Post by Pavane on May 12, 2012 13:32:00 GMT -5
Miakoda - female adolescent wolf
Ikuna - male wolf
Tala - male wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
---Tranquil Pond---
The frogs around the pond are croaking to each other, and a few dragonflies flutter about. It's a calm, warm sort of spring day, just a bit after noon, and the wind is still. The day's warmth is an encouragement to rest; and even Ikuna was convinced he needs to stop keeping watch for long enough to sleep while others guard the tattered remnants of Ute. The young wolf is curled up in a tight little ball, tense even at rest, with his tail tucked over his nose.
Miakoda had been meandering about in areas of the forest not too far from here for the past few days; these areas seemed quite vacant, making for good hunting but also for poor companionship. Having had her fill of the former and desiring the latter, the young wolf decided to expand her horizons and so now, she is here, moving closer to the pond with a walk that steadily slows. She has caught the scent of other wolves despite the stillness of the day; there are enough of them here to make up for the lack of breeze. So she is cautious but also curious, her ears forward but her tail trailing low as she comes into view around the perimeter of the pond.
Tala has been awake for a short amount of time, she slowly shifts up onto her haunches, a yawn escaping her in the process while she works on getting the rest of sleep out from her mind. There is a faint glance over the area, nose twitches before she rubs at her face a few times. A faint snort escapes her in the process and her ears flick forward. Something has gotten her attention, head tilting to look over the area and she hums faintly. "Ikuna.." Is said with a faint murmur towards her brother's form and a moment later she catches sight of the wolf upon the other side of the pond.
Ikuna's sleep is not a peaceful one. The wolf stirs, letting out a brief whimper. Tala's voice makes him shift again, and he whines and shudders before he forces himself to awakeness, lifting up his head with the sharp motion of one to whom adrenaline now comes easily and sleep brings back terrors he'd rather not face. He pushes himself up to a sitting position, and shakes. "What is it?" he asks his sister, though his eyes are already searching the perimeter.
Miakoda spots the others on the far side of the water, and also notices that one of them is awake. Or make that two, as her eyes shift toward Ikuna as he wakens and sits up. She senses tension, perhaps even a bit more than is normal when faced with strangers of her own kind, and this causes her to slowly sit down. Her eyes remain on the others and she observes them from this safe distance, her pricked ears and tilted head showing her continued curiosity.
Tala jaw tenses slightly as she pulls herself up onto her paws, a faint wheeze escapes her but seeing what she has dealt with in the past its nothing to stop her. "There.." Is murmured to her brother while she watches the strange wolf not all that far off at the moment. Her tail lashes a few moments, steel gaze drifting one way then another to see if any others could be with the stranger.
When his gaze settles on Miakoda, Ikuna relaxes visibly. The hackles that were half-risen about his shoulders settle, and his breath is let out in a soft sigh. Whatever has him so tense, apparently strange wolves aren't it. He nods to Tala. "Stay here," he says softly. With the others; adult and half-grown pup alike. Ikuna rises to his feet, and pads toward the water and the wolf beyond. His crooked tail is even to his body, and his ears are set with alertness. "Greetings," he calls. "If this is your territory, I'm sorry for our intrusion."
Miakoda observes the interaction between the two, or as much as she can see given her position across the pond. And when the pair separates, with the male making his way around the edge of the pond in order to approach her, her eyes focus on him. His own body language is noticed and interpreted and she, too, relaxes as he does not show any signs of aggression. But it's what Ikuna says that puts a look of surprise on her face. Her territory? Hardly. "These are not my lands," she says with a shake of her head, "so no apology is needed. I'm a newcomer here."
Tala will stay put as her brother suggested, well he is more level headed then she is after all! She watches from her spot, form shifting while she settles down to her haunches to keep herself put it seems. Her ears flick forward and back, listening to those around her and just incase any more try to sneak in.
Oh, good. They're not invading someone else's territory. Ikuna nods to Miakoda. "In that case... hello. It's nice to meet you." He smiles slightly. "I am Ikuna, of Ute." He tilts his head back to indicate the other wolves, including Tala the fiercest of guards. "We... Our home was north of here, but a pack of dogs attacked and drove us out. Be cautious; they are fierce and cruel."
Miakoda manages to look even more surprised as Ikuna introduces himself and then shares his story, the explanation as to why he and the group in general are here. "Dogs?" The concept is a foreign one to her, as she has had limited contact with humans and their associates; she has only seen a few sled teams passing by in her lifetime, and she always kept well clear of them. "Why are there -- " But she stops herself, ears turning back a little and a self-conscious look coming onto her face. "Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm Miakoda, though I'm usually just called Mia .. and I'm of no group or pack, unless a pack consisting of just myself can count."
Tala lets Ikuna explain what has happened to the other wolf, its just easier that way! Her ears flick forward, head tilting a moment as she takes in a breath while shifting to her paws and paces forward a few steps to get into the conversation more it would seem. "Have you seen any dogs recently?" Is questioned after a few moments.
Ikuna only wishes the concept was still foreign to him! Dogs, invading his home, doing such terrible things to his pack... it's enough to make his tail droop just thinking of it. He gives himself a little shake, returning his attention to the introduction. "Miakoda, of Miakoda's own pack," he says, with a smile to make a small joke of it. "Hello, Mia." He glances back to his sister as she speaks. Guess Tala was impatient... gee, that never happens. "Let's go talk by the others." He turns, walking slowly back to near where the rest of the Ute refugees have camped out. Miakoda seems no threat to him, and besides; there's only one of her, and at the moment... there aren't terribly many Ute secrets to be stolen.
A smile curls the outermost edges of her long muzzle at Ikuna's small joke, and she says, "Yes, I am alpha, beta, and omega, all rolled into one!" She laughs, although the sound is a brief one as she continues to sense the sorrow and apprehension that seems to hang over the members of this group like a low storm cloud. She rises to her paws and follows after Ikuna as he begins to retrace his steps, walking along even with his flank. "I haven't seen any dogs," she says to Tala as she comes closer to the other young she-wolf. "I haven't come across any scents of dogs either. To be honest I haven't really seen much of anyone or anything until now."
Impatient is Tala's middle name after all! Tala shifts on her paws as she watches, ears lowering a moment and then perking forward while she takes in a faint breath once the two come closer. She shifts to he rhaunches, a faint nod seen while her steel blue gaze rests on Miakoda. "I see.." Is offered with a soft tone at the thought.
Once he's back with his pack - or what remains of it - Ikuna sits, mulling over what was said. "Perhaps they've moved on?" he ponders, glancing to Tala. Is that even a possibility? He doesn't know. They came like a summer thunderstorm out of nothing; will they move on the same way? It seems too much to hope for. "Best to be careful, regardless." He frowns, thinking of some of what those dogs have done... then looks to Mia again. "You, especially. They are not kind to lone females."
Miakoda isn't even sure where their original lands are located, and so she can offer no help as to whether these dogs are still there or if they have gone. But such thoughts are lost as Ikuna mentions that these canines are less than friendly towards her particular kind, and her ears tilt back warily. "In that case, I guess I'll have to start sleeping with one eye open." After all, she has no pack, and has no one to rely on for protection other than herself. But she still manages to remember her manners, eventually. Turning to Tala, she says, "My name's Miakoda, but feel free to just call me Mia."
Tala takes in a breath while glancing to Ikuna, a faint shake of her head is seen. "No.. I don't think they have." They wouldn't have left it /that/ easily! She looks back to Miakoda and nods a moment. "I'm Tala.. Nice to meet you." Her breathing rattles attimes, the she-wolf is ill it would seem.
Ikuna nods to Tala. She's probably right. It would have been far too much to hope. To Miakoda, he says, "I don't know if being near us is likely to be more or less safe." More eyes to see, more jaws to fight... and more wolves that certain of the dogs might come seeking for revenge or otherwise. "If you want to move on, that might be wisest. Last we saw the dogs, they were about a day's travel that way." He indicates a direction north, toward the hill where Ute once lived. "If you want to stick around, well. I'm not alpha, but I don't think anybody will mind."
Miakoda can hear the noise in the other she-wolf's throat as she breathes, and as such, she seats herself again a precautionary distance away. The last thing Mia needs as a loner is to catch some sort of sickness; chances are high that she wouldn't last very long after contracting something. But she looks off in the direction Ikuna indicates as he talks about the dogs that overtook his pack's territory. To him, she says, "It would be nice to have a bit of company around. I've been on my own for quite awhile, and making conversation with yourself gets a little boring after awhile." She turns her golden eyes back to him, ears pricking up. "Who is your alpha? I mean, if you don't mind my asking."
Tala smiles and nods once more. "Ah.. the alpha is our brother Skahla." She offers with a faint flick of her tail. "Your welcome to stay for a bit.. I don't see why not really."
"So it does," says Ikuna with a smile. "After a while, even rocks start looking good for talking to. Not much for talking back, though." He seems glad Miakoda's inclined to linger. Safer for her or not... it's nice to have a conversation with someone who isn't trying to kill him nor as worn and battered as his pack is. An actual happy and friendly face. He nods to Tala's answer about the alpha, then glances around, but shakes his head. "He's not here right now. Out hunting, likely."
Miakoda again looks surprised, and it would seem this reaction is becoming somewhat common for her. "Your brother is alpha? So the two of you are siblings?" A mental note is made, but then, "Isn't he on the young side for an alpha?" Although she has heard of such things before, an alpha-to-be having to step into the leadership role sooner than expected due to the demise of the reigning alpha. Perhaps that is the case here, that the marauding dogs killed the previous alpha. The idea saddens her, and her ears lower a bit as her eyes return back to the two other teens, drifting between them.
