Post by Pavane on May 5, 2012 2:41:33 GMT -5
Wachiwa - female wolf
Tala - female adolescent wolf
Ikuna - male adolescent wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
Grim - male wolf
Brutal - male wolf
---Tranquil Pond---
Grim said there would be a pond, and a pond there was;, and within this pond, the she-wolf has waded to wash away the mud and mire that clings to her form. It's not much good, not as good as a rider wade would be, but the water is cold, and it makes the poor lady wolf shiver and shudder as she climbs out, shaking away the water, and licking at wounds to clear away old scabs and muddy blood. She sighs, then looks at the small clearing of grass and land and trees the small pack of wolves has clung to since the attack; only two days ago, but it feels like longer. Chewy sighs again, and then slowly limps toward a shaded dry spot, where she lays down, and groans at her body, mumbling yet again, 'HUsh, hush..' at it, as she shifts. She's hungry. But she's been more interested in getting Tala her herbs, and making sure Hadir and Althaea are safe with their father, who has been worn out and resting since Ikuna found him.
Tala has been rather quiet and still since they came to the pond. Sleeping on and off in a feverish sleep. A faint cough escaping her even as she sleeps. She's been still and no coughs for some time as she slowly wakes, her ears push forward, tired blue gaze drifting around. "Ahiga.." Is called out first, her voice horse as she slowly pulls her head up followed by the rest of her form so she is laying in a different angle. "Ikuna?.." Is soon questioned as she tries to remember how she even /got/ here.
Having done what was asked of him, the stranger among a pack of estranged wolves has considered, on more than one occasion, leaving them to their fate. They were alive and together, was this not enough? The past two days have seen Grim restless and in a perpetual state of unease, and each time the tall grey wolf would slip away, there was always that pressing doubt that he would return again. Yet here comes another one of those instances, in which surprise is afforded and Grim emerges from the distant, endless sea of prairie that borders the pond and surrounding woodland. Golden eyes briefly scan the area, taking account of those who are present, but only with the purpose of checking their welfare. Grim has done little in way of interfering with the social structure between the pack, interacting very little and speaking to them even less. It is not his nature to be silent though, and this time, he returns with purpose. Toting two very fat voles in his mouth, along with several dark green leaves shoved into the corner of his jaws, Grim's leggy stride carries him deliberately towards Wachiwa, though the one-eyed she-wolf is still regarded with a strange sort of supernatural suspicion on Grim's part. Lowering his muzzle, Grim deposits both voles and weeds, though nosing the fatter of the rodents toward Wachiwa, "Thought you'd be hungry." he explains, before quickly adding "They were a easy catch." He doesn't need her thinking he went out of his way on her behalf. The confused mumblings from Tala catch Grim's attention and the tall wolf looks in her direction, though he continues to speak to the older she-wolf, "Also brought back some ribwort for her." he says, jerking his muzzle in Tala's direction. "Not much, but it should do...." he gives a uncertain pause, eyes returning to search Wachiwa's weary face "don't you think?"
Wachiwa is surprised, to be sure, that this lone wolf, clearly not of her pack, has stuck around, especially when they were invading what had once been his (and his brother's) resting place. But every time he's come back, she's felt... something of a comfort. it's good to know he's safe. His brother still has not returned, and in a way, Wachiwa finds herself concerned for Grim's safety in Brutal's absense. When Grim approaches this time, carrying herbs and voles, Wachiwa slowly gets to her feet, wincing at the stiff pain in the broken foreleg, before she inspects the offered vole and ribwort, and nods. "This.. thank you, very much," She says, before offering Grim a light nuzzle to the shoulder with her snout. She then dips her head to select up the leaves carefully, and starts over towards Tala, already chewing the leaves as she goes; waiting until she's reached the other shewolf to duck her head and spit the chewed, easier to swallow leaves to the surface of one of Tala's paws. "Tala honey, eat this, it'll make you feel better," Wachiwa offers softly. "Ikuna's gone to scout for others, and Ahiga's out hunting again. Don't worry, they'll come back."
Tala hears the voices and everything slowly comes back to her, the fight, being driven out of home by the dogs. A tired sigh escapes her, her eyes closing tightly, she had hoped it was a dream. Hearing Wachiwa move towards her she lets her eyes slowly open to look up at her tiredly. A faint sway of her tail seen and she doesn't ask what she is being told to eat, its from Wachiwa it must be ok. Her head lifts, tilting just enough to lap up the chewed weeds and after a few struggling times she swallows it down, a faint cough soon escaping her. "I'm sorry Wachiwa.." Is soon murmured out to the older shewolf, her voice tired and weary. She hasn't persay gotten better, but at least she hasn't gotten worse.
Words of gratitude. Each and every time they are offered up they catch Grim off guard, for he is quite unaccustomed to hearing them. Not that spoken thanks or gestures of appreciation have never been exchanged between brothers, but those moments consisted of rough shoves and crude name calling, for anything less might run the risk of emasculation. And between brothers, you just can't have that! Yet here is this she-wolf, praising his good deeds and touching her muzzle to his shoulder. It causes the tall male to freeze in place, his plushy tail becoming rigid and his breath to catches in his throat, as if he's never been touched before. In response, Grim just blinks after Wachiwa, watching as she takes the herbs to the sick female, whom Grim has made even larger endeavors to avoid directly. It is only after the crippled she-wolf hobbles away that Grim discovers movement again, giving his great height a shake, as if to rid himself of the warm, squishy, cuddly sensation elicited by Wachiwa. Eeegh. "Creepy old witch..." he mutters to himself, snatching up one of the voles and giving it a toss into the air, watching it plummet back down to land with a distinct, muffled splat. He grins. There, thats better. He feels less...snuggly.
Giving Tala a nuzzle as well, Wachiwa murmurs, "You don't need to apologise, Tala. Things happen. The Spirits are testing us again; to see if we are strong. We will persevere, though," she says, softly, before licking at the other female's temple and ears. "You just rest, it'll do you better to rest." she smiles kindly.. then turns to watch Grim and the show with the vole, head tilting slightly to the side of the single seeing eye, before she just smiles slightly. He's just.. not used to be around other wolves. That must be it. She turns and starts that way, limping slowly, ducking her head to snatch up one of the voles, before her rump hits the ground, and then she slowly slides to sprawl, joining it, grunting softly, before she starts to half gnaw on the vole thoughtfully. Quietly. Gaze finally coming to rest on the sleeping pups nearby; Althaea and Hadir likely nestled against their worn out father. She comes to frown though. It's impossible to think now that Soyala may have survived. No noise or sight of her sister either. Her pack is in ways shrinking. An uncomfortable moment reminds her that it is also growing, too, and she lets out a thin whine.
Over this past winter, Ikuna thought he was working hard to care for the pack. Hah! More fool wolf he was. Since the... attack... he's been working twice as hard; hunting for food, looking for signs of danger in an unfamiliar landscape, seeking out the herbs that will help his sister, searching for the other scattered members of their pack... there's a lot to do. He's thrown himself into the work, coming and going at all hours. He returns now, with the slight limp that seems to make its appearance when he's tired and with a snake dangling from his muzzle. Not so much the mighty hunter, but at least it's something.
Tala tail sways a few times more while she watches Wachiwa a few moments. A faint nod seen as her head shifts tucking down between her forepaws. While her eyes soon slip shut her ears slowly perk and she listens to the ones here. She half remembers Grim from the night before but, that is about all she can recall. As for the return of her brother, she doesn't pick up on the movement until he is close by and her eyes slowly creep open.
It doesn't take long before Grim gets that distinct feeling he's being watched, because well, he is. It occurs to him around the same time that he moves toward the vole again, clearly intending to give the thing another toss. However, before he can even take it into his mouth, the grey wolf glances over to find a single blue eyes staring back at him, causing his darkly tipped ears to twist back and his teeth to click together emptily. Hmph. He makes a show of sniffing the vole, then very quickly moves past it, leaving it there upon the ground, unclaimed and inviting for those with empty bellies. Long legs carry him away a short distance, his gait a ambling saunter full of boredom and a restlessness because of it. With a heavy sigh, Grim just flops to the ground, snuffling at a patch of dried brown grass in front of his nose, before plopping his chin down between forelegs and staring across at Wachiwa, watching the haggard she-wolf as she eats. Even when Ikuna arrives with the rope like snake, the young wolf only gains the smallest glance in regards. So modest is the recognition, that only Grim's eyes move, peering up from beneath his brows. He does grunt however, but its difficult to tell if it is a greeting, or just a sound of discontent.
