Post by Therdde on May 5, 2008 22:53:28 GMT -5
Characters:
Eclipse – Female Wolfdog
Teketa – Male Wolf
Skelaghe – Female Wolf
- Stand of Wisteria -
With the evening turning into night Eclipse is slowly moving along searching for food it would seems. Her large paws carry her through the still dead grasses while her tail sways a few times. She pauses near a clump if dead grass and once summer flowers and snuffles about in them while her ears twitch one way and then the next. There use to be moles and rats all through here before the snow fell, and now with the snow starting to leave she figured she would come back to see if any had come back around.
Winter. The most dreaded season for any loner. It's difficult enough in the warmer months to scrape up a living on your own, but during the winter time? It's nearly impossible! Teketa's nose is close to the snow, searching for any scent that might lead him to prey. He may not look like it (due to his thick winter pelt), but he's actually quite thin right now. He's irritable and hungry. Not a good mix. Ever. Suddenly, the wolf stops, nose twitching as he catches a bizarre scent. Wolf-scent? No. Not wolf-scent. But something close. It's not a coyote. Nor is it any sort of canid he's ever scented before. Lifting his head, his vivid eyes search for any indication of the scent's owner, then pads forward slowly and cautiously...
Some faint movement in the dead grass catches Eclipse's attention and she pauses, tail halting in mid wag while her ears prick forward. She licks across her maw slight before she leaps forward, her large forepaws slamming down onto a field rat and a sharp squeal escapes the prey. The hybrid snaps down at the rat quickly killing it and hauls it up into the air while wiggling about some. She's still a young adult and is rather excited at the fact of actually catching something to eat. So much so that she doesn't hear, nor even picks up the sudden new scent in the area.
Teketa doesn't immediately see or hear anything to indicate the scent's owner. He knows only that the scent is fresh and strange. As such, he's tense and alert, ready for trouble or otherwise when there's the sudden sound of paws thumping hard on the ground somewhere to his right and the sharp squeal of prey that is all at once muffled by death. Teketa jerks, startled. His hackles raise in alarm as he makes his way as quickly as he can without making much noise towards the sound. As he does so, the strange scent thickens. It is only when a creature -- canine indeed -- enters his line of sight that he stops abruptly and lowers his head. He studies the being through narrowed eyes. It isn't a wolf. But it isn't... /not/ a wolf, either. So what is it? He's not sure. Making his way closer to one of the nearby trees, he tries to move undetected...
Skelaghe has been faring well enough through the winter. At least, she is not yet in any danger of succumbing to hunger, and it is not what drives her now. What drives her is a desire to get away from her single snarly companion. She left him over a day ago and has been completely on her own ever since. Approaching the area from the south, she can just hear, in the distance, the snapping of bones and the squeal of a dying animal. Her pace slows upon hearing that, is she is none too eager to startle a hungry creature who has just gotten lucky in the hunt and may be strongly influenced toward protecting that meal. Teketa and Eclipse are, yet, well out of sight.
Eclipse crunches down upon the rat a few times while she just flops down upon the dead grasses, forepaws settle around the rat while she chews upon a piece of food. It takes her a few moments to pick up that indeed someone is around, and once she picks on the new scent and then sound and lifts her head to glance one way and then another while she swallows the piece of food. Licking across her maw she snuffles at the air again, wolves.. One is close by and another not so much, its not Narcissos or Eaden so this make her sudden wary.
As he makes his way toward the tree, he stops suddenly. For the briefest moment, he catches a whiff of rat and almost at once feels a gnawing pain deep in his belly. He nearly abandons his reason in favor of attacking and maybe attempting to steal what he can of the meager meal, but before he can act foolishly he looks in the strange canid's direction again and realizes the meal is nearly gone. It's at this moment he also realizes the wolf-like canid is looking a little... alarmed. Teketa freezes, debating whether or not he should approach the creature or simply leave the area immediately.
Skelaghe does not change her path, but the slowed pace gives her a little time to become more aware of her surroundings before stumbling onto the creatures ahead of her. After a couple minutes, the two canines come into view through barren branches, and she takes only a few more steps. She cannot see what was today's meal for one of them, but she'll offer them time to become accustomed to her arrival on their own terms in order to, hopefully, avoid any unpleasant encounters, rather than approaching the situation blindly.
Eclipse wishes her friends was near by, the young hybrid shifts about, large forepaws drawing her back up so she's standing once she catches sight of the male wolf. Her ears twitch, head tilting to the side as her tail holds still in the air. She's not use to dealing with wolves she isn't use to, most of the time she turns and leaves knowing the reaction she'll get seeing what she is. Her head lower, ears tilting to the back while she stands her ground, there is a bite of rat left hidden among the weeds and dead grass at her paws and she means to finish it. As for the female wolf she has caught her scent but as of yet she hasn't seen her.
Teketa is tired and hungry; he's not exactly at his best today. Of course, he hasn't been most of the winter. As such, he's not as quick as he usually is... and fails to notice another's arrival. Then again, most of his attention /is/ focused on the first canine. He's never seen a wolf-dog before, and therefore is a little confused by what he sees. But any confusion is replaced by a blank stare when the female's eyes turn towards him and she rises. His hackles are still raised, but beyond that, he makes no other move as he surveys the female's reaction to his presence. He's aware of there being a little bit of rat left, and he's hungry. But he forces his full attention onto this... creature. At last, it is time to break the silence, and when it is, he does so brusquely: "What are you?"
Skelaghe has never even seen a dog before, not from any near distance. There were no dogs near her former territory, and she has avoided the scent markings of dogs since coming to these lands. That would be her first assumption in answer of Teketa's question, but for now, she remains the silent, distance observer.
Eclipse chews on her lip slightly as she watches Teketa, she notices his stance and the raised hackles which in turn makes her take on more of a defensive position. As for what is left of the rat she leans down grabs it and swallows it down with a few chomping bites. There no more food so no reason to bother her, right? A ear twitches at the questions and she snuffles faintly at it. "What do you think I am?" She questions right back to the wolf. While she doesn't have the normal coloring of a wolf she does have the body of one, just longer lanky legs showing she's still a young adult.
