Post by Therdde on Nov 5, 2008 21:51:44 GMT -5
Characters:
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Sketch - Female Dog
- Stand of Wisteria -
Skelaghe's calm, relaxed mood has been replaced by a more worried one. While she knew something was coming, she never imagined it would involve Sketch. Perhaps she should have. She should have seen this coming, and maybe she could have done something to prevent it. Of course, she still has all the wrong ideas about what kind of 'trouble' Sketch is in. And very little idea about where to look. It has been a long time since she has visited Jage's territory, and all she knows is that Jage said that Sketch fled to the south. She doesn't know how long ago, and the best she can do is begin her search by heading to the river. She remembers that she first found Jage's territory while searching for water. This makes the most sense.
Sketch isn't frantically running like she has in the past. She also isn't taking her time, however, in a nice, casual stroll. Her walk is determined and fast-paced, though she's not entirely sure where she's going. Toward the last known location of Skelaghe, and hopefully, with any lucky, the she-wolf will still be there. If not, then what? She'll have to cross that river when she comes to it.
The wind is not in her favor, so Skelaghe spots Sketch before she sees the younger canine. When she does, she stops walking abruptly, so she can watch the familiar dog. Sketch isn't moving unnaturally, and Skelaghe cannot spot any injuries, so she takes a deep, calming breath. Whatever Jage meant by saying that Sketch is fine for now, whatever may happen to her, it has not happened yet, so maybe it can still be prevented.
It's a mutual sighting, as Sketch catches a glimpse of Skelaghe. Somewhat surprising, as she wasn't expect her to be traveling in this direction. Regardless, it's a pleasant surprise. She continues her fast pace toward the she-wolf, slowing down only when she's within a few feet of her. "Skelaghe," Sketch greets with a slow tailwag. Life has been crazy over the past few days, but regardless, she still feels a lot more outgoing and energetic since her first encounter with Vincent. A coming out of her shell, so-to-speak.
The dog's tail is wagging, her tone is pleasant... This is definitely not how Skelaghe had expected Sketch to be acting, but she is happy that Sketch seems happy. Maybe. There is confusion there, but that Sketch seems whole, both physically and mentally, makes the confusion unimportant. With a slow smile, Skelaghe greets Sketch. "I am glad to see you well." Because she had expected Sketch to be less than well.
Is she well? Not entirely. There's still a lot of confusion for the female Alsatian, and perhaps even a little frustration or anger. That's one reason why she wanted to see Skelaghe again. "I need to talk with you, if that's okay?" She doesn't want to impose on the lupine's time, especially when it's her who owes the wolf her life.
Skelaghe's smile fades, but her tone is entirely reassuring, or meant to be, when she says, "It is always okay for you to talk to me, Sketch." Hopefully she has never made the dog feel otherwise, especially since it's easy enough to figure out what whatever Sketch wants to talk about likely won't be a happy topic, which means it's probably something the young dog /needs/ to talk about, to whoever will listen without judging. Skelaghe can definitely do that.
"I've been told many things over the last few days, Skelaghe, and.." Sketch trails off, tail coming to a halt. "..I'm.. I'm honestly not sure what to believe anymore." What if Skel thinks that she's foolish to be so anxious over what's happened? Or foolish to have not known and understood all of this in the first place? But Sketch has no-one else to turn to. Jolon and Jage have made their position clear. As has Vincent.
Skelaghe sits down when Sketch begins speaking again. She isn't sure what the best way to respond is, because she no longer has any idea, even a false idea, of what this in about. As such, it takes her a moment before she can answer. When she does speak, though, her voice is calm and her words are truthful. "You can feel free to ask or tell me anything." Sketch trusts her, after all, right?
The easiest way to get this started is with a simple question: "When can I get pregnant, Skel?" Her answer to that question, not really knowing anything of what's happened so far, should be the last piece of information that Sketch desperately needs.