If the Spirits are testing them again, Ahiga has some choice words for them. Blasphemous words. Venomous words. He's tired of their games. What more can this pack take, and what reason do these Spirits have for continuously wrecking their lives? In a sense, he's glad to have been tasked to seek the herbs for Tala. It gives him the opportunity to mull over thoughts that he won't voice, for they are thoughts both unhelpful to fixing the situation they're in and ones no one would like to hear. It gives him opportunity to be alone, which one would assume a pack wolf wouldn't want to be after a recent attack and expulsion from their home, but he grieves their loss in his own way. He's moved with caution, ears and eyes open for sounds that may hint at an attack or ambush from a wayward dog. But the scent of them seems distant now, and after some time he came across a plant matching the description that Grim and Wachiwa gave. Dark green. Stiff stems. No flowers, but the other wolf did say it was a bit early for blooming. He hopes he's gotten it right. He returns to the new campout area now with a jawfull of the stuff, moving just as carefully as before, pausing often to watch and listen for signs he may be being followed. Nothing heard except for familiar voices ahead. He lowers his head in line with his shoulders as he approaches the congregated, eyes straying to Tala and expression turning troubled. The foliage is desposited near her and Wachiwa. "Is this it?"
Grim is an interesting thing indeed; he is not a horrible thing to look at; but that is because Wachiwa has already seen horrors enough for someone only four years old; four years... Has it really been that long since she first ventured out of the den now overrun by stinking dogs, as a small little pup that was bent on following Asku and Skahla, the older litter, out as far as she could on stubby legs? It has been, Wachiwa reckons with a sigh. She chokes down the vole, remembering her youth. She's taken away from depressing thoughts first by Ikuna's return, then by Ahiga's, for the latter's comes with a question, and sniffing at the stems and leaves placed before her, Wachiwa bobs her head. "Yarrow. Yes. Chew it up for her, Ahiga, and let her lick it from her paws if she's still awake enough to do so," Wachiwa instructs of the wayward adolescent, before she looks to Ikuna. "Ikuna; you were careful? The snake did not bite you, did it?"
Ikuna gives Grim about the same acknowledgement as he got - a glance. The tall wolf has his welcome to be here, but Grim is not Ikuna's greatest concern; that lies with the other wolves of Ute. The injured and worn wolves of Ute. Ikuna casts a longer, worried look over Tala, glancing up to Wachiwa with a silent question before he sets down his reptilian prize and returns his gaze to his sister as her eyes actually open. Ikuna smiles, forcing it past his concern. "Hey, Tala." Ahiga's approach gets a nod of greeting, a soft, "Hey." At Wachiwa's concern for him, he shakes his head. "I'm fine. It was half asleep." Not too surprising; it's still rather cold out.
Grim isn't going to complain about lack of acknowledgment. In fact, the less he gets, the happier the rogue wolf seems to be. Though much like all the Ute wolves, every minute of allotted time given is time that allows thoughts to slip in. First the minor ones, such as food and the upcoming need for another patrol. But then the mind drifts to other things, such as memories and fears. Grim is not so much unlike these Ute wolves, but neither is he one of them. It brings him to watch, in a strange sort of interest, the interactions between each wolf, until it becomes something of a puzzle or a game. To fit together the bonds and relations that tie them together.
She looks like a wolf that is dying. Ahiga can imagine what a dying wolf looks like, one that hasn't been killed by battle or injury, but instead by illness or disease, and his imagination paints a picture that is Tala. His eyes dance away, disturbed, that old feeling of guilt gnawing harder than before, though it now has a feeling far more intense than its initial bite a few days ago. Instructions are followed, and the greens are chewed thoroughly and deposited near and on her paws. Hopefully she eats it, but she doesn't even look as if she can stick out her tongue in his opinion. He takes a half step back then and sits, eyes drifting to Ikuna who he greets with a nod and returned, "Hey," that's just as soft. And Grim? He's not ignored. The other wolf is watched as he watches them. And watched. And watched. "Where did you come from?"
Both younger wolves are given concerned looks, but soon enough, Chewy reguards hewrself again and begins licking the painfully broken foreleg slowly, listening to Ahiga talk to Grim, and listening to Ikuna's story about the snake. She nods to Ikuna, before she says softly, "Leave it for Skahla when he wakes up. He'll be hungry. Our friend here brought a vole for myself, so I shoudl be fine;" She'll leave Grim the other vole he brought, since it is only polite to let him take half his hunting spoils. She smiles slightly.. then sighs says softly, "Ikuna, thank you for finding Skahla and the pups. Maybe in a few days' time, if we call again at night, more of the pack will return, too. But we have to be careful; call only at night, and only a few times once the moon has risen; we don't want the dogs to get any ideas. Although I imagine they may be reaping the benefits of our home already."
Ikuna nods to Wachiwa. "How are the pups doing?" he asks, with a glance over to where they've been sleeping since that exhausted arrival. "Hadir's dealing with the stress okay?" At this point, the male pup seems the biggest risk of following in his sister's sad pawsteps... well. Or Tala. Another worried look for his own sister. Ahiga's question to Grim gets an earperk of interest, but he doesn't add anything to that just now. Just listens.
Ahh, but Ahiga has been followed, however to the wolf's credit and with no insult to his ability to detect danger, it was by no dog. For a time, Brutal merely watched the young adult as he went about his task, watching him inspect various plants with a very peculiar interest in them. A sure sign that Grim must be among them still, if he has them fetching herbs like some squirrel preparing for winter hibernation. Though it was not step for step in which the massive wolf tagged along after the younger male, his interest and observation lasting only long enough for Ahiga's own path of travel to convey the direction of the others. Only then did Brutal set out on his own, but still traveling a path that paralleled that of the young male. It took much longer than he anticipated to rejoin his brother, but he learned a great many things because of it. Mainly, that he was not as young as he used to be. Words of observance that were often muttered with various curses on more than one occasion. Like when he stumbled over branches, or slipped down a rocky bank. Or how by the first morning, his stiff legs refused to bend and his bloody, wounded neck burned like fire. Not as young as he used to be, for sure. But not dead, either. He imagines, with no small amount of mirthful grinning, that Grim must be beside himself by now. As he nears the place of refuge, Brutal's ears perk forward and he catches the sound of Ahiga's question, his deep voice rumbling out in answer, "Grim and I come from a long line of foolish wolves, who do very foolish things, for even more foolish reasons." Yellow eyes move to meet the face of his brother, a pleased smile slipping across his dark muzzle at seeing him alive and well. Or well enough.
Awkward. Coming out of his own thoughtful staring to find himself being regarded in likeness, Grim shifts uncomfortably as his golden eyes move to meet those of the Ahiga's, the wolf's question causing Grim to pause for a thoughtful moment. However when he opens his mouth to answer, his ears hear not his own voice, but a voice he was beginning to think he'd never hear again. Abruptly his gaze snaps in Brutal's direction, the burly male receiving a glare of guilty. "WHY YOU!" Grim snarls angrily, leaping up from his sprawled state to charge full bore towards the dark wolf, lips curled back in a show of fangs. He leaps upon the massive male, bitting at his ears and cheeks, tugging at his neck ruff, shaking the loose skin like a puppy might shake a large scrape of hide. Only after this does Grim pull away, panting and half grinning, having forgotten the audience that is scattered about the place. Golden eyes look upon the face of his brother, squinting at the jagged wounds cut across his muzzle. "Your face looks like crap." A smirk, "I think its an improvement."
Dogs reaping the benefits of their home... Yeah. Peeing all over their stuff. Stinking up the place. Ahiga grimaces at the mentioning of the dogs on their lands, though he keeps his eyes on Grim. Well, that is until a sudden and unfamiliar voice is heard, startling him. His hackles raise as does he. How did they allow someone to get so close? How did he? Was he followed? He turns quickly, teeth bared, but it is not a squished, or elongated, or spotted, or wrinkled, or loose-skinned, or box shaped face of a dog. The sight of a wolf relieves him slightly, but...does he know this guy? There is no growl sounded, but he is tense...and he tenses further as Grim charges to..attack? No, not attack. To greet...in a way. The hairs on his neck slowly begin to relax as he glances from wolf to wolf. "How foolish've me to've asked.." murmured with little mirth. "You must be the brother."
Ears cup foreward, and then Chewy sighs in releif; this new dark wolf must be the missing brother she knows Grim has been concerned over since meeting him. And now knowing Grim's name, she turns to smile upon Brutal in that same kind way that has Grim calling her 'Creepy old witch'. Creepy? Perhaps. Or perhaps, just someone who recognizes that help comes in forms not always foreseen. She chuckles softly at their greeting for each other, and then admits, "Mori and I used to be the same way," when she thinks of her missing brother. At one time she might have cursed his name for what he had done, but now.. she half thinks she would cry if he did not show up soon. She mms softly, at first confused by Ikuna's question -- or, perhaps, caught up in her own thoughts, as she mumbles, "Restless.." before she looks towards Hadir and Althaea, both sleeping. "... Hadir will survive, I think," Wachiwa says, finally, "At least long enough to meet his cousins." she is quiet after that.
At Brutal's approach, Ikuna also bristles for a moment - the massive wolf is hardly so familiar to him as to let the young wolf know the sound of his pawsteps from a distance. Once he actually recognizes Brutal, Ikuna relaxes again. This wolf has the same welcome as Grim does, and for the same reason. His attention goes back to Chewy, and her answer. "I'm glad," he says softly. "Skahla... doesn't need more of that, after Soyala." He frowns slightly, adding. "Nor Shawnee... though I haven't found her trail yet. She must have gone a different direction." Or gotten caught by the dogs, but... no, better to think her fled. He looks over Wachiwa for a slow moment. "They'll be Ute."
