Post by Althaea on Jan 9, 2008 23:51:19 GMT -5
Two-River Fork
Involved according to appearance
Dexter – F. Wolf (more a moment) (rogue)
Halidari – F. Adol. Wolf (Lazuli)
Lykaios – M. Adol. Wolf
Summary: Long has the question of asking Lykaios to join the Lazuli Pack been thought upon; when its asked, Hali is pleased to find that Lyka would, but the worry of being turned down lingered, and what would happen when the offer was brought to the decision makers… would the next day tell?
Scene
The lone wolf has been skirting the edges of the packs territory for several days now, exploring and patrolling, first tentatively and now with more boldness. She has yet to encounter the others, retreating deeper into the wild whenever her ebon nose would catch the scent of an encroaching adult. Her yellow-green eyes glow slightly in the dim light as she once again emerges from wherever she has been sleeping of late.
Following the river and leaving the safety of home when she probably shouldn't, a young wolf has missed the company of the river. Being near it once more, there was comfort, but a scent that lingered faintly through the air kept her from enjoying it completely. She missed the wolf that is belonged to but there was probably reason for his absence. Keeping to the river, the female only stops as a fish swims by - so tempting.
There. The body of the older wolf tenses as the pawfalls of the encroaching adolescent reach her ears. The sound of the river almost covers her approach but Dexter has kept her senses keenly attuned to all other lupines presences. The yellow-eyed predator shrinks back into some foliage, as she is downwind from the wolf there is little danger of her detection yet. She watches the younger adolescent silently, waiting to see if she is accompanied by another other pack-mates.
Taking a seat at the river’s edge, the silence of the female’s gaze follows the fish till it is no longer seen down the river. The possibility of her being followed was slim but with her luck with outsiders, Hali wouldn't be too surprised if she was; the marks on her head are an all too well reminded of the risks of traveling alone. Waiting a while longer before standing, she sighs softly before making retreat back home, unaware of the watchful gaze of another.
The strange female does not yet advance as she continues to watch her smaller counterpart. The girl alone does not pose a significant threat Dexter concludes silently, had she, the older wolf would have already retreated. Not that she is of the type to pick a fight, but were any sort of battle to ensue, one would not want to be this deep into the pack lands of wolves one does not know to be friend or foe. As the girl begins her retreat home, Dexter decides to emerge, purposefully allowing the shuffling foliage to alert the other to her presence should the adolescent choose to acknowledge it.
Acknowledging the shuffle of foliage is exactly what Hali does as she comes to a brisk stop turning to the direction of the sound. She doesn't catch it at first, but as the arrival of another becomes ever present its hard to miss the form of another wolf. Turning around to face her, Hali's ears turn back for a slight moment. Was this wolf a threat or possible friend? This she didn't know but wasn't going to take her chances in approach to find out either.
The older wolf's emerges slowly from the foliage, taking heavy particular steps that to not communicate arrogance but to not hide the yellow-eyed females’ confidence. There is nothing aggressive or unfriendly in her body language, and her yellow gaze is fixed firmly on the young adolescent. "Good afternoon" Her voice is low and raspy, suiting her appearance.
Halidari watches the older wolf as she emerges from cover, the heavy steps eyes closely; nothing is said for the moment and she just stands there regally in no real fashion. Raising a brow and dropping her ears once more in caution to the greeting. "Afternoon." Her own voice soft and oddly enough kind.
Dexter continues to size the young adolescent up and her features seem to soften a little bit at Halidari's friendly-enough greeting. The momentum of the young adults muscles moves her forward as she fully emerges from the foliage coming towards the fork in the river. Respectfully - perhaps so not as to startle the younger wolf- she keeps a fair distance, though her gaze doesn’t break from Halidari. The wolf lowers her powerful jaws to the cool river water, taking several large greedy gulps before raising her maw once again. "And a fine afternoon it is. You are part of the pack that claims these lands as their own?" she enquires in a curious, but kind enough manner.
