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 Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:13 pm
|Within the Woods of Aekea - 2| Entry Format______
Chronicle & Quest [C & Q] -- Baby Growth Quest: Part 2
Summary______
During their second day of on vacation, Tia find that Iqbal's been acting strange lately... as he attempts to run on all fours.
OOC Notes______
N/A|04/09/05| Noises were heard as Tia shifted in the bed. She ignored them, wanting to sleep more. Though, as her luck would have it, they became louder; clearer. It was scratches and little bumps against the cabin's hard wooden floor. She sighed propping herself up in bed, taking a minute to adjust to her surroundings, and the light streaming through the closed blinds. From her position she saw two fuzzy ears, moving back and forth ending with a thump. She raised an eyebrow peering over the bedside to find both Iqbal and Fortune knocking at the side of the playpen as if to knock it over.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she pulled her robe off the chair nearby, slipping it on sloppily as she reached down, pulling Iqbal to her side, while leading Fortune to her shoulder with the free hand. Iqbal only squirmed in her arm as he was held, and Tia became flustered with his fidgeting, allowing him to be on the floor. He wagged his tail happily to have his way, as he crawled to the next room, Fortune gliding off Tia's shoulder to trail on after him.
Tia shrugged, rubbing the back of her neck as she entered the kitchen lazily, looking to see what exactly she could throw together for a breakfast. Deciding on the normal factor, she toasted two slices of bread, and opened a can of baby food for Iqbal. He was beginning to go off the cans, but she was really too tired to notice any different. As the toast popped from its heated source, she buttered it, biting into a piece while edging to the next room to find Iqbal for breakfast.
At that moment, she was biting into a piece of her toast as she tilted her head to the side, strangely staring at was in front of her.
There, she saw Iqbal and Fortune. But Iqbal, was seemingly... running on all fours was really the way to describe it. What made it even more peculiar was how he was doing it though. Tia knew that he had wolf genes within some part of him, but she didn't expect them to be triggered so early. And to run on all fours in a human form, well it was quite difficult; and to Tia Iqbal seemed to try bucking his legs into the air while being supported by his palms. Of course being the baby that he was, he was quite unsuccessful, usually falling with a plop on the tough surface. Another few tries had passed before he gave a small snarl-type gesture, which only made him look cuter as he sat and pouted, while Fortune was laying down, one paw over her other, simply observing him and his attempts.
Tia laughed as she set the food on the table while moving to Iqbal, nuzzling his cheek. "Don't worry, you'll be able to do it, here, eat some and then we'll go out after breakfast so you can run better."
Iqbal's ears swiveled at her voice, quickly identifying it as he whined for food, remembering that he was hunger.
After breakfast, Iqbal began to whine, nagging at Tia until she gave in. After she had finally finished dressing, she huffed agitated. "Yes, I know, we're going outside." She walked towards the door fast, Iqbal picking up the sounds with his ears, crawling fast after her, giving another few wags of his tail.
When she opened the door, Iqbal cooed as he saw the soft, emerald grass outside. He was out the door in seconds as be began to romp in the grass, playful as a wolf pup usually would be. Fortune was right behind him, not romping, but jumping and hovering at times as they chased each other around, as he still tried to run with all fours. It was an odd motion as he sort of jumped while running, his arms falling back in between his legs as his back ones came forward, almost like a frog. Though, when he stopped and was back on all fours, he was crouching as if stalking prey and his tail, along with his ears, made him seem more wolf-like.
It didn't startle Tia, maybe amused her at the most, but she couldn't help but chuckle at his antics. She knew that at one point in his life there would be no stopping the wolf within him come out, she just hoped that when it did come, things may become a bit easier.
Finally, after mid morning dragged into late afternoon, Iqbal had somewhat mastered the technique of running on all fours. Truth be told that once he had, he reminded Tia exactly like a wolf, and by they re-entered the cabin, some people may not have noticed the difference if it had not been for his soft human features.
Nightfall was coming fast and Iqbal still had more time that he was wasting. He didn't know why he was doing all of the things that Tia saw, but it made him feel much happier when doing them, he felt free instead of sitting all the time and being called a baby. He wasn't that small anymore. As his eye caught a glimpse of the setting sun, he had forgotten all about his goal. He blinked several times, rushing to the window, as he pressed his palms against the glass. His eyesight was above normal human beings, adjusted to the night and its glory. His eyes darted quickly to locate the creature from yesterday, but no matter where he looked, it still wouldn't come. He slumped back down, pouting before his ears swiveled in all directions, picking up a long howl. He poked his head back to the glass, blue and gold irises watching carefully as they detected a lone silhouette of a huge wolf. Iqbal became excited and rapped at the glass, before the wolf turned its majestic head toward him, and walking back into the woods.
Iqbal whined again, the only noise he knew was not of words that could reach the creature. He let his head and ears fall back as his tail moved closer to his body, portraying the image of a hurt wolf. He didn't know why he had to meet these creatures, but something; something told him that they were like him in a way that Tia wasn't. They had tails and ears like him... but they would not come near him. Maybe he was doing something wrong? Maybe he had to try something else? His mind could only think for so long before Tia filed into the doorway, her motherly smile on. "C'mere, it's time we get you washed up from that long day outside."
He didn't even wait for her to come to him, rather crawling over, while Fortune (Quiet through Iqbal's antics) followed, a few squawks directed toward her bonded. Iqbal's ears upturned as he let out a sigh, nodding.
Something had passed through those two, and it seemed as though Tia could not hear it, but she knew that Fortune was only reassuring Iqbal, and he was being convinced by it. She smiled as he reached her, picking him up as he clung to her neck whilst they walked to the bathroom. She hummed in his ear soothingly scratching behind his ears for comfort.
Iqbal gave a soft coo from the reaction. Well, he could let Tia make him feel better, it was after all, only the second day in the trip, and there was still time to find them. And he would find them.
He just didn't know how. 
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:15 pm
|Within the Woods of Aekea - 3| Entry Format______
Chronicle & Quest [C & Q] -- Baby Growth Quest: Part 3
Summary______
Iqbal's been having some teething problems and seems to be in pain. Tia takes him down to see Skidi, eventually finding out not only that he's got some fangs growing in, but more about Iqbal himself.
