo made herself a choice!
Finian is pleased to hear that is the case, "I see." he says to the older cougar. His own family was rather dysfunctional after all...well not by his standards, but certainly by most normal folks standards. When the cub responds to his question he nods slowly, so this cougar is the boss cougar....interesting.
Minya decides to return to Wiraqu. Finian is interesting, but she prefers being with someone of her own species.
Yep, Wiraqu's in charge. Well, something like that. He keeps watch over the place, at least, and when he hunts extra, he brings it back for the other cougars here to eat. Not so much with organizing or anything like that. He peers down to Minya as she returns to him. "So, what do you think?"
Minya smiles and says, "He is strange." She climbs the boulder and decides to rest for a while, tired from the playing today. "How many coyotes are there?" she asks.
Wiraqu chuckles softly. "Many. They live on the rough slopes, mostly, and in the deserts. There are more of them than cougars, I think - though they are smaller."
Minya tries to find a comfortable place to rest next to Wiraqu. "Desert? What is it like there?" She's not too tired to ask questions!
Wiraqu shifts somewhat, letting Minya have a nice spot to curl up in. "It's sort of like here, only it's flatter, and there are fewer rocks. Everything is sand, and it almost never rains. Just sand, going on and on forever, with sharp prickle-plants."
Minya curls up next to Wiraqu. "Why do they want to live there?" She likes it here, but she wouldn't want to live here all the time.
Wiraqu chuckles, and leans over to lick between Minya's ears. "Some of them don't have a choice. You see... the biggest and strongest take the best territories, and the rest have to go wherever they can find a place. Even if it's not as nice."
Minya closes her eyes after the lick and thinks about Wiraqu's words. She will probably be sleeping before another question comes to her mind.
Wiraqu, for his part, is in no rush to talk. He lies where he is, and rumbles with a quiet purr as he relaxes and gives another few licks to the young cat.
---Some Time Later---
Kachina - Female Adolescent Cougar
Jarin - Male Cougar
Wiraqu - Male Cougar (Chieftain of Amaranth)
Finian - Male Coyote
---Viridian Valley---
With summer in full bloom Kachina has been doing a lot of wandering, at the moment she is settled upon one of the large fallen logs. Her forepaws stretched before her, tail lashing a few times in the process. Her gaze drifts off slightly and she seems to be looking at something off to her right, though there is nothing there but a bush. To everyone else yes nothing is there, but to her there is a little fawn that looks to have died before it was able to walk. "I'm.. truely sorry you couldn't make it through the summer.." She may be heard saying to the fawn. The young cougar is indeed sorry for the fawn's death, but there is little she can do now, other then give it someone to speak with. Though anyone else will most likely think she is crazy if they saw this.
Jarin is wandering as well, having become board at the log. He knows there is a tribe somewhere, and kinda wants to avoid them. He likes being a unattached. He has wandered from an area of fallen logs and now he's in an area of... oh great more logs. Though... there is someone there. He bearly hears what she says. Wondering if she actually saw him he does say. "Hello there?"
Kachina hums softly and glances over to the voice, shifting up to her paws and eyes the strange male a few moment. "Hello back.." Is offered with a faint tone, and snap of her tail. Other cougars are not high on her list of likes, especially strangers. The fawn tilts its head peering towards the new commer before running behind China, which is of course only seen by herself. There the fawn slowly disappears, for now..
Jarin ponders at the tone in response. He really hasn't intereacted with a lot of different felines since going on his own. That one male up North, not sure about much else. So maybe that's the standard greeting all have. He sits down so as not getting too close or lookign threatening or anything. "You stay around here?"
Kachina watches the male a few moments, her ears lowering a moment while her nose twitches. "I suppose you could say that." She shifts to glance back the way she came and then looks back to Jarin. "I take it your not one of the tribe.. Can't recall seeing you before after all."
Jarin shakes his head. "No, I'm not part of any tribe. I'm .. on my own." He still doesn't know about living in a tribe, it's like what the canines do, he thinks. "Are you one of them?"
Kachina smirks faintly as she watches Jarin. "Yes I am.." For the moment at least anyway. "What is your name?" Is questioned after a few moments, and she pauses before clearing her throat. "I'm Kachina.." Might as well act nice.
Jarin decides he can't let his thoughts really sour the conversation. "Ahh, so this is near tribe land." he will try to remember that, not wanting to get in too much trouble, at least according to that one cougar he had talked to when he was younger. "I'm Jarin, glad to meet you Kachina."
