Post by Avalikia on Dec 14, 2010 23:56:20 GMT -7
(OOC: As this scene was almost finished and we're having trouble getting together again, how about we finish it here?)
Characters:
Saarameya - Female Feral Dog
Vidya - Female Adolescent Barn Owl
Kirana - Female Gray Wolf
Akhil - Male Gray Wolf
Setting:
Stand of Trees
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Having taken the warnings of Gyarahabala to heart, Saarameya has been very careful as she explores the plains. And though that carefulness hasn't proved necessary yet, she hasn't let down her guard. Not that she lets her guard drop very far in any situation, not while she's traveling through unfamiliar territory by herself. Evening is starting to approach, which means that the air is starting to cool, and as she looks, listens, and sniffs about she tries to decide if she wants to make this a late night or if she should find a safe place to bed down before it gets too dark. Hmm...
What seems like a white blur heads right into a bush and there is a squeal heard as if something is being killed. Then seen heading to a tree and lands on a branch. Which happens to be a barn owl. As Onacona starts to eat the vole. Then blinks as she sees she has some company and looks down at the dog. "Goood evening. So how are you doing this lovely night?"
The fall of evening ushers the end of a long day of travel for Kirana, though as she nears the edge of the stand of trees she does not let herself rest at ease just yet. A broad intermingling of scents makes her approach slow and measured, as curious and cautious as the dog who preceded her to the area. Keeping her head down, fluid pawsteps weave her through and along the shadows of trees. Sharp ears lift and turn towards the echoing squeal and the voice that follows, and after a pause the wolfess turns her path towards the commotion, doing her best to stay inconspicuous.
It's a desert out there, to the west. Akhil's been moving around all day. Actually, for a longer time than he thought he would, and he's no closer to discovering any clues than he was when all this started. Fruitless, fruitless searching in every conceivable direction. It's enough to make even a stalwart soul like his cry to whatever gods are out there for relief. But he can't stop. He won't. Not until he finds... something at least. An explanation. What he will do is try to find a place to rest for the night... that stand of trees looks good. He approaches slowly, ears going up as he enters the area, nose to the wind. Familiar scents... wolf scent. But who else is out there?
The silent wings of the owl make her difficult to sense, though fortunately for the dog she's simply too big to have to worry about owls. And so it isn't until she hears the commotion in the bush that she's aware of the owl, having missed her approach since she's not in the habit of looking up when she isn't too close to a tree. She freezes, but relaxes quickly when the owl reveals herself by talking. "Well enough," she replies politely, though she's not really interested in something of such little consequence as the owl. Instead Saarameya lifts her head to sniff the air again, and immediately starts to look around. There's a wolf around here somewhere... The thought doesn't frighten her much, though she hopes to spot the wolf first if it proves to be unfriendly.
Vidya already can hear heartbeat of two wolves and follows the sounds and sees both of them. She looks down. "If you are smelling wolf then there are two of them. I can hear their heartbeats as if they were right next to me. There is one over in this direction" As she then uses one of her wings to point in the direction of the wolf closet to them. "Oh sorry how impolite of me. My name is Onacona."
Kirana actually appears almost on cue with the bird's gesture, emerging from a small patch of undergrowth to pause with an even stare at the owl and the dog. As she continues her approach she dips her head to each of them in turn. "I hope the evening finds you both well." She stops within a comfortable conversing distance and turns her nose to the breeze, then lifts her head and sends up a short howl for Akhil: "Over here!"
Akhil's ears perk up still more, going rigid. That's Kirana's voice, no doubt. He can't help but sigh in relief at a familiar face. Finding any kind of consistency is a challenge in this life, and he welcomes any he can get. He comes out of hiding and moves towards the others. "Lady Kirana," he says politely, bowing to her. "It's good to see you again." He turns to the bird and the dog, next, bowing his head. "And you, two, as well. I didn't think this tree stand would be inhabited by much more than smaller creatures that would have little to do with a wolf."
