Post by bramble on May 14, 2009 22:28:27 GMT -5
Shag exercises his authority as would-be Beta and formally greets a couple of visitors.
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o/` Cause it's a THRILLER... THRILLER night... o/` Nirra pads lightly through the undergrowth, her path mirroring that of the babbling brook in the ravine below and absently sighs. She'd hoped to be through the Viridian territory several days prior and up to Lazuli before the spring thaw - but events, and her brother, had conspired to make this simple act impossible, instead trapping her by decorum here to spend it swapping pleasantries with the local yokels and bumpkins. She shivers as a particularly stiff breeze wafts through the night air, rustling the foliage in a particularly creepy manner. "Damn you Lex," the young Coywulf mutters darkly as she trudges on, her irritation making even her hackles begin to rise, "What kind of wolf abandons a lady in the middle of the forest when she hasn't a clue where she is?" Uh, oh. One of the local wolves seems to have made an impression on this young one - and not a good one.
Oh boy, she's complaining about things... Again... This is just fun, and typical as usual. The other coywolf is not far from his sister, quite curious. So she. . . Likes Lex? Or what's this all about, he heard that name. Hey wait a second! She's not... "Nirra! Wait up!" SHe got mad at him earlier, but it was JUST an accident, it was HER fault anyway, "I'm sorry about... That!" He comes pacing behind her, not really just rushing to her direction, knowing she might just run away from him if he did, slowly pacing and making sure not to loose track of her, "Come on! Just stop!"
As if to emphasize the tense nature of the night, a howl cuts through the air, very close. Shag is trying out some more vocal ups and downs, trying to fix his voice up just in case a certain other wolf wants to join him in another spring song. He has to sound good if he wants to be Beta. But he has no idea that he might be adding anxiety to a couple that's lost... fortunately for them, the breeze in the woods brings a scent to him. This is odd... another stranger in the valley? No... two. One scent he recognizes from a long while back. Well! Time to heft his newfound soon-to-be-official authority around, isn't it? The dark holds no fear for him. There's no big predators around that he knows of, and this is the pack's valley. It's home. He's comfy here, slinking through the trees. His long fur catches some undergrowth, making it shiver and shake as he passes by, inadvertently revealing his approach, but not his person. Oblivious to any potential fear that could come of his swift, unseen movements, he smiles widely as he comes closer, eager to greet more visitors.
Oh yeah. Keraan. She'd just about forgotten about him. /AND/ she'd just about forgotten about /THAT/ as well. With a mild shudder of disgust and a groan, she stops and turns to glare at her sibling, "Seriously, what's with you?" She snaps aloud, not really caring whom hears her, "So we're reunited - so what?
Oh yeah. Keraan. She'd just about forgotten about him. /AND/ she'd just about forgotten about /THAT/ as well. With a mild shudder of disgust and a groan, she stops and turns to glare at her sibling, "Seriously, what's with you?" She snaps aloud, not really caring whom hears her, "So we're reunited - so what? You don't have to follow me all over the place like an over protective brother!" Which he's been acting like, indeed... has scarcely left her alone since their reunion on the lakeshore the other night. With a snort, the girl turns and continues following the waterway in a moody, brooding manner. Her encounter with Lex had proved to be... interesting. But nothing more. He's been about the only positive thing she's encountered on this trip thus far, and the only reason she hasn't made a dash for the hills and Lazuli beyond, "And frankly, just drop it, ok? I don't want to think about that anymore."
Well what!? "It was an ACCIDENT!" Keraan almost snarls at his sister, quickening his pace to soon come closer to his sister, pacing beside her and keeping his eyes on her. Come on, she's mad? It was an accident, why is she making a big fuzz of it! It's her fault, "I know I don't have to, but... I can't just let you just wander all by yourself during Winter, right? What if you fall down on the lake again, eh... Sis?" She looked pretty lost back there after all, he SAVED her, "Come on Nirra, we can pretend to be-" The howl distracts the coywolf, perking his ears to glance at the wolf's direction, hey, there's that kid again! "Pretend to be a family..." He finishes the sentence with a soft sigh, "You're just like mom..."
Winter? It's spring here in the Viridian valley! A time to dance and sing and frolic, especially in the moonlight! Shag appears out of nowhere, given that they're both too busy yelling at each other to notice anything. He stands in their path, smiling impishly like a wood spirit trying to surprise them. "Hello, my name is Shag," he says, though his coat is a bit less froofy and more practical since spring hit. "I am the future Beta of the Viridian pack, welcome to our valley! If you have any questions I'd be glad to answer them." His eyes flicker over to Keraan. Ah... so that annoying hybrid was still wandering around. Well! He's bigger and stronger and all male wolf now... he'd be able to take this guy on easy. No more calling him a kid, no sir.
