Post by Chibiabos on Oct 5, 2010 20:43:43 GMT -7
Stone Arch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stream birthed at the melting edge of the massive glacier looming to the north comes trickling down, murmuring quietly in its own subtle language an ancient mantra of old. When it meets a tall ridge of stone, the indomitable stream does not stop, nor turn aside. It delves straight through, and over uncounted years of gentle gnawing has widened the tunnel to a broad archway of stone which stands over it like a bridge. Fed by the melt, a large grove of Himalayan birches, pale and oddly bent from the immense weight of snow during winter months, has grown up south of the arch, and rhododendrons abide in their shade. Looking west, the dark edge of a larger conifer forest is visible, and in the northwestern distance the sharp edge of the peak can be seen high above, when it is not cloaked in cloud. To the east, a long stretch of sloping, broken rock rises from the mountain's foothills, and a sharp eye may see some way in the distance a narrow trail climbing it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Characters: Gyarahabala (m elder wolf), Bhaskar (m tiger), Kirana (f wolf)
Gyarahabala has been hanging around this area, at the base of the grey mountain, for a couple weeks. Something about the chill, thin air he finds both invigorating and relaxing ... which, at his age, he needs. The three-legged wolf has been feeling restless lately; the nightmares have returned. Things had been very gradually moving on from the war, so many years ago ... so why, now, suddenly are the memories coming back? The old wolf lays flat, but restlessly awake, at the edge of the tall ridge of stone high over the stream cascading noisily over the rocks below.
Bhata is heading to the meadow to hunt a bit, having not found much luck in the pine forest. Sure there's some small game, but he's lookig for a bigger catch. The high meadow near the glacier edge should do just fine. He rather is fond of his new territory, the view from his home on the high ledge is tremendous on a clear day. The pine forest is an interesting place to explore, and so far it is purrfect. Except one thing, Why are the d-holes so angry about him making his home here? He doesn't mean them any harm, but for some reason they see him as a threat. He just doesn't understand it. They should all be more worried about the threat to their south from this strange group of tigers assembling! Rather than who can live where. *sigh* Politics, Oy!
Bhata is heading to the meadow to hunt a bit, having not found much luck in the pine forest. Sure there's some small game, but he's lookig for a bigger catch. The high meadow near the glacier edge should do just fine. He rather is fond of his new territory, the view from his home on the high ledge is tremendous on a clear day. The pine forest is an interesting place to explore, and so far it is purrfect. Except one thing, Why are the d-holes so angry about him making his home here? He doesn't mean them any harm, but for some reason they see him as a threat. He just doesn't understand it. They should all be more worried about the threat to their south from this strange group of tigers assembling! Rather than who can live where. *sigh* Politics, Oy! So it is now that he reaches the stone arch on his way to the meadow hunting grounds when he spots the wolf, his old friend. "Gyara!" He calls out. "What are you doin' here, ole' peg-leg!?" He says with a wide-grin, happy to see his friend.
Gyarahabala perks his ears and positions his single foreleg out in front and center to steadily push himself back into a stand at the sound of a familiar tiger. He cannot help but wag and gain a warm look in his eyes. The years have been catching up to the "peg-leg," as his coat is quite a bit paler and his build fading.. "Bhata!" he yips happily. "Its been a couple moons since I've seen you, kid." 'Kid' being relative, of course ... rather comically directed at a large male tiger in the prime of his life, absolutely dwarfing the old, thinning wolf. "What have you been up to?"
Bhata chuckles. "Oh, just scoping out a spot for my new territory....." "Glad you came by...I can give you the grand tour!" He says with a grin. "Only one little problem, the d-holes don't seem to take too kindly to me living here, but I think that jackal of Bhaskar's can work things out! At least we hope. I think we should forget small political differences, and focus more on the storm brewing to the south, wouldn't you agree?" He smiles. "So what brings you this far north my good ole' friend?"
Gyarahabala says, "Ah ... finally looking to settle down, are we? And ... there are dholes about? And ... a storm?" The old wolf shakes his head. "Sorry, I have not been keeping up on events. What's going on?" he asks.
Bhata blinks..."You have not heard...the news?" He asks. "That is the reason I've had to move up here." He says. "There's trouble brewing." He says. "Big Trouble." "I don't mean to trouble you with worries, but I figure you should know this because well it will have an impact on us all." Bhata walks over toward the wolf, his paw making a crunching noise on some snow pack that still remains....in fact a drift of snow still remains up against the stone arch.
