Words with a Loner

Wolf-Tribes-of-Ahki

Nova played by Nekktar
Zara played by FloatyPotato

Spokane Territory

*submitted through dA App*
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NOVA

" You little..." said a shewolf, as she flopped to the ground. Hunting was not her best skill...it was probably the one she lacked most in. She laid there with a dramatic huff before  getting up. The loner was again without food for a few days and she had yet to cross paths with someone worth stealing from. She had seen a few wolves but they looked too fast or two strong for her to make an easy steal.

She was near Spokane tribe territory, and she knew them to be fast. No wonder others called them rabbit chasers.


ZARA

Zara watched as the lazy river current pushed slowly and quietly through thin ice flows, attempting to reach.. well, reach where-ever the water ended. Perhaps it didn't? The young Watashi could never suppress the torrents of interesting topics that raced through her mind when she had the time. She looked up at the warm teeth of orange that stretched across the horizon, signaling sunset.

After another moment Zara stretched and gave a light yawn. Nothing better than a night-time stroll to loosen the legs before falling asleep. She grinned eagerly as she turned and walked away, putting more distance from her and the lazy water as she set her eyes on the moor, not too far away. Already she could feel the thrilling rush of the refreashing wind that was the friend and ally of Spokane wolves, not a common disturbance. The wind that seemed to keep her tribe alive as it strengthened them in playful challenges during runs and hunts.

Picking up her pace the she-wolf scolded and reminded herself that others may also be out at this moment. Others that she was a stranger to, and them a stranger to her. She paused and glanced around.
Had she heard something?

Ears turning around as she tried to catch perhaps another sound, her bright green eyes glanced from place to place as she watched for any sign of movement, even as simple as a glimpse.
There!

Sucking in a quick breath Zara ducked quickly, body low to the ground and ears pinned. She waited. She waited for any sound, any-
The youth took in the scents around her, the smells of wet heather and
snow, and of cold stone and dirt. Then she caught the light smell of wolf. Thankfully, it wasn't close enough should anybody have seen her. She raised her head, picturing how ridiculous she must look.

Finally she took a step, then more, as her boldness grew. She had to find out who it was. What if it was another tribe wolf in their territory? A Zhawan? Zara felt her fur bristle slightly at such a thought. She had to do her duty.


NOVA

The young thief was unaware that she had company. She merely paced along , trying to stay near the river since she knew that at some point she would have to cross in order to stay away from the marked territory. The spokane were quick and she knew how to be quick as well, but she started to feel weakness setting in from the scarce winter and she had a feeling that she wcould easily be caught. Her thoughts were drawn to the new huntress she had meet only days ago, Hera. They she wolf had been nice enough to share her meal even after she had tried to steal it. She thought it odd but was grateful for such wolves in the valley.

At the thought of food the loner's stomach growled making her gritt her teeth. She had practically covered most of the neutral grounds and now the sun was setting and she could feel the temperature starting to lower. She would need to go back to hr den soon, either hungry or with something to eat. Her eyes peered over to the territory..maybe if she was quick enough she could be in an out with something to much on. The moor was unforgiving and it would be more likely that a rodent would be in the woods than out here. She paused in her steps before looking around. Ducking her head, she started a pace trot over to the border, her brown eyes looking around for anything that would catch her.


ZARA

Zara perked her tall ears as she noticed the scent of wolf gradually growing stronger. Before she realized the situation, engrossed with young curiousity as to who this stranger was, the barely audible sound of paws as they stepped onto the fine, crunching snow was heard, making the youth silently chastise herself as she quickly slipped behing a boulder, her light-colored pelt melting into a heather bush that shadowed her figure as she watched and..

And a pale figure made it's way with stiff steps through the moorland brush, muttering in quite an irritated tone as it eyed their surroundings seeming to be lost in their attempt to stay on course. Zara guess the stranger was doing their best to stay to the river, which she knew well was close by.

The young she-wolf inhaled the now stronger scent of the tresspasser. A female, and not a tribe wolf. Zara could not suppress a feeling of relief. But, if it was a loner, what should she do? Was she supposed to simply walk away? Maybe she could coax them somehow to leave, or perhaps see if they need something?

Making up her mind to do the latter, Zara watched with now curious eyes, careful to keep her breath low and quiet. She had to address brown-furred female before she lost her chance. Who knew, she might even get something out of it, though it was doubtful.

Slowly rising, Zara's green-hued eyes almost gave off a warm glow in the gathering darkness. Head high and holding a calm, peaceful and slender composure, she approached the wolf, though with careful and nimble steps.
"Hello. May I help you?"


NOVA

Nova practically almost jumped out of her skin. She hadn't heard or scented the she wolf. She paused mid step before taking two steps back. Quick you gotta say something! She though meeting the wolfs gaze before speaking " It was merely trying to know about the tribe that marks this territory." She said. Nova already knew, heck she even met a Spokane wolf, but that was the best she could do for now. " You see, I'm new to the valley, and I was hoping to run into someone...are you from here?" She asked cocking her head to the side. Nova already knew the familiar scent of a Spokane wolf but she has to play the part.