"I'm /nothing/ like mom!" the girl snarls back as she whirls around to face her sibling, looking rather pissed off at the very notion, "And I said Drop it, alright? I don't want to hear you say another word about what happened again. I'm /still/ having nightmares. Gawd, you're disgusting!" Ah - sibling love. And wouldn't you know it, but right in the middle of her railing tirade against her brother, does Shag's introduction make itself known. Unfortunately for him, he's about to catch the blunt of the poor lass' ire! Ears backing even further, Nirra whips back around to face the new source of noise with a snap of teeth in temper... only to fall short as his words finally catch up with her. "Oh... Uh... Hi." She stammers out, going a bit red in the ears from embarrassment as she takes in the other's... imposing presence. Not that she minds him being there, no that's just handy. He's just so... -large-. Eyes widening, the girl casts a look promising murder over her shoulder if Keraan screws this too up for her... and focuses on the wolf once more. "... I'm Nirra." Aren't we articulate today. Ugh.
The wood spirit is large, imposing with that firm stance right in front of the coywolves.... Hmmm, "I..." A screw it, Keraan growls once his sister leaves him out of words. This is just silly... He knows she loves him, and she knows he loves her, but siblings are always like that anyway, fighting all the time until they have a real reason to show they're family. . . THe male turns to Shag, he's not surprised, he's seen him before so... But seems Nirra has certain interest while she glances at the future Beta. His frustration has a new target now, "Hey Shag... Meet my sister Nirra. Nirra, he's the son of the ALphas, Shag." At least that foes good so far, but eventually he smirks, taking a step away from his sister, "You know, she single... And she likes big guys."
Big guys? Shag looks back and forth, wondering what point Keraan had in bringing that up. As far as wolves went, he wasn't that big, so he doesn't see it applying to him. Though he is larger than the two of them. "Um... that's nice," he says with a nod, and bows in a wolfish fashion. That is, stretching his now much better proportioned body out and putting his head to the ground, trying to look elegant with his sparkly green eyes. He made *that* move up himself. "It's a pleasure, Nirra. Keraan, welcome back. I'm sure Haben will be happy to see you." And Shag will have a good time showing /you/ who's the big kid on the block now! Ha ha ha! Ahem. "You two seemed to be in a hurry..." he notes redundantly. "Did you need any help with something?" Sure he heard them arguing, but that would be impolite to bring up. Shag's had enough of arguing in his own family after all...
Nirra turns to glare meaningfully over her shoulder once more at Keraan as he makes introductions... and an ass out of himself... /and/ proceeds to thoroughly embarrass her in the process. Man he must practice at that! She gives him a low growl and a feral smile, one full of teeth, before turning back to try to deal pleasantly and without rancor with their apparent host - they are the outsiders here remember. A note bro: Of course you know, this means war! "Not unless you have a method of dealing with highly annoying little brothers whom don't know when to keep their noses out of things?" She sighs, shaking her head, and then blinking disconcertingly at the other's formality and bow, "Otherwise, I'll need assistance figuring out how to drown him and to hide the body. You interested in helping?" A pause, then another thought occurs to her, "Or perhaps you'd be willing to continue the tour that your subordinate Lex abandoned me on earlier out here where I haven't a clue where I'm going?"
So this is what it's all about? She just wants a tour and... Some time alone with a wolf? Gee, Keraan is not surprised, it was Winter a few weeks ago anyway, so like...... Ahem, the coywolf clears his throat before nudging his sister's shoulder, encouraging her to get closer to the wold. Yeah... This IS war, "I'll go take a walk ad try to get you some food." He offers in a really soft and caring tone, not teasing or anything, just being nice, being a brother, "You two go ahead and have your tour... I'll stop anyone from trying to interupt you two while... You know." He starts pacing away slowly, humming to himself.
Shag is having a bit of a hard time keeping a straight face in the midst of all this hostility. First he almost gets his nose bitten off, and then he doesn't even get a 'wow, that's cool!' for his bow! So much for the civilized approach. Sheesh. Try to be nice some animals and this is what you get... domestic violence. Trying to ignore all the comments about fratricide, he watches Keraan leave with a confused look. He was gonna stop people from interrupting the tour? Great! That way he can get better feedback and see if actual tours are gonna work. Why is /he/ always being told to give tours though? And only with females? He turns back to Nirra, licking his lips. This might be a little embarrassing if another Viridian wolf just left the two of them out here... he hasn't seen Lex in some time. Come to think of it he doesn't think he even knows Lex. "So... you're kinda lost," he clarifies. "Right. Well. We can fix that right now." He perks his ears to listen for the waterfall. "I know this ravine can be confusing, but you're in the middle of two of the prettier spots in the valley... the valley itself and the little vale before the lake. There's a pool nearby that makes for a good landmark... I can show you." Calm, cool, steady. No need to aggravate an angry female further.
