Twitchy Little Thing

[tanniyn]

Characters:
- Ahiga - adult male cougar
- Paoro - adult female cougar
- Maulisho - adolescent female cougar
- Moonseeker - juvenile female cougar
- Roki - juvenile male cougar

Setting: Sprawling Mesa (Mountain)

Roki is the first one awake, as usual.. and as per usual he is already outside pouncing around in the patches of grass and peering under rocks looking for something to stalk down and croak. His little tail tip flit-flipping around in concentration as he hunts.

Still not sure why she's even continuing on, Maulisho pads wearily on, not really noticing (or caring, even if she did) that the terrain is growing steadily more rocky and rising up toward a large mesa in the distance. A faint cry for much-needed water starts to make itself heard, before she violently squashes it back into the deep recesses of her mind. No. Not that. She shudders involuntarily, tail lashing behind her. Anything but... that.

Her children are getting older - and naturally, Paoro is as well. It's been a long time since she was without children at all, before she had even met Ahiga; and though she's not too terribly old yet, she can feel a heaviness beginning to settle in her well-worn bones, bones that have carried two litters of children and continued to watch over them as they grow. She watches Roki, and his other siblings, as they play, a content, motherly smile on her maw. At least she's happy. The presence of another cougar is not yet noticed, the matron lost in her reverie.

One of Roki's siblings is watching him from the grasses, tail slowly twitching as Moon's gaze ticks back and forth as he moves about. She watches and waits a few more moments before she starts to slowly creep forward edging ever closer to her dear brother. When she is a few steps closer she suddenly lunges forward going to try and pounce upon her dear sibling with a half squeal escaping her.

But the presence of another cougar is noticed by someone, and that's fortunate, because it is Ahiga's job to notice these things. He's been tracking the female since she crossed the borders into his territory, and as she nears Paoro and her brood, he's picked up the pace to catch up with her. The male cougar comes in low, ears slid back. He is not against females in his territory, but once strangers get near one of his litters, things become tense. "That's far enough, interloper," he growls from behind Maulisho, finally making his presence known. "One more step, and I will be forced to take drastic measures."

Straying farther and farther from the edge of the comfortable distance from mother, Roki is still out hunting. His near misses with birds and squirrels are getting nearer all the time! Which only gives him hope for actually catching something sometime, and is the main drive which has him up early every morning and out trying to kill things! Its going to happen soon and he's going to be a real hunter!! That's about the moment when his dear sister takes that all away and makes him prey instead!!! He was so caught up hunting and concentrating what was ahead of him that he forgot to check behind him once in a while.. and so.. gets pounced on. "AHHHH!"

At the sudden voice close-by, Maulisho lets out a scream of surprise and jumps off to the side, eyes wide and staring at the other cougar in complete fear. Almost -too- much fear. Her breathing has gone from slow and steady to quick and shallow almost instantaneously, and her ears and tail indicate nothing but sheer fright. Not so much a startled sort of fear, but more like a deep terror. Her mouth opens to say something, hesitates, and clamps shut again.

Her mate's voice carries to her black-tipped ears, and Paoro's head swivels in the direction of the sound, sighting Ahiga behind an unfamiliar female cougar. Frowning slightly, she rolls onto all fours, padding towards them with a pause to nuzzle each of her cubs on the way. "Oh, come now, Ahiga. She's not a male," the matron gently admonishes, the innuendo to her words being 'she's not a male, so she's not a threat'. "She's not done anything wrong yet; let's not treat her like she's guilty." Eyes of concern turn to the adolescent as she cries out in fear. "There's nothing to be afraid of, sister. Ahiga's just too territorial for his own good sometimes," she calls out in an attempt to soothe the rogue.

Moonseeker grins as she gets her brother and works on pining him down. "I /SO/ got you Roki!" She offers between a laugh. Though a new voices, along with her parents voice gets her head lifted to see what is going on. Blinking she tilts her head. "Who's dat?" Is questioned to her brother.

The scream causes Ahiga's ears to pin back further still, but it's more from annoyance than aggression. He really had no intention of frightening her so much, nor did he wish her harm. As soon as Maulisho seems to settle at least a little--or at least stops moving--he lifts his head and ears and begins to circle around to her front. Paoro is given a brief glance--an almost apologetic expression--before his steely gaze lands on the newcomer. He says nothing further, letting his mate do the talking as he sizes up the adolescent.

Roki blinks a few times and then starts growling. He wasn't in the mood to be pounced, only fully in Pouncing mode. So he gets stepped and pinned on by his sister for a moment, but the moment she loses her concentration and focuses her attentions to the grownup going on's he presses up with all his might and scrambles out from under her, then spinning around pounces right at her! "GrrrrRAWR!"

Breathe. Calm down. Breathe. Relax. Breath. Maulisho visibly tries to slow her still-racing heart and breathing, relieved to hear the other female's more-or-less reassuring voice. An occasional shiver still runs down her body, but she seems to lose her state of hyper-arousal. Dipping her head respectfully at both of the older two, Maulisho says softly, "I do apologize for troubling you all. I will be off and not cause you any more concern."

"Please do not feel unwelcome," Paoro continues, offering a friendly smile - and an ever-forgiving one to her mate. "You are a sister to us here. Please, feel free to stay and visit with your spirit family." She settles down onto her haunches. "Is there something you were seeking upon the mountain?"

Moonseeker gerks as she finds herself pounced upon, she grrs faintly and then pushes up with her hindpaws to try and flip her brother right over her head. "Get off me." She says with a playful growl while wigling about to try and get back on her paws.

As Paoro speaks to the newcomer, Ahiga continues to circle on the fringes of the conversation, his ears turned forward to catch Maulisho's response. His tail slowly, idly sways at the tip as he moves, and his head is kept up a bit, appearing as non-threatening as possible. She's young--he has no reason to fear her, and so he is more relaxed.

Roki kicks kicked in the stomach but doesn't go flying over anyones head, he's getting heavier and stronger as he grows up. "No!!" He rars right back and presses his big cubby forepaws down on his sister to pin her and grrrs as he also leans in to get a hold of her with his teeths! Mighty hunter taking his frustrations out on his attacker.

The words of the older female echo in her mind. A sister? Family? Maulisho swallows hard. Sister? No. Family? NO. The adolescent squeezes her eyes shut, still struggling to stay under control. The moment passes, and, taking a deep breath, Maul looks from the male back to the female. "I... I was not seeking anything in particular." Maybe just a place to rest...

"Well, you're still welcome to stay as long as you like," Paoro chuffs in response to the younger female, the smile lingering. "I promise to keep Ahiga in check while you're here," she teases lightly, her pale green eyes glittering in the fading light.

Moonseeker rowls out sharply at the teeth grip at her fur, she kicks and struggles against her brother. A few hisses and the like escaping her as well. "Roki! Get /off/!" The girl squeals out while doing her best to escape.

Roki relinquishes his hold and does indeed back off, but not without getting kicked at. He grins and growls and pawswipes at her right at the face! Here take some of this too, that'll teach you to pounce on a real hunter! This is all in good fun of course.. at least to Roki as he doesn't discriminate treating his sister just as he would play with his brothers.
At the promise to 'keep him in line', Ahiga huffs softly, ears swiveling forward and back and eyes rolling a bit. He's only being a good protector! "So long as you cause no harm, we shall have no qualms," he rumbles at Maulisho, and though his voice is gruff, the blank expression on his face would suggest the tiniest hint of geniality. It's very hard to spot, but it's there. The male ceases his pacing and settles back on his haunches, tailtip tapping at the ground beneath him.