Wince. Grimace. Cringe. With a patience afforded to only mothers and pup-sitters, Brutal tolerates the abusive welcome he receives from Grim, a deep hearty chuckle rumbling from the depths of his large chest. The giant male has done well to rid himself of the blood that had drenched his dark coat, with a large majority of it belonging to the various dogs who had the misfortune of meeting him in battle. Now, the only insistent crimson stains are those that weep from his own wounds, mainly the long gashes across his muzzle and this only because he can't reach to lick them clean. Ahiga's bristling seems to catch Brutal's attention more quickly than Wachiwa's warm chuckle and reminiscent comment. For a moment, Brutal holds his gaze upon Ahiga, shifting it towards the one-eyed female to offer her a courteous smile, but then it is back to Ahiga, to who this time, Brutal gives a respectable answer. As he does so, he steps away from Grim and towards the Ute wolves, everything about his movements fraught with command; his tail held proudly high, his ears stiffly aloof. "Never a foolish question is there, expect for the one that fails to be asked." He gives a pregnant pause, taking consideration of the others, before turning back to Ahiga, who seems the likeliest to lead them all. A diamond in the rough. "My name is Brutal, if it has not yet been given. Grim, as I'm sure you know by now, is my brother. We are wolves from the far north, where there is never a season without snow and the clouds always seem to touch the mountains. We are formerly of the Splitpaw pack," he goes on to explain, his voice matter of fact and his tone strictly informative. "but no loner have an allegiance to them. Together we have been rogues for better part of five years, but as of a few days ago, our misfortune has become your fortune." He turns his attention from the younger male now, his gaze seeking Wachiwa, who the sight of makes his dark lips curve down into a frown and her scent makes his eyes narrow a touch. It is a passing thing though and shortly he just dips his head, "And now that I have satisfied your curiosity, I request that you do the same for me." It is Wachiwa who he looks directly at now, "What do you know of these dogs, she-wolf? If you need silence for other ears, we can speak else where."
There will be time for more rough and tumble play when they are alone, when they have left this pack to whatever fate the spirits deem them worthy. However, Grim's obvious delight at seeing his brother alive and well diminishes as Brutal steps aside to leave him standing there alone. Seriously? The grin that has formally been sprawled across his pale muzzle fades and the grey wolf just turns to follow the bulk of his brother, ears laying back as Brutal shares with these strangers a bit of history that Grim has been trying to forget. It brings him to frown, golden eyes narrowing down at all the Ute wolves. What makes them so important? Why now has his brother showed interest in a pack. There have been many, many packs before this one that surely needed just as much help, but to them, Brutal had merely turned a cold shoulder. It baffles Grim, as it also hurts his feelings. It was only ever suppose to be them? Isn't that what Brutal said? After the death of his mate and cubs?
An ear twists towards Wachiwa and Ikuna's conversation, one that he pointedly does not interject himself into though he does latch on to every word. Especially those last few spoken by both. Words of cousins. Who will be Ute. His eyes move, flitting from the brother wolves to Wachiwa, lingering on her for the longest time since their reunion. Granted, this lingering lasts for something far less than a minute before his golden gaze drifts away again, but it is a look that is as heavy as it is brief. His attention is set upon Brutal now, and his ears lift as the other wolf draws closer. He remains standing, posture seemingly relaxed though beneath the fur the sinew of muscle is taught, ready to spring. Whether that is to or from battle is impossible to tell. There is no battle other than the one replaying in his mind. The pack that Brutal speaks of is not one he's ever head of before. A place with everlasting snow? Intrigue briefly shows itself on his face, but he doesn't question the wolf further, especially now as he questions Wachiwa. He slowly rests back onto his haunches, eyes moving to the green mush left for Tala, which looks largely untouched by the still female.
Ears lay back, and Wachiwa sighs. Her head dips a little, and she remarks, "There is no shortage of us now that owe you our lives, so it is only fair that your questions are answered. They came from the north; where the smell of the two-legs was once strong, and the horses run like the river. There are many two-legs to the north as well, but they are... wasteful; they use the dogs until the winter gets too cold for their furless skin to handle then abandon them, and the dogs gather together to live as we wolves do, for it is easier with someone at our side, is it not, Brutal, and Grim, to survive?" She gives the darker wolf a sad, tired expression. "I went north to seek answers; our pack has had a bad time of things; what was once three pups when I left has become two, and of those two, one of them is very ill. I was in search of answers when I became caught in a vine that tastes like river stones, and there the dogs found me. What happened after that..." She trails... she does not dare recount. Instead she looks at the ground. "They kept me alive only because I could tell them where to hunt.. And then because the big red one won favor from their leader enough to... " She frowns. She looks to her paws then. "I failed to find a saving answer for my nephew, and now they have stolen my home and possibly the lives of half my pack."
As Ahiga listens in on his conversation with Wachiwa, so Ikuna listens in on Ahiga's conversation with Brutal. As much as their arrival was fortunate, it's still a strange thing; one that merits careful observation and consideration. He has nothing to add, though. At Brutal's question to Wachiwa, he looks to her with a slight nod, then steps toward her sighted side as she begins to talk, sitting but a small distance away and simply... listening. His expression is not a happy one, but... it does not change through her telling. He has already heard some of the parts she does not tell; the parts she does... well. He listens.
From all the wolves congregated, it might be a curious thing that Brutal should know to single out Wachiwa. That he should suspect from so little time spent in observance, that the crippled, one-eyed female holds many of the answers to his questions. After all, by all appearances, Wachiwa looks to be the least capable of battling dogs, least of all to know the reasons for their attack. It is, in fact, a matter of circumstance. That in his journey back to rejoin his brother, Brutal came upon a place where a tree had been felled and all around the ground trampled by the coming and going of dogs, which amidst a singular scent lingered. A scent of a she-wolf. The scent of Wachiwa. Without interruption, Brutal quietly eases himself back upon his haunches to listen, even now striking a unsettling picture of dangerous size and strength. Ahiga is a wise wolf to stay on guard, even if there is no apparent call for caution. For the most part, Brutal's scarred face remains attentive, but stoic. Only twice does a frown cut deeply enough to be seen, once in a sympathetic manner on account of Wachiwa's struggle with the vine. Man traps, as Brutal has come to know them. The second time, most assuredly, is when the crippled she-wolf speaks on matters that she does not actually give voice too. At least not in words. It is only when Wachiwa has finished that Brutal straitens from a attentive lean toward her, "Your regret is genuine. I had concerns of a traitor, but my suspicion has been alleviated. You have my..." he gaze dips toward her fattened sides, bulging in contrast against gaunt flanks. "sympathy." Drawing in a breath, Brutal's regards shift to take in all the Ute wolves, including the young she-wolf who stirs fitfully in her sleep with obvious signs of sickness. "For now, rest. Lick the wounds inflicted upon both flesh and pride. Take comfort in the knowledge that you still have each other. Loss of home is but a trifle thing, once you realize is not a stretch of land, but instead, in each other's comfort." With this, Brutal rises up to his great height, turning his broad shoulders as he pivots in Grim's direction, pausing only in after thought to glance to Wachiwa, "Will he com looking for you?"
All the while, Grim remains in the back ground, listening as the others do, but revealing much less emotion than any of them. Who's to say the creepy one-eyed witch didn't get herself into the mess? Probably flirting with the dogs cause she couldn't get any from the young males. Not like they are exactly mature enough for that job anyhow. Probably her fault all together. She brought this upon her pack. Let them sort it out. Bitterness. It begins to creep into Grim's expression, causing his golden eyes to narrow all the greater as his jaw tightens in resentment. So carried away is he, that when Brutal remarks on Wachiwa's regret, the grey wolf utters a sharp snort of doubt. Oops. Did he do that out loud? Ears flatten and his gaze darts quickly among those gathered, first in awkward embarrassment, then with righteous insolence. Yea, so he blames the wretch! What off it? Wanna fight about it? Hmph! Cutting his gaze sharply, Grim abruptly stalks off towards the surrounding woods, head slung low and hackles riding high as he mutters incomprehensible profanities, with Brutal's name sounded strongly a few times.
Ahiga hasn't heard the story of Wachiwa until now. He wasn't around to ask, and a part of him wishes not to know. But it's impossible to unhear what is heard and difficult not to infer what's becoming more blatant. He's never been a wolf known for being always in the know. Not the inherently wisest one of the group. Not a philosophical soul. But this does not mean that Ahiga is stupid. Far from it. The brash male is just that: A brash male who reacts first, leaving the thinking for later. Such as it was with the dogs upon first seeing them. The action to fight and defend came first and foremost. There was never any thought of speaking to them, asking what they wanted or why they were there. But with Wachiwa, there is no reaction. Not an explosive one anyway, but instead he looks at her again with brows faintly furrowing, letting Brutal's words marinate and form what silent opinions they do. And...did that snort come from him? His ears perk briskly. No. Grim. His eyes follow the suddenly mobile wolf and he rises to his paws again. But if he had intentions of following after him, they're paused after only a handful of steps and he's left to gaze in the direction in which he tromped off to. "..Short temper?" asked over his shoulder, eyes on Brutal.