Halidari keeps an eye on the wolf in every step she takes; not to comfortable with the constant looking to, she relaxes just a bit. Stepping back from the river as Dexter nears it, Hali nods to the remark upon the day. It was a fine afternoon though would it stay that way and for how long. Perking an ear up at the sudden question on her residence she nods once more. "I am. Why do you ask?" she ponders.
Dexter stills her approach "I'd caught your scent as well as those of your pack mates, I was just confirming a conclusion." The older wolf has slowed and then stops her gait, coming to sit by the river’s edge. Not wanting to unnerve the younger one, she flicks her gaze from the adolescent to the surrounding area. "May I ask your name young one?" she enquires "I am known as Dexter. "Whatever her intentions, the wolf does not seem to be hostile.
Lykaios approached the river earlier to get a drink. Now he travels along it in a southward direction. Most of his attention is devoted to his surroundings, and it isn't long before barely audible voices reach his ears. He doesn't recognize either of them from this distance, but he continues walking towards them, the words and tones beginning to take shape as he does, until one of them even draws recognition.
"I see." gives Hali. The packs scent was all over the place so it’s of no surprise to hear from those outside that they've picked up their mark; however, to find one wondering in because of it was a bit odd. She usually brought them in, not the other way around. Not taking that course of action anymore, Hali definitely thought it to be odd. When asked of her name she is hesitant at first, but gives it slowly soon after. "It’s Halidari." Twitching hear ears to a sound in the distance, she gives little attention to it till whatever it is, is close.
"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance this lovely afternoon Halidari" The older wolf is well spoken, and her deep voice rasps around the words. Dexter too turns to the sound of the approaching wolf, following the younger ones gaze.
Lykaios keeps his pace as he recognizes Hali's voice, for the speech between her and the unknown wolf seems to be civil. Lyk smiles to Hali as the two other wolves come into sight, But he keeps his mouth shut until he's within comfortable speaking--and, for Hali, nuzzling--distance before greeting the two of them.
"A pleasure it is." agrees the young female. Meeting a new wolf on her own, for Hali, was uncommon, however, she never seemed to be alone for long in such situations. When Lykaios comes into few, her tail takes to a happy sway always glad to see the male. When the distance is closed between them Hali returnshis nuzzle with loving care before turning back to Dexter.
The cool yellow eyes of the wolf watch the approach of male adolescent towards the other demi adult. Dexter cocks her head curiously as she obverses the friendly interaction of the two pack mates. Falling silent her muzzle remains curved into a small smile as she observes.
Not pack mates, at least not yet, but that might be difficult to tell. Lykaios is glad to find Halidari in a good mood, and he responds to it with slight tail wagging of his own, before looking to Dexter. He still has a smile on his face, and he greets her in a friendly manner with a simple, "Hello."
Pack mate - not yet, but what Lyka doesn't know is that she's working on his induction which is taking longer than she had wanted. Patent however, she doesn't let that distract her from what’s in front of her. Hali is always in a good mood, often at times more so than others days, but always happy nonetheless; the presence of the presumable rogue wolf does dampers it some though. Back on Dexter she blinks uncertain of something. "What brings you this far out?" Hali asks of her. Sure she wanted to confirm the scent she came across but that’s usually a drawback, not an attraction.
Lykaios settles himself beside Halidari, brushing against her with his shoulder. He wasn't certain, after the news about Seven having left, how approachable she would be for a while. This answers his question, and it sets his mind at ease. The young male allows himself to slip into silence, leaving Hali to converse with this wolf that he easily gathers is not a member of the pack or a familiar face around these parts.
While Hali waits for the wolf’s response she turns back to Lyka as he brushes up against her. Giving him another smile she leans against his side. The crushing blow left by Seven had quite the impact but dwelling over something that not even she could of stopped wasn't going to get them anyways; she still had Lyk and that’s what matters. The wolf still keeping her silence Hali decides to ask Lyk something to pass the time. "If I asked you, would you join Lazuli?" She wanted him there; it was the only way she knew he'd always be there for her.
