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Guests
Jun 29, 2012 3:14:28 GMT -5
Post by Ahiga on Jun 29, 2012 3:14:28 GMT -5
Skahla’s growl turns Ahiga’s eyes towards him, though they stay there only briefly, which is a good thing, for the smoldering look in his gaze is likely one he does not need to see. His mood is rapidly deteriorating, not that it was exceedingly high in the first place, having known just what the purpose of this little trek was anyway. Necessary, but not entirely desired. What did he do to question Skahla’s authority? It was Brutal he questioned. Whatever. It doesn’t really matter anymore as things have progressed on, spiking his irritation further. Though it’s not Brutal nor Grim that are agitating him, but the response of his pack. His friend.
Enough? Who does he think he’s talking to in such a reprimanding tone? No, Skahla does not get the smoldering look. Ikuna does. And as he continues his lecture, it only deepens til it’s nearly a sneer. Golden eyes stare back at him, expression hardened with a look of contempt he’s never before held for his oldest friend. Apologize his fuzzy ass, especially not when ordered to do so. Whatever Brutal is saying to him is disregarded. Unimportant. Whatever sugar that snake in the grass has to say is going to be eaten up anyway, and voicing one’s concerns is cause for being growled at. Because that is the Ute way. The good guys with no backbone. So he’s learned something today. Sit down, shut up, and take it like a good boy.
Unfortunately, that’s not Ahiga’s way. And so the staring match continues between the two young males, his hackles pricking in response to his tenseness, even if it’s a mere inch or so. Brutal and Grim’s arrival amongst the Ute is a strange thing. A helpful coincidence against the dogs despite the fact that the battle was lost, and yet their lingered presence is causing divide, if not indirectly. Straining friendships. Fractioning bonds years in the making. Questioning his own place within the family that raised him. The family that he grew with. His only family. Not that either one of them would care. And thus, while Tala apologizes, he does not, allowing instead ill feelings to stew before coming to the realization that his lingering presence here is not necessary. What good has it done thus far? Being a quiet bystander is not feasible, and whatever he has to say to his ol’ pal should wisely not be spoken in present company. As for the oh so noble brothers whose minds are changing again? Let those chips fall where they may.
“Piss off..” is said to Ikuna, words low, meant for him only. When his eyes turn to Tala, there is a slight softening, his expression near apologetic before he turns and moves away, departing, ears pressed back. He’ll deal with the consequences of these actions later, but at the moment he couldn’t care less.
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Guests
Jun 30, 2012 17:38:25 GMT -5
Post by Therdde on Jun 30, 2012 17:38:25 GMT -5
The wolf before Skahla does not seem to be to blame. Neither is Althaea, truly. Is she? Skahla has been the one to encourage her to wander beyond the borders of their territory. Not far beyond, not without escort, but beyond all the same. It was a different matter, though, when they actually had territory to call their own. Regardless, the father is all too keen to believe Brutal's explanation is as innocent as it has seemed, because Althaea is simply too young for it to be anything other than innocent. Virtuous. Isn't she?
While keeping his gaze on Brutal, as he must, and thus seeming to ignore the younger wolves, Skahla says, "I will not be misunderstood." Not by Brutal or Grim. And not by the three young wolves, or at least two of the three young wolves, behind him. Words will be had later, and it is unlikely that they will be pleasant. "You have managed to give my packmates reason to dislike you, and I refuse to take that likely."
And yet, his daughter clearly sees something of value in at least one of these two wolves. Whether Skahla will agree, given time to get to know Brutal or his brother, has yet to be seen. It is enough, though, to at least stay his decision. "Our home here is temporary. Dislike it if you must, but you will remain guests... as we are guests. And when the time comes for us to go to a new home, after I, and the others, have time to do as you say you wish and get to know better... then, you might consider yourselves more." It is his decision. The young wolves behind him may not like it, but then the wolves before him are not likely to like it either. For the former, Skahla is not entirely certain how he intends to handle it. As for the latter, though, he has given his terms, and if they are not willing to abide by them, it is no loss so far as Skahla is concerned. He has bigger things to worry about.
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Guests
Jun 30, 2012 17:51:25 GMT -5
Post by Pavane on Jun 30, 2012 17:51:25 GMT -5
Such a fine day for Ikuna. Apparently, he can't do anything right.
He keeps his gaze on Ahiga, even as the other young male grows angrier, and he's not the one to back down there - though, truly, neither is Ahiga.