OOC Notes______
N/A|04/10/05| A pack, a wolf pack cornered in their prey; moving as if they were a single predator. Their sly nature proved as an advantage as they began to move in, and then finally the ambush happened, teeth bore and a shriek from the death of the creature before they sunk their fangs deep within, blood staining their chops.
Iqbal slept in his playpen, unaware of the dream that he was having. His mouth watered against the pillow, as baby fangs were seemingly ripping at it, one ear constantly twitching, and the opposite leg kicking, as Fortune seemed to wrestle the pillow away from him. Both looked as if they were in a state of their subconscious dream, acting on impulses of their mind.
It took a pinch from the tip of Fortune's beak to Iqbal's hand for them both to yelp, Iqbal blinking quickly as he sat up. Fortune shrugged off the pain; after all it was an honest mistake, and it wasn't that painful anyway. But as Fortune sat like an inquisitive pup, she tilted her head when Iqbal squirmed around.
He had been teething as of this month, but to today the pain was worse, and he felt new teeth coming in at both corners of his mouth. His gums ached and he pressed his pudgy hands to his moth for comfort before whimpering.
Tia peeked into the room briefly as she heard the sounds of Iqbal awakening form his nap. She blinked curiously, picking up the stray pillow while Iqbal was distracted by gnawing on the blanket, still twitching in one ear. She examined the pillow, staring deep at the punctures, which she assumed were caused by fangs; which meant...
She glanced over as Iqbal was gnawing; a glint of a baby fang from his exposed upper lip showing through. He gave an odd snarl as his fang got caught in one of the seams of the cloth. He wrestled with it, backing into Fortune who squawked, taking it to the other side of the blanket, pulling it over to her.
It soon became a game of tug-of-war, and it was getting into more before Iqbal rolled on his back tucking in his tail and pulling his ears back, which seemed to indicate a sign of surrender. Tia decided since Iqbal was going through a stage she hadn't planned on, it was best to go to someone who knew much more than her; Skidi.
The trio exited to the main office building, both not wanting to be held, so she let Iqbal romp to the office Fortune racing with playful sounds along the trail.
Skidi stood proudly by the door, bowing her head to Tia as she entered. Iqbal forgot his pain as he looked to Skidi from the ground, eyes blinking curiously to her. She gave a motion to Tia, Iqbal and Fortune to follow her into a back room.
Tia followed leading her child into the room as it was darkened and she could smell a strange type of scent and her feet crackling against the new surface. Skidi asked Tia to close the door behind her, and she did so and as she returned, Skidi was positioned in a circle, Iqbal on her left, Fortune next and Tia was expected to sit on her right.
Surprisingly, Iqbal sat still without squirming seeming entranced by Skidi. Tia looked cautiously around; opening her mouth to speak, but Skidi shook her head.
"My dear, I will explain everything after." Tia slouched a little, nodding to the Native American. From behind her she pulled out a natural grinding device in which Tia noticed was inside a dark purplish jelly like substance. Iqbal's head turned to her, almost instinctively. Skidi opened her mouth slightly a Iqbal did the same, leaning forward. Briefly, she smiled, before applying some of the jelly on the incoming fangs and the gums surrounding them. The concoction smelled oddly therapeutic, and Iqbal seemed to take to it immediately. His tail wagged affectionately as she seemed to be relieved of the pain. Skidi stopped her work as Iqbal's eyes fluttered drowsily. Fortune blinked several times. She didn't know whether to trust the woman or not, but Iqbal seemed in such a blithe mood that she had a small eruption of the emotion too, walking slowly over to curl up next to Iqbal.
Tia sat, just sat, phased by the events. Skidi placed the bowl aside, clearing her throat.
"I will explain things now." She paused for a moment offering Tia a solution in a wooden up. Tia looked at the cup and took it to her mouth giving a meek smile to Skidi. She nudged her to drink the solution, and Tia wasn't in a position for her to exactly decline the potion, so she drank it. It tasted oddly herbal; she wasn't sure what it had been mixed from, but so long as it was digestible by human needs, she wasn't complaining.
"There are fables of the wolf child in our tribe; the hybrid which contains the elements of both wolf and human. We have never fully seen one though, until your child." She seemed to gleam to Iqbal, who now was in a slumber all his own.
"His fangs are beginning to form. It seems that they are growing in fine, but he'll probably begin needing objects of his natural state to teethe on; in which case I suggest meat." Skidi nodded as she spoke, making sure Tia was obtaining all the information correctly.
Tia looked at her, puzzled. "Meat? But, he's only a baby, he couldn't... possibly... he's at least to some degree normal."
Skidi chuckled to Tia. "Normal you say? A human with wolf ears and a tail? Highly unnatural my dear. Not to mention the padded feet, the instinctive way of running, the fangs..." she sipped her own drink slowly, "It would seem that you do not know much at all about wolves, do you?"
Tia hung her head low, rubbing her neck. "Well, not really I was really raising him by human methods..." she stopped as Skidi shook her head laughing softly.
"Don't worry my child I can teach, and will if you choose, to inform you." Her eyebrow rose, to make it a question statement, awaiting Tia's reply.
Tia pondered this, of course you should never refuse help, but Skidi was... a tad odd to her liking. Though, she imagined that Iqbal would only to get harder to care for with age as time went on, so to take a risk in the end could benefit her. "I suppose so... yes, alright." She started hesitantly before nodding in confidence.
Skidi grinned. "Well, now that we have assessed this problem, I will start teaching you while the child sleeps." She wrapped Iqbal in a small bundle, as Tia held Fortune. They walked to the main office room and Skidi nodded to Tia, letting her know that the two should be put down t sleep comfortably in front of the crackling fire.
Once the two were snuggly tucked away, Skidi began to teach.
The lesson began as she taught her about the mulberry substance to soothe the pain until the fangs fully grew in. She hinted it with a natural sleeping drug, because she knew that he need to be calmed the first time around.
