Post by Pavane on Apr 21, 2012 2:41:42 GMT -5
Ikuna - male adolescent wolf
Althaea - female juvenile wolf
Tala - female adolescent wolf
Skahla - male wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
---Creek Overhang---
Spring is... not yet here, and hopeful thoughts and wishes can't seem to bring it any faster. Ikuna's venturing out into the cold once more, because those patrols won't do themselves. It's not so bad, being out in the crisp chill of winter, right? At least it's not snowing. He gives the dark clouds overhead a stern look. No more snow. It was awesome at first, plenty of fun, but he's tired of it now. No more! Not until next year when he's forgotten what a slog it can be. Sigh. On with the patrol he goes!
Its hard to really say what a pup would do during the last days of winter. Would she miss the snow when it melted, or the cold air that bristled her coat when leaving the den... The answers were unclear. Laying on the overhang, Althaea peers off the edge with a paw batting the icicles that hand from its arch; tail wagging with enthusiasm. Listening to the ice shatter as they hit the ground she barks.
Skahla has never been known for being a particularly involved, social creature, particularly as wolves go. But recently has found the alpha retreating even further. By all appearances, he is not terribly despondent as he Engages in a brief rest not far from the overhang. Just... a little distant. Still, his ears perk and swivel showing he is well awake.
Tala can be found not to far behind Ikuna it seems, the two are often joined at the hip after all. Which truely shouldn't be a surprize with everything this brother and sister pair have been through during there life. She bounces forward a few steps and playful nips out at Ikuna's tail. "I took the pups over to teach 'em how to walk on ice the other night. You should have been there. It was amusing."
Ikuna's tail wags, thwapping against Tala's muzzle as she tries to bite at it, and he laughs to his sister. "Yeah, Ahiga told me about that. S'too bad I missed it!" As their patrol approaches the creek, his ears perk at the sound of happy barks. "Sounds like someone's still having fun there, though." He grins, and picks up the pace a bit to come more quickly to where his niece is playing. Skahla, the quiet one, is not at first noticed... not until Ikuna is nearly upon him, and then one of those ear-flicks gives the alpha away. Oh! Ikuna's goes to stand up straight and nods his head in greeting. "Hey Skahla."
The bark echoing just a tad off the overhang and the ground itself, the young wolf smirks standing up and spinning about to trek from the cliff to the ground. However, her steps dont carry her far when voices come to ear and she looks out. The elevation makes spotting her uncle and aunt an easy one, watching them another comes into view and she cant help but bark once more. Seeing her father again puts a smile on Althaea's muzzle and the ice below is all but forgotten heading toward him.
Listening as attentively as he is, it would be nearly impossible for anything to sneak up on the alpha. As such, he does not feign surprise when Ikuna and Tala come upon him, but neither does he bother to stand until he is greeted. Right. Naptime, sleepless though it was, is over. "Hello, Ikuna. Tala." Although Skahla makes no move to physically greet either of his younger siblings, he sounds in a fair enough mood, not at all put out by having his solitude interupted. His gaze is taken from his siblings only when his daughter barks so nearby.
Tala chuckles and nods with a smile to Ikuna. "It was fun.. I hope we can do it again with them. I think they really liked it." She pauses and just peers at Skahla, her ears lower a moment as she seems almost unsure about getting to close to her dear older brother. Well its not like they have ever really had a relationship of any type. A slight nod is seen. "Skahla." Is offered with a soft tone. Her gaze turns to Althaea and her tail wags about. "There's the pack's prize ice walker!" She winks at Althaea. "You could even give me a run for the title.. I best keep up my skills."
His pose is more formal now that Ikuna stands before Skahla, but unlike his sister, he seems unworried. Polite, yes, but he's still relaxed... if perhaps not as casual as when it was just him and his sister, or even when he thought it was the two of them and one of the half-grown wolves. He takes a long, considering look at his brother; perhaps looking for signs of how the Alpha is holding up under the weight of recent news. Whatever he finds, it seems to satisfy him; he ducks his head briefly, his tail giving a wag. He looks over to Althaea next, and grins. "You'll have to show me sometime," he says, then adds to Tala. "Better'n Ahiga, huh?"
Its takes only a short time for Althaea to leap from the overhang and meet up with the trio. Coming to a stop a few length from them she smiles turning up to Tala and her praise. "You really think so?" she questions not thinking she was that good but she's been wrong before. Tail wagging she looks to Ikuna. One day, but the ice looked like it was starting to melt so it would be a while. Turning to her father next she holds her smile. "Hi daddy." Then steps toward him with a nuzzle.
It is one of the first chances Skahla has gotten to watch his siblings interact with any of his pups, and the sight of it ensures that even Skahla cannot keep the twitch of a smile from his muzzle. In this particularly trying time for the wolf who was decidedly unprepared when he fell into his current position, it is somewhat heartening to know that his failures as a leader, largely the result of inexperience, have not kept the pack from knowing moments of happiness. He is quiet as he watches the three younger wolves. Then, as his daughter approaches him, he lowers his head to accept and return his nuzzling. "Hello, Thaea. Learning new tricks to use against us old wolves, hmm?" Oh, if only Skahla had let himself indulge in more of this over the months of his pups' lives.
Tala bats out at Ikuna a few times and grins. "Oh please.. I think anyone is better at ice walking then you and Ahiga." This said with a teasing tone while she lets her shoulder press against her siblings while her tail wags bout. As long she doesn't look at her older brother she seems just fine, not worried filled that she'll say or do something stupid. Ears slowly perk while she lets her gaze drift towards Skahla, watching him a moment and half chewing against her lip. "Course.. What else would I be teaching them?" A faint grin seen as she settles to her haunches. That comment is most likely the most she's ever said to Skahla in her whole life.
There's a great deal to be said for just muddling on. There have been problems these past seasons, yes; some of them can be placed at Skahla's feet, while others have simply been a matter of circumstance. Through it all, Ute has kept on, and there have been bright moments as well. Like when family comes, together. Ikuna grins to his sister, and, "Heeeey! I'm perfectly good on the ice and you know it!" he retorts, and leans over to nip playfully for her shoulder. Grr! "That's you, nothin' but trouble," he teases. "I do the boring stuff like take 'em on patrols, and you handle the ice-walking and leaf-pouncing lessons."
Althaea learned new things the best she could when she could. Times like there were best helped with times of fun and oddly enough she knew this. However, it seemed to be harder for others. Leaning agains ther father in his returned nuzzling she nods to him. "Yea. Hadir though.." she starts not really sure she should even mention him. "He didn't like the ice so much." She says it anyway, before looking to her uncle. "Your not boring.. you made patrols fun and interesting. I learned alot." Those trips have proven informative, not that she remembers most of it.
After nuzzling his daughter, Skahla responds first and formost to what she says. "That, Althaea, is because Hadir, and Ikuna, and Ahiga are all very smart." But of course they are. They are boys, after all, or so is the reasoning implied in Skahla's purely joking tone. "They know that beneath that ice is water." And Skahla's feelings on water are perhaps a little too well known even today. Anyway, all Skahla is attempting to do is keep this lighthearted mood up, despite his own feelings, by a little faux battle of the sexes. "And you'd better get used to it, Ikuna. That is how the responsibilities have always been divided here. It's just good to see that Tala here is meeting the challenge of making sure we are never in want of mischief makers."
Tala giggles softly as she hears Ikuna, her tail swaying around a few times. A faint meep escaping her at the sudden nip and she pushes her shoulder back against him playful like. "Oh please.. Everything we do has a good reason. Lets them learn a lot of different things!" There is a pause as she hears Skahla, her ears lower slightly at the talk of the water under the ice. "Well.. I make sure the ice is thick enough..for fun an all." A faint grin is offered to Ikuna and she winks. "Ya.. don't you forget it Ikuna."
Ikuna grins to Althaea. "Glad to hear it!" he says. "After all, there's always plenty more patrols that need doing, and I can use the company." Which is true, Ikuna being the social wolf he is. That it's a good excuse for teaching the youngster is just a bonus. "Besides, one of these days, you'll be doin' them on your own." Since she, at least, seems to be growing up into a capable young wolf! ...unlike, say, Hadir. Or Soyala. But there's no need to dwell on that subject right now, and Ikuna laughs at Skahla's teasing tones. "That'll be me. Serious, right. Downright grim." He puffs up his chest and lifts up his muzzle, pretending to be the stiffest-necked, unbendingest traditions-and-lore sort of wolf ever. Like RuleMaker the Wise from the stories, and never mind that RuleMaker generally gets dumped in the creek or stumbles into the hornet nest by the end of the story.
Looking up to her father, she blinks and raises a brow. First it was Ahiga who said boys were better than girls and now her father. Althaea was starting to wonder if it were all true. Nah.. it cant be. Shaking her head, she'd have to prove them all wrong one day. "You just saying that daddy. We're all the same, just some of us are better at things than others." Thats what she likes to believe. Ikuna's hint of her one day doing patrols on her own goes unremarked. She may just like doing them on her own.
With no genuine concern that Tala had been putting his pups at risk, Skahla does not address her reassurances. He knows, trusts, that no one in the pack would do anything to intentionally harm any other pack member. It is simply for Skahla's sincere hatred of water that he mentioned it at all, and he does not dwell on it, any more than he seems to be dwelling on the state, sickly and dead, of his other two pups. Not right now. "You have a point, Tala." About the need to learn a variety of things, of course. "But admit it... The serious look suits our brother, does it not?" Likely only because Ikuna does not, in fact, take himself too seriously. Unlike a certain alpha. Looking back to his daughter, Skahla smiles more openly and says, "And that, puppy, is why we boys are stuck with the boring jobs. You girls are far too clever for us. I can't fool you, can I?"
Ikuna has a serious face when he needs one! A real one, not this goofy Totes Serious (for Real!) face he's doing now. ...it just always seems to mean there's bad stuff going on, when the serious face has to come out. So he doesn't keep the serious face around when he doesn't actually need it. He struts briefly, then relaxes his pose again. "Boys are stupid sometimes. I know _that_ for sure." On account of having been it! Not to mention seen it. He grins to Althaea, and adds, "You'll never get Ahiga to admit it, though. No way, no how."
Althaea smirks up to her father. "Yes you can daddy." He just has to try sometime. She chuckles upon looking to Ikuna and his struting. "You look silly Uncle." Boys are silly and Ikuna is a prime example, second to Ahiga. "I'm gunna tell him you said that." She can only imagine what he would say to being called stupid not that she doesn't agree. Pushing herself from her father and dropping to the ground on her belly, Thaea stretches.
Skahla follows Althaea with his head to give her one more little nuzzle. "Of course, I can't suggest doing that, pup. Not if you ever want to be told any of the secrets of boys ever again, hmm?" After nuzzling his daughter, he takes a step back to look at his siblings. "Ikuna, Tala, perhaps if you could stay here and keep an eye on things, then I might finish Ikuna's patrol... and then there's something I'd like to talk to you both about." The same thing that he discussed with his daughter alone a few days ago. After all, winter will not last forever, and if he's going to stand by his word of sending her out to actually see what the world is like, then he should probably begin to make those arrangements.
Ikuna just laughs at Althaea's 'threat' of telling Ahiga, and gives a sort of shrug! Ahiga already knows that Ikuna's a traitor to the male gender some days. It's not gonna get any worse just from repeating words he said... well, back when he was a little puppy, the first time. Besides, deep in Ahiga's heart... Ikuna suspects he knows. The wolf lifts up his head at Skahla's mention of his name, and his head tilts with curiosity before he nods. "Sure, if you want." Wondering why? Oh yes. But it's hardly a hardship to hang about at the creek and play for a bit.
Tala doesn't think she is putting anyone at risk, so much so that she is just watching Skahla a few moments. A ear flicking while she glances off, seemingly losing interesting in this conversation. Up until her name is spoken and she offers a slight nod to Skahla. "Of course.." This said with a soft tone, her tail twitching at her side a few times. "Ah.. Maybe Ahiga will be around by that as he an I wanted to talk to you as well." About what? Well she won't be saying that at the moment!
Althaea's ears droop, not to the nuzzle by what her father says. Was it meant that if she fibs she wont learn anything more about boys. Thats surely that worth the troubles it'll bring. Nodding to him, she decides to just keep her mouth shut for the time being, looking up at everyone, particularly her father whom back up and announces his leave. She knows of what he speaks of and honestly is still curious about the coversation they had.
