Post by Therdde on Apr 19, 2009 20:23:24 GMT -5
Characters:
Sketch - Female Dog
Kein - Male Cougar
Nayeli - Female Cougar
- Wind-Blown Lowlands -
As she trots back toward the cougar lands, Sketch can't help but wonder if she ever did meet Ama while living under their protection. The name seems to be familiar, but she can't recall the cougaress' face. 'All is well.' What kind of a message is that, anyway? That's good that all is well, but.. all this trouble just to let Ama know that? The Alsatian gives a mental shrug; given how much she owes to Skelaghe--and now to the cougars as well--who is she to complain about a seemingly pointless messenger task? Besides, though she'd never admit it to anyone.. well.. maybe to Vincent, but then again she tells him /everything/! Okay. /Almost/ everything. There was that one time that--wait, /focus/. Cougars. Right. She'd never admit this to /mostly/ everyone, but Sketch is actually looking forward to seeing the big felines again. Once they were scary monsters, but now their odd features and characteristics are that of friends.
Ever since Nayeli mentioned Sketch to him, Kein has spent a little time outside of Amaranth every day. The permission he gave Skelaghe, Vincent, and Sketch to be in Amaranth was temporary. They left of their own accord. And while he doesn't particularly think that frightened little dog would willingly trespass again, he /would/ feel the need to stress that trespassing isn't appreciated, if he found her within Amaranth. Not a good way to start establishing a link with that pack, so here he is, vaguely following a scent trail previously left by the young canine. It's faint, and he doesn't really expect it to take him anywhere, but it's better than just finding a spot outside of Amaranth to wait and lying down. Well, today, it's better. There have been other days, when his children have kept him up all night after a busy day, when that might have seemed a good idea. Today, though, he is plenty well-rested.
Why couldn't they have stayed here? Sketch loves the flowing grasses, though it does make it rather difficult to see where she's going. No matter; she remembers the way to Amaranth well enough. It's rather hard to miss with the mountain looming in the distance. Sniffsniff.. nothing out of the ordinary. Not yet, anyway. Sketch isn't naive enough to believe that she'll get all that much further without finding signs of the local cougar population.
Kein's first hint that another creature is approaching him is the sound of the grasses, not yet overcome by snow, shifting more than the wind would cause. He stops his slow walk, listening for the direction of the slightly louder than normal sounds. As it becomes obvious that the approaching creature is heading more or less directly for him, he chuffs out a noise that is as much warning as it is greeting, as he has not yet smelled Sketch. He kay be outside fo his territory, but he is not a small animal, so if whatever is out there thinks they are hunting him, they should probably think again.
First the sound, then the scent. It's not the cougaress she was hoping for, but perhaps this cougar can take her to the matron. Sketch yips softly in return as she sits down, waiting to be found. And hoping... that this particular cougar--the chieftain, by the scent--decides to be nice and not chomp on her just because he feels like it. Even if he /is/ friendly, will she be able to persuade him that she has a message for Ama? Hopefully so.
Even if Nayeli hadn't sent him on this task, he still would not be mean to anyone, here outside of Amaranth. Well... Almost anyone. Regardless, as there is a yip in return, Kein relaxes and closes the distance between himself and Sketch, until he can see her through the shifting grasses. At least, he's pretty sure it's Sketch. It could be some other female dog, but her scent is faintly familiar, so... "Good afternoon, Sketch." Yes. He's being nice. At least, as nice as he every is with anyone besides his family.
"Ch-Chieftain," Sketch answers, slightly surprised at the initial shakiness in her own voice. Anxiety? Fear? Adrenaline? She's not sure. "It's.. good to see you again." And she really means it, despite it most likely being only a one-way sentiment. Her eyes briefly note what her nose already told her: Nayeli isn't here with her mate. Hopefully she's not far off; Sketch highly doubts that the Chieftain will be willing for her to travel much further toward the mountain. Perhaps he'll take the message to Ama, in that event?
