Post by Kvatch on Jul 14, 2012 3:57:56 GMT -5
| Althaea, a female adolescent wolf (Ute) |
| Brutal, a male wolf |
( Scene takes place after "Wolves like us" and 'The Centre Cannot Hold' )
Waterfall Pool
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Since the talk with her uncle, Althaea retreated off from the falls to the distant treeline- a soft patch of upgrowth had her name on it and she wasn't afraid to use it. Curled up in that said patch, head tucked under the end of her tail, it was clear she was upset and by the looks up it had cried herself to the point where nothing seemed to matter anymore. The whole pack was falling apart and though Ikuna puts it upon himself to blame, it might as well be her in his place. Its because of her that Brutal and Grim are here. Its because of her that Ahiga and Tala left. If it wasn't for her everything would be fine. Maybe her uncle was right...
Brutal knew that leaving his brother like that would cut deep, that it would hurt Grim in a way that only Brutal knows how and with a pain well beyond any physical harm that could ever be inflicted. Whether Grim deserved it or not is the guilt that lingers in the dark wolf's mind now, but in that moment, it was all that he wanted. He wanted to see that look of helpless pleading upon his brother's face, to give Grim that bitter taste of what it is like to have to choose between selfishness and sacrifice. With the sinking depression afterwards though, Brutal was of the mind to fall back into old habits, of wandering the woods aimlessly and alone with all his ghost and demons for company. But then something crossed his mind that hadn't crossed his mind in a very long time. He didn't have to be alone. The revelation was enough to bring a quiet smile to his face, even as the weight of his problems still rested heavily on his mind. With time though, maybe even those would diminish. Maybe. Everything was just so messed up, and like many others, he isn't shy about shouldering the blame. Ironically, Brutal IS rather the root of it all, the spark to this wild fire, if rather inadvertently. Though beyond that, he can't be accused of everything. He'll not take responsibility for torn friendships and broken families, because when it comes down to it, only the individuals that make those ties can decide what becomes of them in the face of adversity. Brutal was always taught that if it is so easily broken, it wasn't strong to begin with. But, this does not mean that it cannot be mended and made better. Made solid. Made unbreakable. As it stands now, Brutal feels like all the pieces are shattered beneath his weight, and that he must try very hard not to break any more. But to do so, does not mean playing the stranger that he has played at being all his life. So against old habits and possibly bad judgment, Brutal moves purposely down the trail toward the falls, his attention focused ahead until a scent catches in his nostrils and the dark wolf comes to a shuffling halt near the edge of the treeline. "Althaea?" rises his baritone voice, both in question and calling, yellow eyes quickly searching the under growth in proximity.
The dark wolf didn't have to search hard to find the she-wolf, Althaea, huddling in the underbrush, broken and in tears over something stupid. With the little time she's had to think the thought of what if her uncle was right comes back to mind. But to live according to those guidelines just wasn't her way. Though still she wept, not over whats happened but just the thought of her uncle implying her departure because she may think it better outside the pack. Well right now, it was. Outside it there was no yelling. No looks of disgust. Only things she had to worry about was when her next meal would be or if she'd survive the night. What sort of wolf leaves their home solely because of something they don't like anyway? She could think of a few names- best to not be like them. She wasn't giving up on the pack, she just didn't want its current troubles at this point in her life. Just as she goes to wipe the tears from her eyes, a voice she greatly missed catches her attention, slowly pushing herself onto all four. "Brutal." Is murmured, wanting to see him with all her heart but rather than approach him she turns and steps away. No matter how much she wanted to see him, she didn't want him to see her- not like this. 'Thaea's form is easily see amongst the treeline, her steps slow as to give Brutal the chance to catch her, to wipe away the tears and drown sorrows.
The soft uttering of his name is enough to bring the dark wolf's attention shifting in the correct direction, where yellow eyes pick out the pale figure of the adolescent. And while Brutal needs no convincing that this wolf is indeed Althaea, the less than cheerful greeting he receives causes the massive wolf to hesitate in his approach. Instead, he just opts to hold his ground for a moment, standing there just past the wooded tree line as his gaze watches Althaea move away, listening to the subtle sniffles from a she-wolf who Brutal suspects has always tried to be strong and stoic. Be that as it may, as a wolf who has made it his life to exemplify this trait, Brutal knows that a heart breaks just the same. Exactly why his young friend is crying is left to be guessed at, but Brutal has his suspicions. Still, it does not keep the massive wolf from asking, with the question poised after a moment of silence, where only the sound of his approaching paw steps are heard. Having moved up next to her, his dark muzzle extends to very gently touch her shoulder, "Why do you cry, little wolf?"