It is only fair, isn't it, that his statement about wanting to talk about something should be returned by the same? Very well. Then all of the siblings can simply spend the next few hours wondering what it is that needs to be said between them. With a nod of his head, he says, "I won't be long. You behave now, Thaea... and make sure you ask your Uncle Ikuna all about my opinions on behaving." Because even though his younger siblings caused him some stress and worry when they were younger and took his words to heart... well, all of the members of the pack could use a little more fun in their lives. His daughter included. Having said so, the alpha turns to make his way from the small gathering.
Ikuna nods at Tala's mention of Something Else to Talk About. Whatever it is, apparently _he_ knows it. He seems to be in agreement that the topic doesn't need bringing up now, though, on account of how he doesn't bring it up. At the admonition to behave - and what it means - he grins, before nodding his head to Skahla. "We'll be here," he says, and watches the alpha pad away before turning back to sister and niece. "So, you've been ice-walking... but have you seen Ahiga's snow-slide yet?"
Tala watches Skahla go, her ears lowering a few moments before a glance is sent towards Ikuna. Well he knows how she feels about there older brother, or at least how she thinks Shakla feels about her. She licks across her nose a moment an looks back to the pup and chuckles. "It is rather amusing.. Especially when he attempt to do some trick and falls splat on his face."
Althaea always behaves.. well most the time. There was little she couldn't due without having one of her relatives peering over her. It was kinda creepy but likely for her own good. Nodding to him before his departure she turns to her uncle in silence not sure she even wants to hear his opinion of behaving; not from what she's seen. A gentle grin on her muzzle she blinks. "Snow-sliding.. whats that?" Apparently she missed out on something fun again despite being in the same general area. Standing she moves up before her aunt and uncle.
Hey, that's life when you're a pup. The adults keep an eye on you! If this pack is perhaps a little overprotective, well... that's Ikuna's fault. Ah, well! He smiles to Althaea, and nods. "Your father told me about behaving, back when I was about your age. He told me to have fun and get in trouble. Life when you're young is for having fun, not being dull and well-behaved. So! Keep that in mind, because /that/ is what your father says about behaving yourself." With that said, he smiles, and turns to trot down the bank to where there's a slick path down through the snow. "Snow-sliding!" He demonstrates, leaping onto it and sliding down to the soft powder beneath. Thomp!
Tala nose twitches a few times and she takes in a soft breath before glancing over to Ikuna. Her tail sways and she soon grins while nodding. "Snow-sliding is the best.. Especially when going down a hill." This said while she wiggles and shifts to her paws soon bouncing a few steps and then follows Ikuna sliding down the slick snow with a laugh escaping her in the process.
Althaea's ears cup forward as she listens to her uncle trying to comprehend the whole, have fun and get introuble now thing and save being dull and behaved for later. Wasn't being behaved all about keeping out of trouble though.. She shrugs. When Ikuna gets up and trots off into the distance she blinks a few times seeing his disappear down the hill. Then Tala does the same. Picking herself up she moves to the edge of the decline standing there in question. They made it look so easy but was it really. Last time she slide downhill it was early in the season when the snow was plenty. Looking past the edge and to the bottom she hesitates.
Ikuna wurfs as Tala thumps down with him, then grins, getting up again and shaking himself from the snow. He trots aside out of the way, grinning up at Althaea as she hesitates atop the hill. "C'mon, give it a try!"
Tala leans over and nips at Ikuna while she doe sindeed bounce up to her paws and looks back to Althaea. "Its fun.. and your only get sorta wet from the snow." this said with an amused tone and grin.
Althaea takes a breath as she look to Ikuna. Why was she making this harder than it was. WIth double encouragement, she stands there a while longer before finding it in her to jump take a leap of faith; stepping foward and letting gravity do the rest. In short time she hits the bottom buring herself in the snow. Laying there before Thaea's end product. It was fun and scary at the same time,
Ikuna grins as Thaea takes the plunge! "There ya go!" he says with a happy bark, and leans it to nose at the snowed youngster!
Tala grins as she watches the pup and nods while she bounces around upon her paws, tail swaying a few times in the process. "Good job!" She reaches over and lets a paw bat off some of the snow in the process. "Beat you guys too the top!" This said as she darts up so she can slide down again.
Snowed was a good word for it, pocking her head up from the built up snow she toppled into. The nosing was a good way for her to tell how far she had to go to free herself, though Tala''s help with pawing off the snowed helped drastically. When able to get back onto all four she shakes her coat of snow. Its then that Tala's challange to the hilltop she head shakes Oh no.. she'll stay down here thank you. "You two go. I'll see who makes it back down first." She smirks.
Ikuna laughs, and pads up along the slope. He's letting Tala win, on account of he's not hurrying much. Even worse, he's turning to look back at Althaea, still at the bottom. "Not feeling the sliding?" he asks, head tilted to the side.
Tala tilts her head while looking back to the pup, ears perking as she hears her. "You alright?" Is questioned with a soft worried tone.
Its not that she doesn't want to slide, its that she thinks she still have snow in head ears. Shaking her head and tilting it to one side she tires her utmost to clear them. "I'm fine." She tells them. "It was fun but now I got snow in places I cant get out." She almost laughs at her predicament.
Ikuna hmmms consideringly. "Well, you know the thing about snow, right?" he asks, and then gives a moment for everyone to consider on what that might be. After a moment, he reveals... "It melts!"
Tala grins and chuckles while she nips out at Ikuna and then goes sliding down the snow once more, this time on her belly with her frontpaws stretched out.
This was true, but then she's have water in her ears and thats not a good feeling either. Laughing however, Althaea quickly gets out of the way as Tala come barreling down the hill again.
Ikuna trots on the rest of the way up the hill, and watches as Tala slides on down. He grins, and then leaps in himself. Wheeeeee! Such fun it is. Who needs dignity? Not him!
Tala giggles out and shifs to wiggle and kick some snow at Ikuna as she bounces back onto her paws. She gives herself a good shake and sends the snow flying.
Althaea takes a seat just outside the accumulated snow pile to watch Ikuna make his way back down the hill aswell. This time however she smirks. "Tala wins!" She shouts like they were actually trying to see who could reach the bottom first. See, girls are better than boys after all.
Yep. Tala totally wins, and Ikuna gets snow kicked at him. This is how things are. He laughs, and rolls around onto his back to wriggle, his paws flailing up at the air. "So!" he says, and it seems now he's in no particular hurry to get up.
Tala grins and winks at Althaea. "Indeed I do!.. Ya for Althaea for judging me the winnter." Her hips sway a few times, tail wagging about.
So, he says.. She'll just have to show him what it means to be a loser. Getting to all four as Ikuna rolls onto his back, Althaea moves up to him and suddenly gives pounce hoping to land right in the middle of him. This is what happens- you get puppy pounced.
Gasp! Puppy pounces! Such a tragic fate! Ikuna barks as Althaea pounces and lands solidly atop him, and he bats up at her playfully - if somewhat more gently than he would for one of the wolves his own age. He wriggles, seeing if he can wrap a paw up around her shoulders and wrassle her like that.
He hears something. Something that sounds .. fun. And fun attracts Ahiga like a magnet. The sound of laugher, play growls, and shuffling of snow is music to his perked up ears, and it isn't long before the wolf is seen arriving from the direction of the crabapple. It's his friends! He had no doubt it would be, and spying both Tala and Ikuna ahead has him grinning. There's a smaller body too...a smaller body who is whooping Ikuna's butt! Mwuahaha! He instantly goes into stealth mode, body low to the ground as he creeps up quickly, eyes set on Tala. Ears set again his head an a devious grin on his face, he stalks her, breaking out into a run when still a few yards away in order to launch himself at her from behind. Kerpounce!
Girl power rules again as Althaea manages her pounce upon her uncle, nippingat hs paws as they come at her in bats. Being pretty much up for anything, she allows Ikuna to wrap his paw around her, on purposely missing the chance to dodge, and drag her into wrassling with a chuckle.
Play. Play is an educational experience, a way for wolves to learn things and figure out the skills and techniques that will help them in life! ....it's also a great deal of fun! Ikuna laughs and play-growls to Althaea, bapping at her muzzle with his paws as she nips. Then he's tugging her against him, wriggling about and getting himself quite snowy as he wrestles with her. At least he's keeping the snow off her by getting it on himself? Yeah, that's it.
Tala grins as she watches the two play around, she wiggles on her paws as if she might want to join in.. Though someone else has her attention, ears flicking forward, nose twitching and she spins about to catch sight of Ahiga gunning for her. A faint yip escapes her once Ahiga tackles her.. An they both go sliding into the snow a bit before Tala is attempt to shove him up over her head so she can try and pin him down instead.. HA
Grrowl! Ahiga's paws wrap around Tala as he successfully makes his mark. Mwuaha, game OVAH! Grinning toothily, he whoops out his victory before aiming a few nips at her as they slide a few feet on the snow and ice. But hey now...what's this? Retaliation? Subordination! Tala's not going up without a fight (not that he expected her to) and he can only grin wider as he feels himself being pushed off of her. No! Wrestle, wrestle...floomp! Fate is not on his side this day, and somehow now /he's/ the one pinned down. No fair! Girls cheat. That's all there is to it.
No matter how hard Ikuna tries to keep the snow to himself, Althaea still manages to acquire batches during play. At this rate she could care less too. Batting at her uncle, even nipping at whatever limps came close to her muzzle- head paw.. you name it. She barks playfully, trying to roll out from the wolfs grip.
Ikuna sways his body back and forth, laughing as Althaea attacks! He dodges some of the bites, takes others, and nips back at her, catching at the thick winter fur around her shoulders as his tail thumps happily against the ground. He gets glimpses of the other half of the brawl going on, and that just makes him grin wider as he wrassles. After a while, he gives Althaea a chance to escape, bapping his paw against her side along the way.
Tala does not cheat!.. Well.. no.. not really! She grins down at Ahiga, her paws working on pinning his shoulders down. "You thought you could get me huh?" She questions with an amused tone and wink down at the wolf she has caught. her head drops and she gives his nose a playful lick before bouncing away with a half laugh escaping her. "Gotta try harder then that!"
Ahiga glares up at Tala. Glare. Glare. Glaaaare! But the glare isn't too effective with the grin that doesn't want to leave his face. He makes a face as his nose is licked, though his tail is thumping against the snowy ground all the while. When free, he instantly rolls onto his stomach and stands with a quick shake. "Ahh, whatever. I /let/ you pin me," he retorts, sticking his nose up in the air. Snickering after, he trots after her, playfully giving chse. Intentionall, he passes by Ikuna and Althaea and bats at the both of them as he heads past. "Hey!" he greets.
Althaea does indeed escape, but rather than make a run for it she bounces back in force all in attempt to take the wolf down and keep him there. With her lack of immediate size though, he could easily overcome her again. Not thinking it all the way through, she'd try to put her weight up high near Ikuna's chest and shoulders, though her actions are put in pause when Ahiga throws a bat of his own into the mix. "Heeyy!"
When Althaea bounds off, Ikuna starts rolling back around onto his belly again. "Hey, Ahig-oof!" For there's Thaea, landing solidly on his shoulders and halfway across his back. He grins, and then... he starts to push himself up to his feet, not even trying to shake her off but just standing up despite her!
Tala laughs out as she hears Ahiga. "Oh you wish!" She calls out towards him with an amused tone and bounce in her steps as she glances back towards him and the other two. "Wolf pile on Ahiga!" Is yelled out all of a sudden while she turns to try and tackle ahiga once again to the ground.
Ahig-oof? Mwuaha! "Nice one," he snickers over his shoulder at Ikuna before he looks ahead again to focus on his target. But, wait a minute. His target is not cooperating. Wolf pile on who now? He slides to a stop, ears perked up. "Woah, no!" Three against one is totally unfair! And Ikuna wouldn't turn on him. Right? Hehheh Boys rule, remember? But apparently Ahiga doesn't trust his own thoughts and quickly turns, fleeing towards the ice. Because ice will save him. Since he's /so/ great at walking on it. -.- Trusting that it'll hold his weight because it hasn't failed him yet, he scrambles onto the surface, claws scraping to find leverage as he slides forward. Yup. Awesome idea.
