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 Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:31 pm
 The band was roughly halfway back to their pack lands, a new member in their ranks in Momo, who actually turned out to be bringing back more than just one more wild dog in their midsts. Signs of new life were budding within her though she was now a bit reluctant to go, a mother for the first time. Truthkeeper suspected there was something more going on but could not be sure, family left behind perhaps, or a loved one even. She and Risktaker walked at the head of the pack until dusk when they finally encouraged all to rest and sent their hunters out to see what they could gather. Truthkeeper pulled Risktaker aside herself for a talk, and to hunt together.
"I'm not the only one that's noticed Momo's reluctance, am I lovemate...? It's as if her head is stuck in the past instead of the now. I'm concerned that she may not take as well to the pack as we all first believed if this keeps up."
Risktaker seemed to understand Momo just a bit better than she did, so she thought it was just as well to seek his opinion as it would be to dwell on her own.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:48 pm
Risktaker had also noticed the change in Momo, though he was a bit more oblivious to the inner reasoning for it. He imagined she would just need a little more time to warm up to them, and the pups she was carrying would just slow her down a bit. He wasn't too worried about it, but he could hardly bring himself to ask her about it. It was not his place. He just imagined it was a female thing and he, not exactly being an expert in that area, thought it might be odd for him to address her about it.
Walking with Truthkeeper, he looked at her when she spoke, thoughtful for a moment before shrugging.
"Well, she does seem different," he agreed slowly. It was odd, considering how short a time they had known her, but he was worried. He didn't want her to be sad or upset in her new life with their pack, and he knew it was not in The Way to dwell on the past, "I wonder if she's just scared of the change? I mean... maybe you should talk to her? I mean, I would. But uh. I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it, if you know what I mean."
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 1:49 pm
His pale pelt shimmered in the moonlight, eyes of molten gold searching the land before him. His muscles tensed as he noticed the two dogs, watching thoughtfully he waited a few moments before padding down the slight slope he was perched upon heading without hesitation towards the approaching couple.
Stopping a good distance before them he stood with his head cocked a little to the left creating a sort of comical pose, or at least showing he was relaxed, he was a big dog and could take on most comers, should he need to.
His silence lasted a moment longer before he spoke in deep, dulcet, whispering tones. "Greetings." He murred his gaze washing over the two before him, who ever they were didn't really matter the fact that they were heading in the direction of his family did. He had to make sure they were safe before they went any further, that was his job.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:09 pm
"Hmm..." Truthkeeper mulled over his words quietly as they walked and he spoke, not sure she was fond of losing Momo so soon after gaining her, but they couldn't force anyone to stay. They couldn't. "You're right, lovemate, maybe. She seems fearless but mother and father have always told me countless times that no one dog is completely without-- Oh!..." She straightened immediately in the presence of the other, which came unexpected. Immediately on guard (Because few in the Peke Na were raised not to follow instinct, and this stranger had presented himself without warning.) but not threatening she peered at him past silver eyes. She was merely cautious, but did not look as though she was the least bit fearful or nervous. "Greetings, and you might be?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:16 pm
Risktaker took a step forward when his lovemate stopped, gold eyes on the new comer. He had no challenge in his body, his expression soft and welcoming, yet strong enough to denote some manner of respect out of others. He tilted his head at the greeting, nodding and standing protectively close to his beloved.
"Greetings," he returned, letting his mate do the rest of the speaking. He would simply stand guard, should they need it. He didn't sense anything too dangerous about this large wild dog, though he knew better than to let his guard down. They hadn't seen him come up, after all, and that was strange. Sighing, Risktaker simply watched, a gentle expression on his muzzle and curiosity in his eyes.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:23 pm
The big dog remained quiet for a moment his ears flickering a little, a slight, knowing grin rose on his lips but it quickly faded away. He saw himself in the other dog before him, the female was more forth coming it seemed, though rather than lay his attention completely on the femme dog he kept his gaze on them both those golden yellow orbs looking for wrong intentions.
"My name is Horatio, and you are walking, towards my den." It was a slow, purposeful statement, his ears perking forwards, although he was far from trying to be menacing, he wanted these two to know where they were, that they were upon something that he was there to protect.
His bright eyes flickered to the other male for a split second taking in his stance, protecting his lady, just as he did, just as he always did.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:30 pm
Truthkeeper's demeanor almost immediately relaxed. Still, ever the huntress she was ready for any moment of surprise attack, or should Horatio not be pacified by her reply.
"Pardon us, cousin, it was not our intention to trespass. We're simply looking to hunt for our own pack."
Especially the young juveniles traveling with, and Momo now as well. Lifebearers and children always received first priority and first meat from any kills the pack made, everyone else came after them, even when findings were slim. She was more inclined to be compromising and submit on someone elses territory but just as Horatio defended his family, so did Truthkeeper and Risktaker defend theirs. She wasn't sure why, but it was clear that the two of them were looked to as the leaders of this troupe, perhaps her chief's blood and the fact that he was the one that suggested this trip, as well as him being her lifemate.
"We're at the near end of our journey back to our own pack lands, and we have an expecting mother with us as well as pups. I'm afraid we were a bit caught up in conversation and didn't notice your scents."