This, too, was not what Skelaghe had expected. How can she answer this question, not knowing what all Sketch actually knows? She doesn't want to give the impression that she thinks the young dog is stupid by saying things that Sketch already views as obvious, but... With a deep breath, Skelaghe begins answering, somewhat slowly. "I assume you're not asking how long it will be until you can, since you're already of age. Gone through your first heat, your first fertility, when females capable of creating life within them." Skelaghe is a storyteller. She always will be, and there is much about the concept that is romantic without going into the detail, the ofttimes unpleasant realities that can be associated with being in season. Skelaghe has never mated with anyone, but she knows how all-encompassing that desire can be, and how nearly-painful it can be when the desire isn't satisfied, for whatever reason. "When a female is physically intimate with a male while she is in heat, that is when she can become pregnant." There is no hidden question in anything she says. She is capable of taking all the little bits of information she has and placing them together to form the story. How Sketch was taken with that male, Vincent. Her recent reunion with Jolon, her adopted father, her functional alpha, were Skelaghe to translate the relationship into lupine society. The hints she gleaned in the conversation with Jage. And now this question. Yes, she has an idea of what happened, now. But there is nothing in her tone or any of her words to suggest that she has any particular opinion about it, or even that she knows as much as she does.
Sketch feels her heart leap into her throat. It's a good feeling, knowing that Vincent was right. Well.. /supposedly/ he was right. Skelaghe confirmed what Vincent told her, but.. she didn't exactly deny what Jage seemed to imply, and so Sketch decides that for her own peace of mind, she'll need to ask a second question. "And.. is it possible /outside/ of season? Ever?" That's the deciding factor in whether or not she'll ever see Vincent again. Whether or not Jage was right all this time.
Is it possible? In all the world, of all species, or even just of all mammals? Stranger things have happened, and so Skelaghe cannot answer that question with a simple yes or no. She does answer promptly, though. "I have never seen or heard of a female becoming pregnant out of season, Sketch." Skelaghe is reasonably well-traveled and she has spoken to more creatures from a wider area than most animals ever will, but she is far from being omniscient, and she would never pretend to be.
It's not a definite 'no', but it's as close as Sketch is going to get, apparently. And hearing it from Skelaghe, whom she would consider an objective source, Sketch is pretty sure that it answers her question. And, interestingly enough, it seems that Vincent was right, rather than Jage. She feels /so/ much better, though perhaps a little chagrined at how she's responded to everything going on. "I know that was probably little unexpected.. it's just that I've been told conflicting things, and wasn't really sure what to believe."
Skelaghe promised Jage that she would pass on a message, and now that she, more or less, knows what is going on, knows that Sketch is all right... It would seem that it is time to do so. "I'm not sure what may have been said between you, but you should know that Jolon and Jage are worried, Sketch. I've no doubt they only want what is best for you, and Jage has said that you would be welcome there, should you return." Skelaghe is not pushing Sketch away. The young canine can stay or go as she pleases. But though whatever friendship might have formed between her and Jage seems to be quickly slipping away, she had to pass on the message as she said she would.
Should she stay with Vincent now, then? Sketch still feels that she owes this wolfess her life, and thus should probably stay with her. At least she can hunt marginally better now, though probably not to the point where she can help take care of Skelaghe. "I can't return to them," she finally admits, hanging her head. "Not after what's happened. Not after what they told me." She'll never be able to face Jage again without wondering why she would have told her what she did. Or even Jolon, for that matter.. if he really knew the truth, why try so hard to get her to leave Vincent? It's not for the first time that she wonders about whether or not the Elkhound is jealous of her new friend.
Skelaghe gives a slight nod of her head. She is not going to try to convinces Sketch, one way or another. She knows what probably started a conflict, but with no details about that conflict, she couldn't even begin to offer advice, and it might not be desired, even if she could. She can, however, do /something/ in honor of the friendship she and Jage might have once shared. "I hope you won't mind if I tell Jage that you are fine. They do deserve to know that you are not hurt, even if you don't want to see them." It's more of a question than Skelaghe portrays it as. Is Sketch didn't want her to pass on any information to Jage, Skelaghe would let go of her idea. SHe believes what she says, though.