Whoa.. wait, whats he doing. Gribbing her paws around his body as Ikuna motions to stand, Thaea ties her hardest to pull herself up onto his back when he reaches all four. Wolfie-back ride. She chuckles. Looking over to Tala from her perch she smirks and would so join her on wolf piling Ahiga... when she catches him. Though so long as he remains on the ice he cant count her out of the pile.
Aww yeah! Ikuna is a wolf... with a wolf on top. It's _awesome_. He takes a moment to let her settle, and then... starts into motion! He's headed off toward where Ahiga is, whether to give aid or betray the other wolf, buuuuut he's not gonna get there very fast, not so long as Althaea's atop him! She's surprisingly heavy. Or... maybe not so surprisingly, but heavy!
Tala blinks as she peers after Ahiga and follows after him rather quickly. Her paws slam into the ground kicking up dirt while she nips out at his tail befor he goes sliding on the ice. "Oh you big baby!" She calls out with a laugh escaping her in the process while she shifts from paw to paw a few times.
HA! Success! Ahiga slowly spins on the ice (unintentionally, though he pretends it was) and faces Tala from some yards away on the ice. "You mean big ice walkin' /genius/" he retorts cockily, going as far as he being slide-walking backwards in a show-offy way to keep his distance from her. His ice walking skills haven't gotten any better. It's only pure dumb luck that keeps him from face planting. His ears perk up as he spies that Ikuna...has a rider. "Hey, Ikuna! You've got somethin' growin' on your ba-" The word is truncated there as his paw steps backward, finding a spot on the frozen water that's not as thick as the rest, resulting in a resounding crack as his wolf-weight is pressed upon it. A portion of the ice spiderwebs, and Ahiga's eyes are seen going wide just before the surface gives way beneath him, leaving a gaping hole and a submerged wolf.
Its all fur.. she's not truely heavy, honest. Holding on while Ikuna makes toward the river after the others, Althaea is actually enjoying this. She should of never turned down that offer from Tala that day at the den. Ah well now. She's got herself a new ride. "Look out! Here we come!" the pup shouts all before she sees Ahiga plummit through the ice. She was all happy but thats all changed when there becomes one less wolf. "Ikuna look." She bumps him with her nose to the back of the head.
Ikuna's totally got something on his ba- *Crack!* No, that's not his back giving way under the weight, that's the ice. Giving way. Under Ahiga's weight. His eyes go just as wide as the other male's, meeting for a fractional moment. Caution is forgotten as he charges forward... at least to the edge of the ice. The cracks are spiderwebbing out from where Ahiga fell, even the once-stable ice now no longer seeming so secure. The frigid water threatens - and Ahiga's IN it!
Tala tibbits out at him, and instead of thinking things through she bounces out onto the ice, her paws sliding across it while her claws faintly grip enough to get her some traction. "As if I wouldn't /follow/ after you." She points out with a laugh escaping her in the process. The crack on the ice is heard.. but it is to late as she is 'sliding' towards Ahiga and a half yelp escapes her as she stopsjust about to slide in but manages to stop.. For a few moments at least before the ice under her paws spiders out and she goes falling head first into the water with a muffled squeal escaping her in the process.. Oh dear..
Things have gotten /very/ cold very quickly! It's a bubbly world under the ice, strangely quiet and kinda bright. It'd be nice if he was a fish, but Ahiga is not. The moment he hit the water, his paws started moving, instinctively swimming. Above him, the ice is broken. Further downriver, there is still a deadly cover of ice. A coffin's cover if he were to allow himself to be swept down that way. The river has never been a fast paced one, luckily enough, and Ahiga is able to swim against the slow current. It's not long before his head breaks the surface with a gasp, paws splashing to keep his head above water.
Althaea ahhs! Her uncles charge forward is more than she expected and she has no choice but to let go of her ride. Tuck and Roll! Hitting the ground she does indeed roll but she was prepared and thankful of the snow. Looking up with a shake of her head, she quickly gets to all four and takes advance toward the river, but falls short of getting close when Tala too goes into the river. This so was not good and there was nothing she could do but watch. Keeping her distance, the pup now just watches, waiting. Come up.. please. Just then Ahiga is seen breaking through the surface and she is slightly releaved. Thats one, but what about Tala?
And Tala! The wolves are dropping like, like... like a thing that is very very bad. Ikuna's eyes dart to his sister as she falls, then search the surface of the water. "Thaea," he orders without looking at her, "Go get me a stick. A big one." His voice is firm, almost like he's not halfway to panicked - at least, if you miss that it's a good two tones higher than usual. He has other things to worry about. Like doing something stupid. Slowly he inches forward onto the ice, still lying down on his belly with all four legs spread out. At least Ahiga didn't get too far out before - there! He barks to the other wolf. "Come on, come on..." His last hindpaw leaves the shore, but so far, the ice holds. More shards crumble in around the edges of the hole as Ikuna creeps closer.
Tala fell all the way under as soon as her body hit the cold water. She is scrambling though, paws kicking out in all different ways at first and she bumps her head slightly against a chunk of ice that has floated over her. This is not good. Unlike Ahiga she was further back on the ice, which is slowly floating forward now that it has room to move. The she-wolf is scrambling to move along trying to find a place so she can get free of the water.. but so far its not working in her favor..
Things are difficult to see. Water blurrs his vision. His splashing seems incredibly loud to his own ears. But Ahiga does make out the form of a wolf some yards away on solid surface of ice. It's Ikuna, and he begins to swim towards him, mindful of the fact that his legs are becoming more difficult to feel as numbness creeps into his veins. He has to get out of here, and quick. Having been underwater, Tala's fall wasn't seen, and her predicament is thus far unknown. But he /does/ see, the closer that he gets to the broken edges of the ice, how fragile the ice has become. "D-dude, get back!" he calls just before his head dips under again, but a swift kick of his hindleg brings him up. A few yards more, and he'll be alright.
The order she gets from her uncle is one Althaea wastes little time in putting into action; turning in her spot and heading towards the nearest tree where she hopes to find a stick big enough to help out but small enough she can carry back in reasonable and life saving time. Looking back every few paces in her sprint to the tree, to see how things are progressing, she trips over something hidden in the snow. Picking herself up to the girls luck what she trips on is a thin but sturdy tree limb snaped by the snow. Digging it out takes time, but eventually she pulls it out and begins to drag it toward the river.
No, Ikuna's not getting back. He's busy being stupid. Just like a boy. More of the ice crumbles near him, but his splay-bodied pose lets him shift without tumbling down... yet. He growls when Ahiga's head dips under - not at the other wolf, no. At the ice. At the water. At the world. And where's Tala, anyway? She still hasn't surfaced. Should he dive in after her? That would be incredibly, horribly stupid of him. It would give new meaning to stupidity. ...well, should he? He's not sure. He inches forward, paws against the sharp edge of the ice like he's ready to leap. Just a little closer... and his ear flicks back to the sound of Althaea dragging something. Good. He still doesn't look back, but, "Don't come onto the ice," he tells her. Oh, no, that sort of stupidity is just for him. "Just push it out to me." His eyes are intent on the broken ice, watching Ahiga, looking for some sign, any sign, of Tala....
Tala is still under while Ahiga is scrambling to get out, and Ikuna is freaking out. She scrambles under the ice, shoving her shoulders upwards until she finds a space and pushes her head up through it coughing and sputtering out in the process. Her forepaws scramble and her claws grip at the ice as she is able to pull her head, neck and shoulders out of the numbing water.
Where's Tala? Ahiga doesn't see her. Is she at the shore? That'd be the best place for her to be. Everybody should be on shore. Ikuna should be there, but his dumb butt is out here on the ice that has betrayed them all. But he does provide him a focal point, and his numbed muscle keeps him clawing through the water to get to him so that he can chew him out for not listening and getting back to safety. The ice where Ikuna is must be strong enough to hold him, but will it hold the both of them? Ahiga doesn't know, but the coldness is making weariness set in quickly and he has no real choice but to chance it else risk going under and not coming back up. Sputtering and cursing with the breaths that he can catch, hereaches up to claw at the ice, trying to find a hold. His first attempt is met with a crumbling surface that deteriorates under his paw, but he tries again and succesfully scrabbles his forepaws until his claws dig in, holding on. "Where's...Tala..?"
Boys were stupid despite the rep her father placed on them. Stepping on to ice for fun and falling in then risking it to save another.. who does that? Someone with a heart. Dragging the limb as close to the river as possible without actually stepping into it, Thaea drops her end and races to the other so she can push it toward Ikuna upon the ice. When far enough where she thinks he can get it and put some use to it, she looks up the very moment Tala bursts from beneath the river. "There!" Knowing her aunt as made it to the surface meant there was hope. Now to just get them back to shore where its.. less wet.
When Ahiga gets close enough, Ikuna lunges forward to grab at him with an incredibly awkward side-of-neck bite. It leaves Ikuna dangling halfway into the water. It probably hurts Ahiga. Ikuna doesn't care. He helps to pull the other wolf back, hindpaws scrabbling against the ice as he hunches himself up and drags. The ice crumbles at first, water splashes up onto it... but then it holds. It holds! One half-drowned wolf recaptured, the other... the other... His eyes widen at Althaea's call, seeing Tala surface, but he doesn't let go of his grip. Not and let Ahiga go! What's he going to do? His two bestest friends in the world, and they both need help! He only has one set of jaws. He gives another mighty tug, and jerks Ahiga back... and himself right into that pointy stick. Ow! But, turns out, it's just what he needs. Now that Ahiga's more or less on (semi)solid ice, he lets go, and turns around to grab the stick in his jaws before inching forward to Tala. The ice around her is far, far less stable, but it doesn't have to support him. Just a stick. He holds it out toward her, begging with his eyes for her to grab it.
Tala hears someone talking, or maybe more then one someone's but her mind is getting very fuzzled at the moment thanks to the cold water most likely. Her shoulers tense, paws gripping at the ice which at the moment isn't breaking at least. A fearful whine escapes her as she is doing her best to pull herself out of the water but is unable to get enough of a hold to drag the rest of her form out of it. Her ears flick forward, eyes blinking a few times until she catches sight of Ikuna and Ahiga, well he is at least getting out of the water! She swallows and tries to push herself upwards only to slide back into the water with makes her yelp out as her head nearly goes under. This is not good, not at all.
For a moment she is there half way back into the water, her muzzle all that is seen before she is scrambling once more and manages to get herself somewhat out of the water once again. Faint scraping is heard, and her gaze turns towards the stick that Ikuna is inching towards her. For a moment she is unsure before she lunges forward grabbing hold of the stick, and when she does this the ice that was holding her somewhat up crumbles and she is once more in the water, paddling while holding onto that lifeline in wooden form..
It'd hurt a lot more if his neurons weren't frozen solid, but the fact that he /does/ feel the prick of Ikuna's teeth against his neck that registers pain is a good sign. Ahiga winces at the initial contact, wary that the ice will give out and they'll both fall in and be lost. But today does not seem to be the day fated for them to die, and Ahiga soon feels more of himself being pulled out o the water. He helps, straining to keep his forepaws steady as he pushes his paws against the ice to pull himself. WIth Ikuna's help and much effort, he's saved! His wet body is flopped on the ice like a rag, body heaving as he catches his breath. But there is still something wrong. No Tala. His eyes follow Ikuna as he scrambles off for .. a stick? What the heck? His weariness has him processing things slowly, and confusion isn't helping that at all. Where's Althaea? He heard her, so she must be safe. And Ikuna has a stick that is now attached to a mouth belonging to Tala. The fear that runs through his veins is colder than the icy water, shocking him to alertness as he slowly sits up. "Swim Tala, S-swim!" He can't go over there. The ice is weak, and his added body weight would merely put them all back in the same icy predicament.
Althaea would be disppointed if her stick wasn't used and almost looks so when Ahiga turned out to just need a good tug in the right direction, glad beyond words that he is atleast save for the time being. Giving him a moments stare, she turns her gaze to Ikuna who moves on to Tala whos life lays in the balance. Just about pacing the shoreline she feels helpless. Eyes never leave the pair in parole, heart racing as all she can do is watch Tala struggle for her life at the end of a stick. Ears flicking to Ahiga's encouragment for Tala to swim, she'd more than join him but little help that will do. The only thing heard from the pup is a whimper is fear.
