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 Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 2:41 pm
Kinapak, indeed, saw only the average tree and blades of grass, which the sunlight hit. Sunlight, which wasn't that great for his eyesight and caused his head to throb all the more. ”I don't know what you saw, Chibi, but I don't see it.” Which frustrated him as well, as Chibi went on to explain what it was that he had seen. “The river?” He supposed that, if there had been something, or someone, rather than a trick of Chibi's young and active mind, that were it thirsty, it might well have done so.
However, it wasn't up to him, whether or not they went to investigate, though the pup had turned to Isolde to ask. He'd wait and see what her answer was, but it was not long in forthcoming. He, was rather surprised that she'd decided to agree to the youths plea for a drink. He was certain however, that as usual, Isolde had her own reasons. What they were, Kinapak did not yet know, but was certain that it wouldn't take too long, before finding out, depending on whether or not Isolde felt it was information that they all could be privy to rather than just herself and whomever she wished to tell. Which usually wound up being Tam, or sometimes, even Ethelinda. Certainly not the pup, and quite often, not even him unless it was something she wished him to do. Though he was glad for a rest, so that hopefully he could rid himself of his current headache, even if he had to sleep it off and a drink, would certainly be nice.
With that, he walked toward the river, himself, slowly, so that the others could go ahead, or those behind could catch up. He'd be able to someone keep his eyes and ears on each as long as those ahead didn't get too far of those who were dragging behind, for whatever reason. It was best to be as useful as possible, otherwise he knew something bad was bound to happen. Of course he wasn't close enough to Isolde or Tam to hear them speak, but if they needed assistance, they'd speak up. He didn't have the energy, with his headache, to keep up with the pup, but he had Ethelinda to care for him. Sometimes it seemed that it might well be easier to be a pup, but then again, perhaps not. It all depended upon whether or not one was found by a kind and caring soul, a soul yet uncorrupted. He wondered if it would remain that way for long, for either Chibiterasu or Ethelinda. His, he was certain, was already tainted, more so Isolde's, perhaps, from what he'd come to know and expect of her.
He was next to arrive, after Ethelinda and Chibi at the river, but he'd not gotten there in time to see the green wolf, that Ethelinda had. He was just grateful that there was water, for he was parched and sometimes, a drink helped to lighten his headache.
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Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 12:52 am
Of course, Isolde -- trailing as she was behind the others -- didn't catch a glimpse of the wolf. She glanced at Kinapak as she arrived at the riverbank. He seemed more off-put than usual. His head, she thought. He was always complaining about his head.
She felt a short, sharp stab of pity for the wolf, but it was quickly overridden by her hard upbringing and cold, distant nature. Well, never mind all that. Her eyes flicked back to the others, looking from the pup to the stitch-mouthed witch. Ethelinda too seemed caught up in some thought. "I apologize if my break was overdue," she said, graciously -- thinking it was princess-like to be gracious -- and offering a ghost of a smile. "If something is troubling my companions, I should like to know."
Was that a wolf-scent on the air? She thought she could smell...something foreign...but couldn't place it, and no sooner had she thought this than she realized it was gone.
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Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 2:19 pm
Chibiterasu heard neither apologies nor Kinapak's doubt, for he was consumed by his puppyhood - that is, he was splashing about in the shallow waters with a happy yip. "It's so warm!" he exclaimed, and then splashed at Kinapak as he tried to drink; clearly that was the best way to show him the water was warm, no? "It's been sunbathing!" That actually sounded like a really great idea now that he thought about it . . . A long nap in the sun after their arduous journey into gods knew where. The thought made him yawn even.
But then his tummy rumbled. "Fooooooood," Chibi whined at Isolde. "Can we go hunt somethin', pleaaaaaase? I'm super hungry, and we've been going for a loooooong whiiiiiile."
Hunger overriding the need to cool off, he waded out of the water and shook himself down. "I saw them tracks like Mama taught me!" the pup added as an incentive. "Tracks like, um . . . um . . . hoooooofz. There's deers here!"
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Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 10:04 pm
A flicker of doubt passed through Ethelinda’s heart. Perhaps she should tell Isolde, after all? Their leader might get angry if the truth got out later…and Ethie did not want to cause trouble. Also, what if this damaged whatever trust was between them? But…perhaps not. She could always seek forgiveness later. Maybe it was because of all the time she had spent alone, or maybe it was because of the numerous betrayals she had faced whenever anyone learned who she really was, or maybe it was that some part of her didn’t fully trust Isolde or any of her companions, but whatever the cause, Ethelinda felt that it would be best to hold her tongue. For now, at least.
“There is nothing wrong,” she assured Isolde with a faint smile. Her attention was then caught be Chibi, and her smile turned indulgent. “Well, nothing save the empty stomach of a growing pup,” she amended before turning toward her son and nudging him.
“‘Hooves,’ Chibi, and it’s ‘deer’ not ‘deers.’ But it’s very good that you found these. They are still fresh.”
Her pride was clear in her voice. She was glad that her son was learning her skills so well. Perhaps, one day, he could be as a ghost in the forest, as well. At least that would offer him more protection than the average wolf. And it would give him the skills to be a valuable asset to any pack. Without the stigma that she carried, he should be welcomed wherever he chose to settle. Of course, that was still a ways off, yet, and Ethie preferred not to think of a time when they might part ways.
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