But on the inside the she wolf's stomach was doing flips and her mind was telling her to ditch the plan and go.


ZARA


Zara couldn't hide her grin as she could sense the sharp bolt of surprise from the female. She raised an inquiring eyebrow. Of course, she couldn't help but understand a loner's fear of being caught. Things could escalate quickly if you weren't a tribe wolf.

So she was new? Zara watched the female wolf with fresh curiousity. She herself was a bit new.. at least, to this part of the valley. She had always known only the boundaries  of the opening passage to Ahki, where her mother had raised her all her life.

But asking if she was from here..
Could she not smell the Spokane scent on her? Perhaps because they were on the border, the scent of it was too overpowering. Yes, that must be it. But there was a look in the stranger's silver eyes that didn't allow Zara to give herself full assurance. Again the thought crossed her mind. Who was she?

"Yes, I'm from the tribe who owns this territory. You said you were new here.. Where did you come from?" the tan she-wolf asked, young curiousity touching her eyes. "And you don't need to be scared. I'm not going to rip you to shreds." she added with a laugh, eyes dancing with amusement.


NOVA

The she wolf’s words didn’t settle her nerves at all, she still half expected the other to call to a patrol or something. But Nova had to calm herself a bit, only she knew that she had been trying to make an attempt to steal food from this tribe land. But now it seems that she was engaged in conversation with this tribe wolf. She knew that she was spokane but she acted like she didnt know what a spokane scent was. Keep up the act, she thought to herself before looking towards the north. “ I’m from outside of the valley..I haven’t been here too long to know about the packs and tribes yet” she said. Though that was somewhat true, the loner didn’t know much about the Zhawan or the Nawayee but she had heard from other loners about them.

She held herself still but still with pride in her posture as she watch the spokane wolf. “ I’m Nova, and you?” she asked. Obviously if they ran into each other again, they would be on good terms...well thats if this conversation ended well anyway.


ZARA

Zara furrowed her brow thougtfully as the female, who had said her name was Nova, told her that she had come from outside of the valley. What was it like there? She opened her mouth to tell Nova that she, to, was still a bit new to the tribes, and had been born near the entrance to the Ahki, but closed it as she realized that may show as a weakness, and was not the best thing to share with others you just met.

"I'm Zara." she replied with a small smile, her tail swaying as touches of curiousity still lit up her eyes. "Are there more of you?" she tilted her head innocently. "How long have you been in the valley?"


NOVA

Nova noticed the hesitation but didn't speak on it. She gave a dip of her head at the wolf's name give a curt smile. But she responded at first with a chuckle before answering the question " There is only I. I traveled alone for quite a while before settling here..." she started at first realizing that the conversation was taking a turn that she hadn't expected. " I've been in the valley just before the snow came...I'm not sure how long that's been but I'm still getting use to the tribe's and the area.." she glanced to the other.


" I take it you've been here all your life? Being that your in a tribe in all" she said trailing off a bit. She was starting to forget her empty stomach and focus more on the conversation at hand.


ZARA

Zara gave a quick nod in understanding. Nova said that she was alone. Well, that was good. And she said she came to Ahki this fall? That was recent... Tilting her chin she looked up at the bright sky, a nice darker blue color, as it so happened that there were no clouds to block the setting sun, who's orange rays were beginning to fade.
"You've got quite a bit to learn, then." Zara smiled, turning her bright eyes back to this loner. She remembered how she frantically tried to take everything in when she was brought to the Spokane Tribe.

Speaking of..
The tan female asked in return if Zara had been born in Spokane. She shook her head. "Nah, I used to live with my mom, who was a loner. I stayed with her longer than usual, then she died when she fell in the river which was nearby. At least, I think she did. Never found her body." though she didn't smile as she spoke, Zara only kept a casual straight face, though she felt the same knot twisting in her stomach as she thought of it. "Anyway, I was forced to be a loner for about a year after that. Spokane wolves found me, and they took me in. I ended up staying, I guess." she said with a shrug, a small smile twitching her lips again.

Standing straighter she turned. "We can keep walking, if you want." she offered politely.


NOVA

Nova silently agreed. She had so much to learn and the valley seem to have more dangers than outside of it did. Why did she stay here? Because she was looking for that new life that all of the wolves of Yulenko spoke of. She snapped her attention back to the tribe wolf as she spoke of her own past. She seem to be less tense as they both seem to get to know a bit about each other but she didn't let her guard completely down.

"Well then I'm glad you found a home...must of been rough but Spokane sounds like they take care of you." She gave a nod. But when the female spoke about continuing to walk she hesitated unsure of which direction. She doubted that she meant further into the territory. But she nodded her head anyway. " Sure. So how many tribes are there and which one do you like other than Spokane? " she asked letting Zara take the lead on their " walk". She ignored her growling stomach for once.


