What of Cerulean?

[Pavane]

Tala - female wolf
Ikuna - male wolf
Ahiga - male wolf
Althaea - female juvenile wolf

Jatya - female adolescent dog

---Waterfall Pool---

It is a lovely spring day! An Tala is making her way out from the waterfall cave, she has been staying with Wachiwa to do whatever she possible can for her and the puppies that have made it. Her blue gaze slowly shifts over the area and she takes in a soft breath as she moves further out, pausing to give herself a good shake to get some of the water spray off from her in the process. She then settles down to her haunches, tail curling at her side as she lifts her gaze upwards towards the sky, merely watching it for a few moments.

Since the birth of the puppies, Ikuna has... been away, mostly. Once, it was to carry limp dead pup-bodies away to the mountainside, where he buried them under rocks carefully pushed together to make a funeral pile. The rest of the time... he doesn't have much excuse for. He's been hunting, for some of it; hares and mice and other small animals appear to be eaten - are even brought into the cave, from time to time, but he's been gone more than that accounts for. Wasn't he the one who talked about being supportive? About accepting the pups? There's more to that than just dropping off food... as he's doing now, carrying two squirrels. They knock together, limp and dead, as he pads toward the waterfall.

Whether or not Ahiga knows that Wachiwa's pups have arrived is questionable, as his scent in the cave isn't strong, hinting that he hasn't spent much time within it. Maybe it's the noise of the falls reverberating through his head that makes the place less than enjoyable for him. Maybe it's that he doesn't like being holed up. He didn't spend too much time in the den at home either if he could help it. Whatever the reason, behind the falls is not a place that Ahiga is usually found, and most of his time has been spent chattnig with others outside of the cavern, or, much like Ikuna hunting. Or scouting. Scouting is what he's been up to now. Walking about with a purpose, looking around. Not hunting. Just...walking. And now he's walking back to the roar of the falls, looking more or less relaxed, if not thoughtful. His ears erect themselves through, seeing movement. Ikuna, with food. He hasn't seen him in a while, which is kinda odd. And Tala, who is looking like her usual self. He chuffs out a noise in greeting.

Tala ears slowly perk while she looks to Ikuna, a faint smile offered to him and she nods slightly while taking in a breath. Her gaze turns to Ahiga and her tail slowly sways while she shifts up onto her paws and moves over to where he is, a chuff offered back as she smiles a bit more. Once near him she bumps her head into his shoulder glad to see him it would seem. "Hey.." Is offered softly.

Ikuna lifts his head at Ahiga's greeting, and gives a nod that's about what he can manage with his mouth full. He continues on, and sets down the squirrels on a flat bit of ground, licking out the fluffy tails from his mouth. "Heya," he says, looking from sister to Ahiga and back again.

Ahiga returns Tala's greeting, lightly grinning as his head is bumped to her shoulder in return. "I bet you don't even need anymore've that..rotwort stuff, do you?" He's sure it wasn't called "rotwort" but that's the closest thing he can think of! He watches Ikuna set down his kills, and huhs a bit. "Funny. I was jus' talkin' to Althaea about teachin' her to hunt somethin' bigger than mice. Squirrels popped in my mind." He pauses with a chuckle, then lifts a brow to his longtime friend. "Where've you been hidin' at?"

Tala smiles and chuckles as she hears Ahiga. "Naw.. I think i'm ok without it now." She offers while she just leans against him, her head settled against his shoulders for a moment. Seems she's just happy that he is back. Her gaze turns over Ikuna watching her brother and can guess rather well what is bothering him. She takes in a soft breath and closes her eyes, a few of the same things most likely on her mind as well.

"Only barely," says Ikuna with a laugh. "They're like mice with another mouse entirely of fluff in the tail." He grins, then sighs a little and looks away at the question. "Just... around. Hunting. Looking for Cerulean. I found some of their scents, but... further north than I'd expected." A frown, as he wonders if something's happened to the other pack.