A long, somewhat awkward silence ensues. Maulisho looks back and forth between the older two, caught between a desire to accept their invitation and experience security and companionship again, but also afraid. She starts to shiver again, and realizing what she's doing, angrily and viciously shakes herself a single time to remind herself that she must be in-- that she IS in control. One thing that she's not really sure about: "But why would you let me stay here?" she asks as politely as possible, trying to mask any confusion. "I'm just... well.. you don't.. you don't even know who I am."

At the squeals and other sounds of a tussle, Paoro unthinkingly moves to pick up by the neck whichever cub is currently smothering the other, separating them at least momentarily. "Well, if you told us about yourself, then we'd know who you are then, wouldn't we?" she replies matter-of-factly after dropping the cub between her forepaws. "I have no reason to turn you away unless you give me one, sister."

Indeed. Ahiga agrees silently, with a brief, faint nod given to Paoro's response. His eyes never leave Maulisho, studying her still. Twitchy little thing, isn't she?

Moonseeker struggles and kicks out at her brother more, a few snaps are offered to her brother's maw before she blinks as her mother yanks herbrother off. With a grunt she rolls herself up onto her paws and gives herself a shake. She eyes her brother and sticks her tounge out at him.

Roki sticks his tongue right back at his sister as he's hauled off so nonchalantly. And of course as soon as he is set down between his mothers forepaws he looks up at her, over at dad.. at the newcomer girl. See's Nothing amusing here, just talking and so tries to escape and make it back to Moonseeker again. Hes gonna croak her good this time!

Maulisho winces again at the mention of "sister" -- why does she have to keep calling her that? "My name is... Maulisho." she says at last, eyes briefly looking over the two younger cougars. Almost the same age as... NO! Rising panic swells up within her, bringing with it a hint of despair. This cannot keep happening! Another awkward pause, and then she adds with a tinge of desperation, "Would it be possible... I mean... could I spend the night underneath one of the rocky overhangs? I'll be gone at first light tomorrow." To where? Somewhere... far.

"Of course. I have no doubts you are not here to cause harm, but the cub den is along the side of the mountain, so I will have to advise you to stay clear of that area," Paoro replies, smiling all the while. "Our water source is just west of here, and there are plenty of places you can find rest north of here. Be wary of the valley at the other end of the mountain, however. There is a pack of wolves there, and while they have not bothered us, you may wish to stay in neutral territory."

Roki gets away from mom easy cuz shes not paying a lick of attention.

All the unease and fear rolling off of Maulisho is starting to make Ahiga suspicious, however. Then again, he has never been known to be as accommodating as his mate. The chieftan's eyes narrow slightly, and his ears slip backward, obvious suspicion on his features. The tailtip stills. "Are you all right?" he asks of the adolescent, his voice a low growl. He caught that gaze directed at his cubs, and he wasn't too thrilled with it.

Odd. As she listens to the older cougar speak, Maulisho shows more of a fearful reaction to the mention of water than at the possibility of wolves. Lupines, at least, make sense in her world. Water, on the other paw... She shudders again, realizing at the same time how desperately thirsty she is. Water... Erg. The male just asked her a question. Water... she must... not... Answer! She must answer! "I'm.. f-INE!" her somewhat panicked response probably didn't alleviate any distrust the male (or female) might be feeling toward her.

Moonseeker licks across her maw while glancing back to the adults wondering who the new one is still. With her brother in her mother's grasp she toodles on over to Ahiga and sits next to her father, even presses up against his foreleg. Purrpurr, she'll get him to relax some, maybe.. Though maybe not.

Roki leaps into the air with his sister full on in his sights as a target! "RARRRR!" Comes his mighty juvinile warrior roar! The backdrop with his father adding no caution to his actions what-so-ever.

No, she is obviously /not/ fine, and Ahiga can see this. However, his attention is momentarily averted when there is a cub leaning up against his foreleg. He glances down at Moonseeker, his expression softening just a little, and Roki's battlecry earns him a look. Had he not something pressing to focus on, the male might have been suckered into a brief scuffle, but when he sees Roki hurtling forward, Ahiga gets to his feet and takes a few steps to the side. Moonseeker is on her own here. His eyes snap back to Maulisho, and any gentleness in his face has vanished, replaced instead by wariness. "You do not seem fine to me," he notes, ears moving back further.

Events almost seeming to happen in slow-motion before Maulisho, she watches the younger male in stunned horror. Roar. Don't think abo--Male roar. No! It canno--Pounce! As the juvenile flies through the air toward his sister, Maulisho lets out the most terrified scream she's had since... since... THEN. She's frozen.

In Sprawling Mesa, Maulisho screams in absolute terror.

In Descending Vale, Silver howls.

Moonseeker peers after her father blinking some, and then hears her her brother and she glances over just blinking. Her ears slick back and she waits for just the right moment before she bounces out of the water leaving her brought to hit nothing by a pile of leaves where she girl was just sitting. Sure he might be stronger but she's quicker then he. A half yowl escapes her while she turns about and lashes out with a clawfree forepaw to smack her brother across the back of his head.. Until the scream pierces the air and she just blinks and looks at Maulisho wideeyed.. "Wa..?"

In Descending Vale, Grit howls.

In Descending Vale, Silvan howls.

At the scream and the ensuing howls from their no doubt puzzled neighbors to the north, Paoro simply watches the younger female with curious, though not interrogating, eyes. The shaman blood in her may provide some better insight to the girl's problems versus an ordinary cougar, but this one is an enigma nonetheless. "Maulisho," Paoro gently utters the other's name. "I invite you to stay with us. I would like to speak with you once you've had some rest, if you would let me." Her voice is calm, the soft, soothing tones one might use with a scared cub.

Roki lands in the pile of leaves and folds his ears down flat. The rest of his body follows suit with his ears and down he goes! "Woah!" What did he do this time? He hadn't heard a noise like that since that one time he surprised and almost caught that rabbit! "Jeez, noise much?!?" He scrambles back from the leaves to behind his mom, just in time to hear her invite the crazy one to stay. "Mom!!?"

But Ahiga is not so sure. A low growl rumbles in his chest, his head dips, his ears pin back against his skull, and his jaws open, teeth peeled back from his fangs. No cougar screams without good reason, and there was /no/ good reason, as far as he's concerned, for Maulisho to make such sounds. She doesn't seem stable, and he doesn't want something so unstable around his families. "What /is/ it?!" he demands angrily, as much a question presented to the adolescent as it is to Paoro. Maybe she has some insight.

Maulisho never meant for this to happen. She didn't want to intrude on anyone's life, or be a disturbance. She didn't want to do this! Amber eyes still wide with fear move back-and-forth from the hostile male to the welcoming female. What should she do? She should run. Leave. Go far away and leave this family to their peaceful lives. The life she- Choking back a sob, she manages a soft, "I'm so sorry about all of this..." and whirls around, preparing to leave. One last glance at the juveniles--almost too quick to notice--causes her to wilt slightly before she starts padding away, toward the rocky down-slope. Maybe she can find some wolves somewhere that she can battle to her death.

Moonseeker licks across her maw while just watching the strange cougar, she is nut'so for sure. A glance is offered to her mother while she stands her ground. HA look whom is hiding and WHO isn't Roki. She drops down onto her haunches, tail swaying while she peers from one adult to another curious to say the least. As Maulisho goes to move she just blinks and glances to her parents with a confused look.