Those parting words hurt, and Ikuna's grimace is clear enough to anyone paying attention.
What is he doing here, really? Ute is about chances. Ute is also about friendship, and his best friend seems to hate him now, and for the sake of what? Philosophy? Brutal and Grim can take care of themselves. Skahla, Althaea... Where do his loyalties really lie? Everyone being friends and getting along is a fine idea in theory, but if push is coming to shove, where does Ikuna stand?
He looks after Ahiga for a long moment. For now... Ikuna will have to stand here, with Skahla. His brother, and his alpha. Before he turns back, he glances to Tala. "Go with him," he says quietly. "I'll find you later."
Assuming, of course, that Ahiga will want to be found - that either of them will want to see Ikuna again. He'll deal with that later, this new rift between them. It isn't the first time they've fought, but it's the first where Ikuna is uncertain of where he stands. With the puppies, the right answer was clear. Here? At least he can send Tala after his friend. Ahiga won't reject her, no matter how angry he is. It's something.
Ikuna has a deep frown as he turns back to face Brutal, his gaze flicking to Grim and back. He's silent again, a silence far more brooding than before... but he will stick this through, and stand by Skahla's side until the alpha is done here. After that?
He hasn't decided.
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Guests
Jun 30, 2012 21:13:37 GMT -5
Post by Tala on Jun 30, 2012 21:13:37 GMT -5
Tala knows very well that Skahla will have words with her, and she doesn't plan on holding back her tongue when that time happens. Her gaze lingers on Grim and Brutal, they narrow before a soft breath escapes her and she glances over to Ahiga and Ikuna.
She catches the words from Ahiga, her maw opening slightly and she looks clearly surprized by them. A slight nod is seen and she leans over to nuzzle against Ikuna's neck, an lets her shoulder brush across his while she turns, following after Ahiga.
"Come on.." Is murmured out softly to Ahiga once she is at his side, her shoulder pressing to his. Many things are going through her mind at the moment, an none of them have a outcome that she wants to think about ot dwell on for long.
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Guests
Jul 1, 2012 12:10:57 GMT -5
Post by Kvatch on Jul 1, 2012 12:10:57 GMT -5
Having traveled a long and weary road on which so many bones lay scattered and where the ghost of wasted youth and ill choice lurk in the darkest corners of regret's memory, how ironic that Brutal has come to this winding path again. Is it just coincidence? A fluke? Or have the very hands of time delivered him precisely back to this moment of history, where his fate once more balances on that narrow ledge between redemption and despair? That here he might stand again in judgment, with the threads of his fortune crossing over the strands of many, like the woven cords of a elaborate spider web, where the difference between his staying or his leaving might create vibrations that could change the fate of all. Only this time, the choice is not his to make.
However, the revelation of all of this is much too large for Brutal to take in at once, especially with the gravity of the situation weighing down the words spoken next by Skahla, whom Brutal has reserved most of his attention for. And while Ahiga's brusque departure is noticed, the massive wolf says nothing, but this time it is not out of dismiss for the wolf who has shown himself to be the most suspicious of the brothers, as well as harboring a generous amount of discord for them that well exceeds any dislike gleaned from the others, No, this time, the expression that follows after Ahiga is contemplative and regretful. And while it is correct that Brutal knows nothing of the family bonds that tie these wolves together, particularly the three, neither is he so callous and narcissistic as to not wish things had gone differently and that in coming to the aid of the Ute in the effort to keep them together, he might have very well broke them apart. But there is hope yet, so long as the company of Althaea stays true and Grim behaves, that Brutal might undo the damage done. Which no doubt will make for some trying times ahead.
In turn though, this makes the conditions of the treatise as laid out by Skahla readily acceptable and perhaps even seemingly necessary. They are agreeable terms for which Brutal can find no unfairness or fault, plus not even he would care to be thrust suddenly among them to act at being a part of them. These things take time and Brutal isn't even sure if he can conform to a life within the boundaries of pack law and the social restraint involved. A life where he isn't the wolf issuing orders, but instead, yielding in deference. Yet, of all of these things, Brutal both fears and suspects that his toughest challenge, will be with his brother Grim.
