Post by Curiosity on May 12, 2009 15:12:44 GMT -5
Characters Involved:
Haze, male wolf, Lazuli alpha
Cyrus, male wolf, Lazuli beta
Eclipse, female wolfdog, Lazuli beta
Kein, male cougar, Amaranth chieftain
Nayeli, female cougar, Amaranth matron
=== Rolling Foothills ===
It's been a couple of days since they first arrived at the base of the mountain, and each of them has spent the interim time exploring the surrounding areas -- and in Haze's case, at least, meeting a few of the local residents. But they've all gathered into their trio once again, and the brindle-furred male's eyes are lifted towards the hill, following the slope up to the top with a determined look on his face. Not only does the mountain potentially hold answers to their questions, but it also harbors his former home as well. Turning back to his traveling companions and looking at each canid in turn, he inquires: "Ready?"
Cyrus has grown progressively more nervous as they came close to the mountains and it got close to the time when they'd have to face the big cats. However if Cyrus were extremely nervous - he wasn't showing it. He stands protectively beside Eclipse, leaning against her shoulders slightly before his head dips to Haze's questions, "As I'll ever be.." voice is deep, something that had changed gradually from his adolesence to adulthood. Steely eyes shift to his mate and he nips her cheek fur slightly; either encouragement for her or himself.
Eclipse ears perk while she follows along at Cyrus side, her tail swaying while her gaze drifts over the area and she then looks towards Haze and nods while taking in a slight breath. "Same here.." Is offered while she glances to Cyrus and nuzzles back at his neck softly.
Haze quietly nods, swinging his head back around toward the looming slope, the path that leads to cougar territory. Even here, at the base, the scent of large felines can be picked up without much effort. Inhaling deeply to ready himself, he takes the first couple of steps up the slope, leading the beta pair along with him.
=== Sloping Gradient ===
Cyrus doesn't say much as they near their destination. He lets his gaze shift to Eclipse and he can't help but smile gently. His tail sways, almost like a wag; something he'd picked up from her. Ears flick forwards curiously, his attention shifting around the area with great interest; either interest or caution. The male is noticeabley tense but he gives himself a good shake as they move, grunting faintly as he does so.
Eclipse lifts her head, maw twitching and ears perking while she follows along after Haze and still at Cyrus's side. Her tail twitches showing that she is nervous. A glance is offered to Cyrus and she leans over to give his neck a soft nip to try and help relax him. No reason to get all worked up when they haven't found anyone yet..
The scent of cougars is stronger here, but Haze doesn't feel comfortable stopping on the narrow slope -- he'd rather bring the three of them up into a more open area, even if it means potentially encroaching on the edges of cougar territory. Fortunately for the traveling trio, there are no newborns taking up residence in the half-hidden den here, or else they'd likely have an even angrier set of cougars on their paws. Pressing onward, he leads them up the slope and out onto the flat lands just beyond.
=== Sprawling Mesa ===
Eclipse maw twitches at the thick scent of cougar all around them, which causes her to slow a few steps. Her gaze drifts around maw twitching while her ears perk forward and then back. She glances over the air, head lifting as she catches sight of what may be a den some distance off. "I think we're getting closer to 'em.." She murmurs faintly.
Haze sniffs at the air when Eclipse mentions it, catching the scent of a male cougar's marking in the area as well. "Yeah...I think we should probably stop here and let them come to us." Lest they trespass even further and the felines take offense. Shifting his weight slightly, he tilts his muzzle back in a howl, figuring it best to announce their presence immediately than risk surprising the cougars taking up residence here.
At the Sprawling Mesa, Haze howls.
Cyrus slides back on his haunches and waits. The howl gets a flick from his ear and Cyrus' jaw sets, teeth almost gritting. Steele blue eyes shift along the landscape as his nose flares and muzzle lifts slightly into the air. He shifts very protectively closer and somewhat ahead of Eclipse before he settles back on his haunches again. Cyrus stays quiet, the only sound coming from him being a strained grunt from his throat.
Eclipse presses closer to Cyrus, her side against his while her ears twitch forward and then to the sides as she listions for any sort of responce that may come to answer the howl. "Do you think they'll come?" She questions softly.
Haze lowers his muzzle as the calling howl trails off, pointed ear swiveling back at Eclipse's quiet question. "I'm sure they will. Especially if they hear someone on their territory." Certainly all animals are defensive of their homelands, but in his mind, cougars especially are. Granted, he's not had much interactions with the large felines, but anything that big surely must be.
Will 'they' come? How could 'they' not? Kein had wholly intended to stick near the center of his territory, searching for that troublesome cub. The howl coming from entirely too near, in the south, got him moving, though, and quickly. Curse that cub! Had it not been for Ashen... and Kaya... And Ama... And Jinx... Kein would have been devoting his time mostly to the borders, and he might have caught strange creatures /before/ they could have gotten into Amaranth. As it is, Kein is simply of a mind to prevent them from getting any further into Amaranth, and even as he comes into sight of the three wolves, an achingly long while after the howl was sounded, he is running, his long legs carrying him quickly over the ground.
