Sacred Grove wake up to the sun

A troublemaker? Well, he certainly had screwed things up back home, but Al never seemed to want to cause conflict. Maybe he just had a lot of accidents. Cernan glanced upward and grinned meagerly at the following words. No, he was a good boy; he did the opposite of cause trouble – he tried to solve it. That was exactly what he was trying to do right now actually. Still a little aloof around the swarthy stranger, the child took a couple breaths to actually follow him into the woods. If Wraith wanted to attack him, he would have done it already, right? 

His tubby frame padded a stride or two behind, almost continuously watching the man and trying to make up his mind about trusting him fully. Cernan barely relaxed around some of his pack mates; let alone big adult foreigners. After a couple minutes his mind had returned to looking for his brother's scent and frantically searching the grove for more predators. The boy's eyes were doing another sweep of the forest when he noticed that Wraith was waiting up ahead. Ears flattening once more, he accepted the gesture and trotted forward. 

What he said next pulled one fuzzy audit up to listen. Embarrassment took the prince again and he stared at the ruffled snow. He really didn't want to hear about that any more. If he could just forget it forever he would, but now there was at least one wolf in the world who would always remember. Great. What Cernan wasn't expecting was the wealth of advice Wraith seemed to have. The adolescent's gaze inclined slowly as he spoke. He looked strong? Well, he was rather tall and hefty for a wolf, but he didn't know about strong. 

Their little walk was paused for impromptu demonstration, and Cernan just stared. The older male seemed to grow several inches in size, and he felt his tail itching to creep between his legs again at the display. When had he ever really postured himself like that? Like, almost never? Then all of a sudden he was being asked to imitate it. The tawny youth looked at his paws. It wasn't that hard was it? He had to have seen his sister do it once or twice. Deciding that refusal would be much more awkward and pathetic than just trying it out, Cernan exhaled. His head came to sit at its full height, neck bristling partly for effect and partly from involuntary nerves. He had to consciously arch his tail; it felt wrong to posture like this in the presence of someone who was easily his superior. Golden eyes picked a distant tree to be mad at, but he didn't quite manage the menacingly hard look Wraith's eyes had. The pup wasn't sure how long to stand like this, so he broke his stare to glance curiously at the man for a reaction of some sort. 

When Cernan's gaze met this own, rather than exhibiting dominant behavior, the wolf's tail sagged low and he beamed at the boy. "Well done. Just keep practicing. You'll get it." In the easy way the male had with others, Wraith stepped forward to bump the boy's muzzle with encouragement before breaking contact and continuing on.

While the black brute appeared relaxed, his amber eyes continued to scan the trees for sign of wolf or coyote. Unfortunately - and fortunately - Wraith found no sign of either. "What makes you think your brother has come out this way? You said his trail died. Have you tried backtracking and seeing if you can catch it again?"

Rather than speaking down to the youngster, Wraith addressed Cernan as an equal, holding him to no expectations. He'd found youngsters always do best when allowed to explore new ideas with minimal direction. The yearling would find what worked for him with a bit of experimentation. Wraith intended only to act as a guide should he need assistance along the way.

"This brother of yours, you've both wrestled around some, yes?" Wraith wondered idly, the question coming from seemingly no where. The wolf had half a mind to wrestle with the youngster himself in the hopes of granting the boy a bit of much needed confidence by the look of things. If he could have something to feel good about, Wraith hoped Cernan would be more willing to branch out and explore other things he might be good at.

Of course, it was far from his place. This was the duty of a father or another pack mate, but Wraith could hardly ignore the boy's lack of self-confidence without at least trying to help.

