Post by Pavane on Aug 20, 2012 1:47:28 GMT -5
Tariro, Coinin, Kizhikoni, Nyx, Jethro!
Taking this scene to the forum to finish, because scheduling's being challenging. Go!
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The sun rises slowly, and a young dog runs quickly. Jatya had two goals in mind, as she left the hilltop. First, get word to Cerulean - she didn't dare go to Ute directly. Maybe Anoki would make it there, if he'd managed to overhear from his further-away hiding spot. Jatya would bring Cerulean, that was goal one. Goal two was to keep the other dogs from noticing her. She started out slow and tried her small store of tricks, doubling over paths and crossing water. It took longer than she'd hoped. At least, after two nights and a day, she's on the verge of achieving one of those goals. Day is dawning, and Jatya is in the heart of Cerulean's lands, panting and whining as she seeks out - well, anyone. The old white wolf, the frowning alpha... just so long as it's someone who'll know what to do!
Coinin is conviently enough just waking up from his slumber, ready to begin another day. That means going on patrol soon. He is rather surprised, however, by the arrival of Jatya. He hasn't seen her in what seems to be ages. He had been thinking of both her and Anoki of late. His concern seems to have been justified by the look on her face. He turns to face her and speaks, "Jatya...whats wrong?" Obviously there is something very wrong, there will be time for all the question that he has for her later.
A frequent dawn walker, old habits die hard and though the white wolf of Cerulean has grown old its been difficult even now to remain planted near the river with her daughter. However, being at such an age has kept him from traveling far and arrives back at the fork just in time to see Jatya running in. Ears twitching to Coinin's voice, he shifts his gaze to the wolf for a moment only to move it back to the nearing dog.
Problem.. Problem.. falala.. Yes Jatya did make it this far, and basicly did just what Jethro wanted her to do. He had a feeling that dog was in with some wolves from the very start and it looks like he was right! The large american bulldog follows, and believe it or not he is careful. Each large paw is set down softly, and he follows slowly, a sniff now and then while he continues to follow after the scent of the dog that he spoke to what seems like log ago. With him at least seven dogs in totall, and perhaps a few more catching up given time.. He pauses, head lowers, ears perking forward and his eyes narrow, a voice.. and the stank of wolf all about..
Kizhikoni might be getting older, such is an inevitable thing, but the bond with her father is still strong enough to keep her from wandering too far away. That, and hours spent chasing frogs and mice and crickets the night before, are holding her still. Kiz is sleeping comfortably just beside Tariro, tucked right up against his side. Her rest is peaceful enough that she actually managed to snore a little. But even the young aren't oblivious to changes in the air, and the girl stirs and babbles something unintelligible without actually waking up as Jatya darts in.
The difficulty with racing to deliver a message is managing to have enough breath to deliver it. Jatya looks to Coinin with relief, having found just what she sought. "They- they're-" Pant, pant, and she drags breath into her lungs. Her attention darts briefly back to Tariro, then returns to the current alpha. "The dogs. The ones - that got Ute. They're coming. They're going to - they're going to kill them all!" She's near to panic, babbling out her story.
As far as females go, Nyx has never liked Jatya. She's there but not. On the outskirts. Never saying much. A thing that Nyx herself never usually minds. She likes the quiet ones. Easier to dominate. But that youngster. There's something quite right about her. She's neither in nor out. Kinda...riding the fence on everything. THAT she does not like. Either you're in, o you're out...and if you're out, then they have a problem. Like Jethro, Nyx has kept an eye on her, and when suddenly she was not there with everyone else, she followed. She's with Jethro's group, a deadly looking doberman whose inky eyes are narrowed. She hates it when females step out of line...
Tariro remains near the river hobbled over his sleeping daughter. It was no longer his responsiblity to tend with the arrival of others and their concerns or worries; though some things are hard to give up. Silence holds, something he's mastered many times over, as he watches Jatya and Coinin before something suddenly feels off. Looking past them now, he turns his attention to the trees, their shadows and the life that dwells within them.
Coinin had been wondering for a long time if this day was going to come and now it appears that it has finally arrived. He gives her a quick nod, "I see." Today is the day that he gets to earn being alpha, "Tariro take your daughter and put her somewhere safe, and then everyone get behind me." He never raises his voice, but he does expect that in this circumstance its unnecessary. He then turns his attention to the trees. Its obvious they are out there...somewhere, "We know you are here. What do you want of us?" He is going to do his best to avoid violence if he can.
Kizhikoni is thrust abruptly out of sleep as alarm bells begin to go off in her subconscious. The tension in her father's body, the panicked hollering of an unfamiliar voice, and the uncomfortable tension in the air... they combine and are more than enough for Kiz to sit bolt upright, asleep one second and awake the next. "Daddy?" Oh, something is wrong. She stands up, tail wrapped beneath her, ears pinned back, eyes huge and afraid.
Her message delivered, Jatya is more than willing to slink back behind Coinin. Her eyes are wide as she looks to the trees, and her tail is tucked behind her. The dogs are here? Does that mean... her ears go back. Has she brought the badness on this pack as well, the one that's been willing to tolerate her? The one that has Anoki, who's done far, far more than tolerate?