"Well...I didn't say /how/ much bigger," Ahiga admits with a snicker. "I figure we'll work our way up to rabbits. Squirrels are ... squirrely, anyway. If she can catch one've /them/, gettin' a rabbit with be nothin' to it." Ah it seems as if he has taken up the task of educating the youth of Ute (well...one of the two youths, anyway) on the art of hunting! It's a good way to keep busy and keep his mind the same way. As Tala leans against him, he lightly noses her though does nothing to discourage the touch. "You alright?" he asks, gently, then somwhat frowns at Ikuna's report. "Yeah, I haven't scented too much've them either. Not around these parts, anyway." A pause. "Maybe they move with the seasons? Hunting may be better up north in the spring 'n summer."

Tala smiles at the talk of the squirrels while she settles to her haunches next to Ahiga. "i'm alright." Is offered softly as she glances over to Ikuna at the talk of the other pack, a faint frown seen. "That's not good.. An that dog was there with them when Ahiga and I left.." What if the pack got to there friends?

Ikuna nods to Ahiga. "Next time we go for a deer, we should take her along. Just to watch." Whenever that is... with the difficulties of the pack, when /will/ be the next time they're all willing to leave together on a hunt? Sigh. At the further discussion of Cerulean, he nods. "Maybe." He sounds unconvinced... but the other wolf could be right. It's no use worrying until they have reason to do so. Like, say... that dog with them. His frown deepens, looking out across the forest's edge.

Ahiga doesn't seem overly convinced by Tala's 'I'm alright' remark, but he doesn't push it. If she wants to talk about something...er, ok so possibly he'll have to drag it out of her, but this particular moment doesn't seem to be that time. So he merely nods, centering his thoughts upon their Cerulean allies and hunting. Deer. Pft, he hasn't even allowed the word to cross his mind until now. It's /prime/ deer hunting season, but not alone. And right now...yeah. Hunting together seems out of the question, and thus it'll be rabbits, squirrel, and mice til further notice. "Heh. Saw a doe 'n fawn the other day. Would've been perfect. But there'll be others. Can't wait to leave this friggin' waterfall though," he comments, nose wrinkling. "Can't stand the noise, an' everything jus' smells wet all the time. Hard to find scents. Good an' bad, I know."

Tala may indeed tell Ahiga.. just /later/. Her stomach grumbles at the talk of deer and she takes in a soft breath. "Maybe we can try to go hunting for one later?" She questions before sending a glance towards the waterfall. "Oh.. its not that bad. At least it helps hide our scent to some degree." You know from wandering evil dog packs..

Jatya is in a good mood today; the young female dog emerges from the northern forest with her tail curled up over her back and her head carried high. She's grown familiar with this land - and there'll be fish again soon! Even better, most of the Cerulean wolves don't seem to come down this far lately, so it's kind of turned into her and Anoki's private spot. Maybe she'll find him here now - that's certainly part of why she's in this good mood. She's also not paying much attention to her surroundings, or else she'd notice the wolves here - the strange, unknown wolves here. A life in the woods does not the instincts of a wild creature make.

"There'll be others," says Ikuna with a nod. He hmms, considering. "Later... Maybe. I don't want to leave Chewy alone with... the pups," So why's he been absent so much lately? "-but this does seem like it's a pretty sa-" What's that? There's motion on the edge of the forest - a Cerulean wolf? No. It's a dog, one he's never seen before. Ikuna rises to his feet, his hackles rising along with a low growl.

Later. Yes, later. There's always later, right? It's not such a sure fact anymore, for who knows what tomorrow may bring? Or even tonight. Or in the next moment. Their lives were shattered on such a calm winter day, the calmness destroyed in seconds. Ahiga's thoughts are shaken away abruptly by a word that sours his expression. The pups? He can't help the lip-curling scowl that crosses his face, as his eyes do something close to a roll before turning away. When did that happen? There was a feeling in his gut the other day, but he wasn't sure just what... In sync with Ikuna, his attention turns at motion. He raises his head and ears, eyes flitting to a canine form. A dog. His growl threads with Ikuna's, throaty and rising in volume as he stands. She's familiar..vaguely, but she's dog and that's all that needs to be known. Dog is the enemy.

Tala is quiet as she hears Ikuna, mostly at the 'pup' comment her ears lowering a bit and she takes in a faint breath. She looks off, lost in thought that is until the new scent and soon form catches her attention. Her form shifts up onto her paws, blue gaze settled upon the dog that is there. A deep growl soon escapes her, lips pulled back to bare her fangs and her hackles raise. It takes her a few moments for the name to even come to her again. "Jatya.." Is stated with a thin tone while she shifts forward a few paces from Ahiga eyeing the female dog thinly. "You little cur.. You brought that pack of dogs with you when you came didn't you?" It's really more of a statement then actual question.

