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Post by Althaea on Jul 6, 2012 12:33:08 GMT -5
This takes place after the log 'Guests' and before 'Meeting'.
Involves: Althaea, Skahla and Brutal/Grim
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When in a hollow basically meant for one, it wasn't difficult to learn when you weren't bring stifled anymore. Suddenly the air felt thinner- cooler too, and an echo that was never there before. Shifting as she woke, the empty space behind the young she-wolf of Ute causes a brief moment of panic within her. Brutal had left, why? Did she really expect to still find him there when she woke- yea. Perhaps she's holding her hopes to high again. Stretching her limbs, Althaea gazes toward the dimming lights of the outside, glad to see its stopped raining for now, before lifting herself to a crouch and crawling from the hollowed tree. Once out, a shake of her pelt is met against a light breeze which however is paused as the scent of one she thought, no hoped, to not find in the wind so soon.
Blue eyes shifting up and down the brook not a presence was to be found- odd. She could of sworn she just smelt her father and... Head shook as she turns to the waters, stepping down into its banks before lowering her head to its crystal waters. Lapping at the surface, attention it kept on the sounds around her and the scent that now floods her mind. Was he out looking for her? Did something happen? With how the pack felt about the brothers, not many good things came to mind in assuming the outcome of ever encountering them but with her father... She and him were in a way, the last of their family, would he be the same about them despite having actually met them. Its hard to tell when it comes to a wolf, his child and the stranger she hangs out with. Lifting her head from the brook and settling back on her haunches a sigh escapes 'Thaea in thought. Trying not to think to much into it,or else makes things worse when the encounter actually happens, she stands rising from the bank.
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Post by Kvatch on Jul 6, 2012 18:40:12 GMT -5
Brutal would have preferred to have been present when Althaea awoke, if not nestled warmly against her, than at least as a watchful guardian outside of the quaint little hollow that has served its purpose well in keeping the rain off. Not that the massive wolf is particularly concerned that some misfortune might befall her in his absence, but this still does not prevent him from wanting to keep a watchful eye on her all the same. As it stands, temporarily leaving Althaea's side in order to answer the summon that has brought about such a turn of events, had proven to be the lesser evil. Because to have not answered, likely would have led to very different results; which in hindsight, probably would have been preferable by the younger generation of Ute.
Of course, Brutal himself could not be more pleased with the outcome, though he isn't going to pretend that everyone else feels the same way. Ahiga and Tala have made their positions on the matter crystal clear, which isn't exactly the ideal manner for which Brutal had wanted to be received, but he supposes that's just the way of it. Then there is Grim, who despite his facade, is just as guilty of harboring his own fair share of disdain. How has it come to this? What has been done between sides that is so terribly wrong? Sigh. At least Ikuna is making a effort to be hospitable, maybe even accepting; though Brutal doesn't quite hold out hope for the latter.
With so many thoughts and questions being mulled around in his brain, Brutal makes for a very silent travel partner. Perhaps this is for the best though, avoiding the chance of a faux pas, or even just those awkward silences between strangers in a conversation doomed to fail. Not that Skahla is a wolf that Brutal couldn't enjoy having a discussion with, but he's fairly sure they have discussed enough for one evening. And so, Brutal just does as requested, guiding the white wolf down invisible paths as they make their way through the tangle of wild growth and shrubbery that grows parallel to the narrow river. The pace isn't exceedingly strenuous, though a few times Brutal's stride quickens in the effort to keep a eye on his brother pulling ahead.
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Unlike his reflective brother, Grim doesn't really care to think any more on the matter than necessary. It wouldn't do him much good anyways and likely he'd only succeed in working himself into a miserable state of woe-is-me. Its obvious Brutal has made up his mind to not only persist in the area, but that his intentions are also to dwell among the wolves of Ute. Why he, himself, should be remotely surprised about this does strike Grim as somewhat peculiar, but then, maybe it isn't surprise that he is feeling? Maybe it is just a deep seated disappointment, that what he refused to believe, has always been. In no small measure has Grim come to the conclusion that any of this is as spontaneous as Brutal would insist. The dog attack was likely unexpected, but it would take some hard convincing for Grim to believe that they had spent the winter on the Ute borders simply out of coincidence. Brutal had been watching them for a reason. This was it.
In that regard, Grim really only has himself to blame. Had he only insisted they press on, back before Brutal developed his strange obsession with the dwindling pack and now this infatuation with the alpha's daughter, they wouldn't be here in the first place. Hm. Now /there/ is a thought! What if there was no Ute? No Althaea? A difficult concept, but not a impossible one, and therefore definitely worth investing some thought into! Of course, the next question to be begged, is do dogs carry grudges?