Had Althaea been in a lighter mood, him calling her a little wolf would be taken scoldingly, but as it was, she doesn't even give him a looking to as the wolf manages to reach her side. His touch is enough though to cause her to stop, turning her head away from him with tightly closed eyes and a deep strained breath is taken. "I'm not crying." She says when infact she was. He had already heard her in his approach so what was the point in keeping it hidden. Sniffling, she slowly looks to the wolf and without much thought presses into the dark wolf burying her face into his neck hair.
Between question and answer, Brutal considers many things that could have gone wrong. The likeliest, and therefore the first thing to cross his puzzling mind, is that Althaea's conversation with her father went over about as well as his oh-so heartwarming talk with Grim. Though Brutal does doubt that a father would ever place upon his daughter such a similar ultimatum as that, especially since Skahla is the father in question, who as it appears to Brutal, seems all-the-world-over ever intent to keep what is left of his offspring close to him. So if not this, then what else? Ahiga? Tala? A brief, thoughtful glance is given in the direction of the visible misty falls and the nearby area, though even Brutal would have been surprised to see one or the pair anywhere close by, least they run the risk of having to endure his presence as a guest of Ute so soon. Some welcome this has turned out to be, that's for sure! Not that anyone would ever hear that complaint from Brutal, even if he felt it. It was enough for him that Skahla has allowed him to stay, even if the alpha should change his mind in the effort to mend the grievances of the majority. Returning to his puzzlement at hand though, in the end, it seems patience and drawing out a explanation from Althaea will be the easiest way to discover the reason for her grief. Her initial denial does provoke a soft chuckle from the hulking male, "Well, I do suppose the pollen is thick this time of year." comes Brutal's casual observation, though even as he says this he can't help but smile in tender affection, lowering his head so that his gaze is there to meet her own the moment she turns her face toward him. "That, or you're leaking..." he adds, his smile broadening just a touch. Brutal doesn't get to look long upon her tear streaked face though, but neither is he opposed to having her bury it into the thickness of his neck ruff. With a turning of his head, Brutal nuzzles the side of his face against her own neck and across her shoulders, tucking his chin in to bring her more solidly against his chest and beneath his throat. "There there..." he croons in his deep voice, the words rumbling in the depths of his massive frame, "What's so wrong?"
If only it were what her father had spoken, then she'd have a real reason to cry. The conversation she had with Skakla went better than she expected infact. It gave her hope, nothing could have ruined that day. Sadly however, such days don't always roll into one other so smoothly and the happiness of one day turned into sadness. Ears drooped to the sides, the adolescent listens to the dark wolf and smiles beneath his coat. Despite his rough exterior, it was Brutal's attempt at humor that brought enough of a chuckle out of Althaea to accept the closeness of his nuzzle. No longer was it an odd feeling or a thing to question. It was comfort and right now it was comfort that she needed. Pressing further into him she inhales taking in his scent. Its only after a short moment that she speaks. "The packs falling apart." Not the main reason that brings tears to her eyes but it leads straight to the problem. "Its all my fault, Brutal." Whether she really wanted to believe that or not remained in question.
The same could be said for Brutal, for in the beginning where even the smallest of touches between himself and the adolescent would bring to chance feelings of awkwardness and tested boundaries, now it seems to him as if its always been this way. A dangerous perception perhaps, if only because it's easier to forget himself. To forget that Althaea is still of innocent mind and that the pleasures she derives from the press of his warm body and the comfort from his nosing muzzle, are very different than the sort that he derives. This is not to say that Brutal's intentions in this moment are any different than the friend he claims to be, but neither is he oblivious to her scent, her closeness, and the way she continues to lean into him. Dark ears press forward as Brutal takes the liberty the opportunity affords him to further explore the nape of her neck and shoulder with his black leathery nose, breath felt bleeding down through her undercoat as he softly noses and snuffles through the pale fur. It isn't until Althaea's voice is heard that the massive wolf's attention is brought back into focus, lifting his great head a moment so that his addled-male brain might actually work, which only requires a second of comprehension before the subsequent reaction, which is to frown. And while he still remains in such a close proximity that his chest fur still brushes against her own, he pulls his head back in order to better look upon her face, "If you are still here and the others are not, nothing of the sort is your fault, Althaea. You cannot hold yourself responsible for relationships that you have no control over." He gives his head a small dismal shake, his thought immediately turning to the younger generation of Ute. "So I take it Tala, Ahiga, and Ikuna have left?" Obviously, he hasn't learned of Ikuna's recent inauguration into the role of Ute Alpha, nor does he even have a reason to suspect this, at least not in regards to the timing of such a event.