Tala peers at Miakoda and nods slightly while her nose twitches. "Yes.. That is right.." She offers softly before she pauses and smirks. "He is our older brother.. I assure you Skahla is very capable for the position." An a faint shrug is soon seen after that. "Our parents have been gone for some time now."
Speaking of hunting, this is how Ahiga spends most of his free time. Hunting. And free time is what he has a lot of lately while everyone recouperates and the pack regains its strength. In truth, it's good to stretch his legs and run. Caution is a cramping thing, always looking over his shoulder, measuring every step taken. Hunting rids him of this, and thus is has become more enjoable than usual. This particular day, the young male has unsuccessfully caught anything, but his spirits are a little more lifted than usual, bordering on...normal. His breathing is slightly quickened as he returns to the pond area, a half smirk on his face as he moves at a vague trot. But an unfamiliar scent hits him like a wall, and the change in his demeanor changes in an instant. His lope stiffens to a cautious walk, ears flatten, head lowers, and tail and hackles raise. A stranger near Tala, Ikuna, and the pups! Not a dog scent, but anything unfamiliar is cause for wariness.
For all Miakoda has made a wrong assumption, part of it is righter than she knows. "When he became alpha, he was a bit older than we are now... and we were only pups then." The reason then was a tragedy, the loss of those parents; now... now Ute has its alpha, though Ikuna doesn't add his own assurances of the alpha's capability to Tala's. Perhaps that's only because he catches the scent and sight of another wolf approaching. Ikuna rises to his feet, pacing toward the hackle-raised arrival. "Ahiga!" He seems about as relaxed as he gets these days, though his head tilts in question for the other's wariness.
Oh, older brother. That makes a bit more sense, and Miakoda nods to Tala as she clarifies the situation a bit. But then the information about their parents is added and she frowns. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents," she murmurs. "I haven't seen mine since I left them, and my own siblings, awhile back." And that is all she says, likely due to the fact that she catches sight of the incoming wolf; or, more accurately, she catches sight of his posturing. She young she-wolf is immediately on her feet again, backpedaling away from Tala and the group at large even as Ikuna rises and moves toward the unfamiliar male. With her tail tucking low between her hind legs, her ears lay back and she takes on an unmistakable pose of submission. And who can blame her? A notably larger and displeased male against her? It would hardly be a contest.
Tala nods slightly while she shifts and takes in a soft breath. "It had been some time since they was taken." There is a pause and a blink as she looks to Ahiga, shifting to her paws as she watches him. "Its alright Ahiga.." She offers trying to calm him while she shifts closer towards the rather mad looking Ahiga. Her head moving to bump and nuzzle against his neck to try and calm him. "Just a wolf.." Is murmured out softly.
Ahiga's eyes flit to Ikuna and Tala, neither of which seemingly alarmed. Actually...they're the opposite of alarmed, though that fact alone doesn't seem to be enough to calm him. Golden eyes sweep further to the unknown face of Miakoda, and though his fangs remain covered, the expression on his face reeks of distrust. He begins to approach the three of them, attention turning to Ikuna first, then Tala, flitting over their faces, looking for signs that something may be wrong and they may be hurt. It's a ridiculous worry, that harm was brough to his friends by this stranger, but it's one he can't shake. He pauses as Tala approaches, tense beneath her nuzzle. But hey. Everything's ok! This wolf smells not of dog, and she's doing all the right things to show that she means no harm. He inhales a slow breath, his puffed out fur slowly lowering. "..Sorry.." he says, though who the word is directed to is not entirely clear. "I jus', uh...heh, yeah. Sorry." He shakes his head to clear jumbled thoughs before touching his muzzle to Tala's, then greeting Ikuna with a trademark headbump.
Ikuna stands partway between Miakoda and Ahiga - not blocking his packmate's view, but making it clear he's willing both to turn his back on Mia and that he's not at all displeased with her. Miakoda's own posturing says, more eloquently than he could, that she is no threat. Just one wolf, with no scent of others clinging to her fur. Just an adolescent. As Ahiga relaxes, Ikuna smiles, and returns the affectionate headbump. "We were just talking. Come meet her," he says. He understands, all too well, the reason for Ahiga's harsh initial reaction. Ikuna turns, offering an encouraging smile, and paces forward. "Mia, this is Ahiga. Ahiga... this is Miakoda."
Miakoda continues to keep her distance and hold her lowered posture while the others attempt to, and eventually succeed at, calming the grown wolf. But even as Ahiga visibly relaxes, and even as Ikuna encourages him to come make her acquaintance, Mia is understandably hesitant. While she too knows the reason for Ahiga's harsh reaction to her presence, it doesn't do much to soothe her own now-rattled nerves. Still, she tries to collect herself when Ikuna begins to approach her again; she tries to straighten up and while she manages that alright, her tail remains tucked low and her ears can only manage to turn half-forward. "Hello," she murmurs, voice quieted, her golden eyes studying Ahiga carefully. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Tala is quiet for a few moments while she keeps herelf pressed close to Ahiga, her eyes closing and she nuzzles against his neck a moment. Once Ikuna turns back and soon follows looking to Ahiga and offers him a faint smile. "It is alright Mia." She offers with a soft tone as she takes over the spot where she was and settles back to her haunches with a faint cough escaping her in the process. Compard to where she was some days back she has improved greatly at least.
Definite overreaction. Ahiga stays near both Ikuna and Tala until both move back to the other female. Miakoda, apparently. Ears gradually rise as introductions are made, and after a moment, he follows, approaching, golden eyes on Miakoda. "Hey...Yeah I'..not as crazy as you're probably thinkin'," he remarks with a whisper of a smirk. A pause and his gaze drifts to his friends. "Not always, anyway," he amends, slowing when near enough. He settles onto his haunches, attention drawn by Tala's cough. Concern shows on his face, but the fact that she got up, walked, and walked back is comforting. Obviously on the road to recovery! His brows lift, regarding Ikuna now. "You've told her of the dogs? To steer clear've our lands?"
"Different sort of crazy," suggests Ikuna to Ahiga's protests of sanity, continuing to include the meek adolescent in his smiles. Big scary wolf was scary. He understands! "You haven't caused any trouble," he assures her. "We're just all a little on edge lately." Yeah, everyone knew it, but sometimes the things everyone knows still need to be spoken aloud. Tala's cough gets a tilt of the head from his as well, "Is it time for more ribwort?" he asks her, then turns to Ahiga and nods. "Of course. She might stick with us, for safety in numbers." To go with the un-safety of being with the dogs' previous targets.
The continued assurances from both Tala and Ikuna ease her, and the remarks from Ahiga finally manage to calm her enough so that her tail loosens itself from her rear legs and her ears actually manage to tilt all the way forward again. As is common in youth, her ability to rebound is strong; a few minutes from now she will likely have relaxed completely. "It's understandable," she finally says to Ahiga, then turning to peer at Tala just as the others do when she coughs again. Oh yes, she will definitely continue to keep a precautionary distance from the other she-wolf. But Ikuna gets her attention again as he mentions the concept of safety in numbers. "Not only that," she amends, "but also so I don't have to continue striking up conversations with rocks."
Tala makes a face at the talk of the ribroot and ehs softly. "I suppose so.." Is soon mumbled out. That stuff tastes awful! She lets her shoulder bump back against Ahiga as she shifts to her paws and moves off to get the ribroot in question.
"Right," says Ikuna. "Rocks are bad conversationalists." He looks at the rocks nearby, daring them, any of them, to contradict him. None of them do.
Ahiga bobs his head in answer to Ikuna. Wolves have to stick together in the face of a common enemy. A lone wolf agaisnt a pack of savage dogs is most definitely a dead wolf. Or in her case, possibly even worse than that. His expression shadows at a thought, but it's one he forces from his mind. He can't dwell on that now. Making new friends may be exactly the distraction they all need. He smirks at Ikuna's quip, eyes rolling. "The cool kind've crazy, right," he retorts, tipping his chin up a little. Tala's tough has him grinning, and his tail thumps against the ground once as she heads off to her, eh, medicine. "Chew'n swallow. Hold your breath. Heard that helps. Dunno if it's true, but y'can try." An ear turns to Miakoda now, pondering her comments regarding rocks. "...Hey, y'know some rocks aren't that bad. I met one once..a big one. Sort've greyish with speckles 'n stuff. Had a great story 'bout how one time it tripped moose, made it fall 'n lose an antler."
"Really?" Her ears perk to Ahiga's comments, and a grin slips across the length of her slender muzzle. Indeed, it would seem that she is fully at ease again. "That's interesting. I came across a rock one time that wasn't very big, but it had a good location. Or so the rock said. Because it was in a creek. And it told me that everyone always tried to step on it to get across without getting wet, but it'd wobble and tip them right into the water and it'd have a big old laugh." Miakoda giggles for a moment, her tail sweeping the ground in a brief wag. "Is that some kind of medicine you're taking?" she asks the pair, eyes moving between Ahiga and Tala.
Tala smirks at the talk of speaking to rocks. "Never know when a rock might answer back Ikuna." She offers with an amused tone. A faint snort escapes her as she hears Ahiga. "Oh.. Funny.. You want to try eating some of it?" This questioned while she goes about munching down upon the leaves and swallows them down a faint snort escaping her after a moment. Her gaze drifts towards Miakoda, a ear flicking forward. "Yes.. a herb to help my cough."