Yes, he realizes he's being rude. But he's in no situation to care at the moment, so he simply awaits a reply of some sort. ...and watches her eat the rat. His pink tongue promptly slides out of his mouth to lick his lips. That sure looked good... Teketa blinks himself back to reality. He really needs to find some food. Maybe there are some other little vermin around here he can go after. Anything'd be better than /nothing at all/! But back to the present: the almost-wolf-female is answering. Or rather, posing a question as an answer. Teketa frowns and allows his hackles to lower, though his gaze is rather steely. He has no patience for this right now, but he replies nonetheless, "You don't look like any wolf I've ever seen," he responds blankly, "And you certainly aren't a coyote," -- lucky thing, he hates coyotes -- "...and that leaves me to wonder. What are you?" he inquires again, a little more firmly this time. So focused on this unknown animal is he that he still fails to notice another wolf's presence. Of course, that might change very soon...
Eclipse ears twitch forward as she watches and listens to the wolf, so he doesn't know what she is? That's a new one. A slight smirk crosses the hybrid's maw while she drops down to haunches, yet her form is still tense incase she needs to defend herself. "I'm part wolf and part dog.. A hybrid some call my kind." She finds it interesting that she actually has to explain herself to a wolf, normally there chasing her and the dogs are no better about the matter.
It probably helps her that Teketa's never actually seen or been around a dog. He lived deep in the wilderness, for from man. There were no dogs. Not where he came from, anyway. This canid -- a wolf-dog hybrid -- is the closest he's been to seeing a domestic -- or feral -- dog. His ears twitch as he takes in this information and allows himself to relax slightly. She's sitting. For now, he feels like he isn't threatened. Of course, it lasts only a few seconds, for as less of his attention is focused on the hybrid, more of it goes out to his surroundings. His head whips around and his hackles raise anew as he looks upon... a wolf! A she-wolf, no less. He suppresses a snarl of surprise, then turns his body so that he can better face the two strangers.
Skelaghe had been prepared to approach when Teketa seemed to calm. Apparently she put it off for one moment too long, though, and instead of staying back to give the tension a chance to decrease on it's own, her silent presence has caused further tension. Rather than attempt to duck back away when Teketa turns to face her, hackles raised, she takes a step forward. Her tail is held parallel to the ground and her ears are perks. On a whole, she is rather relaxed. "Do not be alarmed. It was not my intention to startle you."
Eclipse mms faintly as she watches Teketa, her maw twitches an she shifts her attention glances over to a new form and she watches the she-wolf a few moments. She takes in a breath and blinks at the reaction from the male. "Sorta tense an't ya?" The hybrid questions with a smirk.
How long has she evaded his senses? He regards the she-wolf icily, his tail lifting slightly. However, once she speaks, he allows his hackles to smooth away once again and his expression to become just a little less harsh. He remains terribly silent then, not exactly sure what to say. Though he is a wolf, he's never been the social sort. That's why he's alone. Well, that and for some... other reasons. But let's not go there. This new she wolf seems genuine enough for Teketa, so he lets his posture return to neutrality. Yet, despite his calmer posturing, his head still whips around rather quickly to place a glare in the hybrid's direction. Did I mention he's irritable today? He scrunches his nose slightly -- maybe the beginnings of a snarl, maybe not -- but it's unhappy in any case. "As any loner should be," he finally responds, snorting faintly, "...And should I be any different?" He doesn't like the unexpected.
Skelaghe can't help but grin at Eclipse's statement, but she works hard to hide it as she continues to approach the other two canines and the male wolf responds rather unfavorably to this hybrid. Unlike Teketa, Skelaghe is /very/ socially oriented. It is only too bad, then, that Teketa would appear to be as snarly as her main companion. Speaking up to answer the question posed to the wolfdog, she says, "Of course not. There is always reason to be tense. But those who are relaxed will always have good reason to smile at those who aren't." And should, one day, a creature like Skelaghe meet an undesirable end, at least she will not have lived her life jumping at any given thing.
Eclipse mms faintly as she eyes the male wolf a few moments. "I see.." She offers softly. "Well I'm a loner but I don't act like that." This said with a matter-oh-fact like tone. A ear twitches as she glances to the female wolf once more. "I suppose so.. But if your always tense where's the fun?"
Alas, the male closes his momentarily, considering: maybe they're right though. He may be too tense. But then again, he's also very hungry and therefore a little more on edge than usual. He opens his eyes again and exhales slowly, counting slowly in his mind to ten as the she-wolf answers the question he initially spoke to the hybrid. His head turns to acknowledge her words, but he makes no immediate reply. Rather, he looks at the wolf-dog with a mildly ... not confused, but not quite annoyed expression before stating matter-of-factly, "I have no time for fun. Perhap you have, but my time is better spent /surviving/," he mutters. Not that he /wouldn't/ have fun, if he could. "I haven't the luxury of fun," he spits a little bitterly before shaking his head as if to clear away the bitter words even as he spoke them. "Forgive me my rudeness," he says at long last, "My name is Teketa." And he sits.
Skelaghe bows her head as Teketa offers his name. As she raises it again, she says, "I am Skelaghe. It is a pleasure to meet you, Teketa." For the time being, and mostly to allow the wolfdog to get a word in, she avoids giving a more in-depth response to the male wolf. What good is surviving if there is no fun? Skelaghe has been on her own well under a year, but she has had plenty of fun in that time. There have been moments of sorrow and moments of uncertainty, sure... But the fun didn't just stop.
Eclipse ears lower as she hears Teketa speak and she glances off choosing to grow quiet on the subject it seems. "I'm Eclipse." Her tone haven gotten quiet, as she isn't sure what to talk about now. Even when she's on her own she attempts to have fun, its not that easy though. Maybe she's not suppose to have fun anymore then? As if she would know not having parents for half her life and getting raised by two young wolves most likely didn't help matters.