As they wait, it seems like time is crushing his shoulders. His brows furrow; why can't these cats just hurry up and show their faces. As if he thought too soon Cyrus can pick up the approaching figure of the male cougar in the distance; and he was closing in fast. The beta stands, fur prickling along his shoulders and back but he remains quiet. He plants himself protectively beside Haze and ahead of Eclipse who falls silent, her eyes widening. It was one thing to talk about going to see the cougars; and an entirely different thing to actually see them. Cyrus glances to Haze and sets his jaw, "Well... here goes nothing.."
Haze is certainly not intending to proceed any further into Amaranth - he may be a novice at alphadom, but he's not dumb - as may be evidenced by the fact that the trio, while standing alertly, is not moving past their current position. But when he sights a large male cougar coming -- no, /running/ -- towards them, Haze can't help but quickly take a few steps backwards, nearer to the southeast corner of the mesa. The pebbles that his paws kick up can be heard click-clacking their way down the sheer drop to the lowlands far below, and Haze's ears and tail lower anxiously and submissively. Oh, Luna, please don't let him shove us off into oblivion right back into our own lands. He says nothing, yet -- he'll let the cougar determine what he wants to hear.
Shoving them off of the mountain would be gratifying, doubtlessly... But Kein /is/ cautious about taking his anger out on animals that don't deserve it. Oh, these wolves have certainly earned /some/ anger, simply for the fact that they are /here/. Not enough anger to justify harming them, though. At least not yet. The encounter with Helaku is still fresh in his mind, though, and if these wolves are associated with that one... Kein stops well out of leaping range. Hardly close enough to speak without raising his voice. He is, after all, outnumbered, and three wolves could surely cause him some damage, even if they may not be able to kill him. Despite the speed at which he was running, and how little time he has had to observe these three, he has noticed that they aren't trying to get any further into Amaranth. Even so... "You know where you are." In a claimed territory. Without welcome. "What do you want?" Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we?
The ashen male moves backwards, slowly and possibly not as rock skittery as his alpha. Eyes narrow faintly and Cyrus' fur spikes up as he finally stops moving as the approaching cougar comes to a halt. His tail and ears remain neutral, head level with his shoulders. As the feline speaks, a corner of the beta's mouth twitches. An ear turns back towards his mate who's a few degrees behind him and awaits for Haze to take his place before him. Cyrus doesn't answer the male cougars question, it wasn't his job to answer, so he waits for Haze's voice to break the wolves silence. He can be the negotiator; Cyrus just hopes this cougar wasn't the one who killed his father. For all of their sakes.
Haze has to force himself to remain steady when faced with such a large predator -- perhaps this is how deer feel before they're taken down -- but with a glance towards the beta pair, the mountain-born male knows that this is now his responsibility. Taking a deep breath, he pads forward again, just enough to stand slightly ahead of the other two canines without drawing too near to the territory-holding male. "We are of the Lazuli pack -- I am Haze, the alpha. Our last alpha was killed by a cougar, and his family have been searching for answers ever since." He clears his throat, then continues. "We thought it might be worth coming to visit the tribe that I had learned of as a pup and seeing if they might know of any trouble-makers in the area who may be responsible for the senseless murder of a beloved father." Definitely not accusing this male or his harem of being behind it. Merely asking.
This male wolf is a lot more polite than the last one, even for having invited himself into Amaranth, which Helaku did not do. Kein just barely glances at the other two wolves, keeping his eyes, instead, on Haze. He remains silent for a moment, thinking. How many troublesome cougars could be out there. "My mate was recently attacked, but by a pair of cougars. Not just one." Revan and Malak. Cheveyo and Hahnee. If the former alpha was killed by a single cougar, though... Then Azriel has to come to mind.
Haze 's brow furrows slightly at this information, casting a glance aside before allowing his eyes to meet the cougar's intense gaze again. "I...do not know if more than one was responsible. I only know that I saw a male leaving the area shortly after I came across..." he trails off, looking back at Cyrus briefly before continuing, "the body. I realize that's not much to go off of, but given what I've heard from both another wolf in the area and now you, I doubt there can be terribly many suspects to consider?" Well, as a matter of fact...
Of course, of all the cougars Kein could name, only one of the groups has a documented aversion to dogs and wolves, at least that Kein knows of. Why would Azriel have attacked and killed some random wolf? It's not that it couldn't have happened, but... Why? "A while ago, two dogs and a wolf came to us, seeking shelter from some cougars who had chased them from their home to the north. If these were the same cougars who later killed that dog, and attacked my mate... Their names are Malak and Revan, and they /are/ trouble." At least, according to Aylin, who seems to know those two fairly well.
Her mate might be able to run faster, but it's the fact that he'll get there before she will that gives Nayeli the extra boost of adrenaline-laced speed she needs to traverse a good part of Amaranth territory in record time. The howl was surprising, to say the least, and Nayeli can't begin to guess as to why a wolf would be so bold as to broadcast its presence here on /cougar/ territory. And with the way her mate has been lately? If she gets there before blood is shed, it'll be a miracle. Faster and faster, the matron's paws thump and pound on the ground as she utilizes every muscle in her body to propel her toward the south. Toward the mesa.