Lykaios perks his ears and turns his head to look at Hali as she speaks. The question kind of surprises him. Sure, Felstride received him well enough, but after the greetings he got from Miakoda and Toban, he wasn't sure he'd be welcome in Lazuli, and he was prepared to live with that. If Hali is asking him this, though, she obviously believes differently, and he can't imagine that she would ever believe he would answer that with a ‘no.’ Nuzzling her shoulder lightly, he answers, quite sincerely, "Of course I would, Hali." He did promise her that he would never leave her alone, didn't he?
Halidari was ready for anything, whatever the answer was she would accept it - even if it was a no. She knew he has made that promise to always be there, but she wanted to make sure, to give him what she has, give him reason other than her to stay. The relations part with the pack was something to work on, but she knew it would work out if they both took foot. Upon receiving his answer Hali was over joyed, nuzzling him with the affection he deserves. "Thank you."
Lykaios returns Hali's nuzzling, smiling as he does. Reassuring Hali that he would be more than happy to join her pack was the most important thing he could do, but it has raised some curiosity in him. After nuzzling her, he asks, "Do you think they'll accept me?" Sure, Lyk has mellowed a lot in the time he was on his own, but his last experiences as a member of a pack were not entirely positive. And he has really, relly tried to form positive relationships with Hali's pack members, especially since he got cured. Of course, there is still that whole thing that happened with Raijin that he has yet to face.
Why wouldn't they accept him, from her experience the pack wants what’s best for all those in the pack; their family. Lyka becoming a part of this tight nit helps out Hali, who happens to be a part of that family; not to mention it helps with pack defense. "I'm sure they will..." She hopes they will. Living with those who dislike something about you isn't easy, she knows. "Don't worry ok. When they get to know you, they'll accept you. I'm sure of it."
Lykaios leans slightly against Hali, thinking for a moment. He trusts Halidari and her judgment. After all, she has shown herself to be very clear-headed, for the most part; at least anytime Lyk has been near her. It's just that Lyk is not always as confident as he pretends to be. Brushing those feelings aside for now, he nods and says, "I would love to join Lazuli, Hali. Honestly, I would." Not just to make Hali happy, and not just because she asked him. Sure, those facts make him more eager to join, but he wouldn't do it if the very thought of joining her pack made him cringe. That isn't the case.
Maybe it was the way he said it, or maybe it’s the way she thought he said it, but his confidence - it didn't feel like it was there. She didn't want to believe that the possibility of him not feeling comfortable over the idea beings there, not to say it is; it would be an upset. "But you don't want to be turned away or thought ill of." She says according to how she perceived his response. "I don't either. But it’s a risk we're going to have to take." Going silent moments later she shakes her head and then just chuckles. "Let’s not worry alright."
Lykaios gives Hali a slight grin. Well, of course he doesn't want to be turned away. That has been one of his worries since day one. He will deal with that fear, founded or otherwise, until it has passed, though, rather than running away from the possibility of being rejected. Nuzzling Hali lightly, he says, "I'm not worried." If the worse comes to pass... He has already been invited to be around these lands. He doesn't think he has done anything that would change that. Even if he doesn't gain acceptance into her pack, he should be no worse off than he is now, and he tells himself he'll just continue to try to build up trust with Hali's pack mates.
Halidari smiles gently to him and his nuzzle. Leaning over she nuzzles him back but instead of leaning back when done, she stays there. It was good to know that he wasn't worried; it showed that he was willing to grin and bare through whatever came his way like she was. Handle things has they come, that’s how she liked to live her life.
Lykaios licks Hali's muzzle lightly, then leans his head against hers. He was stupid to doubt their ability to get through any of life's difficulties together, and he continues to tell himself that anything coming up is small compared to some of what they have faced in the past. With a deep breath, he asks, "Have you eaten recently?" Lyk is not hungry, but if Hali hasn't had a meal in a while, he will gladly go hunt for her, grateful for just her presence here, which improved his own mood.
