Post by Kvatch on Jun 5, 2012 5:35:40 GMT -5
| Brutal, a male wolf |
| Althaea, a female adolescent wolf (Ute) |
Trickling River
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What a disaster this has all become, well, at least for the two brothers Brutal and Grim. For the wolves of Ute, each and every day has their future looking brighter, except for those two lurking shadows on the side. If he had any humor left in him, Brutal might actually allow himself to appreciate the irony of it all. That heros should become villains and between the two, he is the worst! Sure, Grim is tactless, selfish, and self-centered, but still mainly harmless. What does that make him? A dangerous mess, thats what. Since the other evening, when cold storm clouds moved in when he had been expecting sunshine, the massive male has since vanished with the light of hope. He's taken up the company of misery, with the monster lurking deep in the dense fortress of a thicket of hedge and shrub, where even in day light, shadows remain. The area of course, really seems no more haunted now than it does without him, with the small creek providing fresh water and the thicket grown up along it's banks offering a cool shade from a sun that has begun to grow very warm at this hour. There is perhaps one thing to note different, and this is that there are no birds that sing here today. The only sound is the soft babble of creek water and the only life...a pair of distantly staring, yellow eyes.
Since returning back to the pack, Althaea hasn't exactly been the most social of butterflies, but rather an understated wall flower. With her brother still being sick and the concern over the dogs, its pretty hard making yourself known when no one really wants to notice you to start. With nothing real exciting going on around the falls, the young adolescent took off to occupy herself else where- a place where the falls couldn't reach her, or the masks of sorrow that seemed to fill the hearts of those that dwelt around it. Though she too hurt from what had happened, its not how she wanted to remain living while the situation was worked out. Following the river out into the woods, the girl kept close to the bank, tail swaying side to side in every step she took; head held mid-drift to her body. When far enough out to be herself, a rare side of 'Thaea emerges with the splash of water from the creek to the air. The youth had jumped within the river chasing a fish that gets away. Water dripping from her pelt, a smile sets on her muzzle as she continues her path along the bank, but remaining within the creek.
It goes without saying that since that evening when Brutal left behind a unconscious Hadir and the suspicious glaring eyes of Ahiga, the big wolf hasn't bothered to venture back. Did he really scare that poor boy to death? He always imagined such was impossible, that a scenario so absurd could only ever be a expression of words. Besides, if it were otherwise, shouldn't Grim be dead already, for all those countless times Brutal stomped him into the dirt for being a idiot? Another thought of amusement that gets wasted on a wolf with no humor these days. With his burly person inclined across a earth littered densely with pine needles and leafy compost, such distant thoughts are disturbed by the abrupt explosion of a watery surface, which shortly brings the large male to a more present awareness. Though it is hardly with a happy interest that Brutal pushes his heavy shoulders up, laying his ears out in mild annoyance while from his place hidden in the deep shade and foliage, narrowed eyes seek out the culprit. When his gaze does set upon the figure of the female adolescent, those ears flatten a bit more, this time not in irritation, but a reawakened sadness and lingering disappointment. He had brought that fawn for her to kill, so that she might physically take that first step into being grown and independent; that she might celebrate her worth in a time when there is very little to feel victorious about. However, the result was very different than what Brutal had expected. Instead of she, it was her weak brother, who, as it seems to Brutal, will never know what it is to be strong and independent. And now possibly never, with all thing considered. Oops. Still, it is not Althaea's fault that Hadir is still weak and she has become strong, so why should she be punished for it? Gathering himself up completely, soft steps are taken until Brutal emerges to stand tall and broad on the edge of the bank, yellow eyes set upon her and something of a smile forced to his now scarred, ugly face, "They really don't taste all that great." he advises the young she-wolf, "But, they are still fun to chase on hot summer days."
High stepping through the water, dispite how shallow it may be, the young female zigzags around a few rocks that jut up from the shallows and block her way, even slipping a bit over some moss and letting herself meet the ground in a slow fall. A few fish swim by and she watches them, nipping at their sides before they can fully slip away. When they seem to fade from sight, 'Thaea pushes herself up from the creek, only to be met by a wolf she half expected to have departed from the area. Why he was still here was uncertain and possibly something she would likely not find a answer to. If she did, would it be something she'd like? For now she lets it slip from thought as she looks at the wolf for a short moment then back to the river. "I doubt I'd ever catch one anyhow." A meek smile shows across her lips as she takes a few steps to the side to gather herself in a relatively safe spot.