Kirana, for her own part, has not been completely free of nightmares lately either. The old wounds of battle, having taken their toll on everyone who took part in the conflict, seem to have found their opportunity to resurface in these troubling times. Her own losses were personal -- things haven't been easy for her since her mate died in the battle, though some of his stoic nature has rubbed off on her. She bears the burden as she must, taking comfort in her remaining packmates. So it is that the younger wolfess comes to track down Gyarahabala at the stone arch. She tries to keep her appraoch inconspicuous, staying under cover of some rhododendrons, and gives the tiger an especially wide berth as she listens in on the conversation. Ears twitch. Trouble, huh? Not a complete surprise. She listens with interest all the same.
Gyarahabala looks down. "Tell me ... not again ..." he shakes his head. "That must be why the nightmares have returned." His warm eyes fall into a pained look. "I was finally starting to relax, finally thinking ... the world was moving on. So much ... life ... since the war. So many pups born after, who never knew its horror, are of age now and living lives of peace. Only a few of us left who do remember ... me, you, the do-Rakhanaa ... and dear Kirana ..." he says. "The will be coming for you, friend ... yes, you should stay safe. Does Bhaskar know?"
Bhata nods, "he and Lakshmi are going to meet with the dholes to let them know of the situation. The dholes seem to view my being here as a threat, and we want to reassure them that I am an ally, and will not be a threat to them. If I am to live here it will be best to not have to deal with more politics, with the threat looming to the south. I figure the furthur north the better, as it is away from the southlands by the jungle, where this group is forming. I saw the piles of bones of those who disappeared in the forests, I think they may be responsible." He says. "I do not know how many they are, but one thing is certain, where there's one there will be more." "I do not think they are a regeneration of the Sakht Nakh though, I think this is a new clan in the making. And if they are as bad as the Sakht Nakh was, we should try to get as many creatures on our side as possible. That is why I am proposing an underground alliance of peacekeepers." He states.
Gyarahabala nods. "That's what it took to defeat the Sakht Nakh. Seems sensible and reasonable. I should seek out whom I can ... it is sad, but many of the groups who fought the Sakht Nakh are no longer around, like the lion pride. I guess time changes a lot of things. I should seek out Kirana ... I worry it may drag up old nightmares for her as well, but ... there's really no way to protect her from that, if this new clan is as real of a threat as Sakht Nakh."
"You've done enough to protect me in your time, old friend." Kirana's voice lifts as she strolls into the open, making her way over to the elder. She's smiling warmly now, and greets her packmate with a heartfelt nuzzle before taking a seat beside him. She seems at ease now that she's recognized the tiger, she lowers her forequarters and inclines her head in a bow, acknowledging him as an ally. "You must forgive the dholes, Bhata. Your kind do not all have the gentlest reputation, as I'm sure you're well aware. You can't blame them for being suspicious of you. But if there is a common threat, I don't doubt they'll soon welcome your assistance just as we'll welcome theirs." There's clear confidence in the wolfess's voice, and if she's feeling any doubt or fear she's concealing it well.
The tiger nods. "Yes, hopefully Lakshmi will be able to smooth things over with the dholes....and in time they will be willing to join our alliance." He nods. "It would be a good idea for you to do that Gyara., but please be careful.....with whom you converse. I do not know how many tigers or spies this new group might posess, so we must do things carefully....they cannot know of our location or that we are assembling allies or they may strike quickly. We must try to find out as much as we can about this new group, perhaps even finding a spy who would be willing to infiltrate their ranks." He says. He turns to Kirana. "Kirana, its been a long time since I last saw your pack. I guess we're going to be neighbors if this is indeed your territory. My new home is West of this arch through the pine forest up to that ledge up there with the lone pine. The glacier and the meadows are also my range, but you are welcome to anywhere in my territory as well of course." "It is good to have you back up here. We only recently arrived as well. Bhaskar managed to convince me I was living too close to the jungle for my safety , and well I'm glad I got out while the getting was good. I am certain they are planning something sinister."
Gyarahabala wags again at Kirana, returning her nuzzle warmly, then nods in agreement with her and looks back to Bhata. "The dholes are probably new to the area. Your valiancy, though, remains an important symbol, so it is important to keep you safe. We would probably do well to not concentrate our forces too much ... a circle of resistance is much harder to snub out than an encampment. Is there any notion where this new tanasha [tyrant] is marking their turf?"
