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 Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 3:15 pm
Lichen? Bracken? Odd that they were named after fungi and ferns . . . must've been the green color. Merrill was a bit surprised at the serious look Corvus had on his face when he intoned that he would take care of the boys, but it would take more than words to convince her as usual; anyone could say anything with any sort of look and it could still be a bold-faced lie. Not that she considered Corvus that sort of wolf, the kind that would purposefully cause anyone harm, yet this was also the same wolf that thought more with his urges and less with his head. Chivosi put it in kinder words than she could have.
"Well then, now that that's all settled, I'll be off to get some fish for the boys. Si, Corvus, little ones." Merrill nodded to each of them as she listed them off, sniffling and sighing as she began to trot away. Spirits be with her, the prospect of fishing was not a good one!
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 5:22 am
"Thank's Merrill" Chivosi replied as she left - and he made a mental note to steer clear of the river for a little while so as not to be accosted by Merrill's irritation and frustration in her fishing attempt. Moon knew the purple wolf didn't like water to begin with and to deal with both the water and the plague of allergies that were pestering her would not make for a happy wolf.
Turning her attention back to Corvus Chiv studied him for a few moments - she held out some hope that the green wolf would indeed prove to be a good father, and if he didn't well...she and Merrill would see to their care. They would grow up in a good and loving home - she would ensure it. "See that you do" She told the green wolf seriously "You are in for some hard work my friend" She continued in a kinder voice. "Would you like me to stay - or do you wish for some time alone with them?" She asked, some males were hesitant about being left alone with small pups, especially first time fathers - its like they feared breaking them or something.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:58 am
Even though his eyelids were drooping more and more with every minute Lichen forced himself to stay awake. He knew something important was going on a few feet away. Though his mind was muddled with exhaustion he did manage to catch a few key words - mainly that this new green arrival was their father. Lichen was somewhat relieved by this because he wasn't sure if he could take another female wolf arriving. Yet he was still too frightened to speak and too tired to run away. Pushing his nose in Bracken's side to get his brothers attention the small pup glanced out at their father and gave his brother a look that said 'What do you think?'
Corvus turned his head and watched Merrill leave to go fishing. He wished he could go and watch for the sheer reason that he knew Merrill hated the water so it could be entertaining, but no he had more important matters to attend to. Letting out a sigh he looked at Chivosi. "I know it will be a lot of work, but they are my pups and I should do what I can to raise them." Pausing he glanced at the small pups for a while then returned his gaze to the Alpha. "With a bit of help I should think." While Corvus wanted to do as much to raise his sons himself he knew that sometimes things like this required more than just one wolf and he knew he could count on the pack to help out where needed.
"I think I would like some time alone with them." He said as he took another step towards the pups and then lowered himself to the ground. Hopefully sitting at the pups eye level make them more comfortable around him. "But don't go too far away." He said with a nervous chuckle. This was his first real experience with pups, sure he had been around Chivosi's pups since he joined the pack but they were much older than these two were. Turning his attention on the two small balls of green fur Corvus' mind raced as to what to do or say. Well Merrill was fetching them more food, Chivosi would be nearby to lend her support if needed, so now he wasn't sure what to do. Best to talk to them he supposed. "Well kids, I'm your father Corvus. And uh I'll be raising you. No need to fear me, I won't hurt you."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:42 am
Chivosi nodded to Corvus as he requested some alone time with the pups. "I'll be right over there" She told him with a light motion of her muzzle to where Derecho sat looking rather interested in the going's on. "just call out if you need me" She told him before trotting off to converse with her son.
Bracken glanced at his brother when he nudged him and then turned to regard the green male with a slight shrug - as far as he could tell he was no different from any other male wolf they'd met. Honestly Bracken wasn't sure exactly what a father was supposed to do. Though apparently he was going to raise them - which was what his mother had supposedly been doing since they were born and Bracken hadn't much liked that. His lips lifted in a snarl at this Corvus fellow. "Lies! Raising us will hurt, we don't need you!" he snapped at the wolf, Bracken might be afraid to snarl and snap at female wolves but he had no such hinderence when it came to other males.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:53 am
Corvus nodded to Chivosi as she left and then turned his attention back to the pups. Of course he did not expect the one named Bracken to react so badly to him. He was trying to be a good father but his first one on one encounter with the pups was already going downhill. Swallowing hard Corvus was beginning to wonder if he made the right decision when he said he would raise the pups. Giving his head a shake to rid himself of those thoughts he looked down at Bracken.