The stick jerks as Tala grabs hold of it, but Ikuna digs in and keeps his grip. There. He's got her. So long as there's that heavy, heavy weight on the other end... it'll all be okay. He tries to pull her back, but there's nothing to grip on. Just ice, under his paws, and they scrape but can't get any leverage. He's got her, but how is he going to /get/ her? Every time she gets a paw up, more of the ice crumbles. There's solid ice, there is, solid enough at least, but... not where she is. He puts his full strength to the task, and manages a little slide back - a paw's length. Another one. Agonizingly slow, and with every moment, that cold is driving through Tala, stilling her muscles and freezing her to the bones. She has to hold on. She has to. If she doesn't... it's all over. It's the world's highest-stakes game of tug-o'-war; Ikuna versus the river, with Tala's life the prize.
Tala gaze rests on Ikuna now, fear clearly seen while her teeth dig into the stick, she won't be letting go. Her muscles are starting to cramp up, each push and kick of her legs making her muscles move but at the same time there is a backlash thanks to the super freezing cold water. Her mind is getting fuzzy around the edges, she needs to get out of the cold water as quickly as possible. She struggles a few times attemping to pull herself up but her paws only slide to the edge of the ice which makes clumps of it crumble free. Still she never lets go of the stick, if she could only get closer to the thicker ice there is a possibility that she will be able to get herself out. Luckly Ikuna is making some headway as he works on moving backwards which is pulling her towards him, but at a rather slow rate..
He has to do something. He can't just sit there and watch and coach from afar, but what can he do? He's standing now, though he doesn't remember actually getting to his paws. At some pont he must've crept his way towards his friends, moving slow, one step at a time, watching for signs that the ice may break. The ice is sturdier where he is. The ice is sturdier behind Ikuna and further away from the gaping hole of water in which Tala struggles. So if he stays behind Ikuna, things should be ok. This is where Ahiga finds himself now, behind his friend, jaws gripping his tail to help tug and pull as hard as he can, trying to time his backward jerks with Ikuna's.
Althaea continued to watch, forepaws stepping into the cold river water in anticipation. She believed Ikuna could do it.. no, she knew he could. He had to. Every jerk made was one step closer to ending this cold nightmare, but time kept slipping by and Tala was still in the icy water fighting. Stepping out from the river just as Ahiga finds the strength to assist Ikuna in tugging, she almosts laughs at the sight. But now wasn't the time to laugh. Now was the time to grit teeth and pull like no wolf has ever pulled before. Holding her breath through every tug, gritting her own teeth as if it would help, she tugs in thought. Her efforts on shore were so going to help- yup. Just you see.
Tug. Tug. Tug. Ikuna's muscles are screaming at him from the strain of this slow, arduous task. He barely notices. Later. Everything is later. Everything, everything comes after this; after Tala's no longer in the frozen water. After she's safe. His eyes are on hers, something between a plea and a command. Keep holding on. Keep swimming. Stay with him. Just a little further. A few quick steps, or a seeming eternity of this inch-by-inch dragging. He keeps pulling, finding strength he didn't know he had - wouldn't have, if it weren't for the adrenaline running through him. When Ahiga's jaws bite down on his tail, he doesn't even blink. The extra strength helps. They're making progress. It's good. Nothing else matters; the jolt of pain at one particularly hard tug is a distant thing. He's aware of it, but only at the same level as he's aware of the cold beneath him, or the rustle of dry branches in the wind. It's not what matters now. It's for later. After Tala's safe. He keeps pulling.
Tala keeps her firm hold on the stick, and it seems with the added help in tugging she is getting pulled ever closer towards them and firm ice, along with the shore somewhere out thataway! A faint whimper escapes her at times, the coldness seeping into her bones is beyond painful. One paw soon catches onto firmer ice and then the other while her head is pulled upwards from the tuging. She attempts to pull herself up onto the ice but finds she can bearly move her front legs, her muscles are numbing up quickly. For a moment she just leans against the ice, seeming rather unsure how she is going to do this, her steel gaze drifting from Ikuna, to Ahiga an then to Althaea. Her eyes close for a moment, almost as if she was given up..
Her shoulders soon tense and she pushes her forepaws as hard as she can against the ice, her claws scrape until finding enough grip as she pulls herself upwards and with the tugging from the others is soon hauled up onto the ice like someone catching a prized fish. Once on the ice she quivers, finding herself unable to move as if all the energy she had left was used in that one last movement to freedom. Seems the boys will have to drag her the rest of the way.. She'll never live it down, but she'll at least be alive.
It's working! Although Ahiga can't see beyond Ikuna's backside, he is aware that they are making backwards progress, inching along the ice, pulling away from the broken portion, which means Tala must be coming out! He can still hear her splashing, struggling, but all he can do is coninue what he is doing despite his spent energy and his mind's want for his body to lay down and rest and find warmth. He can't. Tala needs him. This thought keeps him going. He can't lose his friend. ALthaea can't lose her aunt. Pull, pull, pull! And suddenly, the sound of splashing is gone. The water's reistance disappears. Tala is out! But Ahiga does not stop pulling. They need to get away from that hole.
A hopeful stare cast out toward the three the young wolf watches with intent. Each pull was starting to pay off this should could see, watching Tala be inched out of the water and onto the ice. The last tug Althaea expected everyone to collapes in exhaustion, but that's not the case. Ahiga was still pulling. Good for him... keep at it big guy. A sigh of relief struck the pup knowing things were going to be alright, but they weren't out of trouble yet till off the ice and on land. This she couldn't wait for. Hurry up already.
At least now the icy water isn't chilling Tala... but she's still soaked, and what seemed before a nice breeze is now a thing of pure cold, cutting through the wet fur. Not to mention the worrying cracks in the ice, threatening to dump her - and her two saviours! - back into the river. No, they're not done yet. Ikuna keeps on pulling, dragging Tala back from the water's edge. She's so still. Too still. His eyes are anxious as he watches her, as he keeps pulling. Is she...? No, she's breathing. He can see it, the faint rise and fall of her chest. The faint puffs of steam from her nose. She's still breathing. It's not too late. That wetness helps Tala slide over the ice, and the two young males drag her faster now. Before long, Ahiga's paws are on shore again... and after another few moments, so are Ikuna's. He drops the stick, and says, "C'mon!" before stepping forward to grab Tala by the scruff, leaving a spot for Ahiga on the other side, so that together they can get her to the safety of shore.
Tala still has hold of that stick, she may never let go of that darn thing when everything is said an done, but her eyes are closed. As the breeze flows past her she lets out a whine, her form shivering as her breathing is a bit rocky for a few moments but its still there. She is pulled across the ice and once she feels the tension in the stick dropped on one end she lets go of hers, her maw snaps closed after that. A ear faintly twitches to her brother and then Ahiga but she isn't able to talk, or move for that matter so they are able to drag her back to shore rather easily..
Thankfully, Ikuna's tail stays intact and attached to where it belongs the duration of this tug of war, and he only lets go when they are far, far from that gaping hole in the ice and back on shore. Though like Ikuna, he is not content with barely being off the ice, and he quickly moves to grab at Tala's scruff on the other side to pull her /fully/ away from the river. She's ok. She has to be. She's out. She's breathing. It'll all be good. "I'm sorry, m'sorry," spoken only after he can pull no more, though by this point the danger of cracked ice beneath their paws is gone. He licks her face, muzzle, and ears in apology, happiness, and efforts to warm her.
Althaea meets the trio on shore, no smile on her face no nothing, there would be time for that later. Trying very hard not to get in the way, she looks at each wolf as they step upon land. Was this it- was it the end. She hoped so but she wasn't going to call it till she saw her aunt breathing.. no moving was better. As they pulled Tala on shore she keeps her distance for as long as possible before just moving in and nosing the near frozen wolf. "Tala.." There was no movement and this scares her. "Is she going to be alright?" She questions those capable of answering her. Her aunt was so cold.. out out instinct she places what she can of her own body against Tala not even really thinking how cold she'd get. She wasn't going to just stand by and do nothing this time.. no way sirie.
Safe. Tala's safe, and Ahiga's safe, and... okay, yes, it's cold, but nobody's in the freezing water anymore. That's good. Althaea's question voices the concern they all have, and Ikuna whines deep in his throat before he answers. "I- I hope so," he says, and he nuzzles at her cheek past Ahiga's lickings. "C'mon, Tala..." he says, and then nudges at Ahiga, pushing the other male against Tala's side, opposite Thaea. His niece has the right idea there. Sure, Ahiga's wet too, but... it's still warmth. It's still going to help. He nuzzles at both of them, licking at the ice-shards and coldness and pressing his own warm body in wherever he can.
Tala is breathing, it comes in slow ragged gasps a few times before it starts to slowly even out. She swallows a few times, her eyes cracking open so she can look out at Ikun and Ahiga. "Its..ok." Is said with a soft whisper like tone. Her head lifts slightly pressing her nose against Ahiga's and her head soon sinks back down. "Thank you Althaea.. Don't get too cold.." She will already have the alpha telling her a few things when he finds out what happened. There is a slight pause, her eyes slipping closed one again as she has them all trying to get her warm, which is helping. "Love.. you Ahiga." This is murmured out with rather soft tone, a forepaw lifts to slowly curl around Ikuna and pull her brother closer to hr. "Love you too Ikuna, Althaea.." Though other then this she'll have to thank them more later. As soon as the words leave her she is drift off in a unsure sleep it would seem.
"/Course/ she'll be alright," says Ahiga a bit harshly, though harshness of the words aren't necessarily meant for Althaea. If anything, it's directly toward whatever invisible spirit escorts the spirits of the once living away. Not today. Not on his watch. He growls at the thought, but the sound morphs to a whine as Tala's nose presses to his. Only now, as adrenaline begins to fade, does he relaize how cold and exhausted he is. His wet fur is stiff and icy, though despite this he cuddles up with Tala as everyone else does, pressing close, reassured by her breathing. She's breathing. She's talking. She's saying she loves him. Loves them all. Those aren't words of goodbye...they're just words. Thankful ones. He nuzzles his muzzle against her neck fur, continuing to murmur soft apologies as his body shivers. "Love you too, Tala. We'll k-keep ya warm."
A voice, its all she wanted to hear, but Althaea could of waited for one more fluid and solid. It didn't matter though, she knew Tala was going to make it when she warmed up. Placing her head head on her aunt she smiles. It was ok, she never got onto the ice and was likely the only one with enough heat to thaw out a fish right now. Not to classify Tala as a fish or anything. Providing whatever warmth she could spare, she peers at everyone with their reassurance that everything was going to be alright. "Love you too." She says brushes her faces against Tala's icey coat. "I love you all." Thaea could of lost everyone here but fate has other plans it seems and this she's glad for.
She's okay. Tala's okay, she's talking and everything! Ikuna's tail wags in relief - or starts to, at least. That bit where there was a sharp tug and then it hurt? Yeah. It still does, and that wag just made another stab of pain go through it. He turns his head to peer back at it... is it just that his eyes are blurry from exhaustion, or is his tail kind of bent funny? He gives it a little testing sway, and winces. Ow. Definitely something wrong with his tail. ...oh well. He'll deal with it later, because right now? He's also completely exhausted. That adrenaline is draining out of him and leaving bone-deep tired. He staggers in close, draping himself against Tala and Ahiga both. "Love you," he says softly, and nuzzles first Tala, then Ahiga, then Althaea. "You did good," he tells the youngest wolf with a smile. Not moments later, his eyes close. Yeah, not going to be moving anytime soon, any of them. Skahla can just find them here.
Ahiga will apologize to them all more when the frigidness is gone and they're all awake and feeling better. He'll have a lot to apologize for, especially when he takes a gander at Ikuna's tail. But for now, the panic is gone and he feels safe and content within he wolf pile of bodies. He exhales a slow sigh and keeps his head rested upon Tala, though his senses are turning in to all. of them. Her breathing. Ikuna's heartbeat. Althaea's movements to keep her auntie warm. They're all here for one another. His eyes slide closed, slowly giving in to his exhaustion.
Althaea did, didn't she and all she did was supply the stick. Someone had to right. Being the smallest one here, presently, returning the warm-hearted nuzzles would require her to move. Something she wasn't content on doing right now. She'll have to do it later when their all more coherent. Silence taking to tthe area now, she lets all rest. Tomorrow is going to be an eventful one.