"All this talk of 'they'." Kirana says rather solemnly, eying Bhata and tilting her head curiously. "Forgive me, but who exactly are -they-, if I may ask? A group of tigers, so much I've gathered. And what evidence do we have that they're up to no good?" Of course, she's heard rumors already, herself. They've spread like wildfire, free to any with open ears. What she's heard is vague, though. She's interested in details and reliable accounts -- names, events. What are they dealing with, exactly? She's not hasty to judge or to jump to conclusions. "Has blood been spilled?"
Bhata Shakes his head. "I do not know, I have a hunch they are somewhere within that rainforest. While I have not seen any of these tigers, I have seen bones in the forests...of ones who disappeared. I feel there must be a connection somehow. Hopefully we can verify this soon. To Gyara he nods. "I understand that we need to not let our presence of a force for good be known, but that does not mean we can't assemble leaders of various groups on occasion up here for secret meetings. And if the time comes for battle we all need to be on the same page, and know who is on our side and who we can count on, and on the contrary we need to find out who is fighting against us and make sure everyone knows about them. We should make sure this clan knows their movements are being watched by all good beasts, and that their every movement will be taken note of. We can't let them feel like they can move freely within the lands without us knowing about their movements." "We should try to eventually confine them to the forests, and not let them expand their territory outward. If that happens we will be facing a very real threat indeed." He says. "So for now we must focus on tallying up who is on our side, and getting their leaders on board so we can hold a meeting up here before the next two moon cycles. We must act quickly for time is short I do believe."
Gyarahabala hobbles close up to Bhata, putting his one forepaw beside his. The size difference is rather tremendous -- the tiger's paw itself comes almost all the way up the wolf's 'knee.' "Until the time is right, every group should move to safety. Taking down a clan of tigers will not work, muscle to muscle. When I was young, before I encountered your father, I thought I could handle anything. I thought I could stop your father when he attacked, but it was futile. A wolf's teeth and claws are sharp, but are no match at all to tigers. Dholes, even more so. It took years to achieve the final victory we did ... a pack of dholes helped keep prey scarce within Sakht Nakh's borders, feathered friends kept keen eyes on where each of the Sakht Nakh were and allowed allies to come to the defense of groups the Sakht Nakh were marching to attack, before the Sakht Nakh could even arrive. Everyone helped in different ways." He looks to Kirana. "Bhaskar is involved, he's the new leader of the Do-Rakhanaa. They do not chase rumors nor phantoms. Their dedication to Do-Bhagavanaa teacheds them to think and plan before acting, every bit as sharply as when they do attack. I learned long ago to trust their judgement and insight ... if Bhaskar says a new threat is rising, it is then a fact."
Well, that was as much convincing as Kirana needed, really, but she was reluctant to accept such a fact for the sole reason that it meant the thing that she's dreaded since youth -- the arising once again of war. And now, with her position in the pack, the pressures of such a situation are greater than ever. The wolfess's ears press back a moment, then she sets her jaw resolutely. "Very well. Not all strength is in teeth and claws, luckily... though the Sakht Nakh thought otherwise. That was their demise, in the end, wasn't it?" The question is asked with a glance to Gyara, and she gives her head a little shake. "But... what must be done must be done. I trust you, and so I must trust Bhaskar as well." A thoughtful pause breaks her speech before she continues. "I think Bhata is right that openness is our best strategy. Getting our winged allies on the alert should be easy enough, though I imagine steps are already being taken if the Do-Rakhanaa are involved. The Sahaasi will assemble at the next full moon, and we will hear the will of the pack, and decide what part we shall play in this. You certainly are invited, Bhata." She adds, with another dip of her head. "Though some of the younger wolves may be wary of having a tiger at the Sabha, we will make an exception for you."
Bhata nods. "Why thank you Kirana, it certainly would be an honor...." He figures not many outside creatures have been allowed to view the Sabha....before. So it would be a privilage. He glances at Gyara once...remembering his time as a youth in the clutches of the Sakht Nakh...."I was very young during much of that war, just a kid....as you like to remind me." He says with a chuckle to the wolf. "I remember the hardships we endured, the lack of food as our food supplies were cut off. It was a harsh existence, even as my parents were prepping me to become the next heir. I was lucky enough to be given food whenever we got it due to our status in the hierarchy, but I know of many who went hungry for days...sometimes weeks, before they received food again. We had to ration food between us, the leaders of course getting much more of the cut. When I was younger, I thought the world of my parents. I wanted to be heir, but then I started to see what they were doing as I grew older, and I started to hate that I was a part of it and couldn't do anything about it. I could not fathom being leader of a group that did such vicious things." He frowns and looks down at the wolf's 3 legs, and his own larger paw. "I did what I had to do for the sake of peace." "But now this new threat arises. We must band together once again, secretly, we must tally who will support us and make note of who will not." "It may be crucial to our chances of survival and victory if the rumors of this new clan assembling is true. I will be there to speak at your next Sabha Kirana...please send one of your messengers to get me when that time comes." He says.
