Post by Pavane on Jun 8, 2012 18:31:20 GMT -5
Rockfall, a wolf of Cerulean
Ahiga, Tala, and Ikuna, wolves of Ute
---Waterfall Pool---
Rockfall trots southward from the two river fork to the north at a relaxed pace. The Cerulean wolf would be right to hold his tail in high dominance around visitors, but instead he keeps his tail level and his posture relaxed and friendly.
It's a lazy morning for Ahiga, who has found a bit of peace now that he knows Hadir's status. The kid is ok and has been fed. The other rabbit he brought has been left for whomever may want or need it. He hasn't seen the brother wolves in days now. And...thankfully, things have been uneventful. It's a perfect opportunity to be lazy and grateful that he has the chance to do so. The wolf is sprawled out a slight ways from the pool itself, eyes halfway open and focused on something distant. Despite it being early, it's already warm, but it's a comfortable sort of warmth. The blazing heat of summer will likely come later! His mouth opens into a wide yawn and his eyes threaten to close again. And they would have, if an unknown scent hadn't been caught in the breeze. Snorting a bit, he rolls to his stomach, ears up. Spotting an approaching wolf, he rises to his paws, alert but not growling.
Tala is settled next to Ahiga, though unlike him she is rather asleep at the moment, head settled against her forepws. A ear twitches forward, faint snuffle escaping her in the process. Her eyes open gaze flicks around and towards Ahiga once he moves. "What?" Is questioned befoer a yawn escapes her and she lifts her head to peer around and then catches sight of the approaching wolf, whom she watches quietly.
Ikuna has been in the cave past the waterfall for much of the day - watching pups. Talking with Wachiwa, when she's awake enough. She's sleeping a lot lately, between the effort of new puppies and recovering from her injuries, but she is recovering. A bit more rest, and she'll be back to her old self? He hopes so, anyway. With everyone else in there busy or napping for the moment, he emerges. Ahiga is first to be noticed, and he smiles to the other wolf before following his gaze to yet another wolf; an unfamiliar one. Ikuna takes a few steps, then holds; he stands between the cave and Rockfall, though with a calm sort of posture.
Rockfall slows to a walk and finally stops before getting too close to be a menace to the guests of Cerulean he is mutually personally un-acquainted with. He sits erectly (tail end on the ground, but front legs propping his shoulders and head up) several bodylengths away and dips his head in respectful bow. "Greetings ... I understand you are of Ute," he speaks softly and pleasantly. "I am Rockfall, a member of Cerulean. I heard from my father, Alpha Tariro, the troubles you have had, and wonder ... is there something I could do to help?"
Ahiga glances to Tala as she stirs, gently flicking his tail from side to side in greeting. "Wolf," he answers, though by then she already sees. Attention is shifted to Ikuna now as he emerges from the cavern, and he inclines his head to the other male, returning the grin before looking back to Rockfall. He certainly doesn't look to be one that brings trouble with him. He's certainly not a dog, and so he has that going for him. But although friendly, Ahiga holds a reasonable amount of wariness for the unknown. Ah, a Cerulean wolf. He supposed as much, and when Rockfall gives his introductions, he nods his head to him. "Yeah, we're Ute," he confirms. "My name's Ahiga. Tala," he offers, gesturing with his muzzle to the female, "an' Ikuna," another gesture to the male. "I was wonderin' when we'd see some of the pack," he admits with a grin. As for aid, he seems to have nothing to ask for.
Tala shifts up onto her haunches, tail lashing a few times in the process while her gaze settles upon Rockfall. A ear twitches towards Ahiga and then Ikuna while she keeps quiet for the few moments as she waits to see if the strange wolf will say whom he is. A soft ah escapes her and then she yawns while soon just nods. "Afternoon."
Cerulean, huh? Ikuna nods at Rockfall's self-introduction, and again at Ahiga's introduction of the Ute wolves here. "Cerulean's welcome to remain in their lands has already been a great help." He smiles, ducking his head briefly. "We are regaining our strength, with that aid." He's quiet for a moment, then adds, "In time... perhaps our packs shuld discuss more permanent arrangements. Ute does not wish to intrude forever..." Ikuna trails off for a moment. "But that is a matter for alphas." He smiles again.