He listens quietly, as does his mate behind him, to the Lazuli alpha and the cougar speaking. Cyrus catches the look Haze gives him as he speaks of finding his fathers mangled corpse. His jaw tense and Cyrus' blue eyes narrow faintly. As the feline speaks the names of the two, Cyrus' ears flatten and his lip quivers involuntarily. He stores the names in his memory and takes a deep breath; /Relax Cyrus../. He leans against Eclipse for comfort but doesn't let his gaze leave the large cat before them as he speaks to his Alpha.
Haze too makes a mental note of the names - and the warning. If it's given by such an intimidating large male as this, then they must be. "So I see. Forgive me if it's presumptuous of me to suggest, but...surely if everyone they've affected bands together, their threat can be, ah, removed? With our family, the other pack I met, and your tribe's support, I can't imagine we wouldn't all be more than a match against a pair of cougars."
Kein continues to watch Haze. While it may be an interesting proposition... It presents some logistical difficulties, primarily focused around Kein's reluctance to abandon his land for any period of time. Not to mention, if this 'other pack' includes Helaku, which seems more likely than that the other pack is the one to the north of Amaranth... Kein rather thinks he would prefer thrashing Helaku to working with him. "That would be rather difficult, with us so spread out and their nomadic nature..." Kein, at least, has no idea where Malak and Revan currently are... But he does know a couple cougaresses who might...
The last she saw of the brothers is the last she ever wants to see of them. One of the brothers had just made short and bloody work of Sketch, and the other had Nayeli's throat between his fangs. Yes, she'll be quite happy if they never show up again. Now that she's finally close enough to hear the voices and see the wolves--three of them(!)--she can let herself slow down to a brisk trot, still trying to exude confidence and the faintest touch of severity. Not that she's looking for a fight in the slightest, but it would be wise, no doubt, to make it very clear, up front, that this is /cougar/ land, and these wolves are allowed here only at Kein's pleasure. Tail lashing behind her, Nayeli steps forward to approach the side of her mate, pale green eyes narrowed and staring at the three lupines, all of them strangers.
Haze doesn't want to return to his pack a failure -- but then again, was he really expecting to come home dragging the corpses of the ones responsible for Felstride's death behind him? Perhaps not. At least they have their names and a few more answers to bring back with them when they return. The brindled wolf nods in response to Kein's answer, not wanting to push the issue after they've already intruded on the male's lands -- he was kind enough to give them the answers they wanted (and not attack first and ask questions later), so he'll return the generosity with a swift retreat. Especially now that another cougar has arrived, apparently the chieftain's mate. He turns to Cyrus and Eclipse, speaking quietly as an aside to them. "Well, we got what we came for. If nothing else, we at least know who specifically to watch out for." He just hopes it's enough for the close-knit family. "You two can head home now, if you want...but if it's all right, I'd like to see my family again before I return." Well, he's the -alpha-, so of course it's all right...but perhaps it's not entirely up to him. Indeed, the male swings his head back around to consider the pair of cougars before inquiring: "Though I am of the Lazuli, I was born into the Viridian pack in the valley north of here...if it's not too much trouble, may I request permission to pass through your lands to visit them?"
Kein is more than surprised to seem Nayeli come up beside him. He doesn't allow her appearance to cause him to take his eyes off the other three for long, though, even though her arrival does have him a bit calmer. They may still be outnumbered, but on the chance that the visitors /do/ choose to do something foolish, there could be no doubt, now, that he and Nayeli would be able to triumph. As for the male wolf's question, though... "You may travel through our lands /with/ an escort." Nayeli and Kein may be able to beat a single wolf, but there are still smaller cubs within Amaranth who would not be so capable of doing so.
Cyrus lets his gaze flit to the female as she arrives and Cyrus tenses. He backs up closer, and very protectively, to Eclipses side and twitches an ear. He listens to them speak and as Haze speaks to Cyrus his blue eyes widen briefly, "Are you out of your mind?" he rumbles. Though Cyrus knows the feeling of having to see family. The male shakes his head and nudges Eclipse back towards the way home. As she moves off to wait for him at a safer distance Cyrus glances back to Haze and stares at him for a few moments, "Be safe.." His sister, Haze's mate, did just give birth, "You know when we come back without you she'll freak.." Cyrus gives his Alpha a low dip of his head before he lets his gaze flicker to the cougar pair. They linger there before the Beta turns and trots to meet his mate.
Haze nods, having expected such a stipulation. "I appreciate it." At Cyrus' outburst, he grins sheepishly. "I know...tell Lark I love her and I'll be home again soon. I promise I won't stay there long." The valley wolves may be family, but his relationship with them is only slightly better than estranged. As the beta pair turns to start heading back down the slope and towards their family again, Haze returns his gaze to the felines standing before him. "Shall we leave now?" he asks, his tone questioning, not expectant. He's not about to rush a pair of cougars.