"It is good to see you too, Sketch." That is not entirely just Kein being polite. He is glad that he can stop the daily treks outside of Amaranth, that Nayeli will get a chance to do what she wants to do for his canine. And, in the interest of being poilte, he asks how her companions are doing. "How is Skelaghe and the others?" How big have they gotten, so far? Kein remembers something about them leaving because they met on of Skelaghe's friends, but that's about it.
Someday, they'll be a real pack. Skel and Helaku, leading them, and Sketch, doing her best to help out where she can. More or less the reason why she's here, anyway. "They're doing well, thanks. It's all because of you and the matron that we are alive at all, and we will never forget what you both have done for us." Sketch's smile is genuine and her voice is confident now, despite talking to a creature that could kill her without much effort at all. Not to mention, of course, that this particular creature really didn't seem to like her in the first place; from Sketch's viewpoint, it was only his mate's intervention that saved her in the first place.
Kein probably would not have /killed/ Sketch, had Nayeli not stepped in. It is very likely that he would have been much less willing to let them into the territory for any amount of time, had it not been for Nayeli, though. And, now, Kein's ability to make small talk has run out, so he shifts the topic to the reason why he is out here. "I was actually out here looking for you." As he suspects that Sketch was on her way to Amaranth. "My mate would like to spend some time with you."
Sketch is left speechless. She was all set to try and convince Kein to either let her go see Ama or to carry the message himself... and now he's /inviting/ her into Amaranth? And to see Nayeli? But why... wait. Could this mean that the matron decided to accept her request of a long time back? Not wanting to jump to conclusions, no matter how encouraging or exciting they might be, Sketch just gives a cautious nod, concentrating on keeping her tail from wagging. "I would be.." She hesitates, searching for the right word. ".. honored."
Kein returns her nods, then turns around. He really isn't good at the whole socializing thing. Even with most of the members of his own tribe, he does not really like speaking at length. Those outside of his tribe... Well, Kein does the best he can, and when he begins walking, his pace is slow enough. "It shouldn't take too long to get there... If she hasn't moved since I left her, earlier."
- Sprawling Mesa -
Oddly enough, Nayeli seems to be waiting for the two. Perhaps not out of a sense of expectation, but she's waiting for them, nonetheless. Not looking in their direction, and not immediately responding to their approach, but she's there. Eyes closed, sitting comfortably.. a continuation of her peaceful solitude from earlier.
The walk back to Nayeli was largely peaceful. Silent, but Kein does not generally view walking in silence to be uncomfortable. Perhaps Sketch does not feel the same, but Kein cannot think of anything to say, so he doesn't bother worrying aboout it. As he spots his mate off in the distance, he smiles, his pace increasing just slightly. Even when there is trouble all around them, he always enjoys seeing her.
She's not trouble! Maybe if the Alsatian was incessantly talking on the journey over, then perhaps... but she was as quiet as the cougar, content to just rehearse her upcoming conversation with the matron. Remembering that Kein mentioned that Nayeli asked to see her, Sketch can't help but tailwag a little in anticipation, pleased that she's apparently been remembered. And not in a bad way, either!
"I must say that you returned a lot sooner than I had anticipated," Nayeli chuffs in amusement once the two have approached to within vocal range. Her pale green eyes study the canine, noting with satisfaction that Sketch still looks to be healthy and in good shape. No claw slashes or bite marks; apparently their pursuers were never able to catch up with them. Excellent. "Once more, welcome to Amaranth."
Were only Kein and Nayeli here, Kein would likely take this opportunity to brag jokingly. He does not want to give Sketch the wrong impression, though, so instead he only smiles to his mate, and leaves to two females to talk. He has no idea what Nayeli actually has planned, but he has done his part of it, or so he thinks. Nayeli has managed to surprise him in the past, though, and she is likely to do so again in the future.