Ikuna frowns briefly at Brutal's mention of a traitor, though he does not speak to that... nor to Grim's skepticism and retreat, though it gains a similar frown. When Ahiga starts to follow, he gives the other wolf a glance, nothing more. He listens, and he thinks. In the end, he does speak; rising to his feet with his crooked tail out behind him even to his body. "Your concern and aid are appreciated," he tells Brutal. "Your advice," Ikuna stresses that word, "-is also appreciated. We of Ute will consider it as we plan our next actions."
If Wachiwa gave a answer, it escapes Brutal. For his attention is swiftly drawn to the sound of that indignant snort coming from behind him, eliciting a arched brow and subtle frown from the massive wolf as he turns his head in time to catch sight of Grim storming off. Oy vey. Now here is something that demands his direct attention, because regardless of what dogs may or may not be stalking the crippled she-wolf, Brutal has no intention of sleeping through the night without rotating guards. However, he needs one of those guards to be alert, not off skulking in the woods and beating up helpless woodland creatures for it. Ahiga's possible pursuit of Grim surprises the large male, though he cannot help but wonder to what purpose the younger male would have done so. To console a upset stranger, or defend a beloved pack mate? Time will tell, but if Brutal has his way, he'd prefer harmony. But, if they are to have that, a few things need sorted out and all of them start with Grim. To Ahiga's question, Brutal gives his head a small shake, a faint smile touching his lips as he thinks of his brother's resilience to anger, "Not usually. But don't be offended, his anger is with me." He pauses, sighing with a note of guilt, "Rightfully so, I 'spect." Dipping his head to both Ahiga and Ikuna, he speaks a gentle, deeply voiced "Thank you. If you will excuse me?" He doesn't wait for say so, of course. He just turns and strides after his brother, heavy paws striking the earth with a uncanny silence for one so large.
Not a short tempered one? Good to know, for if these two wolves are going to stick around, which they seem likely to do, fighting with them would be counterproductive to any goal the group may have. Ahiga nods in reply to his answer and only watches as he stalks off after his sibling. One of the forward steps taken is retracted, and after it is Ahiga sits. But a look down to the nearby Tala only has him rise up again and he moves toward the edge of the pond, paws pressing against the damp surface as he leans in to drink. His eyes remain open as he does so, peering through the weeds and water plants to the area opposite of him. Lap lap..lap....lap.. He licks his muzzle after the unnecessary drink is completed. "I can hunt, if that's what needs to be done," he says, words directed to Ikuna though eyes still rooted on the opposite bank.
Ikuna holds his standing posture; not a single hackle raised, but neither does his gaze lower. He nods as Brutal excuses himself, not seeming to expect any further fanfare on that. After all, Brutal is not of Ute; his first loyalty must lie with his own brother... much as his aid to Ute is, well, appreciated. The young wolf watches the elder depart, and once Brutal has vanished, turns his gaze back to Ahiga and the rest. Tala, stirring in a feverish sleep. Wachiwa, brooding on unpleasant memories. Skahla and the pups, still recovering. His gaze settles north, looking at no-one. "We have some food," he says quietly. "Have you slept?"
Snakes and voles. They do have food. Hunting would just be another distraction. Too bad hunting does not need to be done. After lifting his head from the water, Ahiga meanders away from the shoreline, moving for the sake of moving. His ears tip in the direction of Brutal and Grim, but the two brothers are no longer seen or heard cursing. If Grim were close and still in the same mood, he's sure he'd hear him. In fact, there isn't much left to be heard, with Wachiwa lost in her thoughts, the brothers gone, Tala asleep, and Skahla and the pups resting, voices are blessedly absent. Tense muscles relax. It feels as if he's been holding a thousand pound weight on his shoulders, and the relief from that has his head somewhat drooping. Slept? The question is answered with a flick of his ear, dismissive. "Have you?" A pause, and the question is rephrased. "Can you?"
After a time, Ikuna turns; he slowly follows after Ahiga, trailing in the same rough direction as the other wolf. Away, just a bit, from the others. At the question, he sighs. "A little," he answers. "Not much." He glances back to the others for a moment, gaze lingering on Wachiwa. He's quiet, his gaze moving away again, until he just can't help himself from saying something. "That big red dog... I fought him. He said a lot of things. Maybe lies. I don't know."
Big red dog. Ahiga can't recall. The dogs...so many sizes, shapes, colors, they've become a blur of monstrosities. He remembers the faces of his foes well. Their stench, their dialect. The edges of his muzzle downturn, though he doesn't bother trying to shove the thoughts away. They'll only resurface, as they always do every time he tries to find the escape of sleep. He allows his hatred to sizzle, mindful that Ikuna is on the move in his direction. He watches him now, and a slow blink banishes the sinister look from his face. "What'd he say? That they were just comin' to take a look around?" he says with a snort.
"No," says Ikuna, not even responding to Ahiga's sarcastic tone. His friend doesn't need more nightmares, yet Ikuna can't help himself. The words tumble out, one after another. "That they did... that... to Wachiwa. All of them, but him most of all. And... they wanted to do the same to Tala." The young wolf is curiously expressionless. "I... promise me you'll keep an eye on her. Don't ever abandon her. Don't let that happen."
The stare that Ikuna is faced with now may indicate that he's talking to a brick wall, for the expression held on his face is...lacking anything. No emotion. No comprehension. At least, for a few still moments. But after a few shallow heartbeats, the organ seems to kickstart itself in his chest, causing a brief exhale of a breath. "What?" His ears fall backward. All of them? He begins to count in his head but forces himself to stop the sordid calculations. All of them. His eyes dart to Tala, and the macabre scene paints itself in his mind with her as the new target of their sickening dog games. He grimaces, eyes closing and head turning a bit, muzzling lifted. "You ain't gotta tell me that, Ikuna," said as he pries his eyes open. "No dog is going to touch her like that long as I'm breathin', you hear me?"
Ikuna breathes out with a relief that only makes obvious how much tension was in that stillness. He nods. He knew it, but... somehow, he still needed to have Ahiga say it. He needed to hear it for himself; to have some certainty now when so much is in chaos. "Yeah," he says softly. "I hear you."
At the rate things are going, with Ute apparently being so far out of the Spirits' favors, Tala's sickness may make that a moot point. Ahiga closes his eyes again, but who can he plead to? Can he really do so to those who are bringing them so many curses? He growls beneath his breath instead and opens his eyes. "Wachiwa. Is she...alright?" The question is phrased awkwardly, though he knows no other way so ask it other than bluntly.
The Spirits don't seem to listen, anyway. Not even to Chewy, who has always followed them faithfully. What does it matter if they're there or not? At Ahiga's question, Ikuna is silent for a long moment. His first answer is for the question actually asked. "I don't know. She's... hurt. Not just her leg, she's..." Ikuna knows a little of what it is to be a prisoner, and all that tells him is that Wachiwa is likely hurt in spirit even worse than he was, in ways he can only begin to comprehend. "We'll stick with her." It's the only thing he can really think to do - well, maybe there's one more thing. "Those pups... they're Ute pups. Hers... and the pack's. Nobody else's."
It isn't the answer he wishes to hear, though he should be getting used to that. Expect the dismal. The sickening. Ahiga's jaw tightens as he slowly shakes his head from side to side, as if denying this will somehow make it less of the truth of more of a demented nightmare. Words would do his feelings no justice, and thus he spares them for a moment, instead abruptly turning to walk away, disgust on his face. Distancing himself is not going to make it better either, but it's worth a try. The sound of roaring is in his ears again, as if a wave has washed over him and submerged him in a confusing sea of froth and bubbles that he cannot escape from.
Ikuna doesn't follow Ahiga, this time. He stands, watching as the other leaves; he has no words of comfort to offer. After a few moments, he turns back, slowly picking his way to where Wachiwa sits... to where Tala lies in her fever. Slowly, he lowers himself down beside his sister, pressing his shape to her too-warm one. His head stays lifted; his ears erect. He'll keep watch for a while, and perhaps his body can provide some comfort. His words certainly can't, of late.
He can't be here right now, for if he stays the world will twist and turn in some other stomach-lurching way. How could Ikuna say that? How could those ... pups...be thought of as anything but a sick reminder? Half breed monstrosities. A slap in the face to the pack by their very existance. He cannot accept that, even for Wachiwa, but it's not a fight that he can have now. It's been too much for one day. Tala weighs heavily on his thoughts, her lack of improvement, but he can't go back there now. And so he continues away from the pond, ears slicked against his skull and eyes narrowed as his paws take him further away from his packmates until he disappears into the surrounding foliage.