Oh, that idiot. Nyx's eyes narrow as she hears ahead. Jatya's voice is the only familiar. Babbling on like the fool she's always thought she was. A waste of breath that should've been disposed of long ago. What good has she been? Cropped ears twitch, picking up other voices. Oh, and there's some sort of leader, talking to the forest. Wolves stink, and her nose wrinkles. "Jatya, Jatya," she says, moving forth to emerge with a grin. "You kept your word. Another..." her eyes flit from wolf to wolf. Old to young. "Pack. I was wrong to've doubted you. I hadn't thought you'd be so willing to lead us to more... prey."
A slow chuckle escape Jethro as he follows after Nyx, a slight grin seen and his head tilts. "My my... What grand work you do Jatya.. I never thought you would has tricked us in the least..." Oh yes he is so ready to pin this all on the curly tail dog. His eyes narrowing while he watches Jatya. If she had told him the truth before things may have been different.. Such is /not/ the case and this is where they are now.
In all the years Tariro has been alpha of this pack, he has never walked away from anything, not even when it was wiser to run. He was raised to protect; depend the pack. As Cerulean's only member to actually draw blood upon another he feels obligated to continue but he is drawn a pause. Looking down to Kizhikoni no expression better explains him right now than concern. Dipping his head to the pup he nudges her softly. "Come." One word is all he gives for his daughter to follow. The clearing was no longer an abode, it was to become a graveyard.
Coinin doens't believe for a moment that Jatya was capable of directly leading the dogs here with the purpose of harming the pack. She might have been followed, but that was about all, "You haven't answered my question. What do you want here?" The implication being that the dogs were to speak to him, and not address Jatya. As far as he is concerned the dog has done her part in warning them, the rest is his job to deal with.
"What?" is Jatya's startled response to Nyx, her eyes widening as her tail curls in between her legs, her body slinking backwards in fear. The doberman is one scary dog, and Jatya has never been known for her courage. It was hard enough for her to stand her ground and lie - her gaze flicks to Jethro, and she shrinks back further, letting out a whine. She just wanted to help. It was Anoki's idea, not hers. To investigate, and then his friends at Ute would like her, and... where is Anoki? He knows how to handle things like this. Her eyes dart about, quick panicky gestures, and yet she sees no sign of him.
Obedience isn't exactly something that's at the forefront of her mind on most occasions and that's becoming especially true as she gets older. But now? Kizhikoni readily does as her father instructs, falling into line behind Tariro after he nudges her into motion. But it doesn't last long. The girl has hardly gone five paces when first one, then two dogs emerge from the edge of the woods... and her fascination slows her paws and ultimately stops them. What are they? Their colors and their shapes and their scents, they are wolves and yet not wolves, living paradoxes. Her amazement overrides even her fear, and so Kiz just... stands there, gawking.
Nyx nudges Jethro. "And look," she says, smirking as she gestures her muzzle towards Coinin. "He ignores it. Wolves. So pathetic. Ah, s'no wonder the other pack was such a bore to drive off before," she says with a idle sort of sigh. "Was hardly a fight last time." Inky eyes turn to Jatya and stay, the smirk on her muzzle cruel. "Thank you, Jatya. This should be fun, huh?" Her stubbed tail is given a few wags while that grin wides to a toothier one, inky eyes gleaming with malice. But, unlike some, she knows her place. With Bone not here, Jethro is pretty much boss.
Jethro grins while looking at Jatya and soon shakes his head. A chuckle escaping him before he looks to 'his' pack at the moment. "Do you want to inform them about the plan Jatya?" This questioned with a thin tone, amused gaze clearly seen while he shifts to the side, tail flicking a few times. "Is there your litle group of ones you called friends, and was so eager to sell them over to us for your life?" A glance is sent towards Nyx and he nods to the side to get her moving that'a way it seems. An so it starts.. the circling, the lowering of heads, baring of fangs. "Where is this close friend of yours Jatya? I'd /love/ to meet him more closely."
Tariro waits just long enough to see his daughter move forward, but only a few steps are taken before he notices her stop and give notice to the emerging dogs. Quick to respond, he turns to peer at them aswelland not real response is given. He's never had issues with their canid cousins, but from what he's relearned those who have shown their faces are ones not to share a meal with. Head shaking, he nudges Kizhikoni once more before just picking her up. The old wolf knows to well whats to happen and losing his daughter over it... Before he can get to far however, he eyes the dogs who begin to take place around them. A growl breaks through his muffled lips. Come at him if you dare but he'd getting his daughter out of here.
Coinin is not a wolf that is given to violence, and certainly is not a wolf given to anger. Irritation...of course, irritability at times...sure, but not anger. The embers of anger had grown when Miakoda had talked about how the dogs had treated Wachiwa and that feeling of anger continues to grow inside of him. He intends to give these dogs one last chance to walk away, but then whatever happens in on them, "If you want the land you can have it and we will go in peace, but if you choose to continue your violence...then you will have to live with the consequences of it." And you can be sure that the consequences Coinin envisons are just and proportional to the crimes that have been committed, "Jatya ignore them." he says. He knows this game and he isn't biting.
