Redhawk Caldera Julio! Get the stretch!

Dove was in a bit of a tizzy this afternoon, and decided to do something out of character - again - but this time her behavior wasn't motivated by her hormones (or if it was, she wasn't very aware). Apparently everyone in this godforsaken pack hated her guts when all she did was - well - nothing. Yeah sure, she'd said a few heated things to one of the more snide members, but it was in self defense! Honest! And Fox - her own sister, supporting some halfblood nobody just because they shared a father! It was all ridiculous.

'Maybe I should just go back home.' She thought bitterly. The pale girl had spent the morning alone, and as much as she wanted the company of her sister, she also didn't, not if it meant another scolding, or the potential of being kicked right out of the pack. But then again, what did it matter. There was nothing for her here! Even the one vaguely attractive guy had turned against her.

In an effort to ease the frustration brewing within herself, Dove sought out one of the caches and began to furiously dig. All she found was a rack of half-rotten ribs, and the smell alone made her want to hurl - but beneath them, tucked away in the earth, was a lengthy leg bone (or something like that, she didn't know the anatomy of the prey around here, god). No matter how hard she pulled on the exposed bone, it wouldn't come loose; she even tried to brace herself against the burrow like some kind of oil rig, her head tucked almost to her chest.

And then, when she was so weary from her fighting that she thought she would just collapse and die — the bone came loose. Dove was sent spiraling backwards on to her pale ass, which didn't stay pale for long, and the bone clattered uselessly alongside her.

Being vague because I have a thread dated directly before this, but Somnia's still here to apologize! :)

Right after her visit to the Alphas' den, Somnia sought out Dove. With a piece of prey clamped between her jaws, she reluctantly came upon the newest member tugging on a bone in a cache. She stayed out of Dove's sight for a few moments, curious as to what the end result would be. Just when she decided she should go in and help, Dove was thrown backwards from the momentum of her pulling.

"You all right?" Somnia asked as she suddenly sprang forward to be next to Dove with the gift of food swinging wildly from her jaws. Remembering that she currently resented Dove, and was swallowing her usually-nonexistent pride to make things right, she shrank back. Ears pinned back and lowered to the ground in submission - apologizing was all about admitting you were wrong, so submission seemed to fit the occasion - she thrust the food forward.

"I'm sorry for getting into an argument with you. I honestly didn't mean to insult you by saying you smelled funny. By funny I didn't mean bad, but different. The smell was actually rather pleasant, and it seemed familiar. By saying that, I was hoping you would elaborate on why you smelled like that, but instead you misunderstood and got insulted. I should've explained what I actually met, instead of getting all mean and petty with you - I don't even like Elwood in that way; he's my best friend."

Now there was that moment that seemed to last forever while waiting for Dove's response. While this may have been suddenly sprung onto her before she could even get up, she wouldn't be rude enough to refuse Somnia's apology, would she?

kekeke i loves me some dove - she's so catty.

The collision between her tailbone and the ground was one thing, but as her back collided with it as well, Dove found herself winded and scrambling. She gasped and rolled to one side, and found her breath in time to bear witness to Somnia's arrival; she burst forth with some insistence, and Dove's immediate reaction was to turn her head and glare towards the onlooker - seeing Somnia, and watching her shrink back as if wounded herself.

Dove's first thought was, 'Oh great, what do you want now?', but she said nothing. Pretty quickly Somnia was going off on some kind of apologetic tirade, while Dove reached for the discarded bone upon the ground and pulled it towards herself with her paws.

Nothing Somnia said really mattered to her - she didn't want to hear it - and the more she talked, the more annoyed Dove felt. But the Gamma shoved a chunk of prey towards her, and the newest recruit felt herself soften a little. —I should've explained what I actually met, instead of getting all mean and petty with you - I don't even like Elwood in that way; he's my best friend.

Okay, okay, chill. I don't actually care. Dove hastily stated, hoping to curb Somnia's rant and make her stop with all the sharing - really, none of this mattered to her. At all. She got up and shook her head, more to rid the ache from her shoulders and neck than anything, and stretched her legs.