Tala - female adolescent wolf
Ikuna - male adolescent wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
Grim - male wolf
Brutal - male wolf
---Tranquil Pond---
Grim said there would be a pond, and a pond there was;, and within this pond, the she-wolf has waded to wash away the mud and mire that clings to her form. It's not much good, not as good as a rider wade would be, but the water is cold, and it makes the poor lady wolf shiver and shudder as she climbs out, shaking away the water, and licking at wounds to clear away old scabs and muddy blood. She sighs, then looks at the small clearing of grass and land and trees the small pack of wolves has clung to since the attack; only two days ago, but it feels like longer. Chewy sighs again, and then slowly limps toward a shaded dry spot, where she lays down, and groans at her body, mumbling yet again, 'HUsh, hush..' at it, as she shifts. She's hungry. But she's been more interested in getting Tala her herbs, and making sure Hadir and Althaea are safe with their father, who has been worn out and resting since Ikuna found him.
Tala has been rather quiet and still since they came to the pond. Sleeping on and off in a feverish sleep. A faint cough escaping her even as she sleeps. She's been still and no coughs for some time as she slowly wakes, her ears push forward, tired blue gaze drifting around. "Ahiga.." Is called out first, her voice horse as she slowly pulls her head up followed by the rest of her form so she is laying in a different angle. "Ikuna?.." Is soon questioned as she tries to remember how she even /got/ here.
Having done what was asked of him, the stranger among a pack of estranged wolves has considered, on more than one occasion, leaving them to their fate. They were alive and together, was this not enough? The past two days have seen Grim restless and in a perpetual state of unease, and each time the tall grey wolf would slip away, there was always that pressing doubt that he would return again. Yet here comes another one of those instances, in which surprise is afforded and Grim emerges from the distant, endless sea of prairie that borders the pond and surrounding woodland. Golden eyes briefly scan the area, taking account of those who are present, but only with the purpose of checking their welfare. Grim has done little in way of interfering with the social structure between the pack, interacting very little and speaking to them even less. It is not his nature to be silent though, and this time, he returns with purpose. Toting two very fat voles in his mouth, along with several dark green leaves shoved into the corner of his jaws, Grim's leggy stride carries him deliberately towards Wachiwa, though the one-eyed she-wolf is still regarded with a strange sort of supernatural suspicion on Grim's part. Lowering his muzzle, Grim deposits both voles and weeds, though nosing the fatter of the rodents toward Wachiwa, "Thought you'd be hungry." he explains, before quickly adding "They were a easy catch." He doesn't need her thinking he went out of his way on her behalf. The confused mumblings from Tala catch Grim's attention and the tall wolf looks in her direction, though he continues to speak to the older she-wolf, "Also brought back some ribwort for her." he says, jerking his muzzle in Tala's direction. "Not much, but it should do...." he gives a uncertain pause, eyes returning to search Wachiwa's weary face "don't you think?"
Wachiwa is surprised, to be sure, that this lone wolf, clearly not of her pack, has stuck around, especially when they were invading what had once been his (and his brother's) resting place. But every time he's come back, she's felt... something of a comfort. it's good to know he's safe. His brother still has not returned, and in a way, Wachiwa finds herself concerned for Grim's safety in Brutal's absense. When Grim approaches this time, carrying herbs and voles, Wachiwa slowly gets to her feet, wincing at the stiff pain in the broken foreleg, before she inspects the offered vole and ribwort, and nods. "This.. thank you, very much," She says, before offering Grim a light nuzzle to the shoulder with her snout. She then dips her head to select up the leaves carefully, and starts over towards Tala, already chewing the leaves as she goes; waiting until she's reached the other shewolf to duck her head and spit the chewed, easier to swallow leaves to the surface of one of Tala's paws. "Tala honey, eat this, it'll make you feel better," Wachiwa offers softly. "Ikuna's gone to scout for others, and Ahiga's out hunting again. Don't worry, they'll come back."
Tala hears the voices and everything slowly comes back to her, the fight, being driven out of home by the dogs. A tired sigh escapes her, her eyes closing tightly, she had hoped it was a dream. Hearing Wachiwa move towards her she lets her eyes slowly open to look up at her tiredly. A faint sway of her tail seen and she doesn't ask what she is being told to eat, its from Wachiwa it must be ok. Her head lifts, tilting just enough to lap up the chewed weeds and after a few struggling times she swallows it down, a faint cough soon escaping her. "I'm sorry Wachiwa.." Is soon murmured out to the older shewolf, her voice tired and weary. She hasn't persay gotten better, but at least she hasn't gotten worse.
Words of gratitude. Each and every time they are offered up they catch Grim off guard, for he is quite unaccustomed to hearing them. Not that spoken thanks or gestures of appreciation have never been exchanged between brothers, but those moments consisted of rough shoves and crude name calling, for anything less might run the risk of emasculation. And between brothers, you just can't have that! Yet here is this she-wolf, praising his good deeds and touching her muzzle to his shoulder. It causes the tall male to freeze in place, his plushy tail becoming rigid and his breath to catches in his throat, as if he's never been touched before. In response, Grim just blinks after Wachiwa, watching as she takes the herbs to the sick female, whom Grim has made even larger endeavors to avoid directly. It is only after the crippled she-wolf hobbles away that Grim discovers movement again, giving his great height a shake, as if to rid himself of the warm, squishy, cuddly sensation elicited by Wachiwa. Eeegh. "Creepy old witch..." he mutters to himself, snatching up one of the voles and giving it a toss into the air, watching it plummet back down to land with a distinct, muffled splat. He grins. There, thats better. He feels less...snuggly.
Giving Tala a nuzzle as well, Wachiwa murmurs, "You don't need to apologise, Tala. Things happen. The Spirits are testing us again; to see if we are strong. We will persevere, though," she says, softly, before licking at the other female's temple and ears. "You just rest, it'll do you better to rest." she smiles kindly.. then turns to watch Grim and the show with the vole, head tilting slightly to the side of the single seeing eye, before she just smiles slightly. He's just.. not used to be around other wolves. That must be it. She turns and starts that way, limping slowly, ducking her head to snatch up one of the voles, before her rump hits the ground, and then she slowly slides to sprawl, joining it, grunting softly, before she starts to half gnaw on the vole thoughtfully. Quietly. Gaze finally coming to rest on the sleeping pups nearby; Althaea and Hadir likely nestled against their worn out father. She comes to frown though. It's impossible to think now that Soyala may have survived. No noise or sight of her sister either. Her pack is in ways shrinking. An uncomfortable moment reminds her that it is also growing, too, and she lets out a thin whine.
Over this past winter, Ikuna thought he was working hard to care for the pack. Hah! More fool wolf he was. Since the... attack... he's been working twice as hard; hunting for food, looking for signs of danger in an unfamiliar landscape, seeking out the herbs that will help his sister, searching for the other scattered members of their pack... there's a lot to do. He's thrown himself into the work, coming and going at all hours. He returns now, with the slight limp that seems to make its appearance when he's tired and with a snake dangling from his muzzle. Not so much the mighty hunter, but at least it's something.
Tala tail sways a few times more while she watches Wachiwa a few moments. A faint nod seen as her head shifts tucking down between her forepaws. While her eyes soon slip shut her ears slowly perk and she listens to the ones here. She half remembers Grim from the night before but, that is about all she can recall. As for the return of her brother, she doesn't pick up on the movement until he is close by and her eyes slowly creep open.
It doesn't take long before Grim gets that distinct feeling he's being watched, because well, he is. It occurs to him around the same time that he moves toward the vole again, clearly intending to give the thing another toss. However, before he can even take it into his mouth, the grey wolf glances over to find a single blue eyes staring back at him, causing his darkly tipped ears to twist back and his teeth to click together emptily. Hmph. He makes a show of sniffing the vole, then very quickly moves past it, leaving it there upon the ground, unclaimed and inviting for those with empty bellies. Long legs carry him away a short distance, his gait a ambling saunter full of boredom and a restlessness because of it. With a heavy sigh, Grim just flops to the ground, snuffling at a patch of dried brown grass in front of his nose, before plopping his chin down between forelegs and staring across at Wachiwa, watching the haggard she-wolf as she eats. Even when Ikuna arrives with the rope like snake, the young wolf only gains the smallest glance in regards. So modest is the recognition, that only Grim's eyes move, peering up from beneath his brows. He does grunt however, but its difficult to tell if it is a greeting, or just a sound of discontent.