Rockfall nods pleasantly in response to Ahiga, Tala and Ikuna, then turns back to Ahiga who seems to be the spokeswolf of the trio and says, "I do not know if you know of Cerulean's history. When I was whelped, Cerulean did not exist ... I was whelped into Viridian, with Lazuli as a rival neighbor, whom I understand was geographically between Viridian and Ute territory. Eventually, Viridian and Lazuli both dwindled, both packs suffering tragic losses over time including my own mother and brother, and the two packs amicably agreed to merge and form a brand new pack, the fusion of Viridian and Lazuli, adopting the name Cerulean. I have never really ventured from my pack, and have only heard of Ute through stories ... but all I have heard describes Ute as honorable and peaceful. The prideful pack rivalry ingrained into many of our kind and I myself was whelped with, in at least some degree, proved silly when Viridian fused with Lazuli. I do not propose joining your pack, or fusing Ute with Cerulean, but ... I remember how I felt when we left the old Viridian packlands up in the mountains, now claimed by the Amaranth cougars. I remember how strange and alien these lower lands are ... nothing wrong, but ... they weren't my home I had grown up in. I rarely strayed far from this very area, the pool at the base of the waterfall ... but even it was a bit unfamiliar to me." He pauses his long-winded story. "I think on my memories of that alienated feeling, of ... the pack I was whelped into, and raised with pride to thinking it would last forever, in the valley I was whelped. When my father spoke of what happened to Ute ... those memories came to mind. I do not know what, or whether there is, indeed, anything I can do ... but if there is anything I can do, I would like to help," he says with deep, sincere compassion. "I am a strong hunter, in a pack hunt for larger game, or I could gather smaller game for you such as hares, rats or otters. I have, in time, become familiar with these lands, so ... could help show your members around, or help with patrols, or just offer an ear to chew on. Or, if you prefer, I could leave you be ... but I do not want to be a cold rival, hiding away, if there is, indeed, anything I could do to help the honorable Ute in this trying time." He nods to Ikuna. "I am no alpha, and no designs on being ... I am just a regular member of Cerulean, and ... very much would like to help and, if nothing else, offer sympathy and friendship."
Ahiga nods in agreement with Ikuna. "Jus' letting us be here is the most help we need," he says, growing quiet as Ikuna continues on about permanent arrangements. That's their next step, isn't it? Deciding what in the world to do next. Where is there to go? His world has consisted of Ute lands and, periodically, Cerulean lands. What else is out there? He remains quiet as Rockfall speaks, ears perking as he tells of his own history. In most situations, Ahiga is nota wolf of too many words unless needed, more prone to listening and...er, brooding. And thus, when Rockfall finishes, he doesn't speak immediately, and his eyes roam to his packmates for a moment. "I don' think," he finally begins, "that we'd ask anyone to hunt for us. We're doin' alright with that. Plus, you've got your own pack to hunt for. None've us think of Cerulean as a rival. I mean...we've been friends since we were little with Anoki an' Niyt at least, an' I know I've been wanting to see who else makes Cerulean Cerulean." He grins a little. "I think all we want really is just..to know we've friends to count on."
Tala just blinks as she looks at Rockfall and watches him, a ear flicking forward, is that an eye twitch? Perhaps. "We.. Didn't ask for a history lesson." She suddenly says, a faint tone heard. "The Ute is The Ute." That is her thought on the whol possible /joining/ of packs! "Rather long-winded story for wolves you have jus met... Isn't it?" An there goes Tala, right to the point, the meat of the matter so to speak. "Also.. I'm.. not sure how you can compare that to /anything/ that has happened to my pack." She shifts slowly so she is sitting up, steel-blue gaze narrowing slightly as she watches Rockfall. Her tail lashes and she shifts to her paws now, stretching her form and gives Ahiga's neck a nuzzle, and then a soft nip before she turns to move over to where Ikuna and and settles down next to her brother. Someone is a bit tired it seems, perhaps even more so now. "What Ahiga says." Soon escapes her in a tired mumble.