"It's all right, my darling," Paoro replies to Roki's questions. "She has suffered much terror in her young life," the matron speaks aloud to no one in particular, turning to look directly at Ahiga before she continues. "She does not need additional fear poured on top of that." Her tone is not accusatory, but instead a calming note delivered to her mate. He need not worry about their safety; this girl is too paralyzed with fear to even harm an injured chipmunk. "She needs care." From her new family -- but Paoro does not utter these words, having sensed the tension growing in the adolescent with each mention of kinship. As Maulisho begins to leave, Paoro follows after her, leaving Ahiga to tend to the cubs - since she doubts he's very willing to deal with the girl further this evening.

No, indeed, Ahiga would rather not deal with the adolescent intruder any longer. Paoro is better at these sorts of things. If she needs Maulisho knocked around and/or killed, then Ahiga will step in--that's his territory. Babysitting isn't much his cup of tea either, but it's better than trying to puzzle out the intricacies of another's mind. The chieftan sheathes his fangs and shoots a glance at his mate before he releases a throaty growl and strides back towards Moonseeker and Roki. He'll deal with the cubs. He can do that.

As she pads off toward the slope, the awareness of deep thirst comes back to Maulisho, and despite her best effort to suppress it, she can't escape it. She needs water. But water... must have... can't have... Where did that female say the nearest water source was? The adolescent swallows hard, mouth dry. Is it really worth satiating her thirst if it means going through the cycle all over again? For what? So she can continue the way she is? Thirsty... where is that water? Wait- where is that wolf pack that was howling? Her head lifts up, ears straining for any lupine sounds from the north.

Moonseeker blinks as mother follows after crazypumathing.. She looks up to her father and smiles while bouncing on her paws glad to see him coming over. Her forepaws bat upwards to him while a faint purr escapes her. "Did you see that dad.. Roki got all /scared/ and I didn't.." There she goes taunting her dear loveable brother.

Coming up quietly behind the adolescent, Paoro offers a gentle nuzzle to the other's side. "Why don't you take a walk and talk with me, hm?" she invites genially, her eyes shining kindly. After requesting the other's presence, she continues to pad on down the slope, leaving Maulisho the decision of whether or not she'll follow up to her.

"Mm-hmm," Ahiga murmurs, smirking despite himself at Moonseeker's antics. The chieftan drops onto his haunches again and lifts a forepaw to attempt to gently roll the cub over. "You are very brave. I am proud of you." There's always a certain glow in knowing that his cubs are growing up with large, courageous hearts.

Maulisho jerks a little bit at the sudden suggestion; she hadn't realized she was being followed. Talk.. no.. that could lead to very unpleasant subjects that she would like to remain buried. No, instead she's going to go find those wolves. Surely they aren't too far away. ..! She suddenly realizes that she's been mumbling to herself. How much did the other female hear? It doesn't matter; she's really going to go! "Stop following me... please!" It's more a plea of desperation than of anger or frustration. "I.. I have to.. go do something."

Moonseeker wiggles about and is then pushes over onto her back, a faint rowl escaping her while her forepaws bat and grab at her father's. "Hear that Roki? I'm brave!" She calls out not knowing her dear brother has toodled off to sleep. Now who is she suppose to taunt?

Paoro pauses when Maulisho expresses hesitance at her invitation, and rather than pressing the issue, the matron simply bobs her head in acquiescence. "As you wish, Maulisho. However, if you ever wish to accept my invitation, you know where to find me." She smiles, sitting down to show that she won't follow the girl against her wishes. "In the meantime, please make yourself at home."

Ahiga makes no moves to pull his forepaw away, and instead presses it downward to gently squish Moonseeker beneath it. His smile widens even further, though his ears also remain tuned in to the conversation between his mate and the adolescent stranger. Not much attention is paid to this, but he is aware of what is happening over there, just in case he needs to step in.

Maulisho really doesn't know where to go, or what to do. Not that this is unusual at all, but she's really getting tired of it. Maybe there is something... "Could you.. tell me where the..." she pauses, unable to bring herself to say 'water'. Licking her lips and feeling very irritated at her deep thirst, she finishes with "...wolves are?" -- an odd question, to be sure. But maybe this older female will be nice and let her be on her way in the right direction.

Moonseeker squeals and wiggles about under the large paws, a faint giggle escapes the girl, tail flicking about. Her forepaws grip the large one while she half nibbles at it. Chew toy!

"They're to the north, in the valley." Paoro doesn't ask why before answering Maulisho's question, though a hint of concern appears in her grey-green eyes. Even if she's trying to avoid water, she'll find it difficult if she's heading to Viridian territory - not only is there a lake with a waterfall, but it also trickles down through the valley as well. "May the spirits guide you until we meet again, Maulisho." No 'sister' this time.

The paw is withdrawn a bit, and Ahiga gives it a gentle shake in an attempt to extract it from Moonseeker's grip. His head lifts and he turns it to peer over his shoulder when Maulisho requests the location of the wolves. Why would she go /looking/ for wolves?

Moonseeker pouts as the paw is pulled away, she wiggles about some and scrambles up onto her paws. She gives herself a shake and bounces after her father. Her forepaws going to bat at his tail.

To the north. At last.. freedom! Giving the other a look of deep gratitude, the adolescent lets out a loud scream of defiance toward the north. Soon, it will be over and done with. Looking a lot more in control of herself than she has since the beginning of this encounter with these other cougars, Maulisho resolutely starts padding. To the north. To the wolves.

In Sprawling Mesa, Maulisho screams defiantly to the north!

In Pristine Lake, Grit howls.

In Pristine Lake, Silver howls in concern

In Pristine Lake, Silvan howls.

[tanniyn]

Characters:
- Paoro - adult female cougar
- Unnamed adult male wolf

Setting: Sloping Gradient (Mountain)

Slipping out of the small den carved along the side of the mountain, Paoro leaps to the ground, landing on well-padded paws that absorb the shock of the landing. Her cubs are safely stored inside, most of them sleeping or near sleep, but she never leaves the vicinity of the den until she's sure no one has watched her place them inside. She walks to the far end of the slope and flops down on her side in a patch of cool grasses found there, waiting absentmindedly.

Intending to be heard long before he's seen, a lone wolf comes crashing through the thinning undergrowth, toward the fringe of the cougar territory. He's still furious about having to do this in the first place, but the last thing he wants is an all-out war. Letting out a low growl as he runs, he looks for any signs of feline activity up ahead. Hopefully they'll be smart enough and recognize that he's not intending to be threatening at all, and don't ambush him somewhere along the way. Now THAT would REALLY tick him off.

Rounded ears flick towards the sound of obvious approach - either someone's not very good at stealthy movement, or they just don't care. Either way, Paoro is concerned. Rolling back onto her paws, she faces the source of the sound, easily picking out the wolf as he makes his way up the slope. "What brings you here, wolf?" Normally the matron wouldn't be so quick to question a visitor, but this one's motives do not seem to be of the friendly kind.

The wolf breathes an inward sigh of relief. At least the cats didn't feel like clawing him up a bit before talking. Coming to a halt, he lowers his tail ever-so-slightly as to not seem too threatening--but not low enough to appear submissive in any way. Not to a feline, ever. Bright golden eyes stare at the cougar for a few silent moments before the response is given: "Your band of cougars brings me here. Specifically your hostile intentions toward myself and my pack."

