Post by Kvatch on May 20, 2012 3:44:50 GMT -5
| Brutal, a male wolf |
| Althaea, a female juvenile wolf |
Waterfall Pool
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The days spent around the falls have passed without a single glimpse of the dark shadow that is Brutal, not that such a thing would be of enough consequence to be noticed in the first place, and should his absence pass into thought, Brutal would imagine among the collective of wolves, it would be with a good riddance. Especially on account of the confrontational exchange he departed on, a minor disagreement in his own opinion, but these days, that doesn't seem to amount to much either. Maybe he has spent too much time in ill mannered company with Grim's less than diplomatic habits rubbing off on him? Isn't it the older brother who is suppose to be the bad influence? Whatever the reason, Brutal's return is not one of a gallant leader, but more of a lone wanderer who has become a stranger to himself. With his head slung low, the large wolf makes his way toward the sound of the cascading falls, his stride slow and ambling and his thoughts following even more slowly behind. It isn't until he closes in on the area and the path becomes a bit more challenging that Brutal even bothers to lifts his head and focus his attention, though when it does, it is will only minor interest. Yellow eyes survey the slippery path behind the falls, then adjust to take in the surrounding terrain, which gains a tired sigh from the massive male and he promptly flops back onto his thick haunches and just..stares. Stares at the rocks. Stares at the rushing water. Stares at the sunlight dancing off the surface of the pool below.
Since last night, the young female Ute hasn't been to active, her spot on the stone perch of the falls growing cold only once with her departure to find food. Selfish enough to find something just for herself, 'Thaea show a bit of responsiblity by bringing back something found already dead and two mice. Placing them near the cave entrance the not quite yet adol leaps back upon her perch, though this time sitting upon it in a rather bored watch. Before it can regain its warmth however, she steps down and makes for the pool. At its shore, she turns her gaze back to the sleepers she left behind wondering exactly when Ahiga was deciding to set out today. Patence a virtue she's failed at more times than she'd admit to, the pup hums to no particular beat as she looks to herself upon the waters then diggering her head to rid a thirst. Watching the ripples from her tongue spread toward the center the hint of a smile crosses her lips upon lifting her head. A moments facination. The roar of the falls the dampness it brings to the air leaves the young she-wolf oblivious of the much larger male down the path for the time being.
Between a lack of interest and his own distant thoughts, it was easy to overlook the gangly figure of the growing juvenile, though Althaea's presence soon takes focus in Brutal's staring gaze when the ripples sent from her lapping tongue cause the light he had been watching to suddenly flicker strangely. Triangular ears rotate forward to crest high atop Brutal's furry head, while his eyes narrow down a fraction to discern familiarity in the youth. In the short time he's spent among the wolves of Ute, he knows the young female as one of their own, but her name passes out of memory. Likely, it was never learned in the first place, but such a thing is easy to rectify. It helps that she is young, for with a ease the nature of his upbringing never affords him with adults, Brutal rises up to make a slow approach toward the juvenile. Lifting his head to carry it level with his broad shoulders, his hulking figure is pursued by a gently wagging tail, which doesn't quite stop even when he does, coming to stand a short distance from the female. "'Alone, one cannot change the world, but like ripples across the water, it only takes one to start them." His gravely voice sounds softly, the inflection of his words spoken from someplace in the past. Brutal is quick to return to the present though, offering the young she-wolf a smile, "At least, that is what I was told."
This waiting thing was tough. She was running out of things to do that she hadn't done already. Looking up the falls, she could climb back up it and do the impossible, but that'd be stupid. A sigh escaping her, 'Thaea just fixes on just returning to where she started, the rocky perch. But as she turns she is stopped by the sudden appearance of the wolf she failed to see earlier. Ears back she looks at him and get the feeling she has seen him someplace before. Thinking back, no real names come to mind to place upon the male, but she does recall seeing him at the hill. With no idea what he is talking about she takes a few step back, not out of fear or the fact Brutal was a stranger to her, but due to his sheer size. Althaea was no small wolf herself but her age tells a lot. "I remember you." Breaks the girls lips when she stops. "And what do you mean by it only takes one?" Just talking to this wolf breaks all she's been taught but whats she going to do, ignore him? Thats going to work in her favor reaaal well. She doesn't turn her back to the wolf till she knows what he's here for and even then she doesn't.