Kein watches for a moment as Cyrus and Eclipse head off. During this time, his ear flicks when Haze asks his question, but before he answers, he looks from the retreating forms of Haze's companions to his mate. Why is she here? What about...? Fighting back a sigh as he wishes he could rub against Nayeli, and rather doubting she would welcome the gesture, he looks back to Haze. "Yes... Let's go." After speaking to the wolf, Kein turns to head further into his territory.
Nayeli throws a glance over to her mate, wondering if he's going to make this wolf wait until they've successfully found Ashen. Then again, can they just leave a potentially dangerous wolf in their territory without someone to guard him? And who better to guard than Kein? Yet she still waits to see if he wants her to accompany him on this.. escort mission. She'd rather be out looking for that poor boycub than being in close proximity to a stranger, but if her mate needs her help, then her priorities are clear. And yet there's nothing, other than the briefest of looks. Feeling a little rebuffed, Nayeli turns to leave as well, tail still lashing a bit in irritation. Fine, be that way! Not like she's exhausted from just having run all the way from the northern border or anything because she was afraid her mate might be in trouble.
--- After the passage through Amaranth... ---
=== Wooded Terrain ===
The majority of the trip is made in silence. Kein has other things on his mind than just making small talk with this wolf. As they approach the northern border of Amaranth, though, Kein finally speaks up, mentioning something that has been on his mind for a large portion of the trip here. "I cannot promise you anything, Haze..." Nor would he, even if he were absolutely sure he could find out where Malak and Revan are. "But I will ask around. I may be able to find out where Malak and Revan currently are... And if I do, I could try to make sure that information gets to you."
Haze doesn't mind the quiet -- he's no fan of small talk himself. But when the cougar speaks, the brindle-furred wolf's head lifts, ears pricking alertly as he listens. "Thank you..." He would address the other male by title, or even by name, but he knows neither, and he can assume that felines don't use the same titles as canines. So he just leaves it at that. As they emerge from the woods, he recognizes the lake ahead from his youth, and a series of mixed emotions wash over him. Turning to Kein, he solemnly nods once, murmuring another note of gratitude. "Thank you, again. I appreciate your kindness." 'Kind' may not be a frequent descriptor of the chieftain, but Haze has no reason to believe otherwise in his limited experiences with him.
Has Kein been distrustful of everyone outside of Amaranth recently? Well, yeah. He has even been distrustful of some animals /in/ Amaranth. Has he gone a little far with that distrust, though? He's not sure. His encounters with Ama would tell him that he has, while his encounters with Jinx and Kaya... Stopping at the edge of the trees, Kein asks, "Where is your pack, Haze?" Kein knows little of where different groups reside, outside of Amaranth, anymore. How much land really does seperate his tribe from Haze's pack? How long will his companions have to walk through unclaimed territory to get back to relative safety? And, perhaps more relevant, where should he send whatever messenger he might charge with getting that information to Haze?
Haze pauses soon after the cougar does, having learned proper manners from his mother as a pup. "Well, the Lazuli originally lived in the forest, to the north. But after the attack, we moved south for refuge, to the plains just east of the mountain." They're not too far from the Amaranth, really -- in fact, if Kein were to look over the edge of the mesa, he might be able to see some of the Lazuli wolves milling about in the lowlands beneath.
Just east of the mountain? Kein is perhaps more familiar with Haze's home than the Lazuli alpha knows. As far as what he should do about how close Haze's land is to his land... "I don't think it would take a bird long to reach your land from mine." Long enough for plenty to die, sure, but... With a downward twitch of his muzzle, the vaguest hint of a frown, Kein finishes with, "If you require any assistance, ask. We'll do what we can." Again, no promises... But Aylin told him he should kill Malak and Revan if he got a chance. He told himself the same thing. Could he really ignore it if either were so near as Lazuli, and surrounded by wolves who would surely be willing to help Kein, to that end?
Haze nods again in response to Kein's words, taking them to mind - and heart. "I appreciate it. Rest assured that the offer is mutual." Until he is given some reason to no longer trust those he has met, the new alpha deems it better to make more friends than enemies in his explorations of the local territories. "Thank you for the safe passage. I think I'll take the scenic route around the northern ridge of the mountain when I return home, so you won't need to worry about me returning through your lands. But I'm sure we'll meet again." He starts to pad away to the north, then pauses, turning back with a subtle smile. "What's your name, by the way?"
Kein is amazed by his own thoughtlessness when Haze finally asks his name. Did he ever tell Helaku his name? He can't remember if he did. Neither does he remember that anything seemed rude during that encounter except for the wolf's behaviour. Now, he realizes /exactly/ how far his hospitality has fallen, and it disturbs him, just slightly. When he first confronted Haze, he was hardly thinking about introductions... But he /really/ should have introduced himself once things calmed down, once it became obvious that he wasn't going to have to physically defend Amaranth. With the hint of what might be an apologetic tone, he says, "I am Kein, the Chieftain of this land. Amaranth."
Haze certainly doesn't seem offended by or admonishing of Kein's lack of introduction, continuing to smile faintly as he acknowledges the name and title with a nod. "Keep well, Chieftain of Amaranth." With that, he turns back towards the north, and the valley beyond, with the slightest of hesitations before he sets off towards his birth-home.
