Post by Kvatch on Oct 12, 2012 5:16:54 GMT -5
| Althaea, a female adolescent wolf (Ute) |
| Brutal, a male wolf |
Somewhere near the river...
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Winter was starting to come to an end, evident that the snow hasn't fell in days leaving old tracks just barely visible upon a bastion of white. A few flakes here or there would flurry but it wasn't enough to draw concern over, in fact it was a bit of fun trying to guess which tree they'd land on. Guessing only went so far however, when there weren't any flurries around at all- the mind simply playing tricks from the cold. The west drew tracks, some new, some old. Someone has been that way recently and only returned a short time ago. Leading toward the river the figure of a lone wolf sat at their end staring out across the still frozen waters. Many things over the past few days have giving the adolescent something to think about. Her brother's deteriorating state- was he to survive the winter? The turmoil that stood between Ahiga and the attack on Tala. Then there was the whole leaving the pack. Did it really have to happen? Standing, Althaea shakes snow from her coat then turns to depart the river, the snow crunching beneath her paws giving her away to anyone that might be close.
If one did not count the scarcity of prey, not to mention the difficulty of catching it should any be found, winter isn't such a terrible season. At least for a wolf such as Brutal, who was born in the high altitudes of the great northern wilderness. The hardest winter here is comparably a easy winter there, but surely the recent summer months in these woods have proven to be something to contend with, what with the weathering of violent dog packs, misplaced wolves, and traitorous siblings. Indeed, Brutal is quite thankful for the winter this year as he reflects on these things, walking slowly beneath the snow laden pine boughs and the barren branches of the hardwoods. His thick ears listen through the silence of a world veiled in white, uninterrupted other than the icy layers of snow crunching beneath his weight and a few wintering cardinals flitting through the firs, their red bodies a sharp contrast against the white. Some might say that the winter is the time when the earth sleeps, but for Brutal, it has come to feel like all the world is just holding it's breath. What will come next? Will all that has happened turn to dust and blow away with the new summer sun? Or will it remain in memory, as eternal as stone with sharp, jagged edges? These days, there is plenty for Brutal to think on, but actively doing so is something that the massive wolf has taken to avoiding. Therefore, in the spirit of avoidance, the massive male seeks his best source of distraction- and as it just so happens, that source has returned with near perfect timing. Just as perfect is Brutal's arrival, with the hulking figure of the dark wolf coming to stand a small distance behind the adolescent, so that as Althaea turns away from the river, her path ahead is blocked by a looming shadow and a crooked smile, "You know, this sneaking off while I'm sleeping is going to make me turn grey. Well, grey-er."
The sound of the crunch is little more than an inconvenience to the young she-wolf. There wasn't anything to threatening out there she needed to worry about and if something did show up she wouldn't have to deal with it alone. Althaea hoped not anyway. Making full circle, the few steps that are taken forward are met with a shadow. It was one she hoped to run into, looking up at the wolf with a matching smile, tail picking up a bit of a wag. No words needed to be spoken to show she was sorry for leaving, nuzzling his hulking form was enough. Holding that position her eyes close and she takes in a breath- his scent, reopening them as she slinks forward, brushing her tail along the underside of Brutal chin and cheeks. A smile to her lips, looking back, she pauses a few steps behind him. A flirtatious act has just taken place. Both needed a distraction from their own thoughts- this may just be what they need.
There are very few creatures in this world that would share Althaea's sentiments when faced with the likes of this shadow, and even fewer still, who would choose any other reaction other than a swift departure. However, beyond the dark beast's hulking size and fierce yellow eyes, not to mention a admonishing furrowing of his brows, there is only the warm affection of a wolf who muses upon the apologetic demeanor of the way-ward youth and her attempt to appease him with her cute tail wagging and subsequent nuzzling- which works almost shamefully well and surely better than any spoken apology. In turn, Althaea's touch is met with the tucking of his chin, nuzzling his own face along her head and neck, the heat of his breath billowing out across her fur in a visible fog. Those yellow eyes slip closed as well, letting the warmth of her seep through his dense black fur where her body presses flush. However, feeling the firm brush of her frame as she slips forward along his side with those slinking steps brings Brutal to attention, the large male pricking his ears and swiveling his head to look after her, letting the young she-wolf's bristly tail tease along the underside of his thick muzzle, which seems to provoke a subtle narrowing of his eyes and the development of a wry smirk. This isn't all that is provoked from the male though, because next there occurs a abrupt swish of Brutal's own tail across the side of her face, a decoy of sorts, just before the massive wolf half-pivots and attempts to topple the adolescent into the snow. His tactics are simple, but have proven effective in the past, he deploys them by way of using a well aimed front paw that hooks and pulls for the female's hind leg farthest from him, while a forward shove of his chest into her side seeks to finish the job with a bit of brute, or rather Brutal force, if you will.