Indeed she is quite alive and well, and Sketch knows that it's largely in part to these two cougars right here. "Matron, thank you for allowing me to visit. I.. hadn't expected to be back so soon, but.." Erf. That didn't come out right. "I mean, I'm glad to be back and all.. well.. I have a message that I was told to give to Ama." There. She said it. Hopefully Nayeli will understand, and.. Kein too? Probably not, but if at least one of them does, then Sketch will consider it a victory. Both of them? More like.. a miracle.
Not expecting to be back so soon? Then why...? Oh. Nayeli looks briefly surprised at the rather odd statement, but gives a quick and assuring nod. "Of course, Sketch. If.. need be, we can always pass along the message to Ama." Her tone is slightly questioning, both to her mate in inquiry of whether he'll allow Sketch to deliver the message personally, and to Sketch herself as to whether or not she'd let either of them talk to Ama instead of her.
When Nayeli said that she suspected Sketch was hanging around because she wanted Nayeli to mentor her, Kein accepted it. What Sketch says, though, surprises him. Ama was not in Amaranth when Skelaghe, Sketch, and Vincent were here. What message could this dog possibly have for the recently returned courgaress? Rather than puzzling over it, he asks. "What is the message, Sketch?" Kein's tone is not unkind, and not without a small hint of curiosity, but he is largely just cautious.
Should she tell them? Or should she give the message directly to Ama? There's the matter of reliability--does she trust these two to deliver the message?--and the matter of confidentiality--would want these two to know what her message is? After a rather obvious hesitation, the dog looks first at Kein, then Nayeli, then back at Kein. "The message is, 'All is well'." Please don't ask what the significance of the message is; /she/ certainly doesn't know! Assuming it's supposed to mean more than the obvious, that Hahnee is doing well in life.
All is well? Nayeli wants to ask who gave this task to Sketch, but that might be going a bit too far. Her mate no doubt will ask anyway, so the matron remains silent, pondering the message. All is well. Hmm. "We'll make sure that Ama receives this message. That's all of it, I'm assuming?"
Kein relaxes a little with the answer. Kein can guess, knowing what he knows of Ama, who the message is from, and what it might mean. He still has to know for sure, though, so even though Nayeli has spoken, has said they'll deliver it, Kein asks, "Who is the message from, Sketch?" Hahnee? The one who was hurt, betrayed, by the news Ama was forced to give him, at Kein's declaration. Or Cheveyo? The less timid one, and the one she did not give the news to personally. The one he has never met.
Would Hahnee be upset if he knew that Sketch had revealed his name as the sender of this message? Well, if she's not going to be the one personally delivering it to Ama, then it's probably best that Kein and Nayeli know its sender, in case Ama asks. "It's from Hahnee, Ama's son." Her head tilts slightly as she looks closely at the male cougar. "Are you going to deliver the message from here, then?" She wouldn't mind getting a chance to talk to Nayeli alone, even if for only a few minutes. There are a few questions she'd like to ask, and it's not that she feels uncomfortable around Kein.. it's just.. okay, maybe she does, at least a little.
Hahnee. The polite one. At least, their first meeting was polite. And, given this message, if there is ever a second meeting, it might be polite too. Kein doesn't know. Regardless, he will make sure that Ama gets this message soon. As soon as he can find her, probably. She was so worried that her timid, quiet son would never forgive her. It will be a pleasant task, for once, for Kein to do, even if it /does/ involve the female within this tribe who has been a large part of the reason Kein has withdrawn from everyone but his family. With a slight nod, kein answers quickly. "I will give her the message, Sketch." Probably better coming from him than from some random dog, anyway.
That being settled, Nayeli now looks inquiringly at her mate. Will he be okay with giving the message to Ama by himself, and letting her stay here with Sketch? If nothing else, Nayeli wants to find out if Sketch is still interested in the training she spoke about a long while back. And if so, perhaps they can work out the details for how to proceed from here? Matron though she be, Nayeli isn't against the thought of traveling outside of Amaranth if needed in order to help out friends. And while she doesn't consider Sketch to be a close friend, like she might consider.. Nium, for example, she /does/ want to keep Amaranth's relationship to this forming canid pack in a positive manner.