I was just having some fun with your boy-thing anyway. But if that was all she could get away with, then Dove wouldn't pursue it any further. Granted, Somnia had only mentioned being his friend - but besides poking fun at boys and giving them lurid glances, she really didn't know what to do with them. The prey remained discarded on the ground, and Dove turned to pick up the target of her digging; the bone jutted out of her dainty little face awkwardly as she began to walk off with it.

Things could have gone much better. Somnia was trying to make things right, yes? Yeah she was. But apparently, the inter-pack relationships didn't matter to Dove. Apparently, she didn't care about the environment that her unborn nieces and nephews were going to be brought up in! The least Dove could do was accept the apology, even if she didn't like Somnia. But, things also could have gone much worse.

The way Dove just cast her aside after she put in the effort to make things right was really irritating. There were many things Somnia wanted to say, but she held her tongue. The reason she was here was to make things better, not worse. Still, mentally saying the replies did no harm. It must suck that someone completely unrelated to your sister cares more than you about Fox's unborn pups, for I'm the one making an effort to provide a relatively, argument-free environment for them by resolving things. What are you doing for them? Nothing that I can see!

Instead, Somnia voiced her thoughts in a much nicer way that was more likely to not provoke ill comments for Dove. "Look, you don't have to like me or anything, but I was just trying to prevent any fighting between us in the future, so Fox's pups - your nieces and nephews - don't have to be exposed to fighting while they're young." Dove should care now if she cared about her unborn family.

The bone in her mouth became a bit heavy so she paused, lowering one end so that she could adjust her grip, and in that time Somnia - being an unrelenting force - continued to talk, despite Dove's clear indifference. The comment caught her off guard. She dropped the bone for the time being and turned around, giving the monochromatic wolf a confused look - which transformed in to one of mirth, as an obnoxious little laugh burst from her little mouth.

You don't have to remind me of their relation. She chided right back, and though her tone was mirthful there was an underlying tension, just like their first conversation. Dove didn't like other girls just because, and this lady wasn't helping her case. Fox is the only reason I'm here. Her and the kids. The laughter petered out - going stale and somewhat forced, before fading entirely, leaving Dove with a slight scowl. You really need to learn how to relax, lady.

Relax and get out of her way, more like it. Dove turned back to her bone and reached for it, grasping one bulbous end and dragging it close for an easier pick-up.

Ehehehe... Somnia would love to storm out right now, but it's not at 10 posts yet. :P

Based off of Dove's statement and the way she acted towards her fellow pack-mates, (as far as Somnia could tell), Somnia reached the conclusion that Dove gave zero shits about the rest of the pack. While their unphysical skirmishes were one thing, Dove not caring for the pack was another. To Somnia, it was an insult, and insulting her pack was not a good thing, whether Dove was part of it or not.

Ending this encounter would probably be the best thing to do right now, but Somnia wasn't thinking straight. "Even if you're only here because of Fox, that doesn't give you the right to blatantly disregard the rest of the pack! The rest of us have done more for Fox than you ever have, as far as I can tell. I didn't see you sticking around with her until a week or two ago. If you cared about her so much, wouldn't you have stuck with her when she moved? I know that she decided to relocate now, I would follow her with no questions asked! The rest of the pack has hunted for her while she's pregnant, and will remain to do so after the pups are born! Have you added anything to the caches lately, or do you think you don't have to do that like everyone else because you don't care about anyone in the pack besides Fox, the pups, and yourself?"

What is your problem?! Dove suddenly hissed in Somnia's direction, cutting through her newest tirade as her frustration reached a breaking point - clearly it didn't take much. But if one were to consider how much flak she had gotten thus far since joining the caldera pack, it isn't that surprising. So her attitude was bad! No, she didn't care at all about anyone who wasn't family — bastards included — but she meant well. She was here wasn't she?

Dove turned and faced Somnia, and for the time being she forgot (perhaps purposefully ignored) that the other wolf was of higher rank; her own tail lashed behind her, whipping the grass at her hocks, while she glared haughtily forward. If Fox asks me to jump, I'll jump. If Fox needs something right this second, I'll be there to provide it. I don't give two shits about any of you - none of you know me, none of you have given me any kind of chance. All you do is tell me I'm not good enough to be here with my family. And I've had enough. It was quite possible this was the last conversation she'd have with any caldera wolf - but Fox would hear about this, and Dove would make sure this ridiculous woman paid for all of it.