Teketa looks at the she-wolf with eyes that are a little less hardened now that he's settled onto his rump in a more "relaxed" manner. Really though, he feels no less tense than he did before, merely allows himself to appear otherwise. On the other paw, even sitting he is tall and straight, like he's ready to be inspected by a drill sergeant... he looks towards the hybrid -- Eclipse. She's quieter now. She's young -- maybe he was too harsh before? Momentarily, his eyes soften as his lips twitch and he's ready to speak, but at the last second he takes it back and his eyes narrow and harden again. He looks back to the she-wolf, Skelaghe. "Likewise," he responds to her, and, so as to include Eclipse, he looks directly at the hybrid again, "I suppose it is good to meet you both." Well. It isn't /bad./
After introducing herself, Skelaghe focuses her attention on the two canines nearby. The nonverbal manners of each bring another grin to her face, and she says what she avoided saying to allow time for introductions moments before. "Do not let Teketa here fool you, Eclipse. There is no time better spent than time that is spent having fun and enjoying yourself." Skelaghe has no problem speaking to, and about, both of them as if she has known them for ages. And who is to say she hasn't? Were she to tell someone about this encounter tomorrow, included would be very elaborate--and possibly wholly false--histories to explain them both, whether she has been given any of that information or not.
Eclipse mms faintly as she turns her bright gaze back to the pair. "I suppose so." She offers before shrugging. "Though he has a point too about it.." Though she isn't fully sure just what that might have been.. Anyway.. "What are you two doing around here?"
If Teketa were so bold as to look so far into Skelaghe's nature, he might think she reminds him of someone. Her openly friendly nature ... yes, it does remind him of someone, now that he thinks on it. And for that, he likes her more and he likes her less. Or rather, he tells himself that he likes her /less/ for it, but in reality he relaxes just a little bit more, even to allow the faintest smile creep into his eyes, but no more. Alas, no he must say what he would not before, and he turns to look at Eclipse. "I must apologize for my manner before," he murmurs, nodding his head slowly, "...fun is not," he looks for the words, "/off-limits/. It is simply easier for some to manage." He even cracks a small smile at the end before his expression clears and becomes serious again as she questions them. Does she think they're together? He doesn't comment on it just yet. "I was hunting," he replies vaguely.
Skelaghe's smile brightens as Teketa speaks. Neither does she allow herself to slip into a more serious mood. She does sit where she is, curling her tail around her side. Her head remains held high, but there is nothing about her demeanor that suggests anything /but/ relaxation. "I was just walking. I had not done much of that since winter began, and I missed it." There is, of course, a significant different between just walking and any travelling she may do while hunting.
Eclipse doesn't think there with one another, one Skelaghe gave her name so that means they most likely don't know each other, an two after the reaction from Teketa they really must not have know each other. "I see.. Well there are some rats around here. Not many have came up yet though I guess." She shrugs some. "Saw some deer the other day off near the edge of the forest.." Though she can't hunt a deer on her own.
Teketa doesn't try to understand Skelaghe's though processes. She seems too bright and cheery for him. ...then again, maybe it's just what he needs. But just walking for the sake of walking? He can't fathom doing that. Not that he'd be lazy if he didn't /have/ to walk many miles every day... it's just, it's been a necessity for him for a long time. His attention turns to Eclipse then, and the information she gives him. The first bit he's already suspected... but deer? Ah, what he wouldn't give for some /fresh/ dear flesh. But it's nigh impossible while he's alone. But that doesn't stop him from thanking the hybrid. ...his mind wanders. A wolf-dog, she says? Well then, what's a dog? It must be a canine, but of what sort? He does not voice his thoughts.
The largest meal Skelaghe has had since coming to these lands was ram, and that was months ago. She wouldn't suggest hunting them solo either. The only things she could possibly suggest is, "There is also a river not far to the east that may not be frozen. If you follow it south, it's definitely not frozen. If you can withstand the cold water, it shouldn't be hard to find a fish or two." Fish happens to be Skelaghe's favorite meal, because she's not much of a hunter. Along with many other things, Skelaghe looks forward to the coming spring for that reason. She'll be able to catch fish again. Right now, it usually takes her too far from her companion to get to a section of river that isn't heavy with ice.
Eclipse nods slightly at the talk of the river. "An there fish.. though its not easiest thing to get to all the time." Her maw twitches while she glances around the grasses, ears twitching forward. "There was a rabbit warren around here. Unsure if there are any left as I haven't been over that way for some time."
Now it's Teketa's turn to "hmmm" ... fish. Not bad. But he's not fisher-wolf. He looks at Eclipse and smiles briefly, "I'll agree on that," he murmurs. There are rats here... deer in the forest. And yet he's caught nothing. He always thought he was a fair hunter himself... but he's beginning to wonder. Maybe his luck is simply ill this winter? Maybe he should move towards one of those packs...? No. He's not desperate enough to do that. Not yet, anyway. But in any case... he must move on. He /is/ hungry. So very hungry... and he fears he can't properly enjoy company in this condition. "Forgive me ladies, but I must take my leave of you," he says softly as he rises to his paws and looks at each. "Perhaps we will meet again, or perhaps we will not. Fare well." Simple as that, he turns to leave.
"Good luck with your hunt, Teketa." Skelaghe does not offer him more farewell than that. Rather, she takes her eyes from the retreating form of Teketa to look at the wolfdog nearby her. She has a few questions for Eclipse, but none of them gnaw at her terribly.
Eclipse ears perk and she nods slightly, a faint smile is offered while she takes in a breath. "Well then, good luck in your hunt." She offers, while pondering if she will ever run into the wolf again. Only time will tell though. A glance is offered to Skelaghe and she wonders if the other will be leaving as well.
Skelaghe has no intention of leaving immediately, no. She will have to return to the forest eventually, but not today, which means she can rest here as easily as she could rest anywhere else. "If you don't mind, Eclipse... May I ask you some questions?" She doesn't speak until she imagines Teketa is out of earshot.
Eclipse shrugs at the question. "I guess you can.. Not sure if I can answer them though." She offers while eyeing the wolf faintly as she ponders what the questions might be about.