Ahiga raises his brows a little as he listens to Miakoda's story of the misbehaved rock. "...Y'know," he says, voice filled with though. "I think that rock an' I crossed paths once. Or...I crossed its path. I /knew/ I felt a wobble under my paws!" A grin sneaks across his muzzle, apparently over his former apprehension. She seems alright, and if she has both Ikuna and Tala's approval, there really is no reason for him to worry. Arching his back, he lowers himself to the ground in a scretch, claws digging into the soft earth below. Tala's comment inspires a smug smirk, and he lifts a brow at her. "Uh, I /chewed/ the stuff for ya the first time. I know how it tastes, an'.. no thank ya." He flicks an ear, then lightly tips his head to Miakoda. "Where'd you come from? Got a pack out there somewhere?"
Miakoda tilts her head as she watches Tala chewing on leaves. It is certainly an odd sight, and she can't recall ever having seen one of her own kind turning vegetarian, even for medication purposes. And judging from the other she-wolf's reaction, Mia hopes that she won't ever have to do the same thing. But Ahiga's questions distract her from her observation of Tala, and she blinks a few times as she looks over to him. "Huh? Oh! I don't have a pack at the moment, no. And I'm not even sure that I can really say I came from a pack. Not one like this, anyway. It was just my mother and father and my siblings, and when I was old enough, I was ready to head out on my own to try to find a better place to live. Where I grew up, it was a pretty tough territory which is why my so-called pack was so small. Not enough to support a lot of bellies."
Tala chuckles as she hears Ahiga. "Yes well.. that is true.." She murmurs while she shifts and moves back to where he is, settling down now at his side. Her eyes closing for a few moments as she listens to the conversation between the two. A forepaw stretches out slightly while she relaxes for the moment.
"Sure that's a pack,' replies Ahiga, nodding. "You 'an' your family. I don't think packs have to have a name or anything. It's just sort've...a feeling. A feeling that you all belong together an stay together. Hope your sisters 'n brothers found a safe place. Lately, feels like there are less 'n less of those around," said with a vague wrinkle of his nose. "But hey, you found us. M'sure they found someone too. We're not...exactly at our best right now, but we're still together. Have you met anyone else around?" A faint smile curves his muzzle. As Tala settles, he lightly leans to the side to touch his nose to her cheek, nuzzling slightly. "Hey.......you've got ribroot breath," he comments, smirking after. Ah yes, he's so mature!
Miakoda follows the example of the others and also settles down to lie upon her stomach, although she is still a polite distance away from where the pair rests. After all, she only met them a few hours ago, and she does not want to infringe on their personal space or their hospitality. "I don't think my one sister left my parents," she elaborates. "Not sure that my brother did, either. But my parents made it very clear that the choice to go or stay was ours, and that they understood completely if we did decide to look for a life elsewhere." She smiles, thinking back. "And when I finally chose to go, they reminded me that I can always turn around and follow my prints back if things get too tough." Her tongue rolls out over her muzzle. "But so far everything's going okay overall. Just on the lonely side." Her tail sweeps over the ground again, curling up to one of her flanks. "But you three are the only ones I've met so far. And I feel I should be thankful for that, that it was you and not these crazy dogs. Where did they come from anyway?"
Tala tibbits out faintly as she hears Ahiga. "Oh.. so funny.." This said with a faint snort soon escaping her. She shifts and wiggles to press her side more against Ahiga. "Sometimes one leaves home at times. I'm sure the rest of your family is fine though." She pauses as she glances to Mia, a ear twitching forward. "We don't know where they came from fully. But.. There is a huge pack of them." Countless numbers for everytime one fell more appeared it would seem.
Ikuna grins as he listens to stories of Rocks We Have Known. Oh, this is a thing that's been missed lately, it most assuredly is. Of course... it can't last, and things turn to other things. Miakoda's former life gets his interest and a few nods, and the dogs... oh, the dogs. "Somethin'... about the humans, I think," he says, the word unfamiliar in his mouth. "They brought the dogs, or... left them... or... something."
Ah, that sounds...nice. The support of blood family. A mother and father wanting their brood to stike out on their own and find their own path, but giving them the option of coming home when the going gets tough. It sounds...ideal to Ahiga. So that's what parents do. It's a thought-worthy notion, wondering what life would be like with parents having his back. Would he be different than he is now if that were the case? "Of all the spirits that have a grudge against us for whatever reason, looks like there's at least one lookin' out for you," he remarks. "If you'd've come any earlier, you would've went through the whole thing with us, an' I don't wish that on anybody," murmured lowly before looking at Ikuna. He nods in agreement, not looking too sure about the "human" thing either. "So said a tiny cougar," he adds with a quirked brow. "Or bobcat or...somethin'. If you ask me though, these dogs come from the darkest place in the darkest mind of the darkest spirit. They aren't like anything I've ever seen."
"I don't know much of anything about dogs," Miakoda admits, her ears folding back again where she lies. "I've seen a few of those, um... I think they're called sled teams? I've seen a few of those pass by, but from a distance because my mother warned us to keep well clear of them. She said to always stay as far away as possible from the humans, that they're trouble and try to kill everything for no apparent reason." The she-wolf's tail tucks back up tightly to her side. "But what you've said just sounds so odd. Not that I know much of anything, but still. Geez."
"These dogs... are like that. Like your mother said the humans were. I guess maybe they do come from humans." Ikuna's quiet for a moment. "There were half-dogs in Ute, once." There's something strange about how he says it, a sort of hesitation and an awkward glance to his sister and Ahiga. "Before, I mean. Back from when Skelaghe was alpha." He frowns, and stops talking as if he doesn't know where to go next.
Tala is quiet for a bit as she listens to the three talk about dog, her maw twitching while she takes in a faint breath and her eyes close for a few moments. "No.. I wouldn't wish that on anyone at all." She murmurs out softly. A glance is offered towards Ikuna, yes she recalls the stories of other hybrids that lived on Ute land, but that was a long time ago.
Half dogs Ahiga's glad he never met, especially now. His expression shadows at the mentioning, though he's careful not to look at anyone in particular. "Yeah. Seems like some spirit's turnin' /that/ into a running joke for Ute, but I don't get its sense of humor." Snort. He shifts down to lay upon his stomach, curling a paw comfortably against his chest. "Sled team. Pft...there was no "team" about these dogs other than they came together. Some've them looked like they didn' even know what they were doin' there. The others...jus' looked insane.." He pauses, looking to Tala and Ikuna. "What's our plan? We're here til...when? An' where are we going?"
Once more she is surprised by something Ikuna says, but this might surpass surprise and reach right on into astonishment. Hybrids living in a pack? In an actual wolf pack? But judging from the looks on both Ikuna and Ahiga's faces, it's not a subject that should be investigated further, and so she keeps her mouth shut and lets the topic fall by the wayside. Instead, she falls quiet as she hears Ahiga's question regarding the future plans of his pack. While this isn't something that really effects her since she is not a part of the group resting here, she listens attentively for any sort of reply regardless. This is the first bunch she's come across that she's gotten along quite well with, and she'd be rather depressed if she suddenly woke one day soon to find them gone.
Dawn flaps among the branches.
Yeah, half-dogs are a sore subject, and one whose arguments have already been had... for now. It's just as well Miakoda doesn't ask. Ikuna just sort of nods as Ahiga describes the dogs further, then lifts his head at the question about their plans. "We're here until Tala can travel," says Ikuna with a look to his still-coughing yet improved sister. "We're going to Cerulean. They need to know about what's going on, and maybe we can stay there. Maybe they'll even help us." He frowns slightly. "We need to decide what we're doing after that... whether we turn and fight, or... we keep running."
Dawn looks every which way. What? Hm? Somebody needs to get word to that place over yon? Gosh, if only you had some airworthy friend of some kind.
Tala ears perk forwrd and she takes in a faint breath as she hears Ahiga, her gaze turns to Ikuna and she tilts her head. "We can leave when Wachiwa it ready to leave." She offers with a soft tone. It shouldn't depend on her. "I'm well enough to travel." Is soon heard while she shifts and pushes her shoulder against Ahiga as she sits up to prove this. Well she has been walking around and talking and only coughed a few times after all!
Ah yes, Cerulean, who may have a dog of their own if that female from before winter is still hanging about. Ugh. What's with the sudden explosion? They're everywhere, and Ahiga can only hope that their little pet has moved on. If not, some sense will need to be talked into those Cerulean wolves, for though he may have to find the means to...tolerate...half breeds, there's no way he can look in the face of a full bred dog without snapping. He nods a little as the plan is mapped out in his mind, the edges of his mouth downturning. Fight or run? He scowls. "Cerulean may help us. We're their allies. If it was them who was attacked, we'd help them. Anoki, Niyt...they're our friends. We worked together before against an enemy.." A meaningful look to Ikuna. "We can do it again. /All/ of us, this time." As Tala sits up, and offers a light smirk, though it fades at the thought of Wachiwa. "If we've to wait for her to..." He catches himself and pauses, grimacing. Unkind words are held back. "If we have to wait until after, we'll be stuck here longer than we need to be. If she /has/ to stay for..that, I know the way. I can go ahead, give'm a heads up that we're coming." He glances to Miakoda, smirking, though it lacks some of the mirth that such a look should hold. "It's a lot to take in, huh, all of this? But at least you're not alone."
Dawn is extranarrative, fortunately, so she won't be offering anyone any easy solutions. It's grinding adversity from here to breakfast for you guys down there.