Its with a smile that meets the wolf, for there is no better action to meet him with until swished by the burlies own tail, which causes enough of a distraction for her to be taken to the snow without much resistance. A bit surprised, perhaps, but its not like she didn't expect something of the like to take place. Laughter overcomes the young she-wolf in her fall, snowing flushing her form as it hits the ground. A soft landing is met with a thud however, as side meets chest. Snow waving outward and falling overhead creating a crater of nothing but wolf and hard earth, Althaea looks up with a returned smile. It is then that she leans her head upward to brush her tongue over Brutal's scared face.
Brutal isn't terribly surprised that his playful assault on the she-wolf was successful, but while the dark wolf considers himself a well trained fighter, he isn't so pompous as to believe that if he were a true adversary, that Althaea would have gone down so easy. Or maybe its more of a hope? Still, it reminds the burly male that he should test Althaea's fighting skills, so that maybe he might be able to worry less about her. Especially if she's going to keep running off on him. Of course, now is not the time for lessons, if only because Brutal already has plans for how this evening should go, which isn't entirely difficult to guess at. Because no sooner does Althaea's lithe frame land upon the snowy earth, than is Brutal's massive body there to pin her soundly beneath him. With his front legs quickly situated on each side of her shoulders, the width of his deep chest is lowered to press warmly against her own as the large male lays down, letting his elbows support his weight. With her hind legs caught between his sides, something of a roguish smirk crawls across Brutal's dark lips as his haunches square up beneath him, though the length of his body does prevent his flanks and underbelly from becoming too flush with her own, thus allowing Althaea to keep her modesty about her. Though with the caress of her tongue upon his face, the expression that follows on account of this lick suggest that Brutal wouldn't mind depriving her of some of it. But then, the little voice in the back of his head reminds the older wolf to behave, which elicits a further smirk as he draws his head back and out of reach, yellow eyes looking down upon her face, "You really will be the death of me, you know that, right?" Possibly very true, if dear old daddy knew, Brutal muses. Lowering his head, warm breath is exhaled into the depths of her fur as Brutal noses firmly along her jaw and against the side of her throat, teeth felt as he gives soft nips to the flesh beneath.
It is because she knows Brutal enough to know he wouldn't harm her without probable cause that Althaea has allowed herself to become victim to his playful antics. Keeping in mind the assault she went through with the wolf's brother, one that nearly took her life, she does not let it keep her from the touch of one she loves. Leaning back from the lick, her head falls against the remaining snow beneath her, looking up at the wolf who pins her. Forearms folded over her chest, buried in not just her hair but his as well, she would purr if a wolf were capable of such. The warmth of the body above her is enough to bring comfort to the young she-wolf, the lack of tension felt a notable sign of this. This time of year promotes many things, even in an adolescent who nears adulthood does the winter air make susceptible to a certain desire. Though not strong, she would throw all modesty aside if only for awhile. That not seeming to be the case this time, her brows raise and she smirks. Death will be his own doing if he keeps saying things like that. As Brutal lowers his head close to hers, she naturally lifts her own to give nuzzle.