"Hostile?" Paoro repeats in surprised disbelief. "I'm afraid you must have us mistaken for someone else, brother wolf. None of my sisters could possibly do anything worthy of being called 'hostile', and my mate has been with me all night." A pause as she considers the rest of the wolf's statement. "What pack do you hail from?"

The wolf shakes his grey-furred head. "With all due respect, it is indeed your group. The cougar that... came to us.. smelled of this area, including you. I might not be the best tracker in my pack, but..." Letting out a low growl, he continues, "The Durakh do not take kindly to hostility from anyone. Especially felines. I don't know what you are trying to accomplish by sending one of your own to us, but it was not the smartest move. I'm here to ensure that it won't happen again." After the barest of pauses, he mutters under his breath, "..for your sake.."

Sudden realization alights in Paoro's grey-green eyes. "Did she have a red marking on her fur anywhere?" The rest of the wolf's threats are temporarily ignored until she can extract this bit of information from him.

Red marking? Hah! Giving the feline a disdainful smirk, he asks, "What were we supposed to do.. check her over? She acted so oddly, we thought she might have had some kind of disease." Letting his expression turn hard, he adds, "Though by the time we finished with her, she had plenty of red all over her."

"If she did not have a red marking on her fur, then she is not one of our cougars. Given that many cougars have passed through this mountain, it would not be unusual for one of them to smell of this area," Paoro replies as tactfully as possible. "But given your description, I have a feeling I know who you speak of. She was a visitor here last night, but she left us to head north, asking where the valley wolves live. However, I do not believe you are one of the valley wolves." Not if she remembers their overall demeanor right. "Regardless, where did she run off to? I would like to find her and speak with her - I assure you, your pack will not be bothered again. Certainly not by the Amaranth."

The wolf lets out a disbelieving snort. "She had the smell of this area all over her; if she's not one of you, then why was she here, and for what purpose did she intrude into our affairs?" The same hardness creeps back into his voice. "If you want to find her, try looking in the stream where we left her body."

"She was a visitor, like I said," Paoro repeats. "I don't know much about her, so I'm sorry I can't help you further--" Grey-green eyes flick open wide. "Body?" she questions, struggling to keep her voice even. Oh, the poor girl. It wasn't her time. "I apologize, wolf, but I cannot assist you further. We are not responsible for her actions, and you've already issued your punishment." Paoro's voice is terse, almost stern, a rarity with the gentle matron. She's desperate to send the wolf on his way and to validate for herself Maulisho's fate.

Hmmm. Maybe this cat is indeed telling the truth. What a novel idea. Letting some of the edge leave his voice, he adopts a slightly more respectful tone. "Well... I'm glad this has been dealt with. My pack was slightly disturbed that we might be seeing the beginning of open hostility from you cougars. But, assuming you have spoken truthfully to me, we will accept your word and not retaliate." Turning to leave, he mutters something to himself about "crazy cats" and "begging to be killed".

Once the wolf has begun to retreat from the mountain, Paoro has to keep herself from simply flying down the slope towards the nearby river for a search and rescue mission. But she has to stay rational, and keep herself calm, at least until someone else is around to watch over the sleeping cubs.

After several strides in the direction of his packland, the wolf suddenly pauses and looks back over his shoulder. That's just what he needs--the possibility of that cougar following him. Giving her a warning stare, he snaps, "I don't know why you'd possibily come to this conclusion, but don't think that I'm going to lead you to her. If you want to waste your time looking, feel free... realizing of course that you will be trespassing on Durakh territory. Given recent events, I'm sure you'll understand why we won't wait this time for you to ask us to kill you before we attack." With a disgruntled roll of his golden eyes, the wolf turns his head back to face north and begins trotting down the gradient.

The matron hadn't followed too far, but at the wolf's warning, she lingers behind. The wolf's words don't register until he's already made his way to the bottom, and when they do, Paoro blinks in confusion. 'Ask us to kill you'? Surely he just stumbled over his words...

[tanniyn]

Characters:
- Paoro - adult female cougar
- Maulisho - adolescent female cougar
- Unnamed adult male wolf
- Unnamed adult female wolf

Setting: Calm River (Forest)

Several hours after the bear had been driven off, the sun is just beginning to rise on a new day as Paoro left the mesa in search of the missing visitor from before. Her cubs safely left in her eldest daughter's care, and Ahiga patrolling the vicinity, the matron doesn't like leaving them unattended after what happened the last time she went looking for Maulisho, but her selfless nature doesn't allow her to just sit by as the adolescent may be within the help she can provide. Following the faded scent as best she can, often ending up at dead ends along various forks of the river, Paoro follows the stream north, further than she's ever been into the forest beyond the mountain.

This section of the river flows along in much the same way as it has in years past. The clear, refreshing water swirls around the occasional rock or branch in the water; otherwise, calm tranquility is observed. Fish swim upstream and down. Birds chirp and call to each other in the trees and bushes. And a lone cougar lies motionless on the river bank, her normally-tawny fur a rather unpleasant mixture of blood, sand, plant debris, and river mud. Slow, steady breathing indicates the presence of life, but one can only wonder how much longer this adolescent has left to live.

The sharp, tangy scent of blood quickly reaches Paoro's nose - both fresh and old. Were Paoro to head east, she'd find the bodies of three wolves, but she instead follows the fresher scent to the north, and comes across Maulisho's battered form. "Oh no," Paoro murmurs to herself, using a paw to clear away the mud and leaves from around the adolescent's head to better allow her to breathe. "Maulisho?" she inquires, attempting to use what skills she's learned so far as a shaman-in-training to assess how bad the girl's situation is.

Maulisho can't help but smile happily as she watches her mother praise her other sister for a job well done on the "hunt" of some random insect. Probably a beetle or something similar; they're definitely prime targets for the little juveniles. Her sister turns...
Maulisho feels the rush of wind on her muzzle as she runs alongside her two siblings, racing to see who can reach the tall tree first. Her sister lets out a breathless giggle...
Maulisho tilts her head to one side, looking down at her reflection in the small pond. Wrinkling her pink nose, she suddenly bursts out laughing. What exactly did her brother /mean/ by that odd comment about her face? Her sister's face appears next to Maul's as she stops next to her at the pond bank.
Maulisho stares at the water in frozen horror as her sister's reflected face lets out a tremendous shriek of pain that cuts off abruptly as her throat is ripped out.

"Maulisho, can you hear me? It's Paoro, from the mesa," the matron continues, her green-grey eyes searching the stream bank for witch hazel or goldenseal or any of the other herbs used as a catch-all for both infection and clotting purposes, ripping them up with her teeth when she finds a small clump of the former and applying it to Maulisho's worst wounds. "Can you move?"

Maulisho licks her lips, glad for the creek up ahead. After several hours of frantic and terrified running away from the nightmare at home, she's desperate for something to drink. Arriving at the creek bed, she dips her head down to drink... and screams at the sight of the bloodied face of her sister that shimmers in the water next to her own reflection.
Maulisho jerks awake with a loud whimper, shivering uncontrollably. Her still-growing juvenile forepaws reach up and feel her throat gingerly, certain that she'll find blood or torn flesh. And as usual, there's nothing except her ruffled fur. Trying to curl into an even tighter ball, she whimpers again, dreading both being awake and falling asleep again.

Paoro turns to look directly into Maulisho's eyes, watching for any unusual movement and simultaneously attempting to calm the girl down with an easy, yet direct, stare. "Maulisho. Do you remember me? You've been hurt, and I'm going to help you, but I need you to work with me. Can you move?"