If the Spirits are testing them again, Ahiga has some choice words for them. Blasphemous words. Venomous words. He's tired of their games. What more can this pack take, and what reason do these Spirits have for continuously wrecking their lives? In a sense, he's glad to have been tasked to seek the herbs for Tala. It gives him the opportunity to mull over thoughts that he won't voice, for they are thoughts both unhelpful to fixing the situation they're in and ones no one would like to hear. It gives him opportunity to be alone, which one would assume a pack wolf wouldn't want to be after a recent attack and expulsion from their home, but he grieves their loss in his own way. He's moved with caution, ears and eyes open for sounds that may hint at an attack or ambush from a wayward dog. But the scent of them seems distant now, and after some time he came across a plant matching the description that Grim and Wachiwa gave. Dark green. Stiff stems. No flowers, but the other wolf did say it was a bit early for blooming. He hopes he's gotten it right. He returns to the new campout area now with a jawfull of the stuff, moving just as carefully as before, pausing often to watch and listen for signs he may be being followed. Nothing heard except for familiar voices ahead. He lowers his head in line with his shoulders as he approaches the congregated, eyes straying to Tala and expression turning troubled. The foliage is desposited near her and Wachiwa. "Is this it?"
Grim is an interesting thing indeed; he is not a horrible thing to look at; but that is because Wachiwa has already seen horrors enough for someone only four years old; four years... Has it really been that long since she first ventured out of the den now overrun by stinking dogs, as a small little pup that was bent on following Asku and Skahla, the older litter, out as far as she could on stubby legs? It has been, Wachiwa reckons with a sigh. She chokes down the vole, remembering her youth. She's taken away from depressing thoughts first by Ikuna's return, then by Ahiga's, for the latter's comes with a question, and sniffing at the stems and leaves placed before her, Wachiwa bobs her head. "Yarrow. Yes. Chew it up for her, Ahiga, and let her lick it from her paws if she's still awake enough to do so," Wachiwa instructs of the wayward adolescent, before she looks to Ikuna. "Ikuna; you were careful? The snake did not bite you, did it?"
Ikuna gives Grim about the same acknowledgement as he got - a glance. The tall wolf has his welcome to be here, but Grim is not Ikuna's greatest concern; that lies with the other wolves of Ute. The injured and worn wolves of Ute. Ikuna casts a longer, worried look over Tala, glancing up to Wachiwa with a silent question before he sets down his reptilian prize and returns his gaze to his sister as her eyes actually open. Ikuna smiles, forcing it past his concern. "Hey, Tala." Ahiga's approach gets a nod of greeting, a soft, "Hey." At Wachiwa's concern for him, he shakes his head. "I'm fine. It was half asleep." Not too surprising; it's still rather cold out.
Grim isn't going to complain about lack of acknowledgment. In fact, the less he gets, the happier the rogue wolf seems to be. Though much like all the Ute wolves, every minute of allotted time given is time that allows thoughts to slip in. First the minor ones, such as food and the upcoming need for another patrol. But then the mind drifts to other things, such as memories and fears. Grim is not so much unlike these Ute wolves, but neither is he one of them. It brings him to watch, in a strange sort of interest, the interactions between each wolf, until it becomes something of a puzzle or a game. To fit together the bonds and relations that tie them together.
She looks like a wolf that is dying. Ahiga can imagine what a dying wolf looks like, one that hasn't been killed by battle or injury, but instead by illness or disease, and his imagination paints a picture that is Tala. His eyes dance away, disturbed, that old feeling of guilt gnawing harder than before, though it now has a feeling far more intense than its initial bite a few days ago. Instructions are followed, and the greens are chewed thoroughly and deposited near and on her paws. Hopefully she eats it, but she doesn't even look as if she can stick out her tongue in his opinion. He takes a half step back then and sits, eyes drifting to Ikuna who he greets with a nod and returned, "Hey," that's just as soft. And Grim? He's not ignored. The other wolf is watched as he watches them. And watched. And watched. "Where did you come from?"
Both younger wolves are given concerned looks, but soon enough, Chewy reguards hewrself again and begins licking the painfully broken foreleg slowly, listening to Ahiga talk to Grim, and listening to Ikuna's story about the snake. She nods to Ikuna, before she says softly, "Leave it for Skahla when he wakes up. He'll be hungry. Our friend here brought a vole for myself, so I shoudl be fine;" She'll leave Grim the other vole he brought, since it is only polite to let him take half his hunting spoils. She smiles slightly.. then sighs says softly, "Ikuna, thank you for finding Skahla and the pups. Maybe in a few days' time, if we call again at night, more of the pack will return, too. But we have to be careful; call only at night, and only a few times once the moon has risen; we don't want the dogs to get any ideas. Although I imagine they may be reaping the benefits of our home already."
Ikuna nods to Wachiwa. "How are the pups doing?" he asks, with a glance over to where they've been sleeping since that exhausted arrival. "Hadir's dealing with the stress okay?" At this point, the male pup seems the biggest risk of following in his sister's sad pawsteps... well. Or Tala. Another worried look for his own sister. Ahiga's question to Grim gets an earperk of interest, but he doesn't add anything to that just now. Just listens.
Ahh, but Ahiga has been followed, however to the wolf's credit and with no insult to his ability to detect danger, it was by no dog. For a time, Brutal merely watched the young adult as he went about his task, watching him inspect various plants with a very peculiar interest in them. A sure sign that Grim must be among them still, if he has them fetching herbs like some squirrel preparing for winter hibernation. Though it was not step for step in which the massive wolf tagged along after the younger male, his interest and observation lasting only long enough for Ahiga's own path of travel to convey the direction of the others. Only then did Brutal set out on his own, but still traveling a path that paralleled that of the young male. It took much longer than he anticipated to rejoin his brother, but he learned a great many things because of it. Mainly, that he was not as young as he used to be. Words of observance that were often muttered with various curses on more than one occasion. Like when he stumbled over branches, or slipped down a rocky bank. Or how by the first morning, his stiff legs refused to bend and his bloody, wounded neck burned like fire. Not as young as he used to be, for sure. But not dead, either. He imagines, with no small amount of mirthful grinning, that Grim must be beside himself by now. As he nears the place of refuge, Brutal's ears perk forward and he catches the sound of Ahiga's question, his deep voice rumbling out in answer, "Grim and I come from a long line of foolish wolves, who do very foolish things, for even more foolish reasons." Yellow eyes move to meet the face of his brother, a pleased smile slipping across his dark muzzle at seeing him alive and well. Or well enough.
Awkward. Coming out of his own thoughtful staring to find himself being regarded in likeness, Grim shifts uncomfortably as his golden eyes move to meet those of the Ahiga's, the wolf's question causing Grim to pause for a thoughtful moment. However when he opens his mouth to answer, his ears hear not his own voice, but a voice he was beginning to think he'd never hear again. Abruptly his gaze snaps in Brutal's direction, the burly male receiving a glare of guilty. "WHY YOU!" Grim snarls angrily, leaping up from his sprawled state to charge full bore towards the dark wolf, lips curled back in a show of fangs. He leaps upon the massive male, bitting at his ears and cheeks, tugging at his neck ruff, shaking the loose skin like a puppy might shake a large scrape of hide. Only after this does Grim pull away, panting and half grinning, having forgotten the audience that is scattered about the place. Golden eyes look upon the face of his brother, squinting at the jagged wounds cut across his muzzle. "Your face looks like crap." A smirk, "I think its an improvement."
Dogs reaping the benefits of their home... Yeah. Peeing all over their stuff. Stinking up the place. Ahiga grimaces at the mentioning of the dogs on their lands, though he keeps his eyes on Grim. Well, that is until a sudden and unfamiliar voice is heard, startling him. His hackles raise as does he. How did they allow someone to get so close? How did he? Was he followed? He turns quickly, teeth bared, but it is not a squished, or elongated, or spotted, or wrinkled, or loose-skinned, or box shaped face of a dog. The sight of a wolf relieves him slightly, but...does he know this guy? There is no growl sounded, but he is tense...and he tenses further as Grim charges to..attack? No, not attack. To greet...in a way. The hairs on his neck slowly begin to relax as he glances from wolf to wolf. "How foolish've me to've asked.." murmured with little mirth. "You must be the brother."
Ears cup foreward, and then Chewy sighs in releif; this new dark wolf must be the missing brother she knows Grim has been concerned over since meeting him. And now knowing Grim's name, she turns to smile upon Brutal in that same kind way that has Grim calling her 'Creepy old witch'. Creepy? Perhaps. Or perhaps, just someone who recognizes that help comes in forms not always foreseen. She chuckles softly at their greeting for each other, and then admits, "Mori and I used to be the same way," when she thinks of her missing brother. At one time she might have cursed his name for what he had done, but now.. she half thinks she would cry if he did not show up soon. She mms softly, at first confused by Ikuna's question -- or, perhaps, caught up in her own thoughts, as she mumbles, "Restless.." before she looks towards Hadir and Althaea, both sleeping. "... Hadir will survive, I think," Wachiwa says, finally, "At least long enough to meet his cousins." she is quiet after that.
At Brutal's approach, Ikuna also bristles for a moment - the massive wolf is hardly so familiar to him as to let the young wolf know the sound of his pawsteps from a distance. Once he actually recognizes Brutal, Ikuna relaxes again. This wolf has the same welcome as Grim does, and for the same reason. His attention goes back to Chewy, and her answer. "I'm glad," he says softly. "Skahla... doesn't need more of that, after Soyala." He frowns slightly, adding. "Nor Shawnee... though I haven't found her trail yet. She must have gone a different direction." Or gotten caught by the dogs, but... no, better to think her fled. He looks over Wachiwa for a slow moment. "They'll be Ute."