Judging from what both Ikuna and Tala say, it sounds as though they will be moving on, and soon. This sends an unexpected pang of disdain from the young she-wolf, and Miakoda wonders if she's found some potential friends only to lose them already thanks to this pack of insane dogs. But to her credit, she doesn't interrupt at all and she doesn't speak of about her rather selfish thoughts. Instead, there is a bit of mental scolding for being so selfish before she gives an honest nod to Ahiga. "It's more than a lot," she says, stretching out her legs where she continues to lie a distance away from the others. "It's pretty overwhelming to be honest. I don't even know these names that you're using."
Ikuna gives the look of not-so-sure to Tala. Sure, she hasn't coughed up a lung... today. "The longer we wait here... the harder it's going to be for Chewy to travel. If we wait too long..." He trails off, with a frown that's clearly leaving something unsaid, and a nod for Ahiga. The sound of rustling in the branches makes him glance up, but there's nothing there /he/ recognizes. Ikuna is no bird-friend. Never has been. In fact, he's occasionally been an enemy to certain birds. "I'd rather not split us up... or leave her alone." He frowns again, considering, and nods at the mention of the alliance. "We'd help them, yes. We'll see." As Miakoda departs, he spares a brief smile to her. "More introductions to come."
Tala looks to Ikuna and takes in a soft breath while tilting her head. "Then we should leave now." Is said with a soft tone. "I will make it to Cerulean just fine." She takes in a faint breath and glances to Ahiga watching him a moment. If one goes we all go. We can not risk one running into the dogs." It would not be a good thing to say the least. There is a pause while she glances after Miakoda, a ear perking forward slightly.
Dawn makes chortly, gravelly noises to herself, all bearded up in the spring breeze. If you haven't the simple sense to ask aid of your feathered friends, well, that's fine with her. She'll just enjoy the view. She didn't feel like hauling off anyway.
"You'll learn'm, if you stick around, an' I hope you do," answers Ahiga with a faded smile. "Cerulean is another pack. Our friends and allies," he explains, not going into great detail on the names named. It doesn't matter anyway. If they make it there, she'll meet them for herself soon enough. He nods to Ikuna, not having liked the thought of heading forth and leaving behind him and Tala anyway, but if worse comes to worse... "They're not too far off," he chimes in, thinking aloud. "Like Tala said, if we get moving soon, it'd be for the best. If Grim an' Brutal are stickin' around, I don' know. But if they're not around when we leave, I'm not worried about it. If they want to catch up, they'll catch up." Like Ikuna, his ears turn and the sound above, and he glances up. A bird in spring. Not entirely unusual, even though he's not making much effort in pinpointing its exact location! He hasn't made it a point to talk to birds..ever.
A yawn splits her muzzle in half, and there is a faint and very brief glimmer of teeth as she she-wolf yawns. The fatigue from her travels is catching up to her at last and so an apologetic smile is offered to the others. "Guess I should be getting some rest," she says quietly. "It's been a long day." There's been more excitement packed into the last few hours than she's seen in the last few weeks combined. "It was really nice to meet all of you. Hopefully you get your travel plans all sorted out." A bright smile is given to the trio, and a moment later the young she-wolf is curling herself into the classic ball, her nose tucking into the brushy fluff of her own tail.
Ikuna nods to what Ahiga and Tala say, then smiles to Miakoda. "Sleep well," he says, before turning back to his packmates and their consultation. "We'll have to talk to Wachiwa and Skahla, but..." Another glance at Tala, and a nod. "If we move slowly, we should be okay to leave. I'll be glad to get further away." He shudders, just a little.
There's a first time for everything, as they say. It just doesn't happen to be today. Dawn sits and stares peculiarly at the wounded one, making funny mumbly noises like she were talking to herself. Hm. All the songbirds seem to have cleared out of that particular tree.
Tala nods slightly, her tail flicking a few times in the process while she glances after Mia and then looks to Ikuna. "I have to agree with you." She murmurs out softly. A glance is sent towards the movement and she catches sight of the bird. "Who brought the bird?" Is questioned with a shake of her head.
Ahiga nods to Miakoda as she speaks of resting, having no problem with her doing so at "their" pond. Wolves must stick together, and she seems like a level-headed one. Nothing further is spoken to her as she rests, instead turning his attention back to his childhood and lifelong pals. "An' you," said to Tala, "don't try to be a friggin' hero. If y'need to stop an' rest, then say somethin' to us. Ok? You're not back to normal yet." He leans over to nose at her, though looks at her hard, awaiting an answer. But.. Bird? He glances her with her, lifting a brow, then lowering them both. Bird. They're all too big to be birdnapped /now/, but that doesn't mean he doesn't watch the thing as if it was up to no good!
Dawn turns her head almost upside-down to peer back at Ahiga. Then she croaks. Her attention wanders.
Yeah, that. Ikuna adds his own sort of stern look to Tala at the bit about making them stop and rest if she needs it. The bird, on the other hand, just gets a shrug. "We'll have to rest plenty anyhow, with Wachiwa and Hadir. So... it's not just for you." This pack has as many damaged and weak wolves as hale ones, these days. Sigh. Maybe it'll be more for Ute's good than Miakoda's if the young wolf sticks around.
Dawn finally can't help herself. "You know," she says to the breeze, "if they really needed help from so far afield, you'd think they might appeal to someone who could get there faster..." She clucks to herself. "Shame, shame."
Tala smirks at Ahiga and sticks her tounge out at him. "Hey.. I know when to stop an rest thank you." She doesn't but she'll play that she does! After all she nearly passed out when they was looking for Ikuna after the fight. As for the bird she peers up at it slightly. "An.. Why would a bird help a wolf?"
"Uuuuh...no y'don't," says Ahiga who knows very well just how hardedheaded Tala can be! He makes a face at her. "An' when you think to start complainin' when we say you need a break, jus' thinko of Hadir, like Ikuna said. You know he'll need more breaks than you anyway." And hark...what is that sound oerhead? A talking tree? The whispering wind? A chatting...bird? He furrows his brows now as he looks again. Good question, Tala. Sounds mighty suspicious to him!
Ikuna slowly settles himself down to the ground. That was his nap that got interrupted before, after all! He nods agreement with Ahiga - yeah, finally he decides to actually play boys vs. girls like he's supposed to. At least he and Ahiga are allied in their fussing over Tala. At the question of the bird, he gives a little snort. Birds aren't all bad, of course. But... hrmph.
Dawn still doesn't look at anyone. "Why indeed? But she's right, she's right; there's no point asking when there's so much to lose. I mean, it's not like anyone could ever surprise you..." She puffs up and sighs chortlingly. "Hum, ho."
Tala glowers up at the bird a few moments and soon looks to Ahiga and huffs out. "Oh quiet you." She says and even nips at his cheek a moment. "I'll make sure Hadir will get plenty of rest." Yes it'll all be for Hadir! A ear twitches to the bird and she sends a glance towards Ikuna and then Ahiga seeming unsure what else to say to the bird.
Ahiga glowers at the bird, annoyed, though it's more at her final statement than anything else. "Yeah. Lovely answer, bird," he says dismissively before he lays his head down on his paws. "Went huntin', but didn't get anything this morning. I'll try again later today, bring somethin' back for us," he promises, words interrrupted by a wide, fang showing yawn.
Ikuna nods to Ahiga. "We can hunt while we travel, too. During the rest periods, or... scouting along to the sides. We've got the river to follow, so... it's not like we'll lose each other." A bare hint of smile, for that. How handy it is that Cerulean has chosen to live near a convenient landmark like that. The other male's yawn is contagious, and he echoes it.
Dawn goes on quietly to herself, "No wolf-friend, no broken wing, no ground-dweller I, surely not. What profit? when they're all so dear, all our little dugout holes; no, we'd lose too much to give them up after all our sweat." She trickles off into near-silence, still talking to herself.
Dawn at length takes wing and flies west.
Tala peers after the bird and shakes her head slightly before she looks back to Ikuna. "At least its leaving." She says with a faint huff. "I'd be morethen glad to get back to hunting. To long have I not followed a scent and found something.." A faint snort escapes her.
"Good Tala. So when you're better, you can do all the huntin' for us," Ahiga says, snickering playfully as he lays his head down, resting it slightly against her leg. Seems as if the near disaster of losing lives has made him realize that...hey, time can be short, and if he's going to enjoy Tala's company and show affection, there's no need to hide that, for who knows when their time is up? Ikuna's returned yawn makes him grin. "Let's rest up. /If/ we do leave soon, we're gonna need all our energy.." And he's pooped from his hunting attempt!
Ikuna nods to Tala. "As soon as you can go a full day without coughing, I'll be glad to have you hunting with us again." A heh, at Ahiga's comment. "Or for us. Either way." At the mention of sleep, he nods again. "Yeah, that's -" yawn "- a good idea."
Tala smiles as she looks down to Ahiga, a soft murmur escaping her and she sets her head down against his neck, snuggling close to him. She rather enjoys the attention from him, there was the chance that one of them could have died, an then Ahiga could have left.. Yes many things could have happened. A ear twitches to Ikuna and she takes in a breath with a faint huff escapes her. "Right no coughing.. Sleep sounds good 'bout now." She's been sleeping so much thanks to her sickness one would think she would be tired of it, only proves she's still not fully well.
"Yup. For us," reiterates Ahiga, grinning. His eyes slide closed after that. It's been .. a good day. A new friend who may stick with them. Health is returning, lowly but surely. And they have somewhat of a plan that hopefully will be executed soon. They have to move. The longer they lnger, the more likely it is that if any dogs /have/ been sent after them, they'll be found. But for now, Ahiga allows himself to relax and drift off, his mind blissfully going numb with sleep.