Gyarahabala asks, "How is the pack doing? I am ... sorry ... I have been away so much," he says, nuzzling Kirana again. He sighs. "I was looking forward to resting, basking in the yips and ear-nips of the pups ..." ... for what is probably, finally, happily my final year of life, he doesn't add verbally. He looks between Kirana and Bhata, finally to Bhata. "I think we made a mistake /after/ the battle," he says. "We went our separate ways ... we've been close friends, of course, but all of us pretended it was a freakish occurrence and could never happen again. We should have kept up relations between the groups." To Bhata, specifically, he says, "Maybe you could start a tiger clan of your own. A /good/ tiger clan. Friends to all who are good."
Kirana regards Bhata with a certain sternness in her gaze. "I don't know how much we will be able to do in secrecy... at least, I feel we shouldn't rest too much dependence on it. No doubt, if they are as much of a threat as you say, they are already arranging for spies of their own. It may be better for them to know that there is such a force gathering before they act on an assumption that no one dares to oppose them. To make it clear that their actions will have consequences." She swivels an ear towards Gyarahabala and her expression softens as she supresses a sigh. "The pack is well. Still uneasy, since Rju and Niira went missing those moons ago. But that's to be expected. We've missed you, too. I know you... you haven't been entirely well." Her ears flicker as she touches on what may be a sensitive subject. "But that's all the more reason that you should be staying closer to the pack. We -all- need each other, now more than ever."
"As for the Sabha," Kirana adds with a glance to Bhata, "It will be here at the arch, when the moon is full. You'll hear the howling, if you're anywhere nearby."
Bhata laughs.. "I guess I wont get much sleep that night anyway." He says, glancing toward the lone pine on the ledge above the pine forest in the far distance. "So might as well join you." "Seriously though, it is a great honor, I know you wouldn't invite just any non wolf to the sabha. "You know its funny, the territory I picked out ends at the arch which is where your summer packlands begin." "It must be a sign." He turns to Gyara. "My friend, I will do our best to try to help end this threat of the new tigers from spreading across the entire lands as quickly as possible. We must find a way to do this before they become to large and too dangerous. I want to make sure you can enjoy the last years of your lifespan before you reach the spirits up in the sky, the northern lights...that shine in the winter. I doubt I can assemble a clan of tigers in such a short time, but I can meet with the Do-Rakhanaa at some point. I'm sure Bhaskar has some plans up his paw, and my main focus should be to try to warn the other animals and get them on our side. We'll need all the help we can get if what I think is being planned is happening." He turns back to Kirana. "You are right we must all band together and let them know who we are that we're Not afraid of them. That we defeated the Sakht Nakh and we can defeat them too. They need to be shown that they can't have free reign over our peaceful lands..that we will try to push them back every chance we get." He blinks and stares at the wolf alphaess for a moment. "Rju and Niira went missing? When did this happen?" He wonders if the disappearance might be connected to this new evil tiger clan forming.
Gyarahabala 's ears flit. Missing pups, and a new raja on the rise. Sounds so ... horrifically familiar. Thinking back on it, with the new information ... and cannot stave off the memory of that day, when Kirana's brothers and sisters were slain by Vijayi and there was nothing at all Gyarahabala could do. "When we forge new alliances, we should find ways to keep the relations alive ... even when this new threat is dealt with." He looks to Kirana. "Saahasi is strongest when challenged. It has always been so. I do wish your pups could have known peace ... until plans are duties are sorted, I would like to stay. I may not be quick and agile in a fight as I was years ago, but my nose and ears are still keen. I shall stand sentry. I do hope to speak with Bhaskar soon ... his kind have a way of achieving tranquility in the fiercest storms."