Now Jatya's wide eyes go to Jethro. "I- what- I didn't!" she splutters, and whimpers. Her gaze flicks to Coinin, and her ears go further back - but she can't help looking to Nyx and Jethro again. They're... but she deserves this, doesn't she? She meant to betray them, to get back on them for Ute's sake... for wolves. For wolves that were mean to her. No, really, for one wolf who was nice to her, but he's not even here. She whines out, cringing back despite the fact nobody's quite near her.
Nyx gives her muzzle a near imperceptible nod to Jethro before she turns and begins to move, moving in an arc around the wolves. The talkative one. The old one. And the baby one. HA! Don't tell her /that/ came from his old loins? Wolves. No class whatsoever! Ooh the things she can say to that wolf whose mouth is so filled with pup. But her attention turns again to Jatya. Females are her domain. Unfortunately, she let this one slip, and she's none too happy about it. Let the talky one say what he wants, she has her own vendetta. "Look at you. You hide behind wolves like a coward. Is this what you are? A pet to them? From one collar to another." Her teeth bare, continuing to circle around, her arcing path gradually moving her in the direction of Jatya.
Jethro chuckles and grins at Jatya. "Oh yes ye did.. Ye told us everything. How do ye think we got here so quickly? Ye came and spilled yer guts out to us. Asked for our help and dealing with the mangy wolves.." A glance is sent towards Nyx and she grins before a soft chuckle escapes him. He looks to coinin watching him a moment. "The land?.. I could care less about the land anymore. Time to get rid of ye worthless wolves once and forall as I see it.." As for the old wolf? He doesn't even think of him, let him drag his half dead frame off soemwhere for all he cares.
Once more Tariro steps forward, breaking the circle that would form around them. Though he is stopped once more, this time by the female dog who mocks him in silent word. Outward he makes nothing of it. The white elder was silent and that made him unpredicable despite what they may think of him. The elders main objective was to hide his daughter but should he leave it leaves only Coinin to fend the pack for he doubts Jatya will have it in her to defend her honor and the friends she doesn't know she has. Against all reasoning he decides to stay.
Hiding behind the wolves? Jatya whines, for she can't quite manage to ignore the dogs like Coinin says. The words are too sharp, too sharp by far. Her gaze flits to Coinin, to Tariro, back to Nyx. "They... I..." She whimpers, and glances to Jethro again, shaking her head in denials that don't even have words anymore. Nyx is approaching, the doberman getting close - dangerous close - and Jatya yelps out before she turns her un-brave tail and runs. Away. She doesn't know where. Away! She'a already tired from her trip here, not nearly so able to pace herself as the more experienced dogs, and so she's panting from practically her first leap, though fear and guilt spur her on.
It seems that the time of mercy has come to an end. That was all that Coinin needed to hear. They aren't interested in the land and don't want them to go...they just want them to die. Fair enough. He will make sure that they get what is coming to them then. He takes a deep breath and like lighting makes for Jethro. If this is the leader then he should be the first to fall. Once he judges that he is close enough to the dog he begins his attack. His goal is not to hurt, its to kill. He slashes at the dog with his teeth, focusing his attention on the dogs neck and shoulders trying to make the best use of surprise he can and land whatever he is able.
And there goes Jatya. Nyx anticipated her retreat. The dog barely showed any backbone amongst her own kind. Even with these wolves she so apparently wishes to be with, she is a sniveling thing. And now, she flees them too. The acidic taste of disgust burns her throat as she trails her, chasing with bared fangs, but it's a short-loved thing. The female is beyond a waste of time, and she can hear the sound of attack nearby. And thus, Jatya is left to flee, perhaps to be hunted down later if such an opportunity arises. She turns and pauses, eyes shifting to the talky one who has Jethro in his sights, and thus her attention turns too, to Tariro. "Ready to dance, old one?" said with a grin, moving at a walk towards him, tail wiggling.
Jethro lets his gaze snap towards Coinin and his attention is there, head lowered and muscle tense around his neck and shoulders. He has faught before, many times in fact and he bounces to the side with ease, escaping the attack from the wolf. His head snaps out, jaws bitting for some part of the wolf in the process. He shifts on hier paws, doing his best to try and stay ahead for the moment it seems.
Things where definitely out of their favor with Jatya's sudden retreat into the woods. There was one thing agreeable with the dogs about her- the cowardism. Enough about her though, for there are more demanding things to be concerned about. Like Coinin's attack of the supposibly lead dog. It was the alpha's right to make the first move and on anyone of his choosing. That leaves the female. Tariro wasn't much into attack girls but in that case he could make an acception. When it seems that Nyx may chase after the fleeing Jatya, the elder brings pause to his actions, watching her. A short time brings the female back though and Tar is pleased. No way was he not going to taste the silky warmth of his packs attackers. Placing his pup to the ground, he steps forward, "With you, always."
Coinin focuses his complete attention on the battle before him. He takes small consolation in the fact that he knows he can't die here today. It would seem to be in direct conflict with the vision he had of his own death. Of course visions are funny things and prone to being wrong. Still he is confident in his own abilities, even if this bulldog has pleanty of experience. Jethro's attempt at a bite also catches air as Coinin shifts his weight and gives a little hop sideways. He says nothing to do the dog, nothing more needs saying. Now is the time for war. He once more lunges forward making an attempt to bite the dog.