There are many hardships in life, but there is only one that poses any sort of difficulty to anyone, that was love. The moments they shared with one another, thick or thin; good or bad, it’s those moments shared that brings out the love in someone. Joining ones house was nothing compared to something like that. However, the thought is broken by the idea of food. Hali always enjoyed a good meal no matter who it was from and now that she thinks about it, she's come to realize that she hasn't actually eaten for about a day now. Looking up to him she says, "No I haven't." That obviously meant that he was going to get something even when he didn't have to.
Lykaios licks Hali once more. "I can go find something for you." Whether he has to or not isn't the case. He wants to. Hopefully he'll have more luck than on the day he encountered Miakoda, though, when it took him several hours to find anything at all. He isn't so uncertain about everything anymore, so he ought to be able to focus better on his hunting.
Halidari smirks at the lick, licking him back. "Ok." Is all she says to him on going to find something. She didn't mind at all, so long as he came back with something and in one piece. "You be careful though."
Lykaios isn't going to go hunting something capable of hurting him. He'd probably get trampled before he could get a single bite in, and the idea doesn't appeal to him. Nodding, he smiles to her and says, "Don't worry. I will be." After that, he turns to head away from the river, towards the log.
There was always the chance that he could get hurt, and that’s what bothered her. No matter how small or how large the prey was it could always hurt you, you've got to remember that. Watching the wolf trail away toward the log, Hali waits till he vanishes into the distance before turning away to the river just feet away. Another fish swims by; resisting the temptation to catch it, she waits.
Luck is with the younger male. He returns in under half an hour, carrying a dead prairie dog which had terrible timing when leaving his burrow. It's not a huge animal, not even as big as a couple of rabbits he has caught in the past, but it's of fair size, especially given that Lykaios has eaten recently, so Hali can have the whole thing herself. He is as surprised by how fast he managed to catch this unfortunate creature as anyone would be, but that doesn't make him any less happy.
Halidari doesn't even know that Lyka is back until she hears his return and catches the scent of the dead. Looking away from the river and back to the way food was coming, she eyes the prairie dog then Lyka. That was quick.
Lykaios places the dead rodent on the ground nearby Hali and smiles to her. He won't brag, because he knows his catch was pure luck, but it's impressive nonetheless, right?! The only thing he does say is, "Told ya not to worry." No injuries, not even a worn out wolf. He won't always get this lucky, but he'll take that luck when he can get it, happily.
Halidari is quite impressed with the catch, looking down at it for inspection. "Yea. You did well." She didn't expect him to come back so quickly or for him to bring back what he did. "Thanks." she says dropping to the ground to further take care of the treat brought to her.
Lykaios lies down a few feet from Hali, watching her as she eats and keeping some of his attention on their environment. Regardless of the fact that he did not have to hunt for her, he likes feeling helpful, a fact that may well help him as he attempts to join her pack. He doesn't attempt conversation, though, rather allowing her to enjoy her meal in peace.
Halidari had to pick off some rough patches on the animal but otherwise she had no problem tearing into it and creating what looks like an enormous hole right in the middle of it. Tearing the dog in two, she chews and swallows till either there is nothing left or she gets full. Whichever comes first. When done, she licks her chops clean of blood and ever a paw that happened to get mixed in with the mess.
Lykaios stands as she finishes eating and approaches her, helping, briefly, as she cleans herself. Then he lies down beside her, nuzzling her shoulder lightly. Now seems as good an any to try to rest, especially since he is an all-encompassing good mood that he suspects will translate into several hours of very restful sleep if he allows it to.
Halidari chuckles as he tries to help clean her; leaning against him afterwards, when Lyk lies down beside her. Letting him rest, she finishes cleaning the spots she failed to get.
Lykaios's eyes drift shut as he lies beside Hali. It isn't long before the male wolf drifts off into a fairly restful, if light, sleep. He's happy, fed, and things are looking up. He'll take that, too, for as long as he can get it.