Althaea - female juvenile wolf
Tala - female adolescent wolf
Skahla - male wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
---Creek Overhang---
Spring is... not yet here, and hopeful thoughts and wishes can't seem to bring it any faster. Ikuna's venturing out into the cold once more, because those patrols won't do themselves. It's not so bad, being out in the crisp chill of winter, right? At least it's not snowing. He gives the dark clouds overhead a stern look. No more snow. It was awesome at first, plenty of fun, but he's tired of it now. No more! Not until next year when he's forgotten what a slog it can be. Sigh. On with the patrol he goes!
Its hard to really say what a pup would do during the last days of winter. Would she miss the snow when it melted, or the cold air that bristled her coat when leaving the den... The answers were unclear. Laying on the overhang, Althaea peers off the edge with a paw batting the icicles that hand from its arch; tail wagging with enthusiasm. Listening to the ice shatter as they hit the ground she barks.
Skahla has never been known for being a particularly involved, social creature, particularly as wolves go. But recently has found the alpha retreating even further. By all appearances, he is not terribly despondent as he Engages in a brief rest not far from the overhang. Just... a little distant. Still, his ears perk and swivel showing he is well awake.
Tala can be found not to far behind Ikuna it seems, the two are often joined at the hip after all. Which truely shouldn't be a surprize with everything this brother and sister pair have been through during there life. She bounces forward a few steps and playful nips out at Ikuna's tail. "I took the pups over to teach 'em how to walk on ice the other night. You should have been there. It was amusing."
Ikuna's tail wags, thwapping against Tala's muzzle as she tries to bite at it, and he laughs to his sister. "Yeah, Ahiga told me about that. S'too bad I missed it!" As their patrol approaches the creek, his ears perk at the sound of happy barks. "Sounds like someone's still having fun there, though." He grins, and picks up the pace a bit to come more quickly to where his niece is playing. Skahla, the quiet one, is not at first noticed... not until Ikuna is nearly upon him, and then one of those ear-flicks gives the alpha away. Oh! Ikuna's goes to stand up straight and nods his head in greeting. "Hey Skahla."
The bark echoing just a tad off the overhang and the ground itself, the young wolf smirks standing up and spinning about to trek from the cliff to the ground. However, her steps dont carry her far when voices come to ear and she looks out. The elevation makes spotting her uncle and aunt an easy one, watching them another comes into view and she cant help but bark once more. Seeing her father again puts a smile on Althaea's muzzle and the ice below is all but forgotten heading toward him.
Listening as attentively as he is, it would be nearly impossible for anything to sneak up on the alpha. As such, he does not feign surprise when Ikuna and Tala come upon him, but neither does he bother to stand until he is greeted. Right. Naptime, sleepless though it was, is over. "Hello, Ikuna. Tala." Although Skahla makes no move to physically greet either of his younger siblings, he sounds in a fair enough mood, not at all put out by having his solitude interupted. His gaze is taken from his siblings only when his daughter barks so nearby.
Tala chuckles and nods with a smile to Ikuna. "It was fun.. I hope we can do it again with them. I think they really liked it." She pauses and just peers at Skahla, her ears lower a moment as she seems almost unsure about getting to close to her dear older brother. Well its not like they have ever really had a relationship of any type. A slight nod is seen. "Skahla." Is offered with a soft tone. Her gaze turns to Althaea and her tail wags about. "There's the pack's prize ice walker!" She winks at Althaea. "You could even give me a run for the title.. I best keep up my skills."
His pose is more formal now that Ikuna stands before Skahla, but unlike his sister, he seems unworried. Polite, yes, but he's still relaxed... if perhaps not as casual as when it was just him and his sister, or even when he thought it was the two of them and one of the half-grown wolves. He takes a long, considering look at his brother; perhaps looking for signs of how the Alpha is holding up under the weight of recent news. Whatever he finds, it seems to satisfy him; he ducks his head briefly, his tail giving a wag. He looks over to Althaea next, and grins. "You'll have to show me sometime," he says, then adds to Tala. "Better'n Ahiga, huh?"
Its takes only a short time for Althaea to leap from the overhang and meet up with the trio. Coming to a stop a few length from them she smiles turning up to Tala and her praise. "You really think so?" she questions not thinking she was that good but she's been wrong before. Tail wagging she looks to Ikuna. One day, but the ice looked like it was starting to melt so it would be a while. Turning to her father next she holds her smile. "Hi daddy." Then steps toward him with a nuzzle.
It is one of the first chances Skahla has gotten to watch his siblings interact with any of his pups, and the sight of it ensures that even Skahla cannot keep the twitch of a smile from his muzzle. In this particularly trying time for the wolf who was decidedly unprepared when he fell into his current position, it is somewhat heartening to know that his failures as a leader, largely the result of inexperience, have not kept the pack from knowing moments of happiness. He is quiet as he watches the three younger wolves. Then, as his daughter approaches him, he lowers his head to accept and return his nuzzling. "Hello, Thaea. Learning new tricks to use against us old wolves, hmm?" Oh, if only Skahla had let himself indulge in more of this over the months of his pups' lives.
Tala bats out at Ikuna a few times and grins. "Oh please.. I think anyone is better at ice walking then you and Ahiga." This said with a teasing tone while she lets her shoulder press against her siblings while her tail wags bout. As long she doesn't look at her older brother she seems just fine, not worried filled that she'll say or do something stupid. Ears slowly perk while she lets her gaze drift towards Skahla, watching him a moment and half chewing against her lip. "Course.. What else would I be teaching them?" A faint grin seen as she settles to her haunches. That comment is most likely the most she's ever said to Skahla in her whole life.
There's a great deal to be said for just muddling on. There have been problems these past seasons, yes; some of them can be placed at Skahla's feet, while others have simply been a matter of circumstance. Through it all, Ute has kept on, and there have been bright moments as well. Like when family comes, together. Ikuna grins to his sister, and, "Heeeey! I'm perfectly good on the ice and you know it!" he retorts, and leans over to nip playfully for her shoulder. Grr! "That's you, nothin' but trouble," he teases. "I do the boring stuff like take 'em on patrols, and you handle the ice-walking and leaf-pouncing lessons."
Althaea learned new things the best she could when she could. Times like there were best helped with times of fun and oddly enough she knew this. However, it seemed to be harder for others. Leaning agains ther father in his returned nuzzling she nods to him. "Yea. Hadir though.." she starts not really sure she should even mention him. "He didn't like the ice so much." She says it anyway, before looking to her uncle. "Your not boring.. you made patrols fun and interesting. I learned alot." Those trips have proven informative, not that she remembers most of it.
After nuzzling his daughter, Skahla responds first and formost to what she says. "That, Althaea, is because Hadir, and Ikuna, and Ahiga are all very smart." But of course they are. They are boys, after all, or so is the reasoning implied in Skahla's purely joking tone. "They know that beneath that ice is water." And Skahla's feelings on water are perhaps a little too well known even today. Anyway, all Skahla is attempting to do is keep this lighthearted mood up, despite his own feelings, by a little faux battle of the sexes. "And you'd better get used to it, Ikuna. That is how the responsibilities have always been divided here. It's just good to see that Tala here is meeting the challenge of making sure we are never in want of mischief makers."
Tala giggles softly as she hears Ikuna, her tail swaying around a few times. A faint meep escaping her at the sudden nip and she pushes her shoulder back against him playful like. "Oh please.. Everything we do has a good reason. Lets them learn a lot of different things!" There is a pause as she hears Skahla, her ears lower slightly at the talk of the water under the ice. "Well.. I make sure the ice is thick enough..for fun an all." A faint grin is offered to Ikuna and she winks. "Ya.. don't you forget it Ikuna."
Ikuna grins to Althaea. "Glad to hear it!" he says. "After all, there's always plenty more patrols that need doing, and I can use the company." Which is true, Ikuna being the social wolf he is. That it's a good excuse for teaching the youngster is just a bonus. "Besides, one of these days, you'll be doin' them on your own." Since she, at least, seems to be growing up into a capable young wolf! ...unlike, say, Hadir. Or Soyala. But there's no need to dwell on that subject right now, and Ikuna laughs at Skahla's teasing tones. "That'll be me. Serious, right. Downright grim." He puffs up his chest and lifts up his muzzle, pretending to be the stiffest-necked, unbendingest traditions-and-lore sort of wolf ever. Like RuleMaker the Wise from the stories, and never mind that RuleMaker generally gets dumped in the creek or stumbles into the hornet nest by the end of the story.
Looking up to her father, she blinks and raises a brow. First it was Ahiga who said boys were better than girls and now her father. Althaea was starting to wonder if it were all true. Nah.. it cant be. Shaking her head, she'd have to prove them all wrong one day. "You just saying that daddy. We're all the same, just some of us are better at things than others." Thats what she likes to believe. Ikuna's hint of her one day doing patrols on her own goes unremarked. She may just like doing them on her own.
With no genuine concern that Tala had been putting his pups at risk, Skahla does not address her reassurances. He knows, trusts, that no one in the pack would do anything to intentionally harm any other pack member. It is simply for Skahla's sincere hatred of water that he mentioned it at all, and he does not dwell on it, any more than he seems to be dwelling on the state, sickly and dead, of his other two pups. Not right now. "You have a point, Tala." About the need to learn a variety of things, of course. "But admit it... The serious look suits our brother, does it not?" Likely only because Ikuna does not, in fact, take himself too seriously. Unlike a certain alpha. Looking back to his daughter, Skahla smiles more openly and says, "And that, puppy, is why we boys are stuck with the boring jobs. You girls are far too clever for us. I can't fool you, can I?"
Ikuna has a serious face when he needs one! A real one, not this goofy Totes Serious (for Real!) face he's doing now. ...it just always seems to mean there's bad stuff going on, when the serious face has to come out. So he doesn't keep the serious face around when he doesn't actually need it. He struts briefly, then relaxes his pose again. "Boys are stupid sometimes. I know _that_ for sure." On account of having been it! Not to mention seen it. He grins to Althaea, and adds, "You'll never get Ahiga to admit it, though. No way, no how."
Althaea smirks up to her father. "Yes you can daddy." He just has to try sometime. She chuckles upon looking to Ikuna and his struting. "You look silly Uncle." Boys are silly and Ikuna is a prime example, second to Ahiga. "I'm gunna tell him you said that." She can only imagine what he would say to being called stupid not that she doesn't agree. Pushing herself from her father and dropping to the ground on her belly, Thaea stretches.
Skahla follows Althaea with his head to give her one more little nuzzle. "Of course, I can't suggest doing that, pup. Not if you ever want to be told any of the secrets of boys ever again, hmm?" After nuzzling his daughter, he takes a step back to look at his siblings. "Ikuna, Tala, perhaps if you could stay here and keep an eye on things, then I might finish Ikuna's patrol... and then there's something I'd like to talk to you both about." The same thing that he discussed with his daughter alone a few days ago. After all, winter will not last forever, and if he's going to stand by his word of sending her out to actually see what the world is like, then he should probably begin to make those arrangements.
Ikuna just laughs at Althaea's 'threat' of telling Ahiga, and gives a sort of shrug! Ahiga already knows that Ikuna's a traitor to the male gender some days. It's not gonna get any worse just from repeating words he said... well, back when he was a little puppy, the first time. Besides, deep in Ahiga's heart... Ikuna suspects he knows. The wolf lifts up his head at Skahla's mention of his name, and his head tilts with curiosity before he nods. "Sure, if you want." Wondering why? Oh yes. But it's hardly a hardship to hang about at the creek and play for a bit.
Tala doesn't think she is putting anyone at risk, so much so that she is just watching Skahla a few moments. A ear flicking while she glances off, seemingly losing interesting in this conversation. Up until her name is spoken and she offers a slight nod to Skahla. "Of course.." This said with a soft tone, her tail twitching at her side a few times. "Ah.. Maybe Ahiga will be around by that as he an I wanted to talk to you as well." About what? Well she won't be saying that at the moment!
Althaea's ears droop, not to the nuzzle by what her father says. Was it meant that if she fibs she wont learn anything more about boys. Thats surely that worth the troubles it'll bring. Nodding to him, she decides to just keep her mouth shut for the time being, looking up at everyone, particularly her father whom back up and announces his leave. She knows of what he speaks of and honestly is still curious about the coversation they had.