Sketch doesn't see it as a question, however, but rather Skel's polite way of informing her that she's going to tell Jage, regardless of what Sketch might want. She gives a slight nod, looking at the ground, and scuffling at the grass beneath her forepaws. "I guess.. I'm still going to stay with you, then?" she asks hesitantly, unsure of how the wolfess might view her question. It's always been a touchy subjective between them, or at least how Sketch has seen it. Her life-debt.
Skelaghe smiles slightly at Sketch's question and answers, fairly quickly, "Just like before, you are welcome to stay with me for as long as you like, Sketch." Sketch has done nothing to make that change. Granted, there has been no opportunity, since the land has been so quiet this winter, but the fact remains.
Sketch smiles as well, feeling somewhat relieved at the easy response. She was kind of suspecting such a reply from the female wolf, but it still comes as a relief, nonetheless. "Okay then," is her simple response, followed by another tailwag. Feeling a little better, apparently! So... now what? Off to hunt? Or to travel? Or did Skelaghe have any plans at all?
Now what? Skelaghe has eaten fairly recently, for winter. She has also spent a lot of time traveling, especially since Sketch was reunited with Jolon. What she has not spent much time doing is speaking with her dog companion, though, and so she says, "It has been very quiet recently. I have to admit, I'll be glad to have you around again." This shouldn't come as a surprise, but it is something Skelaghe has generally avoided saying, for fear of making Sketch feel like she has any obligation to stay.
Sketch already feels plenty of obligation, but it's a wonderful feeling to know that the wolf has apparently missed her company. Not in the sense of her being absent from an obligation, but rather just the lack of her company. At least that's the way Sketch takes Skel's words and tone, and it causes her to smile and meet the wolfess' eyes again. "I should never have left you, and I'm sorry." Definitely not as long as she had. Okay, so maybe she made a friend.. but her place is with Skelaghe. Period.
Skelaghe shakes her head slowly. "There is no need to apologize. You are free to do whatever you like. You know that." Skelaghe has made her own opinion about Sketch's supposed life debt to her clear. She also knows that she and Sketch will likely never agree on it, so her tone just stays relaxed, rather than attempting to convince Sketch of what she believes.
Sketch doesn't see how she could ever just walk away from something of such importance and magnitude. Skelaghe saved her life. And she thinks that Sketch can just shrug and walk away from that? But yes indeed--the she-wolf has made her point and stance on the matter quite clear. But as long as Sketch is able to try and fulfill such an obligation, she will. "Anyway, I'm back." Her tail wags with a bit more enthusiasm this time. "I don't plan on leaving again." Nope. Even in just this short period of time, she's realized that although she might visit Vincent or even Jolon, she's going to /stay/ with Skelaghe.
"Well, I /am/ glad to have you here, Sketch." It's a fine balance to tread, making sure Sketch recognizes that she really should feel free to leave at any time while not making her feel unwelcome, and so Skelaghe decides to leave that topic at this, movng on to say, "The time alone was good for me though, I think. Every bit as peaceful as the autumn failed to be. I hope your time away was not /all/ bad." Despite the conflicts that seem to have driven her away from Jolon and Jage.
Oh, I had a wonderful time with Vincent! He's such a good friend.. and I wish I could tell you. Sketch is silent as she thinks over the lupine's words. Could she consider Skelaghe to be a good friend as well? Obviously a rather different kind of friend than Vincent would be considered, but a friend nonetheless. Or can one that you're feeling obligated to even be a friend at all? Or is it something... more formal? Or less important?
There is no immediate answer forthcoming. Did Skelaghe expect one. Well, yeah, probably. Since Sketch doesn't seem keen on talking about it, though, Skelaghe lies down. Though she likes talking to others, she has never been one to force conversation, so unless Sketch has something else she'd like to speak about, Skelaghe is content to just rest for a while.
Rest sounds like a great idea to Sketch, and so she follows the lupine's example by lying down as well. This is followed by a yawn, and a slight smile. It /is/ good to be back with Skel, and yes, she /would/ consider the wolfess as her friend. No other reason for her to be glad to see Sketch again.