Without a doubt, Brutal knows that Althaea trust him. And so too is he coming to trust her, otherwise surely their relationship would not have blossomed like this, even now, in the dead of winter. Still, there remains a secretive and guarded side of Brutal that the massive wolf is always careful to hide, if only because it is a side that he longs to forget and doesn't want her to see. Likewise, aside from learning the truth about his murderous brother, Grim's attack on Althaea has become another chapter in the dark wolf's life that he doesn't care to read into. Aside from her obvious wounds and entrapment, Brutal has actively avoided asking Althaea about the details of that assault and how surely his sick brother must have tormented her before leaving her for dead. He does not ask of these things because he doesn't care, but because he knows he would care too much. Althaea survived and that is all that matters to Brutal, because with emotional wounds so fresh, Brutal is sure the hate that would come with learning would consume him beyond any rage he's ever known, until even Althaea could not recognize him. No, things of that nature are best left unsaid for now. Brutal's yellow eyes remain dimmed, narrowed into slits of obvious pleasure as he remains laid atop the female, his face buried along the sleek curvature of her neck and throat as her own muzzle finds it's way along his cheek. Nearly intoxicated on the scent of her, a low husky growl is throttled in his throat and against her ear, a sound less conclusive to anger and more as a indication to the carnal nature of the beast. It will be a risky gamble towards knowing if Althaea will see this winter through without learning just how feverish the cold can make a male wolf. For now, while a struggle, Brutal manages to retain something of a collected composure, slowly pulling his head back to regard the female, but not without laying a stroke across the end of her muzzle with a moist tongue. "So, where does a wolf go when she slips off without a word?" Brutal already suspects she returned to her pack and the impish smirk upon his grizzled muzzle says as much, so what he really seems to be asking, is what became of it?
To ask Althaea about that day on the mountain where her life laid bloodied and beaten to a point where Death itself could threaten her very existence, would be to recall a deep hatred. Perhaps one day time will allow for such a conversation to take place, but now wasn't the time to recall the pains of the past. Grim was gone and it was time to move on, heal and to forget. In this moment such thoughts aren't even considered in the young females mind, whats laid atop her is. Further she brushes the side of her cheek against the burly wolf's, ears folding back to the growl that could very well mean anything. To pull back and look at him squarely, questioning his motives, would be against the nature of things, but as it is, a parting is made. To not look disappointed would be a lie, but the lick changes things. The question comes as a bit of a surprise, out of place. He'd be right to imply she went back to the pack. After the talk they had, returning just felt like the thing to do. She went with a purpose but when 'Thaea got there the reason changed. Reminded of why she was at the river earlier floods back and is burdened with a sigh. "Hadir is dying." Nothing he didn't already know, but the look on her face expresses a sincere worry. A concern that she'd never see her brother again. Other things could be told too, but till she knew more on what happened there wasn't much to tell."I also spoke with my uncle." A subtle conversation that dealt with another troubling thought. "He still considers you a guest of Ute. Said if you wished to join us the option was there. You only need to speak with him." She knew the talk would prove pointless seeing as Brutal had already made up his mind. But with all that is happened.. that is going on...would he still just leave, with her following?
They say time heals everything, though the wounds inflicted upon Brutal's heart in the past have surely put this age old adage to the test, and in his own experience, the dark wolf would express doubt. But then, maybe it's because he spent too much time looking back at those things and not enough time looking forward? With Althaea, it was easy for him to forget what was, focusing instead on what could be. However, Brutal knows he will never truly be freed from the torment of his past, until the very body of the wolf who's responsible lays dead at his paws. It is perhaps this lingering trepidation that prevents the massive male from giving in completely to his desires and longful dreams with the she-wolf laying beneath him, to invest faith that such yearnings could ever be his. And as further testament to remind him of the difficulties that threaten these very aspirations, there comes those blatant words from Althaea. Having learned of Hadir's fragile condition the hard way, Brutal never really considered how Hadir's death might affect his sister, but mostly because he didn't want to. Whatever those affects would be, he imagined it would be under different circumstance. But not these, not like this, what with Althaea already having to choose between family and himself. A frown is quick to replace the happiness that was there only moments ago, a show of emotions crossed between disappointment and quiet lament. The expression deepens with further information, bringing Brutal to exhale a heavy sigh as the weight of this burden falls upon his shoulders, causing the press of his massive body to be felt just the same. "Ikuna is very kind to extend the same welcome, considering all that has happened." the male breathes, yellow eyes adverting in just a small glimpse of the guilt that Brutal carries. "But I'm doubtful your uncle is aware of the dangers and the reasons why I cannot." Letting his gaze gently sweep back to Althaea, he catches sight of her distress at the complications this causes for her, but rather than see her suffer with such a hard decision, Brutal seeks to ease her troubled mind. Yes, his mind is made up. But now, regardless of what she claimed by the river, he can see that her own is not. And in this moment, giving Althaea false hope seems kinder than no hope at all. So Brutal musters his best smile and lowers his head to kiss the end of her muzzle with three gentle licks across her lips, dipping his head further to snuffle at her left ear and kiss the inside arch of the appendage just the same. "But let us go and speak with him."
