+- Wolf RPG (https://wolf-rpg.com)
+-- Forum: In Character: Roleplaying (https://wolf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Archives (https://wolf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=11)
+--- Thread: Ankyra Sound totem (/showthread.php?tid=66209)
totem - Treepie - August 07, 2025
Watching the pups grow was magical, in a word. Tiuttuk enjoyed every moment of it, even the fussy or messy ones. Watching @Sobeille as an anaa really reinforced her own desire to bear that title one day. It also strengthened the bond between them, built on a solid foundation of admiration, attraction and envy—quite the mix!—at least on her end.
She wandered the nearby beach this afternoon, combing for food or playthings to bring back to the den. She’d called out to @Alaric and Tikaani just to remind them of her location, though it hadn’t changed in weeks. It was clear by now that Tiuttuk wasn’t going anywhere; she had found new anchors in the new mother and her trio of babies. She hoped Alaric and Tiki might remain too, particularly her sister.
She drifted into the shallows, the wet sand beneath her paws wearing away as the surf siphoned it out to sea. Pie had grown used to the briny smell, just like she had adjusted to spending a lot of her time in the grotto. It was only a matter of time before the pups outgrew the whelping den and she quietly looked forward to that day, though she peered inland as she wondered where exactly the little family would go.
It didn’t much matter, she reminded herself with a small smile as her yellow eyes dropped to observe a sand dollar swept onto the back of her left forepaw. She lifted it clear of the water, admiring the star etched into the casing and deciding it would be the perfect thing to bring back to @Cairos, Chireille and @Mirelyn. Wherever Sobeille and the three pups went, Treepie would be sure to follow.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 07, 2025
Hakumele had tried to wander, but sooner or later he found that he had circled back to the coast of the Teekon wilds. It was quiet, moving from east to west and west to east over the months.
Today had been spent fishing with little luck, his focus entirely on the waters below. Moving through shallows he only pulled his attention away when a howl had rung out nearby, one that was nearly familiar. He found himself wary, yet continuing his hunt he waded closer until a figure appeared in the distance.
Hakumele had never gotten too close to the sound or the neighbouring cliffs given the pack that used to reside between them, but these days the scents were weaker and the howls few and far between. Squinting his eyes, he took a moment before calling out.
Treepie, is that you?
Maybe he had sent himself into an unnecessary exile from the spear, yet he didn't hesitate to speak despite the potentially awkward air. Should he not be yelling at a complete stranger, it would be a relief to know that the young wolf was still alive and well.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 07, 2025
She raised her paw to her mouth, grabbing the sand dollar carefully in her teeth. Treepie then spun, trotting out of the water and pausing just beyond the reach of the tide to give herself a good shake. She planned to head back to the grotto, eager to see what the little boy and girls thought of the “sea cookie.”
“Treepie,” a familiar voice called out from somewhere behind her, “is that you?”
Her head snapped around, her teeth unwittingly clenching and breaking her prize into pieces. Pie’s stomach sank as she gingerly spat them onto the dry sand, though her head swiftly raised to behold—
Haku?
Her yellow eyes bored into him. Tiuttuk didn’t know what to make of him. She had been fond of him once, though that had been long ago, before his wayward daughter had turned up and Hakumele himself had vanished soon thereafter. She remembered worrying about him and felt her jaw clench a second time. He was clearly just fine.
You didn’t even say goodbye,she said, her bitter tone feeling justified.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 07, 2025
To his surprise, his guess was correct even from the distance he stood at. But what was she doing so far from the spear?
Treepie's response brought a painful weight of guilt to his chest. She was right, he had let his own feelings and traditions take priority over how it would effect the Moonspear wolves.
It wasn't right.He admitted, coming closer so he could stop straining his voice.
I was ashamed, so I left. I don't expect forgiveness.
I'm just happy to know that you're still alright.Alive, walking, fit.
Why are you here?
RE: totem - Treepie - August 07, 2025
He immediately took responsibility for his lack of farewell, though his phrasing confused her. Her ears pinned backward as Treepie’s face contorted.
That doesn’t make any sense,she told him brusquely, then realized maybe she’d just misunderstood what he meant.
Ashamed of what?
She refused to answer his question until he’d answered hers, though part of Tiuttuk wanted to point out that she was here in part because of him and those like him: wolves who’d just walked out on Moonspear for one reason or another, leaving it to crumble into dust.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 07, 2025
How could she possibly question what it was that brought him shame? It should be obvious!
My daughter tried to attack you - I brought trouble to a pack that was not mine to do so.He responded, brow furrowed. Had someone done such a thing in Kai Ahi, they would have been sent into the ocean while the tides were high.
But Moonspear was not Kai Ahi, and clearly all he had done was hurt those who had cared for him in his time of need. Smoothing over his expression, he turned his sudden reflection into words.
Moonspear was not what I was used to. I should have taken consequences from leadership instead of putting my punishment onto my own back.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 07, 2025
She didn’t say anything for a moment. Her face slowly scrunched again.