Nyx's eyes flit to the pup, and a smirk curls her muzzle. Unkind. Cold. Hateful. She takes a half step back, claws digging into the ground in a stretch that looks far too languid for one that's about to battle. And for one so near to a fight already happening. "Well let's go then, big boy." Now standing upright, she trots forward, tail stub still wiggling, her demeanor one of a dog in play. The easy dancing lope, the glint in her inky gaze ... all of which changes beneath the blink of an eye. Muscles tense as she lithely attacks forward, bared teeth flashing with head tucked. She aims low and to the left, snapping for a foreleg
Jethro turns swiftly one way and then another, form tensing while he bounces along and half slides to the side before sending his jaws snapping out towards Coinin's shoulder. Bite and snap, try to get the other to slip up and do something stupid is the game here at the moment!
Tariro never was one leap into a fight directly, he was the type to sit and wait. Let the battle come to him. Gave the wolf time to think, time to judge, determine the best available action. Watching Nyx closely half a smile creeps onto his face. The low frontal assult. Predictable. Nothing is done till the right moment, letting the dog get as close as possible before side stepping her attempt at one of his forelegs. This action of his ultimatly leads to circling about to where he hopes to end up at Nyx's side and ramming into her form in attempt to bring her to the ground.
Coinin is more than willing to bleed a bit this evening, especially for a cause like this. Jethro's teeth do manage to get his shoulder causing the wolf a bit of pain. This has been worth it, however, because that has put him in all the better position to try for the bulldogs leg. Coinin lowers his head, pushes his shoulder against Jethro's mouth and attempts to try to grab Jethro's upper right leg. An opponent who can't stand, can't fight. At least not very well.
Predictable. Oh how the predictable dog knows what a predictable attack is, and how predictable attacks are countered. Snap! Jaws meet air, though the force of those clipped teeth is lesser than one would imagine she'd put forth. Expecting a miss? Well, lucky Nyx didn't actually succeed in that bite, else she'd be in a sorry predicament now! But as it is, she continues moving despite the lack of a leg in her mouth, glancing up at the now near wolf with a grin on her face. She moves with him. Hence, the dance. Keeping her body close when he sidesteps, following like a magnet attracted. "C'mon, old man.." Eyes half slit as his body does indeed meet with hers, braced now as she meets his force by pushing back against his frame to keep herself upright as fangs flash to bite towards the body.
Jethro keeps a tight hold of Coinin's shoulder, a head shake seen and his teeth grind into the shoulder.. But he lets go and bounces back a few steps. A snort escapes him while he shifts and starts to circle the wolf once more. "Yer have to try harder then that wolfie.." A ear flicks over towards Nyx at times but he knows that the other dog can take care of herself. They have to take care of themselves at the moment during these fights!
As it where, Tariro isn't as fast as he use to be but it doesn't matter. Pain would still be pain no matter how you looked at it and this wolf was welcoming it with open paws. Wide open to attack, he takes the fangs to his body, pressing into them while all the while lifting his forepaws and wrapping them around Nyx's upper body holding her in place as they dance. This in motion, Tar leans forward and goes for the upper spine commonly grabbed by that of a loved one though he has no intention of bring pleasure, just pain.
Coinin takes quick stock of this situation when the dog speaks his mind. He'd always thought that in a fight the one who felt the need to talk and taunt was in the weaker position, but in this case he is pleased that the dog said what he did. He's right he does have to try harder and do what wolves do best. Dogs, especially large dogs might be stronger, but they have nothing on wolf teamwork. Instead of trying to be the bigger wolf and fight an individual opponent he can help Tariro with his opponent and then the pair of them can finish Jethro off. Brilliant idea Jethro, you don't have to try harder, you just have to try smarter. He offers the dog a quick smile and bolts off in the direction of Nyx. Lets see how miss spindley legs does with this. He lowers his head, running as fast as he is able and attempts to headbutt her back two legs out from under her. Tariro can then hopefully do what he needs to do while he returns his own attention to Jethro...if it all goes as planned of course.
Nyx's teeth sink in once, twice, three times into Tariro, taking advantage of proximity while she can. The wolf's blood is like the blood of any other creature she's ever preyed upon or battled. Warm. Salty. An impractical reason for giddiness to explode within her as they rise up with one another. Along with that feeling is also a sharp pain. Tariro's teeth upon the back of her. Him being close to her also means that she is close to him, and lips pull back in a grimace as his fangs break the skin, freeing hr own blood. But that's alright (not really but, you know...one must fight on!) for as he goes for the back of her, she locks in to the front of him. Neckflesh. That's what she sees as he leans over her leaving her beneath, and thus once he does, she snaps for the throat.
Jethro doesn't wait for that to happen.. Oh no he will not like this be a wo on one game. His paws slam into the ground and he lunges forward towards Coinin, a thick snarle scaping him as his jaws snap out towards the wolves side moving to bite down upon his belly. If he gets hold his head twists to the hard, and his thick muscled forward moves to try and use his muscle to pull Coinin back and away from Nyx and the other wolf if he gets the chance!
Each bite down is a pain worth remembering, that is if he survives to remember it. Then again how Tariro has been fareing with memories, this is just another tale soon to be forgotten. Released, if only for a moment, Tar take thats moment to digs his fangs deeper into the back of his advisary and then yank back an forth all in attempt to save his only venerable spot- the throat. She gets that this fight might may be as good as over.