So maybe Rockfall's being a bit long-winded, but Ikuna frowns a little at Tala's response. When she comes over to join him, he leans down and bumps his nose against her ears. "Easy, now," he murmurs in a voice meant only for her ears. If enduring a bit of rambling is the price they pay for living in Cerulean's lands a while... it's a cheap price, he figures. Then again, Ikuna's not the one who inherited their mother's temper. After a moment of the nosing, the young wolf lifts his head again to look at Rockfall. "If I'd ask anything of you... be vigilant. Keep a watch on the borders. The dogs that took our home might strike again." Ute can handle their hunting - indeed, managing to do so is helping to build up the injured pack's confidence in themselves again.
Rockfall turns to Tala and shakes his head. "I didn't mean to compare, only ... to let you know ... I do have at least a sense of being displaced, away from home. I make no pretentions my pack went through such a sudden scare. We had some run-ins and losses at some crazy boars, but ... that was long ago, probably nothing like what you went through, and I hadn't meant to imply our pain and losses are anything like what you have gone through." He nods to Ikuna. "That has me worried, too ... and, yes, we are being extra vigilant on our patrols. We have new pups whelped just weeks ago. I worry, if those dogs continue coming this way ... there isn't much anywhere to go, we'd be stuck between them and Amaranth. I have no doubt they would not be a very deadly, powerful and serious threat if they hadn't displaced Ute. If necessary, and beneficial, and not just a futile suicide, I would fight to the death to protect Cerulean /and/ Ute now. Of course, I hope it does not come to that. Maybe, with time, Cerulean and Ute can come up with a plan to help you regain your packlands ... I don't know ... that's for alphas and keen tactical planners, I think."
Ahiga looks over at Tala, sensing her irritation though his expression remains neutral. Her nuzzle is returned gently, accompanied with a light smile before she heads off to Ikuna. A breath is exhaled as he looks to Ikuna, then Rockfall. "We've warned your alpha an' beta about the dogs that took our land. I know you've a .. dog in your pack. Your leaders aren't worried about her, but bein' your ally I've gotta jus' say, keep an eye on her. I've never trusted dogs even before this, an' now I don't have any reason to change my mind about'm." He wrinkles his nose a little, a shadow passing over his face. But oh, there's another thought. Cerulean has puppies? He's never met any female of theirs other than Niyt, and it's a passing wonder just who had them. Proper wolf pups, no doubt. "But speakin' of patrols, I'm late for mine," he says, lifting his eyes to the sky. The morning sun has lifted past the horizon. He should've been gone by now! "Nice meetin' you, Rockfall. Won't be the last time, right?" he says before he heads over to Ikuna and Tala, giving each of them a headbump and nuzzle.
Tala ear twitches to Ikuna and she slips quiet, a ear flicking forward and she smirks a bit and gives her brother a good nip. Alright so perhaps she went a bit too far but she doesn't go about taking anything back. She just peers at Rockfall, and bites her lip to keep her from saying anything more it would seem. Her gaze turns to Ahiga and her tail sways a few times and she leans up to nuzzle back against his chest, a few nips felt in the process. She'll just let Ikuna and Ahiga talk to this..wolf..
Ah, the question of dogs. One that has divided Ute, of late. Ikuna frowns slightly, but before he can wrestle his arguments into order, Ahiga's headed off. He returns the headbump and nuzzle with a smile, and says only somewhat to Ahiga's retreating back, "We should judge dogs on their merits. As we do wolves." Not that he expects it to sink in, and not like he's made a fuss over the fact that Ahiga still hasn't been to visit Ute's wolfdog pups. Perhaps that will come, with time. Or perhaps it won't, and Ahiga will always be a bit distant from that part of Ute. Dogs and wolves... why was it that Ciqala and Rowtag didn't stick around, anyway? He doesn't remember. He was too young; just a puppy. Speaking of puppies, as Rockfall did... "There are also pups in Ute, this spring."