It is not Brutal's intention to alarm the youth, so even as Althaea turns towards him, he makes no movement to shorten the gap between them. At least until he detects signs of ease, which as of current, are nowhere to be seen. Her solid resolve but cautious nature impresses him, but he also knows that she is still young and is just now learning first hand of what frightful things abound in this world. Things no longer made of myth or legend or told in stories, but things of flesh and blood and cruel intentions. Yellow eyes continue to observe her, letting her take that small retreating step away, for whatever means it is taken. Her initial remark is unexpected, causing Brutal to tilt his shaggy head in a curious fashion, the rare expression of pleasant surprise caught upon
his scarred face, "You..you do?" He chuckles a soft note, shaking off his wonderment in the process, which allows him to consider her question. His dark grizzled muzzle creases with a quiet smile and he gestures with a small toss of his snout toward the pool's surface, which has settled once more. "Well, I mean just that. For example..." he says, thick heavy paws carrying him toward the waters edge and up next to the youth, though the speed of his movement is still done gingerly, so as to allow her the freedom to counter and move away in turn. "I am just one wolf. One ripple. And this pool of water, well, it is like the world. I can't change things my myself, but if I start that change, it spreads into many ripples." As he says this, Brutal gently lifts a paw to stretch it out to the edge of the water, where he lightly taps the surface with his large toe. The effect, of course, sends ripples out across the water, starting small and then growing wide.
Althaea really can't say she thought the world a myth or legend, it was more a mystery yet to be discovered. She was always to young to learn what was out there and though she is still young she's been given the chance to see it all first hand. Whether she was ready for it was unknown but she'd stand tall and endure the hardship that would surely come along with it. As his eye continued to watch her, so did hers upon him and as if she expected his quandry over her remark, she smiles. "At the hill. I saw you from the den." The attempts he made to ensure their home would remain theirs- the failure that was the end, though not there to witness it. In a way she dispised the wolf for not trying harder. Watching him even now in his approach to the pool she fares well in spot, holding it long to see his example of change. "So the actions of one may affect the actions of another." Whats that have to do with her..
And whether those hardships are violent dogs, harsh winters, or cruel famines from water or food, at the moment Brutal is fairly sure that the maturing juvenile would indeed stand fast and perhaps not only endure the hardships, but challenge them to do their worst. Yet such things can time only truly tell, for Brutal can no longer recall if his spirit burned perhaps as resolutely as this when he was young, before life inflicted her lessons upon her pupil, full of injustice and retribution. The massive wolf does not know what contempt the youth harbors for his failure, though she surely is not the first, nor will she be likely the last. For the moment, Brutal just lets himself exist in the moment, unconcerned with appearances or impressions, uncaring for the moment what the juvenile should make of him. As Althaea voices her recognition of him, the dark wolf merely sounds a quite grunt of acknowledgement, choosing first to address her interpretation. Which, as it were, causes him to smile a bit and dip his head in a nod of confirmation. "Right you are. And it is well to always remember that, but also known, that you are not the only one who can cause ripples." His smile continues for a moment, though falters into a quiet frown, "And yes, I was there." He says nothing more on the matter now, and while it does nothing to take away the presence of his seer size, Brutal eases himself down to his stomach, coming to rest squarely at the edge of the pool with both forepaws touching the water's bank. "My name is Brutal. What may I call you?" he asks, though his gaze is turned back out to the sunlight dancing on the surface.
Althaea was a quick thinker, but not always the wisest when it comes to them. She stood before the wolf closer than she would of thought to let herself, but there was nothing about her that shows she regrets being near him or even that there was something to fear. Seems brawn can be misleading. Keeping her mind open that, at anytime, a number of the pack could show up and voice their opinion of the wolf and advise her she's in the the wrong, she takes in what is said and nods. Ear swiveling up from her head to his response on her recognition of his presences at the hill, she hmms. She should thank him for being there, but what would be the point? Nothing said to continue that portion of the conversation, she follows his gaze out toward the pool and the lights that danced on its surface. "Althaea." She answers, taking a seat and wraping her tail around her left haunch.
A gentle mmm rumbles low in Brutal's vocally savaged throat, sounding more like a purr than the actual thoughtful note of consideration for which it implies. For a moment longer, the burly male just stays watching that dancing light, turning to look upon the grown juvenile only when the sound of her settling is captured in his ears. He finds her doing as much as himself, letting it be her turn to stare upon the water's surface and perhaps to notice the tiny number of rainbows that dance across the misty spray above, the spring breeze through the budding trees directing the rays of light in their performance. Brutal purrs another sound of thought, though this one is accompanied by a curious arching of his brows, "You know any songs or poems, Althaea?" A strange question perhaps, but it leaves the big wolf smiling a touch, though the expression is glimpsed more at the corner of his eyes than his grizzled and ripped muzzle.