Kachina looks amused for a moment and nods. "Well.. Yes you could say that." Her gaze drifts back the way she came and then around her. Though truthfully she has no idea how far the tribe's land even goes. "As long you don't do anything stupid your be find with them."
Near the tribe lands, yes. Actually in them? Not so much, but since when have cougars paid much attention to exact borders? Certainly not a curious one like Wiraqu, meandering down through the valley atop one log and then the next. He pauses when he catches the scent of other cougars, known and unknown, and slips closer to investigate.
Jarin nods.. "Well I try not to do stupid things. So what brings you out to this particular area?" he glances aroudn, "Though this is a good area for food and drink."
Kachina ahs softly and nods while a ear twitching backwards as soemthing get her attention, there is another around, though what told her for sure no one knows. "I was just out wandeirng I suppose one might say. Taking a look see around and stuff here and there." She says with a nod. "What about yourself?"
Jarin notices the ear twitching and does a glance around. "I was looking around really, same, though I was getting tired of seeing the same fallen logs I had been staying at. The food figured out I was there too, so I had to move areas.
Wiraqu pads closer, his ears perked curiously. What /does/ bring not just one but three cougars to this place? He'd like to hear the answer! The male gathers himself, bounding down from a log and into the dappled sunlight as he walks toward the others.
Kachina nods sightly at this and soon turns his head to look towards Wiraqu, whome actually gets a smile. "Evening fearless leader.." Some greeting from a cougar that hates other cougars. A soft ah escapes her. "This is Jarin.. A wandering it seems.."
Jarin turns his attention to the newcomer.. okay the important newcomer. He nods to him. "Yes, Jarin." he repeats. He's not sure how this will play out if that is the leader of the tribe.
Finian has been spending a great deal of time at the den at the end of the valley. The wolves that had claimed it are long gone and its really makes for a nice home. The meeting with Wiraqu the other day had gone rather well and he had gotten permission to stick around. He had told Wiraqu that he was going to do a bit of searching for Kachina since it had been ages since he had last seen her, and it seems that now his search had paid off. He wanders up the valley from the den and comes across the grouping of cougars. Two he knows and one that he doesn't.
Wiraqu chuckles at Kachina's greeting to him, and nods his head to her. "Hello, little wanderer," he says in a cheerful tone, and then turns his head to look over Jarin. "Ah," he says, and nods. "Hello. I'm Wiraqu... as she said, Chieftain of Amaranth. You've come rather near those lands."
Kachina smiles to Wiraqu, its an actual true full feeling smile, which just about no one gets anymore. She shifts on her paws, her tail twitching while she grins and nods. A curious glance is sent towards Finian and she hums softly. "Hello there.. Haven't seen you in a rather long time.." A ear is kept on the conversation that is now between Wiraqu and Jarin, curious where it may lead.
Jarin ponders that good piece of information. He's not ON the territory, but just Near... good good. He turns and glances over at the other newcomer, not hearing a name, just little wanderer. So another one that is like him. He turns back over to the Chieftain, whater that means besides leader. "Ahh, I'm glad to know where they are so that I might not cross there without your permission." So he did remember a few things that that cougar had told him a while ago, is coming back to the forfront of thought.
Finian comes a bit closer to the group and offers a smile to all of them. He doens't know who Jarin is, but at the present moment he is rather inconsequential. He isn't part of the tribe apparently, "Yeah I sorta wondered what happened to you. I figured that if I wandered long enough I might bump into you again." He offers with a shrug before taking a seat making himself comfortable.
Wiraqu turns to glance at Finian, and then away. Ah, so the coyote's here again, and apparently Kachina doesn't mind his company. A point in the fellow's favor, admittedly, but either way he's still not terribly concerned. He nods to Jarin. "This valley, you are free to wander in. None of the sisters claim territory further north than the edges of the lake."
Kachina hums softly while watching the coyote. "Well.. I am a cougar so most likely a good reason why I may be found here." She points out with an amused tone. A slight glance is offered back to Jarin while Wiraqu explains the land set up.
Jarin cocks his head some. first there's canine that is being tolerated, but then .. the sisters territory. OH wait, he remembers now. "ahh, so their teritory is right over there." He glances over in the proper direction. He turns back to the felines. "This does seem like a good area here though." He does observe that the the female and the coyote have met each other before.