Nayeli's look to Kein is met by him approaching her and lowering his head to nuzzle against her gently. Sketch is not comfortable around him. Nayeli is not initiating any conversation. He can take a hint, and leave the girls to themselves, but not without a gentle gesture to his mate before he leaves... And he has no intention of just leaving the two of them be indefinitely. He'll search out Ama, deliver his message, and then make his way back. Nayeli may not have requested his help, not exactly, But he still has a little bit of distrust where Sketch and her companions are concerned. Nothing like the distrust he has felt toward some others, but still...
Sketch looks pleased. The absolute optimal outcome would have allowed her to personally deliver the message, but it could have been far worse. She could have been attacked simply for trying to approach Amaranth, for starters. At least Ama is going to get the message! At Kein's sudden affection toward Nayeli, the Alsatian isn't sure what to say or do now, and so she remains silent, observing and waiting.
Purring at the nuzzle, Nayeli returns in kind, though giving an amused glance over toward the canine. "He's always like this, so don't feel awkward." Her grin turns a little mischievous, and with an added, "But then again, so am I!" she gives him a lick on the cheek before stepping toward Sketch. "One thing your pack might benefit from--strong relationships will result in a strong group." She turns her head around to give Kein a parting smile--and a wink!--before turning her gaze back on the canine. "Speaking of which, how /is/ your pack doing?"
Certainly, without Kein's strong relationship with Nayeli, he would not be half so enthusiastic in his efforts to protect the tribe. It is with a small smile on his face that he makes his way away from the two females, to go find Ama. Just wait until he gets back. He'll pay Nayeli back for her constant teasing and mischeviousness, he tells himself... Especially now that snow has returned to the vast majority of the mountain. The joyful task before him and the fact that Nayeli has something to make her happy has Kein in a playful mood, apparently.
Sketch - Female Dog
Kein - Male Cougar
Nayeli - Female Cougar
- Wind-Blown Lowlands -
As she trots back toward the cougar lands, Sketch can't help but wonder if she ever did meet Ama while living under their protection. The name seems to be familiar, but she can't recall the cougaress' face. 'All is well.' What kind of a message is that, anyway? That's good that all is well, but.. all this trouble just to let Ama know that? The Alsatian gives a mental shrug; given how much she owes to Skelaghe--and now to the cougars as well--who is she to complain about a seemingly pointless messenger task? Besides, though she'd never admit it to anyone.. well.. maybe to Vincent, but then again she tells him /everything/! Okay. /Almost/ everything. There was that one time that--wait, /focus/. Cougars. Right. She'd never admit this to /mostly/ everyone, but Sketch is actually looking forward to seeing the big felines again. Once they were scary monsters, but now their odd features and characteristics are that of friends.
Ever since Nayeli mentioned Sketch to him, Kein has spent a little time outside of Amaranth every day. The permission he gave Skelaghe, Vincent, and Sketch to be in Amaranth was temporary. They left of their own accord. And while he doesn't particularly think that frightened little dog would willingly trespass again, he /would/ feel the need to stress that trespassing isn't appreciated, if he found her within Amaranth. Not a good way to start establishing a link with that pack, so here he is, vaguely following a scent trail previously left by the young canine. It's faint, and he doesn't really expect it to take him anywhere, but it's better than just finding a spot outside of Amaranth to wait and lying down. Well, today, it's better. There have been other days, when his children have kept him up all night after a busy day, when that might have seemed a good idea. Today, though, he is plenty well-rested.
Why couldn't they have stayed here? Sketch loves the flowing grasses, though it does make it rather difficult to see where she's going. No matter; she remembers the way to Amaranth well enough. It's rather hard to miss with the mountain looming in the distance. Sniffsniff.. nothing out of the ordinary. Not yet, anyway. Sketch isn't naive enough to believe that she'll get all that much further without finding signs of the local cougar population.