Involved according to appearance
Dexter – F. Wolf (more a moment) (rogue)
Halidari – F. Adol. Wolf (Lazuli)
Lykaios – M. Adol. Wolf
Summary: Long has the question of asking Lykaios to join the Lazuli Pack been thought upon; when its asked, Hali is pleased to find that Lyka would, but the worry of being turned down lingered, and what would happen when the offer was brought to the decision makers… would the next day tell?
Scene
The lone wolf has been skirting the edges of the packs territory for several days now, exploring and patrolling, first tentatively and now with more boldness. She has yet to encounter the others, retreating deeper into the wild whenever her ebon nose would catch the scent of an encroaching adult. Her yellow-green eyes glow slightly in the dim light as she once again emerges from wherever she has been sleeping of late.
Following the river and leaving the safety of home when she probably shouldn't, a young wolf has missed the company of the river. Being near it once more, there was comfort, but a scent that lingered faintly through the air kept her from enjoying it completely. She missed the wolf that is belonged to but there was probably reason for his absence. Keeping to the river, the female only stops as a fish swims by - so tempting.
There. The body of the older wolf tenses as the pawfalls of the encroaching adolescent reach her ears. The sound of the river almost covers her approach but Dexter has kept her senses keenly attuned to all other lupines presences. The yellow-eyed predator shrinks back into some foliage, as she is downwind from the wolf there is little danger of her detection yet. She watches the younger adolescent silently, waiting to see if she is accompanied by another other pack-mates.
Taking a seat at the river’s edge, the silence of the female’s gaze follows the fish till it is no longer seen down the river. The possibility of her being followed was slim but with her luck with outsiders, Hali wouldn't be too surprised if she was; the marks on her head are an all too well reminded of the risks of traveling alone. Waiting a while longer before standing, she sighs softly before making retreat back home, unaware of the watchful gaze of another.
The strange female does not yet advance as she continues to watch her smaller counterpart. The girl alone does not pose a significant threat Dexter concludes silently, had she, the older wolf would have already retreated. Not that she is of the type to pick a fight, but were any sort of battle to ensue, one would not want to be this deep into the pack lands of wolves one does not know to be friend or foe. As the girl begins her retreat home, Dexter decides to emerge, purposefully allowing the shuffling foliage to alert the other to her presence should the adolescent choose to acknowledge it.
Acknowledging the shuffle of foliage is exactly what Hali does as she comes to a brisk stop turning to the direction of the sound. She doesn't catch it at first, but as the arrival of another becomes ever present its hard to miss the form of another wolf. Turning around to face her, Hali's ears turn back for a slight moment. Was this wolf a threat or possible friend? This she didn't know but wasn't going to take her chances in approach to find out either.
The older wolf's emerges slowly from the foliage, taking heavy particular steps that to not communicate arrogance but to not hide the yellow-eyed females’ confidence. There is nothing aggressive or unfriendly in her body language, and her yellow gaze is fixed firmly on the young adolescent. "Good afternoon" Her voice is low and raspy, suiting her appearance.
Halidari watches the older wolf as she emerges from cover, the heavy steps eyes closely; nothing is said for the moment and she just stands there regally in no real fashion. Raising a brow and dropping her ears once more in caution to the greeting. "Afternoon." Her own voice soft and oddly enough kind.
Dexter continues to size the young adolescent up and her features seem to soften a little bit at Halidari's friendly-enough greeting. The momentum of the young adults muscles moves her forward as she fully emerges from the foliage coming towards the fork in the river. Respectfully - perhaps so not as to startle the younger wolf- she keeps a fair distance, though her gaze doesn’t break from Halidari. The wolf lowers her powerful jaws to the cool river water, taking several large greedy gulps before raising her maw once again. "And a fine afternoon it is. You are part of the pack that claims these lands as their own?" she enquires in a curious, but kind enough manner.