Well, now, perhaps this owl is more useful than she seems. Then again, with the way she keeps talking to Saarameya, it's likely that she's blown any hope that the dog may have had of remaining undetected as well. Oh well, at least that levels the playing field. The stare of the first wolf is easily matched by the dog, who isn't about to go all submissive toward stranger wolves just because they're just a bit bigger than she is. Even after she sees the respect that the second gives the first, that doesn't change her mind; she's not a part of their pack. Then again, she's not stupid enough to be aggressive either, so she responds to the dip of the first one's head with one of her own and replies, "It does." Then she nods to the second and comments, "You'd be wrong then. I came across the scent of many large creatures along my way here. None of them fresh enough to worry about now, I would think, but you never know. I am Saarameya."
Vidya looks down at all of them and tilts her head some. "I sometimes wish I could detect a scent. But not be able to smell is advantage if there is a small prey animal that uses a smelly defense to deter bigger predators."
Kirana says, "And you, Akhil." The wolfess regards the traveler warmly, giving him a brief look-over to assess how he's faring before turning her curious gaze back towards the dog. "You never do know. I was actually here to look for some creatures in particular who I know have been frequenting the area, though their scents are not as fresh as I'd hoped. All the same, I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Saarameya." Another bow, then cerulean eyes lift to regard the owl with a glint of amusement. "I suppose having an extraordinary sense of smell isn't always an advantage. Though I can't imagine getting a good night's rest if I could hear a bat catching a moth half a mile away."
Akhil is looking a little thin, given how healthy he appeared at the beginning of his time here. His eyes droop and he seems quite tired, holding himself up with willpower more than anything else. "Unless you make that kind of thing your lullaby," he adds after Kirana speaks, yawning under his paw. "I'm just glad I'm meeting so many creatures who are... *not* intent on harming me and my fellows. I was under the impression these lands were virtually under siege by... dark things. But it seems their influence hasn't reached this place, yet."
Nodding her head politely again, Saarameya adds, "And it's good to meet you as well, Kirana. I actually met someone who spoke of you when I first came to these lands - he said his name was Gyarahabala. He also explained the situation with some of the tigers around here." Among many other things. As to the subject of being able to smell, she glances at the owl and comments, "I don't see how the ability to smell would be much use to you, who can fly away from many dangers and see things from afar in the sky. I think that I'd rather like being able to hear as well as you."
Vidya churrs from Kirana's comment and would blush from Saarameya's if she could. She looks over at Kirana. "Well I don't have to worry about being kept awake hearing a bat catch a moth since I sleep in the day time." Then looks over at Saarameya and nods. "Well that is true. Other owls do respect us barn owls from are hearing abilities even though we did not ask for the respect."
"I suppose that's true. And respect ought to be given where it's due, especially when unasked for." Kirana chuckles to the owl, before what Akhil says turns her head. "Oh, their influence has reached far beyond this place." She replies with a smile that is weakened by sympathy and worry. "Not the least of which to your belly, which seems to have been neglected as of late. I commend your dedication, but I'm sure your pack wants you neither starved nor exhausted to the point of uselessness. I hope you'll follow me from this place, after you've rested. My pack made a kill last night, and you are welcome to a part of it." A triangular ear ticks towards Saarameya, and a nod follows in the dog's direction. "Ah, I wondered if that was you. Gyarahabala passed word along of your meeting, though I have not gotten to talk to him in person since. I don't suppose you have caught sight or scent of him lately?" Worry for the elder has been gnawing at her thoughts lately, despite her being used to not knowing his whereabouts -- he's been more and more elusive as his age has advanced.
Akhil turns an ear towards Kirana, and after a moment of considering her offer, he bows his head. "I would be honored," he says simply, pleased that he is being invited back by the Alphaess herself. It's a good sign. He turns back to the others. "Respect is given where respect is due," he tells Vidya. "If I had the hearing of a barn owl and the sight of a raptor, I would be much closer to completing my own tasks. You are very honorable not to try and bask in such advantages."