"Earlier, Iqbal and Fortune were playing tug-of-war, but t got a little out of hand, but Iqbal pulled his ears and tail back, rolling away. Does that?" Tia interrupted softly, before she was shushed by Skidi's vigorous nods. "Yes, yes. It is a sign of respect for the other in a wolf pack. You do know the levels, don't you? Alpha, Beta, Omega..."
Tia thought for a moment. The terms did sound familiar and she did partially know about the ranks, she deduced. "Well yes, to an extent."
Skidi eased in her chair slowly. "Good, it is a bare essential. Along with family structures, teaching methods, hunting it is all not too complicated. And for your own knowledge... Iqbal may go through other changes as he grows, or have uncontrollable urges; just remember the wolf in him is very dominant and will have him a will of steel, and once that begins, it will not top. Be wary my child."
Tia blinked noticing the seriousness that overcame her, as she glanced to Iqbal briefly. She couldn't fathom the way Skidi was describing him; he looked so angelic sleeping. She considered this though. Never had she had to know of wolves until now, and from what she was learning, all the little pieces of the jigsaw seemed to connect and fall into place about Iqbal's actions.
Tia couldn't help but let her mind wander back into questions, which seemed to be pouring out because of Skidi's wide knowledge. "Skidi... I was wondering about his coat. The stains won't wash off, even when he wriggles out of it on his own when I have to give him a bath; he won't even let me touch it either. Really the only case is when I have to hold him; if I start fiddling with it he starts to whine and get upset. And, I have no idea what the materials are that made it." Tia had to stop for her breath, before her eyes peered over to her.
Skidi sighed, head hanging low as she spoke. "Yes, I have noticed. The fur trim is of a tundra wolf. They are very prestigious of the wolf line, living in the artic, pure snow white coats. Here, only in the forest area are the more common timber wolves. The material seems to be that of a leathery texture... an odd form, I'm not entirely sure, but the blood stains..." she paused, "They may have a deeper meaning than the surface."
A cold shiver rand down her spine as Skidi finished. She looked to her for an explanation as she continued. "I really can not say for sure though, the Pawnee territory does not extend far enough, to the artic in this case, from then on it becomes that territory of other Indians whom our tribe has not ventured to find."
Tia slowly processed the information, still prying for more. "Then, how is it that you know of the wolves there, and if so, what kind of wolf does Iqbal... have in him?"
Skidi sighed, wrinkles gaining on her forehead; showing her age. "We know of the wolves and many more types around the world, since they are all of the same species. As for Iqbal, when I first say him, his grey like coloring automatically made him that of a timber wolf in my eyes... but his one gold eye... that coloring of eye almost never appears outside of the tundra wolves; which is rare. And his blue eye... that is extremely rare in animals in general, it is a recessive gene, and barely appears, if at all."
Tia sighed, just because there was so much new information to do with Iqbal, it seemed like it was never ending. But there was one last question she wanted to ask about. "Would you happen to know anything about Fortune?"
Skidi looked into space for a moment, thought overtaking her, but her lips seemed to be moving. "It is unlikely for a wolf to be paired up with a creature that it would normally hunt for meat; but it seems to me that they have a symbiotic relationship, and much more even. It's hard dear, in their case I have never met a duo quite like them."
Tia gave a small smile, at least she was right about them, but still, she wanted to learn more and instead of more doors opening, for some to close.
"Don't be too worried about it dear. Things will reveal themselves with time." Skidi spoke softly, as Tia had to admit, she was right, and agreed.
Eventually, it became late and Tia had needed to head back to the cabin. Skidi understood her reasoning agreeing to help with leading them back home. As they got to Iqbal though, Skidi watched the wolf child shift and make noises in his sleep.
"Yeah, he seems to be having some kind of dream, Fortune's also affected by it." Fortune was ruffling and shifting, true to Tia's word. Skidi laughed, patting Tia on the back.
"He's probably dreaming of wolves in general, hunting, playing, being with one another, it will probably make him feel connected to things he doesn't understand, a sense of comfort, regardless of what he is doing while having the dreams." Tia had to chuckle herself, he was cute and it was sweet to think that.
The four of them treaded back to Tia's cabin, howls traveling with the wind. It made Tia a bit nervous and she held Iqbal closer.
"No need to worry, wolves are not harmful creatures. They stay away from humans and mind to themselves."
It left Tia with some assurance to know this, and as they reached their destination, she thanked Skidi for her help and support, while in return Skidi mentioned that she should stop by more often if there were more concerns or questions. They bid their farewells for the night as Tia tucked Fortune and Iqbal into the playpen. She smiled; a sweet ending to the third day of their trip had come.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:17 pm
|Within the Woods of Aekea - 4| Entry Format______
Chronicle & Quest [C & Q] -- Baby Growth Quest: Part 4
Summary______
Iqbal's woken Tia up early because he's been fussy about his new fangs and wants attention, when a small intruder enters the cabin Fortune decides to make it her business to improve her hunting skills.
OOC Notes______
N/A|04/11/05| It was early morning, still dark in the woods when Tia, Iqbal and Fortune were awake. Iqbal was being fidgety with his sleep patterns since his teeth started becoming a problem and because of this, Tia had to stay up with him while she tried to lull him back to sleep. (Be it with the herbal treatment from Skidi, or other ways)
Without her knowledge though, she accidentally left the door open a bit to the outside. Of course living in the woods, one is to assume that there are going to be woodland creatures.
Fortune's ears swiveled as scampers were laid across the wooden floor. She snuck her way along as Tia was busy with Iqbal, trying the technique of a lullaby this time. Her golden orbs locked into focus on the furry animal. The scent and image were all too familiar to her.
Another mouse.
Fortune snarled quietly as the sounds of thoughts of mice resonated in her mind. It was funny how she used to be scared of the little buggers, but now it was more like a focused anger. She had to overcome this silly fear, not just for her but for Iqbal. If she was ever going to be anywhere near the standards of helping him as he grew, she had to overcome something that was so minuscule. Something told her that she was ready and had the skill, so now was the time to attack and destroy.
The mouse sniffed the air franticly, its head jittering in search of something to fill its empty belly. Fortune padded carefully to a higher point of the cabin, over the nearby table. She outspread her wings, ruffling them once, before edging all the way to the back of the table. A little spurt of energy was shoved out as she gained speed from the table, like a runway and shooting herself into the air well above the mouse.