Finian has indeed met Kachina before. He had offered for her to come and wander with him. Course that was before she had decided to go home. He is glad that she has made it safely back though, "So are you enjoying being here? I know that you had your reservations before." He is curious to hear about what has been going on with her. Wiraqu and the other are ignored for the time being, though doubtless he will have lots to say to the pair of them in time.
Wiraqu keeps one ear perked to Kachina and Finian's conversation. This is indeed a place where cougars are found... well, or else not found. Some are more social than others. The one male nods to the other, and tilts his head. "You're not exactly from here, I gather... where are you from?" His tone seems more curious than anything.
Kachina ums faintly at the question from Finian, is she enjoying being here? A glance is offered towards Wiraqu then to Jarin and soon back to Finian. "Yes.. I'm enjoying myself here. Is.. Nice to be around other cougars again." She knows how to lie rather well from the looks of it. She doesn't even flinch and smiles faintly while saying that.
Jarin picks up a piece of the conversation between the female and the yote, but his attention seems to be fully on the Cheiften. "No, I'm not actually. I'm from over on the other side of the mountain. I came here to see what this side had to offer. It seems to be a bit busier on this side." He can believe that this one has lived all his life here.
Finian knows a lie when he hears one. He is a con artist after all and a trickster besides. Oh well. He'll doubtless have the chance to talk to her about it later. For now he will let the lie slide and he won't confront her on it, "Really? Thats...interesting to hear." he says, "I've sort of set up shop in the den down the valley a ways, its a rather nice place. So what are you enjoying the most about being home? Getting to see your mother I suppose?"
Appearances can be decieving. As it turns out, Wiraqu's been living on this mountain for, oh, a few moons now? Has it been even that long? He supposes so. Still, he nods at Jarin. "Ah, I see. This side is rather wetter, I think - at least, this part of it. It means more prey, and that, of course, means more hunters living on it. Perhaps that's why you find it busier than where you began."
Kachina nods slightly, a faint ah escapes her at the question on her mother which she ponders what to say. "Yes.. I've seen my mother, and brother. They are doing well." An she is doing her best to stay away from them both. Not that she will say that outloud at the moment.
Jarin does pick up on something with Kachina's answer, but he's still talking to the leader. "And warmer too. There was more snow on the other side. This is good, plenty of prey." He does glance at the coyote at the level of knowledge he has on the feline.
Finian nods his head slowly, well its good that she saw her mother...and so she has a brother too...how interesting, "So your brother wasn't taken when you were huh?" he asks. He is always curious about things like that. He will have to meet this brother of hers.
Yeah, Kachina has seen her mother and brother. And Wiraqu saw just how enthusiastic she was at the prospect of it! Which is to say, he's seen happier faces on deer he's just dragged down and is about to start eating. The Chieftain glances her way, then back to Jarin and nods. Less snow here? Well, he'll have to see for himself come wintertime - he only saw the final bit of this past one. "So there is." Enough prey, in fact, he's not too worried about other cougars lurking around to share it. Jarin's glance to the coyote doesn't go unnoticed, and Wiraqu chuckles. "Long noses are for poking in at things."
Kachina is quiet for a moment and watches the ground, hey look there's an ant! "Sure he was. Why wouldn't he be?" She offers more then questions remembering the reaction from her brother. It wasn't all fuzzy, but then she was a little cold bitch so to speak. "I'm going back home.." Is suddenly said while she stands up and turns moving back towards the tribe lands without a word. The little fawn 'appears' by her again, once again she's the only one able to see it, and she casts it a slight glance, a faint smile seen before she moves along.
Jarin has no problem being called a snooper if the discussion is in public after all. It's not like he's sneaking around to find out whatever it is that is happening in an area he really doesn't know about. He's about to answer the Chieftain's statement when Kachina decides at that moment to leave. Hmm unresolved issues maybe. This homecoming might not have been as good as one had thought. He watches her leave with a slight smile, he did catch. He turns back to Wiraqu. "I can believe that, on both counts."
Thats an odd reaction Finian thinks. Oh well its no matter. He is sure that he will have another chance to talk to her. Perhaps without the ears of others present. He still hopes to turn her for his purpose. He does need a good bodyguard after all and Kachina would make a perfect bodyguard. Also being a thief and a trickster might do her some good. She certainly seems to have a great deal of pent up anger, "Kachina...when you want to talk I'm at the den at the end of the valley." he says no more. He suspects that when the time if right she will come to find him, and not vice versa. She is an individual in need of purpose..and clearly that isn't happening here.