Jatya's steps slow as growls assault her ears. Her eyes grow wide, and that happily curled tail wilts rapidly, tucking down between her legs. Who's... wolves? Here? But - who are they? What are they doing here? Does Anoki know about this? Her ears droop sideways, an involuntary whine rising from her own throat as she takes in two growling wolves and a third who speaks. The ears perk briefly as her name is mentioned, but then... "W-what? Pack of - what are you talking about?" Her voice is a squeaking whine, her eyes wide as she shrinks backward, step by step.

A dog. Ikuna's gaze goes briefly to Tala when she speaks, a moment of surprise. She knows... is this that dog? His growl continues, and he shifts his own position - not to follow his sister, but to stand more fully between the waterfall and Jatya. All he actually says is, "Careful." That's meant for his sister - careful not to fall into any traps. His gaze moves from the lone visible dog, searching for signs of others.

Everyone has their position. Ikuna, keeping himself between the enemy and what must be their new, if not hopefully temporary home. Tala, the brave aggressor, advancing on Jatya. Ahiga himself does the same, keeping in step with Tala. He hasn't the time to loop around and move behind her, keeping Jatya beween himself and Tala. Plus, who knows what other dogs may be laying in wait. So he stays side by side with his fellow wolf, eyes revealing nothing but loathing. He hears Ikuna's word and quietly heeds it. "Don't play stupid, dog," he growls, teeth baring after the phrase. "You were the first. They came after. I knew the moment I laid eyes on you I should'a chewed you up an' spit you out. You might've fooled them, but not me."

Tala ears flick forward and back as she takes in all the sounds, her gaze narrowing as she watches the dog. "You even said that you had other dogs with you at one point." She states with a thin tone, deep growl echo's through her chest. Her form takes her slowly to the left as she eyes Jatya. "Where is Anoki and his sister.. Did the pack kill them and leave you to pull more wolves into there trap?" She is one pissed off wolf to say the least, hackles stiff and her form tense while she half snaps out towards Jatya, her teeth for the -moment- hit nothing but air. Leave it to Tala to be the aggressor all the way.

Jatya looks from Ahiga to Tala, and back again, her eyes growing wider by the moment. Why are the wolves so angry at her? What did she do wrong? They talk of others, of - other dogs? What? Fooled them... what? If Anoki was here, he'd tell them, he'd- She's just causing trouble here. That wheeldog-wolf was right. She doesn't belong here. "Anoki?" she asks, in a whine. This female - is she supposed to be his mate? A proper wolf mate, not - not her? The dog whimpers, then yelps as Tala bites for her. Better Anoki isn't here - better she isn't here, either! Tail between her legs, ears plastered back to her head, Jatya turns and flees for her very life!

Ikuna keeps his guarding stance, looking at the dog, at his packmates, at the surroundings. Tala and Ahiga can deal with this one. They seem to know her, after all... and now is not the time for introductions and quiet chats. The other two will take care of her. He'll make sure no others sneak up during the distraction.

This dog isn't saying much. That's just dandy with Ahiga who has no further use for words anyway. Anger replaces any deire to find out any information from her. An anger that fuels itself to rage. They just got here. The fragile sence of normalcy just beginning to show itself. And the face of a dog merely reminds them, or at least him, of all things terrible. And so it is easy for him to give chase when she runs, wanting to fulfill the desire to bring him, much harm and much pain, to this dog who, by being a dog, is guilty of an awful crime. He snaps at her, teeth gnashing, though he's far enough behind that he merely snaps at nothing. But that doesn't stop the terrible sounds from erupting from his throat. Vicious snarls. Rabid growls. All made as he chases.

Tala snarls as she shifts forward and is soon following after Ahiga and the fleeing dog.. She won't go /that/ far but she won't leave Ahiga to do this on his own either! An so the chases starts.. WHO will win the race?