A loud squawk emitted as the mouse squeaked with distress. Immediately, it began its defensive strategy: run as fast as I can so the big hungry bird demon doesn't eat me. Or rather, darting all around the room. She maneuvered her wings swooping down on the catch as an owl would. It took her a few tries until she finally nipped the rodent by the tail; fumbling with her landing, but nonetheless having the creature dangling in her beak by it's tail.
Iqbal and Tia were distracted, up until the battle cry was heard. At that point, both their sight fell upon Fortune, watching intently and confusedly at her actions. It was fascinating to watch not knowing what was going on until she had the prey tightly held between her beak. She held her chest high, shining with pride that she had done it, caught the mouse. Of course, to complete the hunt she must kill the animal. If that was not done, there would have been no point in the capture.
With her paws she placed the panic-filled mouse down before piercing its skin and organs. Bits of blood began re-coating the stains on her white feathers. It was a bit messy, but when the shrieking died down, it was a known fact that the prey was as good as dead. Tia looked a bit disgusted from the scene, rubbing the back of her neck with a bit of worry hinting her face.
Iqbal though, he had taken another standpoint of the situation. He looked amazed and wide-eyed to the mouse instead of his normal hide from the rodent position. He gave a gummy smile and wag of his tail to Fortune, not only seeming delighted but also safe, a side Tia hadn't seen in quite awhile. Fortune pranced happily around the carcass chirping the cry of victory as Tia's expression soon shifted to minor chuckles. "Well, guess we know now how good of a hunter Fortune is."
Fortune seemed to be elated as she was titled with 'hunter'. She had done it, killed that vile little creature that had caused Iqbal and herself so much pain! And now she would never have to worry about them bothering her again, and in time, she knew Iqbal would be thinking the same thing.
And thus, all day long Fortune spent her time hunting outdoors; honing her skills as best as she could, with each kill bringing back a new severed animal of proof to her experience. Most of the animals Tia could not recognize though; it was because they had really been that mutilated. It gave Tia an odd feeling to see the small dead prey (some almost as big as Fortune herself) lingering in their spot on the grass. But, pushing the feelings of pity for the animals being killed, something told her that is was for the better. It had changed them, Fortune and Iqbal, and if it was going to take a few disgusting animal carcasses to make them happy, it didn't matter much to her at all. Because now, they both didn't cringe at the site of a mouse; didn't whimper or flinch even, they were stronger even it didn't appear physically, it was something they overcame by themselves. And just by knowing that made Tia smile from the inside out.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:18 pm
|Within the Woods of Aekea - 5| Entry Format______
Chronicle & Quest [C & Q] -- Baby Growth Quest: Part 5
Summary______
Aturos and Ralph swing by for a visit, but something lures Iqbal away, as Iqbal finds himself face to face with a wolf for the first time.
OOC Notes______
N/A|04/12/05| Another morning passed as the sun held its place in the sky for noon. Already it was the fifth day of the week long trip. When Tia thought about it, it didn't seem that time had gone by so quickly... and yet, it had.
Iqbal and Fortune were a bit sluggish through the day, lazing around in the soft grass. It was turning into a beautiful afternoon; not hot, breezy, clouds painting the sky. Iqbal had rolled on his back squirming a bit in the taller parts of the grasses, flicking his ears and tail around cooing.
They were on the back porch, just spending the hours by sitting outside when a car pulled up to the front of the cabin. Ralph and Aturos opened the doors as Ralph pulled off the thick black sunglasses with a smile, standing glistened in the sun for a moment.
Tia gave a wave as the two men walked over to her, Ralph taking a lead in front of Aturos as he slowed behind taking in the woodland surroundings by his other senses. Ralph reached Tia bending down to kiss her on the cheek from the chair she sat in. "Hey lovely."
Tia chuckled returning the sweet gesture with a peck of her own. "Bad boy. I told you not to come until it was the end of the week."
Ralph pouted, his demeanor turning childish. "But I missed you..." He extended a hand out, as she accepted curiously, before he pulled her close and sat himself down in the chair, setting her down on his lap, hugging her from behind. She followed through with his actions, only smiling; running her fingers through his hair. He stopped for a moment before clearing his throat. "And, I've got something to tell you that I just didn't want to wait until you got back to tell you..." He intertwined their fingers, looking to her with almost no old age in his face, as he blushed slightly. Tia thought it was extremely adorable, and she kissed him on the cheek again, feeling the warmth emitting from the contact. "What is it that you have to say?"
While Tia was not watching, Iqbal's attention began to thin, to the point were he was completely bored and annoyed. He stirred in the grass on his stomach, eyes looking around the area inquisitively. All of a sudden they landed on something familiar.
Ears! His mind shouted with joy. The very same ones he had seen on the first day. Now, from past experiences, he knew the best thing to do was not to scare it off, and he had nothing better to do. Fortune's ears swerved to Iqbal, senses honing into him as she padded quietly behind him. He crawled forward in the grass as he saw the ears twitch a bit. They then began slowly heading deeper into the woods.
No! He had to catch up with them before they ran away again! Iqbal gave a huff as he sped up, making his way behind the bobbing head into the deep woods, Fortune trailing him.
Aturos had finally mapped at least part of the area in his head, before he heard light rustling in the grass. His eyebrows scrunched together as the sound was drifting off to the distance. He walked faster, stumbling a bit before reaching the happy couple. "Tia, where are Iqbal and Fortune?" His voice was calm for the most part, but his face portrayed a more serious expression.
Ralph smiled as he was asked the question from Tia, and was about to answer when Aturos butted in. Tia smiled to Aturos before she saw his face. "Oh, they're just there behind us, playing in the gra—" Her voice was cut short as she gazed over her shoulder, eyes darting as the spot was empty.
"He was in the grasses? Tia, I don't think he's there..." Aturos squinted deeply searching as well as his sight could serve.