Althaea's eyes followed the ribbons of light over the water- a thing of beauty really. The sound of thought emitting from Brutal pulls her gaze from the light and to the wolf, an action that shifts the girls position. She can't say she was ever taught such things, but there was always what she heard. "I dont know any personally." She tells him, turning away back to the dancing lights and then the trees where the wind blows. "Though I sometimes listen to the ones sung by the birds.." It had been a while since she last heard their songs though. "What of you. Do you know any?" It seemed an odd question to ask one like Brutal, but even the unexpected can surprise you.
Brutal's interest remains steady, resting casually upon the merging adolescent that has settled down near him. And while his gaze hardly holds the usual intensity more often found there, it is still with a strange sort of regard that Brutal continues to watch her, ears flicking to the rise and fall of her voice. Her answer brings him to shrug his brows in a subtle manner, with the massive male enacting something of disappointment and a quietly uttered, "Ahh. Pity." He falls silent as Althaea goes on though, letting the wolf girl speak and offering a small nod to show that she still has his attention, even as he too lets his gaze return to the flickering sun light and falling mist. "Bird songs are nice and cheery. And helpful. For never does a merry robin or happy little blue bird sing in ill company. Always remember that, Althaea." Brutal turns to smile at her, caring not if she's looking to see it or not, though the glance is fleeting in itself, with his thick muzzle lifting and yellow eyes shifting skyward now. "And I know a few. Mostly silly things from when I was your age. My brother ,Grim, knows many more, but his songs are rather...lewd..and bawdy..and not made for young she-wolves." he chuckles lowly, leaning ever so slightly in Althaea's direction to playfully whisper, "Or anyone else for that matter." Straitening himself back up, Brutal hrms a thoughtful sound, one of recollection, "Lets see..Ah! I know one.." he exclaims gently, beaming a smile toward the female, before narrowing his eyes a bit, "But...you have to promise not to laugh, okay?"
Times like this could use a good bit of harmony that fits the mood, but when you got nothing what is there? The only sound these days was the pounding roar of the falls and the subtle complaint of ones worry that managed to break through the tremor. Tail bouncing idly to one side, she take in a breath, holding it for a few moments then releasing it. Gaze shifting to the wolf now, who's words are met with a soft smile. See, he's not all brute- talking of birds. Holding in a faint laughter,'Thaea nods, catching the smile given to her and she seemly returns it with yet another of her own. Watching him, her interest is peaked by Brutal knowing a few songs and possibly poems. Who'd of thought right? Holding her stance as he leans in to whisper, she smirks. Having only seen Grim and not actually met him, she takes the wolf's word for it. Straightening her own self out she suddenly looks rather anxious that he was going to sing.. or something, bouncing from one paw to the other in a swaying manner. Patiently waiting however, she head shakes, "I wont. Promise." She just won't laugh outward, inside it'll be a party.
Brutal makes a deliberate show of doubt, letting his mock suspicion been seen by the way he squints his yellow eyes and peers carefully at her, keeping his head low, "All right.." he drawls out, still playing his role of distrust, voice rumbling in it's gravely tone a reminder "But remember, you promise." Inwardly of course, Brutal allows himself to take a pleasure not often afforded to rogues of his caliber, enjoying her anticipation bubbling beneath her quiet demeanor. Squaring his shoulders up, Brutal gives his throat a testing clear, ahem'ing a few times and giving her quick glances between each one. Curling one of his outstretched forepaws in to touch at he center of his broad chest, the burly male lofts his head high as he begins his poetry, though already the corners of his lips threaten to draw back into a grin. "If buttercups buzz'd after the bee, if fish were on land, and birds in the sea," as he says this, the paw at his chest gets extended out and up into the air, as if to mimic the spoken imagery. "If the hare invited the fox to the feast, and the sun rose in the west to sleep in the east." His muzzle follows the sweep of direction, his shoulder dropping with his paw as he leans further in Althaea's direction. "And if summer were spring and the other way round, then all the world would be upside down." With this line, the large male is laid over so far, that when the final verse is spoken, he is indeed just as it says, completely rolled upon his back and staring at the juvenile quite mirthfully, upside down.