If he hadn't shown up in the middle of a domestic dispute, then perhaps Nirra would have made better note of his attempts at civility. As is, Keraan's asking for a thrashing. A rather big one if he keeps this up, and he won't be wriggling out of this one this time if someone shows up and causes trouble! "No," She finally sighs, shaking her head and watching her sibling depart, though not without a bit of relief entering her body posture and voice. At least he won't be around to cause trouble for a little bit, though from what she recalls of their youths, he won't really go too far away. Might even shadow them to cause further trouble knowing him. "I mean, yes I'm lost. No, there's no need to give a tour - I can probably find my way by the stars if nothing else. Sorry - I'm just a little... addled at the moment. 'Raan's always managed to get my backside ruffed up for as long back as I can remember." Understatement of the year. Sitting, the lass takes a long moment to lean to one side and scratch idly at the backside of one ear, trying to decide on how to best proceed now that her brother has left them in weird straits, "I'm sure you know what siblings can be like?" She inquires, trying for a more neutral and less confrontational topic. Preferably nothing her brother can't turn around about and make appropriate comments about. >_>; Knowing her brother though, he'll find a way to make this seem like more than it is for both her and Shag. -.-; Just what the two of them she suspects /don't/ need.
Shag opens his mouth, prepared with a knowledgeable answer. Out of his mouth comes nothing but air. "No, not really," he answers woodenly, feeling more than a little abashed that he can't provide any help. "My brother's pretty mild," he remarks. And his sister... he hasn't seen his sister in a long time. It's worrying him to the point where he's likely to decide to take his big manly body and go find out what happened to her, living or dead. But if Cotton's correct, he'll be having many more siblings soon. "I don't mind the addled part. I know what *that* can be like at least. Usually I like to take a walk by myself, and let my mind wander. But that's probably not a good idea if you're lost. I'm going to go out on a limb and say you haven't been to the valley until recently?" he asks with a bit of a wry smile.
Nirra listens attentively as the larger male goes about explaining his solution for resolving irritation with others, and flushes slightly as he hits smack-dead-on in regards to her relative unfamiliarity with the local surroundings, "Sort of." She allows, having the common sense to look somewhat abashed for her inattentiveness which resulted in her getting to where she is now. She was kind of distracted at the time anyways, "Last time I was anywhere near here was when Kerran and I were was but pups. I... got separated from him and my folks and ended up far to the south of here and that's where I grew up under the care of an old lone wolfess." She offers by way of explanation, then shakes her head ruefully, "Keraan and I met up again just the other day as I was passing through on my way to Lazuli hoping to find shelter for the coming year. I kinda got... held up in the meantime." Truthful enough. She pauses, and regards the other thoughtfully, "... I take it you and my younger sibling have a common history?"
Wow, her life sounds like some kind of old story! But Shag has the politeness to not comment on that. "Lazuli?" he wonders aloud. "Never had contact with them. I just know they're out there... mother tries not to let anyone go poking around the other packs. What makes you want to go to them?" he asks with a tilt of his head. "I mean... it's spring now. Snow's breaking. Green's coming back," he says, a wistful smile growing on his face as he glances up and around at the forest. "Viridian's as good a place as any." He looks in the direction that Keraan went. "Though, ah... I guess some other places might have their advantages."
"I do know Keraan from a couple other encounters. He liked to call me 'kid' if I remember correctly," he says, then wags his tail, sitting up a little proudly and puffing out his chest. "He can't really do that anymore," he adds, looking around cheerfully, as if daring someone to say he's not all grown up yet. Maybe not in as many ways as he could be, but still... he *is* bigger now.
Isn't everyone's life history a potential story, depending upon one's point of view? "No real reason." The girl answers after listening and then finally deciding on a neutral answer, but after a moment's reflection decides some amplification may be called for, "Mostly because it's a place that mother used to talk about when I was but a pup. Aside from that, it was just a place to go after some felines overran the mountains we were staying in. Old J'dori and the others weren't young enough to keep up. They didn't make it." Hard news to recount, but the girl does it in the most stoic manner she can. Quickly she shifts topics and watches with perking ears as he preens, then snorts bemusedly, "Yeah... that sounds like the 'Raan I remember. I think he has a complex or something - always gotta be right or better than others. Maybe he's making up for something he's lacking?" She suggests in a light tone, standing to remain on equal footing with the other wolf rather than remaining sitting like a bump on a log. Another appreciative look then she wryly shakes her head, "I doubt either my brother or I will ever reach your size, so no to fret about him calling you that any longer."