Jatya flees from the snarling wolves, the growling dogs! She lowers herself to the ground, whining out with every breath, her ears flitting back to hear the sounds of their angry pursuit. What did she do? If only Anoki - no, Anoki shouldn't even get involved! Who knows what these wolves might do to him? They sound crazy. She shouldn't have been here in the first place! On she flees, sometimes stumbling, sometimes starting to fall behind, but always managing to pick herself up, to get that fear-given burst of speed to keep going until the ferocious wolves finally stop pursuing her and fall back. After that... Jatya runs a little further.

Ikuna stays behind, guarding what makeshift place has become the closest thing Ute has to a den. He will wait here until his friends return, anxious to see them again. He will watch the trees for other dogs. That hunt for deer won't be coming anytime soon, now.

The chase is on and the chase continues. Two enraged wolves seeking revenge by doing what they can to this dog. And so they don't relent. They could go on for a while. It's how they hunt. Run and wear down their prey, then go in for the kill. But they are not pacing themselves, and they don't have the luxury of going for as long as they want. They can't stray too far from their waterfall...home. They growl, they snarl, they taunt, they rave...but they do not catch. They can't chance going too far, and thus they don't. Both wolves return some time later, both looking disgruntled. Tala is so much so that she returns to the cavern without so much as a word. Ahiga lingers behind, a stormcloud. His head is held down, ears still slicked back, as he approaches Ikuna.

Ikuna has kept his post, sitting near the cave - pacing when he can't sit still. He's been waiting and watching. His ears perk up when Tala and Ahiga return. He looks over both of them, checking for injuries but finding none. He nods, letting out a slight sigh of relief, then watching as Tala disappears. "Find anything?" he asks Ahiga, though... those expressions seem to indicate otherwise.

Watching the falls can get rather boring, infact it gets old pretty fast when its just you and a bunch of sleepers. That was at least an hour ago. Having decided to not leave the general area, to much anyway, Althaea has circled around and even climbs the cliffside of the waterfall just to see where all the water was coming from. At the top she hoped to see something amazing but is disappointed seeing just a river. Watching the falls now from a new perspective, the actions below come to her attention, watching Ahiga and Tala run off and then return some time later. What was going on there she wondered.

"Nah.." replies Ahiga with a snort, agitation still prickling his spine. "We checked around an' didn't smell any other dogs. Jus' her scent." Does that mean she's alone? Ahiga's not betting on it, and he paces in front of the cavern, unable to keep still. "Didn't catch her an' she's damn lucky. She's the same dog I saw with Cerulean when Tala was here. I knew somethin' wasn't right with'r, but Anoki wasn't hearin' it. He was talkin' and laughin' with her like she was jus' another...wolf." He scowls and shakes his head. "But if she's here an' they aren't...I don't like what that might mean." Althaea's presence high above goes unnoticed.

Ikuna nods, listening to Ahiga's explanation, and considers on it. There are, allegedly, good dogs, but... all he's actually seen of the breed is that savage pack... and one braindead crazy one. Not much on which to build a reputation. "We'd better find them," he finally says. "Cerulean, and Anoki. We've been... hiding out in their territory, 'cause we figured they wouldn't mind, and we needed it. But... we need to find them, now. See if they're in the same shape as us. Figure out what we both have to do next."

Althaea could probably go without knowing what went down below her, plenty of other things to occupy herself with than some mangy dog. Stepping along the wet stones of the upper falls, she just barely makes it to the otherside without slipping and quite possiblity makeing the disastrous drop to the pool below. Looking back the way she came then back down to the base she lets out the breath she'd been holding during the crossing. Now looking for a way down she hums childishly with each step.

"Sh'yeah. If they've been attacked too..." Ahiga trails off, frowning. It's not a good thought. Cerulean was supposed to be a safe haven for now. If it's been infiltrated, then what? Move on to places unknown? Unfamiliar territories in which they'd be the trespassers? He pauses his pacing and sits abruptly just a few paces from Ikuna. "It's true? Wachiwa had...them?" A glance to the cavern, and a slight, very brief wrinkle of his nose is seen. "Then she can't go anywhere, can she? Even if we /had/ to move. If that dog is part of that pack or another pack that's here an' is off tellin' them all where we are right now, we'd still be stuck."

Yeah, the other options don't look good. They're trespassers here, of course, but at least they know this pack. They've got /friends/ in this pack. Ikuna frowns, considering on it... then perks his ears at Ahiga's question, and nods. "She did," he answers, then hmms. "No. We can. There's only two of them that lived. If we really need to... we can carry them. We'll be slow, but... we can." The small, weak pups will need frequent feeding, and might die of exposure even so.