"We will do what we can, and what we must." Is Kirana's simple reply to Bhata. She says no more about the missing pups, responding to his mention of them only with a pained look. Another nuzzle is given to Gyarahabala-- firmer, reassuring. "They will know peace. And so will you, if I have anything to say about it. You'll bask in yips and ear-nips yet." Standing, the wolfess regards the tiger again. "May the moonlight shine upon your fangs and your hunts be blessed, Bhata. We will meet again soon. Gather whatever news you can to bring to the Sabha." She gives one more bow to him, exchanges a brief wordless glance with the older wolf, then stalks off along the edge of the ridge towards the thick of the birches and out of sight.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stream birthed at the melting edge of the massive glacier looming to the north comes trickling down, murmuring quietly in its own subtle language an ancient mantra of old. When it meets a tall ridge of stone, the indomitable stream does not stop, nor turn aside. It delves straight through, and over uncounted years of gentle gnawing has widened the tunnel to a broad archway of stone which stands over it like a bridge. Fed by the melt, a large grove of Himalayan birches, pale and oddly bent from the immense weight of snow during winter months, has grown up south of the arch, and rhododendrons abide in their shade. Looking west, the dark edge of a larger conifer forest is visible, and in the northwestern distance the sharp edge of the peak can be seen high above, when it is not cloaked in cloud. To the east, a long stretch of sloping, broken rock rises from the mountain's foothills, and a sharp eye may see some way in the distance a narrow trail climbing it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Characters: Gyarahabala (m elder wolf), Bhaskar (m tiger), Kirana (f wolf)
Gyarahabala has been hanging around this area, at the base of the grey mountain, for a couple weeks. Something about the chill, thin air he finds both invigorating and relaxing ... which, at his age, he needs. The three-legged wolf has been feeling restless lately; the nightmares have returned. Things had been very gradually moving on from the war, so many years ago ... so why, now, suddenly are the memories coming back? The old wolf lays flat, but restlessly awake, at the edge of the tall ridge of stone high over the stream cascading noisily over the rocks below.
Bhata is heading to the meadow to hunt a bit, having not found much luck in the pine forest. Sure there's some small game, but he's lookig for a bigger catch. The high meadow near the glacier edge should do just fine. He rather is fond of his new territory, the view from his home on the high ledge is tremendous on a clear day. The pine forest is an interesting place to explore, and so far it is purrfect. Except one thing, Why are the d-holes so angry about him making his home here? He doesn't mean them any harm, but for some reason they see him as a threat. He just doesn't understand it. They should all be more worried about the threat to their south from this strange group of tigers assembling! Rather than who can live where. *sigh* Politics, Oy!
Bhata is heading to the meadow to hunt a bit, having not found much luck in the pine forest. Sure there's some small game, but he's lookig for a bigger catch. The high meadow near the glacier edge should do just fine. He rather is fond of his new territory, the view from his home on the high ledge is tremendous on a clear day. The pine forest is an interesting place to explore, and so far it is purrfect. Except one thing, Why are the d-holes so angry about him making his home here? He doesn't mean them any harm, but for some reason they see him as a threat. He just doesn't understand it. They should all be more worried about the threat to their south from this strange group of tigers assembling! Rather than who can live where. *sigh* Politics, Oy! So it is now that he reaches the stone arch on his way to the meadow hunting grounds when he spots the wolf, his old friend. "Gyara!" He calls out. "What are you doin' here, ole' peg-leg!?" He says with a wide-grin, happy to see his friend.
Gyarahabala perks his ears and positions his single foreleg out in front and center to steadily push himself back into a stand at the sound of a familiar tiger. He cannot help but wag and gain a warm look in his eyes. The years have been catching up to the "peg-leg," as his coat is quite a bit paler and his build fading.. "Bhata!" he yips happily. "Its been a couple moons since I've seen you, kid." 'Kid' being relative, of course ... rather comically directed at a large male tiger in the prime of his life, absolutely dwarfing the old, thinning wolf. "What have you been up to?"
Bhata chuckles. "Oh, just scoping out a spot for my new territory....." "Glad you came by...I can give you the grand tour!" He says with a grin. "Only one little problem, the d-holes don't seem to take too kindly to me living here, but I think that jackal of Bhaskar's can work things out! At least we hope. I think we should forget small political differences, and focus more on the storm brewing to the south, wouldn't you agree?" He smiles. "So what brings you this far north my good ole' friend?"
Gyarahabala says, "Ah ... finally looking to settle down, are we? And ... there are dholes about? And ... a storm?" The old wolf shakes his head. "Sorry, I have not been keeping up on events. What's going on?" he asks.
Bhata blinks..."You have not heard...the news?" He asks. "That is the reason I've had to move up here." He says. "There's trouble brewing." He says. "Big Trouble." "I don't mean to trouble you with worries, but I figure you should know this because well it will have an impact on us all." Bhata walks over toward the wolf, his paw making a crunching noise on some snow pack that still remains....in fact a drift of snow still remains up against the stone arch.