Despite that promised weather forecast of stormy tempers, rains of accusation, and gusty winds of mistrust ever looming on the horizon, it is difficult for Brutal to not smile a bit more genuinely at the antics of the she-wolf, just before she learns of his watchful presence. For an instant, the dark beast considers inquiring as to the health of Hadir, maybe even trying to voice his own defense. But then, why make her hate him a day earlier? Thus, adopting his brother's usual habits this time, Brutal decides to be selfish and say nothing on the matter. To that point, he even chooses to push those thoughts aside completely, making him feel all the better for it too. In turn, it brings his thick tail to swish in a gentle wag and his chest to rumble with a crooning chuckle, "You should not be so quick to doubt yourself. Especially, when trying something on your own, when you haven't been properly taught." Grinning a bit, Brutal leaps down from the bank's ledge, wide paws landing in a shallow pool of water, but on which the sizeable impact sends a spray of it shooting out around him. Chuckling, he gives his great head and neck-ruff a shake, "You're just not being scary enough." he explains, moving towards her location, but being careful not to crowd her, least she become uncomfortable in his presence. After all, should she come to trouble here, those of her pack might not make it in time.
If one were to ask her what she thought about her brother's condition, her response would be selfish. Since she found out he was sick, the mannerism she'd give him, if they actually spent time together, would be of envy. He got what she wanted- attention. What child doesn't want the attention of their pack- their family? Now that they are older and he still sick, Althaea often preferred him spared of his troubles; the suffering. She isn't asked though and probably for the better. Letting her gaze drop from the wolf, the young female shakes her coat free of the river's water, then steps onto the bank and settles to her haunches just as the burly wolf takes her place within the creek. A chuckle escaping her, she smirks. "Maybe I don't wish to be scary. Ever think of that?" she explains, letting him near. Thaea wasn't scary anyway.. who'd ever be scared of someone that looked like her? "Besides.. I've got you here for all that."
While he is definitely not a wolf of her pack, or for that matter, anyone else even remotely important, Althaea at least has Brutal's attention- for whatever it's worth. More to the point, is that Brutal has her attention, if only temporarily. A attention that does not seem to come with the unease and dislike of the others, or the whining irritations of a discarded brother. For different reasons, it seems Brutal and Althaea share a common affliction that is siblings. Brutal, of course, does not know such things about Althaea, but it does not keep the massive male from seemingly enjoying her company all the same. With her feelings expressed in words, Brutal's stout muzzle is creased with a soft grin, the corners of his yellow eyes crinkling in mirth, "None sense, scary is THE best." he boast, almost with a child-like bragging. And, just in case she should miss this, he even puffs his chest out and lofts his head high. Which, only a second later, deflates on the sound of a loud exhale as a more casual posture is adopted. Still smiling though, despite that the expression falters when the adolescent voices a reliance in him, the dark furred wolf sounds a soft "Uh-huh." Turning his regards to the creek, he spends a moment calculating the depth and stretch of shallow water, before looking back to the seated she-wolf. "Here! Let me show you!" Not giving her much time to protest, Brutal just turns and tramples through the water, letting it splash around his long legs as he wades through the deepest end and then out onto the dry rocky bed. Here, he turns himself around, both facing her and coincidentally the shallower end. "See, ya got to start on the deep end, like this? Then, you just scare 'em all into the shallows!" And, just so, Brutal plunges strait into the water, shoving his face down into the depths to plow it along, taking snaps left and right beneath the surface as a small wave rides up his neck. The whole time, he continues to charge forward with his big head down, until as he approaches the shallow end, at least four or five fish swim so franticly away, that they nearly flop up onto the rocks. Brutal doesn't bother catching them though, because it's quite clear in demonstration he could if he wanted. Instead, he lets the fish wiggle back into the water as he just lifts his drenched face, water dripping off the ends of his soggy ears, to grin goofily at Althaea. "Now, it's your turn!" he exclaims, bounding out onto rocky land to shake himself out.