Haze, male wolf, Lazuli alpha
Cyrus, male wolf, Lazuli beta
Eclipse, female wolfdog, Lazuli beta
Kein, male cougar, Amaranth chieftain
Nayeli, female cougar, Amaranth matron
=== Rolling Foothills ===
It's been a couple of days since they first arrived at the base of the mountain, and each of them has spent the interim time exploring the surrounding areas -- and in Haze's case, at least, meeting a few of the local residents. But they've all gathered into their trio once again, and the brindle-furred male's eyes are lifted towards the hill, following the slope up to the top with a determined look on his face. Not only does the mountain potentially hold answers to their questions, but it also harbors his former home as well. Turning back to his traveling companions and looking at each canid in turn, he inquires: "Ready?"
Cyrus has grown progressively more nervous as they came close to the mountains and it got close to the time when they'd have to face the big cats. However if Cyrus were extremely nervous - he wasn't showing it. He stands protectively beside Eclipse, leaning against her shoulders slightly before his head dips to Haze's questions, "As I'll ever be.." voice is deep, something that had changed gradually from his adolesence to adulthood. Steely eyes shift to his mate and he nips her cheek fur slightly; either encouragement for her or himself.
Eclipse ears perk while she follows along at Cyrus side, her tail swaying while her gaze drifts over the area and she then looks towards Haze and nods while taking in a slight breath. "Same here.." Is offered while she glances to Cyrus and nuzzles back at his neck softly.
Haze quietly nods, swinging his head back around toward the looming slope, the path that leads to cougar territory. Even here, at the base, the scent of large felines can be picked up without much effort. Inhaling deeply to ready himself, he takes the first couple of steps up the slope, leading the beta pair along with him.
=== Sloping Gradient ===
Cyrus doesn't say much as they near their destination. He lets his gaze shift to Eclipse and he can't help but smile gently. His tail sways, almost like a wag; something he'd picked up from her. Ears flick forwards curiously, his attention shifting around the area with great interest; either interest or caution. The male is noticeabley tense but he gives himself a good shake as they move, grunting faintly as he does so.
Eclipse lifts her head, maw twitching and ears perking while she follows along after Haze and still at Cyrus's side. Her tail twitches showing that she is nervous. A glance is offered to Cyrus and she leans over to give his neck a soft nip to try and help relax him. No reason to get all worked up when they haven't found anyone yet..
The scent of cougars is stronger here, but Haze doesn't feel comfortable stopping on the narrow slope -- he'd rather bring the three of them up into a more open area, even if it means potentially encroaching on the edges of cougar territory. Fortunately for the traveling trio, there are no newborns taking up residence in the half-hidden den here, or else they'd likely have an even angrier set of cougars on their paws. Pressing onward, he leads them up the slope and out onto the flat lands just beyond.
=== Sprawling Mesa ===
Eclipse maw twitches at the thick scent of cougar all around them, which causes her to slow a few steps. Her gaze drifts around maw twitching while her ears perk forward and then back. She glances over the air, head lifting as she catches sight of what may be a den some distance off. "I think we're getting closer to 'em.." She murmurs faintly.
Haze sniffs at the air when Eclipse mentions it, catching the scent of a male cougar's marking in the area as well. "Yeah...I think we should probably stop here and let them come to us." Lest they trespass even further and the felines take offense. Shifting his weight slightly, he tilts his muzzle back in a howl, figuring it best to announce their presence immediately than risk surprising the cougars taking up residence here.
At the Sprawling Mesa, Haze howls.
Cyrus slides back on his haunches and waits. The howl gets a flick from his ear and Cyrus' jaw sets, teeth almost gritting. Steele blue eyes shift along the landscape as his nose flares and muzzle lifts slightly into the air. He shifts very protectively closer and somewhat ahead of Eclipse before he settles back on his haunches again. Cyrus stays quiet, the only sound coming from him being a strained grunt from his throat.
Eclipse presses closer to Cyrus, her side against his while her ears twitch forward and then to the sides as she listions for any sort of responce that may come to answer the howl. "Do you think they'll come?" She questions softly.
Haze lowers his muzzle as the calling howl trails off, pointed ear swiveling back at Eclipse's quiet question. "I'm sure they will. Especially if they hear someone on their territory." Certainly all animals are defensive of their homelands, but in his mind, cougars especially are. Granted, he's not had much interactions with the large felines, but anything that big surely must be.
Will 'they' come? How could 'they' not? Kein had wholly intended to stick near the center of his territory, searching for that troublesome cub. The howl coming from entirely too near, in the south, got him moving, though, and quickly. Curse that cub! Had it not been for Ashen... and Kaya... And Ama... And Jinx... Kein would have been devoting his time mostly to the borders, and he might have caught strange creatures /before/ they could have gotten into Amaranth. As it is, Kein is simply of a mind to prevent them from getting any further into Amaranth, and even as he comes into sight of the three wolves, an achingly long while after the howl was sounded, he is running, his long legs carrying him quickly over the ground.