It is only fair, isn't it, that his statement about wanting to talk about something should be returned by the same? Very well. Then all of the siblings can simply spend the next few hours wondering what it is that needs to be said between them. With a nod of his head, he says, "I won't be long. You behave now, Thaea... and make sure you ask your Uncle Ikuna all about my opinions on behaving." Because even though his younger siblings caused him some stress and worry when they were younger and took his words to heart... well, all of the members of the pack could use a little more fun in their lives. His daughter included. Having said so, the alpha turns to make his way from the small gathering.
Ikuna nods at Tala's mention of Something Else to Talk About. Whatever it is, apparently _he_ knows it. He seems to be in agreement that the topic doesn't need bringing up now, though, on account of how he doesn't bring it up. At the admonition to behave - and what it means - he grins, before nodding his head to Skahla. "We'll be here," he says, and watches the alpha pad away before turning back to sister and niece. "So, you've been ice-walking... but have you seen Ahiga's snow-slide yet?"
Tala watches Skahla go, her ears lowering a few moments before a glance is sent towards Ikuna. Well he knows how she feels about there older brother, or at least how she thinks Shakla feels about her. She licks across her nose a moment an looks back to the pup and chuckles. "It is rather amusing.. Especially when he attempt to do some trick and falls splat on his face."
Althaea always behaves.. well most the time. There was little she couldn't due without having one of her relatives peering over her. It was kinda creepy but likely for her own good. Nodding to him before his departure she turns to her uncle in silence not sure she even wants to hear his opinion of behaving; not from what she's seen. A gentle grin on her muzzle she blinks. "Snow-sliding.. whats that?" Apparently she missed out on something fun again despite being in the same general area. Standing she moves up before her aunt and uncle.
Hey, that's life when you're a pup. The adults keep an eye on you! If this pack is perhaps a little overprotective, well... that's Ikuna's fault. Ah, well! He smiles to Althaea, and nods. "Your father told me about behaving, back when I was about your age. He told me to have fun and get in trouble. Life when you're young is for having fun, not being dull and well-behaved. So! Keep that in mind, because /that/ is what your father says about behaving yourself." With that said, he smiles, and turns to trot down the bank to where there's a slick path down through the snow. "Snow-sliding!" He demonstrates, leaping onto it and sliding down to the soft powder beneath. Thomp!
Tala nose twitches a few times and she takes in a soft breath before glancing over to Ikuna. Her tail sways and she soon grins while nodding. "Snow-sliding is the best.. Especially when going down a hill." This said while she wiggles and shifts to her paws soon bouncing a few steps and then follows Ikuna sliding down the slick snow with a laugh escaping her in the process.
Althaea's ears cup forward as she listens to her uncle trying to comprehend the whole, have fun and get introuble now thing and save being dull and behaved for later. Wasn't being behaved all about keeping out of trouble though.. She shrugs. When Ikuna gets up and trots off into the distance she blinks a few times seeing his disappear down the hill. Then Tala does the same. Picking herself up she moves to the edge of the decline standing there in question. They made it look so easy but was it really. Last time she slide downhill it was early in the season when the snow was plenty. Looking past the edge and to the bottom she hesitates.
Ikuna wurfs as Tala thumps down with him, then grins, getting up again and shaking himself from the snow. He trots aside out of the way, grinning up at Althaea as she hesitates atop the hill. "C'mon, give it a try!"
Tala leans over and nips at Ikuna while she doe sindeed bounce up to her paws and looks back to Althaea. "Its fun.. and your only get sorta wet from the snow." this said with an amused tone and grin.
Althaea takes a breath as she look to Ikuna. Why was she making this harder than it was. WIth double encouragement, she stands there a while longer before finding it in her to jump take a leap of faith; stepping foward and letting gravity do the rest. In short time she hits the bottom buring herself in the snow. Laying there before Thaea's end product. It was fun and scary at the same time,
Ikuna grins as Thaea takes the plunge! "There ya go!" he says with a happy bark, and leans it to nose at the snowed youngster!
Tala grins as she watches the pup and nods while she bounces around upon her paws, tail swaying a few times in the process. "Good job!" She reaches over and lets a paw bat off some of the snow in the process. "Beat you guys too the top!" This said as she darts up so she can slide down again.
Snowed was a good word for it, pocking her head up from the built up snow she toppled into. The nosing was a good way for her to tell how far she had to go to free herself, though Tala''s help with pawing off the snowed helped drastically. When able to get back onto all four she shakes her coat of snow. Its then that Tala's challange to the hilltop she head shakes Oh no.. she'll stay down here thank you. "You two go. I'll see who makes it back down first." She smirks.
Ikuna laughs, and pads up along the slope. He's letting Tala win, on account of he's not hurrying much. Even worse, he's turning to look back at Althaea, still at the bottom. "Not feeling the sliding?" he asks, head tilted to the side.
Tala tilts her head while looking back to the pup, ears perking as she hears her. "You alright?" Is questioned with a soft worried tone.
Its not that she doesn't want to slide, its that she thinks she still have snow in head ears. Shaking her head and tilting it to one side she tires her utmost to clear them. "I'm fine." She tells them. "It was fun but now I got snow in places I cant get out." She almost laughs at her predicament.
Ikuna hmmms consideringly. "Well, you know the thing about snow, right?" he asks, and then gives a moment for everyone to consider on what that might be. After a moment, he reveals... "It melts!"
Tala grins and chuckles while she nips out at Ikuna and then goes sliding down the snow once more, this time on her belly with her frontpaws stretched out.
This was true, but then she's have water in her ears and thats not a good feeling either. Laughing however, Althaea quickly gets out of the way as Tala come barreling down the hill again.
Ikuna trots on the rest of the way up the hill, and watches as Tala slides on down. He grins, and then leaps in himself. Wheeeeee! Such fun it is. Who needs dignity? Not him!
Tala giggles out and shifs to wiggle and kick some snow at Ikuna as she bounces back onto her paws. She gives herself a good shake and sends the snow flying.
Althaea takes a seat just outside the accumulated snow pile to watch Ikuna make his way back down the hill aswell. This time however she smirks. "Tala wins!" She shouts like they were actually trying to see who could reach the bottom first. See, girls are better than boys after all.
Yep. Tala totally wins, and Ikuna gets snow kicked at him. This is how things are. He laughs, and rolls around onto his back to wriggle, his paws flailing up at the air. "So!" he says, and it seems now he's in no particular hurry to get up.
Tala grins and winks at Althaea. "Indeed I do!.. Ya for Althaea for judging me the winnter." Her hips sway a few times, tail wagging about.
So, he says.. She'll just have to show him what it means to be a loser. Getting to all four as Ikuna rolls onto his back, Althaea moves up to him and suddenly gives pounce hoping to land right in the middle of him. This is what happens- you get puppy pounced.
Gasp! Puppy pounces! Such a tragic fate! Ikuna barks as Althaea pounces and lands solidly atop him, and he bats up at her playfully - if somewhat more gently than he would for one of the wolves his own age. He wriggles, seeing if he can wrap a paw up around her shoulders and wrassle her like that.
He hears something. Something that sounds .. fun. And fun attracts Ahiga like a magnet. The sound of laugher, play growls, and shuffling of snow is music to his perked up ears, and it isn't long before the wolf is seen arriving from the direction of the crabapple. It's his friends! He had no doubt it would be, and spying both Tala and Ikuna ahead has him grinning. There's a smaller body too...a smaller body who is whooping Ikuna's butt! Mwuahaha! He instantly goes into stealth mode, body low to the ground as he creeps up quickly, eyes set on Tala. Ears set again his head an a devious grin on his face, he stalks her, breaking out into a run when still a few yards away in order to launch himself at her from behind. Kerpounce!
Girl power rules again as Althaea manages her pounce upon her uncle, nippingat hs paws as they come at her in bats. Being pretty much up for anything, she allows Ikuna to wrap his paw around her, on purposely missing the chance to dodge, and drag her into wrassling with a chuckle.
Play. Play is an educational experience, a way for wolves to learn things and figure out the skills and techniques that will help them in life! ....it's also a great deal of fun! Ikuna laughs and play-growls to Althaea, bapping at her muzzle with his paws as she nips. Then he's tugging her against him, wriggling about and getting himself quite snowy as he wrestles with her. At least he's keeping the snow off her by getting it on himself? Yeah, that's it.
Tala grins as she watches the two play around, she wiggles on her paws as if she might want to join in.. Though someone else has her attention, ears flicking forward, nose twitching and she spins about to catch sight of Ahiga gunning for her. A faint yip escapes her once Ahiga tackles her.. An they both go sliding into the snow a bit before Tala is attempt to shove him up over her head so she can try and pin him down instead.. HA
Grrowl! Ahiga's paws wrap around Tala as he successfully makes his mark. Mwuaha, game OVAH! Grinning toothily, he whoops out his victory before aiming a few nips at her as they slide a few feet on the snow and ice. But hey now...what's this? Retaliation? Subordination! Tala's not going up without a fight (not that he expected her to) and he can only grin wider as he feels himself being pushed off of her. No! Wrestle, wrestle...floomp! Fate is not on his side this day, and somehow now /he's/ the one pinned down. No fair! Girls cheat. That's all there is to it.
No matter how hard Ikuna tries to keep the snow to himself, Althaea still manages to acquire batches during play. At this rate she could care less too. Batting at her uncle, even nipping at whatever limps came close to her muzzle- head paw.. you name it. She barks playfully, trying to roll out from the wolfs grip.
Ikuna sways his body back and forth, laughing as Althaea attacks! He dodges some of the bites, takes others, and nips back at her, catching at the thick winter fur around her shoulders as his tail thumps happily against the ground. He gets glimpses of the other half of the brawl going on, and that just makes him grin wider as he wrassles. After a while, he gives Althaea a chance to escape, bapping his paw against her side along the way.
Tala does not cheat!.. Well.. no.. not really! She grins down at Ahiga, her paws working on pinning his shoulders down. "You thought you could get me huh?" She questions with an amused tone and wink down at the wolf she has caught. her head drops and she gives his nose a playful lick before bouncing away with a half laugh escaping her. "Gotta try harder then that!"
Ahiga glares up at Tala. Glare. Glare. Glaaaare! But the glare isn't too effective with the grin that doesn't want to leave his face. He makes a face as his nose is licked, though his tail is thumping against the snowy ground all the while. When free, he instantly rolls onto his stomach and stands with a quick shake. "Ahh, whatever. I /let/ you pin me," he retorts, sticking his nose up in the air. Snickering after, he trots after her, playfully giving chse. Intentionall, he passes by Ikuna and Althaea and bats at the both of them as he heads past. "Hey!" he greets.
Althaea does indeed escape, but rather than make a run for it she bounces back in force all in attempt to take the wolf down and keep him there. With her lack of immediate size though, he could easily overcome her again. Not thinking it all the way through, she'd try to put her weight up high near Ikuna's chest and shoulders, though her actions are put in pause when Ahiga throws a bat of his own into the mix. "Heeyy!"
When Althaea bounds off, Ikuna starts rolling back around onto his belly again. "Hey, Ahig-oof!" For there's Thaea, landing solidly on his shoulders and halfway across his back. He grins, and then... he starts to push himself up to his feet, not even trying to shake her off but just standing up despite her!
Tala laughs out as she hears Ahiga. "Oh you wish!" She calls out towards him with an amused tone and bounce in her steps as she glances back towards him and the other two. "Wolf pile on Ahiga!" Is yelled out all of a sudden while she turns to try and tackle ahiga once again to the ground.
Ahig-oof? Mwuaha! "Nice one," he snickers over his shoulder at Ikuna before he looks ahead again to focus on his target. But, wait a minute. His target is not cooperating. Wolf pile on who now? He slides to a stop, ears perked up. "Woah, no!" Three against one is totally unfair! And Ikuna wouldn't turn on him. Right? Hehheh Boys rule, remember? But apparently Ahiga doesn't trust his own thoughts and quickly turns, fleeing towards the ice. Because ice will save him. Since he's /so/ great at walking on it. -.- Trusting that it'll hold his weight because it hasn't failed him yet, he scrambles onto the surface, claws scraping to find leverage as he slides forward. Yup. Awesome idea.