However much he says that being scary is THE best, Althaea just doesn't see it. She has her own way of invoking fear.. a way that hasn't actually been brought to the surface yet. Watching Brutal in close eye, she cant help but laugh at his antics. A puffed chest just doesn't suit him and thus is amusing to see him try. Its deflation is met with a smile before tilting her head to one side and turning to the creek. Little does she expect him to begin creating a mess of things with his trampling through the waters and she stands to avoid the wake. Her gaze following him up to the rocky bank at the rivers deep end, a brow raises. What was he.. Before she can finish her silenced thought, she meeps, watching him plummet into the river driving the fish to the shallows. Watching them flap about back into the depths, Thaea turns back to Brutal, ears cupped back upon his offer. "Me.. my splash would be nothing compared to yours." she states, looking to where he leap, then back to the wolf. Did he really expect her to copy his actions? Taking a breath, she decides to give it a whirl; moving up along the bank to the deep end. Its only after a while that she jumps in, rather ungracefully, and nearly sinks, which causes enough of a startle in the remaining fish to cause a boil in the creek bed. Satisfied in her attempt, she heads back to the shore, climbing up.
After ridding himself of the practically small lake of water that clings to his dense pelt, Althaea is soon to return to the top of Brutal's agenda, with the adolescent's somewhat hesitant expression getting a amused smirk from the big brute of a wolf. "There you go again, doubting yourself!" he scolds, though his baritone voice is made sure to possess a obvious, playful chide. And, just to be sure, as the she-wolf moves around to the deep side of the water pool, Brutal gives a accusing narrowed eye glare, cocking his head a bit and squinting after her out of one eye, "And you callin' me fat?". Whatever the implications, the hulking male doesn't seem particularly insulted, for Brutal is quick to laugh as Althaea practically flops into the water, her ungraceful leap indeed bringing her to smack the water so loudly, that even the smaller fish make a run for it! Impressed at the crowded rush of slippery, wiggling fish bodies near his paws, Brutal grins proudly across the water at her, "Not too bad for a first timer. Not bad at all." His smile softens to become more lighthearted and the big wolf leaves the edge of the water at his paws to join Althaea where she climbs out onto the dry rocky bed. With his thick plume of a tail wagging at his hocks, Brutal forgets himself and shoulders into the she-wolf, long teeth raking playfully across the nape of her neck. Which, upon contact, causes Brutal to abruptly pull away a few steps with a soft spoken and apologetic "Sorry." Not so awkward is it that Brutal doesn't quickly recover though, resurrecting a smile and offering a wink to the adolescent she-wolf instead, "Especially since those fish run away from me because I'm just ugly."
Doubt was one thing Althaea knew well. She doubted she'd learn how to hunt from someone within the pack.. she doubted anyone would have the strength to regain their home. There was so much doubt in this wolf, its no wonder she bashes her abilites in times it is not needed. Though doubt held its place with the splash, the girl's ability to scatter the fish lies proof she's capable of at least scarring. Back on the bank, the adolescent shakes her pelt free of water. As each hair falls back into place, she turns to the burly wolf with a waterlogged look. Watching his form cross the bank to the side she is on, she smirks at his comment. 'Thaea gave it a try and came out far more successful that she thought. As she's shouldered into, its first taken as a sign of encouragement-praise. But when it turns into a toothy act of playfulness along her neck, she's surprised and a bit worried at once. Pulling herself away some, when he does, she blinks at the wolf. What was he doing, should she be worried? Brutal's apology is given a saddened expression. He didn't need to be sorry, she wasn't hurt. "Your not ugly.." Not in her eyes anyway." If anything is, its the fish." She chuckles. "Their flat faces and big lips." She tries to imitate a fish by puckering her lips then moving them up and down- by all means a ridiculous sight.
If it's anything Brutal has learned in his time thus spent with the wolves of Ute, he can never be too careful. Especially when is seems a moment of flared temper could hurt one of them! What would happen if he became truly angry with them? Would he hurt them? Kill them, even? If they attacked him, would he prove himself the beast they think he is? Or worse, the monster that he really can be? Yellow eyes linger upon the face of the youth, capturing that glimpse of a sad expression and wondering in his own mind the reason that it should exist there. Did he offend her? Brutal is not long afforded his silent guesses though, for Althaea's comment inspires a warm smile to appear upon the dark grizzled muzzle of the male, who gives her a unconvinced grunt, "Just moderately grotesque..." he says in a voice of good humored correction. Now had it been weeks ago, before Brutal shoved his snout into the jaws of a honestly ugly dog, all in the effort to save her pack from complete destruction, the massive male might've agreed with her. Brutal wasn't ugly, not then. Roguishly attractive, perhaps, but certainly not ugly. No matter that though, because to Brutal, the deep gashes across the bridge of his muzzle are just scars on the outside now, that have only begun to reflect the wounds on the inside. Althaea's impersonation of a fish gains a moment of staring from the big male, who blinks once or twice, then grins toothily, "Okay, seeing you make that face is worth agreeing to anything! So I won't argue." He leans in close her, bringing his muzzle near to her ear, where his breath can tickle at the hairs around the appendage as he whispers all secret-like, "But lets not tell the fish, okay? Wouldn't want to hurt their fishy feelings."