Still oblivious to the conversation at hand, the young she-wolf has found a path leading down though parts of it dont look to be easy going. Keeping her footing the best way possible, she makes it most of the way down before a rock slides beneath her and she collapes with a yelp, following after in a not so graceful manner, snapping twig and the like along the way. Hitting the bottom, Althaea is sprawled out and looking quite the mess. Taking a long moment to pick herself up she groans highly disappointed in herself.

Only two out of .... how many? Ahiga isn't about to ask. The curiosity is just a fleeting thing before he remembers that it doesn't really matter how many of them there are or were to be. The ideal number would be zero in both cases. As for who the 'we' are that would be carrying them? Pft. Also isn't asked, for that would be cause for argument. /He/ isn't carrying either one of them. If he had his way, he'd go through the rest of his life without ever laying eyes on the monstrosities. "Alright so. Lookin' for Cerulean. I'm willin' to go. I know splitting up isn't the best idea, but.." Blink. A commotion somewhere above catches his attention, and he glances up, seeing Althaea's tumble. "Woah.. You ok?"

We, in that case... probably means Wachiwa and Ikuna, or perhaps Tala. He wouldn't ask Ahiga; the other wolf has made his feelings clear enough. Ikuna's made his one demand there, and it does /not/ include carrying the half-dog pups. Just... tolerating them. At Ahiga's offer to depart, he frowns... but after a moment's consideration, he nods along as the other wolf speaks. They can't all go, and so... that leaves splitting up. They'll- hmm? He looks to the source of the noise as well, watching Althaea.

Giving herself a once more, nothing was immediately wrong other than the fact it was going to take forward to clear out all the mud thats words its way into her coat from the fall. Looking up upon hearing Ahiga's voice she looks sheepish but says, "Uh.. yea." pawing at the ground making sure it wasn't going anywhere dispite it not being flat. Looking briefly back up the incline she snorts then begins her way to the pool joining those there.

Ahiga watches Althaea a bit longer, making sure that no broken bones are evident. That's just what they /don't/ need. Another injured wolf. But she seems alright. Up and walking, if not a bit slowly, towards them. His eyes return to Ikuna. "Like I said, I'll go. I know where they /were/,at least when I last came here, an' if their scent's still there, I can track'm. 'd better if we both'd go, but I dunno if we should risk leavin' Tala and the rest here alone with...Grim and Brutal." He frowns a bit, tail thumping the ground once. "Or you can go, an' I'll stay. Whichever, it doesn't really matter much to me. But that dog comin' here like that is shaking me up."

Ikuna watches Althaea for a moment, then looks back to Ahiga as the other continues. He nods. "I think... I'd rather only one of us goes. We're..." He trails off a moment, then smiles slightly. "You're strong. We're weak here. We can't go sending all the strong wolves away at once." As for which of them should go... he's silent for a moment, then shrugs. "I don't think it much matters. We both know Anoki, and we've both met the alpha and beta there."

Close enough now to actually hear what their saying, she tries not to look to ashamed in herself for allowing the fall to happen as she steps up shaking her paws every few steps. "Go where?" Not that it mattered, she wasn't even hold enough to travel away from the den by herself let alone venture off to find some pack. Meeting up with the pool, 'Thaea looks at herself in its reflection. "Great." Without second thought she moves right into the pool hoping the mud just washes away.

Ahiga inhales and exhales a breath before he stands and moves to side beside Ikuna instead of infront of him. "You're strong too, Ikuna. We're strong in same ways 'n in different ways ... if that makes any sense." He wrinkles his nose and exhales again before leaning against his friend. "If the Cerulean are down, what are we gonna do? I want our lands back, but without them...without help we can't take on that many dogs. They weren't all good fighters, but there was jus' so friggin' many've 'em." An ear turns to Althaea, hearing her question before hearing teh splash of her entering the water. "To find our friends," he answers.

Ikuna hehs, and leans in against Ahiga warmly. "I know," he says. That's why either of them could go. He's not doubting himself (like that (right now)). There are far harder things to worry about. If Cerulean's gone down... "Even with them," he says after a moment. "Cerulean aren't really fighters. I mean... you know how Anoki is." He sighs, and just leans in for a long moment, half-closing his eyes. "I don't know what we do, really. Just... carry on?"