Rockfall smiles warmly to Ikuna. "Congratulations ... I hope they are safe and sound. And ... I agree, I take each being on their merits. The dogs that drove you, though ... their actions already speak for them, to me. If I saw one, and knew it was one who had driven Ute from its packlands, I would not bid it a warm welcome."
Ah, and his exit has come just in time, as speaking of dogs in any way shape or form always puts Ahiga in a sour mood. As for Ikuna's words, he hears them, clearly, though comments not as he heads off. No comment is always safest. Spares ill feelings and troubles and arguments between friends. And as long as he can hold his comments to himself, maybe things will be alright! For bottling things inside /always/ is the best choice of action. As for Ute's pups.. pft. Again, no comment on that and he's only glad that the eyeroll that's made is made only after his back is turned and he's some feet away. And he continues on to his patrol, hoping that a walk is all that's needed to dismiss the thundercloud that's shadowing his heart.
Tala glances to Ahiga her head lifting and she soon peers over to Ikuna and Rockfall. Her tail flicks a few times an she will have to follow after Ahiga later it seems. Her head settles back to her forepaws, eyes closing and she takes in a soft breath in the process, an soon doze off it seems.
Ikuna should hope that ruthless invaders don't get welcomed by Cerulean wolves! It would make him frownyface. Ahiga's avoidance of the topic of dogs also makes him frownyface, but only a little. For now, Ahiga can avoid it, but maybe not forever. Maybe Ikuna's going to have to have a talk with him. Or Wachiwa will, like she said. Or Skahla will. So many talks, and yet... so long as Ahiga will tolerate the half-dogs, and guard a pack that includes them... his dislike can, perhaps, be tolerated. For now. Ikuna watches him depart, then looks back to Rockfall. "So. You know our news... how have things been in Cerulean?"
Rockfall flicks and swivels his ears uncertainly. "I honestly am not as in the loop on my own pack as I should be. I was rather surprised at my father informing me I have a new baby half-sister a few weeks ago, for instance. I still don't know anything about my father's new mate except her name. Aside from that, the only news I've heard is you guys. My grand-uncle Lexus also sired some pups, I haven't met them yet nor his new mate."
Ikuna ahs, and nods at Rockfall's lack of a report. "I see," he says. What else is there for him to say, really? "Let's hope there's enough good news to counter ours," he adds, with a half-smile and a slow shake of his head.
Rockfall nods. "It may be small, perhaps insigificant comfort, but ... for what its worth ... I am glad for an opportunity to get to know Ute, tragic and unpleasant though the circumstances are."
Y'know, it's probably a good thing Tala's asleep now. She'd be grumpy about hearing Rockfall say that. Even Ikuna glances back in the direction of Ute's former home, and sighs. "We have been allies for as long as I can remember," he says. "Since before I was born, I guess. You'd have been welcome to visit, before. It shouldn't... have to take something like this."
Rockfall nods and droops. "I'm sorry, I know ... I just never stray far from my pack. I know my sister has visited Ute a few times ... somewhere in that, I have lost track of her, actually, but I have caught traces of her scent now and then, so I know she's alive and about somewhere. Still ... it won't make up for your losses, but ... maybe some good can come of this, and Ute and Cerulean can be even closer in friendship and kinship."
"Maybe," says Ikuna. Friendship is one thing; kinship... who's going to go off and mate with whom? Or is this back to what the other wolf talked about with merging packs? "We are certainly grateful for your welcome to us." He smiles. "We'll try not to wear it out."
Rockfall says, "No worries about that ... not from me, anyway. Me casa es su casa, as I sometimes hear coyotes say ... don't quite understand those words, though," he laughs.
Ikuna nods, and takes a seat. The young wolf doesn't have much else to say; just keeping an eye on the visitor, as well as on his own pack; both those asleep, and those out patrolling or hunting who might soon return.
Rockfall lopes over to the pool's edge, but doesn't get too close to the cavern where he presumes the pups are, and laps up thirstily. He then yawns and stretches. "If you need anything," he says, "just howl. I don't want to intrude, though."