Taking this scene to the forum to finish, because scheduling's being challenging. Go!
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The sun rises slowly, and a young dog runs quickly. Jatya had two goals in mind, as she left the hilltop. First, get word to Cerulean - she didn't dare go to Ute directly. Maybe Anoki would make it there, if he'd managed to overhear from his further-away hiding spot. Jatya would bring Cerulean, that was goal one. Goal two was to keep the other dogs from noticing her. She started out slow and tried her small store of tricks, doubling over paths and crossing water. It took longer than she'd hoped. At least, after two nights and a day, she's on the verge of achieving one of those goals. Day is dawning, and Jatya is in the heart of Cerulean's lands, panting and whining as she seeks out - well, anyone. The old white wolf, the frowning alpha... just so long as it's someone who'll know what to do!
Coinin is conviently enough just waking up from his slumber, ready to begin another day. That means going on patrol soon. He is rather surprised, however, by the arrival of Jatya. He hasn't seen her in what seems to be ages. He had been thinking of both her and Anoki of late. His concern seems to have been justified by the look on her face. He turns to face her and speaks, "Jatya...whats wrong?" Obviously there is something very wrong, there will be time for all the question that he has for her later.
A frequent dawn walker, old habits die hard and though the white wolf of Cerulean has grown old its been difficult even now to remain planted near the river with her daughter. However, being at such an age has kept him from traveling far and arrives back at the fork just in time to see Jatya running in. Ears twitching to Coinin's voice, he shifts his gaze to the wolf for a moment only to move it back to the nearing dog.
Problem.. Problem.. falala.. Yes Jatya did make it this far, and basicly did just what Jethro wanted her to do. He had a feeling that dog was in with some wolves from the very start and it looks like he was right! The large american bulldog follows, and believe it or not he is careful. Each large paw is set down softly, and he follows slowly, a sniff now and then while he continues to follow after the scent of the dog that he spoke to what seems like log ago. With him at least seven dogs in totall, and perhaps a few more catching up given time.. He pauses, head lowers, ears perking forward and his eyes narrow, a voice.. and the stank of wolf all about..
Kizhikoni might be getting older, such is an inevitable thing, but the bond with her father is still strong enough to keep her from wandering too far away. That, and hours spent chasing frogs and mice and crickets the night before, are holding her still. Kiz is sleeping comfortably just beside Tariro, tucked right up against his side. Her rest is peaceful enough that she actually managed to snore a little. But even the young aren't oblivious to changes in the air, and the girl stirs and babbles something unintelligible without actually waking up as Jatya darts in.
The difficulty with racing to deliver a message is managing to have enough breath to deliver it. Jatya looks to Coinin with relief, having found just what she sought. "They- they're-" Pant, pant, and she drags breath into her lungs. Her attention darts briefly back to Tariro, then returns to the current alpha. "The dogs. The ones - that got Ute. They're coming. They're going to - they're going to kill them all!" She's near to panic, babbling out her story.
As far as females go, Nyx has never liked Jatya. She's there but not. On the outskirts. Never saying much. A thing that Nyx herself never usually minds. She likes the quiet ones. Easier to dominate. But that youngster. There's something quite right about her. She's neither in nor out. Kinda...riding the fence on everything. THAT she does not like. Either you're in, o you're out...and if you're out, then they have a problem. Like Jethro, Nyx has kept an eye on her, and when suddenly she was not there with everyone else, she followed. She's with Jethro's group, a deadly looking doberman whose inky eyes are narrowed. She hates it when females step out of line...
Tariro remains near the river hobbled over his sleeping daughter. It was no longer his responsiblity to tend with the arrival of others and their concerns or worries; though some things are hard to give up. Silence holds, something he's mastered many times over, as he watches Jatya and Coinin before something suddenly feels off. Looking past them now, he turns his attention to the trees, their shadows and the life that dwells within them.
Coinin had been wondering for a long time if this day was going to come and now it appears that it has finally arrived. He gives her a quick nod, "I see." Today is the day that he gets to earn being alpha, "Tariro take your daughter and put her somewhere safe, and then everyone get behind me." He never raises his voice, but he does expect that in this circumstance its unnecessary. He then turns his attention to the trees. Its obvious they are out there...somewhere, "We know you are here. What do you want of us?" He is going to do his best to avoid violence if he can.
Kizhikoni is thrust abruptly out of sleep as alarm bells begin to go off in her subconscious. The tension in her father's body, the panicked hollering of an unfamiliar voice, and the uncomfortable tension in the air... they combine and are more than enough for Kiz to sit bolt upright, asleep one second and awake the next. "Daddy?" Oh, something is wrong. She stands up, tail wrapped beneath her, ears pinned back, eyes huge and afraid.
Her message delivered, Jatya is more than willing to slink back behind Coinin. Her eyes are wide as she looks to the trees, and her tail is tucked behind her. The dogs are here? Does that mean... her ears go back. Has she brought the badness on this pack as well, the one that's been willing to tolerate her? The one that has Anoki, who's done far, far more than tolerate?