"I was under the impression that wolves and dogs do not get along well in these parts..." It may not actually be a question, but the self-named wolfdog ought to be able to infer at least some of the things Skelaghe wants to know. Why don't they get along, and how is it, then, that Eclipse's parents came to mate.
Eclipse ahs softly at this. "No.. Dogs and wolves do not get along at all here." She offers with a smirk as she knows what the question is really about. "My father took my mother so to speak.. Me and my sister was not meant to be."
Skelaghe flattens her ears against her head, as she can imagine, well enough, for what concept 'took' is a euphemism. With a bow of her head, she says, "I apologize for asking, then. That must have been horrible for her, and for you." Canines are meant to be raised with both parents. Their society works best, that way.
Eclipse shrugs and glances off, her maw twitching. "I suppose so.. My mother left me and my sister when we was rather young. I suppose that was her way of saying how she also disapproved of us." The young hybrid has gotten sour over the months, not having her mother around and then her sister hurt her in more ways then one.
When Skelaghe raises her head again, she is frowning, and uncommon expression, for her. She should have had the foresight to realize that bringing up that topic might result in some revelations like these. And here, she was hoping for something happier, something she might turn into one of her great stories to inspire young animals to see past hate that may very well be bred into them. "What they did to you was horrible. That you have grown so well says more about you than anything else could."
"I suppose so.." Eclipse says with a flick of her ears. "But then I'm on my own again so I guess it doesn't really matter. Wolves don't want me around and either do the dogs." Its rather hard to deal with that, when she wants to be around other canine's and wants pack life she is turned away, most of the time rather nasty.
Skelaghe has to wonder how her own former pack would have received someone like Eclipse. She likes to thing that they would have welcomed her, but not all of the Ute wolves were as accepting as she thinks they should have been. With a deep breath, she says, "You will find the place where you belong, Eclipse." Skelaghe can be nothing other than an optimist, and she tries to spread this at every opportunity.
Eclipse smirks at this comment. "Perhaps.. But then who knows." She says with a shrug before looking back to Skelaghe. "Where are you from, and why are you here?"
"I am from a land many days' journey to the southeast of these lands. My pack was devastated by illness many moons ago. We were unable to retain our territory and our alphas could no longer lead us. I came here for a fresh start." And because the sorrow threatened to become too severe if she remained. Skelaghe's tone remains somber as she answers the wolfdog's question.
Eclipse ahs softly at this and nods slowly, her ears lower slightly. "I'm sorry for your loss then." She pauses a moment before going on. "There are two packs in the area, you might find a new home around here."
Skelaghe gives Eclipse a smile and says, "I have met with leaders from both of the packs. For now, though... There is too much to be done for me to settle down, as much as I may like to do so." She could, yet. Bury herself in life with one pack and reform her identity. Within a couple months, it may be as though little had ever changed, but there are certain things that she could not do without, such as some sense that she is doing what she can to take care of her former packmates and anyone else who needs it. The wolves in those packs already have that social support structure. All of the various rogues of various species in the area don't, though, and she would like to bring it to them.
Eclipse nods slightly. "I see.." She ponders what the wolf means, to many things to be done.. "What things are you talking about? If you don't mind me asking that is.."
"Visits to the cougar tribe, visits to the foxes, visits with the wolves I have met since arriving in these lands, making sure my former packmates are okay, and then starting the whole cycle over again." Skelaghe grins slightly as she answers. She pauses long enough to take a full breath, then adds, "I first came to this land to learn more about the people who saved us from the illness that would have likely taken the rest of us, before long. In doing so, I may have spread my social net a little too far, and it's hard to give up communication with any of the groups."
Eclipse ohs curiously while watching the other. "You've been to see the cougar's?" This she finds rather interesting for some reason. "An who was the ones that helped you and your pack?"
"There were two cougars from the tribe, a ram from the mountains, a wolf from Viridian, and even a duck who all helped my packbrother find the cure." To this day, Skelaghe has not met Misery, the one from Viridian she believes to be a wolf. "These lands are full of courageous and self-sacrificing animals, if you only look. Perhaps I could introduce you to some, come spring."
Eclipse ears twitchs lightly finding this interesting for some reason. "I see." She offers softly. "I suppose there are some around, but I just have no meet them as of yet it would seem."
"I know of one wolf in Lazuli whose name is Bodhi. He has gone out of his way many times to visit with dogs, and he is every bit as laid back as I am. I am sure he would love to meet you." Skelaghe only assumes that Eclipse wants to integrate herself with other animals. There has been very little that she has said that has actually brought Skel to that conclusion. Canines are social by nature, though.
Eclipse does want to meet other canines, but she's still unsure about it. "Of Lazuli?.. They don't like dogs." She states with a shake of her head. "Though with the pack of dogs that's around here I don't blame them. This Bodhi might like them but I don't think the rest would enjoy it." She pauses a moment. "Though I could be wrong I suppose."
Skelaghe can say nothing about the rest of Lazuli. She met Miakoda, but only very briefly. "I would not promise that the rest of them would welcome you, but one more fired is one more friend, right?" Id Skelaghe remembers correctly... It may well have been Bodhi who welcomed her to these lands, and it was definitely Bodhi who escorted her through the mountains the first time. He is a good friend to have.
"I suppose so.." Eclipse offers after a few moments of thought. She stretches as she stands up, about to get moving it seems. "It was nice to talk to you Skelaghe. Think I'm going to find some place to sleep now though. Perhaps we're meet up again." She actually hopes they do as she enjoyed the conversation along with the company.
Skelaghe gives a bright smile and a nod of her head to Eclipse. "I am certain we will. Farewell." Much as with Teketa, her goodbye is not a long one, and after speaking, she actually lowers herself into a lying position. She did not smell any scent marks on the way here, and she may very well sleep in this exact spot tonight.
Eclipse smiles some and nods before she turns and starts to move off, tail swaying a few times. "Night then.. Take care Skelaghe." She offers before turning and starts to leave, heading back towards the forest for the night.