In that very moment of their closeness, Althaea can think of no other wolf she'd rather be with right now. But with all thats going through her mind and the possible thoughts of others, the very idea of just giving herself to the wolf brings pause to any further actions then what she poses now. His actions however, are met with a light manner of enjoyment. Brutal's pull back to look at her face is given a look of contentment till the moment he speaks. Ears drooping she frowns. "It is because I am still here." She starts but her words meet pause upon hearing Tala and Ahiga's name and she turns downward. "Tala and Ahiga have gone. My uncle.. he remains." Though she has not formally been told of Ikuna's placement as Alpha something that was spoken of gives her suspicion of such. "He blames himself for their departure but.." The young wolf head shakes. "Its not. Its my fault. I'm the one thats kept you here and because of that, they've left. They've built such a disgust for you and Grim that living outside the pack..." 'Thaea goes quiet looking up to the wolf. Her next train of thought brings her back to the reason why she was crying. Did she really like it more outside the pack? If she did, did her uncle really mean for her to leave aswell? A sigh escapes.
It should not be so surprising to Brutal to learn that Ikuna has stayed behind, but still the expression that briefly crosses his scarred visage depicts something of this emotion. The young adult did stay behind to stand in support of his alpha when the other two did not. But still, Brutal is not so foolish to think that Ikuna would not have preferred the alternative. And to that point, what was said then and what might come of it later would have lingered on the dark wolf's mind longer, had he not had his own dealings with a contrite family member to contend with. So why /has/ Ikuna stayed? Its a question that prompts a curiosity all its own, one which Brutal has every intention of finding out for himself. For now, he listens to what Althaea has to say, both for herself and regards to her uncle, but where Ikuna is concerned, he'll wait to hear those words from the wolf, himself. Patient he remains, though his expression is not without small tendrils of disappointment, as if Althaea should know better than to believe this blame that she had claimed for herself. Drawing in a careful breath, so that he might speak his words in a manner so that she will let down her walls of misplaced responsibility and listen, Brutal lifts a large paw to hook over her shoulders and draw her in firmly against him. He doesn't need her to look upon his face to see the truth, he needs her to look inside herself. "Althaea, we can only be guilty and blamed for our own failures to do what we know is right in our hearts, instead our selfish desires. I fought those dogs that day for the wrong reasons, even if it was the right thing to do. The consequence of that is what has bred so much malcontent and distrust among the others. I was thinking only of myself. And when we do that, we lose sight of what's really important. Whether or not you are the reason for my staying or going, Althaea, isn't important. What is, is that you'd be the right reason. You are my friend." Leaning his head down, Brutal nuzzles the side of his furry cheek down along her neck and shoulder, "It is not any more your fault for Ahiga and Tala leaving, anymore than it is Ikuna's, or your father's, or even mine or Grim's. Well, maybe Grim's, just a little bit." A short, rather humorless laugh escapes the massive male before he continues, his calm, but thoughtful demeanor resumed. "The thing is, Ahiga and Tala are responsible for their own actions, their own choices- even if they seem to us to be for the wrong reasons. The blame for leaving their pack, their family, is their fault to bear alone. For if it was so easy to walk away, the ties that held them here were not strong to begin with. And that is no ones fault. That, well that is just truth, as hard as it can be to swallow sometimes." He sighs, this time for himself as he thinks of his brother, Grim. "I have known it before. I know it again now."