As they wait, it seems like time is crushing his shoulders. His brows furrow; why can't these cats just hurry up and show their faces. As if he thought too soon Cyrus can pick up the approaching figure of the male cougar in the distance; and he was closing in fast. The beta stands, fur prickling along his shoulders and back but he remains quiet. He plants himself protectively beside Haze and ahead of Eclipse who falls silent, her eyes widening. It was one thing to talk about going to see the cougars; and an entirely different thing to actually see them. Cyrus glances to Haze and sets his jaw, "Well... here goes nothing.."
Haze is certainly not intending to proceed any further into Amaranth - he may be a novice at alphadom, but he's not dumb - as may be evidenced by the fact that the trio, while standing alertly, is not moving past their current position. But when he sights a large male cougar coming -- no, /running/ -- towards them, Haze can't help but quickly take a few steps backwards, nearer to the southeast corner of the mesa. The pebbles that his paws kick up can be heard click-clacking their way down the sheer drop to the lowlands far below, and Haze's ears and tail lower anxiously and submissively. Oh, Luna, please don't let him shove us off into oblivion right back into our own lands. He says nothing, yet -- he'll let the cougar determine what he wants to hear.
Shoving them off of the mountain would be gratifying, doubtlessly... But Kein /is/ cautious about taking his anger out on animals that don't deserve it. Oh, these wolves have certainly earned /some/ anger, simply for the fact that they are /here/. Not enough anger to justify harming them, though. At least not yet. The encounter with Helaku is still fresh in his mind, though, and if these wolves are associated with that one... Kein stops well out of leaping range. Hardly close enough to speak without raising his voice. He is, after all, outnumbered, and three wolves could surely cause him some damage, even if they may not be able to kill him. Despite the speed at which he was running, and how little time he has had to observe these three, he has noticed that they aren't trying to get any further into Amaranth. Even so... "You know where you are." In a claimed territory. Without welcome. "What do you want?" Let's skip the pleasantries, shall we?
The ashen male moves backwards, slowly and possibly not as rock skittery as his alpha. Eyes narrow faintly and Cyrus' fur spikes up as he finally stops moving as the approaching cougar comes to a halt. His tail and ears remain neutral, head level with his shoulders. As the feline speaks, a corner of the beta's mouth twitches. An ear turns back towards his mate who's a few degrees behind him and awaits for Haze to take his place before him. Cyrus doesn't answer the male cougars question, it wasn't his job to answer, so he waits for Haze's voice to break the wolves silence. He can be the negotiator; Cyrus just hopes this cougar wasn't the one who killed his father. For all of their sakes.
Haze has to force himself to remain steady when faced with such a large predator -- perhaps this is how deer feel before they're taken down -- but with a glance towards the beta pair, the mountain-born male knows that this is now his responsibility. Taking a deep breath, he pads forward again, just enough to stand slightly ahead of the other two canines without drawing too near to the territory-holding male. "We are of the Lazuli pack -- I am Haze, the alpha. Our last alpha was killed by a cougar, and his family have been searching for answers ever since." He clears his throat, then continues. "We thought it might be worth coming to visit the tribe that I had learned of as a pup and seeing if they might know of any trouble-makers in the area who may be responsible for the senseless murder of a beloved father." Definitely not accusing this male or his harem of being behind it. Merely asking.
This male wolf is a lot more polite than the last one, even for having invited himself into Amaranth, which Helaku did not do. Kein just barely glances at the other two wolves, keeping his eyes, instead, on Haze. He remains silent for a moment, thinking. How many troublesome cougars could be out there. "My mate was recently attacked, but by a pair of cougars. Not just one." Revan and Malak. Cheveyo and Hahnee. If the former alpha was killed by a single cougar, though... Then Azriel has to come to mind.
Haze 's brow furrows slightly at this information, casting a glance aside before allowing his eyes to meet the cougar's intense gaze again. "I...do not know if more than one was responsible. I only know that I saw a male leaving the area shortly after I came across..." he trails off, looking back at Cyrus briefly before continuing, "the body. I realize that's not much to go off of, but given what I've heard from both another wolf in the area and now you, I doubt there can be terribly many suspects to consider?" Well, as a matter of fact...
Of course, of all the cougars Kein could name, only one of the groups has a documented aversion to dogs and wolves, at least that Kein knows of. Why would Azriel have attacked and killed some random wolf? It's not that it couldn't have happened, but... Why? "A while ago, two dogs and a wolf came to us, seeking shelter from some cougars who had chased them from their home to the north. If these were the same cougars who later killed that dog, and attacked my mate... Their names are Malak and Revan, and they /are/ trouble." At least, according to Aylin, who seems to know those two fairly well.
Her mate might be able to run faster, but it's the fact that he'll get there before she will that gives Nayeli the extra boost of adrenaline-laced speed she needs to traverse a good part of Amaranth territory in record time. The howl was surprising, to say the least, and Nayeli can't begin to guess as to why a wolf would be so bold as to broadcast its presence here on /cougar/ territory. And with the way her mate has been lately? If she gets there before blood is shed, it'll be a miracle. Faster and faster, the matron's paws thump and pound on the ground as she utilizes every muscle in her body to propel her toward the south. Toward the mesa.