I brought her to Moonspear,Pie reminded him,
so technically I brought trouble there. But it’s a moot point, because we don’t just roust villagers for making mistakes. Or,she was swift to correct herself,
we didn’t.
She let that hang in the air for a beat, the only sound stretching between them the rhythmic pounding of the surf. Pie had to admit it was soothing, even if its scent was an acquired taste.
Moonspear fell. Rather, it dwindled into nothing,she told him, shifting her weight.
Because,Tiuttuk continued, fully intending to place blame, before biting her own tongue.
She shook her head. It wasn’t Hakumele’s fault alone, nor did she need to give in to petty temptation. Treepie drew in a big breath of salty air, then released it. Her eyes were still a bit beady, though she made an effort to coax some of the tension out of her muscles and soften the sharp edge to her tone.
I’m glad you’re okay, Haku. I worried when you disappeared without a word,she told him,
especially when I made you promise you wouldn’t do that.She wouldn’t lay the blame for Moonspear at his feet, yet she would hold him accountable for this.
You owe me more than just an explanation.
He had said many things, though two words were conspicuously missing.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 14, 2025
Her words only brought him questions, but Hakumele decided that it wasn't his turn to be asking them.
I'm sorry about Moonspear, I know that must have been difficult..He trailed off, a heavy frown coating his muzzle.
And I'm sorry for leaving how I did.Apologies didn't come easily from men like Hakumele, but here it felt necessary. He needed to start making changes in his life, sincere efforts to improve.
How can I make it up to you?He wasn't so sure there was an answer to that.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 14, 2025
Her eyes fluttered shut, her body tensing when he offered his condolences for Moonspear’s fate. Then came the apology she actually needed to hear. Treepie let out a breath, then opened her eyes. She offered him a wan smile.
Thank you,she said simply, shaking her head at his question.
She wanted to ask a few more of her own. Where had he gone? Where was he headed now? But Pie remembered he’d asked another one she had yet to answer. A canine tooth dug gently into her lip as she pondered how much to tell him. She was glad they’d cleared the air, though Tiuttuk didn’t fully trust him; he was more of an acquaintance now, no longer a friend or pack mate.
I was beachcombing, to answer your earlier question,she told him, blinking down at the shattered sand dollar and then looking back up at Hakumele.
What brought you here?
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 14, 2025
Treepie didn't seem to want anything from him, and Hakumele could be just fine with that.
I was fishing,he responded,
I heard your howl. Usually I wouldn't have come this far, but I had to know.Now he had his answer. Moonspear was gone, Treepie was healthy.
Now that the obvious had been said Hakumele wasn't sure of what to say next, or if he should say anything at all. It was safe to say that they were no longer close; Hakumele had broken her trust, and young wolves could change so much so fast that he was sure he would need to get to know her all over again.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 14, 2025
My—Tiuttuk began in confusion, before abruptly remembering she’d called out to her sister and Alaric earlier.
Oh. Yeah, the three of us are sort of in the wind since the village…She puffed out a breath, shrugged her shoulders.
But I like to stay in touch,though she feared the day when one, the other or both wandered away out of earshot and Tiuttuk wouldn’t—couldn’t, not now—follow them.
She nibbled at her lower lip, yellow eyes panning the beach in the general direction of the grotto. Pie didn’t plan on mentioning Sobeille, her pups or the fact that they tethered her here. It literally wasn’t her place. She glanced at the broken sand dollar again, then decided it would be a pity to come home empty-handed. And she probably shouldn’t head that way until the coast was clear anyhow.
I was hoping to find a… keepsake. A totem,Treepie shared.
Would you like to help me look? Unless you’d prefer to get back to your fishing.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 15, 2025
He would assume as much given she was here, rather than on the spear. He didn't remember much about Tikaani, Moonshadow, or Alaric, but he did remember liking Sialuk. Haku had to wonder which two were still around for Pie to keep in touch with, but he wouldn't pry more than he already had.
Snapping out from his pondering, he promptly responded
Sure. Did you have something in mind?Heading back towards the shallows, he eyed the water for anything of interest. How long had it been since he last searched the ocean for treasure? His naming ceremony, he had to guess. That whole morning had been spent searching with his brother and sister; he had found what he was at the time very sure was a shark tooth, though now he understood it was a rock, Makameli a sea urchin, and Kaimele a handsome shell.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 18, 2025
No,she admitted,
not really. Just something pretty. Something that won’t break easily or rot,Pie thought to add as she stepped away from the shattered sand dollar.
She approached the surf alongside Hakumele, noting some small fish flitting about in the roiling shallows. Those might make a good snack, though Pie doubted she could ever catch one. Besides, she wasn’t looking for food today. She wanted something that would last. In hindsight, the sand dollar had been too fragile for her purposes.
Maybe, like, a piece of driftwood or a fancy stone. Something like that. A seashell might be cool, but it’s probably too breakable,she thought aloud as she waded into the seawater again.