Maulisho. The name echoes in the adolescent's mind. Maulisho. There it is again; seemingly close but yet impossibly far away at the same time. Maulisho. And a third time! The young cougar does her best to reach for that name, recognizing it instinctively. Odd.. she almost thinks she recognizes the voice as well. Straining to grasp ahold of the name, she gradually becomes aware of other sensations and feelings. A light breeze blowing on fur. Early morning sun warming an ear. Something cold.. and wet.. lapping at a tail. At that last recognition, there seems to be a slight pause as if in anticipation of some expected reaction. She doesn't know what it would be, but it just feels... /right/ somehow. Expected. Normal. But now... non-existent. Reaching out toward that odd feeling, she recoils in surprise as the tail twitches. Did she cause that? That was... strange.

Lowering her head, Paoro noses the adolescent's cheek, trying to gently jar her back into consciousness. In her focus on the girl's head, she doesn't notice the twitch of her tail, instead turning back to the river banks to try and find more witch hazel to apply to the deeper wounds - though the mud makes it hard to tell the extent of her injuries. If she can get the girl to wake up, then she can wash herself in the river nearby, but until then, there's not much Paoro can do for her.

As she gets closer and closer to grasping that elusive name, more and more sensations--first just a few, and then a cascading torrent of them--threaten to overwhelm her. Wet, cold, and pain seem to be among most of them. A streak of fiery pain down her flank cries for attention, as do many of her ribs. Bruised for sure, possibly even cracked. A sudden sensation on her cheek arrests her focus, causing her to instinctively open her eyes. Images beyond measure and a dazzling myriad of lights all slam into her, engulfing everything else she had been sorting through. Crying out at the magnitude of it all, the adolescent inhales sharply and manages a small whimper. That brings her nose to realization and now all of the millions of scents that invade without mercy. It's /too/ /much/!

The younger cougar struggles against consciousness, and when Paoro spies some feverfew clusters, she rips them out of the ground, chewing them up in her mouth and spitting small pieces of them out into her paw, which she then places on Maulisho's tongue, hoping she'll eventually swallow them without choking. "Come on, Maulisho. Fight it. You're a strong girl," she quietly urges, watching the girl intently, her forehead damp with droplets of sweat.

BLEH! What IS that horribleness?! Somehow all of the other sensations and perceptions don't matter as much as now as getting that NASTY feeling far away! Realizing what she's doing only after it's done, Maulisho spits out the herbs, followed by sudden vomiting as her stomach attempts to empty itself. Nevermind it doesn't even have anything in it... it's more of a reaction. Ugh. After the moment passes, the adolescent is still again, amber eyes staring straight ahead at a berry bush, but seeming to finally understand what's going on around her.

Watching the coughing fit with an even gaze, realizing the bitter taste of the herbs have served as a smelling salt to bring the cougar back as well, the matron waits for her retching to cease before she continues. "Maulisho," Paoro presses on, her voice maternal and soothing. "How are you feeling?"

That name again... her name! And.. yes, she /did/ recognize that voice! Wincing at the pain as she rotates her head, Maulisho looks for the source of the voice and finds herself looking at a familiar cougar. Now where has she... wait- "P..Paoro?" she asks weakly. It /is/ her! How in the world...?

"Don't talk. You're weak, and I need you to focus all your energy on getting up and walking back to the mesa with me. I can't care for you out here," Paoro instructs, stepping over Maulisho in order to better be able to push her up onto all fours from behind rather than her front. "Can you do that for me?"

Now that her mind and awareness are finally getting back up to speed, Maulisho doesn't have to think for too long before she understands what the older female wants her to do. Feeling more like a huge, lumbering animal than a lithe and graceful cougar, she commands her legs to start pushing her up off the mudbank. Pain, terrifying in its intensity, washes over her and causes another whimper. She'd hardly even moved, too. "Paoro..." she says weakly again, "..I.. I can't. It hurts."

"Try again," Paoro quips. She's normally quite a loving, maternal figure, but there comes a time when every mother must push their birds out of the nest to force them to fly. "Don't think of the pain. Once we're back at the mesa, I can help get rid of it, but until then, you have to fight it."

If only she could! It's not that Maulisho doesn't want to get far away from here; it's odd though.. it's more of a ghost of a feeling that she doesn't like this water. But now that she actually considers it, it doesn't seem to be as bad as it... /should/ be. The adolescent tries once more to get to her feet but the pain is just too much. Even if she could somehow ignore it, she has no energy to move, anyway.

This is indeed a predicament. She can't easily drag the adolescent home by the nape of her neck, and she can't think of any other way to bring her back if she can't move herself. Paoro looks down at all four of Maulisho's limbs, quickly glancing them over for any unnatural bends that would imply a broken leg. "Can you move all of your legs okay?"

"I.. I don't know." Clenching her teeth in her best effort to bear the pain, Maulisho individually tests each of her legs. Aside from the agony of moving them even a little, they seem to be doing okay. She doesn't recall them being severely injured during the fight with the wolves, thankfully. Becau--...the fight? Whoa... Strange fragments of memory slowly piece themselves together. What exactly happened? She fought some wolves, but why?

They seem to be moving all right. Then something else is hurting her. "They don't look broken, so you can walk, leaning on me for support. We can take as much rest stops as you need, but we shouldn't linger here long," Paoro curtly replies, lowering her broad head to push against the girl's shoulders in an attempt to force her up.

Maulisho shrieks as the other cougar pushes against her. "Nooooooo! Stop! Pleeeease!" Lingering there for a bit longer is sounding like a VERY good idea right now! Anything but moving!

Paoro persists despite the cougar's pleading - she's normally quick to follow one's wishes, but this one doesn't quite know what's best for her. Pushing even harder, her heavy paws dig into the mud beneath them, claws leaving trackmarks behind as they slide through the wet dirt.

The adolescent lets out another shriek of pain before her amber eyes roll up and she goes completely limp. Ever-so-slowly her body is dragged along the ground, though with the additional weight of all the mud caked into her fur, it could be nigh-impossible to drag her for far.

With a sigh and a silent prayer to the spirits, Paoro slowly lets Maulisho's body to the ground, looking down at her with a sad expression across her maw. What now?

A wolf's howl cuts through the morning air, preluding the arrival of the all-too-familiar grey wolf that talked to Paoro not long before. Tail much higher now that he's on what he would consider his own pack's territory, the wolf stops several dozen feet from the two cougars, eyes very much hostile, yet almost eager. "Cat! I told you not to come here looking for her body! Are you hard of hearing, or just slow of mind?"

Turning her grey-green eyes up to the familiar wolf as he speaks, Paoro meets his gaze evenly, not averting from him once they've locked. "Neither, wolf. I am soft of heart," the matron replies simply. She does not present herself in a confrontational manner, knowing that against a single wolf, even a pair, she'd easily be the victor. But if he calls his pack, there may be trouble.

The wolf just stares at her for a brief moment, expression neutral as he evaluates her words. Finally, he grudgingly gives her a nod of respect. A half-hesitant pause later, he says in a gruff voice, "But that does not change the current situation. You are trespassing on Durakh lands and will leave immediately." Anticipating her sure-to-follow protesting and arguing, he adds simply, "The only alternative is to stay here and be killed."

"Then you will help me move her across the border of your lands," Paoro replies just as matter-of-factly. "I am quite sure you do not wish to murder the chief cougar's mate. For if you do, you will have the violence you came to dissuade us against come to your packlands in full force by Chief Ahiga and all my sisters."