Tia's heartbeat rose quickly as she left Ralph, eyes scanning the area. "No, they were right here, I saw them, I was watching them... Iqbal!" She shouted, her voice cracking slightly, "Fortune!" She stood, raising the shouts when all that was returned were more sounds of other animals. She held her forehead slowly, trying to calm herself down. "It's okay... they're here... they are here..." She whispered to herself quietly. Ralph watched quietly as he stepped down carefully watching for any movement.
"Tia..." His voice was soft, sympathy filling each sound. Tia refused to listen to him, searching and calling out faster, before after another 20 minutes passing. She shook as she fell to her knees, Aturos and Ralph looking up as she began to cry. Ralph immediately took her in his arms, holding her. "Tia, don't worry, we'll find him... shh."
Iqbal was too far into the woods by the time Tia was calling for him, and the thought of turning back never crossed his mind. The chase was on.
He had to pant while running after the ears; they were so speedy compared to him! It made him feel a little bad that he wasn't getting closer, but eventually the grass that secluded the rest of the ear's body turned into gravel under his hands and feet. Finally, they came to a halt as Iqbal panted looking to the ears. Fortune quickly stopped with him, staying beside him all the while when she herself examined the ears too.
They were that of a dark grey, darker than Iqbal's as they connected to a small jaw, wet nose and brown colored eyes, each of which was attached to a head with a short muzzle. The creature's body was small, no bigger than Iqbal's with a shaggy, messy, furry great coat hinted with white undertones. Four short legs stood still with tiny paws at the ends and to the very back of the creature, a short furry tail hung.
Iqbal blinked several times, taking all of the features in. It didn't look like him really, there were major differences... what would happen now? He was on fours, just staring at the wolf pup, Fortune taking a step forward.
The pup padded a bit further on, when Iqbal noticed the trickling stream beside him, and when he looked up, several more of the creatures stood against the steam's bed. They all varied in color and size, but they all had the same look to him. It made him a bit nervous to see them, and he just stood frozen as the largest wolf shot him a gaze of his deep hazel eyes. With a small grunt, it approached him, jet black fur coat making him seem more of a threat.
Iqbal edged back slightly, as Fortune squawked in defense, as Iqbal began to panic, realizing he did not know how to get back home. Why was the scary thing coming after him? What did he do? The black wolf pressed on, as Iqbal tucked his tail in and his ears fell back, mixing whimpers with a soft cry. The wolf stopped and Fortune eased up. It made a few last steps closer to Iqbal, as Iqbal turned his fearful eyes to him, when the wolf gave a lick to Iqbal's cheek.
Iqbal felt calmer all of a sudden. Somehow he knew that this wolf was not going to hurt him, that it had accepted him in some way. Fortune was still skeptical of its actions, but she let the wolf continue. He turned his head back with a small bark, as the rest of the pack scampered from their positions to come and greet Iqbal.
As the came along, Iqbal eased up, his ears and tail slowly returning to their normal state as he was surrounded by the wolves. He gave tiny barks of his own, ones he never knew he could make, as the black wolf's eyes appeared to be smiling to him.
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:25 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:28 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 6:32 pm
|Two Feet| Entry Format______
Chronicle & Point of View [C & POV]
Summary______
Growing up for Iqbal, means learning to stand on his own two feet.
OOC Notes______
N/A|06/27/05| The only thing that stood between him and walking was the crib. Why did he still have to sleep in it? He was a big boy now! He should be able to sleep in a bed.
Iqbal pouted, huffing in his crib as Fortune poked an eye open. His ears twitched in annoyance, because he knew he could walk, a little bad, but he could! Plus, he'd have to learn at some point or else he wouldn't be able to play with the others as much as he wanted.
So it was decided. Tonight was the time he would show Tia that he could do it. Now, all that was left of that was to get out of the crib.
Fortune poked her head up now, as Iqbal pulled himself up in one go from holding on to the railing, before his knees buckled underneath him and he fell with a plop on the comforter. Legs were mean little things, they were. He pulled himself up again, plop. A few more times, and a few more plops. He gave a small growl out of frustration before trying one last time. He'd have to get it. And, after pulling himself up, he sustained it, and his legs didn't wobble as much as all the other times underneath him. He took one step to the side, still holding on, faltering slightly, but not enough to fall. He wagged his tail happily as he took another and another and a few more after he'd covered the premises of the crib. He sat down after that, taking a break, as he looked to Fortune.
So, he'd finally walked, that was an accomplishment in itself. But now he had to go show Tia now, or else it might go away in the morning. How to get out of the crib?
Fortune pondered the thought, recalling how Aturos and Tia always locked both of them in. Wait. This would be easy. She could fly now, that was an advantage. She nudged Iqbal to the furthest part of the crib, as she unfurled her wings and took a bit of a mix between a leap and a run, finally getting into the air, with a bit of difficulty, landing somewhere near the crib. Her golden eyes peered around it, as Iqbal's eyes followed her, until she found a latch towards the top.
She padded back a ways before launching into the air, and trying to hover just above the latch, and nipped it free, a bit of a clang as the crib's side fell down, revealing a path for Iqbal. Fortune smirked to herself, proudly. Iqbal smiled indefinitely, as he hopped himself out onto the floor. He looked around. Uh-oh.
There was no railing for him to prop himself up, how was he going to walk? He could use the wall, but he wanted to do it without any help. Fortune sat quietly, as Iqbal went on all fours. He pushed himself off of the ground so that his palms were on the floor, and his feet too, rump in the air as he tried to keep his tail as still as possible. Now it was only a matter of pushing off the ground. He stuck his tongue out a bit in concentration, as he pushed off with his hands, about to fall flat on his face, when Fortune skidded along and let his hands rest on her. He sighed in relief and slowly moved his hands up to her head, as he took a few steps.
It was a bit harder, now that the railing was moving with him, but he was getting it slowly. Fortune guided him around his room a bit for him to get used to it, until he let go of her head with one hand. He pace slowed down a bit, but he was maintaining himself up, and that was good. Once they had covered the room and were heading to the door, Iqbal let go of Fortune completely and walked by himself. He cooed and wagged his tail before walking into the door.