Trailing well ahead of his hulking brother and Skahla, Grim is the first to arrive near the edge of the river bank, were immediately his golden eyes drop their gaze to look upon the young she-wolf situated there. This is not the first time Grim has set eyes on her, but it is the first time to do so in such close proximity. It is also with no small manner of detest that he curls his lips into a sneering grimace in regards to this. The ease for which the distance between them would allow Grim to exact his resentment upon the she-wolf is all of a sudden tempting. However, the knowledge that Brutal and the adolescent's father aren't far behind stays any aggression and the grey male just puts on a nonchalant, almost bored face, letting his voice alert the female to his arrival. "Might want to shake the dirt off. Your daddy's on the way here with Brutal. Says he wants to talk to ya." There is a distinct inflection to Grim's voice that suggest he's making a jab at her young age, both by emphasising the word daddy and choosing it's use over the word father. Little girls have no business consorting with the big boys. They always get hurt.
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Post by Therdde on Jul 6, 2012 22:42:27 GMT -5
There are countless things that Skahla could say. Countless questions he could ask. But Skahla allows the silence to remain. Time will tell why the young wolves of Ute, the generation that will carry the pack through all of its current trials, dislike these wolves so, or whether in fact there is a valid reason for it. The white wolf sees no no reason to force the matter, and besides that, he is not the most sociable of his species. Too long spent in self-imposed solitude, with only his thoughts for company.
It is good for the more distant of the two brothers, although perhaps not for the whole of the Ute pack, that Grim is so very far from Skahla and Brutal. He does not see any hint of that expression, and although his keen ears pick up the male's voice, he is not near enough to hear every inflection in that same voice. Then he sets eyes on his young daughter, and any thought of the brothers, even with their proximity, is gone, replaced by relief that his daughter looks well.
"Althaea," Skahla calls once he is only a few steps closer. In his voice is all of the sternness that could be expected when facing a youth in his pack who has taken it on herself to wander off. It is his fault, certainly, but Skahla has at least always made it clear that he has expected the young in the pack to exercise caution in their expressions of independence. And if they couldn't do so, to try to be smart enough not to be caught out. His attitude regarding his own daughter is not so cavalier, though, and the only thing that tempers that sternness is the relief that nothing has happened. No doubt due in part to the fact that she had someone to watch over her.
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Post by Althaea on Jul 7, 2012 0:15:55 GMT -5
Reaching the top of the bank, not even fully at its peak, Althaea is met with a voice she's never heard, but a face she's seen plenty. Grim was a wolf she could agree on for if there was any other name to be placed upon him, it was trouble. Ears back, blue eyes gaze upon the brother she meets for the first time. Her first reaction is a bark and growl as she pulls herself the last inches up over even ground where she's granted better sights upon the wolf. Picking up on his words though brings a completely different reaction from the young female, shifting her gaze from him and down the path she assumes he came.
So it seems she really did pick up her father's scent in the wind; previous thoughts showing their beady heads again, she takes one step forward only to take one back. Yet to see him through the trees she contemplates the rights actions to take and the possibilities of each before just shaking her head, this was her father, he'd understand wouldn't he? Looking back to Grim or a moment she gladly takes his advice and frees her pelt of dirt and whatever else may have collected during her time in the hollow. Paw steps catching her attention now, 'Thaea turns back down the path to find Brutal trailing up from behind, a gentle smile creasing her lips till the form of her father breaks through the shadows.
Ears pinning forward at the sound of his voice, she retakes that single step toward him. "Father, I.." Where was she to begin? A frown pierces her lips despite whatever rejoice there may of been upon seeing him again and the adolescent's gaze falls from her father. "I'm sorry." Seemed like a decent place to start. Her words are sincere looking back up to him. Being with wolves that were despised by the pack seemed like a crime these days but Althaea had her reasons- reasons that she only hoped would prove accusations false. Approaching her father now, she stops short curious of his thoughts on her being out here. Whether she was ready for what he may have to say was yet to be seen.
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Post by Kvatch on Jul 8, 2012 7:23:41 GMT -5
With the sound of that alert bark and the wary growl that follows, Grim's pale muzzle is creased with a lope-sided smirk. Well, ain't she a feisty one? Quick to the defense, it would seem. No matter though, Grim is fairly sure he could easily fall into her good graces, if simply because he is Brutal's brother. No, despite his disdain for the young bitch, Grim has every intention of playing friends with the she-wolf, at least so long as it's beneficial. For now though, he just offers her further regards of acknowledgement, while privately deriving a sordid pleasure from the waves of anxiety that dance across her face. Indeed, what will daddy think?
Though as entertaining as the encounter might prove to be, Grim has no intention of sticking around to watch. He has his own agenda, which involves the possible tormenting of a few field mice and maybe even spending a delightful evening in controversial conversation with his good old brother, Brutal. Ya know, just in case its not clear to the hulking mass of dirt-for-brains that this is such a terrible, awfully bad idea. And so, this in mind, the tall grey male slips off toward the opposite bank, lingering just long enough to ensure Brutal is going to comply and not hang around with his girlfriend.