Halidari keeps an eye on the wolf in every step she takes; not to comfortable with the constant looking to, she relaxes just a bit. Stepping back from the river as Dexter nears it, Hali nods to the remark upon the day. It was a fine afternoon though would it stay that way and for how long. Perking an ear up at the sudden question on her residence she nods once more. "I am. Why do you ask?" she ponders.
Dexter stills her approach "I'd caught your scent as well as those of your pack mates, I was just confirming a conclusion." The older wolf has slowed and then stops her gait, coming to sit by the river’s edge. Not wanting to unnerve the younger one, she flicks her gaze from the adolescent to the surrounding area. "May I ask your name young one?" she enquires "I am known as Dexter. "Whatever her intentions, the wolf does not seem to be hostile.
Lykaios approached the river earlier to get a drink. Now he travels along it in a southward direction. Most of his attention is devoted to his surroundings, and it isn't long before barely audible voices reach his ears. He doesn't recognize either of them from this distance, but he continues walking towards them, the words and tones beginning to take shape as he does, until one of them even draws recognition.
"I see." gives Hali. The packs scent was all over the place so it’s of no surprise to hear from those outside that they've picked up their mark; however, to find one wondering in because of it was a bit odd. She usually brought them in, not the other way around. Not taking that course of action anymore, Hali definitely thought it to be odd. When asked of her name she is hesitant at first, but gives it slowly soon after. "It’s Halidari." Twitching hear ears to a sound in the distance, she gives little attention to it till whatever it is, is close.
"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance this lovely afternoon Halidari" The older wolf is well spoken, and her deep voice rasps around the words. Dexter too turns to the sound of the approaching wolf, following the younger ones gaze.
Lykaios keeps his pace as he recognizes Hali's voice, for the speech between her and the unknown wolf seems to be civil. Lyk smiles to Hali as the two other wolves come into sight, But he keeps his mouth shut until he's within comfortable speaking--and, for Hali, nuzzling--distance before greeting the two of them.
"A pleasure it is." agrees the young female. Meeting a new wolf on her own, for Hali, was uncommon, however, she never seemed to be alone for long in such situations. When Lykaios comes into few, her tail takes to a happy sway always glad to see the male. When the distance is closed between them Hali returnshis nuzzle with loving care before turning back to Dexter.
The cool yellow eyes of the wolf watch the approach of male adolescent towards the other demi adult. Dexter cocks her head curiously as she obverses the friendly interaction of the two pack mates. Falling silent her muzzle remains curved into a small smile as she observes.
Not pack mates, at least not yet, but that might be difficult to tell. Lykaios is glad to find Halidari in a good mood, and he responds to it with slight tail wagging of his own, before looking to Dexter. He still has a smile on his face, and he greets her in a friendly manner with a simple, "Hello."
Pack mate - not yet, but what Lyka doesn't know is that she's working on his induction which is taking longer than she had wanted. Patent however, she doesn't let that distract her from what’s in front of her. Hali is always in a good mood, often at times more so than others days, but always happy nonetheless; the presence of the presumable rogue wolf does dampers it some though. Back on Dexter she blinks uncertain of something. "What brings you this far out?" Hali asks of her. Sure she wanted to confirm the scent she came across but that’s usually a drawback, not an attraction.
Lykaios settles himself beside Halidari, brushing against her with his shoulder. He wasn't certain, after the news about Seven having left, how approachable she would be for a while. This answers his question, and it sets his mind at ease. The young male allows himself to slip into silence, leaving Hali to converse with this wolf that he easily gathers is not a member of the pack or a familiar face around these parts.
While Hali waits for the wolf’s response she turns back to Lyka as he brushes up against her. Giving him another smile she leans against his side. The crushing blow left by Seven had quite the impact but dwelling over something that not even she could of stopped wasn't going to get them anyways; she still had Lyk and that’s what matters. The wolf still keeping her silence Hali decides to ask Lyk something to pass the time. "If I asked you, would you join Lazuli?" She wanted him there; it was the only way she knew he'd always be there for her.