Eclipse – Female Wolfdog
Teketa – Male Wolf
Skelaghe – Female Wolf
- Stand of Wisteria -
With the evening turning into night Eclipse is slowly moving along searching for food it would seems. Her large paws carry her through the still dead grasses while her tail sways a few times. She pauses near a clump if dead grass and once summer flowers and snuffles about in them while her ears twitch one way and then the next. There use to be moles and rats all through here before the snow fell, and now with the snow starting to leave she figured she would come back to see if any had come back around.
Winter. The most dreaded season for any loner. It's difficult enough in the warmer months to scrape up a living on your own, but during the winter time? It's nearly impossible! Teketa's nose is close to the snow, searching for any scent that might lead him to prey. He may not look like it (due to his thick winter pelt), but he's actually quite thin right now. He's irritable and hungry. Not a good mix. Ever. Suddenly, the wolf stops, nose twitching as he catches a bizarre scent. Wolf-scent? No. Not wolf-scent. But something close. It's not a coyote. Nor is it any sort of canid he's ever scented before. Lifting his head, his vivid eyes search for any indication of the scent's owner, then pads forward slowly and cautiously...
Some faint movement in the dead grass catches Eclipse's attention and she pauses, tail halting in mid wag while her ears prick forward. She licks across her maw slight before she leaps forward, her large forepaws slamming down onto a field rat and a sharp squeal escapes the prey. The hybrid snaps down at the rat quickly killing it and hauls it up into the air while wiggling about some. She's still a young adult and is rather excited at the fact of actually catching something to eat. So much so that she doesn't hear, nor even picks up the sudden new scent in the area.
Teketa doesn't immediately see or hear anything to indicate the scent's owner. He knows only that the scent is fresh and strange. As such, he's tense and alert, ready for trouble or otherwise when there's the sudden sound of paws thumping hard on the ground somewhere to his right and the sharp squeal of prey that is all at once muffled by death. Teketa jerks, startled. His hackles raise in alarm as he makes his way as quickly as he can without making much noise towards the sound. As he does so, the strange scent thickens. It is only when a creature -- canine indeed -- enters his line of sight that he stops abruptly and lowers his head. He studies the being through narrowed eyes. It isn't a wolf. But it isn't... /not/ a wolf, either. So what is it? He's not sure. Making his way closer to one of the nearby trees, he tries to move undetected...
Skelaghe has been faring well enough through the winter. At least, she is not yet in any danger of succumbing to hunger, and it is not what drives her now. What drives her is a desire to get away from her single snarly companion. She left him over a day ago and has been completely on her own ever since. Approaching the area from the south, she can just hear, in the distance, the snapping of bones and the squeal of a dying animal. Her pace slows upon hearing that, is she is none too eager to startle a hungry creature who has just gotten lucky in the hunt and may be strongly influenced toward protecting that meal. Teketa and Eclipse are, yet, well out of sight.
Eclipse crunches down upon the rat a few times while she just flops down upon the dead grasses, forepaws settle around the rat while she chews upon a piece of food. It takes her a few moments to pick up that indeed someone is around, and once she picks on the new scent and then sound and lifts her head to glance one way and then another while she swallows the piece of food. Licking across her maw she snuffles at the air again, wolves.. One is close by and another not so much, its not Narcissos or Eaden so this make her sudden wary.
As he makes his way toward the tree, he stops suddenly. For the briefest moment, he catches a whiff of rat and almost at once feels a gnawing pain deep in his belly. He nearly abandons his reason in favor of attacking and maybe attempting to steal what he can of the meager meal, but before he can act foolishly he looks in the strange canid's direction again and realizes the meal is nearly gone. It's at this moment he also realizes the wolf-like canid is looking a little... alarmed. Teketa freezes, debating whether or not he should approach the creature or simply leave the area immediately.
Skelaghe does not change her path, but the slowed pace gives her a little time to become more aware of her surroundings before stumbling onto the creatures ahead of her. After a couple minutes, the two canines come into view through barren branches, and she takes only a few more steps. She cannot see what was today's meal for one of them, but she'll offer them time to become accustomed to her arrival on their own terms in order to, hopefully, avoid any unpleasant encounters, rather than approaching the situation blindly.
Eclipse wishes her friends was near by, the young hybrid shifts about, large forepaws drawing her back up so she's standing once she catches sight of the male wolf. Her ears twitch, head tilting to the side as her tail holds still in the air. She's not use to dealing with wolves she isn't use to, most of the time she turns and leaves knowing the reaction she'll get seeing what she is. Her head lower, ears tilting to the back while she stands her ground, there is a bite of rat left hidden among the weeds and dead grass at her paws and she means to finish it. As for the female wolf she has caught her scent but as of yet she hasn't seen her.
Teketa is tired and hungry; he's not exactly at his best today. Of course, he hasn't been most of the winter. As such, he's not as quick as he usually is... and fails to notice another's arrival. Then again, most of his attention /is/ focused on the first canine. He's never seen a wolf-dog before, and therefore is a little confused by what he sees. But any confusion is replaced by a blank stare when the female's eyes turn towards him and she rises. His hackles are still raised, but beyond that, he makes no other move as he surveys the female's reaction to his presence. He's aware of there being a little bit of rat left, and he's hungry. But he forces his full attention onto this... creature. At last, it is time to break the silence, and when it is, he does so brusquely: "What are you?"
Skelaghe has never even seen a dog before, not from any near distance. There were no dogs near her former territory, and she has avoided the scent markings of dogs since coming to these lands. That would be her first assumption in answer of Teketa's question, but for now, she remains the silent, distance observer.
Eclipse chews on her lip slightly as she watches Teketa, she notices his stance and the raised hackles which in turn makes her take on more of a defensive position. As for what is left of the rat she leans down grabs it and swallows it down with a few chomping bites. There no more food so no reason to bother her, right? A ear twitches at the questions and she snuffles faintly at it. "What do you think I am?" She questions right back to the wolf. While she doesn't have the normal coloring of a wolf she does have the body of one, just longer lanky legs showing she's still a young adult.