Ikuna - male wolf
Tala - male wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
---Tranquil Pond---
The frogs around the pond are croaking to each other, and a few dragonflies flutter about. It's a calm, warm sort of spring day, just a bit after noon, and the wind is still. The day's warmth is an encouragement to rest; and even Ikuna was convinced he needs to stop keeping watch for long enough to sleep while others guard the tattered remnants of Ute. The young wolf is curled up in a tight little ball, tense even at rest, with his tail tucked over his nose.
Miakoda had been meandering about in areas of the forest not too far from here for the past few days; these areas seemed quite vacant, making for good hunting but also for poor companionship. Having had her fill of the former and desiring the latter, the young wolf decided to expand her horizons and so now, she is here, moving closer to the pond with a walk that steadily slows. She has caught the scent of other wolves despite the stillness of the day; there are enough of them here to make up for the lack of breeze. So she is cautious but also curious, her ears forward but her tail trailing low as she comes into view around the perimeter of the pond.
Tala has been awake for a short amount of time, she slowly shifts up onto her haunches, a yawn escaping her in the process while she works on getting the rest of sleep out from her mind. There is a faint glance over the area, nose twitches before she rubs at her face a few times. A faint snort escapes her in the process and her ears flick forward. Something has gotten her attention, head tilting to look over the area and she hums faintly. "Ikuna.." Is said with a faint murmur towards her brother's form and a moment later she catches sight of the wolf upon the other side of the pond.
Ikuna's sleep is not a peaceful one. The wolf stirs, letting out a brief whimper. Tala's voice makes him shift again, and he whines and shudders before he forces himself to awakeness, lifting up his head with the sharp motion of one to whom adrenaline now comes easily and sleep brings back terrors he'd rather not face. He pushes himself up to a sitting position, and shakes. "What is it?" he asks his sister, though his eyes are already searching the perimeter.
Miakoda spots the others on the far side of the water, and also notices that one of them is awake. Or make that two, as her eyes shift toward Ikuna as he wakens and sits up. She senses tension, perhaps even a bit more than is normal when faced with strangers of her own kind, and this causes her to slowly sit down. Her eyes remain on the others and she observes them from this safe distance, her pricked ears and tilted head showing her continued curiosity.
Tala jaw tenses slightly as she pulls herself up onto her paws, a faint wheeze escapes her but seeing what she has dealt with in the past its nothing to stop her. "There.." Is murmured to her brother while she watches the strange wolf not all that far off at the moment. Her tail lashes a few moments, steel gaze drifting one way then another to see if any others could be with the stranger.
When his gaze settles on Miakoda, Ikuna relaxes visibly. The hackles that were half-risen about his shoulders settle, and his breath is let out in a soft sigh. Whatever has him so tense, apparently strange wolves aren't it. He nods to Tala. "Stay here," he says softly. With the others; adult and half-grown pup alike. Ikuna rises to his feet, and pads toward the water and the wolf beyond. His crooked tail is even to his body, and his ears are set with alertness. "Greetings," he calls. "If this is your territory, I'm sorry for our intrusion."
Miakoda observes the interaction between the two, or as much as she can see given her position across the pond. And when the pair separates, with the male making his way around the edge of the pond in order to approach her, her eyes focus on him. His own body language is noticed and interpreted and she, too, relaxes as he does not show any signs of aggression. But it's what Ikuna says that puts a look of surprise on her face. Her territory? Hardly. "These are not my lands," she says with a shake of her head, "so no apology is needed. I'm a newcomer here."
Tala will stay put as her brother suggested, well he is more level headed then she is after all! She watches from her spot, form shifting while she settles down to her haunches to keep herself put it seems. Her ears flick forward and back, listening to those around her and just incase any more try to sneak in.
Oh, good. They're not invading someone else's territory. Ikuna nods to Miakoda. "In that case... hello. It's nice to meet you." He smiles slightly. "I am Ikuna, of Ute." He tilts his head back to indicate the other wolves, including Tala the fiercest of guards. "We... Our home was north of here, but a pack of dogs attacked and drove us out. Be cautious; they are fierce and cruel."
Miakoda manages to look even more surprised as Ikuna introduces himself and then shares his story, the explanation as to why he and the group in general are here. "Dogs?" The concept is a foreign one to her, as she has had limited contact with humans and their associates; she has only seen a few sled teams passing by in her lifetime, and she always kept well clear of them. "Why are there -- " But she stops herself, ears turning back a little and a self-conscious look coming onto her face. "Sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm Miakoda, though I'm usually just called Mia .. and I'm of no group or pack, unless a pack consisting of just myself can count."
Tala lets Ikuna explain what has happened to the other wolf, its just easier that way! Her ears flick forward, head tilting a moment as she takes in a breath while shifting to her paws and paces forward a few steps to get into the conversation more it would seem. "Have you seen any dogs recently?" Is questioned after a few moments.
Ikuna only wishes the concept was still foreign to him! Dogs, invading his home, doing such terrible things to his pack... it's enough to make his tail droop just thinking of it. He gives himself a little shake, returning his attention to the introduction. "Miakoda, of Miakoda's own pack," he says, with a smile to make a small joke of it. "Hello, Mia." He glances back to his sister as she speaks. Guess Tala was impatient... gee, that never happens. "Let's go talk by the others." He turns, walking slowly back to near where the rest of the Ute refugees have camped out. Miakoda seems no threat to him, and besides; there's only one of her, and at the moment... there aren't terribly many Ute secrets to be stolen.
A smile curls the outermost edges of her long muzzle at Ikuna's small joke, and she says, "Yes, I am alpha, beta, and omega, all rolled into one!" She laughs, although the sound is a brief one as she continues to sense the sorrow and apprehension that seems to hang over the members of this group like a low storm cloud. She rises to her paws and follows after Ikuna as he begins to retrace his steps, walking along even with his flank. "I haven't seen any dogs," she says to Tala as she comes closer to the other young she-wolf. "I haven't come across any scents of dogs either. To be honest I haven't really seen much of anyone or anything until now."
Impatient is Tala's middle name after all! Tala shifts on her paws as she watches, ears lowering a moment and then perking forward while she takes in a faint breath once the two come closer. She shifts to he rhaunches, a faint nod seen while her steel blue gaze rests on Miakoda. "I see.." Is offered with a soft tone at the thought.
Once he's back with his pack - or what remains of it - Ikuna sits, mulling over what was said. "Perhaps they've moved on?" he ponders, glancing to Tala. Is that even a possibility? He doesn't know. They came like a summer thunderstorm out of nothing; will they move on the same way? It seems too much to hope for. "Best to be careful, regardless." He frowns, thinking of some of what those dogs have done... then looks to Mia again. "You, especially. They are not kind to lone females."
Miakoda isn't even sure where their original lands are located, and so she can offer no help as to whether these dogs are still there or if they have gone. But such thoughts are lost as Ikuna mentions that these canines are less than friendly towards her particular kind, and her ears tilt back warily. "In that case, I guess I'll have to start sleeping with one eye open." After all, she has no pack, and has no one to rely on for protection other than herself. But she still manages to remember her manners, eventually. Turning to Tala, she says, "My name's Miakoda, but feel free to just call me Mia."
Tala takes in a breath while glancing to Ikuna, a faint shake of her head is seen. "No.. I don't think they have." They wouldn't have left it /that/ easily! She looks back to Miakoda and nods a moment. "I'm Tala.. Nice to meet you." Her breathing rattles attimes, the she-wolf is ill it would seem.
Ikuna nods to Tala. She's probably right. It would have been far too much to hope. To Miakoda, he says, "I don't know if being near us is likely to be more or less safe." More eyes to see, more jaws to fight... and more wolves that certain of the dogs might come seeking for revenge or otherwise. "If you want to move on, that might be wisest. Last we saw the dogs, they were about a day's travel that way." He indicates a direction north, toward the hill where Ute once lived. "If you want to stick around, well. I'm not alpha, but I don't think anybody will mind."
Miakoda can hear the noise in the other she-wolf's throat as she breathes, and as such, she seats herself again a precautionary distance away. The last thing Mia needs as a loner is to catch some sort of sickness; chances are high that she wouldn't last very long after contracting something. But she looks off in the direction Ikuna indicates as he talks about the dogs that overtook his pack's territory. To him, she says, "It would be nice to have a bit of company around. I've been on my own for quite awhile, and making conversation with yourself gets a little boring after awhile." She turns her golden eyes back to him, ears pricking up. "Who is your alpha? I mean, if you don't mind my asking."
Tala smiles and nods once more. "Ah.. the alpha is our brother Skahla." She offers with a faint flick of her tail. "Your welcome to stay for a bit.. I don't see why not really."
"So it does," says Ikuna with a smile. "After a while, even rocks start looking good for talking to. Not much for talking back, though." He seems glad Miakoda's inclined to linger. Safer for her or not... it's nice to have a conversation with someone who isn't trying to kill him nor as worn and battered as his pack is. An actual happy and friendly face. He nods to Tala's answer about the alpha, then glances around, but shakes his head. "He's not here right now. Out hunting, likely."
Miakoda again looks surprised, and it would seem this reaction is becoming somewhat common for her. "Your brother is alpha? So the two of you are siblings?" A mental note is made, but then, "Isn't he on the young side for an alpha?" Although she has heard of such things before, an alpha-to-be having to step into the leadership role sooner than expected due to the demise of the reigning alpha. Perhaps that is the case here, that the marauding dogs killed the previous alpha. The idea saddens her, and her ears lower a bit as her eyes return back to the two other teens, drifting between them.