Ikuna nods. "We will," he says. "It was nice to meet you, Rockfall."
Ahiga, Tala, and Ikuna, wolves of Ute
---Waterfall Pool---
Rockfall trots southward from the two river fork to the north at a relaxed pace. The Cerulean wolf would be right to hold his tail in high dominance around visitors, but instead he keeps his tail level and his posture relaxed and friendly.
It's a lazy morning for Ahiga, who has found a bit of peace now that he knows Hadir's status. The kid is ok and has been fed. The other rabbit he brought has been left for whomever may want or need it. He hasn't seen the brother wolves in days now. And...thankfully, things have been uneventful. It's a perfect opportunity to be lazy and grateful that he has the chance to do so. The wolf is sprawled out a slight ways from the pool itself, eyes halfway open and focused on something distant. Despite it being early, it's already warm, but it's a comfortable sort of warmth. The blazing heat of summer will likely come later! His mouth opens into a wide yawn and his eyes threaten to close again. And they would have, if an unknown scent hadn't been caught in the breeze. Snorting a bit, he rolls to his stomach, ears up. Spotting an approaching wolf, he rises to his paws, alert but not growling.
Tala is settled next to Ahiga, though unlike him she is rather asleep at the moment, head settled against her forepws. A ear twitches forward, faint snuffle escaping her in the process. Her eyes open gaze flicks around and towards Ahiga once he moves. "What?" Is questioned befoer a yawn escapes her and she lifts her head to peer around and then catches sight of the approaching wolf, whom she watches quietly.
Ikuna has been in the cave past the waterfall for much of the day - watching pups. Talking with Wachiwa, when she's awake enough. She's sleeping a lot lately, between the effort of new puppies and recovering from her injuries, but she is recovering. A bit more rest, and she'll be back to her old self? He hopes so, anyway. With everyone else in there busy or napping for the moment, he emerges. Ahiga is first to be noticed, and he smiles to the other wolf before following his gaze to yet another wolf; an unfamiliar one. Ikuna takes a few steps, then holds; he stands between the cave and Rockfall, though with a calm sort of posture.
Rockfall slows to a walk and finally stops before getting too close to be a menace to the guests of Cerulean he is mutually personally un-acquainted with. He sits erectly (tail end on the ground, but front legs propping his shoulders and head up) several bodylengths away and dips his head in respectful bow. "Greetings ... I understand you are of Ute," he speaks softly and pleasantly. "I am Rockfall, a member of Cerulean. I heard from my father, Alpha Tariro, the troubles you have had, and wonder ... is there something I could do to help?"
Ahiga glances to Tala as she stirs, gently flicking his tail from side to side in greeting. "Wolf," he answers, though by then she already sees. Attention is shifted to Ikuna now as he emerges from the cavern, and he inclines his head to the other male, returning the grin before looking back to Rockfall. He certainly doesn't look to be one that brings trouble with him. He's certainly not a dog, and so he has that going for him. But although friendly, Ahiga holds a reasonable amount of wariness for the unknown. Ah, a Cerulean wolf. He supposed as much, and when Rockfall gives his introductions, he nods his head to him. "Yeah, we're Ute," he confirms. "My name's Ahiga. Tala," he offers, gesturing with his muzzle to the female, "an' Ikuna," another gesture to the male. "I was wonderin' when we'd see some of the pack," he admits with a grin. As for aid, he seems to have nothing to ask for.
Tala shifts up onto her haunches, tail lashing a few times in the process while her gaze settles upon Rockfall. A ear twitches towards Ahiga and then Ikuna while she keeps quiet for the few moments as she waits to see if the strange wolf will say whom he is. A soft ah escapes her and then she yawns while soon just nods. "Afternoon."
Cerulean, huh? Ikuna nods at Rockfall's self-introduction, and again at Ahiga's introduction of the Ute wolves here. "Cerulean's welcome to remain in their lands has already been a great help." He smiles, ducking his head briefly. "We are regaining our strength, with that aid." He's quiet for a moment, then adds, "In time... perhaps our packs shuld discuss more permanent arrangements. Ute does not wish to intrude forever..." Ikuna trails off for a moment. "But that is a matter for alphas." He smiles again.