His tone frosts over in immediate response: "It is not murder to kill off an unwanted and already-warned trespasser from our lands. We have never tolerated cougars on our lands before, and do not intend on changing that. That fool girl came asking for trouble, and got both what she wanted and what she deserved. If she lives, she can rejoin you at your dwelling." Narrowing his eyes slightly, he adds, "Although, I'm not sure why you would want her to. After all, she was just a /visitor/ if I recall your words correctly?"

"By your same logic, I could have ripped you to pieces when you trespassed on Amaranth land and accusing us of all sorts of things we were not guilty of," Paoro replies calmly. "I already told you of my flaw, wolf. I am too soft of heart to let her die here without trying to help her. I wonder if you would be so callous if I were tending to a wolf from your pack who had been injured on /our/ borders," the matron quips, arching an eyeridge questioningly. "Now, either help me move her off your precious invisible borders, or leave us be until I can do it myself. I have no intentions of bothering you or your kind, wolf, but if I am pushed to that measure, I will not hesitate to tear out your hearts - if they are even there to be found."

Hackles raising slightly as he listens to the cougar, the grey wolf waits until she is done before tilting his head slightly and letting out another howling call. "I came to you to ensure that this girl's hostility was not your intention of starting some sort of war. I did not press my stay there, did I now? By the look of things, I very much doubt that you will be able to drag her body off of lands with any kind of speed, and we aren't going to allow you to stay any longer. My purpose for telling you about her was not so that you would seek her body out; I apparently made the mistake of believing that you would not trespass here in your search." At that moment, several other wolves arrive at a fast trot, taking in the scene with cool and calculating demeanors. In a much more assertive voice this time, the wolf states plainly, "You are ordered to leave our lands at once, cat. Whether this girl lives or dies is no longer in your control. Leave. Or you will face the full might of the Durakh--and we will not show you the same mercy that we showed her." Several of the other wolves take the opportunity to issue warning growls.

As other wolves begin to filter into the vicinity, Paoro nonetheless remains calm, though she bears her fangs in a terrifying banshee-like scream, hoping it will carry far enough to catch Ahiga's ears. She's been missing for a good bit now, and hopefully just the hint of the scream will give Ahiga reason enough to come after her scent trail. "Consider that your last warning, wolf. I do not wish to use aggression unnecessarily, but I will resort to it if my paw is forced."

"You do realize of course that you have no possibility of winning this?" The grey wolf's statement is emphasized as another three members of his pack show up, bringing the total number to eight. He doesn't really want to say this, but maybe it will ease the situation a bit, "I would be surprised if she did not live. We did not harm her that much... most of what you see were-" here he gets a rather puzzled look on his muzzle "-her own self-inflicted injuries. Nothing too serious." Acknowledging the arrival of the other three, he looks back at the cougar. "It is in both of your best interests for you to leave now. There is no guarantee that if you do initiate combat, one of my packmates might not be... overzealous... and ensure that the girl dies."

"I am not leaving her here in such a vulnerable state," Paoro returns, steadfastly standing her ground. "When I have found your shrunken hearts amidst the blackness within you, I will be sure to show them to you." Even with her threat uttered, she does not initiate the combat. She would never preemptively attack another unless it was for dinner, or if her cubs were threatened - even in self-defense, she will always wait for the other to attack first.

It seems the situation has escalated to the point of combat. But before the grey wolf can make any kind of move, one of the female wolves takes a step forward and says softly, "Cougar, your heart is indeed soft." Throwing a warning glance at the grey wolf to cut off his automatic protest, the female continues. "Do not hold my mate's observance of Durakh law against him. He is correct; you cannot stay here. But, I honor your loyalty to your own kind, and suggest a compromise... one that will satisfy our law, but allow for your concern to be satisfied as well." Knowing that her mate will undoubtedly chew her out for this, she braces herself and says, "I would look after this girl until she recovers enough to leave our lands. She will not be abandoned."

"And how am I to be sure that an 'overzealous' member of your pack will not put her out of her misery after I leave?" Paoro inquires, her intense glare shifting to meet the female's eyes in an even gaze. Wolves are so very puzzling creatures. All the ones she's met so far, at least, have had at least /some/ eccentricity to them, these more than the others. Then again, the adolescent lying at her feet isn't exactly a perfect example of feline kind, either.

The female wolf dips her head slightly, "You have my word as a wolf of Durakh, and my word.."--she swallows hard--"..as a mother." Looking away, she is silent for a brief moment, she states, almost too softly to hear, "I.. know too of.. of having a loved young one go into the next life." Turning back to the cougar, she says firmly, "I swear to you, this girl will not be harmed under my care." Unable to keep silent any longer, the grey wolf blurts out, "You cannot do this!" The return stare from the female causes him to lower his tail slightly, and he resumes his silence, though looking none-too-happy for it.

Paoro's hard gaze falters, wavering for a moment as the shewolf speaks of lost children. If it had been meant as a tactic of psychological warfare, it would have been successful. Her eyes grow dull, glazing over as she mumbles a curt "thank you", and the matron turns to walk back towards the south, leaving Maulisho at the mercies of the Durakh.

[tanniyn]

Characters:
Paoro - adult female cougar
Maulisho - adolescent female cougar

Calm River
================================================================================
A small, small shift in the river brings the channel to bear in a wider, calmer body of water. This area is clear of brush and the riversides are low and show clear evidence of being traveled well and frequently, ranging from simple signs to footprints in the bank both fresh and old. A few berry bushes litter the western side closer to the fallen log, stopping just before they get there but offering a quick meal to any creature so inclined. Because of the lazily-running current, many fish seem to have made this particular spot their home.
================================================================================

Several days have passed since Paoro left the cougar at the mercy of the river wolf pack, and impatience and worry have finally pushed her to return to the stream and check on the girl, just to make sure the Durakh are keeping their word. Padding north along the western bank of the river, careful not to step over from forest pack territory into that of the other pack, the matron's pale green eyes seek out the form of the younger cougar.

The past several days have seemed like an eternity to Maulisho; more than once she's considered about how this must be what it's like when time is frozen or standing still. The process of healing has been agonizingly slow, for both body and mind. Physically, she looks much better than she did a week ago. All the blood and filth has been cleaned off, and only several scars bear witness to what has happened. For her mind though... who can say? She's not even sure herself what has happened over the past several days. Things have changed, certainly. /How/ they have changed, though...

Finally sighting the adolescent, Paoro increases her pace, trotting forward to give the girl a quick visual check-over to see what sort of shape she's in. "Maulisho? Are you feeling better?" she questions gently, her voice low and soothing. All other questions can wait until she can assess what health issues need to be tended to first.

Whatever was running through Maulisho's mind is shoved to the side as she looks up from the river and over at the approaching cougar. Her eyes widen in surprise, followed quickly by a delighted smile. "Pa.." She begins, searchingly. What /was/ that name? Oh! "Paoro? How did you find me?" She does look and sound a lot better. More relaxed, for sure. And when was the last time she really smiled, anyway?

"I found you when you were first injured," Paoro replies, her own maw twitching up ever so slightly into the expression of a smile, though it flickers as though unsure what emotion to reveal. "A few days ago. I left you in the care of the Durakh wolves near here until my return, as they did not tolerate my watching over you." Her tail tip flicks absentmindedly. "How are you feeling?"