Althaea laughs at herself, ending the impersonation and giving her face a slight stretch to rid the feeling of being a fish. A head shake to follow, she smirks before glancing to the river and the fish within. "I don't think they'll mind, but ok." Fish didn't seem to smart anyway.. they swam in places that often got them killed. In a way she kinda felt sorry for them. Such are fish. Turning back to the wolf, she hrms. "So, you really think yourself grotesque?" The scars he gained against the dogs were noticeable, but why blame them for ruining a good thing. Besides, aren't they suppose to give character? "If you ask me, I think its whats on the inside, not the out, that counts." Its like when they say strength comes from within.. why can't beauty aswell. Moving up and placing herself next to the male, she looks up at him with a gentle smile before carelessly leaning against his frame.
Brutal continues to smile, something caught between playful mirth and warm affection for the young she-wolf. He watches as she gives her muzzle one last stretch, followed by that head shake, then a shift of regards; which Brutal's own shortly chases after. The motion is more in his neck and head than his hulking body though, bringing the male to be looking more over his shoulder at the pool of creek water, which in response to Althaea, he just chuckles. If the feelings and thoughts of fish were ever to be discussed, the adolescent would discover that she is in like-minded company. Fish are dumb. To her question, Brutal is less swift to respond this time, as if detecting the note of sincerity in which she inquires with. "Well.." he begins, his voiced settled back to it's usual depths and roughness, "I'm not exactly the catch I used to be." He chuckles very softly and before he can say more, Althaea's added comment of self-observation and age-beguiled wisdom, causes Brutal to give another pause to thought instead of spoken words, which become even further withheld -along with his breath- when she settles against him. O.O . Yellow eyes widen as the massive wolf finds himself leaned upon, feeling the press of wet fur and the warm life beneath it. A sigh is then released, along with the breath caught in his chest. Ever so slowly, Brutal eases down onto his haunches, supporting the adolescent effortlessly as he does so. If she could see what he looked like on the inside, would she think him ugly? Craning his thick neck, Brutal lowers his head just enough to nuzzle gently between her ears, before slipping his chin along the top of her head and letting it come to rest just there. "I'd like to believe that too, Althaea."
A relaxed expression falls upon Althaea as she leans against the male, ears up to listen to his words. Her touch against him serves several possible reasons.. the main one a chill thats come from the light wind over her damp coat; combining his warmth with her's seemed reasonable. Such actions however, would probably never be stood for, had they been nearer the pool or had they shared the same reaction as the others toward one another. But Althaea saw things different between them. If she could not find comfort with this wolf, then who could she- her pack? None of them had wanted to share a moment with her, yet it seemed Brutal did. Why else would he look to her presence when she was around? It was a question that puzzled her even now. Pushing herself up just enough to allow the male to exchange his stance for a seated one, she falls back against him once the wolf is settled. His touch to her head brings a smile, but not enough of one to mean anything. Its his words however, that define that smile. Nothing more said from her, she focuses on regaining her warmth and keeping herself awake long enough to perhaps move away.
It seems there are many questions circulating in the minds of the odd unlikely pair, some for which the answers no doubt will be revealed in time, while others may go forever unspoken. For whatever possibilities and what ever reasons, one thing is at least true and goes without the need of any explanation and that is- just this. This moment. This exchange. For however long it should last, that they both should find even a second of peace in welcomed company, in such troubled and uncertain times. As it stands, Brutal also proves to be a useful wolf outside of fighting dogs, inspiring suspicion from a whole wolf pack, and frightening sick helpless wolves when no one is looking. That use? Why of course, as a big fluffy bed! The hulking male just smiles as Althaea settles snugly to his side, a expression that lingers distinctly upon his face long after there is no further reason for it to stay. For a even longer time, Brutal doesn't move a muscle, least he risk that a shift from him might have her moving away sooner. No, for however long she stays there sharing his warmth and resting, the dark male doesn't move. And while he sits there looking down on her and watching her in silent reflection, over head the evening light breaks through the dense canopy and brightens the shadowed area, while a single ray of light beams down to warm his own pelt. In the nearby thicket, a little bird begins to sing a soft song, that all is safe again, the beast is gone.