He listens quietly, as does his mate behind him, to the Lazuli alpha and the cougar speaking. Cyrus catches the look Haze gives him as he speaks of finding his fathers mangled corpse. His jaw tense and Cyrus' blue eyes narrow faintly. As the feline speaks the names of the two, Cyrus' ears flatten and his lip quivers involuntarily. He stores the names in his memory and takes a deep breath; /Relax Cyrus../. He leans against Eclipse for comfort but doesn't let his gaze leave the large cat before them as he speaks to his Alpha.
Haze too makes a mental note of the names - and the warning. If it's given by such an intimidating large male as this, then they must be. "So I see. Forgive me if it's presumptuous of me to suggest, but...surely if everyone they've affected bands together, their threat can be, ah, removed? With our family, the other pack I met, and your tribe's support, I can't imagine we wouldn't all be more than a match against a pair of cougars."
Kein continues to watch Haze. While it may be an interesting proposition... It presents some logistical difficulties, primarily focused around Kein's reluctance to abandon his land for any period of time. Not to mention, if this 'other pack' includes Helaku, which seems more likely than that the other pack is the one to the north of Amaranth... Kein rather thinks he would prefer thrashing Helaku to working with him. "That would be rather difficult, with us so spread out and their nomadic nature..." Kein, at least, has no idea where Malak and Revan currently are... But he does know a couple cougaresses who might...
The last she saw of the brothers is the last she ever wants to see of them. One of the brothers had just made short and bloody work of Sketch, and the other had Nayeli's throat between his fangs. Yes, she'll be quite happy if they never show up again. Now that she's finally close enough to hear the voices and see the wolves--three of them(!)--she can let herself slow down to a brisk trot, still trying to exude confidence and the faintest touch of severity. Not that she's looking for a fight in the slightest, but it would be wise, no doubt, to make it very clear, up front, that this is /cougar/ land, and these wolves are allowed here only at Kein's pleasure. Tail lashing behind her, Nayeli steps forward to approach the side of her mate, pale green eyes narrowed and staring at the three lupines, all of them strangers.
Haze doesn't want to return to his pack a failure -- but then again, was he really expecting to come home dragging the corpses of the ones responsible for Felstride's death behind him? Perhaps not. At least they have their names and a few more answers to bring back with them when they return. The brindled wolf nods in response to Kein's answer, not wanting to push the issue after they've already intruded on the male's lands -- he was kind enough to give them the answers they wanted (and not attack first and ask questions later), so he'll return the generosity with a swift retreat. Especially now that another cougar has arrived, apparently the chieftain's mate. He turns to Cyrus and Eclipse, speaking quietly as an aside to them. "Well, we got what we came for. If nothing else, we at least know who specifically to watch out for." He just hopes it's enough for the close-knit family. "You two can head home now, if you want...but if it's all right, I'd like to see my family again before I return." Well, he's the -alpha-, so of course it's all right...but perhaps it's not entirely up to him. Indeed, the male swings his head back around to consider the pair of cougars before inquiring: "Though I am of the Lazuli, I was born into the Viridian pack in the valley north of here...if it's not too much trouble, may I request permission to pass through your lands to visit them?"
Kein is more than surprised to seem Nayeli come up beside him. He doesn't allow her appearance to cause him to take his eyes off the other three for long, though, even though her arrival does have him a bit calmer. They may still be outnumbered, but on the chance that the visitors /do/ choose to do something foolish, there could be no doubt, now, that he and Nayeli would be able to triumph. As for the male wolf's question, though... "You may travel through our lands /with/ an escort." Nayeli and Kein may be able to beat a single wolf, but there are still smaller cubs within Amaranth who would not be so capable of doing so.
Cyrus lets his gaze flit to the female as she arrives and Cyrus tenses. He backs up closer, and very protectively, to Eclipses side and twitches an ear. He listens to them speak and as Haze speaks to Cyrus his blue eyes widen briefly, "Are you out of your mind?" he rumbles. Though Cyrus knows the feeling of having to see family. The male shakes his head and nudges Eclipse back towards the way home. As she moves off to wait for him at a safer distance Cyrus glances back to Haze and stares at him for a few moments, "Be safe.." His sister, Haze's mate, did just give birth, "You know when we come back without you she'll freak.." Cyrus gives his Alpha a low dip of his head before he lets his gaze flicker to the cougar pair. They linger there before the Beta turns and trots to meet his mate.
Haze nods, having expected such a stipulation. "I appreciate it." At Cyrus' outburst, he grins sheepishly. "I know...tell Lark I love her and I'll be home again soon. I promise I won't stay there long." The valley wolves may be family, but his relationship with them is only slightly better than estranged. As the beta pair turns to start heading back down the slope and towards their family again, Haze returns his gaze to the felines standing before him. "Shall we leave now?" he asks, his tone questioning, not expectant. He's not about to rush a pair of cougars.