Skelaghe - Female Wolf
Sketch - Female Dog
- Stand of Wisteria -
Skelaghe's calm, relaxed mood has been replaced by a more worried one. While she knew something was coming, she never imagined it would involve Sketch. Perhaps she should have. She should have seen this coming, and maybe she could have done something to prevent it. Of course, she still has all the wrong ideas about what kind of 'trouble' Sketch is in. And very little idea about where to look. It has been a long time since she has visited Jage's territory, and all she knows is that Jage said that Sketch fled to the south. She doesn't know how long ago, and the best she can do is begin her search by heading to the river. She remembers that she first found Jage's territory while searching for water. This makes the most sense.
Sketch isn't frantically running like she has in the past. She also isn't taking her time, however, in a nice, casual stroll. Her walk is determined and fast-paced, though she's not entirely sure where she's going. Toward the last known location of Skelaghe, and hopefully, with any lucky, the she-wolf will still be there. If not, then what? She'll have to cross that river when she comes to it.
The wind is not in her favor, so Skelaghe spots Sketch before she sees the younger canine. When she does, she stops walking abruptly, so she can watch the familiar dog. Sketch isn't moving unnaturally, and Skelaghe cannot spot any injuries, so she takes a deep, calming breath. Whatever Jage meant by saying that Sketch is fine for now, whatever may happen to her, it has not happened yet, so maybe it can still be prevented.
It's a mutual sighting, as Sketch catches a glimpse of Skelaghe. Somewhat surprising, as she wasn't expect her to be traveling in this direction. Regardless, it's a pleasant surprise. She continues her fast pace toward the she-wolf, slowing down only when she's within a few feet of her. "Skelaghe," Sketch greets with a slow tailwag. Life has been crazy over the past few days, but regardless, she still feels a lot more outgoing and energetic since her first encounter with Vincent. A coming out of her shell, so-to-speak.
The dog's tail is wagging, her tone is pleasant... This is definitely not how Skelaghe had expected Sketch to be acting, but she is happy that Sketch seems happy. Maybe. There is confusion there, but that Sketch seems whole, both physically and mentally, makes the confusion unimportant. With a slow smile, Skelaghe greets Sketch. "I am glad to see you well." Because she had expected Sketch to be less than well.
Is she well? Not entirely. There's still a lot of confusion for the female Alsatian, and perhaps even a little frustration or anger. That's one reason why she wanted to see Skelaghe again. "I need to talk with you, if that's okay?" She doesn't want to impose on the lupine's time, especially when it's her who owes the wolf her life.
Skelaghe's smile fades, but her tone is entirely reassuring, or meant to be, when she says, "It is always okay for you to talk to me, Sketch." Hopefully she has never made the dog feel otherwise, especially since it's easy enough to figure out what whatever Sketch wants to talk about likely won't be a happy topic, which means it's probably something the young dog /needs/ to talk about, to whoever will listen without judging. Skelaghe can definitely do that.
"I've been told many things over the last few days, Skelaghe, and.." Sketch trails off, tail coming to a halt. "..I'm.. I'm honestly not sure what to believe anymore." What if Skel thinks that she's foolish to be so anxious over what's happened? Or foolish to have not known and understood all of this in the first place? But Sketch has no-one else to turn to. Jolon and Jage have made their position clear. As has Vincent.
Skelaghe sits down when Sketch begins speaking again. She isn't sure what the best way to respond is, because she no longer has any idea, even a false idea, of what this in about. As such, it takes her a moment before she can answer. When she does speak, though, her voice is calm and her words are truthful. "You can feel free to ask or tell me anything." Sketch trusts her, after all, right?
The easiest way to get this started is with a simple question: "When can I get pregnant, Skel?" Her answer to that question, not really knowing anything of what's happened so far, should be the last piece of information that Sketch desperately needs.