| Althaea, a female adolescent wolf (Ute) |
Trickling River
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What a disaster this has all become, well, at least for the two brothers Brutal and Grim. For the wolves of Ute, each and every day has their future looking brighter, except for those two lurking shadows on the side. If he had any humor left in him, Brutal might actually allow himself to appreciate the irony of it all. That heros should become villains and between the two, he is the worst! Sure, Grim is tactless, selfish, and self-centered, but still mainly harmless. What does that make him? A dangerous mess, thats what. Since the other evening, when cold storm clouds moved in when he had been expecting sunshine, the massive male has since vanished with the light of hope. He's taken up the company of misery, with the monster lurking deep in the dense fortress of a thicket of hedge and shrub, where even in day light, shadows remain. The area of course, really seems no more haunted now than it does without him, with the small creek providing fresh water and the thicket grown up along it's banks offering a cool shade from a sun that has begun to grow very warm at this hour. There is perhaps one thing to note different, and this is that there are no birds that sing here today. The only sound is the soft babble of creek water and the only life...a pair of distantly staring, yellow eyes.
Since returning back to the pack, Althaea hasn't exactly been the most social of butterflies, but rather an understated wall flower. With her brother still being sick and the concern over the dogs, its pretty hard making yourself known when no one really wants to notice you to start. With nothing real exciting going on around the falls, the young adolescent took off to occupy herself else where- a place where the falls couldn't reach her, or the masks of sorrow that seemed to fill the hearts of those that dwelt around it. Though she too hurt from what had happened, its not how she wanted to remain living while the situation was worked out. Following the river out into the woods, the girl kept close to the bank, tail swaying side to side in every step she took; head held mid-drift to her body. When far enough out to be herself, a rare side of 'Thaea emerges with the splash of water from the creek to the air. The youth had jumped within the river chasing a fish that gets away. Water dripping from her pelt, a smile sets on her muzzle as she continues her path along the bank, but remaining within the creek.
It goes without saying that since that evening when Brutal left behind a unconscious Hadir and the suspicious glaring eyes of Ahiga, the big wolf hasn't bothered to venture back. Did he really scare that poor boy to death? He always imagined such was impossible, that a scenario so absurd could only ever be a expression of words. Besides, if it were otherwise, shouldn't Grim be dead already, for all those countless times Brutal stomped him into the dirt for being a idiot? Another thought of amusement that gets wasted on a wolf with no humor these days. With his burly person inclined across a earth littered densely with pine needles and leafy compost, such distant thoughts are disturbed by the abrupt explosion of a watery surface, which shortly brings the large male to a more present awareness. Though it is hardly with a happy interest that Brutal pushes his heavy shoulders up, laying his ears out in mild annoyance while from his place hidden in the deep shade and foliage, narrowed eyes seek out the culprit. When his gaze does set upon the figure of the female adolescent, those ears flatten a bit more, this time not in irritation, but a reawakened sadness and lingering disappointment. He had brought that fawn for her to kill, so that she might physically take that first step into being grown and independent; that she might celebrate her worth in a time when there is very little to feel victorious about. However, the result was very different than what Brutal had expected. Instead of she, it was her weak brother, who, as it seems to Brutal, will never know what it is to be strong and independent. And now possibly never, with all thing considered. Oops. Still, it is not Althaea's fault that Hadir is still weak and she has become strong, so why should she be punished for it? Gathering himself up completely, soft steps are taken until Brutal emerges to stand tall and broad on the edge of the bank, yellow eyes set upon her and something of a smile forced to his now scarred, ugly face, "They really don't taste all that great." he advises the young she-wolf, "But, they are still fun to chase on hot summer days."
High stepping through the water, dispite how shallow it may be, the young female zigzags around a few rocks that jut up from the shallows and block her way, even slipping a bit over some moss and letting herself meet the ground in a slow fall. A few fish swim by and she watches them, nipping at their sides before they can fully slip away. When they seem to fade from sight, 'Thaea pushes herself up from the creek, only to be met by a wolf she half expected to have departed from the area. Why he was still here was uncertain and possibly something she would likely not find a answer to. If she did, would it be something she'd like? For now she lets it slip from thought as she looks at the wolf for a short moment then back to the river. "I doubt I'd ever catch one anyhow." A meek smile shows across her lips as she takes a few steps to the side to gather herself in a relatively safe spot.