Althaea knows well the sacrifice that must be made for things to work, to not cause further harm to one's own heart. She went to the pack to try and make things work, to see how things were. Little did she know she'd be placed in a situation that would leave her at a cross roads. When she said she'd leave to follow her heart she meant it, but does that really mean she has to leave and never come back? Why did Brutal think only more pain would come with his presence? These were questions she desperately wanted an answer to. Listening to the wolf it was hard to look away, every reaction was important right now. "Ikuna gives chances to those who deserve it." Unfolding a paw from her chest, she raises it up to Brutal's face. "You, more than anyone, deserve another chance." It wasn't just love he needs a chance on, but life as well. Placing the paw to his cheek when looked back to she tries to smile. "He knows anything can happen and despite knowing that Grim may still be out there, he is willing to take in the one wolf who knows him best." Dropping her paw in motion to the head drop, she would hug the wolf now that he was closer, but the kisses she receives are fair enough to give one of her own in return. "I want you to go because you want to, Brutal. Because there is a chance you may just stay in spite of the dangers. Take this chance to start over." It was about time to stop living in the past. To look on the bright side and worry about the dangers when they came, not before. Would he see this though and take consideration, or was his mind so made up that leaving was how he planned to solve it?
The most simple of answers to such a question pertaining to him, would be how could he /not/ think this? Especially on account of the grievances his arrival into the lives of the Ute wolves inflicted? Nothing but disaster and broken friendships. Granted, Grim certainly is responsible for a majority of those atrocities, but as much as he'd love to saddle his wicked brother with the rest of the guilt, it was Brutal who insisted upon wedging himself between Ute's members with a selfishness equal to Grim's own determination to pry him from it. If Brutal had simply moved on, per Grim's request, surely Ute's troubles would have been less than they were? Are now? Of course, he would be no wiser to his brother's dark secret, but for that there is only Brutal's own blind foolishness to blame. Yet how could Brutal ever admit these things to Althaea? Because to say them, would be to say that loving her wasn't worth it and /that/ would be a lie. Brutal's ears lay back in a doubtful gesture when Althaea praises Ikuna's forgiving nature, not because he questions the authenticity of this claim, but rather the ambiguity of himself deserving such impunity from blame. Even less doubtful is his right to another chance or a new lease on life, as it were, especially if it might cost others their own. In fact, of all the things Althaea says, it is of Ikuna finding a usefulness in Brutal that gives the massive wolf a pause of reconsideration. Now there's something he hadn't thought of. However to explore the possibility of it means speaking to Ikuna himself. Raising his head yet again, yellow eyes quickly seek Althaea's own, while something of his former smile returns to grace his muzzle, his head leaning into the presence of her paw even as it comes to rest in a more neutral position. Hesitation is evident still though, but this time, Brutal makes no attempt to hide it from her, "We'll go and speak with Ikuna and I will keep a opened mind. But Althaea..." he pauses, letting the gravity of his next words be felt so that she knows to listen well, "Regardless of what I decide, I think you should stay with your family. I think you'll discover they need you right now more than ever." That smile builds upon his muzzle and he gently noses at the underside of her chin. "I will wait for you. And if I do leave, I'll come back in the spring." With his thick muzzle right next to her own, his voice drops to a affectionate whisper, though his eyes remain fixed on her eyes, "I promise."
How could she take him seriously on that promise when the wolf's own motives were as clouded as his own future? Spring was only a few months away, anything could happen by then. For a brief moment she looks scared over her thoughts. What if... Holding her eyes tightly closed the closeness of Brutal turns into a safety net, pressing her head against his. "I don't want you to go." Her own words quieted. In a moments time, she reopens her eyes to stare into the greyed hair of the wolf's neck. Would this be the last time she'd see him from this angle? Holding in what disbelief she may have, Althaea shifts her position beneath the weight above, half rolling onto her right side facing the river. Tail giving a mild tickle to the wolfs lower stomach, she gives a sort of smirk. Such a tease. If this was the last time, she might as well make the most of it. "Follow your heart, dont let it lead you astray." In that, its with hope he'll stay, but if not he best hold to his promise, or she may just have to go and find him 'again'. Rolling back, 'Thaea reaches up and pulls Brutal's black form over close into her's, muzzle tucked in close to an ear. "I love you."
| Brutal, a male wolf |
Somewhere near the river...