Tala peers at Miakoda and nods slightly while her nose twitches. "Yes.. That is right.." She offers softly before she pauses and smirks. "He is our older brother.. I assure you Skahla is very capable for the position." An a faint shrug is soon seen after that. "Our parents have been gone for some time now."
Speaking of hunting, this is how Ahiga spends most of his free time. Hunting. And free time is what he has a lot of lately while everyone recouperates and the pack regains its strength. In truth, it's good to stretch his legs and run. Caution is a cramping thing, always looking over his shoulder, measuring every step taken. Hunting rids him of this, and thus is has become more enjoable than usual. This particular day, the young male has unsuccessfully caught anything, but his spirits are a little more lifted than usual, bordering on...normal. His breathing is slightly quickened as he returns to the pond area, a half smirk on his face as he moves at a vague trot. But an unfamiliar scent hits him like a wall, and the change in his demeanor changes in an instant. His lope stiffens to a cautious walk, ears flatten, head lowers, and tail and hackles raise. A stranger near Tala, Ikuna, and the pups! Not a dog scent, but anything unfamiliar is cause for wariness.
For all Miakoda has made a wrong assumption, part of it is righter than she knows. "When he became alpha, he was a bit older than we are now... and we were only pups then." The reason then was a tragedy, the loss of those parents; now... now Ute has its alpha, though Ikuna doesn't add his own assurances of the alpha's capability to Tala's. Perhaps that's only because he catches the scent and sight of another wolf approaching. Ikuna rises to his feet, pacing toward the hackle-raised arrival. "Ahiga!" He seems about as relaxed as he gets these days, though his head tilts in question for the other's wariness.
Oh, older brother. That makes a bit more sense, and Miakoda nods to Tala as she clarifies the situation a bit. But then the information about their parents is added and she frowns. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents," she murmurs. "I haven't seen mine since I left them, and my own siblings, awhile back." And that is all she says, likely due to the fact that she catches sight of the incoming wolf; or, more accurately, she catches sight of his posturing. She young she-wolf is immediately on her feet again, backpedaling away from Tala and the group at large even as Ikuna rises and moves toward the unfamiliar male. With her tail tucking low between her hind legs, her ears lay back and she takes on an unmistakable pose of submission. And who can blame her? A notably larger and displeased male against her? It would hardly be a contest.
Tala nods slightly while she shifts and takes in a soft breath. "It had been some time since they was taken." There is a pause and a blink as she looks to Ahiga, shifting to her paws as she watches him. "Its alright Ahiga.." She offers trying to calm him while she shifts closer towards the rather mad looking Ahiga. Her head moving to bump and nuzzle against his neck to try and calm him. "Just a wolf.." Is murmured out softly.
Ahiga's eyes flit to Ikuna and Tala, neither of which seemingly alarmed. Actually...they're the opposite of alarmed, though that fact alone doesn't seem to be enough to calm him. Golden eyes sweep further to the unknown face of Miakoda, and though his fangs remain covered, the expression on his face reeks of distrust. He begins to approach the three of them, attention turning to Ikuna first, then Tala, flitting over their faces, looking for signs that something may be wrong and they may be hurt. It's a ridiculous worry, that harm was brough to his friends by this stranger, but it's one he can't shake. He pauses as Tala approaches, tense beneath her nuzzle. But hey. Everything's ok! This wolf smells not of dog, and she's doing all the right things to show that she means no harm. He inhales a slow breath, his puffed out fur slowly lowering. "..Sorry.." he says, though who the word is directed to is not entirely clear. "I jus', uh...heh, yeah. Sorry." He shakes his head to clear jumbled thoughs before touching his muzzle to Tala's, then greeting Ikuna with a trademark headbump.
Ikuna stands partway between Miakoda and Ahiga - not blocking his packmate's view, but making it clear he's willing both to turn his back on Mia and that he's not at all displeased with her. Miakoda's own posturing says, more eloquently than he could, that she is no threat. Just one wolf, with no scent of others clinging to her fur. Just an adolescent. As Ahiga relaxes, Ikuna smiles, and returns the affectionate headbump. "We were just talking. Come meet her," he says. He understands, all too well, the reason for Ahiga's harsh initial reaction. Ikuna turns, offering an encouraging smile, and paces forward. "Mia, this is Ahiga. Ahiga... this is Miakoda."
Miakoda continues to keep her distance and hold her lowered posture while the others attempt to, and eventually succeed at, calming the grown wolf. But even as Ahiga visibly relaxes, and even as Ikuna encourages him to come make her acquaintance, Mia is understandably hesitant. While she too knows the reason for Ahiga's harsh reaction to her presence, it doesn't do much to soothe her own now-rattled nerves. Still, she tries to collect herself when Ikuna begins to approach her again; she tries to straighten up and while she manages that alright, her tail remains tucked low and her ears can only manage to turn half-forward. "Hello," she murmurs, voice quieted, her golden eyes studying Ahiga carefully. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Tala is quiet for a few moments while she keeps herelf pressed close to Ahiga, her eyes closing and she nuzzles against his neck a moment. Once Ikuna turns back and soon follows looking to Ahiga and offers him a faint smile. "It is alright Mia." She offers with a soft tone as she takes over the spot where she was and settles back to her haunches with a faint cough escaping her in the process. Compard to where she was some days back she has improved greatly at least.
Definite overreaction. Ahiga stays near both Ikuna and Tala until both move back to the other female. Miakoda, apparently. Ears gradually rise as introductions are made, and after a moment, he follows, approaching, golden eyes on Miakoda. "Hey...Yeah I'..not as crazy as you're probably thinkin'," he remarks with a whisper of a smirk. A pause and his gaze drifts to his friends. "Not always, anyway," he amends, slowing when near enough. He settles onto his haunches, attention drawn by Tala's cough. Concern shows on his face, but the fact that she got up, walked, and walked back is comforting. Obviously on the road to recovery! His brows lift, regarding Ikuna now. "You've told her of the dogs? To steer clear've our lands?"
"Different sort of crazy," suggests Ikuna to Ahiga's protests of sanity, continuing to include the meek adolescent in his smiles. Big scary wolf was scary. He understands! "You haven't caused any trouble," he assures her. "We're just all a little on edge lately." Yeah, everyone knew it, but sometimes the things everyone knows still need to be spoken aloud. Tala's cough gets a tilt of the head from his as well, "Is it time for more ribwort?" he asks her, then turns to Ahiga and nods. "Of course. She might stick with us, for safety in numbers." To go with the un-safety of being with the dogs' previous targets.
The continued assurances from both Tala and Ikuna ease her, and the remarks from Ahiga finally manage to calm her enough so that her tail loosens itself from her rear legs and her ears actually manage to tilt all the way forward again. As is common in youth, her ability to rebound is strong; a few minutes from now she will likely have relaxed completely. "It's understandable," she finally says to Ahiga, then turning to peer at Tala just as the others do when she coughs again. Oh yes, she will definitely continue to keep a precautionary distance from the other she-wolf. But Ikuna gets her attention again as he mentions the concept of safety in numbers. "Not only that," she amends, "but also so I don't have to continue striking up conversations with rocks."
Tala makes a face at the talk of the ribroot and ehs softly. "I suppose so.." Is soon mumbled out. That stuff tastes awful! She lets her shoulder bump back against Ahiga as she shifts to her paws and moves off to get the ribroot in question.
"Right," says Ikuna. "Rocks are bad conversationalists." He looks at the rocks nearby, daring them, any of them, to contradict him. None of them do.
Ahiga bobs his head in answer to Ikuna. Wolves have to stick together in the face of a common enemy. A lone wolf agaisnt a pack of savage dogs is most definitely a dead wolf. Or in her case, possibly even worse than that. His expression shadows at a thought, but it's one he forces from his mind. He can't dwell on that now. Making new friends may be exactly the distraction they all need. He smirks at Ikuna's quip, eyes rolling. "The cool kind've crazy, right," he retorts, tipping his chin up a little. Tala's tough has him grinning, and his tail thumps against the ground once as she heads off to her, eh, medicine. "Chew'n swallow. Hold your breath. Heard that helps. Dunno if it's true, but y'can try." An ear turns to Miakoda now, pondering her comments regarding rocks. "...Hey, y'know some rocks aren't that bad. I met one once..a big one. Sort've greyish with speckles 'n stuff. Had a great story 'bout how one time it tripped moose, made it fall 'n lose an antler."
"Really?" Her ears perk to Ahiga's comments, and a grin slips across the length of her slender muzzle. Indeed, it would seem that she is fully at ease again. "That's interesting. I came across a rock one time that wasn't very big, but it had a good location. Or so the rock said. Because it was in a creek. And it told me that everyone always tried to step on it to get across without getting wet, but it'd wobble and tip them right into the water and it'd have a big old laugh." Miakoda giggles for a moment, her tail sweeping the ground in a brief wag. "Is that some kind of medicine you're taking?" she asks the pair, eyes moving between Ahiga and Tala.
Tala smirks at the talk of speaking to rocks. "Never know when a rock might answer back Ikuna." She offers with an amused tone. A faint snort escapes her as she hears Ahiga. "Oh.. Funny.. You want to try eating some of it?" This questioned while she goes about munching down upon the leaves and swallows them down a faint snort escaping her after a moment. Her gaze drifts towards Miakoda, a ear flicking forward. "Yes.. a herb to help my cough."