Kirana, for her own part, has not been completely free of nightmares lately either. The old wounds of battle, having taken their toll on everyone who took part in the conflict, seem to have found their opportunity to resurface in these troubling times. Her own losses were personal -- things haven't been easy for her since her mate died in the battle, though some of his stoic nature has rubbed off on her. She bears the burden as she must, taking comfort in her remaining packmates. So it is that the younger wolfess comes to track down Gyarahabala at the stone arch. She tries to keep her appraoch inconspicuous, staying under cover of some rhododendrons, and gives the tiger an especially wide berth as she listens in on the conversation. Ears twitch. Trouble, huh? Not a complete surprise. She listens with interest all the same.
Gyarahabala looks down. "Tell me ... not again ..." he shakes his head. "That must be why the nightmares have returned." His warm eyes fall into a pained look. "I was finally starting to relax, finally thinking ... the world was moving on. So much ... life ... since the war. So many pups born after, who never knew its horror, are of age now and living lives of peace. Only a few of us left who do remember ... me, you, the do-Rakhanaa ... and dear Kirana ..." he says. "The will be coming for you, friend ... yes, you should stay safe. Does Bhaskar know?"
Bhata nods, "he and Lakshmi are going to meet with the dholes to let them know of the situation. The dholes seem to view my being here as a threat, and we want to reassure them that I am an ally, and will not be a threat to them. If I am to live here it will be best to not have to deal with more politics, with the threat looming to the south. I figure the furthur north the better, as it is away from the southlands by the jungle, where this group is forming. I saw the piles of bones of those who disappeared in the forests, I think they may be responsible." He says. "I do not know how many they are, but one thing is certain, where there's one there will be more." "I do not think they are a regeneration of the Sakht Nakh though, I think this is a new clan in the making. And if they are as bad as the Sakht Nakh was, we should try to get as many creatures on our side as possible. That is why I am proposing an underground alliance of peacekeepers." He states.
Gyarahabala nods. "That's what it took to defeat the Sakht Nakh. Seems sensible and reasonable. I should seek out whom I can ... it is sad, but many of the groups who fought the Sakht Nakh are no longer around, like the lion pride. I guess time changes a lot of things. I should seek out Kirana ... I worry it may drag up old nightmares for her as well, but ... there's really no way to protect her from that, if this new clan is as real of a threat as Sakht Nakh."
"You've done enough to protect me in your time, old friend." Kirana's voice lifts as she strolls into the open, making her way over to the elder. She's smiling warmly now, and greets her packmate with a heartfelt nuzzle before taking a seat beside him. She seems at ease now that she's recognized the tiger, she lowers her forequarters and inclines her head in a bow, acknowledging him as an ally. "You must forgive the dholes, Bhata. Your kind do not all have the gentlest reputation, as I'm sure you're well aware. You can't blame them for being suspicious of you. But if there is a common threat, I don't doubt they'll soon welcome your assistance just as we'll welcome theirs." There's clear confidence in the wolfess's voice, and if she's feeling any doubt or fear she's concealing it well.
The tiger nods. "Yes, hopefully Lakshmi will be able to smooth things over with the dholes....and in time they will be willing to join our alliance." He nods. "It would be a good idea for you to do that Gyara., but please be careful.....with whom you converse. I do not know how many tigers or spies this new group might posess, so we must do things carefully....they cannot know of our location or that we are assembling allies or they may strike quickly. We must try to find out as much as we can about this new group, perhaps even finding a spy who would be willing to infiltrate their ranks." He says. He turns to Kirana. "Kirana, its been a long time since I last saw your pack. I guess we're going to be neighbors if this is indeed your territory. My new home is West of this arch through the pine forest up to that ledge up there with the lone pine. The glacier and the meadows are also my range, but you are welcome to anywhere in my territory as well of course." "It is good to have you back up here. We only recently arrived as well. Bhaskar managed to convince me I was living too close to the jungle for my safety , and well I'm glad I got out while the getting was good. I am certain they are planning something sinister."
Gyarahabala wags again at Kirana, returning her nuzzle warmly, then nods in agreement with her and looks back to Bhata. "The dholes are probably new to the area. Your valiancy, though, remains an important symbol, so it is important to keep you safe. We would probably do well to not concentrate our forces too much ... a circle of resistance is much harder to snub out than an encampment. Is there any notion where this new tanasha [tyrant] is marking their turf?"
"All this talk of 'they'." Kirana says rather solemnly, eying Bhata and tilting her head curiously. "Forgive me, but who exactly are -they-, if I may ask? A group of tigers, so much I've gathered. And what evidence do we have that they're up to no good?" Of course, she's heard rumors already, herself. They've spread like wildfire, free to any with open ears. What she's heard is vague, though. She's interested in details and reliable accounts -- names, events. What are they dealing with, exactly? She's not hasty to judge or to jump to conclusions. "Has blood been spilled?"