Kein's first hint that another creature is approaching him is the sound of the grasses, not yet overcome by snow, shifting more than the wind would cause. He stops his slow walk, listening for the direction of the slightly louder than normal sounds. As it becomes obvious that the approaching creature is heading more or less directly for him, he chuffs out a noise that is as much warning as it is greeting, as he has not yet smelled Sketch. He kay be outside fo his territory, but he is not a small animal, so if whatever is out there thinks they are hunting him, they should probably think again.
First the sound, then the scent. It's not the cougaress she was hoping for, but perhaps this cougar can take her to the matron. Sketch yips softly in return as she sits down, waiting to be found. And hoping... that this particular cougar--the chieftain, by the scent--decides to be nice and not chomp on her just because he feels like it. Even if he /is/ friendly, will she be able to persuade him that she has a message for Ama? Hopefully so.
Even if Nayeli hadn't sent him on this task, he still would not be mean to anyone, here outside of Amaranth. Well... Almost anyone. Regardless, as there is a yip in return, Kein relaxes and closes the distance between himself and Sketch, until he can see her through the shifting grasses. At least, he's pretty sure it's Sketch. It could be some other female dog, but her scent is faintly familiar, so... "Good afternoon, Sketch." Yes. He's being nice. At least, as nice as he every is with anyone besides his family.
"Ch-Chieftain," Sketch answers, slightly surprised at the initial shakiness in her own voice. Anxiety? Fear? Adrenaline? She's not sure. "It's.. good to see you again." And she really means it, despite it most likely being only a one-way sentiment. Her eyes briefly note what her nose already told her: Nayeli isn't here with her mate. Hopefully she's not far off; Sketch highly doubts that the Chieftain will be willing for her to travel much further toward the mountain. Perhaps he'll take the message to Ama, in that event?
"It is good to see you too, Sketch." That is not entirely just Kein being polite. He is glad that he can stop the daily treks outside of Amaranth, that Nayeli will get a chance to do what she wants to do for his canine. And, in the interest of being poilte, he asks how her companions are doing. "How is Skelaghe and the others?" How big have they gotten, so far? Kein remembers something about them leaving because they met on of Skelaghe's friends, but that's about it.
Someday, they'll be a real pack. Skel and Helaku, leading them, and Sketch, doing her best to help out where she can. More or less the reason why she's here, anyway. "They're doing well, thanks. It's all because of you and the matron that we are alive at all, and we will never forget what you both have done for us." Sketch's smile is genuine and her voice is confident now, despite talking to a creature that could kill her without much effort at all. Not to mention, of course, that this particular creature really didn't seem to like her in the first place; from Sketch's viewpoint, it was only his mate's intervention that saved her in the first place.
Kein probably would not have /killed/ Sketch, had Nayeli not stepped in. It is very likely that he would have been much less willing to let them into the territory for any amount of time, had it not been for Nayeli, though. And, now, Kein's ability to make small talk has run out, so he shifts the topic to the reason why he is out here. "I was actually out here looking for you." As he suspects that Sketch was on her way to Amaranth. "My mate would like to spend some time with you."
Sketch is left speechless. She was all set to try and convince Kein to either let her go see Ama or to carry the message himself... and now he's /inviting/ her into Amaranth? And to see Nayeli? But why... wait. Could this mean that the matron decided to accept her request of a long time back? Not wanting to jump to conclusions, no matter how encouraging or exciting they might be, Sketch just gives a cautious nod, concentrating on keeping her tail from wagging. "I would be.." She hesitates, searching for the right word. ".. honored."
Kein returns her nods, then turns around. He really isn't good at the whole socializing thing. Even with most of the members of his own tribe, he does not really like speaking at length. Those outside of his tribe... Well, Kein does the best he can, and when he begins walking, his pace is slow enough. "It shouldn't take too long to get there... If she hasn't moved since I left her, earlier."