Oh, that idiot. Nyx's eyes narrow as she hears ahead. Jatya's voice is the only familiar. Babbling on like the fool she's always thought she was. A waste of breath that should've been disposed of long ago. What good has she been? Cropped ears twitch, picking up other voices. Oh, and there's some sort of leader, talking to the forest. Wolves stink, and her nose wrinkles. "Jatya, Jatya," she says, moving forth to emerge with a grin. "You kept your word. Another..." her eyes flit from wolf to wolf. Old to young. "Pack. I was wrong to've doubted you. I hadn't thought you'd be so willing to lead us to more... prey."
A slow chuckle escape Jethro as he follows after Nyx, a slight grin seen and his head tilts. "My my... What grand work you do Jatya.. I never thought you would has tricked us in the least..." Oh yes he is so ready to pin this all on the curly tail dog. His eyes narrowing while he watches Jatya. If she had told him the truth before things may have been different.. Such is /not/ the case and this is where they are now.
In all the years Tariro has been alpha of this pack, he has never walked away from anything, not even when it was wiser to run. He was raised to protect; depend the pack. As Cerulean's only member to actually draw blood upon another he feels obligated to continue but he is drawn a pause. Looking down to Kizhikoni no expression better explains him right now than concern. Dipping his head to the pup he nudges her softly. "Come." One word is all he gives for his daughter to follow. The clearing was no longer an abode, it was to become a graveyard.
Coinin doens't believe for a moment that Jatya was capable of directly leading the dogs here with the purpose of harming the pack. She might have been followed, but that was about all, "You haven't answered my question. What do you want here?" The implication being that the dogs were to speak to him, and not address Jatya. As far as he is concerned the dog has done her part in warning them, the rest is his job to deal with.
"What?" is Jatya's startled response to Nyx, her eyes widening as her tail curls in between her legs, her body slinking backwards in fear. The doberman is one scary dog, and Jatya has never been known for her courage. It was hard enough for her to stand her ground and lie - her gaze flicks to Jethro, and she shrinks back further, letting out a whine. She just wanted to help. It was Anoki's idea, not hers. To investigate, and then his friends at Ute would like her, and... where is Anoki? He knows how to handle things like this. Her eyes dart about, quick panicky gestures, and yet she sees no sign of him.
Obedience isn't exactly something that's at the forefront of her mind on most occasions and that's becoming especially true as she gets older. But now? Kizhikoni readily does as her father instructs, falling into line behind Tariro after he nudges her into motion. But it doesn't last long. The girl has hardly gone five paces when first one, then two dogs emerge from the edge of the woods... and her fascination slows her paws and ultimately stops them. What are they? Their colors and their shapes and their scents, they are wolves and yet not wolves, living paradoxes. Her amazement overrides even her fear, and so Kiz just... stands there, gawking.
Nyx nudges Jethro. "And look," she says, smirking as she gestures her muzzle towards Coinin. "He ignores it. Wolves. So pathetic. Ah, s'no wonder the other pack was such a bore to drive off before," she says with a idle sort of sigh. "Was hardly a fight last time." Inky eyes turn to Jatya and stay, the smirk on her muzzle cruel. "Thank you, Jatya. This should be fun, huh?" Her stubbed tail is given a few wags while that grin wides to a toothier one, inky eyes gleaming with malice. But, unlike some, she knows her place. With Bone not here, Jethro is pretty much boss.
Jethro grins while looking at Jatya and soon shakes his head. A chuckle escaping him before he looks to 'his' pack at the moment. "Do you want to inform them about the plan Jatya?" This questioned with a thin tone, amused gaze clearly seen while he shifts to the side, tail flicking a few times. "Is there your litle group of ones you called friends, and was so eager to sell them over to us for your life?" A glance is sent towards Nyx and he nods to the side to get her moving that'a way it seems. An so it starts.. the circling, the lowering of heads, baring of fangs. "Where is this close friend of yours Jatya? I'd /love/ to meet him more closely."
Tariro waits just long enough to see his daughter move forward, but only a few steps are taken before he notices her stop and give notice to the emerging dogs. Quick to respond, he turns to peer at them aswelland not real response is given. He's never had issues with their canid cousins, but from what he's relearned those who have shown their faces are ones not to share a meal with. Head shaking, he nudges Kizhikoni once more before just picking her up. The old wolf knows to well whats to happen and losing his daughter over it... Before he can get to far however, he eyes the dogs who begin to take place around them. A growl breaks through his muffled lips. Come at him if you dare but he'd getting his daughter out of here.
Coinin is not a wolf that is given to violence, and certainly is not a wolf given to anger. Irritation...of course, irritability at times...sure, but not anger. The embers of anger had grown when Miakoda had talked about how the dogs had treated Wachiwa and that feeling of anger continues to grow inside of him. He intends to give these dogs one last chance to walk away, but then whatever happens in on them, "If you want the land you can have it and we will go in peace, but if you choose to continue your violence...then you will have to live with the consequences of it." And you can be sure that the consequences Coinin envisons are just and proportional to the crimes that have been committed, "Jatya ignore them." he says. He knows this game and he isn't biting.
Now Jatya's wide eyes go to Jethro. "I- what- I didn't!" she splutters, and whimpers. Her gaze flicks to Coinin, and her ears go further back - but she can't help looking to Nyx and Jethro again. They're... but she deserves this, doesn't she? She meant to betray them, to get back on them for Ute's sake... for wolves. For wolves that were mean to her. No, really, for one wolf who was nice to her, but he's not even here. She whines out, cringing back despite the fact nobody's quite near her.