Ahiga raises his brows a little as he listens to Miakoda's story of the misbehaved rock. "...Y'know," he says, voice filled with though. "I think that rock an' I crossed paths once. Or...I crossed its path. I /knew/ I felt a wobble under my paws!" A grin sneaks across his muzzle, apparently over his former apprehension. She seems alright, and if she has both Ikuna and Tala's approval, there really is no reason for him to worry. Arching his back, he lowers himself to the ground in a scretch, claws digging into the soft earth below. Tala's comment inspires a smug smirk, and he lifts a brow at her. "Uh, I /chewed/ the stuff for ya the first time. I know how it tastes, an'.. no thank ya." He flicks an ear, then lightly tips his head to Miakoda. "Where'd you come from? Got a pack out there somewhere?"
Miakoda tilts her head as she watches Tala chewing on leaves. It is certainly an odd sight, and she can't recall ever having seen one of her own kind turning vegetarian, even for medication purposes. And judging from the other she-wolf's reaction, Mia hopes that she won't ever have to do the same thing. But Ahiga's questions distract her from her observation of Tala, and she blinks a few times as she looks over to him. "Huh? Oh! I don't have a pack at the moment, no. And I'm not even sure that I can really say I came from a pack. Not one like this, anyway. It was just my mother and father and my siblings, and when I was old enough, I was ready to head out on my own to try to find a better place to live. Where I grew up, it was a pretty tough territory which is why my so-called pack was so small. Not enough to support a lot of bellies."
Tala chuckles as she hears Ahiga. "Yes well.. that is true.." She murmurs while she shifts and moves back to where he is, settling down now at his side. Her eyes closing for a few moments as she listens to the conversation between the two. A forepaw stretches out slightly while she relaxes for the moment.
"Sure that's a pack,' replies Ahiga, nodding. "You 'an' your family. I don't think packs have to have a name or anything. It's just sort've...a feeling. A feeling that you all belong together an stay together. Hope your sisters 'n brothers found a safe place. Lately, feels like there are less 'n less of those around," said with a vague wrinkle of his nose. "But hey, you found us. M'sure they found someone too. We're not...exactly at our best right now, but we're still together. Have you met anyone else around?" A faint smile curves his muzzle. As Tala settles, he lightly leans to the side to touch his nose to her cheek, nuzzling slightly. "Hey.......you've got ribroot breath," he comments, smirking after. Ah yes, he's so mature!
Miakoda follows the example of the others and also settles down to lie upon her stomach, although she is still a polite distance away from where the pair rests. After all, she only met them a few hours ago, and she does not want to infringe on their personal space or their hospitality. "I don't think my one sister left my parents," she elaborates. "Not sure that my brother did, either. But my parents made it very clear that the choice to go or stay was ours, and that they understood completely if we did decide to look for a life elsewhere." She smiles, thinking back. "And when I finally chose to go, they reminded me that I can always turn around and follow my prints back if things get too tough." Her tongue rolls out over her muzzle. "But so far everything's going okay overall. Just on the lonely side." Her tail sweeps over the ground again, curling up to one of her flanks. "But you three are the only ones I've met so far. And I feel I should be thankful for that, that it was you and not these crazy dogs. Where did they come from anyway?"
Tala tibbits out faintly as she hears Ahiga. "Oh.. so funny.." This said with a faint snort soon escaping her. She shifts and wiggles to press her side more against Ahiga. "Sometimes one leaves home at times. I'm sure the rest of your family is fine though." She pauses as she glances to Mia, a ear twitching forward. "We don't know where they came from fully. But.. There is a huge pack of them." Countless numbers for everytime one fell more appeared it would seem.
Ikuna grins as he listens to stories of Rocks We Have Known. Oh, this is a thing that's been missed lately, it most assuredly is. Of course... it can't last, and things turn to other things. Miakoda's former life gets his interest and a few nods, and the dogs... oh, the dogs. "Somethin'... about the humans, I think," he says, the word unfamiliar in his mouth. "They brought the dogs, or... left them... or... something."
Ah, that sounds...nice. The support of blood family. A mother and father wanting their brood to stike out on their own and find their own path, but giving them the option of coming home when the going gets tough. It sounds...ideal to Ahiga. So that's what parents do. It's a thought-worthy notion, wondering what life would be like with parents having his back. Would he be different than he is now if that were the case? "Of all the spirits that have a grudge against us for whatever reason, looks like there's at least one lookin' out for you," he remarks. "If you'd've come any earlier, you would've went through the whole thing with us, an' I don't wish that on anybody," murmured lowly before looking at Ikuna. He nods in agreement, not looking too sure about the "human" thing either. "So said a tiny cougar," he adds with a quirked brow. "Or bobcat or...somethin'. If you ask me though, these dogs come from the darkest place in the darkest mind of the darkest spirit. They aren't like anything I've ever seen."
"I don't know much of anything about dogs," Miakoda admits, her ears folding back again where she lies. "I've seen a few of those, um... I think they're called sled teams? I've seen a few of those pass by, but from a distance because my mother warned us to keep well clear of them. She said to always stay as far away as possible from the humans, that they're trouble and try to kill everything for no apparent reason." The she-wolf's tail tucks back up tightly to her side. "But what you've said just sounds so odd. Not that I know much of anything, but still. Geez."
"These dogs... are like that. Like your mother said the humans were. I guess maybe they do come from humans." Ikuna's quiet for a moment. "There were half-dogs in Ute, once." There's something strange about how he says it, a sort of hesitation and an awkward glance to his sister and Ahiga. "Before, I mean. Back from when Skelaghe was alpha." He frowns, and stops talking as if he doesn't know where to go next.
Tala is quiet for a bit as she listens to the three talk about dog, her maw twitching while she takes in a faint breath and her eyes close for a few moments. "No.. I wouldn't wish that on anyone at all." She murmurs out softly. A glance is offered towards Ikuna, yes she recalls the stories of other hybrids that lived on Ute land, but that was a long time ago.
Half dogs Ahiga's glad he never met, especially now. His expression shadows at the mentioning, though he's careful not to look at anyone in particular. "Yeah. Seems like some spirit's turnin' /that/ into a running joke for Ute, but I don't get its sense of humor." Snort. He shifts down to lay upon his stomach, curling a paw comfortably against his chest. "Sled team. Pft...there was no "team" about these dogs other than they came together. Some've them looked like they didn' even know what they were doin' there. The others...jus' looked insane.." He pauses, looking to Tala and Ikuna. "What's our plan? We're here til...when? An' where are we going?"
Once more she is surprised by something Ikuna says, but this might surpass surprise and reach right on into astonishment. Hybrids living in a pack? In an actual wolf pack? But judging from the looks on both Ikuna and Ahiga's faces, it's not a subject that should be investigated further, and so she keeps her mouth shut and lets the topic fall by the wayside. Instead, she falls quiet as she hears Ahiga's question regarding the future plans of his pack. While this isn't something that really effects her since she is not a part of the group resting here, she listens attentively for any sort of reply regardless. This is the first bunch she's come across that she's gotten along quite well with, and she'd be rather depressed if she suddenly woke one day soon to find them gone.
Dawn flaps among the branches.
Yeah, half-dogs are a sore subject, and one whose arguments have already been had... for now. It's just as well Miakoda doesn't ask. Ikuna just sort of nods as Ahiga describes the dogs further, then lifts his head at the question about their plans. "We're here until Tala can travel," says Ikuna with a look to his still-coughing yet improved sister. "We're going to Cerulean. They need to know about what's going on, and maybe we can stay there. Maybe they'll even help us." He frowns slightly. "We need to decide what we're doing after that... whether we turn and fight, or... we keep running."
Dawn looks every which way. What? Hm? Somebody needs to get word to that place over yon? Gosh, if only you had some airworthy friend of some kind.
Tala ears perk forwrd and she takes in a faint breath as she hears Ahiga, her gaze turns to Ikuna and she tilts her head. "We can leave when Wachiwa it ready to leave." She offers with a soft tone. It shouldn't depend on her. "I'm well enough to travel." Is soon heard while she shifts and pushes her shoulder against Ahiga as she sits up to prove this. Well she has been walking around and talking and only coughed a few times after all!
Ah yes, Cerulean, who may have a dog of their own if that female from before winter is still hanging about. Ugh. What's with the sudden explosion? They're everywhere, and Ahiga can only hope that their little pet has moved on. If not, some sense will need to be talked into those Cerulean wolves, for though he may have to find the means to...tolerate...half breeds, there's no way he can look in the face of a full bred dog without snapping. He nods a little as the plan is mapped out in his mind, the edges of his mouth downturning. Fight or run? He scowls. "Cerulean may help us. We're their allies. If it was them who was attacked, we'd help them. Anoki, Niyt...they're our friends. We worked together before against an enemy.." A meaningful look to Ikuna. "We can do it again. /All/ of us, this time." As Tala sits up, and offers a light smirk, though it fades at the thought of Wachiwa. "If we've to wait for her to..." He catches himself and pauses, grimacing. Unkind words are held back. "If we have to wait until after, we'll be stuck here longer than we need to be. If she /has/ to stay for..that, I know the way. I can go ahead, give'm a heads up that we're coming." He glances to Miakoda, smirking, though it lacks some of the mirth that such a look should hold. "It's a lot to take in, huh, all of this? But at least you're not alone."
Dawn is extranarrative, fortunately, so she won't be offering anyone any easy solutions. It's grinding adversity from here to breakfast for you guys down there.