Despite that promised weather forecast of stormy tempers, rains of accusation, and gusty winds of mistrust ever looming on the horizon, it is difficult for Brutal to not smile a bit more genuinely at the antics of the she-wolf, just before she learns of his watchful presence. For an instant, the dark beast considers inquiring as to the health of Hadir, maybe even trying to voice his own defense. But then, why make her hate him a day earlier? Thus, adopting his brother's usual habits this time, Brutal decides to be selfish and say nothing on the matter. To that point, he even chooses to push those thoughts aside completely, making him feel all the better for it too. In turn, it brings his thick tail to swish in a gentle wag and his chest to rumble with a crooning chuckle, "You should not be so quick to doubt yourself. Especially, when trying something on your own, when you haven't been properly taught." Grinning a bit, Brutal leaps down from the bank's ledge, wide paws landing in a shallow pool of water, but on which the sizeable impact sends a spray of it shooting out around him. Chuckling, he gives his great head and neck-ruff a shake, "You're just not being scary enough." he explains, moving towards her location, but being careful not to crowd her, least she become uncomfortable in his presence. After all, should she come to trouble here, those of her pack might not make it in time.
If one were to ask her what she thought about her brother's condition, her response would be selfish. Since she found out he was sick, the mannerism she'd give him, if they actually spent time together, would be of envy. He got what she wanted- attention. What child doesn't want the attention of their pack- their family? Now that they are older and he still sick, Althaea often preferred him spared of his troubles; the suffering. She isn't asked though and probably for the better. Letting her gaze drop from the wolf, the young female shakes her coat free of the river's water, then steps onto the bank and settles to her haunches just as the burly wolf takes her place within the creek. A chuckle escaping her, she smirks. "Maybe I don't wish to be scary. Ever think of that?" she explains, letting him near. Thaea wasn't scary anyway.. who'd ever be scared of someone that looked like her? "Besides.. I've got you here for all that."
While he is definitely not a wolf of her pack, or for that matter, anyone else even remotely important, Althaea at least has Brutal's attention- for whatever it's worth. More to the point, is that Brutal has her attention, if only temporarily. A attention that does not seem to come with the unease and dislike of the others, or the whining irritations of a discarded brother. For different reasons, it seems Brutal and Althaea share a common affliction that is siblings. Brutal, of course, does not know such things about Althaea, but it does not keep the massive male from seemingly enjoying her company all the same. With her feelings expressed in words, Brutal's stout muzzle is creased with a soft grin, the corners of his yellow eyes crinkling in mirth, "None sense, scary is THE best." he boast, almost with a child-like bragging. And, just in case she should miss this, he even puffs his chest out and lofts his head high. Which, only a second later, deflates on the sound of a loud exhale as a more casual posture is adopted. Still smiling though, despite that the expression falters when the adolescent voices a reliance in him, the dark furred wolf sounds a soft "Uh-huh." Turning his regards to the creek, he spends a moment calculating the depth and stretch of shallow water, before looking back to the seated she-wolf. "Here! Let me show you!" Not giving her much time to protest, Brutal just turns and tramples through the water, letting it splash around his long legs as he wades through the deepest end and then out onto the dry rocky bed. Here, he turns himself around, both facing her and coincidentally the shallower end. "See, ya got to start on the deep end, like this? Then, you just scare 'em all into the shallows!" And, just so, Brutal plunges strait into the water, shoving his face down into the depths to plow it along, taking snaps left and right beneath the surface as a small wave rides up his neck. The whole time, he continues to charge forward with his big head down, until as he approaches the shallow end, at least four or five fish swim so franticly away, that they nearly flop up onto the rocks. Brutal doesn't bother catching them though, because it's quite clear in demonstration he could if he wanted. Instead, he lets the fish wiggle back into the water as he just lifts his drenched face, water dripping off the ends of his soggy ears, to grin goofily at Althaea. "Now, it's your turn!" he exclaims, bounding out onto rocky land to shake himself out.