- Sprawling Mesa -
Oddly enough, Nayeli seems to be waiting for the two. Perhaps not out of a sense of expectation, but she's waiting for them, nonetheless. Not looking in their direction, and not immediately responding to their approach, but she's there. Eyes closed, sitting comfortably.. a continuation of her peaceful solitude from earlier.
The walk back to Nayeli was largely peaceful. Silent, but Kein does not generally view walking in silence to be uncomfortable. Perhaps Sketch does not feel the same, but Kein cannot think of anything to say, so he doesn't bother worrying aboout it. As he spots his mate off in the distance, he smiles, his pace increasing just slightly. Even when there is trouble all around them, he always enjoys seeing her.
She's not trouble! Maybe if the Alsatian was incessantly talking on the journey over, then perhaps... but she was as quiet as the cougar, content to just rehearse her upcoming conversation with the matron. Remembering that Kein mentioned that Nayeli asked to see her, Sketch can't help but tailwag a little in anticipation, pleased that she's apparently been remembered. And not in a bad way, either!
"I must say that you returned a lot sooner than I had anticipated," Nayeli chuffs in amusement once the two have approached to within vocal range. Her pale green eyes study the canine, noting with satisfaction that Sketch still looks to be healthy and in good shape. No claw slashes or bite marks; apparently their pursuers were never able to catch up with them. Excellent. "Once more, welcome to Amaranth."
Were only Kein and Nayeli here, Kein would likely take this opportunity to brag jokingly. He does not want to give Sketch the wrong impression, though, so instead he only smiles to his mate, and leaves to two females to talk. He has no idea what Nayeli actually has planned, but he has done his part of it, or so he thinks. Nayeli has managed to surprise him in the past, though, and she is likely to do so again in the future.
Indeed she is quite alive and well, and Sketch knows that it's largely in part to these two cougars right here. "Matron, thank you for allowing me to visit. I.. hadn't expected to be back so soon, but.." Erf. That didn't come out right. "I mean, I'm glad to be back and all.. well.. I have a message that I was told to give to Ama." There. She said it. Hopefully Nayeli will understand, and.. Kein too? Probably not, but if at least one of them does, then Sketch will consider it a victory. Both of them? More like.. a miracle.
Not expecting to be back so soon? Then why...? Oh. Nayeli looks briefly surprised at the rather odd statement, but gives a quick and assuring nod. "Of course, Sketch. If.. need be, we can always pass along the message to Ama." Her tone is slightly questioning, both to her mate in inquiry of whether he'll allow Sketch to deliver the message personally, and to Sketch herself as to whether or not she'd let either of them talk to Ama instead of her.
When Nayeli said that she suspected Sketch was hanging around because she wanted Nayeli to mentor her, Kein accepted it. What Sketch says, though, surprises him. Ama was not in Amaranth when Skelaghe, Sketch, and Vincent were here. What message could this dog possibly have for the recently returned courgaress? Rather than puzzling over it, he asks. "What is the message, Sketch?" Kein's tone is not unkind, and not without a small hint of curiosity, but he is largely just cautious.
Should she tell them? Or should she give the message directly to Ama? There's the matter of reliability--does she trust these two to deliver the message?--and the matter of confidentiality--would want these two to know what her message is? After a rather obvious hesitation, the dog looks first at Kein, then Nayeli, then back at Kein. "The message is, 'All is well'." Please don't ask what the significance of the message is; /she/ certainly doesn't know! Assuming it's supposed to mean more than the obvious, that Hahnee is doing well in life.
All is well? Nayeli wants to ask who gave this task to Sketch, but that might be going a bit too far. Her mate no doubt will ask anyway, so the matron remains silent, pondering the message. All is well. Hmm. "We'll make sure that Ama receives this message. That's all of it, I'm assuming?"