Rockfall nods pleasantly in response to Ahiga, Tala and Ikuna, then turns back to Ahiga who seems to be the spokeswolf of the trio and says, "I do not know if you know of Cerulean's history. When I was whelped, Cerulean did not exist ... I was whelped into Viridian, with Lazuli as a rival neighbor, whom I understand was geographically between Viridian and Ute territory. Eventually, Viridian and Lazuli both dwindled, both packs suffering tragic losses over time including my own mother and brother, and the two packs amicably agreed to merge and form a brand new pack, the fusion of Viridian and Lazuli, adopting the name Cerulean. I have never really ventured from my pack, and have only heard of Ute through stories ... but all I have heard describes Ute as honorable and peaceful. The prideful pack rivalry ingrained into many of our kind and I myself was whelped with, in at least some degree, proved silly when Viridian fused with Lazuli. I do not propose joining your pack, or fusing Ute with Cerulean, but ... I remember how I felt when we left the old Viridian packlands up in the mountains, now claimed by the Amaranth cougars. I remember how strange and alien these lower lands are ... nothing wrong, but ... they weren't my home I had grown up in. I rarely strayed far from this very area, the pool at the base of the waterfall ... but even it was a bit unfamiliar to me." He pauses his long-winded story. "I think on my memories of that alienated feeling, of ... the pack I was whelped into, and raised with pride to thinking it would last forever, in the valley I was whelped. When my father spoke of what happened to Ute ... those memories came to mind. I do not know what, or whether there is, indeed, anything I can do ... but if there is anything I can do, I would like to help," he says with deep, sincere compassion. "I am a strong hunter, in a pack hunt for larger game, or I could gather smaller game for you such as hares, rats or otters. I have, in time, become familiar with these lands, so ... could help show your members around, or help with patrols, or just offer an ear to chew on. Or, if you prefer, I could leave you be ... but I do not want to be a cold rival, hiding away, if there is, indeed, anything I could do to help the honorable Ute in this trying time." He nods to Ikuna. "I am no alpha, and no designs on being ... I am just a regular member of Cerulean, and ... very much would like to help and, if nothing else, offer sympathy and friendship."
Ahiga nods in agreement with Ikuna. "Jus' letting us be here is the most help we need," he says, growing quiet as Ikuna continues on about permanent arrangements. That's their next step, isn't it? Deciding what in the world to do next. Where is there to go? His world has consisted of Ute lands and, periodically, Cerulean lands. What else is out there? He remains quiet as Rockfall speaks, ears perking as he tells of his own history. In most situations, Ahiga is nota wolf of too many words unless needed, more prone to listening and...er, brooding. And thus, when Rockfall finishes, he doesn't speak immediately, and his eyes roam to his packmates for a moment. "I don' think," he finally begins, "that we'd ask anyone to hunt for us. We're doin' alright with that. Plus, you've got your own pack to hunt for. None've us think of Cerulean as a rival. I mean...we've been friends since we were little with Anoki an' Niyt at least, an' I know I've been wanting to see who else makes Cerulean Cerulean." He grins a little. "I think all we want really is just..to know we've friends to count on."
Tala just blinks as she looks at Rockfall and watches him, a ear flicking forward, is that an eye twitch? Perhaps. "We.. Didn't ask for a history lesson." She suddenly says, a faint tone heard. "The Ute is The Ute." That is her thought on the whol possible /joining/ of packs! "Rather long-winded story for wolves you have jus met... Isn't it?" An there goes Tala, right to the point, the meat of the matter so to speak. "Also.. I'm.. not sure how you can compare that to /anything/ that has happened to my pack." She shifts slowly so she is sitting up, steel-blue gaze narrowing slightly as she watches Rockfall. Her tail lashes and she shifts to her paws now, stretching her form and gives Ahiga's neck a nuzzle, and then a soft nip before she turns to move over to where Ikuna and and settles down next to her brother. Someone is a bit tired it seems, perhaps even more so now. "What Ahiga says." Soon escapes her in a tired mumble.