"I wouldn't lie to you. I know your mother didn't treat you well when you were with her but things are different here." He spoke in a calm voice but inside he was a nervous wreck. Thoughts coursed through his mind. What if he did a bad job of raising him? What if they hated him for the rest of his life because of the time they spent with Thealia. "I think in time you will see that I am very different from your mother."
Lichen was a little surprised by his brothers reaction but at the same time if he himself hadn't been so weary and horribly shy he probably would have had a similar reaction to their father. Instead of lashing out he curled himself into a tighter ball but nudged his brother in silent support of him. The world was such a scary place and Lichen really wasn't sure what he would do if he didn't have Bracken.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:04 am
Bracken was emboldened by his brothers silent support - although it might have been nice to hear him say something as well. That was Lichen for you though - ever the silent type. Standing up with his hackles somewhat raised Bracken regarded his so called father "Maybe...but you left us with her, she tried to ..to...do away with us! If Penthesilea hadn't come along...you should have come and got us right away if you really cared!" He told the green wolf with a strange mix of venom and hurt in his voice.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:12 am
Those words hurt Corvus more than anything else. Thealia had been such a bad mother to these pups and they were taking it out on him. Letting out a sigh he looked upon Lichen for a moment, the pup hadn't said anything yet but he really couldn't blame him. Plus it was probably for the best, Bracken was enough to handle for now. "I know I should have been there for you - but I didn't know. You have to believe me, I haven't seen your mother in a very long time."
He wished he could make up for the time they had to spend with Thealia but he wasn't sure how to do so. "I am thankful for Penthesilea for saving you." If Corvus ever had the pleasure of meeting this wolf he would be forever indebted to her. "And I am going to do everything I can to be good to you." Lowering his head he looked at the pups, sadness written across his face and eyes. "I'm so sorry for everything."
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:49 am
It had never crossed Bracken's mind that Corvus hadn't known about them, I mean how could he not? Bracken wasn't sure exactly how the whole having puppies thing worked but he was pretty sure there had to at least be some sort of decision from both parents.
But Corvus seemed to be telling the truth - at least as far as his puppy senses could tell so he grudgingly settled back down again. 'Well...I guess I won't bite you after all" He told the green male in a tone that said he clearly thought that Corvus was lucky to be getting out of that.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:56 am
A smile crossed Corvus' maw. Well it wasn't the exact outcome of the situation he had hoped for but at least it was a start. He would be spending many hours each day convincing them that he did truly care for them and that he wished for them to be happy. One step at a time he told himself. "Good - because by the looks of it those teeth of yours look pretty sharp." He hoped this little joke would lighten the mood a bit. He glanced at the other pup who had yet to say a word. Corvus had noticed that he had prodded his brother once or twice but that was about it. "Does your brother speak?" He asked Bracken curious if the other pup was just quiet or couldn't talk at all.
He wondered if there were more pups. Sure two pups wasn't entirely rare but Corvus couldn't help but wonder if Thealia had kept any. Probably would only do so if they were female. Either way he would find that out later. "Would you boys like the stay in this den for the night with Chivosi or sleep in my den?" He wasn't sure if they were ready for that step but it couldn't hurt to ask right.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:05 am
"They are" He told Corvus seriously, though in truth he had no idea really - he'd never actually bit anyone before but it seemed like a good idea to make the other wolf think he might have.
When asked about his brother Bracken hazarded a glance back at his curled up form "Sometimes...we're just tired" He admitted to him before facing the second question. He couldn't really decide for himself so he nudged his brother to see if he had an opinion on the matter.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:11 am
The question of where to sleep for the night rolled around Lichens mind as his brother gave him the nudge. Well they were already at this den, but that would mean spending the night with a female. But he wasn't sure how far this other den was and Lichen really wasn't sure if his legs would support his weight again. He looked at his brother and at Corvus giving his head a nod. Lichen's way of saying that he would like to sleep in his fathers den.