Shag hmms to himself, tilting his head and wondering about this feline threat. Isn't that what Friti had said something about when he came back? And now this... perhaps there's more meat to the story than he first assumed. But on to lighter things that don't have to do with death. "Well, I'm pretty sure it's safe here from any cats. They don't bother us and we don't bother them... they'd be fools to try and take over any of *our* packs." He wants to agree with Nirra's assessment of his size, but if Keraan hasn't changed... "Oh, I'm sure he'll still say it just to be annoying. But I know he'll be wrong." His eyes twinkle. He seems to be in a good mood all of a sudden. Maybe it's because spring is really dawning on him now. A new stage of life. "I'm sorry things got a little confusing here... you can rest assured *I* don't leave animals behind. Are you really just passing through once you get your bearings?"
"Um..." The girl looks a little taken aback as the inferred meaning behind his inquiry is put forth, and something in her elicits a flight-or-fight impulse which (for the moment) is stifled. She's not entirely keen on getting press-ganged into a pack unwillingly, especially since the only thing she has going for her to compensate for her diminutive size in comparison to that of a full-blooded wolf is her speed and stamina... but honesty prevails. "Not sure really." She finally allows, regarding the other with a wary eye and flexing her toes and ankles in quiet, still preparation for darting off should this prove to be necessary, "The idea was to just get away from the problem and into the shelter of a larger group. I hadn't really given thought to staying around here, though I suppose one is just as good as another." With ears slightly backed, she shakes her head then regards him with furrowed brows, "Why do you ask? Is there a reason I should not be heading further north?" Touche'. The best defense is a good offense.
Shag doesn't show any outward reaction that would reveal he was actually seeking some kind of "right" answer. He seems a bit flabbergasted by her return question after all, looking down and away and then settling for a small shrug. "Well, not really... just wondering if you found this place nice is all. We don't get many visitors way up here." A simple answer without any fancy add-ons. Obviously this wolf's thoughts don't extend into the manipulation that Nirra seemed to expect. He's never heard of forcing creatures to join a pack, especially non-wolves, so the idea hasn't even occurred to him. "But, you know, you're free to go if you'd like. Nobody'll stop you. Or your brother," he adds in a half-joking murmur. "We try to be nice here. Or I do at least."
Manipulation is a way of life practiced almost universally, be it for good or ill - the question more lies along how hard one utilizes it and how good they are at it. Just by the inquiry alone an answer is prompted, benign as the intent may be. Still, the girl regards him in a very wary fashion even as he tries to placate and allay her concerns. "... Why would you want a half breed in the pack, or even your territory?" She inquires by way of deflecting the question for the moment, "Our heritage doesn't really lend any strengths to those present, and we'd just be eating up potential game, albeit less than a pair of full-blown wolves of comparable size?" A pause, then a wry grin, "And you could bear up on Keraan a bit if you wanted to anyways... he needs some sense knocked into him by someone."
Shag scoffs. "Ask the other wolves! They're the ones who let Keraan in here in the first place. Not like they can jump on me for letting /you/ in, huh?" he says with a smile, which gets a little coy. "You don't *need* to convince me to let you go, you know," he adds. He's not quite sure how mom would handle this, but if she lets Haben associate with a half breed... "Look, all I'm saying is that we aren't in enough of an emergency to worry about being all uptight. Unlike dogs." Which seem to always hate wolves no matter what the situation. "Besides, if you really don't want to take up space... it's a big mountain. And a big forest down there, too."
The young female coywolf turns away and stares at the darkened forest depths for several heartbeats, trying to decide how best to handle this influx of openness and welcoming - something rather different from what she'd expected or had encountered to date. Even back with her adopted mother and her group of old crones was she ostracized to an extent because of her mixed heritage. Tolerated because at least one half of her genome was that of a wolf, but still... "... I guess there's no harm in it." She finally allows, turning back to the larger wolf with a pressed look of resigned determination, "One will do just as good as another for the time being. And at least you wolves aren't all that ugly either, so it won't bear too badly to be around y'all." She casts an impish grin, "Just hope that I don't wear out my welcome too quickly, that is, if you will have me around?" Why not? S'not like she has much else going on at the moment. Thankfully winter and it's problems are over and Spring is just beginning. There'll be food enough, and no amorous issues to deal with to boot. Sounds like a vacation.
Shag smiles in something like triumph, though he's not quite sure if he actually accomplished anything noteworthy by selling their real estate. Still, it's a bit less anti-climactic than just saying goodbye and watching her walk out forever. "I don't think it should be much trouble." For this season at least. Maybe Shag just feels like he's appeased his good nature. Whatever the case he seems satisfied with this ending.