Wagging her curled tail just a little at the owl's reaction, Saarameya listens to the exchange between the wolves but doesn't comment on it. Instead she focuses her attention on the talk about Gyarahabala. "I hope he said nice things," she says with a larger wag, "But no, I've had no trace of him since I left him at the foothills. Of course, he'd have to have been traveling pretty far afield for him to have crossed my path again - one doesn't travel in straight lines when you're on unfamiliar ground." She laughs a little at Akhil's comment to the barn owl, "Why not throw in the speed of a cheetah and the strength of a tiger while you're at it?"
Vidya churrs some as she looks down at the others and nods some. "Well I do not eat snakes since my parents had a blind nest maid snake to keep the nest clean of vermin like mice and rats. I do not know if other barn owls use them too." As she then wonders if those three know Utkrosh. "Now would you believe it if I said I could turn my back on you three and still be able to see you three?"
Kirana gives Akhil a pleased look and returns the bow, uttering a simple "Good." and licking her lips thoughtfully. "I think that might be too much of a good thing for anyone." She reflects on Saarameya's statement, though the look of mild worry doesn't leave her countenance, and isn't likely to so long as Gyarahabala remains missing. "He didn't say much of you, to be honest -- but the message was relayed to me, so I couldn't ask him for more detail. I'm surprised your name wasn't at least included, but I suppose that's because you're probably the only one of your kind in the area to speak of. I can assure you that the message reflected you in a friendly light, at least." The wolfess's curiosity is snagged by the owl again, muzzle angling up towards her perch. "You'd think an owl's nest is the last place a mouse would want to live." She wrinkles her nose. "And I suppose what I believe won't stop you. I'll have to remember not to try to get away with anything behind an owl's back.
"All those things would make me a couple steps closer to being a god, I should think," Akhil says with a chuckle to Saarameya. "And no mortal should lay claim to that kind of title." He sniffs, rubbing his snout with a paw. "I have seen an owl do just that, in fact... he did it purely to try and frighten me. I was a pup, so it worked," he says, grinning weakly. All this talk about the elder wolf does have him interested. "I wouldn't be troubled to add Gyarahabala to my list of missing wolves to track down," he adds to Kirana, in a respectfully quieter voice. "He is too valuable to do otherwise."
"Oh, I believe it," Saarameya replies to the owl, "You're not the first of your kind I've ever met, after all." Indeed, she could hardly avoid them given the number of late nights she's spent roaming across plains and other open areas that owls like. She tilts her head curiously as Kirana explains the nature of what the old wolf had said about her. "That seems to be true, unfortunately. After leaving the Darii, I've searched a long time for another pack to join, but there don't seem to be too many of my kind, and those that I found decided against inviting me to stay." And now she seems to have found a land with no dogs and a long list of problems - just her luck.
Vidya churrs some as she listens to all of them. As she then spots a log with a branch closer to their eye level. She glided down to the log with a branch sticking out of it and lands on it. "This should be better for all three of you. Now you will not have to look up at me. I have been wondering if anyone has heard the name Utkrosh." Then looks over at Kirana "Hmm it seems you are the only one that has not seen an owl turn his or her head 180 degrees." As she then looks at the wolves and dogs. "Well some rats and mice try to go after the eggs or hatchlings. Sp a blind nest-maid snake helps keep the nest clean of rodents and insects."
"It is appreciated." Kirana replies to Akhil in the same quiet tone, holding his gaze for a moment with a look of gratitude. Her attention is then given to Saarameya while she speaks of her travels and hardships. There's a pause while she considers her reply, and in the mean while when Vidya comes down to join them, she allows another gleam of amusement towards the now eye-level avian. "To be forthright with you, I actually -have- seen an owl do that trick... several times, in fact. I just never get tired of seeing it." The she-wolf responds as light-heartedly as is allowed. "Though I must say that I had no idea that owls allied with snakes. It just goes to show that one's physical stature does not determine one's true importance or virtues." Her chin dips to her chest and she looks thoughtful for a time, ears swiveling at some distant sounds. "Utkrosh is a friend. She is the one who brought the message that I spoke of earlier, in fact." With that notion she looks back to Saarameya. "I wish I could tell you of more of the whereabouts of your kin. But at the least, you are welcome within the lands of my pack. Whether or not it ends up being the home that you seek, you'll find companionship for the time being should you want it, as well as relative safety from the threats of the jungle. The same offer extends to you, Vidya, as far as it goes -- though your keen ears and eyes may be more of an advantage to us than our protection may be to you. In any case, if you are a friend of Utkrosh, consider yourself a friend of Saahasi."