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Skahla isn't the only wolf who fails in capturing those inflections of mockery as presented by Grim, who in turn, is damn lucky Brutal didn't. Because unlike the Ute Alpha, the massive wolf retains no hesitation when it comes to pummeling his brother in the dirt for being a smart-ass. But to be fair, he will also be the first to forgive Grim for his lack of tact and social failures. After all, its not exactly like Grim was ever afforded these teachings and clearly, he never learns by example. As it stands, with Grim moving away to wait expectantly, Brutal's interest shifts toward the figure of Althaea, who's smile at the sight of him is not missed, even as the expression falters. Grim isn't the only one to discern those subtle signs of unease that come over the young she-wolf at her father's arrival, but Brutal is much more of the mind to offer reassurance, rather than allow himself any amusement at Althaea's cost. And while it seems unwise to make strong overtures of friendliness under the circumstances, it does not prevent Brutal from continuing his approach towards the adolescent, regardless if the girl's father does the same. Though before he goes about this, Brutal does give parting words to the white wolf next to him, "My brother and I are off to hunt. I'll be sure to bring something back to the falls, if our luck is good."
Advancing toward Althaea, where there might have been a moment of affectionate nuzzling at reuniting, Brutal just reaches out to very gently touch her shoulder with the end of his dark muzzle. He doesn't need to say anything, for there is most certainly comfort in the gesture and a calm to be discovered in the casual manner for which he holds himself. Giving one last smile to Althaea, his yellow eyes look upon her face with a warm tenderness. "Go home with him." he says softly, his voice almost a gentle whisper, yet somehow it still manages to retain something of a command to it. With one last glance to Skahla, the dark male dips his head in a respectful bidding of farewell. This done, Brutal's massive figure proceeds past Althaea in order to join Grim, leaving both father and daughter to speak openly and privately between themselves.
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Post by Therdde on Jul 8, 2012 14:14:03 GMT -5
Skahla responds to Brutal with a short nod before turning his attention back to his daughter. He does not address her apology, not immediately. There is no need. Brtual has already told the girl what she should do, something Skahla agrees with wholeheartedly. As he watches the interaction between Brutal and Althaea, he sees no reason to be concerned, and he remains standing still and watching her as he waits for her to join him. Anything that is to be said between the two of them can be said when they are back on their way to the heart of where the pack has been staying.
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Post by Althaea on Jul 8, 2012 17:51:27 GMT -5
No further words are spoken to her father, standing there in wonder- waiting. During this time, Althaea gives a simple look to Grim whom she is unsure of what to think of. His actions were plain and yet unknown. Watching him for a moment as he retreats off to the opposite river bank where he awaits his brother to follow, she slowly turns toward Brutal whose own actions are unexpected. With her father around she would of thought a nod and farewell to be his course of action but the gentle touch to her shoulder is just, well- unexpected. Her own actions, however, are only such aswell giving pause to the wolf's touch before brushing her head against his shoulder and side in a form of nuzzle during his passing. "Dont be gone long." she murmurs to him quietly before turning to her father.
Was she going to see him again? The young she-wolf had her hopes but such things would depend on her father and what he said- what she said to him. Moving up to Skahla, 'Thaea pauses at his side a look of sadness in her eyes. It wasn't so much that she was leaving one of the few wolves who actually cared for her, as for where she was going. The pack just wasn't how she remembered it as a pup; it was sad now and broken. "I'm ready father." she tells the wolf beside her awaiting him to take the lead back toward the falls.
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Post by Therdde on Jul 8, 2012 18:04:55 GMT -5
Skahla turns to begin walking back toward their temporary home. For a short while, he is silent as the two of them walk. Eventually, however, he says, "You must be careful, Althaea. It is one thing to leave our territory, or what is acting as our territory, when you are accompanied by someone. But the world is a dangerous place, puppy. I'm sure you know that by now."
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Post by Althaea on Jul 8, 2012 20:25:59 GMT -5
Follows in step with her father as they begin back toward the falls and what was the remainder of their pack. Gaze toward the ground as she walked, her ears droops to the sides twitching to the sound of his voice. A simply nod is given to her father and his words. Althaea knew what the world could be like having seen a fraction of it through the lose of their home. Going out alone probably wasn't the best of ideas but had she not would she know what she does now? Had she stayed back along side the pack would she think like them- accusing others of something only seen from a glance? A sigh escapes her and she looks up.