ZARA

Zara watched Nova as she, hesitantly, walked alongside her, red watching her with touches of interest in them. Zara grinned; it was nice when she was able to meet another wolf with interests in her as she did them.

However, her smile faded into a look of thought as she was asked if her favorite tribe besides Spokane. Easy.
"Doesn't leave much choice," she shrugged "when Zhawan is a pack of selfish frogs. I wouldn't go there, either; they hate strangers, and you have a chance of being chased out or worse." She scrunched her muzzle in disgust. "Then there's Nawayee. They're pretty nice, I do have a friend there." She admitted, remembering her visits with Abina. "They're pretty spread and such, a mixture of all sorts. Oh- and there's this sorta ceremony thug they do once in a while where they celebrate and things of that sort." She added, smile, twitching her features again.


NOVA

Nova watched the other, letting her lead the way since she didnt know much about this part of the valley. She listened occasional glances to the she wolf as she listened. She knew little about the Zhawan but it seems that they werent very liked in the valley. She laughed a bit when the other mentioned Nawayee celebrating. " They sound like complete opposites..Does spokane celebrate anything?" she asked curious now about the tribe....She was straying away from pack life, but she wanted to know aboutt he tribe and its standards and beliefs.


ZARA

"Yes," Zara gave a small nod to Nova's question. "After a battle, if Spokane wins we give a celebration feast, thanking Yah for the victory and safety we have." Zara had always enjoyed the feasts of thanks, the joy and peace that swayed the air in a relaxing way as wolves old and young got together and talked about memories and happy times..

The youth, realizing that she was starting to wander into her daydreaming, quickly clicked herself back. Snap out of it...

Zara looked at Nova again.
"What about you?" She asked. "Did you ever do anything like that?"


NOVA

The loner tilted her head a bit as she listened...she wondered if the Spokane battled often..but it seems that they had a god that they praised to as well..She wanted to know a bit more about this..' Yah' figure but she didnt as for now.

" Ah" she hesitated at first " Well yes, when I was mated with my former mate...my pack had many celebrations..we certainly didnt have a god to praise for it though" she said thinking about.


ZARA

"Hm," Zara's mouth twitched thoughtfully. "I know the other tribes do that sometimes.." She commented with a shrug.

The Watashi looked up as she noticed the trees beginning to gather again. "We must be getting close to where you can get across, if that's what you're still wanting. I think there's some rocks ahead you can use to get over." She said, interrupting the silence that hung in the air, indicating the direction the were heading with a flick of her muzzle.


NOVA

Well it seem that she was finally at her stop which meant that her plan to steal some prey from the Spokane territory was a total fail....maybe next time. She looked to the crossing before looking back to Zara. " Thank you.. for the showing the way and the pleasant company" she smiled a bit stiffly since she wouldn't be getting a meal today but she still had time in the day too snack on a mouse or two maybe. She started to trot towards the rocks her smile fading as she frowned a bit at her situation.


ZARA

"Wait, Nova, hold on a second!" Zara added quickly just as the loner trotted off. She probably shouldn't, but, she help but listen to her mind insisting on her to find Nova something to eat. She had to be hungry..

Trotting over to the river Zara stepped in lightly. Suddenly she lunged, her head disappearing under the surface of the icy water for a brief second before emerging again, a silver fish of medium size struggling in her tight jaws.

With a quick bite she killed it and trotted over to the new loner with the quick meal in her jaws.
"Here, you can take this. My tribe shouldn't mind too much... We share with others who need it." She said, setting the limp fish at her paws as she spoke, offering a smile. "Call me up anytime, it was a nice chat."


NOVA

Nova paused her paw sliding a slowly on a rock as she paused before she readjusted her footing. She looked back at the Spokane wolf before watching. Was it a god sent miracle? Who knows, but what Nova did know was that the female confirmed the rumors that the Spokane could fish right out the river. She watched the female dunk her head before taking out a fish. The scaly creature flipping and wagging before going limp from a swift kill.

Turning carefully the female came back and sniffed at the fish before looking up to the Spokane wolf briefly with a curious gaze. " I uh...." she started at first before giving a pleasant smile. " Thank you Zara I owe you one" she gave the female a brief nudge to her shoulder before taking the fish. Her mouth watered from the thought that she would have something to eat soon. But for now she started back across the river and gave one look back with a nod of parting before leaving the Spokane female.


ZARA

Zara's smile flashed to a grin as Nova accepted the fish, even going as far as giving her a light nudge to the shoulder. She dipped her head in short reply before the loner turned, glancing back at her before crossing carefully across the river.

The she-wolf breathed a quiet sigh and turned, pushing her paws to a trot as she made her way back to her den for the night.
Had she met a new acquaintance?
Yes, she thinks she has.

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END.