She had given her word to both Fox and Peregrine that she'd be staying, and she would stick with that as long as possible. Somnia wouldn't be able to drive her out just for a bad attitude, no matter what she - or anyone else - had to say.

I just got here. You all act like I should've known where Fox had run off to, or... Or somehow known intrinsically that she was going to have kids! It wasn't fair. At all. Dove had come upon the pack completely by chance and thought her luck had changed — but so far, everything was just getting worse. Maybe she would be better off on her own, but she couldn't leave. Why can't you just mind your own business? She hissed, and braced for whatever came next.

Oh? No one has given her any chances? "I don't know what you see as a chance, but I've given you two within the two times I've seen you! The majority of the pack is close enough to jump when anyone wants them to jump. I was trying to befriend you last time, get you integrated into that system where the majority of the pack likes you! Even if I screwed up then, it was still a chance for you! What about right now, huh? I apologized to give you another chance. Instead, you treat me like I'm a pile of shit in your way! Then, you start insulting not only my, but our pack, acting as if they're useless piles of shit too, and they're not!"

As for minding her own business, sections of the argument had become Somnia's business. Dove was being rude to her. Was that supposed to be none of her business? Dove had acted as if everyone in the pack besides Fox and her unborn pups were useless. It was Somnia's pack, so it was her business!

Attempting to leave, but Somnia can obviously stop her! Feel free to grab Dove and shove her around if you want, she's a butt.

Oh, shut up, will you? Dove snapped. Her voice was dull, like a worn out blade, but she was still eager to cut Somnia down at least a peg or two. She just wouldn't stop ranting at her! By this point Dove believed it was her only means of communication — and she'd had enough.

My family is what matters. Neither you, Peregrine, Elwood — any of you — have made me feel that connection. You are not my blood and so yeah, you're useless to me.

What was she supposed to do? Concede to this stranger? It wasn't in Dove's nature to let others walk all over her, nor was it in her nature to respect anyone that didn't deserve it. Fox did, simply for being Fox. And the rest of this sorry lot had done nothing for her except question her merit, her value, and her integrity. Her loyalty to her sister. It was complete bullshit.

You want me to apologize? I can't do that. I have nothing to apologize for. She stabbed again with her words, regaining a bit of her sharp-tongued aesthetic; but as she said this, Dove took a bold step away from Somnia's presence. Leave me alone. Or I'll tell Fox just how much of a bitch you are constantly being towards me. Bet she'll like that. Another couple of steps followed this, and as the threat passed her lips, Dove shot a very serious expression towards the gray girl.

Who do you think she'll believe? She wanted to add, but didn't - letting the look on her face speak volumes instead.

I think Somnia would try to refrain from getting physical. The worst she'll do is supply some parting words.

Somnia's expression faltered for a minute, panic flashing across her features. But, as Dove took a few more steps back, the confidence returned to her. Drawing herself up, she shot a glare at Dove. "I never asked you to apologize, I just wanted you to be polite to me, so we could interact without going through all of this." She informed her, her lip starting to curl.

Then, in an attempt to get Dove to bolt, which looked like it would be any second now, Somnia gave a few last words. I've also told you repeatedly that the pack's not run only by Fox. Peregrine's equal to her, and he gets a say in the matter too! I've been told by both him and the Beta Male that they feel like I'm a sister, even if we're not actually related. At least I'm good friends with the ruling pair, and not only half of it. Plus, I visited Peregrine and Fox before I came here to drop off some food. I told him I was coming to apologize to you, and I'm certain he would've told Fox by now. What do you think they'll think when they hear about how you so rudely sassed me when I tried to right things?"

With no more words of venom to spit at Dove, Somnia simply tried to stare her down until she left.

Fade! That was fun. Eventually Dove will be nicer! lmao.

Whether Somnia was telling the truth or not, her words effectively tied Dove's tongue. She did not want any part in this conversation any longer, and knew that if she did respond, somehow it would come back to bite her. And she wasn't eager for another talking-to from her litter-mate either, since that would likely mean her expulsion from the pack. Despite wanting to shoot daggers at the petulant little nobody, Dove saw the opportunity to leave, and took it. She could feel Somnia's eyes boring in to her as she retreated, and that only instilled a greater sense of loathing within the little dove.