He rubbed his head a bit from not being able to stop fast enough, as he looked to the closed door. He flashed a smile to Fortune, who understood completely. He walked away, fumbling a bit with his feet, but managing enough so that Fortune was able to lift of the ground, and scratch the doorknob open.
Success! Now, the only thing he had to do was who to go to first. It was Uncle Atu, Tia, or Ralph. This was a bit of a problem. If he went to Uncle Atu... he would smile and give him a pat on the head. If he went to Tia, she would be surprised, and if he went to Ralph he wouldn't wake up. Of course, for Iqbal, waking his dear mother around 2 AM was really the most fun sounding.
He walked with Fortune around the upstairs hall a bit, until finally reaching Tia's room. Luckily, she'd left the door partially open so they wouldn't have a fuss trying to get in. He pushed the door wide open as if making a grand entrance as he smiled to Tia sleeping in bed. He walked over sneakily, tugging himself up onto the bed as he giggled to Tia. Fortune followed him up, sitting proudly next to him. When Tia only shifted in her sleep, Iqbal pouted a bit, before squeezing Tia's cheeks into what he enjoyed calling, a fishy face. He giggled again, before Tia awoke.
"Iq'al?!" She said suddenly, which sounded odd enough with her face squeezed together. Iqbal took his hands away from her and clapped his hands in amusement, as Fortune squawked.
"How did you...?" She eyed him and then the clock before he pushed himself off the bed. Now, he could show her that he could walk, all by himself.
He gave her a smile with his fangs as he took steps to the wall and back to her bed, wagging his tail when he reached her again.
Tia blinked. He could walk? Since when? She couldn't help but smile though, patting him on his head. "Well, now I only have to baby proof the entire house, you little animal."
Iqbal smiled again at being patted, twitching his ears and wagging his tail more before turning to face Fortune with a look on his face that clearly said to her, mission accomplished.
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:09 pm
|Words| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
What happens when you start to realize that your kid is able to talk.
OOC Notes______
The phrase, 'Doh-doh' is something used in the Arabic cultre, as a pet name for sleep, Iqbal picked it up from his uncle, but Aturos is natively Arabic. Also, Iqbal call himself 'bal, bal being the end part of his name.|07/06/05| Drowsily, Tia missed a step on the stairs as she was coming down them, grabbing the railing as a reaction. She grumbled lightly, partially because it was too early to wake up from sleeping so late at night from preparations and writing. Her hair was frizzier than usual, sticking out in odd ends, with her fleece robe tied around her, part of the sleeve hanging off the edge. She gave a groan as she fumbled to the kitchen, managing to sit down and lay her head on the table.
Ralph, who had been in the kitchen over the stove himself, glanced behind him to see his fiance. "Well, good morning love." He slipped the freshly made batter into the pan, as Tia's nose picked up the aroma of pancakes.
"Nnn... yeah, morning." She propped her head up with the palm of her hand, poking her cheek with her fingers a bit in an attempt to wake herself up.
Aturos only snickered quietly to Tia, ears more so focused of the active and walking Iqbal who had been discussing with Fortune. "Da food make yum!" He nodded to Fortune, spitting out the words with ease, as he tilted his head hearing her reply.
'Da make food, yum.' She corrected him, having heard this mistake more than once while he was talking. Iqbal stuck his tongue out to Fortune for picking at his words so much, it didn't seem like there was a big deal, and same thing was being said anyway. But, just to please her, he said it louder for all to hear.
Aturos gave a chuckle, answering to his nephew. "Yes, Da and Atu will make food now, Moros go bye-bye."
Iqbal's ears perked to his uncle, nodding. "Da and Atu! Why bye-bye Mo?" His head tilted, as he picked up a nearby block, stacking it on top of another Fortune had pushed to him. He remembered how to play with them, since Tia had got him some, thanks to Mael.
"Ah, Mo go back home, see big boys like Iqbal." Aturos gave a nod back to him, as Ralph poked his head to add in, "Yes, Mo go see his family like Iqbal has here, still see all of us though, we stay with good Iqbal."
Iqbal tilted his head back, oh, Mo had big boys like him to see, and well he knew that he should see them. "Iqbal big boy now! And Da and Atu make food... Ma do what?" He asked curiously, back to them, eyeing his mother to the side, as he gave a giggle. "Uh-oh, Ma doh-doh."
Ralph glanced behind him to see Tia sleeping on the table, as Aturos kicked the table a bit to nudge her awake. "Silly Mama go doh-doh, yes Iqbal?" He snorted to the boy; holding in a few laughs as Tia awoke very abruptly, looking around in all directions.
"Wha? Where? When's she here?" She blinked as she heard Iqbal laugh now, Aturos and Ralph joining in. She raised a brow eyeing them, as she moved to the fridge to get some orange juice. "What's so funny, if I may ask?"
"Mama go doh-doh on table, silly mama. Doh-doh in bed like big boy 'bal." Iqbal said to her with a huge smile on his face.
As Tia drank her juice, she spit it immediately back into her cup when she heard Iqbal talk. "WHAT? IQBAL just... he TALKED!" She put her cup down and was now as awake as ever, crouching down to him, with a hug.
Aturos and Ralph both gave her an odd stare, while Ralph spoke, placing the fifth finished pancake back into the plate of the others. "Tia, darling, he's been talking for about a week now..."
Tia had been hugging Iqbal before Ralph had spoke, lifting away to look at the two. "A week?! Where have I been! What was his first word? I missed that?!" She groaned, walking back to her seat on the table, holding the edge of the table with a hand on her hip. "Seriously?"
Rhodes, who had been eyeing the situation, had picked now to come out, only because he saw this as a perfect opportunity. Slinking in the shadows a bit transparent, he slid Tia's chair out a bit more than she'd need it to be, before quickly huddling back to Aturos's shadow.
Iqbal blinked curiously as he saw a glimpse of the wisp; that was a cool thing Atu had! Fortune watched it too carefully observing its movements.
Both men gave a nod, feeling partly happy, but more amused, as she went to sit of the chair, missing it and hitting the floor. She cursed lightly, before biting back her lip and replacing her word suddenly, pulling the chair in. "Iqbal didn't hear that... no. And wonderful to have that thing Aturos." She gave another grumble. As Ralph hummed, finally finishing breakfast.