Whoa.. wait, whats he doing. Gribbing her paws around his body as Ikuna motions to stand, Thaea ties her hardest to pull herself up onto his back when he reaches all four. Wolfie-back ride. She chuckles. Looking over to Tala from her perch she smirks and would so join her on wolf piling Ahiga... when she catches him. Though so long as he remains on the ice he cant count her out of the pile.
Aww yeah! Ikuna is a wolf... with a wolf on top. It's _awesome_. He takes a moment to let her settle, and then... starts into motion! He's headed off toward where Ahiga is, whether to give aid or betray the other wolf, buuuuut he's not gonna get there very fast, not so long as Althaea's atop him! She's surprisingly heavy. Or... maybe not so surprisingly, but heavy!
Tala blinks as she peers after Ahiga and follows after him rather quickly. Her paws slam into the ground kicking up dirt while she nips out at his tail befor he goes sliding on the ice. "Oh you big baby!" She calls out with a laugh escaping her in the process while she shifts from paw to paw a few times.
HA! Success! Ahiga slowly spins on the ice (unintentionally, though he pretends it was) and faces Tala from some yards away on the ice. "You mean big ice walkin' /genius/" he retorts cockily, going as far as he being slide-walking backwards in a show-offy way to keep his distance from her. His ice walking skills haven't gotten any better. It's only pure dumb luck that keeps him from face planting. His ears perk up as he spies that Ikuna...has a rider. "Hey, Ikuna! You've got somethin' growin' on your ba-" The word is truncated there as his paw steps backward, finding a spot on the frozen water that's not as thick as the rest, resulting in a resounding crack as his wolf-weight is pressed upon it. A portion of the ice spiderwebs, and Ahiga's eyes are seen going wide just before the surface gives way beneath him, leaving a gaping hole and a submerged wolf.
Its all fur.. she's not truely heavy, honest. Holding on while Ikuna makes toward the river after the others, Althaea is actually enjoying this. She should of never turned down that offer from Tala that day at the den. Ah well now. She's got herself a new ride. "Look out! Here we come!" the pup shouts all before she sees Ahiga plummit through the ice. She was all happy but thats all changed when there becomes one less wolf. "Ikuna look." She bumps him with her nose to the back of the head.
Ikuna's totally got something on his ba- *Crack!* No, that's not his back giving way under the weight, that's the ice. Giving way. Under Ahiga's weight. His eyes go just as wide as the other male's, meeting for a fractional moment. Caution is forgotten as he charges forward... at least to the edge of the ice. The cracks are spiderwebbing out from where Ahiga fell, even the once-stable ice now no longer seeming so secure. The frigid water threatens - and Ahiga's IN it!
Tala tibbits out at him, and instead of thinking things through she bounces out onto the ice, her paws sliding across it while her claws faintly grip enough to get her some traction. "As if I wouldn't /follow/ after you." She points out with a laugh escaping her in the process. The crack on the ice is heard.. but it is to late as she is 'sliding' towards Ahiga and a half yelp escapes her as she stopsjust about to slide in but manages to stop.. For a few moments at least before the ice under her paws spiders out and she goes falling head first into the water with a muffled squeal escaping her in the process.. Oh dear..
Things have gotten /very/ cold very quickly! It's a bubbly world under the ice, strangely quiet and kinda bright. It'd be nice if he was a fish, but Ahiga is not. The moment he hit the water, his paws started moving, instinctively swimming. Above him, the ice is broken. Further downriver, there is still a deadly cover of ice. A coffin's cover if he were to allow himself to be swept down that way. The river has never been a fast paced one, luckily enough, and Ahiga is able to swim against the slow current. It's not long before his head breaks the surface with a gasp, paws splashing to keep his head above water.
Althaea ahhs! Her uncles charge forward is more than she expected and she has no choice but to let go of her ride. Tuck and Roll! Hitting the ground she does indeed roll but she was prepared and thankful of the snow. Looking up with a shake of her head, she quickly gets to all four and takes advance toward the river, but falls short of getting close when Tala too goes into the river. This so was not good and there was nothing she could do but watch. Keeping her distance, the pup now just watches, waiting. Come up.. please. Just then Ahiga is seen breaking through the surface and she is slightly releaved. Thats one, but what about Tala?
And Tala! The wolves are dropping like, like... like a thing that is very very bad. Ikuna's eyes dart to his sister as she falls, then search the surface of the water. "Thaea," he orders without looking at her, "Go get me a stick. A big one." His voice is firm, almost like he's not halfway to panicked - at least, if you miss that it's a good two tones higher than usual. He has other things to worry about. Like doing something stupid. Slowly he inches forward onto the ice, still lying down on his belly with all four legs spread out. At least Ahiga didn't get too far out before - there! He barks to the other wolf. "Come on, come on..." His last hindpaw leaves the shore, but so far, the ice holds. More shards crumble in around the edges of the hole as Ikuna creeps closer.
Tala fell all the way under as soon as her body hit the cold water. She is scrambling though, paws kicking out in all different ways at first and she bumps her head slightly against a chunk of ice that has floated over her. This is not good. Unlike Ahiga she was further back on the ice, which is slowly floating forward now that it has room to move. The she-wolf is scrambling to move along trying to find a place so she can get free of the water.. but so far its not working in her favor..
Things are difficult to see. Water blurrs his vision. His splashing seems incredibly loud to his own ears. But Ahiga does make out the form of a wolf some yards away on solid surface of ice. It's Ikuna, and he begins to swim towards him, mindful of the fact that his legs are becoming more difficult to feel as numbness creeps into his veins. He has to get out of here, and quick. Having been underwater, Tala's fall wasn't seen, and her predicament is thus far unknown. But he /does/ see, the closer that he gets to the broken edges of the ice, how fragile the ice has become. "D-dude, get back!" he calls just before his head dips under again, but a swift kick of his hindleg brings him up. A few yards more, and he'll be alright.
The order she gets from her uncle is one Althaea wastes little time in putting into action; turning in her spot and heading towards the nearest tree where she hopes to find a stick big enough to help out but small enough she can carry back in reasonable and life saving time. Looking back every few paces in her sprint to the tree, to see how things are progressing, she trips over something hidden in the snow. Picking herself up to the girls luck what she trips on is a thin but sturdy tree limb snaped by the snow. Digging it out takes time, but eventually she pulls it out and begins to drag it toward the river.
No, Ikuna's not getting back. He's busy being stupid. Just like a boy. More of the ice crumbles near him, but his splay-bodied pose lets him shift without tumbling down... yet. He growls when Ahiga's head dips under - not at the other wolf, no. At the ice. At the water. At the world. And where's Tala, anyway? She still hasn't surfaced. Should he dive in after her? That would be incredibly, horribly stupid of him. It would give new meaning to stupidity. ...well, should he? He's not sure. He inches forward, paws against the sharp edge of the ice like he's ready to leap. Just a little closer... and his ear flicks back to the sound of Althaea dragging something. Good. He still doesn't look back, but, "Don't come onto the ice," he tells her. Oh, no, that sort of stupidity is just for him. "Just push it out to me." His eyes are intent on the broken ice, watching Ahiga, looking for some sign, any sign, of Tala....
Tala is still under while Ahiga is scrambling to get out, and Ikuna is freaking out. She scrambles under the ice, shoving her shoulders upwards until she finds a space and pushes her head up through it coughing and sputtering out in the process. Her forepaws scramble and her claws grip at the ice as she is able to pull her head, neck and shoulders out of the numbing water.
Where's Tala? Ahiga doesn't see her. Is she at the shore? That'd be the best place for her to be. Everybody should be on shore. Ikuna should be there, but his dumb butt is out here on the ice that has betrayed them all. But he does provide him a focal point, and his numbed muscle keeps him clawing through the water to get to him so that he can chew him out for not listening and getting back to safety. The ice where Ikuna is must be strong enough to hold him, but will it hold the both of them? Ahiga doesn't know, but the coldness is making weariness set in quickly and he has no real choice but to chance it else risk going under and not coming back up. Sputtering and cursing with the breaths that he can catch, hereaches up to claw at the ice, trying to find a hold. His first attempt is met with a crumbling surface that deteriorates under his paw, but he tries again and succesfully scrabbles his forepaws until his claws dig in, holding on. "Where's...Tala..?"
Boys were stupid despite the rep her father placed on them. Stepping on to ice for fun and falling in then risking it to save another.. who does that? Someone with a heart. Dragging the limb as close to the river as possible without actually stepping into it, Thaea drops her end and races to the other so she can push it toward Ikuna upon the ice. When far enough where she thinks he can get it and put some use to it, she looks up the very moment Tala bursts from beneath the river. "There!" Knowing her aunt as made it to the surface meant there was hope. Now to just get them back to shore where its.. less wet.
When Ahiga gets close enough, Ikuna lunges forward to grab at him with an incredibly awkward side-of-neck bite. It leaves Ikuna dangling halfway into the water. It probably hurts Ahiga. Ikuna doesn't care. He helps to pull the other wolf back, hindpaws scrabbling against the ice as he hunches himself up and drags. The ice crumbles at first, water splashes up onto it... but then it holds. It holds! One half-drowned wolf recaptured, the other... the other... His eyes widen at Althaea's call, seeing Tala surface, but he doesn't let go of his grip. Not and let Ahiga go! What's he going to do? His two bestest friends in the world, and they both need help! He only has one set of jaws. He gives another mighty tug, and jerks Ahiga back... and himself right into that pointy stick. Ow! But, turns out, it's just what he needs. Now that Ahiga's more or less on (semi)solid ice, he lets go, and turns around to grab the stick in his jaws before inching forward to Tala. The ice around her is far, far less stable, but it doesn't have to support him. Just a stick. He holds it out toward her, begging with his eyes for her to grab it.
Tala hears someone talking, or maybe more then one someone's but her mind is getting very fuzzled at the moment thanks to the cold water most likely. Her shoulers tense, paws gripping at the ice which at the moment isn't breaking at least. A fearful whine escapes her as she is doing her best to pull herself out of the water but is unable to get enough of a hold to drag the rest of her form out of it. Her ears flick forward, eyes blinking a few times until she catches sight of Ikuna and Ahiga, well he is at least getting out of the water! She swallows and tries to push herself upwards only to slide back into the water with makes her yelp out as her head nearly goes under. This is not good, not at all.
For a moment she is there half way back into the water, her muzzle all that is seen before she is scrambling once more and manages to get herself somewhat out of the water once again. Faint scraping is heard, and her gaze turns towards the stick that Ikuna is inching towards her. For a moment she is unsure before she lunges forward grabbing hold of the stick, and when she does this the ice that was holding her somewhat up crumbles and she is once more in the water, paddling while holding onto that lifeline in wooden form..
It'd hurt a lot more if his neurons weren't frozen solid, but the fact that he /does/ feel the prick of Ikuna's teeth against his neck that registers pain is a good sign. Ahiga winces at the initial contact, wary that the ice will give out and they'll both fall in and be lost. But today does not seem to be the day fated for them to die, and Ahiga soon feels more of himself being pulled out o the water. He helps, straining to keep his forepaws steady as he pushes his paws against the ice to pull himself. WIth Ikuna's help and much effort, he's saved! His wet body is flopped on the ice like a rag, body heaving as he catches his breath. But there is still something wrong. No Tala. His eyes follow Ikuna as he scrambles off for .. a stick? What the heck? His weariness has him processing things slowly, and confusion isn't helping that at all. Where's Althaea? He heard her, so she must be safe. And Ikuna has a stick that is now attached to a mouth belonging to Tala. The fear that runs through his veins is colder than the icy water, shocking him to alertness as he slowly sits up. "Swim Tala, S-swim!" He can't go over there. The ice is weak, and his added body weight would merely put them all back in the same icy predicament.
Althaea would be disppointed if her stick wasn't used and almost looks so when Ahiga turned out to just need a good tug in the right direction, glad beyond words that he is atleast save for the time being. Giving him a moments stare, she turns her gaze to Ikuna who moves on to Tala whos life lays in the balance. Just about pacing the shoreline she feels helpless. Eyes never leave the pair in parole, heart racing as all she can do is watch Tala struggle for her life at the end of a stick. Ears flicking to Ahiga's encouragment for Tala to swim, she'd more than join him but little help that will do. The only thing heard from the pup is a whimper is fear.