Definitely something sturdy,Treepie concluded, careful not to explain why it needed to hold up wear and tear.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 18, 2025
Hakumele would ask no questions, assuming that Treepie was afraid she would break it herself.
You're right, it would be hard to find a sturdy shell here. A good rock though? Maybe.Pawing through the sand a few revealed themselves right away, but they were rather plain and gray. Not quite a worthy souvenir.
Do you think you'll stay on the coast?He had told himself no more prying, but surely this wasn't the same. He just wanted to make conversation.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 21, 2025
Of course she would stay on the coast, as long as that’s where Sobeille and the three children lived. There was a very good chance they might even form an official pack based in Ankyra Sound. The thought made Pie’s heart flutter, though her lips pressed tightly together. She would guard this information carefully.
I’m not sure,she fibbed, then sprinkled in a little bit of truth by adding,
It’s so hard to think of anywhere but Moonspear as home. I need more time to come around to the idea of setting down roots anywhere else.
Well, it was partially true. If she stopped to think about it, she’d already done as much. But Pie rarely dwelled on such matters, too busy helping Sobeille rear the pups. She reflected now, as she scoured the shallows, and realized she was as dedicated to them now as she’d ever been to Moonspear. The realization was exhilarating, sobering and many other things all at once.
With a blink to clear her thoughts, she tossed the question back at him:
What about you?
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 23, 2025
Hakumele paused, needing to take the time to consider his answer. He had only stayed on the coast because he couldn't find his way home, but now?
I'm not sure there's anywhere else for me to go.His bones ached, his eyes were tired, and maybe it was for the best that he remained in one place from now on.
I wanted to return to my birth pack, but there's no way for me to know if it's still there.He wouldn't mention his inability to navigate, that part was a bit too embarassing.
I think I'll have to settle though, further west. Men in my family don't live long lives, and my joints are proof.They were too hard on their bodies too young. It was a shock that his father lived for as long as he did.
The one thing he wouldn't change his mind on was living by the sea. It was the only thing he really needed; and while he would never say it, that meant he wouldn't have stayed in Moonspear forever anyways.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 24, 2025
Tiuttuk always appreciated an honest answer, though she had no idea what to say to Hakumele. It sounded like he was preparing for the end of his life. He spoke about it with such equanimity, Pie supposed she should take that as a cue. But she was still at a loss for words.
I wish you well, wherever life takes you,was all she could think to say in the end.
It sounded like a platitude, though the sentiment was genuine. Haku had put a chasm between them that could never be fully breached, though she harbored no ill will, particularly now that he’d apologized. If he wasn’t long for this world, Treepie genuinely hoped he found some measure of happiness and peace in his sunset.
What’s this?she asked suddenly, wading back out of the water to approach a shape just beyond the tideline.
She came to stand over it, staring as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. It was actually several individual objects, each of them looking almost identical. They were all a deep shade of marine blue, with an opaque sort of flap down their centers. Each of these lappets drooped in a different formation. Whatever they were, they didn’t move or appear to be alive.
She tore her electric gaze away to look at Haku, wondering if he could identify them.
RE: totem - Hakumele - August 29, 2025
Hakumele had no response for Pie's well wishes, his gaze distant. He had imagined his life to be in a very different place by now. His father's pack, more children, a daughter who could behave. In his earlier life, Hakumele would have laughed if someone told him this is where he would be.
Snapping from his trance at Pie's next words, he approached to get a look at her findings. Spotting her new, blue friend, he was quick to sneer.
I used to call them sea snails, but that isn't quite right.Despite his reservations, he gave the thing a sniff.
My sister and I found one once, the itching was horrible after we touched it. That one was more alive, though.
Whether the thing being dead stopped the itching, he didn't know. It was better than one of the far too many sea creatures that could make a wolf ill washing up.
RE: totem - Treepie - August 31, 2025
Spotting the sneer, Tiuttuk withdrew a step. She eyed the snails warily as Haku mentioned something about itching. She was intrigued—they looked like no snail she’d ever seen before—but she quickly decided to leave them be and continue the search for something suitable.
But as the minutes passed and she found nothing of note, Pie found herself wishing to call off the search and head home. She hated to be away for so long. It made her restless, the feeling suddenly intense enough that she didn’t even care that Haku might see where she went. Surely he wouldn’t follow; if he did, it would be at his peril.
I don’t think I’m going to find anything today. That’s all right, though. I’ll let you get back to your fishing. Take care of yourself, Haku,Pie said, her yellow eyes lingering on him for a moment.
Aware she might never see him again, she felt a little twinge in her chest at their lost friendship. But as she turned, she put it all behind her. Pie focused on finding an indirect route back toward the grotto, just in case he was watching.
RE: totem - Hakumele - September 01, 2025
Treepie chose to stop her searching, and though he was sad to see her go, Hakumele's rumbling stomach did tell him that he needed to return to his hunt.
You too, Treepie. Take care of yourself.They would see each other again sooner or later, he felt sure.
Watching her for only a moment, Hakumele then returned to the water. He would wade back towards the way he came, and find something to eat along the way.