"Alright everyone, finished up, come and eat!" He said merrily, laying out plates for everyone, placing the food on the table. He gave Tia a kiss on the cheek, with a smile. "No worries dear, none of us really heard his first word, at least I didn't."
Aturos moved over as the wisp followed, sitting on the chair that had the least light around it, so as to have Rhodes more comfortable. As he picked up a plate with pancakes, he reached over for the condiments, dressing them as he wished, while finally speaking. "Actually, I heard his first word, kept repeating it the whole day too."
Iqbal snagged a seat beside his mother, two chairs made for Fortune to sit next to him, as he fed her bits by hand. "Mama no mad, 'bal speak good soon." He gave a nod in reassurance, eating bits himself as finger foods.
Tia smiled meekly to Iqbal, happy nonetheless, before she turned her head to Aturos. "Oh, did you know? So you have that thing harassing me, and heard his first word?"
Aturos couldn't help but smirk at Tia, she was so easy to annoy. "You know, he only harasses you because you don't like him, lighten up. And yes, I did hear his first word, what was it Iqbal?" He placed another piece of breakfast in his mouth as he said aloud.
"Da!" He raised his hand lightly, baring lovely fangs to his father. He repeated the word a few times over, happily staying in his own little world with it.
Ralph had been watching the conversation with a chuckle, up until he heard the news almost beaming with pride. "Iqbal is a good boy, very good boy!" He smiled again, before his face glanced over to Tia.
"Ralph dear, I love you, but you're going to pay for that." She gave a fake smile, which Ralph knew when she was angry, having a sinking feeling in his stomach immediately. "Butbut! I swear I didn't know!"
Aturos laughed loudly at the couple, and Iqbal picked up laughing with him to mimic; Fortune adding in her squawks. "Hoo boy, you guys are great... Tia, it's alright, he says mama too, I didn't really hear him either, I just wanted to bug you." He gave a few more traces of laughter, as Ralph breathed a sigh of relief.
"Aturos, you're such a... bah nevermind." She grumbled eating more, before Iqbal tugged on her shirt.
"Mama, be nice, no say bad word, Atu is good." He nodded, completely confident with his wording, making sure he was to keep hi mother correct.
Tia blinked, a small smile appearing on her face at how well he spoke. "Yeah, alright, he only gets off the hook because you say so."
Iqbal smiled proudly, stuffing the pieces into his mouth as his mother agreed with him.
"But, really Tia, I've only heard him speak in sentences... it's as if he learned to say his first word on his own, and decided that he wanted to prove to us something more... I'm telling you, my British ways are rubbing off on him. " Aturos ate proudly, as Tia snickered to him loudly.
"Hate to break it to you love, but you're more of a Gaian than the rest of us. Plus, we all know, it's the mother he takes after."
"Eh, eh, the father plays an important role!"
"Psh, the uncle is even more important."
The adults began arguing over the table as Iqbal gave a sigh, butting in the conversation. "'bal says he is 'portant. So Mama, Da and Atu should listen. 'bal learn to speak himself, yep. And, learn from all of you. So, all 'portant too." He nodded, speaking as if he owned the place, a bit wiser than the three had made him out to be.
Ralph laughed, and nodded to Iqbal smiling, as the other adults did the same, lightening the mood of breakfast as they all conversed with each other, and proudly teaching Iqbal more.
Iqbal was more than happy that he was able to communicate and act the way he'd wanted to for a long time, as he wagged his tail, Fortune chirping along.
Tia chuckled through the entire breakfast after that, and realized that adults weren't always running the show around here.
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Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:11 pm
|Journal Entry| Entry Format______
Guardian Journal Entry [GJE]
Summary______
Re-cap of the quest and other events in Tia's words.
OOC Notes______
N/A|07/11/05| Dear Journal,
Well. Haven't picked up a pen to write in this thing for awhile. Enough to make this a bit of a lengthy entry to boot.
First and foremost, Iqbal's grown into a toddler. We took a week out into the woods (Pippin, lovely man, gave us this invitation) and Iqbal started changing the most, gaining fangs, acting more like a wolf, and Fortune... well, now she can hunt and fly. Amazing how little things like them grow into little mons-- er, lovely toddlers. Well, I think Iqbal's finally finished getting most of his teeth in, so we've stopped the mulberry thing, Fortune's happily been stalking every creature that enters the house, and so it seems we've come to a new chapter in their lives.
So, I'll briefly mention some of the incidents that were going around at the HQ, I suppose. Well, the building, construction wanted to tear it down and re-build it because it wasn't deemed safe, Wren, Halo and Pippin took care of the technicalities of the whole thing, really. So, I'm not one to know exact details, maybe I'll pry for them at one point, but everyone seems to be fine, so yes.
Aturos has a new... thing. It's a shadow, thing. And I really have no words to describe it than, thing. And for that it will probably do something nasty to my hair tomorrow, but oh well. He's been occupied with it, so it's good.
And as for me... well. Let's just say, our wedding is coming up soon. Not too long, and we decided on a summer wedding at the Estate... bit scary thinking about it. Because I haven't got anyone to walk me down that aisle, give me away... nah, it's alright, shouldn't flood my mind with such thoughts. Ordered the dress from a nearby shop, should be here soon, Ralph amazingly, and said that the mafia would be planning the rest of the thing. Should I be a bit afraid? I'm not sure, but it... yeeeeah, we all know the mafia planning a wedding is going to be interesting. And which I can only wonder who's going to be his best man?
Hmm. Stuff to think about I suppose. Well, then I guess that's about it on the life issues. I'll try to sneak some more in on Iqbal's progress next time.
- Tia
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Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2005 8:15 pm
|Tantrum| Entry Format______
Chronicle [C]
Summary______
Tempertantrums are definitely not something to look forward to.
OOC Notes______
Part of the metaplot.|07/29/05| It was about mid-morning when Ralph had awoke, partially drained from the night, as he moved to the bathroom. He yawned once, putting his hand on the knob of the door to open, before a growl came from below him.
He jumped a bit from the unexpected growl, eyebrows furrowing and looking down. "Iqbal?"