Bhata Shakes his head. "I do not know, I have a hunch they are somewhere within that rainforest. While I have not seen any of these tigers, I have seen bones in the forests...of ones who disappeared. I feel there must be a connection somehow. Hopefully we can verify this soon. To Gyara he nods. "I understand that we need to not let our presence of a force for good be known, but that does not mean we can't assemble leaders of various groups on occasion up here for secret meetings. And if the time comes for battle we all need to be on the same page, and know who is on our side and who we can count on, and on the contrary we need to find out who is fighting against us and make sure everyone knows about them. We should make sure this clan knows their movements are being watched by all good beasts, and that their every movement will be taken note of. We can't let them feel like they can move freely within the lands without us knowing about their movements." "We should try to eventually confine them to the forests, and not let them expand their territory outward. If that happens we will be facing a very real threat indeed." He says. "So for now we must focus on tallying up who is on our side, and getting their leaders on board so we can hold a meeting up here before the next two moon cycles. We must act quickly for time is short I do believe."
Gyarahabala hobbles close up to Bhata, putting his one forepaw beside his. The size difference is rather tremendous -- the tiger's paw itself comes almost all the way up the wolf's 'knee.' "Until the time is right, every group should move to safety. Taking down a clan of tigers will not work, muscle to muscle. When I was young, before I encountered your father, I thought I could handle anything. I thought I could stop your father when he attacked, but it was futile. A wolf's teeth and claws are sharp, but are no match at all to tigers. Dholes, even more so. It took years to achieve the final victory we did ... a pack of dholes helped keep prey scarce within Sakht Nakh's borders, feathered friends kept keen eyes on where each of the Sakht Nakh were and allowed allies to come to the defense of groups the Sakht Nakh were marching to attack, before the Sakht Nakh could even arrive. Everyone helped in different ways." He looks to Kirana. "Bhaskar is involved, he's the new leader of the Do-Rakhanaa. They do not chase rumors nor phantoms. Their dedication to Do-Bhagavanaa teacheds them to think and plan before acting, every bit as sharply as when they do attack. I learned long ago to trust their judgement and insight ... if Bhaskar says a new threat is rising, it is then a fact."
Well, that was as much convincing as Kirana needed, really, but she was reluctant to accept such a fact for the sole reason that it meant the thing that she's dreaded since youth -- the arising once again of war. And now, with her position in the pack, the pressures of such a situation are greater than ever. The wolfess's ears press back a moment, then she sets her jaw resolutely. "Very well. Not all strength is in teeth and claws, luckily... though the Sakht Nakh thought otherwise. That was their demise, in the end, wasn't it?" The question is asked with a glance to Gyara, and she gives her head a little shake. "But... what must be done must be done. I trust you, and so I must trust Bhaskar as well." A thoughtful pause breaks her speech before she continues. "I think Bhata is right that openness is our best strategy. Getting our winged allies on the alert should be easy enough, though I imagine steps are already being taken if the Do-Rakhanaa are involved. The Sahaasi will assemble at the next full moon, and we will hear the will of the pack, and decide what part we shall play in this. You certainly are invited, Bhata." She adds, with another dip of her head. "Though some of the younger wolves may be wary of having a tiger at the Sabha, we will make an exception for you."
Bhata nods. "Why thank you Kirana, it certainly would be an honor...." He figures not many outside creatures have been allowed to view the Sabha....before. So it would be a privilage. He glances at Gyara once...remembering his time as a youth in the clutches of the Sakht Nakh...."I was very young during much of that war, just a kid....as you like to remind me." He says with a chuckle to the wolf. "I remember the hardships we endured, the lack of food as our food supplies were cut off. It was a harsh existence, even as my parents were prepping me to become the next heir. I was lucky enough to be given food whenever we got it due to our status in the hierarchy, but I know of many who went hungry for days...sometimes weeks, before they received food again. We had to ration food between us, the leaders of course getting much more of the cut. When I was younger, I thought the world of my parents. I wanted to be heir, but then I started to see what they were doing as I grew older, and I started to hate that I was a part of it and couldn't do anything about it. I could not fathom being leader of a group that did such vicious things." He frowns and looks down at the wolf's 3 legs, and his own larger paw. "I did what I had to do for the sake of peace." "But now this new threat arises. We must band together once again, secretly, we must tally who will support us and make note of who will not." "It may be crucial to our chances of survival and victory if the rumors of this new clan assembling is true. I will be there to speak at your next Sabha Kirana...please send one of your messengers to get me when that time comes." He says.