Althaea turns up from the water back to Ahiga and is first struck dumb. Her mind was more set of mud removal than exactly who was being indicated. Dropping herself to a wade, it takes her a moment before she practically 'ohs' lifting herself from the pool. "Maybe I could go with.. I mean what else am I going to do." Certainly not puppy duty; she hadn't the slightist clue what do to with one and she'd rather be learning the area and other stuff than sitting around being useless.

"Eh.." Ahiga can't even begin to imagine Anoki in a fight. He'd try to talk a dog to his senses. Make a very eloquent speech with valid reasoning and words one has to be a genius to decipher. Meanwhile, the dogs will be tearing him to shreds. ".. Even without them fightin', maybe all we need is just for the dogs to see a bunch've wolves. There was only you, me, an' Tala on the hill. They probably weren't all that scared knowin' how many they had comin behind them. But if we came at them with two wolf packs, jus' seein' us might be the thing to get them running." Maybe. He can hope, and he can certainly dream of that glorious day. "Carry on. New home. New territory...new alphas." Althaea's suggestion is heard, and the younger wolf is regarded with a light smile. "They'll need ya around here. Keep an eye on Hadir."

Ikuna frowns. Those dogs... didn't exactly seem the most reasonable sorts. More like mad dogs. If they come with overwhelming numbers... maybe the dogs will just come out and attack all those overwhelming wolves and find out just how soft and squishy they are. Brutal and Grim didn't give them pause, after all, even when those wolves combined with the three on the hill. "Maybe," he says, but his head is shaking a no as he says it. As for the carrying-on... he nods, then pauses at the mention of new alphas. That idea just seems to keep coming up, doesn't it? But... Shawnee still hasn't been found. Skahla's just one wolf, and a hurting one at that. So... who's leading this pack, anyway? He'll have to think on that sometime, but for now, there's Althaea's suggestion. Ikuna re-opens his eyes, and looks considering at the younger wolf. "There are plenty of other things you can do. Hunting mice is still useful, or learning from Chewy how to care for pups, or even just keeping watch so others can rest." After saying that, he smiles. "But. If you're not interested in any of those, perhaps you could go. /If/ you're going to listen to Ahiga and do what he says. This isn't a pleasure-trip. It's dangerous, and it may end up being unpleasant even once you find Cerulean."

Awe, that is so lame. If Althaea wasn't the tomboy kinda girl that she was, she'd pout. Watching her brother wasn't exactly the most exciting, they barely even spend time with each other now. Catching mice was to easy now... Then there was Wachiwa. Learning to care for pups wasn't to high on 'Thaea's list of things to do right now. Besides what would that accomplish if she couldn't even protect herself should something happen. Leaving the pool, she stands at it shore giving a shake to her coat; a damp fluff the result. Taking a seat she looks to the males and hmms. "I want to learn." Ahiga said he would teach her afterall. "I wanna help get our home back." She wanted to be strong so she could do that.

Who's leading this pack, indeed? How far and long can a pack go without a leader? Can a group of wolves successfully run themselves? Already there is discord amongst them with the arrival of the hybrid pups. Disagreement of whether they belong or if it would be better to let the spirits have them. An alpha would have the final word. His call would be the end of all discussion, all argument. Unfortunate, really, that Skahla has fallen as much as he has, for his final word could be useful right now. Ahiga sits up straighter now, listening to Ikuna while watching the once muddy Althea with a scrutinizing look on his face. If the Cerulean lands are dog free, it might not be bad to have company as he meanders on through. He slightly shifts his weight on his paws, taking a long moment to consider. "You'll have to do all the things Iask ya to do, got it? An' stay be me the /whole/ time. No wanderin' off."

Even if Skahla was here, now... would he be listened to? He's the alpha, yes - but what does that really mean? Ikuna and Skahla's father named Skahla alpha, but Hahtalekin has been dead for years, now. What weight do his words hold anymore? What weight do Skahla's? For now, Althaea speaks, and Ikuna watches her, listens to her - and to what Ahiga asks her in return. Somewhere in there, without any further discussion, it seems to have gone from the two males being equally suited - to Ahiga going and Ikuna remaining behind.