Wince. Grimace. Cringe. With a patience afforded to only mothers and pup-sitters, Brutal tolerates the abusive welcome he receives from Grim, a deep hearty chuckle rumbling from the depths of his large chest. The giant male has done well to rid himself of the blood that had drenched his dark coat, with a large majority of it belonging to the various dogs who had the misfortune of meeting him in battle. Now, the only insistent crimson stains are those that weep from his own wounds, mainly the long gashes across his muzzle and this only because he can't reach to lick them clean. Ahiga's bristling seems to catch Brutal's attention more quickly than Wachiwa's warm chuckle and reminiscent comment. For a moment, Brutal holds his gaze upon Ahiga, shifting it towards the one-eyed female to offer her a courteous smile, but then it is back to Ahiga, to who this time, Brutal gives a respectable answer. As he does so, he steps away from Grim and towards the Ute wolves, everything about his movements fraught with command; his tail held proudly high, his ears stiffly aloof. "Never a foolish question is there, expect for the one that fails to be asked." He gives a pregnant pause, taking consideration of the others, before turning back to Ahiga, who seems the likeliest to lead them all. A diamond in the rough. "My name is Brutal, if it has not yet been given. Grim, as I'm sure you know by now, is my brother. We are wolves from the far north, where there is never a season without snow and the clouds always seem to touch the mountains. We are formerly of the Splitpaw pack," he goes on to explain, his voice matter of fact and his tone strictly informative. "but no loner have an allegiance to them. Together we have been rogues for better part of five years, but as of a few days ago, our misfortune has become your fortune." He turns his attention from the younger male now, his gaze seeking Wachiwa, who the sight of makes his dark lips curve down into a frown and her scent makes his eyes narrow a touch. It is a passing thing though and shortly he just dips his head, "And now that I have satisfied your curiosity, I request that you do the same for me." It is Wachiwa who he looks directly at now, "What do you know of these dogs, she-wolf? If you need silence for other ears, we can speak else where."
There will be time for more rough and tumble play when they are alone, when they have left this pack to whatever fate the spirits deem them worthy. However, Grim's obvious delight at seeing his brother alive and well diminishes as Brutal steps aside to leave him standing there alone. Seriously? The grin that has formally been sprawled across his pale muzzle fades and the grey wolf just turns to follow the bulk of his brother, ears laying back as Brutal shares with these strangers a bit of history that Grim has been trying to forget. It brings him to frown, golden eyes narrowing down at all the Ute wolves. What makes them so important? Why now has his brother showed interest in a pack. There have been many, many packs before this one that surely needed just as much help, but to them, Brutal had merely turned a cold shoulder. It baffles Grim, as it also hurts his feelings. It was only ever suppose to be them? Isn't that what Brutal said? After the death of his mate and cubs?
An ear twists towards Wachiwa and Ikuna's conversation, one that he pointedly does not interject himself into though he does latch on to every word. Especially those last few spoken by both. Words of cousins. Who will be Ute. His eyes move, flitting from the brother wolves to Wachiwa, lingering on her for the longest time since their reunion. Granted, this lingering lasts for something far less than a minute before his golden gaze drifts away again, but it is a look that is as heavy as it is brief. His attention is set upon Brutal now, and his ears lift as the other wolf draws closer. He remains standing, posture seemingly relaxed though beneath the fur the sinew of muscle is taught, ready to spring. Whether that is to or from battle is impossible to tell. There is no battle other than the one replaying in his mind. The pack that Brutal speaks of is not one he's ever head of before. A place with everlasting snow? Intrigue briefly shows itself on his face, but he doesn't question the wolf further, especially now as he questions Wachiwa. He slowly rests back onto his haunches, eyes moving to the green mush left for Tala, which looks largely untouched by the still female.
Ears lay back, and Wachiwa sighs. Her head dips a little, and she remarks, "There is no shortage of us now that owe you our lives, so it is only fair that your questions are answered. They came from the north; where the smell of the two-legs was once strong, and the horses run like the river. There are many two-legs to the north as well, but they are... wasteful; they use the dogs until the winter gets too cold for their furless skin to handle then abandon them, and the dogs gather together to live as we wolves do, for it is easier with someone at our side, is it not, Brutal, and Grim, to survive?" She gives the darker wolf a sad, tired expression. "I went north to seek answers; our pack has had a bad time of things; what was once three pups when I left has become two, and of those two, one of them is very ill. I was in search of answers when I became caught in a vine that tastes like river stones, and there the dogs found me. What happened after that..." She trails... she does not dare recount. Instead she looks at the ground. "They kept me alive only because I could tell them where to hunt.. And then because the big red one won favor from their leader enough to... " She frowns. She looks to her paws then. "I failed to find a saving answer for my nephew, and now they have stolen my home and possibly the lives of half my pack."
As Ahiga listens in on his conversation with Wachiwa, so Ikuna listens in on Ahiga's conversation with Brutal. As much as their arrival was fortunate, it's still a strange thing; one that merits careful observation and consideration. He has nothing to add, though. At Brutal's question to Wachiwa, he looks to her with a slight nod, then steps toward her sighted side as she begins to talk, sitting but a small distance away and simply... listening. His expression is not a happy one, but... it does not change through her telling. He has already heard some of the parts she does not tell; the parts she does... well. He listens.
From all the wolves congregated, it might be a curious thing that Brutal should know to single out Wachiwa. That he should suspect from so little time spent in observance, that the crippled, one-eyed female holds many of the answers to his questions. After all, by all appearances, Wachiwa looks to be the least capable of battling dogs, least of all to know the reasons for their attack. It is, in fact, a matter of circumstance. That in his journey back to rejoin his brother, Brutal came upon a place where a tree had been felled and all around the ground trampled by the coming and going of dogs, which amidst a singular scent lingered. A scent of a she-wolf. The scent of Wachiwa. Without interruption, Brutal quietly eases himself back upon his haunches to listen, even now striking a unsettling picture of dangerous size and strength. Ahiga is a wise wolf to stay on guard, even if there is no apparent call for caution. For the most part, Brutal's scarred face remains attentive, but stoic. Only twice does a frown cut deeply enough to be seen, once in a sympathetic manner on account of Wachiwa's struggle with the vine. Man traps, as Brutal has come to know them. The second time, most assuredly, is when the crippled she-wolf speaks on matters that she does not actually give voice too. At least not in words. It is only when Wachiwa has finished that Brutal straitens from a attentive lean toward her, "Your regret is genuine. I had concerns of a traitor, but my suspicion has been alleviated. You have my..." he gaze dips toward her fattened sides, bulging in contrast against gaunt flanks. "sympathy." Drawing in a breath, Brutal's regards shift to take in all the Ute wolves, including the young she-wolf who stirs fitfully in her sleep with obvious signs of sickness. "For now, rest. Lick the wounds inflicted upon both flesh and pride. Take comfort in the knowledge that you still have each other. Loss of home is but a trifle thing, once you realize is not a stretch of land, but instead, in each other's comfort." With this, Brutal rises up to his great height, turning his broad shoulders as he pivots in Grim's direction, pausing only in after thought to glance to Wachiwa, "Will he com looking for you?"
All the while, Grim remains in the back ground, listening as the others do, but revealing much less emotion than any of them. Who's to say the creepy one-eyed witch didn't get herself into the mess? Probably flirting with the dogs cause she couldn't get any from the young males. Not like they are exactly mature enough for that job anyhow. Probably her fault all together. She brought this upon her pack. Let them sort it out. Bitterness. It begins to creep into Grim's expression, causing his golden eyes to narrow all the greater as his jaw tightens in resentment. So carried away is he, that when Brutal remarks on Wachiwa's regret, the grey wolf utters a sharp snort of doubt. Oops. Did he do that out loud? Ears flatten and his gaze darts quickly among those gathered, first in awkward embarrassment, then with righteous insolence. Yea, so he blames the wretch! What off it? Wanna fight about it? Hmph! Cutting his gaze sharply, Grim abruptly stalks off towards the surrounding woods, head slung low and hackles riding high as he mutters incomprehensible profanities, with Brutal's name sounded strongly a few times.
Ahiga hasn't heard the story of Wachiwa until now. He wasn't around to ask, and a part of him wishes not to know. But it's impossible to unhear what is heard and difficult not to infer what's becoming more blatant. He's never been a wolf known for being always in the know. Not the inherently wisest one of the group. Not a philosophical soul. But this does not mean that Ahiga is stupid. Far from it. The brash male is just that: A brash male who reacts first, leaving the thinking for later. Such as it was with the dogs upon first seeing them. The action to fight and defend came first and foremost. There was never any thought of speaking to them, asking what they wanted or why they were there. But with Wachiwa, there is no reaction. Not an explosive one anyway, but instead he looks at her again with brows faintly furrowing, letting Brutal's words marinate and form what silent opinions they do. And...did that snort come from him? His ears perk briskly. No. Grim. His eyes follow the suddenly mobile wolf and he rises to his paws again. But if he had intentions of following after him, they're paused after only a handful of steps and he's left to gaze in the direction in which he tromped off to. "..Short temper?" asked over his shoulder, eyes on Brutal.