Yes, he realizes he's being rude. But he's in no situation to care at the moment, so he simply awaits a reply of some sort. ...and watches her eat the rat. His pink tongue promptly slides out of his mouth to lick his lips. That sure looked good... Teketa blinks himself back to reality. He really needs to find some food. Maybe there are some other little vermin around here he can go after. Anything'd be better than /nothing at all/! But back to the present: the almost-wolf-female is answering. Or rather, posing a question as an answer. Teketa frowns and allows his hackles to lower, though his gaze is rather steely. He has no patience for this right now, but he replies nonetheless, "You don't look like any wolf I've ever seen," he responds blankly, "And you certainly aren't a coyote," -- lucky thing, he hates coyotes -- "...and that leaves me to wonder. What are you?" he inquires again, a little more firmly this time. So focused on this unknown animal is he that he still fails to notice another wolf's presence. Of course, that might change very soon...
Eclipse ears twitch forward as she watches and listens to the wolf, so he doesn't know what she is? That's a new one. A slight smirk crosses the hybrid's maw while she drops down to haunches, yet her form is still tense incase she needs to defend herself. "I'm part wolf and part dog.. A hybrid some call my kind." She finds it interesting that she actually has to explain herself to a wolf, normally there chasing her and the dogs are no better about the matter.
It probably helps her that Teketa's never actually seen or been around a dog. He lived deep in the wilderness, for from man. There were no dogs. Not where he came from, anyway. This canid -- a wolf-dog hybrid -- is the closest he's been to seeing a domestic -- or feral -- dog. His ears twitch as he takes in this information and allows himself to relax slightly. She's sitting. For now, he feels like he isn't threatened. Of course, it lasts only a few seconds, for as less of his attention is focused on the hybrid, more of it goes out to his surroundings. His head whips around and his hackles raise anew as he looks upon... a wolf! A she-wolf, no less. He suppresses a snarl of surprise, then turns his body so that he can better face the two strangers.
Skelaghe had been prepared to approach when Teketa seemed to calm. Apparently she put it off for one moment too long, though, and instead of staying back to give the tension a chance to decrease on it's own, her silent presence has caused further tension. Rather than attempt to duck back away when Teketa turns to face her, hackles raised, she takes a step forward. Her tail is held parallel to the ground and her ears are perks. On a whole, she is rather relaxed. "Do not be alarmed. It was not my intention to startle you."
Eclipse mms faintly as she watches Teketa, her maw twitches an she shifts her attention glances over to a new form and she watches the she-wolf a few moments. She takes in a breath and blinks at the reaction from the male. "Sorta tense an't ya?" The hybrid questions with a smirk.
How long has she evaded his senses? He regards the she-wolf icily, his tail lifting slightly. However, once she speaks, he allows his hackles to smooth away once again and his expression to become just a little less harsh. He remains terribly silent then, not exactly sure what to say. Though he is a wolf, he's never been the social sort. That's why he's alone. Well, that and for some... other reasons. But let's not go there. This new she wolf seems genuine enough for Teketa, so he lets his posture return to neutrality. Yet, despite his calmer posturing, his head still whips around rather quickly to place a glare in the hybrid's direction. Did I mention he's irritable today? He scrunches his nose slightly -- maybe the beginnings of a snarl, maybe not -- but it's unhappy in any case. "As any loner should be," he finally responds, snorting faintly, "...And should I be any different?" He doesn't like the unexpected.
Skelaghe can't help but grin at Eclipse's statement, but she works hard to hide it as she continues to approach the other two canines and the male wolf responds rather unfavorably to this hybrid. Unlike Teketa, Skelaghe is /very/ socially oriented. It is only too bad, then, that Teketa would appear to be as snarly as her main companion. Speaking up to answer the question posed to the wolfdog, she says, "Of course not. There is always reason to be tense. But those who are relaxed will always have good reason to smile at those who aren't." And should, one day, a creature like Skelaghe meet an undesirable end, at least she will not have lived her life jumping at any given thing.
Eclipse mms faintly as she eyes the male wolf a few moments. "I see.." She offers softly. "Well I'm a loner but I don't act like that." This said with a matter-oh-fact like tone. A ear twitches as she glances to the female wolf once more. "I suppose so.. But if your always tense where's the fun?"
Alas, the male closes his momentarily, considering: maybe they're right though. He may be too tense. But then again, he's also very hungry and therefore a little more on edge than usual. He opens his eyes again and exhales slowly, counting slowly in his mind to ten as the she-wolf answers the question he initially spoke to the hybrid. His head turns to acknowledge her words, but he makes no immediate reply. Rather, he looks at the wolf-dog with a mildly ... not confused, but not quite annoyed expression before stating matter-of-factly, "I have no time for fun. Perhap you have, but my time is better spent /surviving/," he mutters. Not that he /wouldn't/ have fun, if he could. "I haven't the luxury of fun," he spits a little bitterly before shaking his head as if to clear away the bitter words even as he spoke them. "Forgive me my rudeness," he says at long last, "My name is Teketa." And he sits.
Skelaghe bows her head as Teketa offers his name. As she raises it again, she says, "I am Skelaghe. It is a pleasure to meet you, Teketa." For the time being, and mostly to allow the wolfdog to get a word in, she avoids giving a more in-depth response to the male wolf. What good is surviving if there is no fun? Skelaghe has been on her own well under a year, but she has had plenty of fun in that time. There have been moments of sorrow and moments of uncertainty, sure... But the fun didn't just stop.
Eclipse ears lower as she hears Teketa speak and she glances off choosing to grow quiet on the subject it seems. "I'm Eclipse." Her tone haven gotten quiet, as she isn't sure what to talk about now. Even when she's on her own she attempts to have fun, its not that easy though. Maybe she's not suppose to have fun anymore then? As if she would know not having parents for half her life and getting raised by two young wolves most likely didn't help matters.