"And by extension, a friend of me," Akhil adds to the Alpha's speech. "I am a wandering errant, but allies and friends of an honorable pack like the Saahasi must given the same help I am willing to give them." He bows to both dog and owl. "But, if I may, since you both seem to range far and smell and hear much... I am looking for wolves *not* of the Saahasi. In particular one of a young age... a young adult by now, I suppose... with fur almost red in color, and a notch missing from his ear?" It's a very, very long shot... but it's worth a try, he figures.
Ears perking at the mention of Utkrosh, Saarameya comments, "Oh, was that the one? Gyarahabala mentioned Utkrosh - blamed himself for getting her caught in some bad weather, as I recall." Indeed, Saarameya rather felt like there hadn't been much that the old wolf hadn't touched on during their conversation. "I thank you for that. I must say that I haven't always had the most pleasant experiences with wolves, so it's an offer that I will have to think long about before I could decide and these lands seem rather dangerous to make into a home. Still, I grow tired of traveling alone..." She trails off, obviously not willing to come to a conclusion on that just yet. Instead she listens as Akhil asks his question, and is quick to answer, "No, I'm afraid not. Of course, I usually avoid wolves when I smell them - some are very unfriendly toward dogs and I'd rather not take the chance - so that doesn't necessarily mean anything coming from me."
Vidya looks around the place and then over to Kirana and churrs some. "So you love that trick us owls can do. Oh and there are owls that do eat snakes. Lets see if I can remember what I was told. Oh yes Burrowing owls in the desert go after snakes. Oh and Utkrosh asked me and a certain peafowl to join the watch group. I forgot what it was called."
The wolfess listens passively, her ears tipping back a little when neither the dog nor the owl provide Akhil with news of his missing packmate. There's another pause before Kirana speaks again. "Security is hard sought but never assured." She maxims, her words directed towards the dog. "Of course, you are free to seek it wherever you wish, my friend. I understand that our lands aren't as safe as they have been in past seasons.." A small, mournful shake of her head is given, but her expression quickly grows more stern. "Nor will it be safer when we move our hunting grounds to the plains for Shishir. But we are resilient, and our alliances strengthen our fortitude all the more. We do not let the Ran Garjana force us to live under a shadow of fear."
Akhil cannot help but show a little of his inner frustration, his ears also going back just so, eyes dropping to the ground, his stance growing more slouched. "I see. That is... all right," he tells Saarameya. "I did not expect you to really know." Has he really just grown that desperate? He certainly feels like it. He turns his head to Kirana after a few moments of silent contemplation. "Shishir?" he asks, having not heard the word before.
When Kirana finishes speaking, Saarameya gives her an approving nod. "A noble sentiment indeed," she comments, "This is your home, and if it has to be defended by tooth and pack, then so be it. But it is not my home, and I'm wary of choosing a place to be my home when it sounds as if a war is brewing, however good the cause may be. I didn't come all this way to simply die before my time. Of course, wandering by myself has it's own perils, especially during this time of year. Perhaps I ought to rest here for a couple seasons and then decide." When Akhil's frustration shows itself, she gives him a small, understanding wag of her tail. It seemed like every time she mentioned that she was a traveler someone would ask her about this creature or that, and the answer was nearly always the same - she's tended to avoid everyone for her own safety so the odds that she saw anyone in particular are nearly nonexistent.
Vidya cocks and tilts her head back and forth for a bit. Then looks back over at the others. "Do rabbits stay underground for the winter time? I seem to be picking up two heartbeats of what seem like rabbits. But it might be some other small animals." As she stretches her wings then folds them back against her side. "So has anyone seen Utkrosh lately?"