This, too, was not what Skelaghe had expected. How can she answer this question, not knowing what all Sketch actually knows? She doesn't want to give the impression that she thinks the young dog is stupid by saying things that Sketch already views as obvious, but... With a deep breath, Skelaghe begins answering, somewhat slowly. "I assume you're not asking how long it will be until you can, since you're already of age. Gone through your first heat, your first fertility, when females capable of creating life within them." Skelaghe is a storyteller. She always will be, and there is much about the concept that is romantic without going into the detail, the ofttimes unpleasant realities that can be associated with being in season. Skelaghe has never mated with anyone, but she knows how all-encompassing that desire can be, and how nearly-painful it can be when the desire isn't satisfied, for whatever reason. "When a female is physically intimate with a male while she is in heat, that is when she can become pregnant." There is no hidden question in anything she says. She is capable of taking all the little bits of information she has and placing them together to form the story. How Sketch was taken with that male, Vincent. Her recent reunion with Jolon, her adopted father, her functional alpha, were Skelaghe to translate the relationship into lupine society. The hints she gleaned in the conversation with Jage. And now this question. Yes, she has an idea of what happened, now. But there is nothing in her tone or any of her words to suggest that she has any particular opinion about it, or even that she knows as much as she does.
Sketch feels her heart leap into her throat. It's a good feeling, knowing that Vincent was right. Well.. /supposedly/ he was right. Skelaghe confirmed what Vincent told her, but.. she didn't exactly deny what Jage seemed to imply, and so Sketch decides that for her own peace of mind, she'll need to ask a second question. "And.. is it possible /outside/ of season? Ever?" That's the deciding factor in whether or not she'll ever see Vincent again. Whether or not Jage was right all this time.
Is it possible? In all the world, of all species, or even just of all mammals? Stranger things have happened, and so Skelaghe cannot answer that question with a simple yes or no. She does answer promptly, though. "I have never seen or heard of a female becoming pregnant out of season, Sketch." Skelaghe is reasonably well-traveled and she has spoken to more creatures from a wider area than most animals ever will, but she is far from being omniscient, and she would never pretend to be.
It's not a definite 'no', but it's as close as Sketch is going to get, apparently. And hearing it from Skelaghe, whom she would consider an objective source, Sketch is pretty sure that it answers her question. And, interestingly enough, it seems that Vincent was right, rather than Jage. She feels /so/ much better, though perhaps a little chagrined at how she's responded to everything going on. "I know that was probably little unexpected.. it's just that I've been told conflicting things, and wasn't really sure what to believe."
Skelaghe promised Jage that she would pass on a message, and now that she, more or less, knows what is going on, knows that Sketch is all right... It would seem that it is time to do so. "I'm not sure what may have been said between you, but you should know that Jolon and Jage are worried, Sketch. I've no doubt they only want what is best for you, and Jage has said that you would be welcome there, should you return." Skelaghe is not pushing Sketch away. The young canine can stay or go as she pleases. But though whatever friendship might have formed between her and Jage seems to be quickly slipping away, she had to pass on the message as she said she would.
Should she stay with Vincent now, then? Sketch still feels that she owes this wolfess her life, and thus should probably stay with her. At least she can hunt marginally better now, though probably not to the point where she can help take care of Skelaghe. "I can't return to them," she finally admits, hanging her head. "Not after what's happened. Not after what they told me." She'll never be able to face Jage again without wondering why she would have told her what she did. Or even Jolon, for that matter.. if he really knew the truth, why try so hard to get her to leave Vincent? It's not for the first time that she wonders about whether or not the Elkhound is jealous of her new friend.
Skelaghe gives a slight nod of her head. She is not going to try to convinces Sketch, one way or another. She knows what probably started a conflict, but with no details about that conflict, she couldn't even begin to offer advice, and it might not be desired, even if she could. She can, however, do /something/ in honor of the friendship she and Jage might have once shared. "I hope you won't mind if I tell Jage that you are fine. They do deserve to know that you are not hurt, even if you don't want to see them." It's more of a question than Skelaghe portrays it as. Is Sketch didn't want her to pass on any information to Jage, Skelaghe would let go of her idea. SHe believes what she says, though.
