The farthing wood was far behind him and good riddance, at that. Never before had he been accosted by such scoundrels. The badgers were foul, the lot of them. They'd kicked dirt at him one too many times, sullied the good nature of their kind. Tagg was certain never to forget such travesty.
Ah but the new wood was splendid in its own right. The scent of badger far behind, the Taggerung could only bask in the warm glow of an evening sun that had draped like a heavy blanket across the trees.
Ah but the new wood was splendid in its own right. The scent of badger far behind, the Taggerung could only bask in the warm glow of an evening sun that had draped like a heavy blanket across the trees.
My, what a glorious golden glow,the Taggerung mused softly, pausing at the lip of a fallen log.
July 10, 2021, 12:05 PM
shikoba finds herself away from the spine, in search of new landmarks to recognize and learn. while she is no wayfarer or adventurer, she understands the importance of knowing one's land, even beyond the grip that moonglow has on the spine and in the great bear wilderness. hopefully, the escape routes she plans out will never have to be used.
in her bloody maw is a white fish, rainbow trout to be exact, who has given up the fight and no longer squirms in her grasp. the iridescent scales shimmer in the golden glow of sun that drips beneath the canopy above her head. she had made a minor stop at the lake before coming to these woods, hoping that dinner would be an easy catch. considering the good size of her bounty, she would eat well tonight.
however, something stops shikoba in her tracks as she takes note to the man before her. a lighter male, taller than her, yet not as built as the warrior woman. she is unsure whether she should greet him, or slowly slink away to avoid sharing her well-earned catch and a possible fight while she is far from home. conflict writes itself over her face as she is stuck trying to decide what to do, not even noticing that her recent steps were loud enough to alert anyone of her presence.
in her bloody maw is a white fish, rainbow trout to be exact, who has given up the fight and no longer squirms in her grasp. the iridescent scales shimmer in the golden glow of sun that drips beneath the canopy above her head. she had made a minor stop at the lake before coming to these woods, hoping that dinner would be an easy catch. considering the good size of her bounty, she would eat well tonight.
however, something stops shikoba in her tracks as she takes note to the man before her. a lighter male, taller than her, yet not as built as the warrior woman. she is unsure whether she should greet him, or slowly slink away to avoid sharing her well-earned catch and a possible fight while she is far from home. conflict writes itself over her face as she is stuck trying to decide what to do, not even noticing that her recent steps were loud enough to alert anyone of her presence.
![[Image: giphy.gif]](https://media.giphy.com/media/3oEjHPL9X3Y2gAQ9Ik/giphy.gif)
July 10, 2021, 02:08 PM
Footfall swiveled the tall auds on his crown. The Taggerung could feel his shoulders sag, swaying just so that his lean frame seemed to swing favorably to the left before ceasing. Footfall and then... that succulent fragrance of fish!
The Taggerung's tail swung joyfully from one side to the next. The squint of his eye sought the approacher, scouring the trees and wood for their shape. It took only a moment to settle on an unfamiliar figure- ah, but of course they would all be quite unfamiliar, silly Taggerung.
Pointed canines peered from beneath his lip as the Taggerung offered a cheeky smile. He would not seek the food of this unknown. No, he was capable of catching his own miniscule feast. Company, though, that was something he could not provide for himself.
The Taggerung's tail swung joyfully from one side to the next. The squint of his eye sought the approacher, scouring the trees and wood for their shape. It took only a moment to settle on an unfamiliar figure- ah, but of course they would all be quite unfamiliar, silly Taggerung.
Why hello there! Fine summer's evening we have here don't you think?
Pointed canines peered from beneath his lip as the Taggerung offered a cheeky smile. He would not seek the food of this unknown. No, he was capable of catching his own miniscule feast. Company, though, that was something he could not provide for himself.
July 10, 2021, 06:54 PM
he takes notice of her, though the tone of his voice sounds welcoming. shikoba feels her anxiety shrink in her body as she nods to his question, stepping closer now with less fear. she tentatively places her catch in front of her feet so her lips are free to move and speak.