Characters:
Saarameya - Female Feral Dog
Vidya - Female Adolescent Barn Owl
Kirana - Female Gray Wolf
Akhil - Male Gray Wolf
Setting:
Stand of Trees
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Having taken the warnings of Gyarahabala to heart, Saarameya has been very careful as she explores the plains. And though that carefulness hasn't proved necessary yet, she hasn't let down her guard. Not that she lets her guard drop very far in any situation, not while she's traveling through unfamiliar territory by herself. Evening is starting to approach, which means that the air is starting to cool, and as she looks, listens, and sniffs about she tries to decide if she wants to make this a late night or if she should find a safe place to bed down before it gets too dark. Hmm...
What seems like a white blur heads right into a bush and there is a squeal heard as if something is being killed. Then seen heading to a tree and lands on a branch. Which happens to be a barn owl. As Onacona starts to eat the vole. Then blinks as she sees she has some company and looks down at the dog. "Goood evening. So how are you doing this lovely night?"
The fall of evening ushers the end of a long day of travel for Kirana, though as she nears the edge of the stand of trees she does not let herself rest at ease just yet. A broad intermingling of scents makes her approach slow and measured, as curious and cautious as the dog who preceded her to the area. Keeping her head down, fluid pawsteps weave her through and along the shadows of trees. Sharp ears lift and turn towards the echoing squeal and the voice that follows, and after a pause the wolfess turns her path towards the commotion, doing her best to stay inconspicuous.
It's a desert out there, to the west. Akhil's been moving around all day. Actually, for a longer time than he thought he would, and he's no closer to discovering any clues than he was when all this started. Fruitless, fruitless searching in every conceivable direction. It's enough to make even a stalwart soul like his cry to whatever gods are out there for relief. But he can't stop. He won't. Not until he finds... something at least. An explanation. What he will do is try to find a place to rest for the night... that stand of trees looks good. He approaches slowly, ears going up as he enters the area, nose to the wind. Familiar scents... wolf scent. But who else is out there?
The silent wings of the owl make her difficult to sense, though fortunately for the dog she's simply too big to have to worry about owls. And so it isn't until she hears the commotion in the bush that she's aware of the owl, having missed her approach since she's not in the habit of looking up when she isn't too close to a tree. She freezes, but relaxes quickly when the owl reveals herself by talking. "Well enough," she replies politely, though she's not really interested in something of such little consequence as the owl. Instead Saarameya lifts her head to sniff the air again, and immediately starts to look around. There's a wolf around here somewhere... The thought doesn't frighten her much, though she hopes to spot the wolf first if it proves to be unfriendly.
Vidya already can hear heartbeat of two wolves and follows the sounds and sees both of them. She looks down. "If you are smelling wolf then there are two of them. I can hear their heartbeats as if they were right next to me. There is one over in this direction" As she then uses one of her wings to point in the direction of the wolf closet to them. "Oh sorry how impolite of me. My name is Onacona."
Kirana actually appears almost on cue with the bird's gesture, emerging from a small patch of undergrowth to pause with an even stare at the owl and the dog. As she continues her approach she dips her head to each of them in turn. "I hope the evening finds you both well." She stops within a comfortable conversing distance and turns her nose to the breeze, then lifts her head and sends up a short howl for Akhil: "Over here!"
Akhil's ears perk up still more, going rigid. That's Kirana's voice, no doubt. He can't help but sigh in relief at a familiar face. Finding any kind of consistency is a challenge in this life, and he welcomes any he can get. He comes out of hiding and moves towards the others. "Lady Kirana," he says politely, bowing to her. "It's good to see you again." He turns to the bird and the dog, next, bowing his head. "And you, two, as well. I didn't think this tree stand would be inhabited by much more than smaller creatures that would have little to do with a wolf."