Nyx gives her muzzle a near imperceptible nod to Jethro before she turns and begins to move, moving in an arc around the wolves. The talkative one. The old one. And the baby one. HA! Don't tell her /that/ came from his old loins? Wolves. No class whatsoever! Ooh the things she can say to that wolf whose mouth is so filled with pup. But her attention turns again to Jatya. Females are her domain. Unfortunately, she let this one slip, and she's none too happy about it. Let the talky one say what he wants, she has her own vendetta. "Look at you. You hide behind wolves like a coward. Is this what you are? A pet to them? From one collar to another." Her teeth bare, continuing to circle around, her arcing path gradually moving her in the direction of Jatya.
Jethro chuckles and grins at Jatya. "Oh yes ye did.. Ye told us everything. How do ye think we got here so quickly? Ye came and spilled yer guts out to us. Asked for our help and dealing with the mangy wolves.." A glance is sent towards Nyx and she grins before a soft chuckle escapes him. He looks to coinin watching him a moment. "The land?.. I could care less about the land anymore. Time to get rid of ye worthless wolves once and forall as I see it.." As for the old wolf? He doesn't even think of him, let him drag his half dead frame off soemwhere for all he cares.
Once more Tariro steps forward, breaking the circle that would form around them. Though he is stopped once more, this time by the female dog who mocks him in silent word. Outward he makes nothing of it. The white elder was silent and that made him unpredicable despite what they may think of him. The elders main objective was to hide his daughter but should he leave it leaves only Coinin to fend the pack for he doubts Jatya will have it in her to defend her honor and the friends she doesn't know she has. Against all reasoning he decides to stay.
Hiding behind the wolves? Jatya whines, for she can't quite manage to ignore the dogs like Coinin says. The words are too sharp, too sharp by far. Her gaze flits to Coinin, to Tariro, back to Nyx. "They... I..." She whimpers, and glances to Jethro again, shaking her head in denials that don't even have words anymore. Nyx is approaching, the doberman getting close - dangerous close - and Jatya yelps out before she turns her un-brave tail and runs. Away. She doesn't know where. Away! She'a already tired from her trip here, not nearly so able to pace herself as the more experienced dogs, and so she's panting from practically her first leap, though fear and guilt spur her on.
It seems that the time of mercy has come to an end. That was all that Coinin needed to hear. They aren't interested in the land and don't want them to go...they just want them to die. Fair enough. He will make sure that they get what is coming to them then. He takes a deep breath and like lighting makes for Jethro. If this is the leader then he should be the first to fall. Once he judges that he is close enough to the dog he begins his attack. His goal is not to hurt, its to kill. He slashes at the dog with his teeth, focusing his attention on the dogs neck and shoulders trying to make the best use of surprise he can and land whatever he is able.
And there goes Jatya. Nyx anticipated her retreat. The dog barely showed any backbone amongst her own kind. Even with these wolves she so apparently wishes to be with, she is a sniveling thing. And now, she flees them too. The acidic taste of disgust burns her throat as she trails her, chasing with bared fangs, but it's a short-loved thing. The female is beyond a waste of time, and she can hear the sound of attack nearby. And thus, Jatya is left to flee, perhaps to be hunted down later if such an opportunity arises. She turns and pauses, eyes shifting to the talky one who has Jethro in his sights, and thus her attention turns too, to Tariro. "Ready to dance, old one?" said with a grin, moving at a walk towards him, tail wiggling.
Jethro lets his gaze snap towards Coinin and his attention is there, head lowered and muscle tense around his neck and shoulders. He has faught before, many times in fact and he bounces to the side with ease, escaping the attack from the wolf. His head snaps out, jaws bitting for some part of the wolf in the process. He shifts on hier paws, doing his best to try and stay ahead for the moment it seems.
Things where definitely out of their favor with Jatya's sudden retreat into the woods. There was one thing agreeable with the dogs about her- the cowardism. Enough about her though, for there are more demanding things to be concerned about. Like Coinin's attack of the supposibly lead dog. It was the alpha's right to make the first move and on anyone of his choosing. That leaves the female. Tariro wasn't much into attack girls but in that case he could make an acception. When it seems that Nyx may chase after the fleeing Jatya, the elder brings pause to his actions, watching her. A short time brings the female back though and Tar is pleased. No way was he not going to taste the silky warmth of his packs attackers. Placing his pup to the ground, he steps forward, "With you, always."
Coinin focuses his complete attention on the battle before him. He takes small consolation in the fact that he knows he can't die here today. It would seem to be in direct conflict with the vision he had of his own death. Of course visions are funny things and prone to being wrong. Still he is confident in his own abilities, even if this bulldog has pleanty of experience. Jethro's attempt at a bite also catches air as Coinin shifts his weight and gives a little hop sideways. He says nothing to do the dog, nothing more needs saying. Now is the time for war. He once more lunges forward making an attempt to bite the dog.