Sketch doesn't see it as a question, however, but rather Skel's polite way of informing her that she's going to tell Jage, regardless of what Sketch might want. She gives a slight nod, looking at the ground, and scuffling at the grass beneath her forepaws. "I guess.. I'm still going to stay with you, then?" she asks hesitantly, unsure of how the wolfess might view her question. It's always been a touchy subjective between them, or at least how Sketch has seen it. Her life-debt.
Skelaghe smiles slightly at Sketch's question and answers, fairly quickly, "Just like before, you are welcome to stay with me for as long as you like, Sketch." Sketch has done nothing to make that change. Granted, there has been no opportunity, since the land has been so quiet this winter, but the fact remains.
Sketch smiles as well, feeling somewhat relieved at the easy response. She was kind of suspecting such a reply from the female wolf, but it still comes as a relief, nonetheless. "Okay then," is her simple response, followed by another tailwag. Feeling a little better, apparently! So... now what? Off to hunt? Or to travel? Or did Skelaghe have any plans at all?
Now what? Skelaghe has eaten fairly recently, for winter. She has also spent a lot of time traveling, especially since Sketch was reunited with Jolon. What she has not spent much time doing is speaking with her dog companion, though, and so she says, "It has been very quiet recently. I have to admit, I'll be glad to have you around again." This shouldn't come as a surprise, but it is something Skelaghe has generally avoided saying, for fear of making Sketch feel like she has any obligation to stay.
Sketch already feels plenty of obligation, but it's a wonderful feeling to know that the wolf has apparently missed her company. Not in the sense of her being absent from an obligation, but rather just the lack of her company. At least that's the way Sketch takes Skel's words and tone, and it causes her to smile and meet the wolfess' eyes again. "I should never have left you, and I'm sorry." Definitely not as long as she had. Okay, so maybe she made a friend.. but her place is with Skelaghe. Period.
Skelaghe shakes her head slowly. "There is no need to apologize. You are free to do whatever you like. You know that." Skelaghe has made her own opinion about Sketch's supposed life debt to her clear. She also knows that she and Sketch will likely never agree on it, so her tone just stays relaxed, rather than attempting to convince Sketch of what she believes.
Sketch doesn't see how she could ever just walk away from something of such importance and magnitude. Skelaghe saved her life. And she thinks that Sketch can just shrug and walk away from that? But yes indeed--the she-wolf has made her point and stance on the matter quite clear. But as long as Sketch is able to try and fulfill such an obligation, she will. "Anyway, I'm back." Her tail wags with a bit more enthusiasm this time. "I don't plan on leaving again." Nope. Even in just this short period of time, she's realized that although she might visit Vincent or even Jolon, she's going to /stay/ with Skelaghe.
"Well, I /am/ glad to have you here, Sketch." It's a fine balance to tread, making sure Sketch recognizes that she really should feel free to leave at any time while not making her feel unwelcome, and so Skelaghe decides to leave that topic at this, movng on to say, "The time alone was good for me though, I think. Every bit as peaceful as the autumn failed to be. I hope your time away was not /all/ bad." Despite the conflicts that seem to have driven her away from Jolon and Jage.
Oh, I had a wonderful time with Vincent! He's such a good friend.. and I wish I could tell you. Sketch is silent as she thinks over the lupine's words. Could she consider Skelaghe to be a good friend as well? Obviously a rather different kind of friend than Vincent would be considered, but a friend nonetheless. Or can one that you're feeling obligated to even be a friend at all? Or is it something... more formal? Or less important?
There is no immediate answer forthcoming. Did Skelaghe expect one. Well, yeah, probably. Since Sketch doesn't seem keen on talking about it, though, Skelaghe lies down. Though she likes talking to others, she has never been one to force conversation, so unless Sketch has something else she'd like to speak about, Skelaghe is content to just rest for a while.
Rest sounds like a great idea to Sketch, and so she follows the lupine's example by lying down as well. This is followed by a yawn, and a slight smile. It /is/ good to be back with Skel, and yes, she /would/ consider the wolfess as her friend. No other reason for her to be glad to see Sketch again.