Well, now, perhaps this owl is more useful than she seems. Then again, with the way she keeps talking to Saarameya, it's likely that she's blown any hope that the dog may have had of remaining undetected as well. Oh well, at least that levels the playing field. The stare of the first wolf is easily matched by the dog, who isn't about to go all submissive toward stranger wolves just because they're just a bit bigger than she is. Even after she sees the respect that the second gives the first, that doesn't change her mind; she's not a part of their pack. Then again, she's not stupid enough to be aggressive either, so she responds to the dip of the first one's head with one of her own and replies, "It does." Then she nods to the second and comments, "You'd be wrong then. I came across the scent of many large creatures along my way here. None of them fresh enough to worry about now, I would think, but you never know. I am Saarameya."
Vidya looks down at all of them and tilts her head some. "I sometimes wish I could detect a scent. But not be able to smell is advantage if there is a small prey animal that uses a smelly defense to deter bigger predators."
Kirana says, "And you, Akhil." The wolfess regards the traveler warmly, giving him a brief look-over to assess how he's faring before turning her curious gaze back towards the dog. "You never do know. I was actually here to look for some creatures in particular who I know have been frequenting the area, though their scents are not as fresh as I'd hoped. All the same, I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Saarameya." Another bow, then cerulean eyes lift to regard the owl with a glint of amusement. "I suppose having an extraordinary sense of smell isn't always an advantage. Though I can't imagine getting a good night's rest if I could hear a bat catching a moth half a mile away."
Akhil is looking a little thin, given how healthy he appeared at the beginning of his time here. His eyes droop and he seems quite tired, holding himself up with willpower more than anything else. "Unless you make that kind of thing your lullaby," he adds after Kirana speaks, yawning under his paw. "I'm just glad I'm meeting so many creatures who are... *not* intent on harming me and my fellows. I was under the impression these lands were virtually under siege by... dark things. But it seems their influence hasn't reached this place, yet."
Nodding her head politely again, Saarameya adds, "And it's good to meet you as well, Kirana. I actually met someone who spoke of you when I first came to these lands - he said his name was Gyarahabala. He also explained the situation with some of the tigers around here." Among many other things. As to the subject of being able to smell, she glances at the owl and comments, "I don't see how the ability to smell would be much use to you, who can fly away from many dangers and see things from afar in the sky. I think that I'd rather like being able to hear as well as you."
Vidya churrs from Kirana's comment and would blush from Saarameya's if she could. She looks over at Kirana. "Well I don't have to worry about being kept awake hearing a bat catch a moth since I sleep in the day time." Then looks over at Saarameya and nods. "Well that is true. Other owls do respect us barn owls from are hearing abilities even though we did not ask for the respect."
"I suppose that's true. And respect ought to be given where it's due, especially when unasked for." Kirana chuckles to the owl, before what Akhil says turns her head. "Oh, their influence has reached far beyond this place." She replies with a smile that is weakened by sympathy and worry. "Not the least of which to your belly, which seems to have been neglected as of late. I commend your dedication, but I'm sure your pack wants you neither starved nor exhausted to the point of uselessness. I hope you'll follow me from this place, after you've rested. My pack made a kill last night, and you are welcome to a part of it." A triangular ear ticks towards Saarameya, and a nod follows in the dog's direction. "Ah, I wondered if that was you. Gyarahabala passed word along of your meeting, though I have not gotten to talk to him in person since. I don't suppose you have caught sight or scent of him lately?" Worry for the elder has been gnawing at her thoughts lately, despite her being used to not knowing his whereabouts -- he's been more and more elusive as his age has advanced.
Akhil turns an ear towards Kirana, and after a moment of considering her offer, he bows his head. "I would be honored," he says simply, pleased that he is being invited back by the Alphaess herself. It's a good sign. He turns back to the others. "Respect is given where respect is due," he tells Vidya. "If I had the hearing of a barn owl and the sight of a raptor, I would be much closer to completing my own tasks. You are very honorable not to try and bask in such advantages."