Ikuna frowns briefly at Brutal's mention of a traitor, though he does not speak to that... nor to Grim's skepticism and retreat, though it gains a similar frown. When Ahiga starts to follow, he gives the other wolf a glance, nothing more. He listens, and he thinks. In the end, he does speak; rising to his feet with his crooked tail out behind him even to his body. "Your concern and aid are appreciated," he tells Brutal. "Your advice," Ikuna stresses that word, "-is also appreciated. We of Ute will consider it as we plan our next actions."
If Wachiwa gave a answer, it escapes Brutal. For his attention is swiftly drawn to the sound of that indignant snort coming from behind him, eliciting a arched brow and subtle frown from the massive wolf as he turns his head in time to catch sight of Grim storming off. Oy vey. Now here is something that demands his direct attention, because regardless of what dogs may or may not be stalking the crippled she-wolf, Brutal has no intention of sleeping through the night without rotating guards. However, he needs one of those guards to be alert, not off skulking in the woods and beating up helpless woodland creatures for it. Ahiga's possible pursuit of Grim surprises the large male, though he cannot help but wonder to what purpose the younger male would have done so. To console a upset stranger, or defend a beloved pack mate? Time will tell, but if Brutal has his way, he'd prefer harmony. But, if they are to have that, a few things need sorted out and all of them start with Grim. To Ahiga's question, Brutal gives his head a small shake, a faint smile touching his lips as he thinks of his brother's resilience to anger, "Not usually. But don't be offended, his anger is with me." He pauses, sighing with a note of guilt, "Rightfully so, I 'spect." Dipping his head to both Ahiga and Ikuna, he speaks a gentle, deeply voiced "Thank you. If you will excuse me?" He doesn't wait for say so, of course. He just turns and strides after his brother, heavy paws striking the earth with a uncanny silence for one so large.
Not a short tempered one? Good to know, for if these two wolves are going to stick around, which they seem likely to do, fighting with them would be counterproductive to any goal the group may have. Ahiga nods in reply to his answer and only watches as he stalks off after his sibling. One of the forward steps taken is retracted, and after it is Ahiga sits. But a look down to the nearby Tala only has him rise up again and he moves toward the edge of the pond, paws pressing against the damp surface as he leans in to drink. His eyes remain open as he does so, peering through the weeds and water plants to the area opposite of him. Lap lap..lap....lap.. He licks his muzzle after the unnecessary drink is completed. "I can hunt, if that's what needs to be done," he says, words directed to Ikuna though eyes still rooted on the opposite bank.
Ikuna holds his standing posture; not a single hackle raised, but neither does his gaze lower. He nods as Brutal excuses himself, not seeming to expect any further fanfare on that. After all, Brutal is not of Ute; his first loyalty must lie with his own brother... much as his aid to Ute is, well, appreciated. The young wolf watches the elder depart, and once Brutal has vanished, turns his gaze back to Ahiga and the rest. Tala, stirring in a feverish sleep. Wachiwa, brooding on unpleasant memories. Skahla and the pups, still recovering. His gaze settles north, looking at no-one. "We have some food," he says quietly. "Have you slept?"
Snakes and voles. They do have food. Hunting would just be another distraction. Too bad hunting does not need to be done. After lifting his head from the water, Ahiga meanders away from the shoreline, moving for the sake of moving. His ears tip in the direction of Brutal and Grim, but the two brothers are no longer seen or heard cursing. If Grim were close and still in the same mood, he's sure he'd hear him. In fact, there isn't much left to be heard, with Wachiwa lost in her thoughts, the brothers gone, Tala asleep, and Skahla and the pups resting, voices are blessedly absent. Tense muscles relax. It feels as if he's been holding a thousand pound weight on his shoulders, and the relief from that has his head somewhat drooping. Slept? The question is answered with a flick of his ear, dismissive. "Have you?" A pause, and the question is rephrased. "Can you?"
After a time, Ikuna turns; he slowly follows after Ahiga, trailing in the same rough direction as the other wolf. Away, just a bit, from the others. At the question, he sighs. "A little," he answers. "Not much." He glances back to the others for a moment, gaze lingering on Wachiwa. He's quiet, his gaze moving away again, until he just can't help himself from saying something. "That big red dog... I fought him. He said a lot of things. Maybe lies. I don't know."
Big red dog. Ahiga can't recall. The dogs...so many sizes, shapes, colors, they've become a blur of monstrosities. He remembers the faces of his foes well. Their stench, their dialect. The edges of his muzzle downturn, though he doesn't bother trying to shove the thoughts away. They'll only resurface, as they always do every time he tries to find the escape of sleep. He allows his hatred to sizzle, mindful that Ikuna is on the move in his direction. He watches him now, and a slow blink banishes the sinister look from his face. "What'd he say? That they were just comin' to take a look around?" he says with a snort.
"No," says Ikuna, not even responding to Ahiga's sarcastic tone. His friend doesn't need more nightmares, yet Ikuna can't help himself. The words tumble out, one after another. "That they did... that... to Wachiwa. All of them, but him most of all. And... they wanted to do the same to Tala." The young wolf is curiously expressionless. "I... promise me you'll keep an eye on her. Don't ever abandon her. Don't let that happen."
The stare that Ikuna is faced with now may indicate that he's talking to a brick wall, for the expression held on his face is...lacking anything. No emotion. No comprehension. At least, for a few still moments. But after a few shallow heartbeats, the organ seems to kickstart itself in his chest, causing a brief exhale of a breath. "What?" His ears fall backward. All of them? He begins to count in his head but forces himself to stop the sordid calculations. All of them. His eyes dart to Tala, and the macabre scene paints itself in his mind with her as the new target of their sickening dog games. He grimaces, eyes closing and head turning a bit, muzzling lifted. "You ain't gotta tell me that, Ikuna," said as he pries his eyes open. "No dog is going to touch her like that long as I'm breathin', you hear me?"
Ikuna breathes out with a relief that only makes obvious how much tension was in that stillness. He nods. He knew it, but... somehow, he still needed to have Ahiga say it. He needed to hear it for himself; to have some certainty now when so much is in chaos. "Yeah," he says softly. "I hear you."
At the rate things are going, with Ute apparently being so far out of the Spirits' favors, Tala's sickness may make that a moot point. Ahiga closes his eyes again, but who can he plead to? Can he really do so to those who are bringing them so many curses? He growls beneath his breath instead and opens his eyes. "Wachiwa. Is she...alright?" The question is phrased awkwardly, though he knows no other way so ask it other than bluntly.
The Spirits don't seem to listen, anyway. Not even to Chewy, who has always followed them faithfully. What does it matter if they're there or not? At Ahiga's question, Ikuna is silent for a long moment. His first answer is for the question actually asked. "I don't know. She's... hurt. Not just her leg, she's..." Ikuna knows a little of what it is to be a prisoner, and all that tells him is that Wachiwa is likely hurt in spirit even worse than he was, in ways he can only begin to comprehend. "We'll stick with her." It's the only thing he can really think to do - well, maybe there's one more thing. "Those pups... they're Ute pups. Hers... and the pack's. Nobody else's."
It isn't the answer he wishes to hear, though he should be getting used to that. Expect the dismal. The sickening. Ahiga's jaw tightens as he slowly shakes his head from side to side, as if denying this will somehow make it less of the truth of more of a demented nightmare. Words would do his feelings no justice, and thus he spares them for a moment, instead abruptly turning to walk away, disgust on his face. Distancing himself is not going to make it better either, but it's worth a try. The sound of roaring is in his ears again, as if a wave has washed over him and submerged him in a confusing sea of froth and bubbles that he cannot escape from.
Ikuna doesn't follow Ahiga, this time. He stands, watching as the other leaves; he has no words of comfort to offer. After a few moments, he turns back, slowly picking his way to where Wachiwa sits... to where Tala lies in her fever. Slowly, he lowers himself down beside his sister, pressing his shape to her too-warm one. His head stays lifted; his ears erect. He'll keep watch for a while, and perhaps his body can provide some comfort. His words certainly can't, of late.
He can't be here right now, for if he stays the world will twist and turn in some other stomach-lurching way. How could Ikuna say that? How could those ... pups...be thought of as anything but a sick reminder? Half breed monstrosities. A slap in the face to the pack by their very existance. He cannot accept that, even for Wachiwa, but it's not a fight that he can have now. It's been too much for one day. Tala weighs heavily on his thoughts, her lack of improvement, but he can't go back there now. And so he continues away from the pond, ears slicked against his skull and eyes narrowed as his paws take him further away from his packmates until he disappears into the surrounding foliage.