The /care/ of the Durakh wolves? Looking slightly confused, but not really wishing to talk about them, Maulisho instead answers the other's question. "I'm feeling a lot better, I suppose. Bored, but... doing well." Flashing a glance back at the river, she asks, "...and how are you and the others?" Strange... the /care/ of those wolves? What did she mean?

"We're fine. We suffered a bear attack, but no one was injured, thankfully," Paoro replies conversationally, as if gossiping with a sister back home rather than chit-chatting with such a mysterious one as this stranger. "Can you walk okay?" The wolves have obviously upheld their end of the bargain, but she doesn't want to overstay her welcome, nor does she care to spend too much more time engaged with the Durakh pack.

Maulisho slowly gets to her feet, with only a faint grimace indicating her less-than-complete recovery. "I can walk well enough, thought I do get tired easily." The younger cougar does look a bit malnourished--not that she really looked well-fed in the first place--from the several days of not being able to easily hunt for herself. After a brief moment of silence, she asks puzzledly, "You said that you found me when I was first injured... several days ago? What happened?" She certainly doesn't remember anything about the immediate aftermath of her fight with the wolves.

"I'd like for you to follow me back to the mesa, if you're able," Paoro replies, before listening with pricked-forward ears as Maulisho questions her. "From what I understand, you were attacked by the Durakh pack. Though I am not sure of the circumstances behind that attack, given the fact that the female alpha was so willing to watch over you despite this," Paoro replies, her eyeridge arched slightly, looking a little like a mother waiting to catch her child in a lie. Has the matron put it all together, or is she merely awaiting an explanation for what these confusing circumstances are?

Back to the mesa?! Oh wow... that will be difficult. But, at least she'll have someone to talk to, unlike the past several days. Maulisho listens intently as the other cougar explains what she's heard, though it sounds a bit sketchy and uncertain. What exactly /did/ happen? Maul only remembers vaguely being in a rather desperate state of mind leading up to the fight, though the specific details seem to have vanished. "Wait.." she says suddenly, half to herself, "..they were watching over me? The wolves were? But.. I never saw or smelled any of them after the fight!" The loneliness for the past several days had been both therapeutic and a nightmare.

"I imagine they weren't pawfeeding you and nursing you back to health," Paoro replies with a hint of cynicism. She doesn't trust those wolves further than she can throw them. "But they were here while you were unconscious, at least one time. I imagine you're quite dazed from the attack, anyway, so it's not unlikely that your senses or memory are a little off for a while."

Maulisho nods slowly, deep in thought. Surely she would have remembered detecting any wolves, so assuming that they really were keeping an eye out for her, her senses must have been limited, or.. or.. something. She lets out a long sigh, thinking of the journey ahead. "So... are you ready to start back?" She's definitely /not/ looking forward to this.

Paoro nods, moving into place beside Maulisho, ready to offer physical or moral support when necessary. She won't press the issue of the wolf attack; right now, she's more concerned with getting the adolescent to the safety of the mesa, where she can better be watched and tended to. "We'll go at whatever pace is comfortable for you."

The younger cougar swallows hard, not used to such friendliness from one of her own kind. "Thank you...for everything." Gritting her teeth, she starts out down the side of the river, figuring that Paoro will take the lead. Several questions still play with her mind, prompting her to ask, "Paoro.. what can you tell me about wolves? I.. I really don't know much about them." Other than seeing a rogue in her early childhood, the Durakh wolves are really the only exposure she's had into the lupine world.. and it was a pretty violent exposure at that.

At the question, Paoro blinks in surprise. She's never expected to have to give a lecture about a species not her own, and she isn't really sure where to start. After a moment of consideration, the cougar opens her maw to speak. "They are not like us. They are canines, naturally pack-oriented with multiple males among the ranks, and their kind has been domesticated to live with Man. But just because they are different does not necessarily mean they are bad or wrong. They are just as capable of either good or evil as our kind is, or any other creature."

Step after painful step, Maulisho keeps padding onward. She'll do this to show her gratitude to Paoro, even if it does hurt. The information about wolves is digested eagerly. Pack-oriented? Interesting. That would definitely explain the coordination they had. But what about.. "What do you mean by 'man'?" she asks suddenly, somewhat confused. She's never heard the expression before. Or for that matter, 'domesticated'. Maybe it's a pack term or something?

"You are more fortunate than many other creatures to have not heard of Man, Maulisho," Paoro replies solemnly, turning back to look at the adolescent over her shoulder. "Man is a predator not unlike cougars or wolves, in that he hunts among us, but he is very different in all other aspects. He walks on two legs rather than four, and does not always attack like we do. He sometimes uses a magic stick that can kill with the sound of thunder. He is not discriminate in his prey; he has killed many different creatures of the forest, including other predators."

If it wasn't for Paoro's absolute seriousness, Maulisho would have thought she was joking. A magic stick with thunder? "I.. I've never heard of anything that would feed on cougars before." An awkward silence follows until she adds, "You said that wolves live with this man? Why? Wouldn't he want to eat them too?" This sounds like the kind of scary-monster story she would expect a mother to tell her cubs to frighten them into doing--or not doing--something.

"No, they help him hunt," Paoro replies with an almost sick grimace on her maw. "I have heard rumors of wolves not getting along with their domesticated counterparts, and it would not surprise me if it were true because of that. In exchange, they receive food and protection from the Man."

Maulisho shivers at the thought. Food and protection from someone who could easily kill and eat you? Sounds like.. like a squirrel or otter relying on a bear. Her next question has a touch of hesitancy and fear: "Are they pretty rare to find?" This doesn't sound like the kind of creature she wants to encounter...

"I've never seen one myself, but I've heard enough rumors to know I never want to," Paoro replies gravely, keeping her focus trained on the path of the stream ahead.

Maulisho feels a little bit better at the response. If even Paoro herself has never seen one, chances are that Maul probably won't either. Ruthlessly squelching any lingering curiosity about these fearsome "man" creatures, the younger cougar moves on to safer conversational territory. "Why did those wolves want to help me? It.. just doesn't make sense."

"I don't know," Paoro replies honestly. She's rather confused about the whole situation. "Perhaps you'll remember more once you've rested. Which may be a good idea now," she continues, glancing back at Maulisho's limp. "We don't want to stress your leg out too much.

[tanniyn]

Characters:
Paoro - adult female cougar
Maulisho - adolescent female cougar
Donoma - elder female cougar

Wind-Blown Lowlands
================================================================================
Tall, flowing grasses extend in every direction here, rolling hills rising up toward the mountains in the south. Down from the craggy precipices churns a nearly constant flow of air, rippling gently through the tall, thick grasses. The nearly unending winds cause the few small trees that have taken root here to bend slightly, as though they are simply too tired to continue their unending stretch toward the sun's merciful rays.

That is not to say this place is uninviting or somber. The yellow-green grasses are randomly interrupted by the aforementioned small trees, and the occasional taller tree which has managed to defy the windy onslaught to reach higher, providing shade for those below, and lodging for the tree-bound above. The perpetual currents of air cause the clouds above to tumble and wisk by, creating strange and dappled shadows on the land below as they pass over the sun, and in this windswept land, thunderheads roll in unexpectedly to dump a deluge upon the denizens before moving off as it arrived.
================================================================================

Continuing their long trek back to the mesa, Paoro has not strayed further from Maulisho than to gather a few energy-boosting herbs to help keep the girl going when her injuries start to hinder her travels south. "Not much further now," the matron encourages, stepping from the damp muddy banks of the river onto the lush grasses of the plains, the mountain's slope within sight.