"pretty" she says in agreement, sulfur eyes casting themselves upwards for a moment to take a glimpse at the golden light pouring through the breaks in he foliage. "live here?" she asks, direct but in a polite manner. shikoba is still learning the ropes of small talk, though she does not quite understand why wolves just don't say what they mean when they want to.
"pretty" she says in agreement, sulfur eyes casting themselves upwards for a moment to take a glimpse at the golden light pouring through the breaks in he foliage. "live here?" she asks, direct but in a polite manner. shikoba is still learning the ropes of small talk, though she does not quite understand why wolves just don't say what they mean when they want to.
July 10, 2021, 07:12 PM
'Pretty.'
That it was.
The Taggerung nodded his head in a display of his agreement and appreciation for her willingness to partake in his company, even if only for a short while.
It was in these few seconds that his eyes roamed her over with more intent. She was an odd little duck. This delighted him some. Her face was marred, her coat shabby and swathed in patches of various shades.
Homely, perhaps...
The Taggerung hadn't considered settling that early, not after leaving his first home.
It was a lovely forest, though.
You fool, Tagg, what trouble could you have found already? Ah, but youth afforded him many things. He hoped that a smattering of charm could, as well.
That it was.
The Taggerung nodded his head in a display of his agreement and appreciation for her willingness to partake in his company, even if only for a short while.
It was in these few seconds that his eyes roamed her over with more intent. She was an odd little duck. This delighted him some. Her face was marred, her coat shabby and swathed in patches of various shades.
Homely, perhaps...
Well, no. I don't live here. But I suppose I could,he answered airily.
The Taggerung hadn't considered settling that early, not after leaving his first home.
It was a lovely forest, though.
Oh!he exclaimed suddenly, as if the thought had only just struck him,
do you?
You fool, Tagg, what trouble could you have found already? Ah, but youth afforded him many things. He hoped that a smattering of charm could, as well.
July 10, 2021, 10:21 PM
thankfully for this young boy, he is in unclaimed land. had he interrupted, had he ben aggressive, had he been untrustworthy -- white knives would be the first to meet him over soft words. upon his seemingly worried exclamation and question, shikoba offers him a soft smile of reassurance with a slow shake of her head.
"no, shikoba-" she lifts a paw up to press against her chest in order to indicate she is talking about herself, introducing her name, "lives north in moonglow, big spine that surrounds a lake." she speaks proudly of her home, knowing the beauty and power the spine holds over the territory. even more so, shikoba is prideful of her leader. kukutux has welcomed her with open arms and leaves the warrior woman feeling nothing but pleasantness and pride for moonglow.
though, with a sudden realization, shikoba straightens up for a moment, before lowering her head a bit as ears fall back in the slightest. "sorry," she says softly with a sheepish expression, "not good with english. shikoba not ask for name also. what shikoba call you?" while she is still learning the subtle ways of manners, she knows that asking for names is often the first thing that strangers do when they want to converse.
"no, shikoba-" she lifts a paw up to press against her chest in order to indicate she is talking about herself, introducing her name, "lives north in moonglow, big spine that surrounds a lake." she speaks proudly of her home, knowing the beauty and power the spine holds over the territory. even more so, shikoba is prideful of her leader. kukutux has welcomed her with open arms and leaves the warrior woman feeling nothing but pleasantness and pride for moonglow.
though, with a sudden realization, shikoba straightens up for a moment, before lowering her head a bit as ears fall back in the slightest. "sorry," she says softly with a sheepish expression, "not good with english. shikoba not ask for name also. what shikoba call you?" while she is still learning the subtle ways of manners, she knows that asking for names is often the first thing that strangers do when they want to converse.
July 11, 2021, 12:20 PM
Ah, so the wolf Shikoba did not live there. Fortune favored him and he was grateful.
The Taggerung rather enjoyed the way in which she offered her introduction. She was forthcoming with the information that her language skills were shabby, unimpressive. For the bard, he wondered what kind of lessons he could learn from her.
A cheery, crooked, squinted smile followed his statement.
Shikoba would learn swiftly how much words mattered to the Taggerung.
The Taggerung rather enjoyed the way in which she offered her introduction. She was forthcoming with the information that her language skills were shabby, unimpressive. For the bard, he wondered what kind of lessons he could learn from her.