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Winter was starting to come to an end, evident that the snow hasn't fell in days leaving old tracks just barely visible upon a bastion of white. A few flakes here or there would flurry but it wasn't enough to draw concern over, in fact it was a bit of fun trying to guess which tree they'd land on. Guessing only went so far however, when there weren't any flurries around at all- the mind simply playing tricks from the cold. The west drew tracks, some new, some old. Someone has been that way recently and only returned a short time ago. Leading toward the river the figure of a lone wolf sat at their end staring out across the still frozen waters. Many things over the past few days have giving the adolescent something to think about. Her brother's deteriorating state- was he to survive the winter? The turmoil that stood between Ahiga and the attack on Tala. Then there was the whole leaving the pack. Did it really have to happen? Standing, Althaea shakes snow from her coat then turns to depart the river, the snow crunching beneath her paws giving her away to anyone that might be close.
If one did not count the scarcity of prey, not to mention the difficulty of catching it should any be found, winter isn't such a terrible season. At least for a wolf such as Brutal, who was born in the high altitudes of the great northern wilderness. The hardest winter here is comparably a easy winter there, but surely the recent summer months in these woods have proven to be something to contend with, what with the weathering of violent dog packs, misplaced wolves, and traitorous siblings. Indeed, Brutal is quite thankful for the winter this year as he reflects on these things, walking slowly beneath the snow laden pine boughs and the barren branches of the hardwoods. His thick ears listen through the silence of a world veiled in white, uninterrupted other than the icy layers of snow crunching beneath his weight and a few wintering cardinals flitting through the firs, their red bodies a sharp contrast against the white. Some might say that the winter is the time when the earth sleeps, but for Brutal, it has come to feel like all the world is just holding it's breath. What will come next? Will all that has happened turn to dust and blow away with the new summer sun? Or will it remain in memory, as eternal as stone with sharp, jagged edges? These days, there is plenty for Brutal to think on, but actively doing so is something that the massive wolf has taken to avoiding. Therefore, in the spirit of avoidance, the massive male seeks his best source of distraction- and as it just so happens, that source has returned with near perfect timing. Just as perfect is Brutal's arrival, with the hulking figure of the dark wolf coming to stand a small distance behind the adolescent, so that as Althaea turns away from the river, her path ahead is blocked by a looming shadow and a crooked smile, "You know, this sneaking off while I'm sleeping is going to make me turn grey. Well, grey-er."
The sound of the crunch is little more than an inconvenience to the young she-wolf. There wasn't anything to threatening out there she needed to worry about and if something did show up she wouldn't have to deal with it alone. Althaea hoped not anyway. Making full circle, the few steps that are taken forward are met with a shadow. It was one she hoped to run into, looking up at the wolf with a matching smile, tail picking up a bit of a wag. No words needed to be spoken to show she was sorry for leaving, nuzzling his hulking form was enough. Holding that position her eyes close and she takes in a breath- his scent, reopening them as she slinks forward, brushing her tail along the underside of Brutal chin and cheeks. A smile to her lips, looking back, she pauses a few steps behind him. A flirtatious act has just taken place. Both needed a distraction from their own thoughts- this may just be what they need.
There are very few creatures in this world that would share Althaea's sentiments when faced with the likes of this shadow, and even fewer still, who would choose any other reaction other than a swift departure. However, beyond the dark beast's hulking size and fierce yellow eyes, not to mention a admonishing furrowing of his brows, there is only the warm affection of a wolf who muses upon the apologetic demeanor of the way-ward youth and her attempt to appease him with her cute tail wagging and subsequent nuzzling- which works almost shamefully well and surely better than any spoken apology. In turn, Althaea's touch is met with the tucking of his chin, nuzzling his own face along her head and neck, the heat of his breath billowing out across her fur in a visible fog. Those yellow eyes slip closed as well, letting the warmth of her seep through his dense black fur where her body presses flush. However, feeling the firm brush of her frame as she slips forward along his side with those slinking steps brings Brutal to attention, the large male pricking his ears and swiveling his head to look after her, letting the young she-wolf's bristly tail tease along the underside of his thick muzzle, which seems to provoke a subtle narrowing of his eyes and the development of a wry smirk. This isn't all that is provoked from the male though, because next there occurs a abrupt swish of Brutal's own tail across the side of her face, a decoy of sorts, just before the massive wolf half-pivots and attempts to topple the adolescent into the snow. His tactics are simple, but have proven effective in the past, he deploys them by way of using a well aimed front paw that hooks and pulls for the female's hind leg farthest from him, while a forward shove of his chest into her side seeks to finish the job with a bit of brute, or rather Brutal force, if you will.