A gentle breeze and mists spray against the young female, bringing a shiver down her spine; beads of water sticking to the ends of her coat creating a shimmer within the light. Eyes watching the wolf like a pup does to a bug for the first time, Althaea is quiet awaiting what is to come. Picking up his doubt in her she insists that her words are true. Ears dropping back to each the throat clearing, they go right back up, a bit amused by the actions he choses to present his poem with. Silly really. She does not laugh though, trying to block out the falls and tune into the wolf as he begins. Brutal's nexts actions make it hard to control herself. Such theatricals were worth laughing at but still she is silent, lifting a forepaw closest to him in reaction to the lean that brings the wolf to his back. Leaning in to look at him from above, she smiles.
Still sprawled out upon his back, the hulking male does strike quite the humorous spectacle, or perhaps shocking, should those who have witnessed Brutal being anything even remotely amusing happen upon the scene. It is something of a great secret though, his gentle nature hidden beneath the stoic mask, though it remains known to few and all but one of them is dead. Well, two of them now, for Althaea gets to unknowingly witness this good humor. At the sight of the young she-wolf's smile peering from above, Brutal's own lips crease with a warm grin and his yellow eyes squint up at her, "Well well, I do believe you shall be called Althaea, Keeper of Promise." Lolling his long thick tongue out the side of his large maw, the large male lets his paws rest against his skyward facing chest, haunches splayed as water droplets collect on his own ridiculously furry belly. Yellow eyes remain visible as he keeps his gaze situated on her, if a bit awkwardly with the angle. Grinning toothily, he suddenly lets his tongue flop out a bit further, "You cun lauff now."
Althaea's smile remains even as she pulls back, retaking to her haunches. What she just witness was the most amusing thing she's seen in a long time and honestly, she was unsure of how to act. Sure laughing would be the appropriate reaction but.. she couldn't find it in her to do so now that it was over. Picking up a paw and placing it right over the wolf's head, touching it even, she smirks. "Your secrets safe with me." Lifting that paw from his head, she makes an /x/ over her chest. "Cross my heart." As one of the few to actually know this secret she felt rather honored, special even. Gaze remianing on him she chuckles low.
Brutal chortles a lilting chuckle at the youthful female's oath of promise, which in turn finally brings Brutal back to some semblance of adulthood, with the massive wolf rolling back upright with a groan of effort. With his ears perked curiously forward, he smiles down at the she-wolf, "Cross your heart, hm? Loyalty must be negotiable these days. I used to have to hope to die. Never could have one without the other either." Drawing in a breath, Brutal pushes himself up to his great height, though the stiffness in which he does still suggest he is recovering from his fight with the dogs. Lowering his head down level with Althaea's, he extends his stout and recently, ugly scarred muzzle to ever so gently dab his tongue over the top of the juvenile's forehead, "Thank you for allowing me that bit of fun, and keeping my secret. Don't need these grown up kids thinkin' I'm a big push over." Still smiling, his thick plume of a tail wags quietly at his hocks, his voice deep and rugged, "And well met, Althaea, Keeper of Promise. Maybe you can whistle me a bird song next time, hm?" He doesn't really require an answer, or particularly expects one, but as casually as he came, Brutal turns and begins to move off, though in no great hurry. But as he goes, his baritone voice is heard as he begins a softly sing, the ragged sound of his throat lost in the floating melody, " I am the eagle, I live in high country, in rocky cathedrals that /reach to the sky!/. I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers, but while time is still turning, they soon will be dry. And all those who see me, and all who believe in me, share in the freedom I feel when...I...fly." As the words die away, his humming continues to be heard well until he is out of sight.
Althaea had not added, hoped to die, because well.. she didn't. Nonetheless she'd keep the secret of Brutal being a softy under all that brawn from the others. Giving the wolf room to stand, she takes a step back only to reclaim it when he reached all four. The dabble of his tongue over her head is a startling moment, but his thanking at its end give reason it was meant as a good thing. She'll wash it off in the pool later- or would she? Nodding to him, she smirks to the title he bestows on her then chuckles to the thought of her whistling some bird song to him next time as some sort of redeeming quality. He gave her a poem, she's to give a tune. Guess it was fair. "How about something better.." What she meant by that is left a mystery as she watches the burly wolf take his leave with a song in tow. She listened for as long as she could, before turning to the pool where the last of the dancing lights still caressed the waters. It turned out to be an interesting day, spent with a wolf she never intended to spend a moment with. Glad that she did, she heads toward the den, disappearing behind its wake.