I am called the Taggerung!
A cheery, crooked, squinted smile followed his statement.
You may call me Tagg if you so please, dearest Shikoba,he then went on.
Shikoba would learn swiftly how much words mattered to the Taggerung.
I must say, this Moonglow you call home sounds simply lovely. It must be seen. I should like to compose a song for it.It was decided.
July 13, 2021, 12:01 AM
the taggerung.
for the first time in awhile, shikoba manages to say this name with ease in her mind. it is different, it is new, and yet it is refreshing as this man's personality and friendliness.
what catches her attention and rounded ears is his declaration of song. and shikoba could not express her sheer excitement. her family had many songs that described history, that described the world, that described pride in being from the pheasant tail family. she would hopefully be one of the many to listen and love the songs of the taggerung.
a swift wag of her plume. she smiles to the man, soon finding herself settling into a sitting position. "shikoba excited to hear taggerung sing. moonglow deserves a song."
for the first time in awhile, shikoba manages to say this name with ease in her mind. it is different, it is new, and yet it is refreshing as this man's personality and friendliness.
what catches her attention and rounded ears is his declaration of song. and shikoba could not express her sheer excitement. her family had many songs that described history, that described the world, that described pride in being from the pheasant tail family. she would hopefully be one of the many to listen and love the songs of the taggerung.
a swift wag of her plume. she smiles to the man, soon finding herself settling into a sitting position. "shikoba excited to hear taggerung sing. moonglow deserves a song."
July 13, 2021, 01:06 PM
Well, she seemed to like the idea of composing a musical ditty for her home – Moonglow – and the Taggerung could not have been more willing to share this.
There was something delightful about her joy for her pack. This very noticeable pride reminded the bard of his home in the farthing wood, his Ruddaring. Oh, he did miss them all very much. There was nothing that could be done about the pangs of homesickness he felt. One day he would return to them with songs and stories that he would tell until his end day.
The Taggerung’s voice rang out with mirth, with confidence that came only from the heart of a performer.
And the Taggerung looked at her with the utmost interest.
There was something delightful about her joy for her pack. This very noticeable pride reminded the bard of his home in the farthing wood, his Ruddaring. Oh, he did miss them all very much. There was nothing that could be done about the pangs of homesickness he felt. One day he would return to them with songs and stories that he would tell until his end day.
And it shall have one!
The Taggerung’s voice rang out with mirth, with confidence that came only from the heart of a performer.
Tell me, Shikoba, what do you love about Moonglow? What is it that makes it your home, you see?
And the Taggerung looked at her with the utmost interest.
July 17, 2021, 12:38 AM
he speaks with the utmost excitement, a joyous voice and a question of what shikoba loves about the spine -- what possibly makes it home for her. she ponders for a quiet moment as she things, there were many blessings that she could count.
kukutux, the waterfowl woman who has showed the ways of the spine to shikoba.
moonglow itself, the land is something out of a fairy tale with its' ethereal presence and shimmer at night.
the ulaq, her home. small yet comforting, she thinks back to her first night in the territory when kukutux slept with shikoba, side by side. it was a moment of peace that she hadn't felt in many moons.
"everything" is what she comes out with. not the specific answer that taggerung expected, though she adds a tad more fluff to her one-word answer. she connects eyes with the bard as a glimmer of pride swipes over her sulfur eyes.
"shikoba likes the lake, sparkly under full moon and sun. and kukutux, leader of moonglow. very kind to shikoba-- very pretty." she thinks more and more, knowing there is more to love of her home. why else would she speak so pridefully of the spine? "and... flowers that grow there, smell sweet." she quiets herself down now, hoping that she has given the man enough evidence to create his lyrical piece.
kukutux, the waterfowl woman who has showed the ways of the spine to shikoba.
moonglow itself, the land is something out of a fairy tale with its' ethereal presence and shimmer at night.
the ulaq, her home. small yet comforting, she thinks back to her first night in the territory when kukutux slept with shikoba, side by side. it was a moment of peace that she hadn't felt in many moons.
"everything" is what she comes out with. not the specific answer that taggerung expected, though she adds a tad more fluff to her one-word answer. she connects eyes with the bard as a glimmer of pride swipes over her sulfur eyes.