So maybe Rockfall's being a bit long-winded, but Ikuna frowns a little at Tala's response. When she comes over to join him, he leans down and bumps his nose against her ears. "Easy, now," he murmurs in a voice meant only for her ears. If enduring a bit of rambling is the price they pay for living in Cerulean's lands a while... it's a cheap price, he figures. Then again, Ikuna's not the one who inherited their mother's temper. After a moment of the nosing, the young wolf lifts his head again to look at Rockfall. "If I'd ask anything of you... be vigilant. Keep a watch on the borders. The dogs that took our home might strike again." Ute can handle their hunting - indeed, managing to do so is helping to build up the injured pack's confidence in themselves again.
Rockfall turns to Tala and shakes his head. "I didn't mean to compare, only ... to let you know ... I do have at least a sense of being displaced, away from home. I make no pretentions my pack went through such a sudden scare. We had some run-ins and losses at some crazy boars, but ... that was long ago, probably nothing like what you went through, and I hadn't meant to imply our pain and losses are anything like what you have gone through." He nods to Ikuna. "That has me worried, too ... and, yes, we are being extra vigilant on our patrols. We have new pups whelped just weeks ago. I worry, if those dogs continue coming this way ... there isn't much anywhere to go, we'd be stuck between them and Amaranth. I have no doubt they would not be a very deadly, powerful and serious threat if they hadn't displaced Ute. If necessary, and beneficial, and not just a futile suicide, I would fight to the death to protect Cerulean /and/ Ute now. Of course, I hope it does not come to that. Maybe, with time, Cerulean and Ute can come up with a plan to help you regain your packlands ... I don't know ... that's for alphas and keen tactical planners, I think."
Ahiga looks over at Tala, sensing her irritation though his expression remains neutral. Her nuzzle is returned gently, accompanied with a light smile before she heads off to Ikuna. A breath is exhaled as he looks to Ikuna, then Rockfall. "We've warned your alpha an' beta about the dogs that took our land. I know you've a .. dog in your pack. Your leaders aren't worried about her, but bein' your ally I've gotta jus' say, keep an eye on her. I've never trusted dogs even before this, an' now I don't have any reason to change my mind about'm." He wrinkles his nose a little, a shadow passing over his face. But oh, there's another thought. Cerulean has puppies? He's never met any female of theirs other than Niyt, and it's a passing wonder just who had them. Proper wolf pups, no doubt. "But speakin' of patrols, I'm late for mine," he says, lifting his eyes to the sky. The morning sun has lifted past the horizon. He should've been gone by now! "Nice meetin' you, Rockfall. Won't be the last time, right?" he says before he heads over to Ikuna and Tala, giving each of them a headbump and nuzzle.
Tala ear twitches to Ikuna and she slips quiet, a ear flicking forward and she smirks a bit and gives her brother a good nip. Alright so perhaps she went a bit too far but she doesn't go about taking anything back. She just peers at Rockfall, and bites her lip to keep her from saying anything more it would seem. Her gaze turns to Ahiga and her tail sways a few times and she leans up to nuzzle back against his chest, a few nips felt in the process. She'll just let Ikuna and Ahiga talk to this..wolf..
Ah, the question of dogs. One that has divided Ute, of late. Ikuna frowns slightly, but before he can wrestle his arguments into order, Ahiga's headed off. He returns the headbump and nuzzle with a smile, and says only somewhat to Ahiga's retreating back, "We should judge dogs on their merits. As we do wolves." Not that he expects it to sink in, and not like he's made a fuss over the fact that Ahiga still hasn't been to visit Ute's wolfdog pups. Perhaps that will come, with time. Or perhaps it won't, and Ahiga will always be a bit distant from that part of Ute. Dogs and wolves... why was it that Ciqala and Rowtag didn't stick around, anyway? He doesn't remember. He was too young; just a puppy. Speaking of puppies, as Rockfall did... "There are also pups in Ute, this spring."