| Althaea, a female juvenile wolf |
Waterfall Pool
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The days spent around the falls have passed without a single glimpse of the dark shadow that is Brutal, not that such a thing would be of enough consequence to be noticed in the first place, and should his absence pass into thought, Brutal would imagine among the collective of wolves, it would be with a good riddance. Especially on account of the confrontational exchange he departed on, a minor disagreement in his own opinion, but these days, that doesn't seem to amount to much either. Maybe he has spent too much time in ill mannered company with Grim's less than diplomatic habits rubbing off on him? Isn't it the older brother who is suppose to be the bad influence? Whatever the reason, Brutal's return is not one of a gallant leader, but more of a lone wanderer who has become a stranger to himself. With his head slung low, the large wolf makes his way toward the sound of the cascading falls, his stride slow and ambling and his thoughts following even more slowly behind. It isn't until he closes in on the area and the path becomes a bit more challenging that Brutal even bothers to lifts his head and focus his attention, though when it does, it is will only minor interest. Yellow eyes survey the slippery path behind the falls, then adjust to take in the surrounding terrain, which gains a tired sigh from the massive male and he promptly flops back onto his thick haunches and just..stares. Stares at the rocks. Stares at the rushing water. Stares at the sunlight dancing off the surface of the pool below.
Since last night, the young female Ute hasn't been to active, her spot on the stone perch of the falls growing cold only once with her departure to find food. Selfish enough to find something just for herself, 'Thaea show a bit of responsiblity by bringing back something found already dead and two mice. Placing them near the cave entrance the not quite yet adol leaps back upon her perch, though this time sitting upon it in a rather bored watch. Before it can regain its warmth however, she steps down and makes for the pool. At its shore, she turns her gaze back to the sleepers she left behind wondering exactly when Ahiga was deciding to set out today. Patence a virtue she's failed at more times than she'd admit to, the pup hums to no particular beat as she looks to herself upon the waters then diggering her head to rid a thirst. Watching the ripples from her tongue spread toward the center the hint of a smile crosses her lips upon lifting her head. A moments facination. The roar of the falls the dampness it brings to the air leaves the young she-wolf oblivious of the much larger male down the path for the time being.
Between a lack of interest and his own distant thoughts, it was easy to overlook the gangly figure of the growing juvenile, though Althaea's presence soon takes focus in Brutal's staring gaze when the ripples sent from her lapping tongue cause the light he had been watching to suddenly flicker strangely. Triangular ears rotate forward to crest high atop Brutal's furry head, while his eyes narrow down a fraction to discern familiarity in the youth. In the short time he's spent among the wolves of Ute, he knows the young female as one of their own, but her name passes out of memory. Likely, it was never learned in the first place, but such a thing is easy to rectify. It helps that she is young, for with a ease the nature of his upbringing never affords him with adults, Brutal rises up to make a slow approach toward the juvenile. Lifting his head to carry it level with his broad shoulders, his hulking figure is pursued by a gently wagging tail, which doesn't quite stop even when he does, coming to stand a short distance from the female. "'Alone, one cannot change the world, but like ripples across the water, it only takes one to start them." His gravely voice sounds softly, the inflection of his words spoken from someplace in the past. Brutal is quick to return to the present though, offering the young she-wolf a smile, "At least, that is what I was told."
This waiting thing was tough. She was running out of things to do that she hadn't done already. Looking up the falls, she could climb back up it and do the impossible, but that'd be stupid. A sigh escaping her, 'Thaea just fixes on just returning to where she started, the rocky perch. But as she turns she is stopped by the sudden appearance of the wolf she failed to see earlier. Ears back she looks at him and get the feeling she has seen him someplace before. Thinking back, no real names come to mind to place upon the male, but she does recall seeing him at the hill. With no idea what he is talking about she takes a few step back, not out of fear or the fact Brutal was a stranger to her, but due to his sheer size. Althaea was no small wolf herself but her age tells a lot. "I remember you." Breaks the girls lips when she stops. "And what do you mean by it only takes one?" Just talking to this wolf breaks all she's been taught but whats she going to do, ignore him? Thats going to work in her favor reaaal well. She doesn't turn her back to the wolf till she knows what he's here for and even then she doesn't.