Nothing is said from the young she-wolf as she sits there pressed up against the dark wolf. First it is his heart that she listens to, beating as it had not a care in the world. Something about them was soothing, though the sound wouldn't last forever when her position is altered some by Brutal's massive paw now draped over her shoulders. Looking to it then up to his towering face a slight smile creases her lips, dropping her gaze to no particular destination. She would have this embrace last all day. Flicking an ear to the wolf's words when they are spoken, her smile fades. What she should of done was force herself to neglect ambition and toss aside the want to know differently. She'd be alone, but least then she'd have her family. In all honesty though, that isn't what she wanted. She wanted family, yes. but she wants whats presenting in front of her as well. SO not putting blame on herself is something of a challenge. Had she acted like the rest, things might of been different but its to late now. The nuzzle received from the dark wolf is first met with a nod of understanding, then a nuzzle of her own. Brutal was right. Ahiga and Tala left on their own accord. If they truely cared about family and pack they would of worked through their disgruntled beliefs and stayed. Sigh. "Its just hard watching everything fall apart and having no idea how to fix it." If it was even fixable. What was she to do, just continue living her life in hope things work themselves out? She could, but where would that lead her. This she doesn't know.
In that lingering shadow of thought, despite Althaea being tucked so tightly against him, as Brutal allows the young she-wolf her thoughts, so too do his continue down the path concerning his brother. So much, in fact, that the darkening woods gain a moment of wishful watchfulness. Brutal does not hold out hope though, at least not tonight. Maybe in the days that follow, but in his heart, the dark wolf does not feel that Grim will accept what things have become. What this will mean, Brutal does not know, nor can the massive wolf even begin to guess at. What he does know, is that for good or for bad, his brother still yet has a part to play. The shift and press of her face into his fur recaptures the massive wolf's attention once again, something that he almost seems grateful for, as told by the tender stroke of his tongue along the edge of her ear. The affectionate gesture is also meant as a means to comfort her, a desire that leads to a repeat dab from the fleshy appendage. "I know it is, Althaea." is Brutal's murmured confession, the tone in which he says this giving a convincing impression that he speaks from experience. "The important thing, is that you keep in mind and remember why you want it to stay together. Just because something breaks, does not mean it cannot be put back together. And sometimes, things break no matter what, because its the only way we realize they need to be fixed." Nosing at that same ear, Brutal gently pulls away to look upon her face with a comforting smile, "Come on, lets get some sleep. Sleep gives a worried mind peace, even if just for a bit."
Althaea smirks at the lick to her ear, looking up and twitching said ear. If only she was high enough to return the gesture. The repeat action receives a chuckle, lifting his muzzle upward nipping at the wolfs cheek hair. Hearing his words she offers a nod. If she wants something all she need do is try, it seems. "Thank you." Is said when a chance is presented. He's given her much to think about but also cleared up a few things too. Standing to acknowledge his gesture to find sleep, she stretches her limbs before just sitting right back down. "Ok." Sleep will do her some good if she can manage any. Right here seemed like a good spot, but she waits to see if he has any specific place he'd rather shack up at.
Brutal doesn't seem to possess any care for his cheek fur, or how her nips at the thick tufts there rearrange their natural lay and produce lasting divots in it's appearance, at least until a good head shake should put it right. No, the only care that Brutal seems to have at the moment, would be to see her smile again. He himself doesn't refrain from the expression either, letting it curve gently along his grizzled muzzle, "No need to thank me, Althaea. But all the same, you are welcome." He chuckles gently, yellow eyes already half lidded, revealing a weariness there that Brutal had done well to conceal. Now, the massive wolf just watches her lithe frame as she stretches herself, only to reposition in the same location, which seems to suit Brutal just fine, as concluded by the grinning flop of his great hulking form down next to her. With the storm clouds having broken up and moved on, it seems a good as place as any, especially when relocating would require further effort and Brutal's never been of the mind to sleep out in the open. No, the edge of the tree line here will do just fine. As he adjust and settles himself in search of comfort, as well as seeking to accommodate Althaea as she settles next to him, his voice rumbles with a sleepy, "Sweet dreams." Which as it's said, is both humorous and as it is unlikely, coming from such a battle scarred, gruff looking, hulking brute of a wolf that is Brutal. The lion and his lamb.