Nyx's eyes flit to the pup, and a smirk curls her muzzle. Unkind. Cold. Hateful. She takes a half step back, claws digging into the ground in a stretch that looks far too languid for one that's about to battle. And for one so near to a fight already happening. "Well let's go then, big boy." Now standing upright, she trots forward, tail stub still wiggling, her demeanor one of a dog in play. The easy dancing lope, the glint in her inky gaze ... all of which changes beneath the blink of an eye. Muscles tense as she lithely attacks forward, bared teeth flashing with head tucked. She aims low and to the left, snapping for a foreleg
Jethro turns swiftly one way and then another, form tensing while he bounces along and half slides to the side before sending his jaws snapping out towards Coinin's shoulder. Bite and snap, try to get the other to slip up and do something stupid is the game here at the moment!
Tariro never was one leap into a fight directly, he was the type to sit and wait. Let the battle come to him. Gave the wolf time to think, time to judge, determine the best available action. Watching Nyx closely half a smile creeps onto his face. The low frontal assult. Predictable. Nothing is done till the right moment, letting the dog get as close as possible before side stepping her attempt at one of his forelegs. This action of his ultimatly leads to circling about to where he hopes to end up at Nyx's side and ramming into her form in attempt to bring her to the ground.
Coinin is more than willing to bleed a bit this evening, especially for a cause like this. Jethro's teeth do manage to get his shoulder causing the wolf a bit of pain. This has been worth it, however, because that has put him in all the better position to try for the bulldogs leg. Coinin lowers his head, pushes his shoulder against Jethro's mouth and attempts to try to grab Jethro's upper right leg. An opponent who can't stand, can't fight. At least not very well.
Predictable. Oh how the predictable dog knows what a predictable attack is, and how predictable attacks are countered. Snap! Jaws meet air, though the force of those clipped teeth is lesser than one would imagine she'd put forth. Expecting a miss? Well, lucky Nyx didn't actually succeed in that bite, else she'd be in a sorry predicament now! But as it is, she continues moving despite the lack of a leg in her mouth, glancing up at the now near wolf with a grin on her face. She moves with him. Hence, the dance. Keeping her body close when he sidesteps, following like a magnet attracted. "C'mon, old man.." Eyes half slit as his body does indeed meet with hers, braced now as she meets his force by pushing back against his frame to keep herself upright as fangs flash to bite towards the body.
Jethro keeps a tight hold of Coinin's shoulder, a head shake seen and his teeth grind into the shoulder.. But he lets go and bounces back a few steps. A snort escapes him while he shifts and starts to circle the wolf once more. "Yer have to try harder then that wolfie.." A ear flicks over towards Nyx at times but he knows that the other dog can take care of herself. They have to take care of themselves at the moment during these fights!
As it where, Tariro isn't as fast as he use to be but it doesn't matter. Pain would still be pain no matter how you looked at it and this wolf was welcoming it with open paws. Wide open to attack, he takes the fangs to his body, pressing into them while all the while lifting his forepaws and wrapping them around Nyx's upper body holding her in place as they dance. This in motion, Tar leans forward and goes for the upper spine commonly grabbed by that of a loved one though he has no intention of bring pleasure, just pain.
Coinin takes quick stock of this situation when the dog speaks his mind. He'd always thought that in a fight the one who felt the need to talk and taunt was in the weaker position, but in this case he is pleased that the dog said what he did. He's right he does have to try harder and do what wolves do best. Dogs, especially large dogs might be stronger, but they have nothing on wolf teamwork. Instead of trying to be the bigger wolf and fight an individual opponent he can help Tariro with his opponent and then the pair of them can finish Jethro off. Brilliant idea Jethro, you don't have to try harder, you just have to try smarter. He offers the dog a quick smile and bolts off in the direction of Nyx. Lets see how miss spindley legs does with this. He lowers his head, running as fast as he is able and attempts to headbutt her back two legs out from under her. Tariro can then hopefully do what he needs to do while he returns his own attention to Jethro...if it all goes as planned of course.
Nyx's teeth sink in once, twice, three times into Tariro, taking advantage of proximity while she can. The wolf's blood is like the blood of any other creature she's ever preyed upon or battled. Warm. Salty. An impractical reason for giddiness to explode within her as they rise up with one another. Along with that feeling is also a sharp pain. Tariro's teeth upon the back of her. Him being close to her also means that she is close to him, and lips pull back in a grimace as his fangs break the skin, freeing hr own blood. But that's alright (not really but, you know...one must fight on!) for as he goes for the back of her, she locks in to the front of him. Neckflesh. That's what she sees as he leans over her leaving her beneath, and thus once he does, she snaps for the throat.
Jethro doesn't wait for that to happen.. Oh no he will not like this be a wo on one game. His paws slam into the ground and he lunges forward towards Coinin, a thick snarle scaping him as his jaws snap out towards the wolves side moving to bite down upon his belly. If he gets hold his head twists to the hard, and his thick muscled forward moves to try and use his muscle to pull Coinin back and away from Nyx and the other wolf if he gets the chance!
Each bite down is a pain worth remembering, that is if he survives to remember it. Then again how Tariro has been fareing with memories, this is just another tale soon to be forgotten. Released, if only for a moment, Tar take thats moment to digs his fangs deeper into the back of his advisary and then yank back an forth all in attempt to save his only venerable spot- the throat. She gets that this fight might may be as good as over.