It is not Brutal's intention to alarm the youth, so even as Althaea turns towards him, he makes no movement to shorten the gap between them. At least until he detects signs of ease, which as of current, are nowhere to be seen. Her solid resolve but cautious nature impresses him, but he also knows that she is still young and is just now learning first hand of what frightful things abound in this world. Things no longer made of myth or legend or told in stories, but things of flesh and blood and cruel intentions. Yellow eyes continue to observe her, letting her take that small retreating step away, for whatever means it is taken. Her initial remark is unexpected, causing Brutal to tilt his shaggy head in a curious fashion, the rare expression of pleasant surprise caught upon
his scarred face, "You..you do?" He chuckles a soft note, shaking off his wonderment in the process, which allows him to consider her question. His dark grizzled muzzle creases with a quiet smile and he gestures with a small toss of his snout toward the pool's surface, which has settled once more. "Well, I mean just that. For example..." he says, thick heavy paws carrying him toward the waters edge and up next to the youth, though the speed of his movement is still done gingerly, so as to allow her the freedom to counter and move away in turn. "I am just one wolf. One ripple. And this pool of water, well, it is like the world. I can't change things my myself, but if I start that change, it spreads into many ripples." As he says this, Brutal gently lifts a paw to stretch it out to the edge of the water, where he lightly taps the surface with his large toe. The effect, of course, sends ripples out across the water, starting small and then growing wide.
Althaea really can't say she thought the world a myth or legend, it was more a mystery yet to be discovered. She was always to young to learn what was out there and though she is still young she's been given the chance to see it all first hand. Whether she was ready for it was unknown but she'd stand tall and endure the hardship that would surely come along with it. As his eye continued to watch her, so did hers upon him and as if she expected his quandry over her remark, she smiles. "At the hill. I saw you from the den." The attempts he made to ensure their home would remain theirs- the failure that was the end, though not there to witness it. In a way she dispised the wolf for not trying harder. Watching him even now in his approach to the pool she fares well in spot, holding it long to see his example of change. "So the actions of one may affect the actions of another." Whats that have to do with her..
And whether those hardships are violent dogs, harsh winters, or cruel famines from water or food, at the moment Brutal is fairly sure that the maturing juvenile would indeed stand fast and perhaps not only endure the hardships, but challenge them to do their worst. Yet such things can time only truly tell, for Brutal can no longer recall if his spirit burned perhaps as resolutely as this when he was young, before life inflicted her lessons upon her pupil, full of injustice and retribution. The massive wolf does not know what contempt the youth harbors for his failure, though she surely is not the first, nor will she be likely the last. For the moment, Brutal just lets himself exist in the moment, unconcerned with appearances or impressions, uncaring for the moment what the juvenile should make of him. As Althaea voices her recognition of him, the dark wolf merely sounds a quite grunt of acknowledgement, choosing first to address her interpretation. Which, as it were, causes him to smile a bit and dip his head in a nod of confirmation. "Right you are. And it is well to always remember that, but also known, that you are not the only one who can cause ripples." His smile continues for a moment, though falters into a quiet frown, "And yes, I was there." He says nothing more on the matter now, and while it does nothing to take away the presence of his seer size, Brutal eases himself down to his stomach, coming to rest squarely at the edge of the pool with both forepaws touching the water's bank. "My name is Brutal. What may I call you?" he asks, though his gaze is turned back out to the sunlight dancing on the surface.
Althaea was a quick thinker, but not always the wisest when it comes to them. She stood before the wolf closer than she would of thought to let herself, but there was nothing about her that shows she regrets being near him or even that there was something to fear. Seems brawn can be misleading. Keeping her mind open that, at anytime, a number of the pack could show up and voice their opinion of the wolf and advise her she's in the the wrong, she takes in what is said and nods. Ear swiveling up from her head to his response on her recognition of his presences at the hill, she hmms. She should thank him for being there, but what would be the point? Nothing said to continue that portion of the conversation, she follows his gaze out toward the pool and the lights that danced on its surface. "Althaea." She answers, taking a seat and wraping her tail around her left haunch.
A gentle mmm rumbles low in Brutal's vocally savaged throat, sounding more like a purr than the actual thoughtful note of consideration for which it implies. For a moment longer, the burly male just stays watching that dancing light, turning to look upon the grown juvenile only when the sound of her settling is captured in his ears. He finds her doing as much as himself, letting it be her turn to stare upon the water's surface and perhaps to notice the tiny number of rainbows that dance across the misty spray above, the spring breeze through the budding trees directing the rays of light in their performance. Brutal purrs another sound of thought, though this one is accompanied by a curious arching of his brows, "You know any songs or poems, Althaea?" A strange question perhaps, but it leaves the big wolf smiling a touch, though the expression is glimpsed more at the corner of his eyes than his grizzled and ripped muzzle.