Nothing said for a while longer she turns her head to look at her father before saying, "I didn't go out alone to seek trouble, father." In fact it was the river that became the boundary to her wondering. She only ventured from it once, but never alone. "It may not of been right of me, but I wanted to know more on what opinions could not give." Here, a gaze is made back toward the brook and the brothers that vanished beyond it. "I learned that there's more out there then just what you see." She turns back, "Not everyone is so cruel as what others make them out to be." She doubts she would of learned this from whose who would of preferred her to stay home away from that which could cause harm.
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Post by Therdde on Jul 9, 2012 15:18:07 GMT -5
"Thaea... eventually you'll have to learn that just because you aren't looking for trouble doesn't mean that it won't find you anyway." Skahla's pace, as he walks, is slow, and he makes every attempt at staying near his daughter, close enough to brush fur, as he makes his way closer to Ute.
"I'm not here to lecture you puppy. I'm here because I worry about you. Because I want you to be safe. That is all." Even now, Skahla does not realise that Althaea's relationship with Brutal is anything more than it seemed to him to be at first.
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Post by Althaea on Jul 9, 2012 16:11:17 GMT -5
Trouble- Not just a word but an thing; striking when you least expect it. Althaea knows little of trouble though from what she's heard, it can be devastating. Everyone around her has experienced it one way or another but for her it was like a tale your parents would tell to keep you safe. Even now when away from those of her family, in this darkened woods, it remained a tale, told to her in ways that brought remorse.
The brush from her father as they walked, is give a small smile, leaning into it some then pushing away to look at him. "I don't mean to worry you." She tells him softly. "I know you would probably prefer I be watched over by one of the pack..." Someone with more trust, "...but since I've been out here, Brutal has made sure I've come to no harm. Despite what the others may say about him, he's a... a good friend." Yeah, friend- that is what he is right?
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Post by Therdde on Jul 10, 2012 1:13:20 GMT -5
Skahla's ruling, his decision to let Brutal and Grim stay at least until Wachiwa's pups are old enough to be moved, has never been in question in his own mind. The younger generation might not like it, but then... as he saw it, the younger generation was rather rude about that meeting.
It is for this reason that Althaea's justification of Brutal as a caretaker is dismissed. What justification was needed? "And I appreciate him for it. Still, Althaea... Well, I'm not telling you not to leave. I was younger than you, the first time I left. Ikuna... Tala... Ahiga... they were all younger too. I'm just telling you to ask, pup... or if you can't ask, to be smart enough to not get caught."
It is a more difficult thing to do now, with his daughter, than it was with his younger siblings. This tacit approval to get up to no good. It hasn't seemed to do him much good with the new adults, after all... but like it or not, Althaea is getting older. Sooner or later, she will need some experience in taking care of herself.
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Post by Althaea on Jul 10, 2012 2:04:06 GMT -5
Ask or be smart enough to not get caught. He's said that before and even then confusion struck Althaea in a way she wasn't sure about. So far her meetings with the wolf, Brutal, have gone unquestioned- until now that is. She looks at her father as to question several things but only silence meets up with him in their walk. Its only after a long moment that she breaks her gaze from her father and into the distance. "May I continue to see him.." She questions, bringing her fathers words into light. He appreciated Brutal's watchful eye over her; now she asks to have it continued.
Keeping a friend close is all she wanted, and if having him near her would help the pack reconsider and get to know him, she'd have it more often. If not, then not getting caught may be her only option.
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Post by Therdde on Jul 10, 2012 3:53:04 GMT -5
Now does Skahla look at his daughter, as even for the completely oblivious wolf, that does not seem to be a normal question. He stops walking in order to look back to where they left Brutal, but the brothers are long gone. Before he answers, he forces himself to begin walking again as his addled brain sets to thinking about what his daughter has asked.
Eventually, however, it is a simple response that he gives. "I haven't run them off, Thaea. As long as they don't give me a reason to do so..." Then yes. She may continue to... see... Brutal. If Skahla catches just one hint of anything he doesn't like, though... then the youngest adults of Ute may not have a reason to be upset any longer.
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Post by Althaea on Jul 10, 2012 13:06:04 GMT -5
Her father stops and Althaea walks right past him, stopping seconds later looking back. First her eyes fall to him then shift toward the river that now lay empty. To her, the question was something she'd accept either way despite how she might actually feel should it go against her. To her father- she could only imagine what it could be like to hear your child ask to such a thing when you barely knew the one she spoke of. Awaiting her response, a deep breath is taken putting her behind Skahla when he chooses to to move forward again.
There is was, the answer she hoped for.. no the answer she wanted. Doing her best to hold in an overly exposed smile she turns to her father and nuzzles him upon rejoining at the side. "Thank you." He didn't need to worry about her, though maybe it wasn't her he threw his worry on so much as it was the one she chose to spend her time with- or his brother more so. Needless to say, 'Thaea was grateful. She just needed to be careful now or lose someone she might actually care for.
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