Teketa looks at the she-wolf with eyes that are a little less hardened now that he's settled onto his rump in a more "relaxed" manner. Really though, he feels no less tense than he did before, merely allows himself to appear otherwise. On the other paw, even sitting he is tall and straight, like he's ready to be inspected by a drill sergeant... he looks towards the hybrid -- Eclipse. She's quieter now. She's young -- maybe he was too harsh before? Momentarily, his eyes soften as his lips twitch and he's ready to speak, but at the last second he takes it back and his eyes narrow and harden again. He looks back to the she-wolf, Skelaghe. "Likewise," he responds to her, and, so as to include Eclipse, he looks directly at the hybrid again, "I suppose it is good to meet you both." Well. It isn't /bad./
After introducing herself, Skelaghe focuses her attention on the two canines nearby. The nonverbal manners of each bring another grin to her face, and she says what she avoided saying to allow time for introductions moments before. "Do not let Teketa here fool you, Eclipse. There is no time better spent than time that is spent having fun and enjoying yourself." Skelaghe has no problem speaking to, and about, both of them as if she has known them for ages. And who is to say she hasn't? Were she to tell someone about this encounter tomorrow, included would be very elaborate--and possibly wholly false--histories to explain them both, whether she has been given any of that information or not.
Eclipse mms faintly as she turns her bright gaze back to the pair. "I suppose so." She offers before shrugging. "Though he has a point too about it.." Though she isn't fully sure just what that might have been.. Anyway.. "What are you two doing around here?"
If Teketa were so bold as to look so far into Skelaghe's nature, he might think she reminds him of someone. Her openly friendly nature ... yes, it does remind him of someone, now that he thinks on it. And for that, he likes her more and he likes her less. Or rather, he tells himself that he likes her /less/ for it, but in reality he relaxes just a little bit more, even to allow the faintest smile creep into his eyes, but no more. Alas, no he must say what he would not before, and he turns to look at Eclipse. "I must apologize for my manner before," he murmurs, nodding his head slowly, "...fun is not," he looks for the words, "/off-limits/. It is simply easier for some to manage." He even cracks a small smile at the end before his expression clears and becomes serious again as she questions them. Does she think they're together? He doesn't comment on it just yet. "I was hunting," he replies vaguely.
Skelaghe's smile brightens as Teketa speaks. Neither does she allow herself to slip into a more serious mood. She does sit where she is, curling her tail around her side. Her head remains held high, but there is nothing about her demeanor that suggests anything /but/ relaxation. "I was just walking. I had not done much of that since winter began, and I missed it." There is, of course, a significant different between just walking and any travelling she may do while hunting.
Eclipse doesn't think there with one another, one Skelaghe gave her name so that means they most likely don't know each other, an two after the reaction from Teketa they really must not have know each other. "I see.. Well there are some rats around here. Not many have came up yet though I guess." She shrugs some. "Saw some deer the other day off near the edge of the forest.." Though she can't hunt a deer on her own.
Teketa doesn't try to understand Skelaghe's though processes. She seems too bright and cheery for him. ...then again, maybe it's just what he needs. But just walking for the sake of walking? He can't fathom doing that. Not that he'd be lazy if he didn't /have/ to walk many miles every day... it's just, it's been a necessity for him for a long time. His attention turns to Eclipse then, and the information she gives him. The first bit he's already suspected... but deer? Ah, what he wouldn't give for some /fresh/ dear flesh. But it's nigh impossible while he's alone. But that doesn't stop him from thanking the hybrid. ...his mind wanders. A wolf-dog, she says? Well then, what's a dog? It must be a canine, but of what sort? He does not voice his thoughts.
The largest meal Skelaghe has had since coming to these lands was ram, and that was months ago. She wouldn't suggest hunting them solo either. The only things she could possibly suggest is, "There is also a river not far to the east that may not be frozen. If you follow it south, it's definitely not frozen. If you can withstand the cold water, it shouldn't be hard to find a fish or two." Fish happens to be Skelaghe's favorite meal, because she's not much of a hunter. Along with many other things, Skelaghe looks forward to the coming spring for that reason. She'll be able to catch fish again. Right now, it usually takes her too far from her companion to get to a section of river that isn't heavy with ice.
Eclipse nods slightly at the talk of the river. "An there fish.. though its not easiest thing to get to all the time." Her maw twitches while she glances around the grasses, ears twitching forward. "There was a rabbit warren around here. Unsure if there are any left as I haven't been over that way for some time."
Now it's Teketa's turn to "hmmm" ... fish. Not bad. But he's not fisher-wolf. He looks at Eclipse and smiles briefly, "I'll agree on that," he murmurs. There are rats here... deer in the forest. And yet he's caught nothing. He always thought he was a fair hunter himself... but he's beginning to wonder. Maybe his luck is simply ill this winter? Maybe he should move towards one of those packs...? No. He's not desperate enough to do that. Not yet, anyway. But in any case... he must move on. He /is/ hungry. So very hungry... and he fears he can't properly enjoy company in this condition. "Forgive me ladies, but I must take my leave of you," he says softly as he rises to his paws and looks at each. "Perhaps we will meet again, or perhaps we will not. Fare well." Simple as that, he turns to leave.
"Good luck with your hunt, Teketa." Skelaghe does not offer him more farewell than that. Rather, she takes her eyes from the retreating form of Teketa to look at the wolfdog nearby her. She has a few questions for Eclipse, but none of them gnaw at her terribly.
Eclipse ears perk and she nods slightly, a faint smile is offered while she takes in a breath. "Well then, good luck in your hunt." She offers, while pondering if she will ever run into the wolf again. Only time will tell though. A glance is offered to Skelaghe and she wonders if the other will be leaving as well.
Skelaghe has no intention of leaving immediately, no. She will have to return to the forest eventually, but not today, which means she can rest here as easily as she could rest anywhere else. "If you don't mind, Eclipse... May I ask you some questions?" She doesn't speak until she imagines Teketa is out of earshot.
Eclipse shrugs at the question. "I guess you can.. Not sure if I can answer them though." She offers while eyeing the wolf faintly as she ponders what the questions might be about.