Lykaios perks his ears and turns his head to look at Hali as she speaks. The question kind of surprises him. Sure, Felstride received him well enough, but after the greetings he got from Miakoda and Toban, he wasn't sure he'd be welcome in Lazuli, and he was prepared to live with that. If Hali is asking him this, though, she obviously believes differently, and he can't imagine that she would ever believe he would answer that with a ‘no.’ Nuzzling her shoulder lightly, he answers, quite sincerely, "Of course I would, Hali." He did promise her that he would never leave her alone, didn't he?
Halidari was ready for anything, whatever the answer was she would accept it - even if it was a no. She knew he has made that promise to always be there, but she wanted to make sure, to give him what she has, give him reason other than her to stay. The relations part with the pack was something to work on, but she knew it would work out if they both took foot. Upon receiving his answer Hali was over joyed, nuzzling him with the affection he deserves. "Thank you."
Lykaios returns Hali's nuzzling, smiling as he does. Reassuring Hali that he would be more than happy to join her pack was the most important thing he could do, but it has raised some curiosity in him. After nuzzling her, he asks, "Do you think they'll accept me?" Sure, Lyk has mellowed a lot in the time he was on his own, but his last experiences as a member of a pack were not entirely positive. And he has really, relly tried to form positive relationships with Hali's pack members, especially since he got cured. Of course, there is still that whole thing that happened with Raijin that he has yet to face.
Why wouldn't they accept him, from her experience the pack wants what’s best for all those in the pack; their family. Lyka becoming a part of this tight nit helps out Hali, who happens to be a part of that family; not to mention it helps with pack defense. "I'm sure they will..." She hopes they will. Living with those who dislike something about you isn't easy, she knows. "Don't worry ok. When they get to know you, they'll accept you. I'm sure of it."
Lykaios leans slightly against Hali, thinking for a moment. He trusts Halidari and her judgment. After all, she has shown herself to be very clear-headed, for the most part; at least anytime Lyk has been near her. It's just that Lyk is not always as confident as he pretends to be. Brushing those feelings aside for now, he nods and says, "I would love to join Lazuli, Hali. Honestly, I would." Not just to make Hali happy, and not just because she asked him. Sure, those facts make him more eager to join, but he wouldn't do it if the very thought of joining her pack made him cringe. That isn't the case.
Maybe it was the way he said it, or maybe it’s the way she thought he said it, but his confidence - it didn't feel like it was there. She didn't want to believe that the possibility of him not feeling comfortable over the idea beings there, not to say it is; it would be an upset. "But you don't want to be turned away or thought ill of." She says according to how she perceived his response. "I don't either. But it’s a risk we're going to have to take." Going silent moments later she shakes her head and then just chuckles. "Let’s not worry alright."
Lykaios gives Hali a slight grin. Well, of course he doesn't want to be turned away. That has been one of his worries since day one. He will deal with that fear, founded or otherwise, until it has passed, though, rather than running away from the possibility of being rejected. Nuzzling Hali lightly, he says, "I'm not worried." If the worse comes to pass... He has already been invited to be around these lands. He doesn't think he has done anything that would change that. Even if he doesn't gain acceptance into her pack, he should be no worse off than he is now, and he tells himself he'll just continue to try to build up trust with Hali's pack mates.
Halidari smiles gently to him and his nuzzle. Leaning over she nuzzles him back but instead of leaning back when done, she stays there. It was good to know that he wasn't worried; it showed that he was willing to grin and bare through whatever came his way like she was. Handle things has they come, that’s how she liked to live her life.
Lykaios licks Hali's muzzle lightly, then leans his head against hers. He was stupid to doubt their ability to get through any of life's difficulties together, and he continues to tell himself that anything coming up is small compared to some of what they have faced in the past. With a deep breath, he asks, "Have you eaten recently?" Lyk is not hungry, but if Hali hasn't had a meal in a while, he will gladly go hunt for her, grateful for just her presence here, which improved his own mood.