However much he says that being scary is THE best, Althaea just doesn't see it. She has her own way of invoking fear.. a way that hasn't actually been brought to the surface yet. Watching Brutal in close eye, she cant help but laugh at his antics. A puffed chest just doesn't suit him and thus is amusing to see him try. Its deflation is met with a smile before tilting her head to one side and turning to the creek. Little does she expect him to begin creating a mess of things with his trampling through the waters and she stands to avoid the wake. Her gaze following him up to the rocky bank at the rivers deep end, a brow raises. What was he.. Before she can finish her silenced thought, she meeps, watching him plummet into the river driving the fish to the shallows. Watching them flap about back into the depths, Thaea turns back to Brutal, ears cupped back upon his offer. "Me.. my splash would be nothing compared to yours." she states, looking to where he leap, then back to the wolf. Did he really expect her to copy his actions? Taking a breath, she decides to give it a whirl; moving up along the bank to the deep end. Its only after a while that she jumps in, rather ungracefully, and nearly sinks, which causes enough of a startle in the remaining fish to cause a boil in the creek bed. Satisfied in her attempt, she heads back to the shore, climbing up.
After ridding himself of the practically small lake of water that clings to his dense pelt, Althaea is soon to return to the top of Brutal's agenda, with the adolescent's somewhat hesitant expression getting a amused smirk from the big brute of a wolf. "There you go again, doubting yourself!" he scolds, though his baritone voice is made sure to possess a obvious, playful chide. And, just to be sure, as the she-wolf moves around to the deep side of the water pool, Brutal gives a accusing narrowed eye glare, cocking his head a bit and squinting after her out of one eye, "And you callin' me fat?". Whatever the implications, the hulking male doesn't seem particularly insulted, for Brutal is quick to laugh as Althaea practically flops into the water, her ungraceful leap indeed bringing her to smack the water so loudly, that even the smaller fish make a run for it! Impressed at the crowded rush of slippery, wiggling fish bodies near his paws, Brutal grins proudly across the water at her, "Not too bad for a first timer. Not bad at all." His smile softens to become more lighthearted and the big wolf leaves the edge of the water at his paws to join Althaea where she climbs out onto the dry rocky bed. With his thick plume of a tail wagging at his hocks, Brutal forgets himself and shoulders into the she-wolf, long teeth raking playfully across the nape of her neck. Which, upon contact, causes Brutal to abruptly pull away a few steps with a soft spoken and apologetic "Sorry." Not so awkward is it that Brutal doesn't quickly recover though, resurrecting a smile and offering a wink to the adolescent she-wolf instead, "Especially since those fish run away from me because I'm just ugly."
Doubt was one thing Althaea knew well. She doubted she'd learn how to hunt from someone within the pack.. she doubted anyone would have the strength to regain their home. There was so much doubt in this wolf, its no wonder she bashes her abilites in times it is not needed. Though doubt held its place with the splash, the girl's ability to scatter the fish lies proof she's capable of at least scarring. Back on the bank, the adolescent shakes her pelt free of water. As each hair falls back into place, she turns to the burly wolf with a waterlogged look. Watching his form cross the bank to the side she is on, she smirks at his comment. 'Thaea gave it a try and came out far more successful that she thought. As she's shouldered into, its first taken as a sign of encouragement-praise. But when it turns into a toothy act of playfulness along her neck, she's surprised and a bit worried at once. Pulling herself away some, when he does, she blinks at the wolf. What was he doing, should she be worried? Brutal's apology is given a saddened expression. He didn't need to be sorry, she wasn't hurt. "Your not ugly.." Not in her eyes anyway." If anything is, its the fish." She chuckles. "Their flat faces and big lips." She tries to imitate a fish by puckering her lips then moving them up and down- by all means a ridiculous sight.
If it's anything Brutal has learned in his time thus spent with the wolves of Ute, he can never be too careful. Especially when is seems a moment of flared temper could hurt one of them! What would happen if he became truly angry with them? Would he hurt them? Kill them, even? If they attacked him, would he prove himself the beast they think he is? Or worse, the monster that he really can be? Yellow eyes linger upon the face of the youth, capturing that glimpse of a sad expression and wondering in his own mind the reason that it should exist there. Did he offend her? Brutal is not long afforded his silent guesses though, for Althaea's comment inspires a warm smile to appear upon the dark grizzled muzzle of the male, who gives her a unconvinced grunt, "Just moderately grotesque..." he says in a voice of good humored correction. Now had it been weeks ago, before Brutal shoved his snout into the jaws of a honestly ugly dog, all in the effort to save her pack from complete destruction, the massive male might've agreed with her. Brutal wasn't ugly, not then. Roguishly attractive, perhaps, but certainly not ugly. No matter that though, because to Brutal, the deep gashes across the bridge of his muzzle are just scars on the outside now, that have only begun to reflect the wounds on the inside. Althaea's impersonation of a fish gains a moment of staring from the big male, who blinks once or twice, then grins toothily, "Okay, seeing you make that face is worth agreeing to anything! So I won't argue." He leans in close her, bringing his muzzle near to her ear, where his breath can tickle at the hairs around the appendage as he whispers all secret-like, "But lets not tell the fish, okay? Wouldn't want to hurt their fishy feelings."