Its with a smile that meets the wolf, for there is no better action to meet him with until swished by the burlies own tail, which causes enough of a distraction for her to be taken to the snow without much resistance. A bit surprised, perhaps, but its not like she didn't expect something of the like to take place. Laughter overcomes the young she-wolf in her fall, snowing flushing her form as it hits the ground. A soft landing is met with a thud however, as side meets chest. Snow waving outward and falling overhead creating a crater of nothing but wolf and hard earth, Althaea looks up with a returned smile. It is then that she leans her head upward to brush her tongue over Brutal's scared face.
Brutal isn't terribly surprised that his playful assault on the she-wolf was successful, but while the dark wolf considers himself a well trained fighter, he isn't so pompous as to believe that if he were a true adversary, that Althaea would have gone down so easy. Or maybe its more of a hope? Still, it reminds the burly male that he should test Althaea's fighting skills, so that maybe he might be able to worry less about her. Especially if she's going to keep running off on him. Of course, now is not the time for lessons, if only because Brutal already has plans for how this evening should go, which isn't entirely difficult to guess at. Because no sooner does Althaea's lithe frame land upon the snowy earth, than is Brutal's massive body there to pin her soundly beneath him. With his front legs quickly situated on each side of her shoulders, the width of his deep chest is lowered to press warmly against her own as the large male lays down, letting his elbows support his weight. With her hind legs caught between his sides, something of a roguish smirk crawls across Brutal's dark lips as his haunches square up beneath him, though the length of his body does prevent his flanks and underbelly from becoming too flush with her own, thus allowing Althaea to keep her modesty about her. Though with the caress of her tongue upon his face, the expression that follows on account of this lick suggest that Brutal wouldn't mind depriving her of some of it. But then, the little voice in the back of his head reminds the older wolf to behave, which elicits a further smirk as he draws his head back and out of reach, yellow eyes looking down upon her face, "You really will be the death of me, you know that, right?" Possibly very true, if dear old daddy knew, Brutal muses. Lowering his head, warm breath is exhaled into the depths of her fur as Brutal noses firmly along her jaw and against the side of her throat, teeth felt as he gives soft nips to the flesh beneath.
It is because she knows Brutal enough to know he wouldn't harm her without probable cause that Althaea has allowed herself to become victim to his playful antics. Keeping in mind the assault she went through with the wolf's brother, one that nearly took her life, she does not let it keep her from the touch of one she loves. Leaning back from the lick, her head falls against the remaining snow beneath her, looking up at the wolf who pins her. Forearms folded over her chest, buried in not just her hair but his as well, she would purr if a wolf were capable of such. The warmth of the body above her is enough to bring comfort to the young she-wolf, the lack of tension felt a notable sign of this. This time of year promotes many things, even in an adolescent who nears adulthood does the winter air make susceptible to a certain desire. Though not strong, she would throw all modesty aside if only for awhile. That not seeming to be the case this time, her brows raise and she smirks. Death will be his own doing if he keeps saying things like that. As Brutal lowers his head close to hers, she naturally lifts her own to give nuzzle.