Althaea's eyes followed the ribbons of light over the water- a thing of beauty really. The sound of thought emitting from Brutal pulls her gaze from the light and to the wolf, an action that shifts the girls position. She can't say she was ever taught such things, but there was always what she heard. "I dont know any personally." She tells him, turning away back to the dancing lights and then the trees where the wind blows. "Though I sometimes listen to the ones sung by the birds.." It had been a while since she last heard their songs though. "What of you. Do you know any?" It seemed an odd question to ask one like Brutal, but even the unexpected can surprise you.
Brutal's interest remains steady, resting casually upon the merging adolescent that has settled down near him. And while his gaze hardly holds the usual intensity more often found there, it is still with a strange sort of regard that Brutal continues to watch her, ears flicking to the rise and fall of her voice. Her answer brings him to shrug his brows in a subtle manner, with the massive male enacting something of disappointment and a quietly uttered, "Ahh. Pity." He falls silent as Althaea goes on though, letting the wolf girl speak and offering a small nod to show that she still has his attention, even as he too lets his gaze return to the flickering sun light and falling mist. "Bird songs are nice and cheery. And helpful. For never does a merry robin or happy little blue bird sing in ill company. Always remember that, Althaea." Brutal turns to smile at her, caring not if she's looking to see it or not, though the glance is fleeting in itself, with his thick muzzle lifting and yellow eyes shifting skyward now. "And I know a few. Mostly silly things from when I was your age. My brother ,Grim, knows many more, but his songs are rather...lewd..and bawdy..and not made for young she-wolves." he chuckles lowly, leaning ever so slightly in Althaea's direction to playfully whisper, "Or anyone else for that matter." Straitening himself back up, Brutal hrms a thoughtful sound, one of recollection, "Lets see..Ah! I know one.." he exclaims gently, beaming a smile toward the female, before narrowing his eyes a bit, "But...you have to promise not to laugh, okay?"
Times like this could use a good bit of harmony that fits the mood, but when you got nothing what is there? The only sound these days was the pounding roar of the falls and the subtle complaint of ones worry that managed to break through the tremor. Tail bouncing idly to one side, she take in a breath, holding it for a few moments then releasing it. Gaze shifting to the wolf now, who's words are met with a soft smile. See, he's not all brute- talking of birds. Holding in a faint laughter,'Thaea nods, catching the smile given to her and she seemly returns it with yet another of her own. Watching him, her interest is peaked by Brutal knowing a few songs and possibly poems. Who'd of thought right? Holding her stance as he leans in to whisper, she smirks. Having only seen Grim and not actually met him, she takes the wolf's word for it. Straightening her own self out she suddenly looks rather anxious that he was going to sing.. or something, bouncing from one paw to the other in a swaying manner. Patiently waiting however, she head shakes, "I wont. Promise." She just won't laugh outward, inside it'll be a party.
Brutal makes a deliberate show of doubt, letting his mock suspicion been seen by the way he squints his yellow eyes and peers carefully at her, keeping his head low, "All right.." he drawls out, still playing his role of distrust, voice rumbling in it's gravely tone a reminder "But remember, you promise." Inwardly of course, Brutal allows himself to take a pleasure not often afforded to rogues of his caliber, enjoying her anticipation bubbling beneath her quiet demeanor. Squaring his shoulders up, Brutal gives his throat a testing clear, ahem'ing a few times and giving her quick glances between each one. Curling one of his outstretched forepaws in to touch at he center of his broad chest, the burly male lofts his head high as he begins his poetry, though already the corners of his lips threaten to draw back into a grin. "If buttercups buzz'd after the bee, if fish were on land, and birds in the sea," as he says this, the paw at his chest gets extended out and up into the air, as if to mimic the spoken imagery. "If the hare invited the fox to the feast, and the sun rose in the west to sleep in the east." His muzzle follows the sweep of direction, his shoulder dropping with his paw as he leans further in Althaea's direction. "And if summer were spring and the other way round, then all the world would be upside down." With this line, the large male is laid over so far, that when the final verse is spoken, he is indeed just as it says, completely rolled upon his back and staring at the juvenile quite mirthfully, upside down.