There are many hardships in life, but there is only one that poses any sort of difficulty to anyone, that was love. The moments they shared with one another, thick or thin; good or bad, it’s those moments shared that brings out the love in someone. Joining ones house was nothing compared to something like that. However, the thought is broken by the idea of food. Hali always enjoyed a good meal no matter who it was from and now that she thinks about it, she's come to realize that she hasn't actually eaten for about a day now. Looking up to him she says, "No I haven't." That obviously meant that he was going to get something even when he didn't have to.
Lykaios licks Hali once more. "I can go find something for you." Whether he has to or not isn't the case. He wants to. Hopefully he'll have more luck than on the day he encountered Miakoda, though, when it took him several hours to find anything at all. He isn't so uncertain about everything anymore, so he ought to be able to focus better on his hunting.
Halidari smirks at the lick, licking him back. "Ok." Is all she says to him on going to find something. She didn't mind at all, so long as he came back with something and in one piece. "You be careful though."
Lykaios isn't going to go hunting something capable of hurting him. He'd probably get trampled before he could get a single bite in, and the idea doesn't appeal to him. Nodding, he smiles to her and says, "Don't worry. I will be." After that, he turns to head away from the river, towards the log.
There was always the chance that he could get hurt, and that’s what bothered her. No matter how small or how large the prey was it could always hurt you, you've got to remember that. Watching the wolf trail away toward the log, Hali waits till he vanishes into the distance before turning away to the river just feet away. Another fish swims by; resisting the temptation to catch it, she waits.
Luck is with the younger male. He returns in under half an hour, carrying a dead prairie dog which had terrible timing when leaving his burrow. It's not a huge animal, not even as big as a couple of rabbits he has caught in the past, but it's of fair size, especially given that Lykaios has eaten recently, so Hali can have the whole thing herself. He is as surprised by how fast he managed to catch this unfortunate creature as anyone would be, but that doesn't make him any less happy.
Halidari doesn't even know that Lyka is back until she hears his return and catches the scent of the dead. Looking away from the river and back to the way food was coming, she eyes the prairie dog then Lyka. That was quick.
Lykaios places the dead rodent on the ground nearby Hali and smiles to her. He won't brag, because he knows his catch was pure luck, but it's impressive nonetheless, right?! The only thing he does say is, "Told ya not to worry." No injuries, not even a worn out wolf. He won't always get this lucky, but he'll take that luck when he can get it, happily.
Halidari is quite impressed with the catch, looking down at it for inspection. "Yea. You did well." She didn't expect him to come back so quickly or for him to bring back what he did. "Thanks." she says dropping to the ground to further take care of the treat brought to her.
Lykaios lies down a few feet from Hali, watching her as she eats and keeping some of his attention on their environment. Regardless of the fact that he did not have to hunt for her, he likes feeling helpful, a fact that may well help him as he attempts to join her pack. He doesn't attempt conversation, though, rather allowing her to enjoy her meal in peace.
Halidari had to pick off some rough patches on the animal but otherwise she had no problem tearing into it and creating what looks like an enormous hole right in the middle of it. Tearing the dog in two, she chews and swallows till either there is nothing left or she gets full. Whichever comes first. When done, she licks her chops clean of blood and ever a paw that happened to get mixed in with the mess.
Lykaios stands as she finishes eating and approaches her, helping, briefly, as she cleans herself. Then he lies down beside her, nuzzling her shoulder lightly. Now seems as good an any to try to rest, especially since he is an all-encompassing good mood that he suspects will translate into several hours of very restful sleep if he allows it to.
Halidari chuckles as he tries to help clean her; leaning against him afterwards, when Lyk lies down beside her. Letting him rest, she finishes cleaning the spots she failed to get.
Lykaios's eyes drift shut as he lies beside Hali. It isn't long before the male wolf drifts off into a fairly restful, if light, sleep. He's happy, fed, and things are looking up. He'll take that, too, for as long as he can get it.