Kein relaxes a little with the answer. Kein can guess, knowing what he knows of Ama, who the message is from, and what it might mean. He still has to know for sure, though, so even though Nayeli has spoken, has said they'll deliver it, Kein asks, "Who is the message from, Sketch?" Hahnee? The one who was hurt, betrayed, by the news Ama was forced to give him, at Kein's declaration. Or Cheveyo? The less timid one, and the one she did not give the news to personally. The one he has never met.
Would Hahnee be upset if he knew that Sketch had revealed his name as the sender of this message? Well, if she's not going to be the one personally delivering it to Ama, then it's probably best that Kein and Nayeli know its sender, in case Ama asks. "It's from Hahnee, Ama's son." Her head tilts slightly as she looks closely at the male cougar. "Are you going to deliver the message from here, then?" She wouldn't mind getting a chance to talk to Nayeli alone, even if for only a few minutes. There are a few questions she'd like to ask, and it's not that she feels uncomfortable around Kein.. it's just.. okay, maybe she does, at least a little.
Hahnee. The polite one. At least, their first meeting was polite. And, given this message, if there is ever a second meeting, it might be polite too. Kein doesn't know. Regardless, he will make sure that Ama gets this message soon. As soon as he can find her, probably. She was so worried that her timid, quiet son would never forgive her. It will be a pleasant task, for once, for Kein to do, even if it /does/ involve the female within this tribe who has been a large part of the reason Kein has withdrawn from everyone but his family. With a slight nod, kein answers quickly. "I will give her the message, Sketch." Probably better coming from him than from some random dog, anyway.
That being settled, Nayeli now looks inquiringly at her mate. Will he be okay with giving the message to Ama by himself, and letting her stay here with Sketch? If nothing else, Nayeli wants to find out if Sketch is still interested in the training she spoke about a long while back. And if so, perhaps they can work out the details for how to proceed from here? Matron though she be, Nayeli isn't against the thought of traveling outside of Amaranth if needed in order to help out friends. And while she doesn't consider Sketch to be a close friend, like she might consider.. Nium, for example, she /does/ want to keep Amaranth's relationship to this forming canid pack in a positive manner.
Nayeli's look to Kein is met by him approaching her and lowering his head to nuzzle against her gently. Sketch is not comfortable around him. Nayeli is not initiating any conversation. He can take a hint, and leave the girls to themselves, but not without a gentle gesture to his mate before he leaves... And he has no intention of just leaving the two of them be indefinitely. He'll search out Ama, deliver his message, and then make his way back. Nayeli may not have requested his help, not exactly, But he still has a little bit of distrust where Sketch and her companions are concerned. Nothing like the distrust he has felt toward some others, but still...
Sketch looks pleased. The absolute optimal outcome would have allowed her to personally deliver the message, but it could have been far worse. She could have been attacked simply for trying to approach Amaranth, for starters. At least Ama is going to get the message! At Kein's sudden affection toward Nayeli, the Alsatian isn't sure what to say or do now, and so she remains silent, observing and waiting.
Purring at the nuzzle, Nayeli returns in kind, though giving an amused glance over toward the canine. "He's always like this, so don't feel awkward." Her grin turns a little mischievous, and with an added, "But then again, so am I!" she gives him a lick on the cheek before stepping toward Sketch. "One thing your pack might benefit from--strong relationships will result in a strong group." She turns her head around to give Kein a parting smile--and a wink!--before turning her gaze back on the canine. "Speaking of which, how /is/ your pack doing?"
Certainly, without Kein's strong relationship with Nayeli, he would not be half so enthusiastic in his efforts to protect the tribe. It is with a small smile on his face that he makes his way away from the two females, to go find Ama. Just wait until he gets back. He'll pay Nayeli back for her constant teasing and mischeviousness, he tells himself... Especially now that snow has returned to the vast majority of the mountain. The joyful task before him and the fact that Nayeli has something to make her happy has Kein in a playful mood, apparently.