Kein watches for a moment as Cyrus and Eclipse head off. During this time, his ear flicks when Haze asks his question, but before he answers, he looks from the retreating forms of Haze's companions to his mate. Why is she here? What about...? Fighting back a sigh as he wishes he could rub against Nayeli, and rather doubting she would welcome the gesture, he looks back to Haze. "Yes... Let's go." After speaking to the wolf, Kein turns to head further into his territory.
Nayeli throws a glance over to her mate, wondering if he's going to make this wolf wait until they've successfully found Ashen. Then again, can they just leave a potentially dangerous wolf in their territory without someone to guard him? And who better to guard than Kein? Yet she still waits to see if he wants her to accompany him on this.. escort mission. She'd rather be out looking for that poor boycub than being in close proximity to a stranger, but if her mate needs her help, then her priorities are clear. And yet there's nothing, other than the briefest of looks. Feeling a little rebuffed, Nayeli turns to leave as well, tail still lashing a bit in irritation. Fine, be that way! Not like she's exhausted from just having run all the way from the northern border or anything because she was afraid her mate might be in trouble.
--- After the passage through Amaranth... ---
=== Wooded Terrain ===
The majority of the trip is made in silence. Kein has other things on his mind than just making small talk with this wolf. As they approach the northern border of Amaranth, though, Kein finally speaks up, mentioning something that has been on his mind for a large portion of the trip here. "I cannot promise you anything, Haze..." Nor would he, even if he were absolutely sure he could find out where Malak and Revan are. "But I will ask around. I may be able to find out where Malak and Revan currently are... And if I do, I could try to make sure that information gets to you."
Haze doesn't mind the quiet -- he's no fan of small talk himself. But when the cougar speaks, the brindle-furred wolf's head lifts, ears pricking alertly as he listens. "Thank you..." He would address the other male by title, or even by name, but he knows neither, and he can assume that felines don't use the same titles as canines. So he just leaves it at that. As they emerge from the woods, he recognizes the lake ahead from his youth, and a series of mixed emotions wash over him. Turning to Kein, he solemnly nods once, murmuring another note of gratitude. "Thank you, again. I appreciate your kindness." 'Kind' may not be a frequent descriptor of the chieftain, but Haze has no reason to believe otherwise in his limited experiences with him.
Has Kein been distrustful of everyone outside of Amaranth recently? Well, yeah. He has even been distrustful of some animals /in/ Amaranth. Has he gone a little far with that distrust, though? He's not sure. His encounters with Ama would tell him that he has, while his encounters with Jinx and Kaya... Stopping at the edge of the trees, Kein asks, "Where is your pack, Haze?" Kein knows little of where different groups reside, outside of Amaranth, anymore. How much land really does seperate his tribe from Haze's pack? How long will his companions have to walk through unclaimed territory to get back to relative safety? And, perhaps more relevant, where should he send whatever messenger he might charge with getting that information to Haze?
Haze pauses soon after the cougar does, having learned proper manners from his mother as a pup. "Well, the Lazuli originally lived in the forest, to the north. But after the attack, we moved south for refuge, to the plains just east of the mountain." They're not too far from the Amaranth, really -- in fact, if Kein were to look over the edge of the mesa, he might be able to see some of the Lazuli wolves milling about in the lowlands beneath.
Just east of the mountain? Kein is perhaps more familiar with Haze's home than the Lazuli alpha knows. As far as what he should do about how close Haze's land is to his land... "I don't think it would take a bird long to reach your land from mine." Long enough for plenty to die, sure, but... With a downward twitch of his muzzle, the vaguest hint of a frown, Kein finishes with, "If you require any assistance, ask. We'll do what we can." Again, no promises... But Aylin told him he should kill Malak and Revan if he got a chance. He told himself the same thing. Could he really ignore it if either were so near as Lazuli, and surrounded by wolves who would surely be willing to help Kein, to that end?
Haze nods again in response to Kein's words, taking them to mind - and heart. "I appreciate it. Rest assured that the offer is mutual." Until he is given some reason to no longer trust those he has met, the new alpha deems it better to make more friends than enemies in his explorations of the local territories. "Thank you for the safe passage. I think I'll take the scenic route around the northern ridge of the mountain when I return home, so you won't need to worry about me returning through your lands. But I'm sure we'll meet again." He starts to pad away to the north, then pauses, turning back with a subtle smile. "What's your name, by the way?"
Kein is amazed by his own thoughtlessness when Haze finally asks his name. Did he ever tell Helaku his name? He can't remember if he did. Neither does he remember that anything seemed rude during that encounter except for the wolf's behaviour. Now, he realizes /exactly/ how far his hospitality has fallen, and it disturbs him, just slightly. When he first confronted Haze, he was hardly thinking about introductions... But he /really/ should have introduced himself once things calmed down, once it became obvious that he wasn't going to have to physically defend Amaranth. With the hint of what might be an apologetic tone, he says, "I am Kein, the Chieftain of this land. Amaranth."
Haze certainly doesn't seem offended by or admonishing of Kein's lack of introduction, continuing to smile faintly as he acknowledges the name and title with a nod. "Keep well, Chieftain of Amaranth." With that, he turns back towards the north, and the valley beyond, with the slightest of hesitations before he sets off towards his birth-home.