The stick jerks as Tala grabs hold of it, but Ikuna digs in and keeps his grip. There. He's got her. So long as there's that heavy, heavy weight on the other end... it'll all be okay. He tries to pull her back, but there's nothing to grip on. Just ice, under his paws, and they scrape but can't get any leverage. He's got her, but how is he going to /get/ her? Every time she gets a paw up, more of the ice crumbles. There's solid ice, there is, solid enough at least, but... not where she is. He puts his full strength to the task, and manages a little slide back - a paw's length. Another one. Agonizingly slow, and with every moment, that cold is driving through Tala, stilling her muscles and freezing her to the bones. She has to hold on. She has to. If she doesn't... it's all over. It's the world's highest-stakes game of tug-o'-war; Ikuna versus the river, with Tala's life the prize.
Tala gaze rests on Ikuna now, fear clearly seen while her teeth dig into the stick, she won't be letting go. Her muscles are starting to cramp up, each push and kick of her legs making her muscles move but at the same time there is a backlash thanks to the super freezing cold water. Her mind is getting fuzzy around the edges, she needs to get out of the cold water as quickly as possible. She struggles a few times attemping to pull herself up but her paws only slide to the edge of the ice which makes clumps of it crumble free. Still she never lets go of the stick, if she could only get closer to the thicker ice there is a possibility that she will be able to get herself out. Luckly Ikuna is making some headway as he works on moving backwards which is pulling her towards him, but at a rather slow rate..
He has to do something. He can't just sit there and watch and coach from afar, but what can he do? He's standing now, though he doesn't remember actually getting to his paws. At some pont he must've crept his way towards his friends, moving slow, one step at a time, watching for signs that the ice may break. The ice is sturdier where he is. The ice is sturdier behind Ikuna and further away from the gaping hole of water in which Tala struggles. So if he stays behind Ikuna, things should be ok. This is where Ahiga finds himself now, behind his friend, jaws gripping his tail to help tug and pull as hard as he can, trying to time his backward jerks with Ikuna's.
Althaea continued to watch, forepaws stepping into the cold river water in anticipation. She believed Ikuna could do it.. no, she knew he could. He had to. Every jerk made was one step closer to ending this cold nightmare, but time kept slipping by and Tala was still in the icy water fighting. Stepping out from the river just as Ahiga finds the strength to assist Ikuna in tugging, she almosts laughs at the sight. But now wasn't the time to laugh. Now was the time to grit teeth and pull like no wolf has ever pulled before. Holding her breath through every tug, gritting her own teeth as if it would help, she tugs in thought. Her efforts on shore were so going to help- yup. Just you see.
Tug. Tug. Tug. Ikuna's muscles are screaming at him from the strain of this slow, arduous task. He barely notices. Later. Everything is later. Everything, everything comes after this; after Tala's no longer in the frozen water. After she's safe. His eyes are on hers, something between a plea and a command. Keep holding on. Keep swimming. Stay with him. Just a little further. A few quick steps, or a seeming eternity of this inch-by-inch dragging. He keeps pulling, finding strength he didn't know he had - wouldn't have, if it weren't for the adrenaline running through him. When Ahiga's jaws bite down on his tail, he doesn't even blink. The extra strength helps. They're making progress. It's good. Nothing else matters; the jolt of pain at one particularly hard tug is a distant thing. He's aware of it, but only at the same level as he's aware of the cold beneath him, or the rustle of dry branches in the wind. It's not what matters now. It's for later. After Tala's safe. He keeps pulling.
Tala keeps her firm hold on the stick, and it seems with the added help in tugging she is getting pulled ever closer towards them and firm ice, along with the shore somewhere out thataway! A faint whimper escapes her at times, the coldness seeping into her bones is beyond painful. One paw soon catches onto firmer ice and then the other while her head is pulled upwards from the tuging. She attempts to pull herself up onto the ice but finds she can bearly move her front legs, her muscles are numbing up quickly. For a moment she just leans against the ice, seeming rather unsure how she is going to do this, her steel gaze drifting from Ikuna, to Ahiga an then to Althaea. Her eyes close for a moment, almost as if she was given up..
Her shoulders soon tense and she pushes her forepaws as hard as she can against the ice, her claws scrape until finding enough grip as she pulls herself upwards and with the tugging from the others is soon hauled up onto the ice like someone catching a prized fish. Once on the ice she quivers, finding herself unable to move as if all the energy she had left was used in that one last movement to freedom. Seems the boys will have to drag her the rest of the way.. She'll never live it down, but she'll at least be alive.
It's working! Although Ahiga can't see beyond Ikuna's backside, he is aware that they are making backwards progress, inching along the ice, pulling away from the broken portion, which means Tala must be coming out! He can still hear her splashing, struggling, but all he can do is coninue what he is doing despite his spent energy and his mind's want for his body to lay down and rest and find warmth. He can't. Tala needs him. This thought keeps him going. He can't lose his friend. ALthaea can't lose her aunt. Pull, pull, pull! And suddenly, the sound of splashing is gone. The water's reistance disappears. Tala is out! But Ahiga does not stop pulling. They need to get away from that hole.
A hopeful stare cast out toward the three the young wolf watches with intent. Each pull was starting to pay off this should could see, watching Tala be inched out of the water and onto the ice. The last tug Althaea expected everyone to collapes in exhaustion, but that's not the case. Ahiga was still pulling. Good for him... keep at it big guy. A sigh of relief struck the pup knowing things were going to be alright, but they weren't out of trouble yet till off the ice and on land. This she couldn't wait for. Hurry up already.
At least now the icy water isn't chilling Tala... but she's still soaked, and what seemed before a nice breeze is now a thing of pure cold, cutting through the wet fur. Not to mention the worrying cracks in the ice, threatening to dump her - and her two saviours! - back into the river. No, they're not done yet. Ikuna keeps on pulling, dragging Tala back from the water's edge. She's so still. Too still. His eyes are anxious as he watches her, as he keeps pulling. Is she...? No, she's breathing. He can see it, the faint rise and fall of her chest. The faint puffs of steam from her nose. She's still breathing. It's not too late. That wetness helps Tala slide over the ice, and the two young males drag her faster now. Before long, Ahiga's paws are on shore again... and after another few moments, so are Ikuna's. He drops the stick, and says, "C'mon!" before stepping forward to grab Tala by the scruff, leaving a spot for Ahiga on the other side, so that together they can get her to the safety of shore.
Tala still has hold of that stick, she may never let go of that darn thing when everything is said an done, but her eyes are closed. As the breeze flows past her she lets out a whine, her form shivering as her breathing is a bit rocky for a few moments but its still there. She is pulled across the ice and once she feels the tension in the stick dropped on one end she lets go of hers, her maw snaps closed after that. A ear faintly twitches to her brother and then Ahiga but she isn't able to talk, or move for that matter so they are able to drag her back to shore rather easily..
Thankfully, Ikuna's tail stays intact and attached to where it belongs the duration of this tug of war, and he only lets go when they are far, far from that gaping hole in the ice and back on shore. Though like Ikuna, he is not content with barely being off the ice, and he quickly moves to grab at Tala's scruff on the other side to pull her /fully/ away from the river. She's ok. She has to be. She's out. She's breathing. It'll all be good. "I'm sorry, m'sorry," spoken only after he can pull no more, though by this point the danger of cracked ice beneath their paws is gone. He licks her face, muzzle, and ears in apology, happiness, and efforts to warm her.
Althaea meets the trio on shore, no smile on her face no nothing, there would be time for that later. Trying very hard not to get in the way, she looks at each wolf as they step upon land. Was this it- was it the end. She hoped so but she wasn't going to call it till she saw her aunt breathing.. no moving was better. As they pulled Tala on shore she keeps her distance for as long as possible before just moving in and nosing the near frozen wolf. "Tala.." There was no movement and this scares her. "Is she going to be alright?" She questions those capable of answering her. Her aunt was so cold.. out out instinct she places what she can of her own body against Tala not even really thinking how cold she'd get. She wasn't going to just stand by and do nothing this time.. no way sirie.
Safe. Tala's safe, and Ahiga's safe, and... okay, yes, it's cold, but nobody's in the freezing water anymore. That's good. Althaea's question voices the concern they all have, and Ikuna whines deep in his throat before he answers. "I- I hope so," he says, and he nuzzles at her cheek past Ahiga's lickings. "C'mon, Tala..." he says, and then nudges at Ahiga, pushing the other male against Tala's side, opposite Thaea. His niece has the right idea there. Sure, Ahiga's wet too, but... it's still warmth. It's still going to help. He nuzzles at both of them, licking at the ice-shards and coldness and pressing his own warm body in wherever he can.
Tala is breathing, it comes in slow ragged gasps a few times before it starts to slowly even out. She swallows a few times, her eyes cracking open so she can look out at Ikun and Ahiga. "Its..ok." Is said with a soft whisper like tone. Her head lifts slightly pressing her nose against Ahiga's and her head soon sinks back down. "Thank you Althaea.. Don't get too cold.." She will already have the alpha telling her a few things when he finds out what happened. There is a slight pause, her eyes slipping closed one again as she has them all trying to get her warm, which is helping. "Love.. you Ahiga." This is murmured out with rather soft tone, a forepaw lifts to slowly curl around Ikuna and pull her brother closer to hr. "Love you too Ikuna, Althaea.." Though other then this she'll have to thank them more later. As soon as the words leave her she is drift off in a unsure sleep it would seem.
"/Course/ she'll be alright," says Ahiga a bit harshly, though harshness of the words aren't necessarily meant for Althaea. If anything, it's directly toward whatever invisible spirit escorts the spirits of the once living away. Not today. Not on his watch. He growls at the thought, but the sound morphs to a whine as Tala's nose presses to his. Only now, as adrenaline begins to fade, does he relaize how cold and exhausted he is. His wet fur is stiff and icy, though despite this he cuddles up with Tala as everyone else does, pressing close, reassured by her breathing. She's breathing. She's talking. She's saying she loves him. Loves them all. Those aren't words of goodbye...they're just words. Thankful ones. He nuzzles his muzzle against her neck fur, continuing to murmur soft apologies as his body shivers. "Love you too, Tala. We'll k-keep ya warm."
A voice, its all she wanted to hear, but Althaea could of waited for one more fluid and solid. It didn't matter though, she knew Tala was going to make it when she warmed up. Placing her head head on her aunt she smiles. It was ok, she never got onto the ice and was likely the only one with enough heat to thaw out a fish right now. Not to classify Tala as a fish or anything. Providing whatever warmth she could spare, she peers at everyone with their reassurance that everything was going to be alright. "Love you too." She says brushes her faces against Tala's icey coat. "I love you all." Thaea could of lost everyone here but fate has other plans it seems and this she's glad for.
She's okay. Tala's okay, she's talking and everything! Ikuna's tail wags in relief - or starts to, at least. That bit where there was a sharp tug and then it hurt? Yeah. It still does, and that wag just made another stab of pain go through it. He turns his head to peer back at it... is it just that his eyes are blurry from exhaustion, or is his tail kind of bent funny? He gives it a little testing sway, and winces. Ow. Definitely something wrong with his tail. ...oh well. He'll deal with it later, because right now? He's also completely exhausted. That adrenaline is draining out of him and leaving bone-deep tired. He staggers in close, draping himself against Tala and Ahiga both. "Love you," he says softly, and nuzzles first Tala, then Ahiga, then Althaea. "You did good," he tells the youngest wolf with a smile. Not moments later, his eyes close. Yeah, not going to be moving anytime soon, any of them. Skahla can just find them here.
Ahiga will apologize to them all more when the frigidness is gone and they're all awake and feeling better. He'll have a lot to apologize for, especially when he takes a gander at Ikuna's tail. But for now, the panic is gone and he feels safe and content within he wolf pile of bodies. He exhales a slow sigh and keeps his head rested upon Tala, though his senses are turning in to all. of them. Her breathing. Ikuna's heartbeat. Althaea's movements to keep her auntie warm. They're all here for one another. His eyes slide closed, slowly giving in to his exhaustion.
Althaea did, didn't she and all she did was supply the stick. Someone had to right. Being the smallest one here, presently, returning the warm-hearted nuzzles would require her to move. Something she wasn't content on doing right now. She'll have to do it later when their all more coherent. Silence taking to tthe area now, she lets all rest. Tomorrow is going to be an eventful one.