With the discussion seemingly coming to an end and with the departure of Tala following in pursuit of a furious Ahiga, Brutal considers all matters thus far to be closed. At least between the Ute Pack and the brothers Brutal and Grim. Therefore, with only one last thing to do, the massive black wolf gives a nod of his head in acquiesce, "Guest we are, then." He smiles a fraction now, though in knowing that things between them have hardly been settled, it is the only expression of gratitude Brutal can muster. "Thank you, Skahla of the Ute, for having the patience to hear me out. And I extent the same grace to you, young warrior." he adds, adjusting his gaze to include Ikuna. "I know in the past we have not seen eye to eye, but do forgive me for that. Even after all these years, some habits die hard. Isn't that right, brother?" he questions in the end, finally turning something of a accusing look upon Grim, one that carries more incentive for him to agree than just the typical tongue-and-cheek tone that it is sent out upon.
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Having already arrived at the same epiphany that Brutal now takes a moment to reflect upon, Grim had invested a helluva lot less time on wasting his thoughts on matters of Destiny and Fate, the sisters of time. Which from his and Brutal's birth pack, the Split-paw, legend regales them responsible for the cords of life and the intertwining of them. A whole lot of poppy-cock if you ask him! But to be fair, Brutal's been brain-washed with this load of crap since the day he was born. Not that Grim escaped such lessons entirely, it's just that most of it didn't take. A bunch of superstitious none-sense is what it boils down to, but hell, everyone needs something to believe in, right? Though unlike his brother, Grim likes to think a wolf can decide for himself which road he will follow, which might explain the wolf's tendencies for radical behavior without a second's thought to consequence. In fact, the only devout observances Grim could be guilty of making, deals in cause and affect.
For example, just as of right now, the wolf is already contemplating the various possibilities in finding a means to a cause, one that will affect this madness his brother is clearly slipping into. What was ever so wrong when it was just the two of them? When did it stop being enough? Still, Grim holds out on hope too. A hope that he might still continue to find ways to crawl under these wolves skin when Brutal is watching and piss them off proper when he's not. There is also the hope that Brutal will lose his infatuation with Althaea and she with him. If not, well, Grim will just have to take the incentive himself. He's done it before. He can do it again. He'll not stand to have his brother stolen from him.
Golden eyes shift nonchalantly toward Ahiga, watching the stare down between him and Ikuna in a manner of mild amusement. Well, on the bright side, so long as things stay like this, hanging about might not be so unbearably wretched. This thought is pleasant enough to bring something of a crooked smirk to his lips. Though as Ahiga breaks off, Grim has to strain to catch the fond adieu thrown at Ikuna, and as much as he hates to, the grey wolf admittedly shares those exact same sentiments. The only difference, is that Grim learned long ago to keep them to himself. It's much more prolific to just smile into the face of adversity while meditating upon some underhanded trick. And, what better way to begin the process than with emotional lies? Thus, doing just this, Grim meets the gaze of his brother evenly before sharing the appropriate smile of good humor with all of them, "That they do...." agrees Grim, even managing to appear sheepish about it.
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Guests
Jul 1, 2012 14:25:52 GMT -5
Post by Therdde on Jul 1, 2012 14:25:52 GMT -5
If anyone knows how difficult it can be to change old habits, Skahla certainly does. Without taking his eyes off of Brutal, he says, "Ikuna. I want you to go check on the pups. Make sure Wachiwa is doing alright." In honesty, Skahla has no concern for Ute's newest mother or the pups she birthed. What he wants, what he feels like he needs, is for Ikuna to not go after Ahiga or Tala. That time will come, but when it does, he wants to be there with his brother, because he will not have Ikuna being saddled with the weight of his own decisions. Before he can go to either of the displeased young adults himself, though, there is something else he must do.
"Brutal. I should like to speak with my daughter now." It is not for any distrust of the wolf he has just met. No matter how the young wolves of Ute feel, Skahla has been given no particular reason to dislike Brutal in this meeting. Grim, perhaps, but not Brutal. Still, the rain is over, and Althaea should be back with her family. Besides that, it may be useful to know what it is his daughter does about these two strange wolves, since she has apparently spent more time with at least one of them than anyone else.
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Guests
Jul 1, 2012 15:02:19 GMT -5
Post by Pavane on Jul 1, 2012 15:02:19 GMT -5
A smile, even a fractional one, is more than Ikuna can manage just now. Not even when Tala nuzzles him - for he's still watching Ahiga depart, those words still in his ears. No smiles from the crooked-tailed wolf, but when Brutal addresses him, he gives a small nod.