Althaea laughs at herself, ending the impersonation and giving her face a slight stretch to rid the feeling of being a fish. A head shake to follow, she smirks before glancing to the river and the fish within. "I don't think they'll mind, but ok." Fish didn't seem to smart anyway.. they swam in places that often got them killed. In a way she kinda felt sorry for them. Such are fish. Turning back to the wolf, she hrms. "So, you really think yourself grotesque?" The scars he gained against the dogs were noticeable, but why blame them for ruining a good thing. Besides, aren't they suppose to give character? "If you ask me, I think its whats on the inside, not the out, that counts." Its like when they say strength comes from within.. why can't beauty aswell. Moving up and placing herself next to the male, she looks up at him with a gentle smile before carelessly leaning against his frame.
Brutal continues to smile, something caught between playful mirth and warm affection for the young she-wolf. He watches as she gives her muzzle one last stretch, followed by that head shake, then a shift of regards; which Brutal's own shortly chases after. The motion is more in his neck and head than his hulking body though, bringing the male to be looking more over his shoulder at the pool of creek water, which in response to Althaea, he just chuckles. If the feelings and thoughts of fish were ever to be discussed, the adolescent would discover that she is in like-minded company. Fish are dumb. To her question, Brutal is less swift to respond this time, as if detecting the note of sincerity in which she inquires with. "Well.." he begins, his voiced settled back to it's usual depths and roughness, "I'm not exactly the catch I used to be." He chuckles very softly and before he can say more, Althaea's added comment of self-observation and age-beguiled wisdom, causes Brutal to give another pause to thought instead of spoken words, which become even further withheld -along with his breath- when she settles against him. O.O . Yellow eyes widen as the massive wolf finds himself leaned upon, feeling the press of wet fur and the warm life beneath it. A sigh is then released, along with the breath caught in his chest. Ever so slowly, Brutal eases down onto his haunches, supporting the adolescent effortlessly as he does so. If she could see what he looked like on the inside, would she think him ugly? Craning his thick neck, Brutal lowers his head just enough to nuzzle gently between her ears, before slipping his chin along the top of her head and letting it come to rest just there. "I'd like to believe that too, Althaea."
A relaxed expression falls upon Althaea as she leans against the male, ears up to listen to his words. Her touch against him serves several possible reasons.. the main one a chill thats come from the light wind over her damp coat; combining his warmth with her's seemed reasonable. Such actions however, would probably never be stood for, had they been nearer the pool or had they shared the same reaction as the others toward one another. But Althaea saw things different between them. If she could not find comfort with this wolf, then who could she- her pack? None of them had wanted to share a moment with her, yet it seemed Brutal did. Why else would he look to her presence when she was around? It was a question that puzzled her even now. Pushing herself up just enough to allow the male to exchange his stance for a seated one, she falls back against him once the wolf is settled. His touch to her head brings a smile, but not enough of one to mean anything. Its his words however, that define that smile. Nothing more said from her, she focuses on regaining her warmth and keeping herself awake long enough to perhaps move away.
It seems there are many questions circulating in the minds of the odd unlikely pair, some for which the answers no doubt will be revealed in time, while others may go forever unspoken. For whatever possibilities and what ever reasons, one thing is at least true and goes without the need of any explanation and that is- just this. This moment. This exchange. For however long it should last, that they both should find even a second of peace in welcomed company, in such troubled and uncertain times. As it stands, Brutal also proves to be a useful wolf outside of fighting dogs, inspiring suspicion from a whole wolf pack, and frightening sick helpless wolves when no one is looking. That use? Why of course, as a big fluffy bed! The hulking male just smiles as Althaea settles snugly to his side, a expression that lingers distinctly upon his face long after there is no further reason for it to stay. For a even longer time, Brutal doesn't move a muscle, least he risk that a shift from him might have her moving away sooner. No, for however long she stays there sharing his warmth and resting, the dark male doesn't move. And while he sits there looking down on her and watching her in silent reflection, over head the evening light breaks through the dense canopy and brightens the shadowed area, while a single ray of light beams down to warm his own pelt. In the nearby thicket, a little bird begins to sing a soft song, that all is safe again, the beast is gone.