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:36 pm
Risktaker offered a nod and a disarming grin as he heard the reason for the Wild Dog approaching them, as well as his lifemate's reply. His muscles relaxed, though he didn't ease his stance or back down in any way. There wasn't any danger here, at least not obvious. He would just sit back and watch the two, and add his two cents went it felt appropriate.
Or when a joke was needed.
"Yes," he said, at the tail end of Truth's words, "we don't mean to intrude or to be in any way threatening to your den or family. Sorry about that, if we cause you any undue anxiety. We're mostly harmless." He smiled, in a friendly way.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:46 pm
He remained silent and allowed the two to finish their words before he spoke, his mind clearly spinning the situation before him in a way he needed. A Pack? he had not been a member of a pack for a long time, the closest he had come was himself and Bem and the pups, most of whom were now away on their own adventures.
"It's just Bem and myself now." He whispered, though there was clearly thought in the words he spoke. A pack, could he, should he join and be a member of something bigger? Now the pups were grown it seemed lonely around the den.
"I have lived here for the bulk of my life," he paused again and took a breath "There used to be a pack here when I was young but it has long since vanished. I would not see a pack go hungry when we are well fed." he smiled a slight smile once again those honey glazed eyes resting upon the two dogs. "I would speak to my lady Bem, but would you have a place for an old couple?" He smiled, almost charmingly then though it was really just a glimmer in those eyes."It is lonely without the pups around."
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 10:10 pm
Truthkeeper was glad to hear that inquiry. It was always a joy to welcome new life into the pack, though truth be told her father, Shadowpaw, was as wary as they came when it came to outsiders. To Truth and Morningstar, however, all Wild dogs were cousins, be it from outside or not.
"You're certainly welcome to join us." Truthkeeper finished, soft spoken, yet not nearly as much as the paler one before them. She almost had to strain to hear his whispering, almost. "We welcome young and old alike, there's a place for all in our pack. It's ultimately for my father to decide, however, as chief, but I know him well and I see no reason for him to turn you and your mate away."
Though they hadn't met this "Bem" yet either, so who was to say? Well, it would not hurt to meet her now, and wouldn't Shadow paw just be in for the biggest surprise when he saw how many they managed to recruit into their pack just by questing for experience and knowledge? If this wasn't as much a part of the Way as howling, she didn't know what was. Truly this was something she wouldn't have learned by sticking to the safety of the holt, and she owed all of this to Risktaker. Lifechanger, she thought jovially, that should be his name.
Smiling softly, and the gesture that followed seemingly out of no where, Truth leaned over to brush her head against Risk's. "There will be pups soon as well, the pack as a whole takes part in looking after them, and as we mentioned before one of our new members will be a mother soon."
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 10:20 pm
Risktaker nodded as his lovemate spoke, having heard all about her parents, though he had previously very little experience with them. He imagined, before they set out on this journey of discovery, that they hadn't been too keen on his impact over their daughter. Or at least Shadowpaw. But Risk had a profound respect for the Chief of Nine Chiefs. He was eager for them to present all of the new members to him, and to see what became of their pack soon after.
He was surprised from his thoughts when Truth brushed him, though he was glad for the touch and he smiled at her with his soft, intelligent gold eyes. He watched her quietly for a moment, and then looked back at the prospective new member, grinning like a lost brother greeting his kin.
"It will be good to have you with us, friend!" He said sincerely, nodding slowly, in something close to a bow, "we are glad for new company, and I'm eager to talk to you, and come to know you and your mate. Hopefully we'll be able to provide you with a bit of a family, and some pups to help raise." He grinned, not meaning it entirely as it sounded, though he couldn't help but look at Truth.
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:04 pm
((Closing with permission from Syr!))
Truthseeker looked to Risktaker at that, a mild flush of a blush (or the canine equivalent: Ears swiveled back quickly against her head.) rushing through her at the idea implied with that comment. They had spoken of pups before, but she always felt it would just happen when it happened. It didn't make her nervous at all, of course, she just didn't expect that implication to come up in conversation so suddenly.
"A-ah... yes..." She recovered, looking sheepish for having been so embarrassed. "Let's agree to meet back here, then. You can speak with your mate and we can see how the rest of the pack is fairing on the hunt."
When all was agreed and they were going their separate ways again Truthkeeper was hard pressed to keep her expression straight.
"Provide him with 'some pups' to help raise, hm?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:14 pm
It took a moment for Risktaker to realize what he said. Instead of reacting with embarrassment or confusion, however, he laughed and shook his head. Whoops. It seemed a bad time to try and cover his tracks now, however, and he watched his lovemate change the subject back to the new recruits as deftly as she was able, considering his bumble. He nodded at the bigger wild dog, smiling sheepishly.
When they were on their own again, Risk knew he was in for it. He flashed her a toothy grin at her prodding, ears perked forward and tail held high.
"Well," he said, stepping on light paws, "I thought it was an idea worth tossing out there. I mean, you know. There'll be pups in the pack... and... I don't know. Someday...." He stopped talking. It wasn't going as smoothly as he wanted it to, his suave tone buckling as he tried to tease his way out of something he found he didn't want to joke about. His smile softened and he smiled at her.
"Well, you know what I mean," he said confidently, nuzzling her. Maybe they would talk about it some other day. For now, they had duties before them, and that was where they needed to turn their attention.
Still, he couldn't help but keep on smiling.
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