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o/` Cause it's a THRILLER... THRILLER night... o/` Nirra pads lightly through the undergrowth, her path mirroring that of the babbling brook in the ravine below and absently sighs. She'd hoped to be through the Viridian territory several days prior and up to Lazuli before the spring thaw - but events, and her brother, had conspired to make this simple act impossible, instead trapping her by decorum here to spend it swapping pleasantries with the local yokels and bumpkins. She shivers as a particularly stiff breeze wafts through the night air, rustling the foliage in a particularly creepy manner. "Damn you Lex," the young Coywulf mutters darkly as she trudges on, her irritation making even her hackles begin to rise, "What kind of wolf abandons a lady in the middle of the forest when she hasn't a clue where she is?" Uh, oh. One of the local wolves seems to have made an impression on this young one - and not a good one.
Oh boy, she's complaining about things... Again... This is just fun, and typical as usual. The other coywolf is not far from his sister, quite curious. So she. . . Likes Lex? Or what's this all about, he heard that name. Hey wait a second! She's not... "Nirra! Wait up!" SHe got mad at him earlier, but it was JUST an accident, it was HER fault anyway, "I'm sorry about... That!" He comes pacing behind her, not really just rushing to her direction, knowing she might just run away from him if he did, slowly pacing and making sure not to loose track of her, "Come on! Just stop!"
As if to emphasize the tense nature of the night, a howl cuts through the air, very close. Shag is trying out some more vocal ups and downs, trying to fix his voice up just in case a certain other wolf wants to join him in another spring song. He has to sound good if he wants to be Beta. But he has no idea that he might be adding anxiety to a couple that's lost... fortunately for them, the breeze in the woods brings a scent to him. This is odd... another stranger in the valley? No... two. One scent he recognizes from a long while back. Well! Time to heft his newfound soon-to-be-official authority around, isn't it? The dark holds no fear for him. There's no big predators around that he knows of, and this is the pack's valley. It's home. He's comfy here, slinking through the trees. His long fur catches some undergrowth, making it shiver and shake as he passes by, inadvertently revealing his approach, but not his person. Oblivious to any potential fear that could come of his swift, unseen movements, he smiles widely as he comes closer, eager to greet more visitors.
Oh yeah. Keraan. She'd just about forgotten about him. /AND/ she'd just about forgotten about /THAT/ as well. With a mild shudder of disgust and a groan, she stops and turns to glare at her sibling, "Seriously, what's with you?" She snaps aloud, not really caring whom hears her, "So we're reunited - so what?
Oh yeah. Keraan. She'd just about forgotten about him. /AND/ she'd just about forgotten about /THAT/ as well. With a mild shudder of disgust and a groan, she stops and turns to glare at her sibling, "Seriously, what's with you?" She snaps aloud, not really caring whom hears her, "So we're reunited - so what? You don't have to follow me all over the place like an over protective brother!" Which he's been acting like, indeed... has scarcely left her alone since their reunion on the lakeshore the other night. With a snort, the girl turns and continues following the waterway in a moody, brooding manner. Her encounter with Lex had proved to be... interesting. But nothing more. He's been about the only positive thing she's encountered on this trip thus far, and the only reason she hasn't made a dash for the hills and Lazuli beyond, "And frankly, just drop it, ok? I don't want to think about that anymore."
Well what!? "It was an ACCIDENT!" Keraan almost snarls at his sister, quickening his pace to soon come closer to his sister, pacing beside her and keeping his eyes on her. Come on, she's mad? It was an accident, why is she making a big fuzz of it! It's her fault, "I know I don't have to, but... I can't just let you just wander all by yourself during Winter, right? What if you fall down on the lake again, eh... Sis?" She looked pretty lost back there after all, he SAVED her, "Come on Nirra, we can pretend to be-" The howl distracts the coywolf, perking his ears to glance at the wolf's direction, hey, there's that kid again! "Pretend to be a family..." He finishes the sentence with a soft sigh, "You're just like mom..."
Winter? It's spring here in the Viridian valley! A time to dance and sing and frolic, especially in the moonlight! Shag appears out of nowhere, given that they're both too busy yelling at each other to notice anything. He stands in their path, smiling impishly like a wood spirit trying to surprise them. "Hello, my name is Shag," he says, though his coat is a bit less froofy and more practical since spring hit. "I am the future Beta of the Viridian pack, welcome to our valley! If you have any questions I'd be glad to answer them." His eyes flicker over to Keraan. Ah... so that annoying hybrid was still wandering around. Well! He's bigger and stronger and all male wolf now... he'd be able to take this guy on easy. No more calling him a kid, no sir.