"shikoba likes the lake, sparkly under full moon and sun. and kukutux, leader of moonglow. very kind to shikoba-- very pretty." she thinks more and more, knowing there is more to love of her home. why else would she speak so pridefully of the spine? "and... flowers that grow there, smell sweet." she quiets herself down now, hoping that she has given the man enough evidence to create his lyrical piece.
July 17, 2021, 06:37 PM
‘Everything,’ she answered, and he smiled.
Fortunately for them both, the kind Shikoba did go on to say more specific things she enjoyed about her home. The Taggerung listened intently, nodding at appropriate intervals, and mulling over the details she had shared with him.
It did sound quite splendid, he had to admit.
The bard had a thoughtful face, squinted eyes, a thin-lipped expression. She’d given him more than enough, he was certain. The Taggerung merely did not want to offend her. It was clear that she valued her home a great deal.
The Taggerung then looked to his company expectantly, grinning from ear to ear.
Fortunately for them both, the kind Shikoba did go on to say more specific things she enjoyed about her home. The Taggerung listened intently, nodding at appropriate intervals, and mulling over the details she had shared with him.
It did sound quite splendid, he had to admit.
Hmm,the Taggerung hummed after a moment.
The bard had a thoughtful face, squinted eyes, a thin-lipped expression. She’d given him more than enough, he was certain. The Taggerung merely did not want to offend her. It was clear that she valued her home a great deal.
Tucked within a rocky wall sits Moonglow,
Its waters sparkle night and day, sweet flowers fill the air-
And Kukutux, the bold and just, who rules this humble claim,
Has made a home for dear Shikoba, and Moonglow is its name.
The Taggerung then looked to his company expectantly, grinning from ear to ear.
July 19, 2021, 11:09 PM
she waits. quiet, though filled to the brim with excitement. soon the air is full of his song, shikoba feels the need to memorize every word.
sulfur eyes widen, her tail thumps against the ground quickly; when the last note is finally ended in his lyrical piece, her grin matches the one the taggerung wears upon his own face. and then, her front legs jump up, like she is in a begging position. her legs strike out in the air, paws hitting together in a mock-applause.
it is beautiful, wonderous, mystical --!
"it's perfect" she breathes out to him, feeling each word echo in the chamber of heart as she rewinds the song in her head again and again. she shoots up and scoops her fish in her mouth, crunching it into 2 pieces, then tossing the other end towards the feet of the taggerung; perhaps this is his first tip.
the new ballad of moonglow is something she commits to memory and hopes that kukutux will take great pride in it as well.
sulfur eyes widen, her tail thumps against the ground quickly; when the last note is finally ended in his lyrical piece, her grin matches the one the taggerung wears upon his own face. and then, her front legs jump up, like she is in a begging position. her legs strike out in the air, paws hitting together in a mock-applause.
it is beautiful, wonderous, mystical --!
"it's perfect" she breathes out to him, feeling each word echo in the chamber of heart as she rewinds the song in her head again and again. she shoots up and scoops her fish in her mouth, crunching it into 2 pieces, then tossing the other end towards the feet of the taggerung; perhaps this is his first tip.
the new ballad of moonglow is something she commits to memory and hopes that kukutux will take great pride in it as well.
July 20, 2021, 02:22 PM
There was nothing quite so important as a round of applause for an entertainer.
The Taggerung could scarcely refrain from beaming widely at Shikoba. She had offered him both a show of her appreciation as well as a portion of her fish. Jolly good, he thought and bent to begin eating.
For the Taggerung wanted to see her home, only just so that he could understand how fitting his song may have been. He also wished to know what type of land had enchanted Shikoba in such a way.
The world was new to him, but he was a bard who was dedicated to his craft.
The Taggerung could scarcely refrain from beaming widely at Shikoba. She had offered him both a show of her appreciation as well as a portion of her fish. Jolly good, he thought and bent to begin eating.
Shikoba,the Taggerung started, licking his chops to catch the remnants of fish upon them,
does Moonglow accept visitors, do you know?
For the Taggerung wanted to see her home, only just so that he could understand how fitting his song may have been. He also wished to know what type of land had enchanted Shikoba in such a way.