Althaea gives the wolf his smile, watching him find comfort not just on the ground but by her side. Once he has settled though, she dips her head and noses his side. "You too." Such soft words caress her lips as she steps closer to the brute and giving a gentle lick to the cheek, then dropping down to a lay beside him, placing her head along his paws.
| Brutal, a male wolf |
( Scene takes place after "Wolves like us" and 'The Centre Cannot Hold' )
Waterfall Pool
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Since the talk with her uncle, Althaea retreated off from the falls to the distant treeline- a soft patch of upgrowth had her name on it and she wasn't afraid to use it. Curled up in that said patch, head tucked under the end of her tail, it was clear she was upset and by the looks up it had cried herself to the point where nothing seemed to matter anymore. The whole pack was falling apart and though Ikuna puts it upon himself to blame, it might as well be her in his place. Its because of her that Brutal and Grim are here. Its because of her that Ahiga and Tala left. If it wasn't for her everything would be fine. Maybe her uncle was right...
Brutal knew that leaving his brother like that would cut deep, that it would hurt Grim in a way that only Brutal knows how and with a pain well beyond any physical harm that could ever be inflicted. Whether Grim deserved it or not is the guilt that lingers in the dark wolf's mind now, but in that moment, it was all that he wanted. He wanted to see that look of helpless pleading upon his brother's face, to give Grim that bitter taste of what it is like to have to choose between selfishness and sacrifice. With the sinking depression afterwards though, Brutal was of the mind to fall back into old habits, of wandering the woods aimlessly and alone with all his ghost and demons for company. But then something crossed his mind that hadn't crossed his mind in a very long time. He didn't have to be alone. The revelation was enough to bring a quiet smile to his face, even as the weight of his problems still rested heavily on his mind. With time though, maybe even those would diminish. Maybe. Everything was just so messed up, and like many others, he isn't shy about shouldering the blame. Ironically, Brutal IS rather the root of it all, the spark to this wild fire, if rather inadvertently. Though beyond that, he can't be accused of everything. He'll not take responsibility for torn friendships and broken families, because when it comes down to it, only the individuals that make those ties can decide what becomes of them in the face of adversity. Brutal was always taught that if it is so easily broken, it wasn't strong to begin with. But, this does not mean that it cannot be mended and made better. Made solid. Made unbreakable. As it stands now, Brutal feels like all the pieces are shattered beneath his weight, and that he must try very hard not to break any more. But to do so, does not mean playing the stranger that he has played at being all his life. So against old habits and possibly bad judgment, Brutal moves purposely down the trail toward the falls, his attention focused ahead until a scent catches in his nostrils and the dark wolf comes to a shuffling halt near the edge of the treeline. "Althaea?" rises his baritone voice, both in question and calling, yellow eyes quickly searching the under growth in proximity.
The dark wolf didn't have to search hard to find the she-wolf, Althaea, huddling in the underbrush, broken and in tears over something stupid. With the little time she's had to think the thought of what if her uncle was right comes back to mind. But to live according to those guidelines just wasn't her way. Though still she wept, not over whats happened but just the thought of her uncle implying her departure because she may think it better outside the pack. Well right now, it was. Outside it there was no yelling. No looks of disgust. Only things she had to worry about was when her next meal would be or if she'd survive the night. What sort of wolf leaves their home solely because of something they don't like anyway? She could think of a few names- best to not be like them. She wasn't giving up on the pack, she just didn't want its current troubles at this point in her life. Just as she goes to wipe the tears from her eyes, a voice she greatly missed catches her attention, slowly pushing herself onto all four. "Brutal." Is murmured, wanting to see him with all her heart but rather than approach him she turns and steps away. No matter how much she wanted to see him, she didn't want him to see her- not like this. 'Thaea's form is easily see amongst the treeline, her steps slow as to give Brutal the chance to catch her, to wipe away the tears and drown sorrows.
The soft uttering of his name is enough to bring the dark wolf's attention shifting in the correct direction, where yellow eyes pick out the pale figure of the adolescent. And while Brutal needs no convincing that this wolf is indeed Althaea, the less than cheerful greeting he receives causes the massive wolf to hesitate in his approach. Instead, he just opts to hold his ground for a moment, standing there just past the wooded tree line as his gaze watches Althaea move away, listening to the subtle sniffles from a she-wolf who Brutal suspects has always tried to be strong and stoic. Be that as it may, as a wolf who has made it his life to exemplify this trait, Brutal knows that a heart breaks just the same. Exactly why his young friend is crying is left to be guessed at, but Brutal has his suspicions. Still, it does not keep the massive wolf from asking, with the question poised after a moment of silence, where only the sound of his approaching paw steps are heard. Having moved up next to her, his dark muzzle extends to very gently touch her shoulder, "Why do you cry, little wolf?"