Without a doubt, Brutal knows that Althaea trust him. And so too is he coming to trust her, otherwise surely their relationship would not have blossomed like this, even now, in the dead of winter. Still, there remains a secretive and guarded side of Brutal that the massive wolf is always careful to hide, if only because it is a side that he longs to forget and doesn't want her to see. Likewise, aside from learning the truth about his murderous brother, Grim's attack on Althaea has become another chapter in the dark wolf's life that he doesn't care to read into. Aside from her obvious wounds and entrapment, Brutal has actively avoided asking Althaea about the details of that assault and how surely his sick brother must have tormented her before leaving her for dead. He does not ask of these things because he doesn't care, but because he knows he would care too much. Althaea survived and that is all that matters to Brutal, because with emotional wounds so fresh, Brutal is sure the hate that would come with learning would consume him beyond any rage he's ever known, until even Althaea could not recognize him. No, things of that nature are best left unsaid for now. Brutal's yellow eyes remain dimmed, narrowed into slits of obvious pleasure as he remains laid atop the female, his face buried along the sleek curvature of her neck and throat as her own muzzle finds it's way along his cheek. Nearly intoxicated on the scent of her, a low husky growl is throttled in his throat and against her ear, a sound less conclusive to anger and more as a indication to the carnal nature of the beast. It will be a risky gamble towards knowing if Althaea will see this winter through without learning just how feverish the cold can make a male wolf. For now, while a struggle, Brutal manages to retain something of a collected composure, slowly pulling his head back to regard the female, but not without laying a stroke across the end of her muzzle with a moist tongue. "So, where does a wolf go when she slips off without a word?" Brutal already suspects she returned to her pack and the impish smirk upon his grizzled muzzle says as much, so what he really seems to be asking, is what became of it?
To ask Althaea about that day on the mountain where her life laid bloodied and beaten to a point where Death itself could threaten her very existence, would be to recall a deep hatred. Perhaps one day time will allow for such a conversation to take place, but now wasn't the time to recall the pains of the past. Grim was gone and it was time to move on, heal and to forget. In this moment such thoughts aren't even considered in the young females mind, whats laid atop her is. Further she brushes the side of her cheek against the burly wolf's, ears folding back to the growl that could very well mean anything. To pull back and look at him squarely, questioning his motives, would be against the nature of things, but as it is, a parting is made. To not look disappointed would be a lie, but the lick changes things. The question comes as a bit of a surprise, out of place. He'd be right to imply she went back to the pack. After the talk they had, returning just felt like the thing to do. She went with a purpose but when 'Thaea got there the reason changed. Reminded of why she was at the river earlier floods back and is burdened with a sigh. "Hadir is dying." Nothing he didn't already know, but the look on her face expresses a sincere worry. A concern that she'd never see her brother again. Other things could be told too, but till she knew more on what happened there wasn't much to tell."I also spoke with my uncle." A subtle conversation that dealt with another troubling thought. "He still considers you a guest of Ute. Said if you wished to join us the option was there. You only need to speak with him." She knew the talk would prove pointless seeing as Brutal had already made up his mind. But with all that is happened.. that is going on...would he still just leave, with her following?
They say time heals everything, though the wounds inflicted upon Brutal's heart in the past have surely put this age old adage to the test, and in his own experience, the dark wolf would express doubt. But then, maybe it's because he spent too much time looking back at those things and not enough time looking forward? With Althaea, it was easy for him to forget what was, focusing instead on what could be. However, Brutal knows he will never truly be freed from the torment of his past, until the very body of the wolf who's responsible lays dead at his paws. It is perhaps this lingering trepidation that prevents the massive male from giving in completely to his desires and longful dreams with the she-wolf laying beneath him, to invest faith that such yearnings could ever be his. And as further testament to remind him of the difficulties that threaten these very aspirations, there comes those blatant words from Althaea. Having learned of Hadir's fragile condition the hard way, Brutal never really considered how Hadir's death might affect his sister, but mostly because he didn't want to. Whatever those affects would be, he imagined it would be under different circumstance. But not these, not like this, what with Althaea already having to choose between family and himself. A frown is quick to replace the happiness that was there only moments ago, a show of emotions crossed between disappointment and quiet lament. The expression deepens with further information, bringing Brutal to exhale a heavy sigh as the weight of this burden falls upon his shoulders, causing the press of his massive body to be felt just the same. "Ikuna is very kind to extend the same welcome, considering all that has happened." the male breathes, yellow eyes adverting in just a small glimpse of the guilt that Brutal carries. "But I'm doubtful your uncle is aware of the dangers and the reasons why I cannot." Letting his gaze gently sweep back to Althaea, he catches sight of her distress at the complications this causes for her, but rather than see her suffer with such a hard decision, Brutal seeks to ease her troubled mind. Yes, his mind is made up. But now, regardless of what she claimed by the river, he can see that her own is not. And in this moment, giving Althaea false hope seems kinder than no hope at all. So Brutal musters his best smile and lowers his head to kiss the end of her muzzle with three gentle licks across her lips, dipping his head further to snuffle at her left ear and kiss the inside arch of the appendage just the same. "But let us go and speak with him."
