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+--- Thread: Stone Circle Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade (/showthread.php?tid=18325)
Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Selkie - October 12, 2016
Selkie had hung around near Mudminnow River for a good week or two, mulling over her choices. It was Rickon’s face which smiled into her mind every now and then, and eventually, after pretending that the pleasant encounter had meant nothing to her, Selkie had found herself travelling westward.
It was stupid, she told herself, to take up with the first pack whose name she had learnt. Stupid to think that the young, tall Rickon would even remember a dishevelled scrap of a female. It was rash, making a decision like this based on the scant information the coppery she wolf had.
But Winter was on its way; the nights were lonelier than ever now they were lengthening, and Selkie wasn’t sure where else she could go. If she passed up the opportunity to settle somewhere now, wouldn’t that be equally foolish?
There was no knowing whether Easthollow would have space for a small female, even if she was spry in body and mind. There was no knowing whether they would appreciate what she could offer. And what could she offer? A quick wit, a sharp tongue? She could hunt – the fact that she had survived for months as a loner was testament to that – but most adult wolves could hunt. She could patrol, and she could be a friendly face.
On some level Selkie had always doubted herself, and it was those doubts which had kept her away for so long. She meandered and procrastinated and put it off until her paws were, once again, aching and sore – until the loneliness stung and the idea of a place to call home was too tempting to shy away from.
The borders were still some way ahead when the she wolf slowed and halted, her ears splaying and her head tilting. Before her stretched a vast meadow, and Selkie could only guess at the wonders it held.
And suddenly guessing wasn’t enough. Her paws shuffled, patted the ground. Her head tilted back and a short melody was projected towards that meadow and those borders. Her ears settled against her head and she told herself that it would be fine; that this was the beginning of something.
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Witchhazel - October 13, 2016
It was not rare for Witch to be far from her mother, not since she'd learned how to gather - but never before had she been so far! It was a wonderful thing, exploring, but the little cream and russet pup swiftly learned that it wasn't always so great. Unknowingly nearing the borders, Witch didn't even realize she wasn't alone until the call for @Steady or @Valette rang out. Her head swung around and, after a moment of her blue eyes sweeping the landscape, caught sight of the blur that was Selkie. Though the pups vision grew and widened each day, it was still hard to see so far - and so, she crept closer. There was nowhere for her to hide even if she'd thought of it, and even her cream pelt blended a little with the dying grass, her tail of stark cardinal was curled over her back like a flag. Dominance wasn't something the girl knew of just yet, but instinct was starting to place it in her life - she never cared much when it came to her siblings, but faced with a stranger....
Silent as ever, Witch crept closer - but she was wary enough to not cross the border she stood on. The newcomer was not close to them, thankfully, but it wasn't really the borders that stopped Witch - it was the stranger herself that kept the little one from coming closer. Snorting irritably, Witch placed her calm, questioning gaze on Selkie's now clear form - this was a wolf she didn't know, but she didn't hold the same scent of those who had met her so far. This wolf held a scent like that the woman that helped mother had - she was alone. This, Witch didn't understand - but it was another reason not to come any closer.
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Steady - October 13, 2016
Steady had been patrolling when the call rang out. He wasn't expecting any visitors—most probably didn't know where Silvertip had moved to—but he altered his course and headed for the edge of the meadow. He was tall enough that he could see over the dying and wilting flowers and weeds. It had been a plush field when they had first moved here, but Autumn was in full bloom now, and with the shortening days, it was expected that the meadow would lose its color for the coming winter.
A change in wind, and Steady stopped in his tracks before he made it to the stranger. It couldn't be. He turned his head more fully into the breeze, confirming it. He changed course again, his head lowering as he followed the pup's scent. Finally, he spotted her. He approached with a chuff, trying to calm himself and not be instantly on guard with her presence here, and so close to someone they didn't know. Hazel, he said softly, his tail wagging. What are you doing out here alone? he asked. He sniffed her, needing to make sure she was alright.
He glanced at the stranger, wondering what he should do. He didn't want to leave the pup by herself, but taking her to meet a perfect stranger wasn't something he wanted to do, either. But, at least if she was with him, he could protect her. He looked down to the pup. Want to come meet the lady with me? he asked. Providing she did, he would walk with her to the borders and address the call. If she refused to come, he would have no choice but to tell her to bunker down where she was and not go anywhere until he came back for her.
With or without her, he approached the stranger, his tail and head high to reflect dominance, but the dark flag waved side to side to show friendliness, too. I'm Steady, Alpha here. How can I help you? he asked her.
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Selkie - October 13, 2016
Selkie waited, and she watched as she always did, with a head held level with her narrow shoulders and leaf green eyes keen but not hardened, even by weeks of travel and fending for herself. Her ears twitched and swivelled to the sounds of Autumn, of unseen critters moving through the undergrowth at her back; of insects rubbing their legs together in glee, though the pollen they might have dined on was fading away now with the onset of the season.
She didn’t hear the child’s approach, but she scented her and saw the raised tip of a tail almost at the same time. Faintly surprised, the lone female blinked, her head cocking to one side. It had been some time since Selkie had spotted a pup, let alone been presented with the possibility of interacting with one. Most packs kept their young ones close and well within the borders, rightly so.