The toddler gave a pout, before continuously scratching at his right ear. "Da no tu'ch 'bal." He said quickly, still scratching with an annoyed whine. He stood up as he was scratching, Fortune scratching in her own spot before the both grumbled around, itching.
Ralph gave a very confused look, unsure of what he had done, but nonetheless moved into the bathroom, to find a lovely mess or toilet paper ripped up around the floor. "Did they...?" He sighed, cleaning up the bits of paper off the floor, as he noticed small black spots on them. He blinked again, ignoring it as he cleaned up.
Iqbal, on the other hand, whined out even more as he scratched. "'bal no like b'ack!" He grumbled to Fortune who was trying to n** at her back every few seconds with a reply.
'Itchy is bad! Go Atu or Mama for help.' She answered to him, hoping he'd throw away his useless plans of trying to help them and just ask.
"No! 'bal fix self. Mama and Atu no fix. AH! Itchy b'ack!" He said crossly, before grunting in frustration at the excessive itching on his ears. He tried squeezing them pretty hard at one point maybe to stop, and it worked for all of a minute, before he continued scratching again.
As the two were scratching themselves down the hall, they stumbled into Tia next, who accidentally bumped into them for not looking in front of where she was walking. "Ah, sorry Iqbal..." She smiled backing away a bit, looking at him as her eyes met the small toddler. "Are you alright?"
The itching continued down to his neck as Tia spoke, as Iqbal shook his head furiously. "Ma no tu'ch!" He ran off, in attempt to get these little blacks off of him, as he called them. Fortune ruffled her feathers in attempt to scratch as she trailed after him when he took off, leaving Tia baffled.
"'tuuuuune! Why b'acks no go way? 'bal's hand gonna fall 'off!" He groaned, sitting down at the end of the hall near Aturos's door, before he began itching even more.
Fortune squawked loudly at him, nipped at her back, trying to answer him hastily. 'Don't know! Go Atu!' She growled a bit herself, managing to preen some feathers as she did so. Iqbal growled louder at her in disappointment as he scratched almost all over.
"'bal no like! ATU!" He said out of sheer annoyance at the amount of scratching, feeling worse that he needed to turn to an adult to help him. But the blacks wouldn't go away!
Unfortunately though, Aturos slept soundly through the locked door, as Iqbal fussed even more, before Ralph glanced over while he was coming out of the hall. "Iqbal?"
The wolf's ears twitched at his name, as he whimpered from the constant scratching. "Da, 'bal need 'elp for b'ack go way!" He managed to get out, fumbling out of his coat for the first time willingly as he scratched behind the back of his head, ruffling his hair.
Ralph crept up to him, holding him from scratching a bit as he weeded through his scalp to find the little bits of black that he'd found earlier in the bathroom. He raised his brow even higher as he squashed the tiny bug. "Iqbal, blacks are called fleas..." He held back a chuckle, as the boy whined even more to him.
"Huuuuurts! Fees, bad, bad, Da!" He swatted away his father's hand and began the scratching once more, as Fortune let out a bit of a sigh as best she could through her own animal like scratching.
"Maybe we should check if your mom as any flea medicine that might kill them..." He scratched his own head unsure of the situation, as he told Iqbal to follow him downstairs. The boy agreed, huffing out as he made his way into the kitchen where the medication had been kept.
Ralph moved through the cabinet quickly, searching for some kind of pet medication, as Iqbal took a seat on the tile, squirming all over. "'bal no good day!" He grumbled as Ralph found the medication in relief. It was for dogs... but Iqbal had some canine in him right? He squeezed a bit of the liquid around his ears. "Better?" He asked hopefully, moving to Fortune next.
"Still itchy! But, fees come out too..." He answered his father, as he shook off a bit of the dead fleas from his hair. He was about to scratch again, before his father stopped him; pulling his hands down with one of his own hands. "No scratch Iqbal, make hurt more."
The boy whimpered and looked crossly. "Hurt now t'ough!" He struggled a bit in his father's grasp, thrashing his feet around a bit as the tantrum started.
Iqbal began screaming at his father to let him go. The itching was still there of course, medication wasn't an immediate item. But Iqbal being young as he was didn't understand that as he began bucking like a tied animal at his father. The noise caused finally stirred Tia from her room, who almost flew down out of worry, when Ralph was kicked in the face by Iqbal.
Tia restrained the boy's arms down, before the two managed to pick him up, (despite him kicking and screaming from them along the way) into his room, and shove thick gloves on his bare arms, holding them down.
Fortune was, nipping at Tia and Ralph; squawking feverishly, as Tia held Fortune, while Ralph secured Iqbal. The couple looked to each other worried that they were taking the tantrum a bit extreme, but they had to hold them down and not make them itch, so the medication would not wipe away by their scratching.
Eventually though, Iqbal began crying as being restrained and stopped most of his random thrashes. He was too tired from making a fuss to even argue with his parents, as he slept at one point, while Fortune was released to finally curl up next to Iqbal.
The two of them sighed deeply as they watched them both, watching Iqbal fail in scratching because of the tight thick gloves. He tossed a bit more in his bed, as they decided it was best to leave him sleep, for now.
They closed the door, looking to each other with a sinking feeling left in their stomach. Though they both wanted to speak, it was actually Ralph that spoke up first. "Fleas... but more importantly was that tantrum he just had... it was like a wrath of a toddler. He socked me pretty hard with that right foot of his..." He grumbled slightly, rubbing the part of his jaw that Iqbal had managed to catch.
Tia dragged him downstairs and sat him on a chair as she got some ice for him. "Here, at least it will make the bruising a bit lighter..." She told him, as he listened to her, a bit upset at the whole ordeal.
"Really, I suppose... it's the terrible two age, it's going to just get worse from here on out..." She sighed herself. Though, she couldn't help wonder if he'd be more violent as the time came. They definitely wouldn't be able to take injuries like this regularly.
"Bah... I guess. Still though, this will be our warning." Ralph told her as he was staring off into space. Tia could only nod to him, still wondering though, as they both heard Iqbal scream a bit more in his room, as Tia rubbed her forehead sighing.
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