Judging from what both Ikuna and Tala say, it sounds as though they will be moving on, and soon. This sends an unexpected pang of disdain from the young she-wolf, and Miakoda wonders if she's found some potential friends only to lose them already thanks to this pack of insane dogs. But to her credit, she doesn't interrupt at all and she doesn't speak of about her rather selfish thoughts. Instead, there is a bit of mental scolding for being so selfish before she gives an honest nod to Ahiga. "It's more than a lot," she says, stretching out her legs where she continues to lie a distance away from the others. "It's pretty overwhelming to be honest. I don't even know these names that you're using."
Ikuna gives the look of not-so-sure to Tala. Sure, she hasn't coughed up a lung... today. "The longer we wait here... the harder it's going to be for Chewy to travel. If we wait too long..." He trails off, with a frown that's clearly leaving something unsaid, and a nod for Ahiga. The sound of rustling in the branches makes him glance up, but there's nothing there /he/ recognizes. Ikuna is no bird-friend. Never has been. In fact, he's occasionally been an enemy to certain birds. "I'd rather not split us up... or leave her alone." He frowns again, considering, and nods at the mention of the alliance. "We'd help them, yes. We'll see." As Miakoda departs, he spares a brief smile to her. "More introductions to come."
Tala looks to Ikuna and takes in a soft breath while tilting her head. "Then we should leave now." Is said with a soft tone. "I will make it to Cerulean just fine." She takes in a faint breath and glances to Ahiga watching him a moment. If one goes we all go. We can not risk one running into the dogs." It would not be a good thing to say the least. There is a pause while she glances after Miakoda, a ear perking forward slightly.
Dawn makes chortly, gravelly noises to herself, all bearded up in the spring breeze. If you haven't the simple sense to ask aid of your feathered friends, well, that's fine with her. She'll just enjoy the view. She didn't feel like hauling off anyway.
"You'll learn'm, if you stick around, an' I hope you do," answers Ahiga with a faded smile. "Cerulean is another pack. Our friends and allies," he explains, not going into great detail on the names named. It doesn't matter anyway. If they make it there, she'll meet them for herself soon enough. He nods to Ikuna, not having liked the thought of heading forth and leaving behind him and Tala anyway, but if worse comes to worse... "They're not too far off," he chimes in, thinking aloud. "Like Tala said, if we get moving soon, it'd be for the best. If Grim an' Brutal are stickin' around, I don' know. But if they're not around when we leave, I'm not worried about it. If they want to catch up, they'll catch up." Like Ikuna, his ears turn and the sound above, and he glances up. A bird in spring. Not entirely unusual, even though he's not making much effort in pinpointing its exact location! He hasn't made it a point to talk to birds..ever.
A yawn splits her muzzle in half, and there is a faint and very brief glimmer of teeth as she she-wolf yawns. The fatigue from her travels is catching up to her at last and so an apologetic smile is offered to the others. "Guess I should be getting some rest," she says quietly. "It's been a long day." There's been more excitement packed into the last few hours than she's seen in the last few weeks combined. "It was really nice to meet all of you. Hopefully you get your travel plans all sorted out." A bright smile is given to the trio, and a moment later the young she-wolf is curling herself into the classic ball, her nose tucking into the brushy fluff of her own tail.
Ikuna nods to what Ahiga and Tala say, then smiles to Miakoda. "Sleep well," he says, before turning back to his packmates and their consultation. "We'll have to talk to Wachiwa and Skahla, but..." Another glance at Tala, and a nod. "If we move slowly, we should be okay to leave. I'll be glad to get further away." He shudders, just a little.
There's a first time for everything, as they say. It just doesn't happen to be today. Dawn sits and stares peculiarly at the wounded one, making funny mumbly noises like she were talking to herself. Hm. All the songbirds seem to have cleared out of that particular tree.
Tala nods slightly, her tail flicking a few times in the process while she glances after Mia and then looks to Ikuna. "I have to agree with you." She murmurs out softly. A glance is sent towards the movement and she catches sight of the bird. "Who brought the bird?" Is questioned with a shake of her head.
Ahiga nods to Miakoda as she speaks of resting, having no problem with her doing so at "their" pond. Wolves must stick together, and she seems like a level-headed one. Nothing further is spoken to her as she rests, instead turning his attention back to his childhood and lifelong pals. "An' you," said to Tala, "don't try to be a friggin' hero. If y'need to stop an' rest, then say somethin' to us. Ok? You're not back to normal yet." He leans over to nose at her, though looks at her hard, awaiting an answer. But.. Bird? He glances her with her, lifting a brow, then lowering them both. Bird. They're all too big to be birdnapped /now/, but that doesn't mean he doesn't watch the thing as if it was up to no good!
Dawn turns her head almost upside-down to peer back at Ahiga. Then she croaks. Her attention wanders.
Yeah, that. Ikuna adds his own sort of stern look to Tala at the bit about making them stop and rest if she needs it. The bird, on the other hand, just gets a shrug. "We'll have to rest plenty anyhow, with Wachiwa and Hadir. So... it's not just for you." This pack has as many damaged and weak wolves as hale ones, these days. Sigh. Maybe it'll be more for Ute's good than Miakoda's if the young wolf sticks around.
Dawn finally can't help herself. "You know," she says to the breeze, "if they really needed help from so far afield, you'd think they might appeal to someone who could get there faster..." She clucks to herself. "Shame, shame."
Tala smirks at Ahiga and sticks her tounge out at him. "Hey.. I know when to stop an rest thank you." She doesn't but she'll play that she does! After all she nearly passed out when they was looking for Ikuna after the fight. As for the bird she peers up at it slightly. "An.. Why would a bird help a wolf?"
"Uuuuh...no y'don't," says Ahiga who knows very well just how hardedheaded Tala can be! He makes a face at her. "An' when you think to start complainin' when we say you need a break, jus' thinko of Hadir, like Ikuna said. You know he'll need more breaks than you anyway." And hark...what is that sound oerhead? A talking tree? The whispering wind? A chatting...bird? He furrows his brows now as he looks again. Good question, Tala. Sounds mighty suspicious to him!
Ikuna slowly settles himself down to the ground. That was his nap that got interrupted before, after all! He nods agreement with Ahiga - yeah, finally he decides to actually play boys vs. girls like he's supposed to. At least he and Ahiga are allied in their fussing over Tala. At the question of the bird, he gives a little snort. Birds aren't all bad, of course. But... hrmph.
Dawn still doesn't look at anyone. "Why indeed? But she's right, she's right; there's no point asking when there's so much to lose. I mean, it's not like anyone could ever surprise you..." She puffs up and sighs chortlingly. "Hum, ho."
Tala glowers up at the bird a few moments and soon looks to Ahiga and huffs out. "Oh quiet you." She says and even nips at his cheek a moment. "I'll make sure Hadir will get plenty of rest." Yes it'll all be for Hadir! A ear twitches to the bird and she sends a glance towards Ikuna and then Ahiga seeming unsure what else to say to the bird.
Ahiga glowers at the bird, annoyed, though it's more at her final statement than anything else. "Yeah. Lovely answer, bird," he says dismissively before he lays his head down on his paws. "Went huntin', but didn't get anything this morning. I'll try again later today, bring somethin' back for us," he promises, words interrrupted by a wide, fang showing yawn.
Ikuna nods to Ahiga. "We can hunt while we travel, too. During the rest periods, or... scouting along to the sides. We've got the river to follow, so... it's not like we'll lose each other." A bare hint of smile, for that. How handy it is that Cerulean has chosen to live near a convenient landmark like that. The other male's yawn is contagious, and he echoes it.
Dawn goes on quietly to herself, "No wolf-friend, no broken wing, no ground-dweller I, surely not. What profit? when they're all so dear, all our little dugout holes; no, we'd lose too much to give them up after all our sweat." She trickles off into near-silence, still talking to herself.
Dawn at length takes wing and flies west.
Tala peers after the bird and shakes her head slightly before she looks back to Ikuna. "At least its leaving." She says with a faint huff. "I'd be morethen glad to get back to hunting. To long have I not followed a scent and found something.." A faint snort escapes her.
"Good Tala. So when you're better, you can do all the huntin' for us," Ahiga says, snickering playfully as he lays his head down, resting it slightly against her leg. Seems as if the near disaster of losing lives has made him realize that...hey, time can be short, and if he's going to enjoy Tala's company and show affection, there's no need to hide that, for who knows when their time is up? Ikuna's returned yawn makes him grin. "Let's rest up. /If/ we do leave soon, we're gonna need all our energy.." And he's pooped from his hunting attempt!
Ikuna nods to Tala. "As soon as you can go a full day without coughing, I'll be glad to have you hunting with us again." A heh, at Ahiga's comment. "Or for us. Either way." At the mention of sleep, he nods again. "Yeah, that's -" yawn "- a good idea."
Tala smiles as she looks down to Ahiga, a soft murmur escaping her and she sets her head down against his neck, snuggling close to him. She rather enjoys the attention from him, there was the chance that one of them could have died, an then Ahiga could have left.. Yes many things could have happened. A ear twitches to Ikuna and she takes in a breath with a faint huff escapes her. "Right no coughing.. Sleep sounds good 'bout now." She's been sleeping so much thanks to her sickness one would think she would be tired of it, only proves she's still not fully well.
"Yup. For us," reiterates Ahiga, grinning. His eyes slide closed after that. It's been .. a good day. A new friend who may stick with them. Health is returning, lowly but surely. And they have somewhat of a plan that hopefully will be executed soon. They have to move. The longer they lnger, the more likely it is that if any dogs /have/ been sent after them, they'll be found. But for now, Ahiga allows himself to relax and drift off, his mind blissfully going numb with sleep.