Just the fact that she's not alone anymore has very evidently improved the young cougar's spirits, as well as her recovery rate. Refreshed after a long period of rest, supplemented by various herbs, Maulisho is back on her feet and once more following the matron toward the distant mesa. And as usual, her mind is going full-speed, thinking about what has been talked about so far. Wolves. The recent bear attack. And, the rare monsters... man. She shivers, not wanting to think about /those/ creatures. Instead, she focuses on the distant mountain. Almost there!

These lands are much more familiar to Paoro than the mysteries of the forest, the cougaress having hunted here many a time for food for her cubs, and it's a welcome change of setting. Away from the river pack, away from the strangeness of the woods, and back to the lands of her family, the matron is visibly relieved, and her muscles less tense. "Have you thought of perhaps staying with the Amaranth tribe after your injuries have healed?" she asks conversationally, her tone casual so as not to make the girl feel pressured into answering that she'll stay.

Nevertheless, the pressure invariably is felt, if nothing more than a deeply-felt sense of gratitude and indebtedness toward the matron. Not answering right away, Maulisho watches the waving stalks of grass, imagining what might be hiding in their midst. Does she really feel welcome enough to stay? Especially after... her last visit? She swallows hard at that particularly rough memory. "I.. I do not know, Paoro," she finally admits with obvious reluctance. "I just.." Just what? She's not even really sure herself.

"Do not worry, child," Paoro answers, cutting off any further response from the adolescent. "You do not need to make that decision now. What is important is that you are healed back to full health before you attempt wandering elsewhere. While you are weak, you are vulnerable." A forepaw touches the cool stone of the slope up to the mesa, but the matron does not continue up just yet, pausing mid-step. "When you are ready, you will answer." Though it's likely that Paoro seeks answers to more than just her last question.

Rolling Foothills
================================================================================
Down from the mountains, the ground here gradually smooths out from the steeper inclines to the south. Rather than rocky slopes, the land ripples northward in a series of gently rolling windswept hills. To the north and east, the terrain flattens out; grassy to the north, scrubland to the east. Sparse grasses and scrub brush grow here, along with the occasional stunted tree, the ground closest to the mountains strewn with stray rock and gravel, while to the north, the grasses grow tall and thick.
================================================================================

Familiar or not never meant much of anything to Donoma. The cougar had traveled so much in her lifetime, that it seemed anywhere she went, whether or not she'd been there before, was familiar. The elder cougar never felt any interest in staying anywhere too long, moreso just because terrorizing the same neighbors got old after a while. Regardless, she hasn't seen her daughter, and the thought struck her recently that it might be a good idea to look for her because she wasn't too fond of Paoro's mate, and she was even less fond of Paoro's mate when Paoro wasn't around. So, the red-coated cougar followed her nose, and her spiritual guides, along the trails that led to the lowlands where her form now wound its way through the taller grasses. She thought she heard the echoes of voices ahead.

Maulisho laughs softly at the thought of wandering. She has no plan on going anywhere else until she's up to it. And even then, she doesn't carry the same reasons for running off like she did last time. That cause... does not bother her anymore. Or at least, it isn't apparent like it was before. Her thoughts return to the possibility of staying here permanently, and she has to admit that the idea of having companions of her own kind who are actually friendly does sound somewhat appealing. At the last statement from the matron, Maulisho pauses her stride, giving the other an unreadable look. That sounded a bit... hmm.

Sensing the presence of another, Paoro's head swivels to glance up the slope, spotting her ruddy-toned mother perched along the incline. "Good afternoon, Oma," the matron calls out pleasantly, referring to the shaman by the nickname her children have given her. "I don't believe you've met Maulisho...she may be in need of your healing services, however," she continues, introducing the adolescent to the elder.

At the sound of the voices, Donoma's eyes widen, ears folding forward in firm attention. She almost looked suprised, as though she wasn't expecting to see the two here. Introductions taken care of, the Shamaness turns her bright green gaze upon the adolescent. Her lips purse. "That child needs more than healing services-" a mumble that was probably meant to be more a personal reflection rather than spoken aloud as it was. But, she rises to her paws and meanders down the small rise, black claws clicking upon the stoney surfaces, "How /lovely/, Maushipo was it?" Donoma never was very good with names, but she always got it somewhat close.

The younger cougar dips her head in a respectful greeting, keeping her eyes cast down. "Maulisho, ma'am," she corrects, trying to sound as humble as possible. She doesn't know anything more about this cougar except that she might be able to help, and just the fact of her age demands respect. What else to say? She hasn't had much social contact with her own kind in a /long/ time, and old lessons on honor and respect from her mother seem nothing more than dim memories.

"She's recently suffered an attack from some wolves," Paoro explains as the shaman draws nearer. "Perhaps you can pinpoint what's wrong with her," she adds in a hidden tone that subtly suggests that she, too, thinks the girl's injuries aren't only skin deep.

Donoma winds her way around the youngling before Paoro has even requested a look over. Nothing seemed too bad, some scratches and marks that Donoma considered to be laughable, and at this point she does give a good laugh, "There's nothing wrong with this cub other than a sprained ankle." She sniffs, eyeing the ailing and swollen limb, her tail flickering behind her like a candle in a breeze. But the ticking at the back of the Shaman's mind pointed her towards the one wound that couldn't be seen. Paoro had a basket case on her paws, that much the cougar had established from the very first glance of Maulisho's eyes. However, WHY she was that way would take some time to figure out.

Maulisho isn't quite sure how to respond to the relatively quick examination, except for a slight reddening in embarassment. True, she's mostly recovered from her injuries, but still... the quick dismissal still makes her feel more like a weak cub indeed. But, it is also a welcome pronouncement as hopefully it will convince the matron that she doesn't need any more additional care. Hospitality would be greatly appreciated, but nursing her almost-healed injuries? She doesn't want to burden these cougars with anything of that nature. The matron has helped her quite enough as it is.

Donoma gives a light chuff, "Ff-talkative little thing..." she says, a quirky grin marking half of her maw. But a moment later she's striding past the pair, "Things to do, if her leg bothers her too much bring her too me and I'll chop it off for her." She sidles off, and though she sounded very serious about the "chop it off" part, Paoro would at least know that's not what would happen. If anything, Donoma would give her a root or something to chew on to ease the pain. But, the Shaman is off, muttering to herself along the way.

As Donoma wanders away, Paoro doesn't take too much concern with the shaman's comment (as predicted by her mother), but is quick to reassure Maulisho of the same. "She doesn't mean it," the matron confides, offering a friendly smile to the adolescent. "She's all bark and no bite." She turns back towards the slope, ready to head up the incline if Maulisho is similarly ready to undertake the final steps of their journey. "Not much further now. You can rest as long as you like once we're back to the heart of the tribe's lands."

Maulisho has to refrain herself from rolling her eyes. Did they really think she would believe the "threat"? She's not /that/ naive! This cougaress healer apparently has some very odd personality quirks; Maul isn't sure she's looking forward to the one-on-one talk Paoro said was in the near future with her. Interesting how life's challenges can change so suddenly from day-to-day.

At the lack of objection from the adolescent, Paoro continues up the slope, padding at a slow pace equal to that of the limping adolescent. Once they reach the top, Paoro guides Maulisho to a quiet, shaded spot where she can rest - this time in the safety of the tribe's territory. She'll worry about talking with the girl further when she's feeling a little better.