A gentle breeze and mists spray against the young female, bringing a shiver down her spine; beads of water sticking to the ends of her coat creating a shimmer within the light. Eyes watching the wolf like a pup does to a bug for the first time, Althaea is quiet awaiting what is to come. Picking up his doubt in her she insists that her words are true. Ears dropping back to each the throat clearing, they go right back up, a bit amused by the actions he choses to present his poem with. Silly really. She does not laugh though, trying to block out the falls and tune into the wolf as he begins. Brutal's nexts actions make it hard to control herself. Such theatricals were worth laughing at but still she is silent, lifting a forepaw closest to him in reaction to the lean that brings the wolf to his back. Leaning in to look at him from above, she smiles.
Still sprawled out upon his back, the hulking male does strike quite the humorous spectacle, or perhaps shocking, should those who have witnessed Brutal being anything even remotely amusing happen upon the scene. It is something of a great secret though, his gentle nature hidden beneath the stoic mask, though it remains known to few and all but one of them is dead. Well, two of them now, for Althaea gets to unknowingly witness this good humor. At the sight of the young she-wolf's smile peering from above, Brutal's own lips crease with a warm grin and his yellow eyes squint up at her, "Well well, I do believe you shall be called Althaea, Keeper of Promise." Lolling his long thick tongue out the side of his large maw, the large male lets his paws rest against his skyward facing chest, haunches splayed as water droplets collect on his own ridiculously furry belly. Yellow eyes remain visible as he keeps his gaze situated on her, if a bit awkwardly with the angle. Grinning toothily, he suddenly lets his tongue flop out a bit further, "You cun lauff now."
Althaea's smile remains even as she pulls back, retaking to her haunches. What she just witness was the most amusing thing she's seen in a long time and honestly, she was unsure of how to act. Sure laughing would be the appropriate reaction but.. she couldn't find it in her to do so now that it was over. Picking up a paw and placing it right over the wolf's head, touching it even, she smirks. "Your secrets safe with me." Lifting that paw from his head, she makes an /x/ over her chest. "Cross my heart." As one of the few to actually know this secret she felt rather honored, special even. Gaze remianing on him she chuckles low.
Brutal chortles a lilting chuckle at the youthful female's oath of promise, which in turn finally brings Brutal back to some semblance of adulthood, with the massive wolf rolling back upright with a groan of effort. With his ears perked curiously forward, he smiles down at the she-wolf, "Cross your heart, hm? Loyalty must be negotiable these days. I used to have to hope to die. Never could have one without the other either." Drawing in a breath, Brutal pushes himself up to his great height, though the stiffness in which he does still suggest he is recovering from his fight with the dogs. Lowering his head down level with Althaea's, he extends his stout and recently, ugly scarred muzzle to ever so gently dab his tongue over the top of the juvenile's forehead, "Thank you for allowing me that bit of fun, and keeping my secret. Don't need these grown up kids thinkin' I'm a big push over." Still smiling, his thick plume of a tail wags quietly at his hocks, his voice deep and rugged, "And well met, Althaea, Keeper of Promise. Maybe you can whistle me a bird song next time, hm?" He doesn't really require an answer, or particularly expects one, but as casually as he came, Brutal turns and begins to move off, though in no great hurry. But as he goes, his baritone voice is heard as he begins a softly sing, the ragged sound of his throat lost in the floating melody, " I am the eagle, I live in high country, in rocky cathedrals that /reach to the sky!/. I am the hawk and there's blood on my feathers, but while time is still turning, they soon will be dry. And all those who see me, and all who believe in me, share in the freedom I feel when...I...fly." As the words die away, his humming continues to be heard well until he is out of sight.
Althaea had not added, hoped to die, because well.. she didn't. Nonetheless she'd keep the secret of Brutal being a softy under all that brawn from the others. Giving the wolf room to stand, she takes a step back only to reclaim it when he reached all four. The dabble of his tongue over her head is a startling moment, but his thanking at its end give reason it was meant as a good thing. She'll wash it off in the pool later- or would she? Nodding to him, she smirks to the title he bestows on her then chuckles to the thought of her whistling some bird song to him next time as some sort of redeeming quality. He gave her a poem, she's to give a tune. Guess it was fair. "How about something better.." What she meant by that is left a mystery as she watches the burly wolf take his leave with a song in tow. She listened for as long as she could, before turning to the pool where the last of the dancing lights still caressed the waters. It turned out to be an interesting day, spent with a wolf she never intended to spend a moment with. Glad that she did, she heads toward the den, disappearing behind its wake.