Wagging her curled tail just a little at the owl's reaction, Saarameya listens to the exchange between the wolves but doesn't comment on it. Instead she focuses her attention on the talk about Gyarahabala. "I hope he said nice things," she says with a larger wag, "But no, I've had no trace of him since I left him at the foothills. Of course, he'd have to have been traveling pretty far afield for him to have crossed my path again - one doesn't travel in straight lines when you're on unfamiliar ground." She laughs a little at Akhil's comment to the barn owl, "Why not throw in the speed of a cheetah and the strength of a tiger while you're at it?"
Vidya churrs some as she looks down at the others and nods some. "Well I do not eat snakes since my parents had a blind nest maid snake to keep the nest clean of vermin like mice and rats. I do not know if other barn owls use them too." As she then wonders if those three know Utkrosh. "Now would you believe it if I said I could turn my back on you three and still be able to see you three?"
Kirana gives Akhil a pleased look and returns the bow, uttering a simple "Good." and licking her lips thoughtfully. "I think that might be too much of a good thing for anyone." She reflects on Saarameya's statement, though the look of mild worry doesn't leave her countenance, and isn't likely to so long as Gyarahabala remains missing. "He didn't say much of you, to be honest -- but the message was relayed to me, so I couldn't ask him for more detail. I'm surprised your name wasn't at least included, but I suppose that's because you're probably the only one of your kind in the area to speak of. I can assure you that the message reflected you in a friendly light, at least." The wolfess's curiosity is snagged by the owl again, muzzle angling up towards her perch. "You'd think an owl's nest is the last place a mouse would want to live." She wrinkles her nose. "And I suppose what I believe won't stop you. I'll have to remember not to try to get away with anything behind an owl's back.
"All those things would make me a couple steps closer to being a god, I should think," Akhil says with a chuckle to Saarameya. "And no mortal should lay claim to that kind of title." He sniffs, rubbing his snout with a paw. "I have seen an owl do just that, in fact... he did it purely to try and frighten me. I was a pup, so it worked," he says, grinning weakly. All this talk about the elder wolf does have him interested. "I wouldn't be troubled to add Gyarahabala to my list of missing wolves to track down," he adds to Kirana, in a respectfully quieter voice. "He is too valuable to do otherwise."
"Oh, I believe it," Saarameya replies to the owl, "You're not the first of your kind I've ever met, after all." Indeed, she could hardly avoid them given the number of late nights she's spent roaming across plains and other open areas that owls like. She tilts her head curiously as Kirana explains the nature of what the old wolf had said about her. "That seems to be true, unfortunately. After leaving the Darii, I've searched a long time for another pack to join, but there don't seem to be too many of my kind, and those that I found decided against inviting me to stay." And now she seems to have found a land with no dogs and a long list of problems - just her luck.
Vidya churrs some as she listens to all of them. As she then spots a log with a branch closer to their eye level. She glided down to the log with a branch sticking out of it and lands on it. "This should be better for all three of you. Now you will not have to look up at me. I have been wondering if anyone has heard the name Utkrosh." Then looks over at Kirana "Hmm it seems you are the only one that has not seen an owl turn his or her head 180 degrees." As she then looks at the wolves and dogs. "Well some rats and mice try to go after the eggs or hatchlings. Sp a blind nest-maid snake helps keep the nest clean of rodents and insects."
"It is appreciated." Kirana replies to Akhil in the same quiet tone, holding his gaze for a moment with a look of gratitude. Her attention is then given to Saarameya while she speaks of her travels and hardships. There's a pause while she considers her reply, and in the mean while when Vidya comes down to join them, she allows another gleam of amusement towards the now eye-level avian. "To be forthright with you, I actually -have- seen an owl do that trick... several times, in fact. I just never get tired of seeing it." The she-wolf responds as light-heartedly as is allowed. "Though I must say that I had no idea that owls allied with snakes. It just goes to show that one's physical stature does not determine one's true importance or virtues." Her chin dips to her chest and she looks thoughtful for a time, ears swiveling at some distant sounds. "Utkrosh is a friend. She is the one who brought the message that I spoke of earlier, in fact." With that notion she looks back to Saarameya. "I wish I could tell you of more of the whereabouts of your kin. But at the least, you are welcome within the lands of my pack. Whether or not it ends up being the home that you seek, you'll find companionship for the time being should you want it, as well as relative safety from the threats of the jungle. The same offer extends to you, Vidya, as far as it goes -- though your keen ears and eyes may be more of an advantage to us than our protection may be to you. In any case, if you are a friend of Utkrosh, consider yourself a friend of Saahasi."