Had Althaea been in a lighter mood, him calling her a little wolf would be taken scoldingly, but as it was, she doesn't even give him a looking to as the wolf manages to reach her side. His touch is enough though to cause her to stop, turning her head away from him with tightly closed eyes and a deep strained breath is taken. "I'm not crying." She says when infact she was. He had already heard her in his approach so what was the point in keeping it hidden. Sniffling, she slowly looks to the wolf and without much thought presses into the dark wolf burying her face into his neck hair.
Between question and answer, Brutal considers many things that could have gone wrong. The likeliest, and therefore the first thing to cross his puzzling mind, is that Althaea's conversation with her father went over about as well as his oh-so heartwarming talk with Grim. Though Brutal does doubt that a father would ever place upon his daughter such a similar ultimatum as that, especially since Skahla is the father in question, who as it appears to Brutal, seems all-the-world-over ever intent to keep what is left of his offspring close to him. So if not this, then what else? Ahiga? Tala? A brief, thoughtful glance is given in the direction of the visible misty falls and the nearby area, though even Brutal would have been surprised to see one or the pair anywhere close by, least they run the risk of having to endure his presence as a guest of Ute so soon. Some welcome this has turned out to be, that's for sure! Not that anyone would ever hear that complaint from Brutal, even if he felt it. It was enough for him that Skahla has allowed him to stay, even if the alpha should change his mind in the effort to mend the grievances of the majority. Returning to his puzzlement at hand though, in the end, it seems patience and drawing out a explanation from Althaea will be the easiest way to discover the reason for her grief. Her initial denial does provoke a soft chuckle from the hulking male, "Well, I do suppose the pollen is thick this time of year." comes Brutal's casual observation, though even as he says this he can't help but smile in tender affection, lowering his head so that his gaze is there to meet her own the moment she turns her face toward him. "That, or you're leaking..." he adds, his smile broadening just a touch. Brutal doesn't get to look long upon her tear streaked face though, but neither is he opposed to having her bury it into the thickness of his neck ruff. With a turning of his head, Brutal nuzzles the side of his face against her own neck and across her shoulders, tucking his chin in to bring her more solidly against his chest and beneath his throat. "There there..." he croons in his deep voice, the words rumbling in the depths of his massive frame, "What's so wrong?"
If only it were what her father had spoken, then she'd have a real reason to cry. The conversation she had with Skakla went better than she expected infact. It gave her hope, nothing could have ruined that day. Sadly however, such days don't always roll into one other so smoothly and the happiness of one day turned into sadness. Ears drooped to the sides, the adolescent listens to the dark wolf and smiles beneath his coat. Despite his rough exterior, it was Brutal's attempt at humor that brought enough of a chuckle out of Althaea to accept the closeness of his nuzzle. No longer was it an odd feeling or a thing to question. It was comfort and right now it was comfort that she needed. Pressing further into him she inhales taking in his scent. Its only after a short moment that she speaks. "The packs falling apart." Not the main reason that brings tears to her eyes but it leads straight to the problem. "Its all my fault, Brutal." Whether she really wanted to believe that or not remained in question.
The same could be said for Brutal, for in the beginning where even the smallest of touches between himself and the adolescent would bring to chance feelings of awkwardness and tested boundaries, now it seems to him as if its always been this way. A dangerous perception perhaps, if only because it's easier to forget himself. To forget that Althaea is still of innocent mind and that the pleasures she derives from the press of his warm body and the comfort from his nosing muzzle, are very different than the sort that he derives. This is not to say that Brutal's intentions in this moment are any different than the friend he claims to be, but neither is he oblivious to her scent, her closeness, and the way she continues to lean into him. Dark ears press forward as Brutal takes the liberty the opportunity affords him to further explore the nape of her neck and shoulder with his black leathery nose, breath felt bleeding down through her undercoat as he softly noses and snuffles through the pale fur. It isn't until Althaea's voice is heard that the massive wolf's attention is brought back into focus, lifting his great head a moment so that his addled-male brain might actually work, which only requires a second of comprehension before the subsequent reaction, which is to frown. And while he still remains in such a close proximity that his chest fur still brushes against her own, he pulls his head back in order to better look upon her face, "If you are still here and the others are not, nothing of the sort is your fault, Althaea. You cannot hold yourself responsible for relationships that you have no control over." He gives his head a small dismal shake, his thought immediately turning to the younger generation of Ute. "So I take it Tala, Ahiga, and Ikuna have left?" Obviously, he hasn't learned of Ikuna's recent inauguration into the role of Ute Alpha, nor does he even have a reason to suspect this, at least not in regards to the timing of such a event.