"You are guests of Ute." So Skahla has said, and so Ikuna, at least, does not argue; not right now, anyway, though he'll certainly be keeping his eyes on these two. "Welcome." The word is, perhaps, not the warmest, but nor is it particularly grudging. Unlike Grim, Ikuna is no master at hiding his emotions and playing clever tricks. He is, clearly enough, willing to give these two a chance. Second? Third? Whatever. A chance.
If only Ahiga will give Ikuna the same. As decisions are reached and agreed on here, the young wolf's mind is already racing forward to that meeting - that confrontation. If he goes quickly, perhaps he can find them before they get far. Then -
The pups? He... Ikuna frowns, lowering his head. There's a long moment of silence, as he stares to the ground. He doesn't want to check on Wachiwa and the pups. He wants to find his friends. He wants to try to repair the broken bonds between them. He wants...
"Yes, Skahla." The words are somewhere between scowl and sigh. Ikuna listens as Skahla makes another request of Brutal, then looks up again, still frowning, and addresses Brutal for himself. "I would like to hear more of what brought you here," he says, and glances to Grim as well before he adds, "But, another time." After all, they are guests here, are they not? They ought be be around, and he... ought to know their stories. Their philosophies. Their natures. Surely that's not so difficult a demand, and perhaps somewhere in that he'll find something to help take away the sour taste of his own broken - ruined? - friendship. Not that he can do anything about any of that now, because his brother has a task for him. His mouth twists like he's biting down on a sour crabapple. "For now... farewell."
Ikuna turns and trots away, though his pace is not so brisk that he won't hear words cast after him. To the den with him; to Wachiwa and the puppies. He's doing it. He doesn't have to be happy about it.
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Guests
Jul 3, 2012 3:08:08 GMT -5
Post by Kvatch on Jul 3, 2012 3:08:08 GMT -5
The turn of events this day, while not completely favorably in every regard or by everyone, provides Brutal with a strange sense of solace, that only now, does the massive wolf realize how heavily the situation had been weighing on his mind. Skahla's request to see his daughter gains a compliant nod from the dark wolf, who answers in turn with a accommodating, "Of course." After all, Brutal has nothing to hide in regards to Althaea. Well, mostly. He did decisively omit the deeper -and perhaps questionable- side of his rapport with the young she-wolf, but his doing so was not out of hidden malice, but circumstance. Simply put, if Skahla were to learn of any infatuation that exist between the two wolves, Brutal would much rather have the Ute Alpha hear it from his own daughter and not the likes of some brute of a wolf confessing his love. More so, for a female who isn't even a full season old. How awkward would that be?
Though before Brutal can begin to turn away with the intent of leading Skahla to his wayward daughter, Ikuna's further comment gives pause to his motion, bringing the big wolf's yellow eyes back to the young adult. The request almost seems to have caught him off-guard and the expression of curiosity that crosses his dark visage is easily discernible, just before being replaced by a genuine smile. "I look forward to it." He then nods, reciprocating with a gently spoken, "Farewell."
With only Skahla remaining, Brutal turns his focus back to business. Though even before he takes another step, a silent glance is sent in Grim's direction, followed by a curt gesture of Brutal's dark muzzle. Clearly, it is a signal for his brother to move ahead of them, an act of consideration on Brutal's part, least Skahla suffer any unnecessary caution because he has a big wolf in front and another trailing at his heels. Looking to the white wolf, Brutal offers another slight gesture with his muzzle, "This way." he says in guidance, before starting off back the way the brothers had come.
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Well now, ain't they just one big happy family! Brutal may be a dreamer, but Grim stopped believing in fairy tales a long time ago. But hey, who knows? Maybe it'll do o'l Brute' some good to play in the pack for while, maybe even sate the old itch between the loins. Surely he can tolerate hanging around for that long? Then, he'll just see to it that Brutal comes to remember why its ever just the two of them. For now though, he play along, at least until the game gets old.
The glance from Ikuna doesn't really gain the same sort of enthusiasm that Brutal presents to o'l crooked tail, but he manages a smile still. Unfortunately, the expression of chagrin that proceeds afterwards may be missed by Ikunu, but Grim turns his gaze just in time to find Brutal staring right at him. Oh crap. Heh. Oops. Flashing a near impish smile to both his brother and Skahla, Grim hoist himself up on his long legs and moves ahead at a brisk trot, more than happy to put some distance between him and the chance of conversation. Let the games begin.
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