Wiraqu turns his gaze to Kachina as she goes to depart. "Your brother was at the mesa when I left," he tells her. Always useful to know what places she might want to avoid! From her, he looks to Finian, gazing at the coyote for a long moment, as well as filing away his location... should he ever care about it. He's not about to stop either of them right now, though, and returns his attention to Jarin, and grins. "Be a shame to let a curiosity go unsatisfied."
Kachina ear twitch towards Finian, a glance sent towards him and she hums softly and nods while she continues to move along. So her brother is at the mesa, alright she'll stay clear of that area then. Tail swaying as she continues along soon disappearing..
Jarin watches the female a little more then turns to glance at Finian as he watches her leaving, noticing some thinking being done, at least that's how Jarin would describe it. He looks back to Wiraqu before the coyote looks back. "Curiosity is always a double edge sword you know."
Finian certainly knows that curiosity can get you into a fair amount of trouble, but up until this point in time he has always managed to get himself out of the trouble again. He offers a smile to the pair of them and shrugs, "I'm glad that I got to see her again. When I met her she was on her own and had just been kidnapped. The wolves from up north a bit freed her. She has alot of....issues to work through I think, but once she does she will be just fine." He offers a glance toward Wiraqu that says, 'See I told you I knew her and I wasn't making it up.'
Wiraqu chuckles, and sits down, curling his tail around his legs comfortably. "Is it? And what would you call those two edges?" he asks the other cougar, then tilts his head at Finian's explanation. Nothing in it he doesn't know - he's the one who found her with those wolves, after all - but still, it's interesting to hear him mention it. "Not the first cougar of Amaranth to know wolves."
Jarin listens and absorbs. It gets more and more interesting. He'll just have to keep track of all of the information. For the cheiften to ask that question though makes him want to do a smartalchy response.. but shouldn't sour bridges after all. "Well, it can lead you to find something good, or it can lead you in the middle of a wolf pack."
Finian is growing rather tired of this conversation now that Kachina has left. That is his primary reason for being here...well that and causing what troulbe that he can. Still since the chief is here has to play at being nice and interested and all that other stuff that goes along with being involved with a group, "I try to mind my own business where I can." he adds. Which is a complete and total lie, but still no one here will really call him on it...they don't know him well enough.
"One cat's wolves are another cat's good news," replies Wiraqu with a smile. "Still, I'd rather they keep some distance." He's a tolerant cougar - as evinced by the fact that he's letting a coyote wander about and is talking friendly to another male near his borders - but that does have limits.
Jarin doesn't think Wiraqu should have too much to worry about Jarin at least.. he's got no mind to deal with a tribe of cats. A lone cat, that would be another matter. Now this Coyote. He's never really trusted them to begin with. Hasn't really trusted any canine's.. He actually is more curious about what's going on. He at least knows where this one is staying and there is plenty of trees to climb to hide in. Especailly being summer with leaves. He might have to stick around here without people knowing this.
Finian makes it his business to know what is going on everywhere. At least everywhere that he is able to go. He has already established wher the main group of cougars is, and also established a based of operations that is close enough but not too close, and already found Kachina and had a chance to have a brief chat with her anyway. Life is pretty good, "So Wiraqu what have you been up to?"
Wiraqu hmms to Jarin, as the other cougar seems to contemplate for a bit, then tilts his head to Finian. He chuckles. "Oh, the usual set of wanders. What of you? Other than finding yourself a den, apparently."
Jarin looks back to Wiraqu with a smile, but is content to hear the conversation between the other two. He might learn some more. The coyote seems to have a content look now though. He looks to Finian for his answer of the chieftain's question.
Finian hasn't been up to anything beyond that. He had gone to look for Kachina but had been unsucessful in finding her until this moment, "The den is seriously nice. I think wolves lived there before...at any rate its mine now." he says, "Other than that...not much."
Wiraqu nods, and then stretches, rising to his feet. "Well, I think I shall head out now to do some hunting. Perhaps I'll see both of you around here again," he says, nodding to cougar and coyote before pacing back off through the fallen logs and trees.
Jarin nods to the leader of the one tribe. "You might." he turns to the yote, then pads off in another direction. "I shall head back towards my fallen tree."
Finian heads off toward his den. Well at least the first parts of his scheme have been going well. He will hang around and continue to meet more of these cats, and play it by ear a bit. Hopefully Kachina will stop by when she is ready to talk. If not, well there are always other ways to play the game, "Later guys."