Althaea knows well the sacrifice that must be made for things to work, to not cause further harm to one's own heart. She went to the pack to try and make things work, to see how things were. Little did she know she'd be placed in a situation that would leave her at a cross roads. When she said she'd leave to follow her heart she meant it, but does that really mean she has to leave and never come back? Why did Brutal think only more pain would come with his presence? These were questions she desperately wanted an answer to. Listening to the wolf it was hard to look away, every reaction was important right now. "Ikuna gives chances to those who deserve it." Unfolding a paw from her chest, she raises it up to Brutal's face. "You, more than anyone, deserve another chance." It wasn't just love he needs a chance on, but life as well. Placing the paw to his cheek when looked back to she tries to smile. "He knows anything can happen and despite knowing that Grim may still be out there, he is willing to take in the one wolf who knows him best." Dropping her paw in motion to the head drop, she would hug the wolf now that he was closer, but the kisses she receives are fair enough to give one of her own in return. "I want you to go because you want to, Brutal. Because there is a chance you may just stay in spite of the dangers. Take this chance to start over." It was about time to stop living in the past. To look on the bright side and worry about the dangers when they came, not before. Would he see this though and take consideration, or was his mind so made up that leaving was how he planned to solve it?
The most simple of answers to such a question pertaining to him, would be how could he /not/ think this? Especially on account of the grievances his arrival into the lives of the Ute wolves inflicted? Nothing but disaster and broken friendships. Granted, Grim certainly is responsible for a majority of those atrocities, but as much as he'd love to saddle his wicked brother with the rest of the guilt, it was Brutal who insisted upon wedging himself between Ute's members with a selfishness equal to Grim's own determination to pry him from it. If Brutal had simply moved on, per Grim's request, surely Ute's troubles would have been less than they were? Are now? Of course, he would be no wiser to his brother's dark secret, but for that there is only Brutal's own blind foolishness to blame. Yet how could Brutal ever admit these things to Althaea? Because to say them, would be to say that loving her wasn't worth it and /that/ would be a lie. Brutal's ears lay back in a doubtful gesture when Althaea praises Ikuna's forgiving nature, not because he questions the authenticity of this claim, but rather the ambiguity of himself deserving such impunity from blame. Even less doubtful is his right to another chance or a new lease on life, as it were, especially if it might cost others their own. In fact, of all the things Althaea says, it is of Ikuna finding a usefulness in Brutal that gives the massive wolf a pause of reconsideration. Now there's something he hadn't thought of. However to explore the possibility of it means speaking to Ikuna himself. Raising his head yet again, yellow eyes quickly seek Althaea's own, while something of his former smile returns to grace his muzzle, his head leaning into the presence of her paw even as it comes to rest in a more neutral position. Hesitation is evident still though, but this time, Brutal makes no attempt to hide it from her, "We'll go and speak with Ikuna and I will keep a opened mind. But Althaea..." he pauses, letting the gravity of his next words be felt so that she knows to listen well, "Regardless of what I decide, I think you should stay with your family. I think you'll discover they need you right now more than ever." That smile builds upon his muzzle and he gently noses at the underside of her chin. "I will wait for you. And if I do leave, I'll come back in the spring." With his thick muzzle right next to her own, his voice drops to a affectionate whisper, though his eyes remain fixed on her eyes, "I promise."
How could she take him seriously on that promise when the wolf's own motives were as clouded as his own future? Spring was only a few months away, anything could happen by then. For a brief moment she looks scared over her thoughts. What if... Holding her eyes tightly closed the closeness of Brutal turns into a safety net, pressing her head against his. "I don't want you to go." Her own words quieted. In a moments time, she reopens her eyes to stare into the greyed hair of the wolf's neck. Would this be the last time she'd see him from this angle? Holding in what disbelief she may have, Althaea shifts her position beneath the weight above, half rolling onto her right side facing the river. Tail giving a mild tickle to the wolfs lower stomach, she gives a sort of smirk. Such a tease. If this was the last time, she might as well make the most of it. "Follow your heart, dont let it lead you astray." In that, its with hope he'll stay, but if not he best hold to his promise, or she may just have to go and find him 'again'. Rolling back, 'Thaea reaches up and pulls Brutal's black form over close into her's, muzzle tucked in close to an ear. "I love you."