Rockfall smiles warmly to Ikuna. "Congratulations ... I hope they are safe and sound. And ... I agree, I take each being on their merits. The dogs that drove you, though ... their actions already speak for them, to me. If I saw one, and knew it was one who had driven Ute from its packlands, I would not bid it a warm welcome."
Ah, and his exit has come just in time, as speaking of dogs in any way shape or form always puts Ahiga in a sour mood. As for Ikuna's words, he hears them, clearly, though comments not as he heads off. No comment is always safest. Spares ill feelings and troubles and arguments between friends. And as long as he can hold his comments to himself, maybe things will be alright! For bottling things inside /always/ is the best choice of action. As for Ute's pups.. pft. Again, no comment on that and he's only glad that the eyeroll that's made is made only after his back is turned and he's some feet away. And he continues on to his patrol, hoping that a walk is all that's needed to dismiss the thundercloud that's shadowing his heart.
Tala glances to Ahiga her head lifting and she soon peers over to Ikuna and Rockfall. Her tail flicks a few times an she will have to follow after Ahiga later it seems. Her head settles back to her forepaws, eyes closing and she takes in a soft breath in the process, an soon doze off it seems.
Ikuna should hope that ruthless invaders don't get welcomed by Cerulean wolves! It would make him frownyface. Ahiga's avoidance of the topic of dogs also makes him frownyface, but only a little. For now, Ahiga can avoid it, but maybe not forever. Maybe Ikuna's going to have to have a talk with him. Or Wachiwa will, like she said. Or Skahla will. So many talks, and yet... so long as Ahiga will tolerate the half-dogs, and guard a pack that includes them... his dislike can, perhaps, be tolerated. For now. Ikuna watches him depart, then looks back to Rockfall. "So. You know our news... how have things been in Cerulean?"
Rockfall flicks and swivels his ears uncertainly. "I honestly am not as in the loop on my own pack as I should be. I was rather surprised at my father informing me I have a new baby half-sister a few weeks ago, for instance. I still don't know anything about my father's new mate except her name. Aside from that, the only news I've heard is you guys. My grand-uncle Lexus also sired some pups, I haven't met them yet nor his new mate."
Ikuna ahs, and nods at Rockfall's lack of a report. "I see," he says. What else is there for him to say, really? "Let's hope there's enough good news to counter ours," he adds, with a half-smile and a slow shake of his head.
Rockfall nods. "It may be small, perhaps insigificant comfort, but ... for what its worth ... I am glad for an opportunity to get to know Ute, tragic and unpleasant though the circumstances are."
Y'know, it's probably a good thing Tala's asleep now. She'd be grumpy about hearing Rockfall say that. Even Ikuna glances back in the direction of Ute's former home, and sighs. "We have been allies for as long as I can remember," he says. "Since before I was born, I guess. You'd have been welcome to visit, before. It shouldn't... have to take something like this."
Rockfall nods and droops. "I'm sorry, I know ... I just never stray far from my pack. I know my sister has visited Ute a few times ... somewhere in that, I have lost track of her, actually, but I have caught traces of her scent now and then, so I know she's alive and about somewhere. Still ... it won't make up for your losses, but ... maybe some good can come of this, and Ute and Cerulean can be even closer in friendship and kinship."
"Maybe," says Ikuna. Friendship is one thing; kinship... who's going to go off and mate with whom? Or is this back to what the other wolf talked about with merging packs? "We are certainly grateful for your welcome to us." He smiles. "We'll try not to wear it out."
Rockfall says, "No worries about that ... not from me, anyway. Me casa es su casa, as I sometimes hear coyotes say ... don't quite understand those words, though," he laughs.
Ikuna nods, and takes a seat. The young wolf doesn't have much else to say; just keeping an eye on the visitor, as well as on his own pack; both those asleep, and those out patrolling or hunting who might soon return.
Rockfall lopes over to the pool's edge, but doesn't get too close to the cavern where he presumes the pups are, and laps up thirstily. He then yawns and stretches. "If you need anything," he says, "just howl. I don't want to intrude, though."
Ikuna nods. "We will," he says. "It was nice to meet you, Rockfall."