"I see." Corvus replied. Of course they were tired, they looked quite exhausted. But it was good to know that Lichen could speak. Not that he would have loved him any less if his son had turned out to be mute - though it probably would have create a certain challenge in raising him. He watched Lichen nod at him though he couldn't be entirely sure if that was a yes I want to sleep with dad or no I want to stay here nod. This would take some time to get used to if they pup didn't talk while tired. Looking at Bracken he waited for the explanation of his brothers gesture.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:31 am
Considering his brother for a moment as thought to say 'are you sure?' Bracken finally turned to look back at his father "Lichen would like to stay with you" He told the wolf and since he couldn't very well leave his brother alone with any strange wolf he continued "So I suppose we'll sleep in your den"
Falling silent he eyed the wolf as though waiting for some sort of trick to be played now that they had been given a choice and made a decision.
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Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:53 am
To say Corvus was happy that the pups decided to spend the night with him was an understatement. He knew they didn't fully trust him yet but each small victory brought them close to the day that they would. "Good. After Merrill comes back with some fish for you guys to eat we can go to my den." But he wondered if they would have the energy to make the journey. "And we can carry you if you are tired of walking."
Thinking that now would be a good time to bring Chivosi back to let her know of what was going on Corvus sat up and looked over at where Chivosi and Derecho stood not far away. "Chiv!" He called out to her. Once she was here he would explain that the pups would be sleeping in his den.
Lichen was horribly relieved that his brother was going with him to Corvus' den. Not that he believed that Bracken would abandon him, but it did make his tail wag ever so slightly. The idea of being carried there was quite welcoming to the pup as his legs felt like they would fall off if he needed to walk any more. The thought of more food was also something to celebrate as the rabbit that he and Lichen had shared had only partially filled the hole in his stomach.
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Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 2:43 pm
For pun's sake, the fishing was nearly a flop. Time and time again she had succeeded at nothing more than failing, and allergy-suffering Merrill nearly called it quits several times in. Eventually, either through pitious intervention, sheer dumb luck, or actual skill, the femme managed to scrounge out of the water several specimens of fish; which kinds she did not care. Nothing was poisonous here population-wise, and she saw no beauty in the slimy, scaly things or in their ungraceful deaththroes seconds before her fangs swiflty ended their lives. Even the blood that came from their wounds barely stirred her hunger - which somehow decidedly disappeared in the middle of that infuriating excersize - as she managed to stuff each into into her mouth and began to trot back.
Spirits be thankful that no young one had been around to listen to her various, colorful curses.
Merrill managed to subdue the worst of her frustration by the time she returned, not surprised that Derecho had popped in to see the newcomers; the boy was always interested in things outside of the pack, though thankfully he had enough sense not to go right up to them and introduce himself in his usual exuberant way. Not able to make a proper greeting with the fish in tow, she merely nodded her head to him and his mother before trotting to Corvus and the pups, dropping the fish with a heavy sigh. "Buggers, I hate fishing . . . But it is done. Not very big ones, but they should be adequate." She nudged them over carefully, wondering how her presence affected the younglings after their practical abuse at the paws of their mother. It wouldn't be prudent to stay too long when they needed rest and already had plenty to acclimate to. "Anything else before I go?"
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Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2010 1:17 pm
Chivosi returned after her conversation with Derecho - whom had slipped off after hearing what was going on. Probably off to tell Aleu or perhaps that spotted wolf he'd been trying to get to know she thought to herself as he disappeared and her attentions returned to Corvus and his pups.
She reached the three at nearly the same time as Merrill and had to chuckle a bit at her comments, despite her hatred of the chore she had managed to bring back more then enough for the pups - and Chiv had expected nothing less of her. Merrill more so then some other she knew of always came through when you needed her. "I don't think so" She told the Beta "Unless Corvus has discovered something else the pups desire during their conversation?" she questioned the green wolf - for certainly he had called her back for some reason.
Bracken sat up straighter as the two female wolves returned - although they had yet to show any hostile motion towards him and his sibling he couldn't help the slight bristling of fur at their presence - but he had promised to behave he reminded himself and he wouldn't back out of the first such promise he had ever made.
The sight of the fish did help a bit - it was hard to stay angry and hostile when they kept piling food at his feet and with only a wary glance he pushed one of the fish towards his brother before selecting one for himself. He even - with much hesitation - managed to send Merrill a fleeting look and a murmured barely audible "Thank you"
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