"I'm /nothing/ like mom!" the girl snarls back as she whirls around to face her sibling, looking rather pissed off at the very notion, "And I said Drop it, alright? I don't want to hear you say another word about what happened again. I'm /still/ having nightmares. Gawd, you're disgusting!" Ah - sibling love. And wouldn't you know it, but right in the middle of her railing tirade against her brother, does Shag's introduction make itself known. Unfortunately for him, he's about to catch the blunt of the poor lass' ire! Ears backing even further, Nirra whips back around to face the new source of noise with a snap of teeth in temper... only to fall short as his words finally catch up with her. "Oh... Uh... Hi." She stammers out, going a bit red in the ears from embarrassment as she takes in the other's... imposing presence. Not that she minds him being there, no that's just handy. He's just so... -large-. Eyes widening, the girl casts a look promising murder over her shoulder if Keraan screws this too up for her... and focuses on the wolf once more. "... I'm Nirra." Aren't we articulate today. Ugh.
The wood spirit is large, imposing with that firm stance right in front of the coywolves.... Hmmm, "I..." A screw it, Keraan growls once his sister leaves him out of words. This is just silly... He knows she loves him, and she knows he loves her, but siblings are always like that anyway, fighting all the time until they have a real reason to show they're family. . . THe male turns to Shag, he's not surprised, he's seen him before so... But seems Nirra has certain interest while she glances at the future Beta. His frustration has a new target now, "Hey Shag... Meet my sister Nirra. Nirra, he's the son of the ALphas, Shag." At least that foes good so far, but eventually he smirks, taking a step away from his sister, "You know, she single... And she likes big guys."
Big guys? Shag looks back and forth, wondering what point Keraan had in bringing that up. As far as wolves went, he wasn't that big, so he doesn't see it applying to him. Though he is larger than the two of them. "Um... that's nice," he says with a nod, and bows in a wolfish fashion. That is, stretching his now much better proportioned body out and putting his head to the ground, trying to look elegant with his sparkly green eyes. He made *that* move up himself. "It's a pleasure, Nirra. Keraan, welcome back. I'm sure Haben will be happy to see you." And Shag will have a good time showing /you/ who's the big kid on the block now! Ha ha ha! Ahem. "You two seemed to be in a hurry..." he notes redundantly. "Did you need any help with something?" Sure he heard them arguing, but that would be impolite to bring up. Shag's had enough of arguing in his own family after all...
Nirra turns to glare meaningfully over her shoulder once more at Keraan as he makes introductions... and an ass out of himself... /and/ proceeds to thoroughly embarrass her in the process. Man he must practice at that! She gives him a low growl and a feral smile, one full of teeth, before turning back to try to deal pleasantly and without rancor with their apparent host - they are the outsiders here remember. A note bro: Of course you know, this means war! "Not unless you have a method of dealing with highly annoying little brothers whom don't know when to keep their noses out of things?" She sighs, shaking her head, and then blinking disconcertingly at the other's formality and bow, "Otherwise, I'll need assistance figuring out how to drown him and to hide the body. You interested in helping?" A pause, then another thought occurs to her, "Or perhaps you'd be willing to continue the tour that your subordinate Lex abandoned me on earlier out here where I haven't a clue where I'm going?"
So this is what it's all about? She just wants a tour and... Some time alone with a wolf? Gee, Keraan is not surprised, it was Winter a few weeks ago anyway, so like...... Ahem, the coywolf clears his throat before nudging his sister's shoulder, encouraging her to get closer to the wold. Yeah... This IS war, "I'll go take a walk ad try to get you some food." He offers in a really soft and caring tone, not teasing or anything, just being nice, being a brother, "You two go ahead and have your tour... I'll stop anyone from trying to interupt you two while... You know." He starts pacing away slowly, humming to himself.
Shag is having a bit of a hard time keeping a straight face in the midst of all this hostility. First he almost gets his nose bitten off, and then he doesn't even get a 'wow, that's cool!' for his bow! So much for the civilized approach. Sheesh. Try to be nice some animals and this is what you get... domestic violence. Trying to ignore all the comments about fratricide, he watches Keraan leave with a confused look. He was gonna stop people from interrupting the tour? Great! That way he can get better feedback and see if actual tours are gonna work. Why is /he/ always being told to give tours though? And only with females? He turns back to Nirra, licking his lips. This might be a little embarrassing if another Viridian wolf just left the two of them out here... he hasn't seen Lex in some time. Come to think of it he doesn't think he even knows Lex. "So... you're kinda lost," he clarifies. "Right. Well. We can fix that right now." He perks his ears to listen for the waterfall. "I know this ravine can be confusing, but you're in the middle of two of the prettier spots in the valley... the valley itself and the little vale before the lake. There's a pool nearby that makes for a good landmark... I can show you." Calm, cool, steady. No need to aggravate an angry female further.