In that very moment of their closeness, Althaea can think of no other wolf she'd rather be with right now. But with all thats going through her mind and the possible thoughts of others, the very idea of just giving herself to the wolf brings pause to any further actions then what she poses now. His actions however, are met with a light manner of enjoyment. Brutal's pull back to look at her face is given a look of contentment till the moment he speaks. Ears drooping she frowns. "It is because I am still here." She starts but her words meet pause upon hearing Tala and Ahiga's name and she turns downward. "Tala and Ahiga have gone. My uncle.. he remains." Though she has not formally been told of Ikuna's placement as Alpha something that was spoken of gives her suspicion of such. "He blames himself for their departure but.." The young wolf head shakes. "Its not. Its my fault. I'm the one thats kept you here and because of that, they've left. They've built such a disgust for you and Grim that living outside the pack..." 'Thaea goes quiet looking up to the wolf. Her next train of thought brings her back to the reason why she was crying. Did she really like it more outside the pack? If she did, did her uncle really mean for her to leave aswell? A sigh escapes.
It should not be so surprising to Brutal to learn that Ikuna has stayed behind, but still the expression that briefly crosses his scarred visage depicts something of this emotion. The young adult did stay behind to stand in support of his alpha when the other two did not. But still, Brutal is not so foolish to think that Ikuna would not have preferred the alternative. And to that point, what was said then and what might come of it later would have lingered on the dark wolf's mind longer, had he not had his own dealings with a contrite family member to contend with. So why /has/ Ikuna stayed? Its a question that prompts a curiosity all its own, one which Brutal has every intention of finding out for himself. For now, he listens to what Althaea has to say, both for herself and regards to her uncle, but where Ikuna is concerned, he'll wait to hear those words from the wolf, himself. Patient he remains, though his expression is not without small tendrils of disappointment, as if Althaea should know better than to believe this blame that she had claimed for herself. Drawing in a careful breath, so that he might speak his words in a manner so that she will let down her walls of misplaced responsibility and listen, Brutal lifts a large paw to hook over her shoulders and draw her in firmly against him. He doesn't need her to look upon his face to see the truth, he needs her to look inside herself. "Althaea, we can only be guilty and blamed for our own failures to do what we know is right in our hearts, instead our selfish desires. I fought those dogs that day for the wrong reasons, even if it was the right thing to do. The consequence of that is what has bred so much malcontent and distrust among the others. I was thinking only of myself. And when we do that, we lose sight of what's really important. Whether or not you are the reason for my staying or going, Althaea, isn't important. What is, is that you'd be the right reason. You are my friend." Leaning his head down, Brutal nuzzles the side of his furry cheek down along her neck and shoulder, "It is not any more your fault for Ahiga and Tala leaving, anymore than it is Ikuna's, or your father's, or even mine or Grim's. Well, maybe Grim's, just a little bit." A short, rather humorless laugh escapes the massive male before he continues, his calm, but thoughtful demeanor resumed. "The thing is, Ahiga and Tala are responsible for their own actions, their own choices- even if they seem to us to be for the wrong reasons. The blame for leaving their pack, their family, is their fault to bear alone. For if it was so easy to walk away, the ties that held them here were not strong to begin with. And that is no ones fault. That, well that is just truth, as hard as it can be to swallow sometimes." He sighs, this time for himself as he thinks of his brother, Grim. "I have known it before. I know it again now."