The world was new to him, but he was a bard who was dedicated to his craft.
July 23, 2021, 10:27 PM
shikoba is impressed with the taggerung, though feels more content to see him quickly eat his part of the meal; something well earned, she believes. though, after a pink tongue rolls across his lips after he asks about visiting moonglow, the native woman nods her head to answer him.
"yes, kukutux would like to hear moonglow's song from taggerung." shikoba could see kukutux being passionate for the craft, the woman is whimsical and mysterious in her own ways. perhaps, she would enjoy the presence of this man as shikoba has in these past moments together. "moonglow up north, surrounded by small mountains. call for shikoba when visiting." a good set of instructions, as well as a set of directions for him to follow, should he actually pursue the mysterious land.
"yes, kukutux would like to hear moonglow's song from taggerung." shikoba could see kukutux being passionate for the craft, the woman is whimsical and mysterious in her own ways. perhaps, she would enjoy the presence of this man as shikoba has in these past moments together. "moonglow up north, surrounded by small mountains. call for shikoba when visiting." a good set of instructions, as well as a set of directions for him to follow, should he actually pursue the mysterious land.
July 27, 2021, 06:10 PM
Oh, to share his song with the wolf called Kukutux herself! The Taggerung grinned eagerly at the premise. It would be a proud day when he would grace their borders and sing to the woman who had enchanted Shikoba.
Shikoba offered instruction for how to get to and summon her at the border of the pack. The bard nodded intently. The information on Moonglow was sealed within his mind, ready for when he would reach their lands.
He wondered then if it was time to be letting her get on her way. For he could not occupy her time with songs and stories all day. She would be missed by her home and her pack, without question.
Shikoba offered instruction for how to get to and summon her at the border of the pack. The bard nodded intently. The information on Moonglow was sealed within his mind, ready for when he would reach their lands.
I shall, of course. For you deserve to be recognized for speaking so fondly of Moonglow, surely,the Taggerung said to her.
He wondered then if it was time to be letting her get on her way. For he could not occupy her time with songs and stories all day. She would be missed by her home and her pack, without question.
July 28, 2021, 11:58 PM
it seems that the show is coming to an end, the curtains must fall and the players must leave their stage to rest and recover. it may not have been a bouquet of roses, but shikoba hopes her fish is enough of a treat to show her enjoyment of the show the taggerung has provided her. she hopes he may visit her soon to sing his song to moonglow and the many beautiful women that reside in the spine.
though, taking notice to the darkening light, shikoba soon gets up and offers a smile to the coyish man before her. "visit soon, shikoba likes taggerung." a declarative statement with a firm nod of the head. blunt and honest, yet sweet in her own way. the bard has made a new friend, perhaps even an ally if he proves to have more up his sleeve besides just songs. however, the nature of this songbird remains unknown to shikoba. she wonders if she will learn more about him in the future.
until then, she turns to pad off in the direction of moonglow. where her ulaq is awaiting for her.
though, taking notice to the darkening light, shikoba soon gets up and offers a smile to the coyish man before her. "visit soon, shikoba likes taggerung." a declarative statement with a firm nod of the head. blunt and honest, yet sweet in her own way. the bard has made a new friend, perhaps even an ally if he proves to have more up his sleeve besides just songs. however, the nature of this songbird remains unknown to shikoba. she wonders if she will learn more about him in the future.
until then, she turns to pad off in the direction of moonglow. where her ulaq is awaiting for her.
lovely thread with you, hope these two can have more in the future! feel free to post or archive :D
July 29, 2021, 02:14 PM
I had a grand time! I do hope we can write together again soon. Tagg won’t be able to stay away from Moonglow. ^^
If that wasn’t the most splendid thing a man could be told.
The Taggerung bowed his head to her immediately. A smile swept his features, causing the squint in his eye to deepen. He held an easy sway of his tail, but in his stomach, there burst a flurry of winged things.
I shan’t forget, Shikoba – I’ll call for you at the border,he said firmly, though the smile still pulled at his lips. The roguish wolf aimed himself to the setting sun and woofed a happy farewell before jaunting off into the evening air.
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