Althaea hides a smile in attempt to flatten her coat with a few licks here and there. She'd do what she had to but she really didn't see Ahiga as one to strict and orderly. Nonetheless he was the more experienced one and she'd follow his direction just to keep her life. Failing to proceed much with grooming, she looks to the ground tempted to roll in the dirt only to decide against it. Glancing back to Ahiga then Ikuna whos silence brings back to the other she nods. Its like she says the other day, "Your stuck with me.." Or was it that she was stuck with him. "I'll do what you ask, dont worry."

Sure, why not? She's already survived the attack, the running, the relocating. She's not a puppy and thus he wn't have to worry about "omg I'm tiiiired. I'm huuuungry. My paaaaaws hurt" whining (he hopes). And truth be told, it'd be a good experience for them both. Ahiga, to be responsible. Althaea, to learn basic survival skills. And hopefully, some diplomatic tips too, if the Cerulean in fact are still around. "Yeah, an' I'll remind you that you said that if you start givin' me mouth out there," he warns. "Leave you for the buzzards." He smirks before sliding onto his stomach to lay, keeping near Ikuna.

Ikuna watches Althaea as she promises to do what Ahiga says, then nods. "See that you do," he says, half-smiling at Ahiga's own retort. "This trip is grownup stuff. If you want to join that, you have to act like one." Which involves threats of buzzards? Yeah, why not. Ikuna leans down and noses at Ahiga's shoulder. "Don't forget to talk to Tala before you head out," he says quietly. Because oh boy does he not want to see his sister if she feels like Ahiga abandoned her! Bad enough he's leaving her behind, the least he can do is explain it first.

He didn't mean that did he.. leaving her out there for the buzzards. They were suppose to be friends.. Better watch what she says then should that really be the case. "You worry to much." This was a time of worry, however. She saw what happened at the den and knew why they were out here. Althaea just wanted to help and she'd sacrifice her own childhood to see that she does. She just hoped she doesn't regret that decision in the future. Keeping eye on the two a while longer, she looks away and back to the pool. Alot was going to change for her soon and honestly, she had no idea if she was even ready for it.

"Pfff. You'd think I'd leave without sayin' soemthin' to Tala an' have her bite /your/ head of because've me?" Ahiga snickers. "What kind've friend would I be then? The worst kind. Nah...I'm not gonna go anywhere without tellin' her about it first. If I did that...I'm pretty much askin' to get ripped open when I...we get back," he amends, looking to his traveling partner, Althaea, for a minute. Let's hope neither one of them regrets this sudden decision! Quietly, he lays his head down, content to be near his friend, as if this was any other lazy day in their past history where time could be spent enjoying the company of friends without worry. "We'll start tomorrow. The day after at the latest. If there are dogs coming after us, I don' want to give'm too much time to catch up before I'm even outta here." His eyes slip closed now, and he grows quieter.

The worstest of kinds of friend. Ikuna and Ahiga would both be so dead. But! Ahiga is smarter than that, and Ikuna chuckles slightly and nods to him. "Good," he says, then nods again as Ahiga plots out a plan of departure. "Be careful out there, both of you. If you can't find them within a few days... come back, and we'll try again. Say... hmm. The moon's near full now. Come back before it's gone all the way dark." ...and hopefully that isn't some sort of omen for how things will turn out.

Althaea would pretty much just listen now, flicking her ears every which direction till their voices fade and her thoughts took over. She looked like a statue draped over the water waiting for time to wither her spirits. It would take time however, to wear this wolf thin of all she had. In a moments time, she turns from the pool and moves closer to the cave, where she settles down to a lay.

Before the moon gets dark. That should be enough time to find Cerulean and inform them of their presence. Possibly get some help. Hopefully not find a bunch of dismembered wolf bodies scatterd in a pool of blood, surrounded by the stink of dogs. Ahiga sighs a slow breath throug his nose, before opening his eyes, erasing the gruesome image. "I promise to be back before then. If we're not, something's wrong." But enough has gone wrong already. The spirits /must/ be tired of their games by now, yes? "I'll talk to Tala tomorrow, an' we'll leave. Thae, stick with me tomorrow so you don' get left behind. We don't have time to waste." He closes his eyes then. Trip tomorrow means get a good sleep today.