If he hadn't shown up in the middle of a domestic dispute, then perhaps Nirra would have made better note of his attempts at civility. As is, Keraan's asking for a thrashing. A rather big one if he keeps this up, and he won't be wriggling out of this one this time if someone shows up and causes trouble! "No," She finally sighs, shaking her head and watching her sibling depart, though not without a bit of relief entering her body posture and voice. At least he won't be around to cause trouble for a little bit, though from what she recalls of their youths, he won't really go too far away. Might even shadow them to cause further trouble knowing him. "I mean, yes I'm lost. No, there's no need to give a tour - I can probably find my way by the stars if nothing else. Sorry - I'm just a little... addled at the moment. 'Raan's always managed to get my backside ruffed up for as long back as I can remember." Understatement of the year. Sitting, the lass takes a long moment to lean to one side and scratch idly at the backside of one ear, trying to decide on how to best proceed now that her brother has left them in weird straits, "I'm sure you know what siblings can be like?" She inquires, trying for a more neutral and less confrontational topic. Preferably nothing her brother can't turn around about and make appropriate comments about. >_>; Knowing her brother though, he'll find a way to make this seem like more than it is for both her and Shag. -.-; Just what the two of them she suspects /don't/ need.
Shag opens his mouth, prepared with a knowledgeable answer. Out of his mouth comes nothing but air. "No, not really," he answers woodenly, feeling more than a little abashed that he can't provide any help. "My brother's pretty mild," he remarks. And his sister... he hasn't seen his sister in a long time. It's worrying him to the point where he's likely to decide to take his big manly body and go find out what happened to her, living or dead. But if Cotton's correct, he'll be having many more siblings soon. "I don't mind the addled part. I know what *that* can be like at least. Usually I like to take a walk by myself, and let my mind wander. But that's probably not a good idea if you're lost. I'm going to go out on a limb and say you haven't been to the valley until recently?" he asks with a bit of a wry smile.
Nirra listens attentively as the larger male goes about explaining his solution for resolving irritation with others, and flushes slightly as he hits smack-dead-on in regards to her relative unfamiliarity with the local surroundings, "Sort of." She allows, having the common sense to look somewhat abashed for her inattentiveness which resulted in her getting to where she is now. She was kind of distracted at the time anyways, "Last time I was anywhere near here was when Kerran and I were was but pups. I... got separated from him and my folks and ended up far to the south of here and that's where I grew up under the care of an old lone wolfess." She offers by way of explanation, then shakes her head ruefully, "Keraan and I met up again just the other day as I was passing through on my way to Lazuli hoping to find shelter for the coming year. I kinda got... held up in the meantime." Truthful enough. She pauses, and regards the other thoughtfully, "... I take it you and my younger sibling have a common history?"
Wow, her life sounds like some kind of old story! But Shag has the politeness to not comment on that. "Lazuli?" he wonders aloud. "Never had contact with them. I just know they're out there... mother tries not to let anyone go poking around the other packs. What makes you want to go to them?" he asks with a tilt of his head. "I mean... it's spring now. Snow's breaking. Green's coming back," he says, a wistful smile growing on his face as he glances up and around at the forest. "Viridian's as good a place as any." He looks in the direction that Keraan went. "Though, ah... I guess some other places might have their advantages."
"I do know Keraan from a couple other encounters. He liked to call me 'kid' if I remember correctly," he says, then wags his tail, sitting up a little proudly and puffing out his chest. "He can't really do that anymore," he adds, looking around cheerfully, as if daring someone to say he's not all grown up yet. Maybe not in as many ways as he could be, but still... he *is* bigger now.
Isn't everyone's life history a potential story, depending upon one's point of view? "No real reason." The girl answers after listening and then finally deciding on a neutral answer, but after a moment's reflection decides some amplification may be called for, "Mostly because it's a place that mother used to talk about when I was but a pup. Aside from that, it was just a place to go after some felines overran the mountains we were staying in. Old J'dori and the others weren't young enough to keep up. They didn't make it." Hard news to recount, but the girl does it in the most stoic manner she can. Quickly she shifts topics and watches with perking ears as he preens, then snorts bemusedly, "Yeah... that sounds like the 'Raan I remember. I think he has a complex or something - always gotta be right or better than others. Maybe he's making up for something he's lacking?" She suggests in a light tone, standing to remain on equal footing with the other wolf rather than remaining sitting like a bump on a log. Another appreciative look then she wryly shakes her head, "I doubt either my brother or I will ever reach your size, so no to fret about him calling you that any longer."