"And by extension, a friend of me," Akhil adds to the Alpha's speech. "I am a wandering errant, but allies and friends of an honorable pack like the Saahasi must given the same help I am willing to give them." He bows to both dog and owl. "But, if I may, since you both seem to range far and smell and hear much... I am looking for wolves *not* of the Saahasi. In particular one of a young age... a young adult by now, I suppose... with fur almost red in color, and a notch missing from his ear?" It's a very, very long shot... but it's worth a try, he figures.
Ears perking at the mention of Utkrosh, Saarameya comments, "Oh, was that the one? Gyarahabala mentioned Utkrosh - blamed himself for getting her caught in some bad weather, as I recall." Indeed, Saarameya rather felt like there hadn't been much that the old wolf hadn't touched on during their conversation. "I thank you for that. I must say that I haven't always had the most pleasant experiences with wolves, so it's an offer that I will have to think long about before I could decide and these lands seem rather dangerous to make into a home. Still, I grow tired of traveling alone..." She trails off, obviously not willing to come to a conclusion on that just yet. Instead she listens as Akhil asks his question, and is quick to answer, "No, I'm afraid not. Of course, I usually avoid wolves when I smell them - some are very unfriendly toward dogs and I'd rather not take the chance - so that doesn't necessarily mean anything coming from me."
Vidya looks around the place and then over to Kirana and churrs some. "So you love that trick us owls can do. Oh and there are owls that do eat snakes. Lets see if I can remember what I was told. Oh yes Burrowing owls in the desert go after snakes. Oh and Utkrosh asked me and a certain peafowl to join the watch group. I forgot what it was called."
The wolfess listens passively, her ears tipping back a little when neither the dog nor the owl provide Akhil with news of his missing packmate. There's another pause before Kirana speaks again. "Security is hard sought but never assured." She maxims, her words directed towards the dog. "Of course, you are free to seek it wherever you wish, my friend. I understand that our lands aren't as safe as they have been in past seasons.." A small, mournful shake of her head is given, but her expression quickly grows more stern. "Nor will it be safer when we move our hunting grounds to the plains for Shishir. But we are resilient, and our alliances strengthen our fortitude all the more. We do not let the Ran Garjana force us to live under a shadow of fear."
Akhil cannot help but show a little of his inner frustration, his ears also going back just so, eyes dropping to the ground, his stance growing more slouched. "I see. That is... all right," he tells Saarameya. "I did not expect you to really know." Has he really just grown that desperate? He certainly feels like it. He turns his head to Kirana after a few moments of silent contemplation. "Shishir?" he asks, having not heard the word before.
When Kirana finishes speaking, Saarameya gives her an approving nod. "A noble sentiment indeed," she comments, "This is your home, and if it has to be defended by tooth and pack, then so be it. But it is not my home, and I'm wary of choosing a place to be my home when it sounds as if a war is brewing, however good the cause may be. I didn't come all this way to simply die before my time. Of course, wandering by myself has it's own perils, especially during this time of year. Perhaps I ought to rest here for a couple seasons and then decide." When Akhil's frustration shows itself, she gives him a small, understanding wag of her tail. It seemed like every time she mentioned that she was a traveler someone would ask her about this creature or that, and the answer was nearly always the same - she's tended to avoid everyone for her own safety so the odds that she saw anyone in particular are nearly nonexistent.
Vidya cocks and tilts her head back and forth for a bit. Then looks back over at the others. "Do rabbits stay underground for the winter time? I seem to be picking up two heartbeats of what seem like rabbits. But it might be some other small animals." As she stretches her wings then folds them back against her side. "So has anyone seen Utkrosh lately?"