A soft smile bloomed on the tapered muzzle. Though she was hardened in some ways and often sharp in her speech, Selkie had always had a fondness for young ones. This young one paused within the borders and Selkie made no move to address her. She simply observed, and hoped that an adult would soon arrive to collect the child.
Soon enough, a dark shape appeared on the meadow and Selkie’s gaze, which had been roving around the general area of the pup – just enough to make sure she wasn’t in trouble – lifted to take in the figure. His stance hinted at his status within Easthollow, but Selkie was loathe to make assumptions based on a stance alone.
Her tail returned a slow wave, and her ears remained drawn back against her head. Her posture drooped enough to remain submissive as he spoke, but the Alpha’s waving tail had been encouraging; when Selkie spoke it was with her typical brightness.
“Name’s Selkie,” she began with a dip of her head, “B’lieve I met one o’ your pack a couple weeks back – Rickon? Nice fella. He said -” Her gaze flickered down to her paws. Now was the part where Selkie had to be vulnerable, something which had never come easily to her. “Said ya might have room for one more in your ranks.”
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Witchhazel - October 13, 2016
The woman spotted her, but did not speak - already, Witch liked this one. She didn't babble in the other language like the other adults, and she did not approach like most. A smile was the most she got - and a smile she gave right back. It was rare of her with strangers, yes, but this one was just swell.
They weren't alone long before a figure she did know came to her - and this one did come very close, sniffing and looking her over gently - and Hazel turned her face to nuzzle the alpha in happiness. Steady was someone she'd long since become accustomed to, someone she was okay with - was he going to play with her? He asked why she was out here alone, if she wanted to follow, but all Witch knew was the kindness in his voice and the offer of something - she only assumed that she was invited along. With a coo to the dark leader, she followed at his heels - when he stopped before her, the cream girl placed herself beneath his chest in a sit. Holding herself high - like a little princess - Witchhazel's little blue eyes roamed the stranger. Who was she? Was she here to play, like Adeline had? Was she here to help gather herbs?
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Steady - October 13, 2016
The young pup didn't answer, simply turned and nuzzled him. He was reminded that she couldn't yet understand the words he spoke. But, she seemed happy to follow him, and he was okay to let her, knowing he would protect her at all costs. They approached the stranger, who seemed friendly enough, thankfully.
He listened as she explained she had met Rickon, and he told her they might have a spot available. He supposed they did, but first things first. We may. What can you offer us? he asked easily. He glanced down at Hazel, who seemed to be taking this all in stride. He was fairly certain this meeting was going well, and so he gaze a smile to Hazel, hoping she wasn't too scared.
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Selkie - October 13, 2016
The pup was bold, sitting straight backed between the leader’s forepaws as if overseeing her own domain – not worlds away from how Selkie had been as a youngster. The young one’s fearlessness made a grin surface on her chocolate brushed muzzle. “You got a brave one here!”
Of course she would have to detail her skills – she had expected no less, and it was something of a comfort to know that her potential new home didn’t let all and sundry join on the name of a pack mate alone. Still, Selkie thought it better to give some consideration to what was being asked rather than blurting out the first thing that came to mind. Her tail swept again, and she nodded.
“Well, I’m quick on me feet ‘n’ it may not look like it right now, but I don’t tire easily. Got a taste for birds when I hunt.” Her grin widened momentarily. “S’pose I like to think I’m a good talker – not a bad listener, either. If someone needs a shoulder ‘n’ some advice or a morale boost, I’m your gal.” Her ears splayed. “I say I’m a good talker, but I ain’t used to talkin’ myself up, really. I’ll work hard, though, and I’ll try my paw at anything ya need.”
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Witchhazel - October 14, 2016
Turned out, this one babbled like the other adults - but she still was okay in Witchs eyes. There was still a possibility of her gaining a new playmate or someone to gather with. The grin Selkie gave her was contagious, and the creamy pup grined right back at her - her words might've yet been unknown, but when Steady, too, smiled down at her, the pup wiggled and cooed from where she was in place. She might not like strangers much, but boy was she loving this attention! Never did she move from her spot, but her spine wriggled with her tail, shifting her body in contained joy.
RE: Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade - Steady - October 14, 2016
To be honest, Steady would have been quite happy if the female had completely ignored the presence of Hazel, but he understood it was not to be. Many wolves valued pups over all others, and it was to be expected that they fawn over them, and give them attention. So, he wasn't surprised when the other commented about the pup between his forelegs. Yes, she is. Got away from her Momma and all, he said lightly. The pup squirmed beneath him with excitement, and it was hard to be upset that she was here. Yes, no doubt Steady would not be the one to punish her.
He listened as she spoke of her talents, and it reminded him of Chaska. With all the new wolves, having some to break the ice between others was a plus. Fair enough, he replied. We're Easthollow. We operate as a family, not just a pack of wolves, and I do hope that you'll come to feel the same, he said, giving her a smile. Welcome, he added, officially accepting her into the pack. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. He was a little antsy to get Hazel back to Althaia, but he waited to see if Selkie needed anything else.