Gyarahabala asks, "How is the pack doing? I am ... sorry ... I have been away so much," he says, nuzzling Kirana again. He sighs. "I was looking forward to resting, basking in the yips and ear-nips of the pups ..." ... for what is probably, finally, happily my final year of life, he doesn't add verbally. He looks between Kirana and Bhata, finally to Bhata. "I think we made a mistake /after/ the battle," he says. "We went our separate ways ... we've been close friends, of course, but all of us pretended it was a freakish occurrence and could never happen again. We should have kept up relations between the groups." To Bhata, specifically, he says, "Maybe you could start a tiger clan of your own. A /good/ tiger clan. Friends to all who are good."
Kirana regards Bhata with a certain sternness in her gaze. "I don't know how much we will be able to do in secrecy... at least, I feel we shouldn't rest too much dependence on it. No doubt, if they are as much of a threat as you say, they are already arranging for spies of their own. It may be better for them to know that there is such a force gathering before they act on an assumption that no one dares to oppose them. To make it clear that their actions will have consequences." She swivels an ear towards Gyarahabala and her expression softens as she supresses a sigh. "The pack is well. Still uneasy, since Rju and Niira went missing those moons ago. But that's to be expected. We've missed you, too. I know you... you haven't been entirely well." Her ears flicker as she touches on what may be a sensitive subject. "But that's all the more reason that you should be staying closer to the pack. We -all- need each other, now more than ever."
"As for the Sabha," Kirana adds with a glance to Bhata, "It will be here at the arch, when the moon is full. You'll hear the howling, if you're anywhere nearby."
Bhata laughs.. "I guess I wont get much sleep that night anyway." He says, glancing toward the lone pine on the ledge above the pine forest in the far distance. "So might as well join you." "Seriously though, it is a great honor, I know you wouldn't invite just any non wolf to the sabha. "You know its funny, the territory I picked out ends at the arch which is where your summer packlands begin." "It must be a sign." He turns to Gyara. "My friend, I will do our best to try to help end this threat of the new tigers from spreading across the entire lands as quickly as possible. We must find a way to do this before they become to large and too dangerous. I want to make sure you can enjoy the last years of your lifespan before you reach the spirits up in the sky, the northern lights...that shine in the winter. I doubt I can assemble a clan of tigers in such a short time, but I can meet with the Do-Rakhanaa at some point. I'm sure Bhaskar has some plans up his paw, and my main focus should be to try to warn the other animals and get them on our side. We'll need all the help we can get if what I think is being planned is happening." He turns back to Kirana. "You are right we must all band together and let them know who we are that we're Not afraid of them. That we defeated the Sakht Nakh and we can defeat them too. They need to be shown that they can't have free reign over our peaceful lands..that we will try to push them back every chance we get." He blinks and stares at the wolf alphaess for a moment. "Rju and Niira went missing? When did this happen?" He wonders if the disappearance might be connected to this new evil tiger clan forming.
Gyarahabala 's ears flit. Missing pups, and a new raja on the rise. Sounds so ... horrifically familiar. Thinking back on it, with the new information ... and cannot stave off the memory of that day, when Kirana's brothers and sisters were slain by Vijayi and there was nothing at all Gyarahabala could do. "When we forge new alliances, we should find ways to keep the relations alive ... even when this new threat is dealt with." He looks to Kirana. "Saahasi is strongest when challenged. It has always been so. I do wish your pups could have known peace ... until plans are duties are sorted, I would like to stay. I may not be quick and agile in a fight as I was years ago, but my nose and ears are still keen. I shall stand sentry. I do hope to speak with Bhaskar soon ... his kind have a way of achieving tranquility in the fiercest storms."
"We will do what we can, and what we must." Is Kirana's simple reply to Bhata. She says no more about the missing pups, responding to his mention of them only with a pained look. Another nuzzle is given to Gyarahabala-- firmer, reassuring. "They will know peace. And so will you, if I have anything to say about it. You'll bask in yips and ear-nips yet." Standing, the wolfess regards the tiger again. "May the moonlight shine upon your fangs and your hunts be blessed, Bhata. We will meet again soon. Gather whatever news you can to bring to the Sabha." She gives one more bow to him, exchanges a brief wordless glance with the older wolf, then stalks off along the edge of the ridge towards the thick of the birches and out of sight.