Nothing is said from the young she-wolf as she sits there pressed up against the dark wolf. First it is his heart that she listens to, beating as it had not a care in the world. Something about them was soothing, though the sound wouldn't last forever when her position is altered some by Brutal's massive paw now draped over her shoulders. Looking to it then up to his towering face a slight smile creases her lips, dropping her gaze to no particular destination. She would have this embrace last all day. Flicking an ear to the wolf's words when they are spoken, her smile fades. What she should of done was force herself to neglect ambition and toss aside the want to know differently. She'd be alone, but least then she'd have her family. In all honesty though, that isn't what she wanted. She wanted family, yes. but she wants whats presenting in front of her as well. SO not putting blame on herself is something of a challenge. Had she acted like the rest, things might of been different but its to late now. The nuzzle received from the dark wolf is first met with a nod of understanding, then a nuzzle of her own. Brutal was right. Ahiga and Tala left on their own accord. If they truely cared about family and pack they would of worked through their disgruntled beliefs and stayed. Sigh. "Its just hard watching everything fall apart and having no idea how to fix it." If it was even fixable. What was she to do, just continue living her life in hope things work themselves out? She could, but where would that lead her. This she doesn't know.
In that lingering shadow of thought, despite Althaea being tucked so tightly against him, as Brutal allows the young she-wolf her thoughts, so too do his continue down the path concerning his brother. So much, in fact, that the darkening woods gain a moment of wishful watchfulness. Brutal does not hold out hope though, at least not tonight. Maybe in the days that follow, but in his heart, the dark wolf does not feel that Grim will accept what things have become. What this will mean, Brutal does not know, nor can the massive wolf even begin to guess at. What he does know, is that for good or for bad, his brother still yet has a part to play. The shift and press of her face into his fur recaptures the massive wolf's attention once again, something that he almost seems grateful for, as told by the tender stroke of his tongue along the edge of her ear. The affectionate gesture is also meant as a means to comfort her, a desire that leads to a repeat dab from the fleshy appendage. "I know it is, Althaea." is Brutal's murmured confession, the tone in which he says this giving a convincing impression that he speaks from experience. "The important thing, is that you keep in mind and remember why you want it to stay together. Just because something breaks, does not mean it cannot be put back together. And sometimes, things break no matter what, because its the only way we realize they need to be fixed." Nosing at that same ear, Brutal gently pulls away to look upon her face with a comforting smile, "Come on, lets get some sleep. Sleep gives a worried mind peace, even if just for a bit."
Althaea smirks at the lick to her ear, looking up and twitching said ear. If only she was high enough to return the gesture. The repeat action receives a chuckle, lifting his muzzle upward nipping at the wolfs cheek hair. Hearing his words she offers a nod. If she wants something all she need do is try, it seems. "Thank you." Is said when a chance is presented. He's given her much to think about but also cleared up a few things too. Standing to acknowledge his gesture to find sleep, she stretches her limbs before just sitting right back down. "Ok." Sleep will do her some good if she can manage any. Right here seemed like a good spot, but she waits to see if he has any specific place he'd rather shack up at.
Brutal doesn't seem to possess any care for his cheek fur, or how her nips at the thick tufts there rearrange their natural lay and produce lasting divots in it's appearance, at least until a good head shake should put it right. No, the only care that Brutal seems to have at the moment, would be to see her smile again. He himself doesn't refrain from the expression either, letting it curve gently along his grizzled muzzle, "No need to thank me, Althaea. But all the same, you are welcome." He chuckles gently, yellow eyes already half lidded, revealing a weariness there that Brutal had done well to conceal. Now, the massive wolf just watches her lithe frame as she stretches herself, only to reposition in the same location, which seems to suit Brutal just fine, as concluded by the grinning flop of his great hulking form down next to her. With the storm clouds having broken up and moved on, it seems a good as place as any, especially when relocating would require further effort and Brutal's never been of the mind to sleep out in the open. No, the edge of the tree line here will do just fine. As he adjust and settles himself in search of comfort, as well as seeking to accommodate Althaea as she settles next to him, his voice rumbles with a sleepy, "Sweet dreams." Which as it's said, is both humorous and as it is unlikely, coming from such a battle scarred, gruff looking, hulking brute of a wolf that is Brutal. The lion and his lamb.
Althaea gives the wolf his smile, watching him find comfort not just on the ground but by her side. Once he has settled though, she dips her head and noses his side. "You too." Such soft words caress her lips as she steps closer to the brute and giving a gentle lick to the cheek, then dropping down to a lay beside him, placing her head along his paws.