"I was under the impression that wolves and dogs do not get along well in these parts..." It may not actually be a question, but the self-named wolfdog ought to be able to infer at least some of the things Skelaghe wants to know. Why don't they get along, and how is it, then, that Eclipse's parents came to mate.
Eclipse ahs softly at this. "No.. Dogs and wolves do not get along at all here." She offers with a smirk as she knows what the question is really about. "My father took my mother so to speak.. Me and my sister was not meant to be."
Skelaghe flattens her ears against her head, as she can imagine, well enough, for what concept 'took' is a euphemism. With a bow of her head, she says, "I apologize for asking, then. That must have been horrible for her, and for you." Canines are meant to be raised with both parents. Their society works best, that way.
Eclipse shrugs and glances off, her maw twitching. "I suppose so.. My mother left me and my sister when we was rather young. I suppose that was her way of saying how she also disapproved of us." The young hybrid has gotten sour over the months, not having her mother around and then her sister hurt her in more ways then one.
When Skelaghe raises her head again, she is frowning, and uncommon expression, for her. She should have had the foresight to realize that bringing up that topic might result in some revelations like these. And here, she was hoping for something happier, something she might turn into one of her great stories to inspire young animals to see past hate that may very well be bred into them. "What they did to you was horrible. That you have grown so well says more about you than anything else could."
"I suppose so.." Eclipse says with a flick of her ears. "But then I'm on my own again so I guess it doesn't really matter. Wolves don't want me around and either do the dogs." Its rather hard to deal with that, when she wants to be around other canine's and wants pack life she is turned away, most of the time rather nasty.
Skelaghe has to wonder how her own former pack would have received someone like Eclipse. She likes to thing that they would have welcomed her, but not all of the Ute wolves were as accepting as she thinks they should have been. With a deep breath, she says, "You will find the place where you belong, Eclipse." Skelaghe can be nothing other than an optimist, and she tries to spread this at every opportunity.
Eclipse smirks at this comment. "Perhaps.. But then who knows." She says with a shrug before looking back to Skelaghe. "Where are you from, and why are you here?"
"I am from a land many days' journey to the southeast of these lands. My pack was devastated by illness many moons ago. We were unable to retain our territory and our alphas could no longer lead us. I came here for a fresh start." And because the sorrow threatened to become too severe if she remained. Skelaghe's tone remains somber as she answers the wolfdog's question.
Eclipse ahs softly at this and nods slowly, her ears lower slightly. "I'm sorry for your loss then." She pauses a moment before going on. "There are two packs in the area, you might find a new home around here."
Skelaghe gives Eclipse a smile and says, "I have met with leaders from both of the packs. For now, though... There is too much to be done for me to settle down, as much as I may like to do so." She could, yet. Bury herself in life with one pack and reform her identity. Within a couple months, it may be as though little had ever changed, but there are certain things that she could not do without, such as some sense that she is doing what she can to take care of her former packmates and anyone else who needs it. The wolves in those packs already have that social support structure. All of the various rogues of various species in the area don't, though, and she would like to bring it to them.
Eclipse nods slightly. "I see.." She ponders what the wolf means, to many things to be done.. "What things are you talking about? If you don't mind me asking that is.."
"Visits to the cougar tribe, visits to the foxes, visits with the wolves I have met since arriving in these lands, making sure my former packmates are okay, and then starting the whole cycle over again." Skelaghe grins slightly as she answers. She pauses long enough to take a full breath, then adds, "I first came to this land to learn more about the people who saved us from the illness that would have likely taken the rest of us, before long. In doing so, I may have spread my social net a little too far, and it's hard to give up communication with any of the groups."
Eclipse ohs curiously while watching the other. "You've been to see the cougar's?" This she finds rather interesting for some reason. "An who was the ones that helped you and your pack?"
"There were two cougars from the tribe, a ram from the mountains, a wolf from Viridian, and even a duck who all helped my packbrother find the cure." To this day, Skelaghe has not met Misery, the one from Viridian she believes to be a wolf. "These lands are full of courageous and self-sacrificing animals, if you only look. Perhaps I could introduce you to some, come spring."
Eclipse ears twitchs lightly finding this interesting for some reason. "I see." She offers softly. "I suppose there are some around, but I just have no meet them as of yet it would seem."
"I know of one wolf in Lazuli whose name is Bodhi. He has gone out of his way many times to visit with dogs, and he is every bit as laid back as I am. I am sure he would love to meet you." Skelaghe only assumes that Eclipse wants to integrate herself with other animals. There has been very little that she has said that has actually brought Skel to that conclusion. Canines are social by nature, though.
Eclipse does want to meet other canines, but she's still unsure about it. "Of Lazuli?.. They don't like dogs." She states with a shake of her head. "Though with the pack of dogs that's around here I don't blame them. This Bodhi might like them but I don't think the rest would enjoy it." She pauses a moment. "Though I could be wrong I suppose."
Skelaghe can say nothing about the rest of Lazuli. She met Miakoda, but only very briefly. "I would not promise that the rest of them would welcome you, but one more fired is one more friend, right?" Id Skelaghe remembers correctly... It may well have been Bodhi who welcomed her to these lands, and it was definitely Bodhi who escorted her through the mountains the first time. He is a good friend to have.
"I suppose so.." Eclipse offers after a few moments of thought. She stretches as she stands up, about to get moving it seems. "It was nice to talk to you Skelaghe. Think I'm going to find some place to sleep now though. Perhaps we're meet up again." She actually hopes they do as she enjoyed the conversation along with the company.
Skelaghe gives a bright smile and a nod of her head to Eclipse. "I am certain we will. Farewell." Much as with Teketa, her goodbye is not a long one, and after speaking, she actually lowers herself into a lying position. She did not smell any scent marks on the way here, and she may very well sleep in this exact spot tonight.
Eclipse smiles some and nods before she turns and starts to move off, tail swaying a few times. "Night then.. Take care Skelaghe." She offers before turning and starts to leave, heading back towards the forest for the night.