Shag hmms to himself, tilting his head and wondering about this feline threat. Isn't that what Friti had said something about when he came back? And now this... perhaps there's more meat to the story than he first assumed. But on to lighter things that don't have to do with death. "Well, I'm pretty sure it's safe here from any cats. They don't bother us and we don't bother them... they'd be fools to try and take over any of *our* packs." He wants to agree with Nirra's assessment of his size, but if Keraan hasn't changed... "Oh, I'm sure he'll still say it just to be annoying. But I know he'll be wrong." His eyes twinkle. He seems to be in a good mood all of a sudden. Maybe it's because spring is really dawning on him now. A new stage of life. "I'm sorry things got a little confusing here... you can rest assured *I* don't leave animals behind. Are you really just passing through once you get your bearings?"
"Um..." The girl looks a little taken aback as the inferred meaning behind his inquiry is put forth, and something in her elicits a flight-or-fight impulse which (for the moment) is stifled. She's not entirely keen on getting press-ganged into a pack unwillingly, especially since the only thing she has going for her to compensate for her diminutive size in comparison to that of a full-blooded wolf is her speed and stamina... but honesty prevails. "Not sure really." She finally allows, regarding the other with a wary eye and flexing her toes and ankles in quiet, still preparation for darting off should this prove to be necessary, "The idea was to just get away from the problem and into the shelter of a larger group. I hadn't really given thought to staying around here, though I suppose one is just as good as another." With ears slightly backed, she shakes her head then regards him with furrowed brows, "Why do you ask? Is there a reason I should not be heading further north?" Touche'. The best defense is a good offense.
Shag doesn't show any outward reaction that would reveal he was actually seeking some kind of "right" answer. He seems a bit flabbergasted by her return question after all, looking down and away and then settling for a small shrug. "Well, not really... just wondering if you found this place nice is all. We don't get many visitors way up here." A simple answer without any fancy add-ons. Obviously this wolf's thoughts don't extend into the manipulation that Nirra seemed to expect. He's never heard of forcing creatures to join a pack, especially non-wolves, so the idea hasn't even occurred to him. "But, you know, you're free to go if you'd like. Nobody'll stop you. Or your brother," he adds in a half-joking murmur. "We try to be nice here. Or I do at least."
Manipulation is a way of life practiced almost universally, be it for good or ill - the question more lies along how hard one utilizes it and how good they are at it. Just by the inquiry alone an answer is prompted, benign as the intent may be. Still, the girl regards him in a very wary fashion even as he tries to placate and allay her concerns. "... Why would you want a half breed in the pack, or even your territory?" She inquires by way of deflecting the question for the moment, "Our heritage doesn't really lend any strengths to those present, and we'd just be eating up potential game, albeit less than a pair of full-blown wolves of comparable size?" A pause, then a wry grin, "And you could bear up on Keraan a bit if you wanted to anyways... he needs some sense knocked into him by someone."
Shag scoffs. "Ask the other wolves! They're the ones who let Keraan in here in the first place. Not like they can jump on me for letting /you/ in, huh?" he says with a smile, which gets a little coy. "You don't *need* to convince me to let you go, you know," he adds. He's not quite sure how mom would handle this, but if she lets Haben associate with a half breed... "Look, all I'm saying is that we aren't in enough of an emergency to worry about being all uptight. Unlike dogs." Which seem to always hate wolves no matter what the situation. "Besides, if you really don't want to take up space... it's a big mountain. And a big forest down there, too."
The young female coywolf turns away and stares at the darkened forest depths for several heartbeats, trying to decide how best to handle this influx of openness and welcoming - something rather different from what she'd expected or had encountered to date. Even back with her adopted mother and her group of old crones was she ostracized to an extent because of her mixed heritage. Tolerated because at least one half of her genome was that of a wolf, but still... "... I guess there's no harm in it." She finally allows, turning back to the larger wolf with a pressed look of resigned determination, "One will do just as good as another for the time being. And at least you wolves aren't all that ugly either, so it won't bear too badly to be around y'all." She casts an impish grin, "Just hope that I don't wear out my welcome too quickly, that is, if you will have me around?" Why not? S'not like she has much else going on at the moment. Thankfully winter and it's problems are over and Spring is just beginning. There'll be food enough, and no amorous issues to deal with to boot. Sounds like a vacation.
Shag smiles in something like triumph, though he's not quite sure if he actually accomplished anything noteworthy by selling their real estate. Still, it's a bit less anti-climactic than just saying goodbye and watching her walk out forever. "I don't think it should be much trouble." For this season at least. Maybe Shag just feels like he's appeased his good nature. Whatever the case he seems satisfied with this ending.