(This post was last modified: Apr 19, 2016, 10:34 PM by Wraith. Edit Reason: So short - was on Kindle )

As soon as the dark stranger responded, Cernan's posture fell hurriedly away. Trying to maintain it while staring at Wraith was a bit much; he had less than no desire to challenge the man, and in the back of his mind he was writhing uncomfortably for having done it even in practice. A sigh puffed out of the pup's nose, cut off suddenly by the friendly contact. Cernan stiffened, but the older male's friendly tone and the calm way he moved forward had the boy's tension ebbing away at a decent pace. Nothing really seemed off about Wraith. If one was willing to look past his large, muscular frame they might even be able to relax around him. Cernan well, he was working on it. 

The tawny and almost equally tall boy lowered his head, padding after his new company and listening intently to the words that began to flow from his mouth once more. This time he found speaking to  be much easier. "I'm not," he admitted, countering the stranger's assumption with those two little words. He was not sure, not in the least, however he had definitely tried back tracking, and felt a childish need to defend himself from the insinuation that he had not thought to do so. "Everyone's been doing that," he asserted mildly, his golden eyes daring to flick upward as he spoke. "My parents and even the rest of the pack can't track him." And if they couldn't, who in the world could? "I came down here just sort of hoping..." The youth let his voice fall away in quiet despair. He had hoped alright, but nothing had turned up here either. 

In fact on another day he could have been murdered, had he met someone or something other than Wraith. The last question the Ridge wolf asked did manage to lift Cernan's head with curiosity. Had they wrestled? Of course they had. They were brothers. However, he had the feeling that the man was going somewhere else with this line of questioning, and a single eyebrow slid upward with silent curiosity. "Yeah?" He was watching Wraith more closely now. What did the tall dark stranger have in mind? 

Sorry for the wait! <3 Pudgy Cernan.

This brother of the boy's sounded like trouble with a capital T; the kind of wolf apt to drive Wraith insane with worry. Irresponsible was another word that came to mind. To have the entire pack out searching for him... While Wraith was rarely violent with youngsters, he doubted even he wouldn't have more than a simple muzzle grab for such a pup upon his return home. Cernan's concern was touching, however, and had Wraith smiling kindly. "I'm sure you're doing your parents proud by trying to keep an eye out for him. He'll turn up." The tawny male before him was far too young for spring fever to be dragging him away from his pack territory, but Wraith supposed he shouldn't put it past a young male to follow his nose.

Hoping to distract the boy from his worries, Wraith had brought up wrestling. With it confirmed that Cernan was familiar, the black brute smiled fully and bowed down in play. "Then let's have a go," he challenged, posture relaxed to show he meant no threat by it. "The youngsters in my pack don't favor playing around and I could use a good bout of wrestling. What do you say? It'll pass the time," Wraith pointed out. "And maybe you'll learn a trick or two to use on that brother of yours when he gets back." Wraith wrinkled his nose, his eyes crinkling mischievously as he said it.

OOC: Will get to these much faster now! Feel free to PP whatever you wish. Cernan spar post 1/3 

Wraith's kind sentiment drew a faint smirk onto the pup's face, along with a fleeting upward glance. Perhaps Ma and Pa would be happy that he was searching on his own, but he also knew it would worry them. Cernan would be sure to return the next day, both for his own comfort and for theirs. He would not have them panicking like Al was; the boy dreaded to think of his mother in such a state over him. The dark man's consolation did little in the face of his brother's extended absence, and Cernan just sort of glanced away. He hoped so. At least Wraith seemed to be a decent wolf; the child was growing less and less fearful of him each moment. 

His sunny eyes locked onto Wraith, widening a little as the stranger's whole demeanor changed. As he bowed down the young Vuesain's ears folded back; caution apparent on his face and body. Oh. He listened quietly, his interest falling more with the tiny details of these boring “Willow Ridge” kids. Why it was they had little interest in play was beyond him; the Pines pups certainly had been in favor of it. Shy as he was, Cernan still enjoyed goofing off just as much as any other child; when he was with friends, of course. Wraith wasn't really a friend, but he wasn't really scary anymore either. 

The hesitation in his eyes began to fade as Aleister was mentioned again. His smirk returned, though wry. If it turned out that Al had just been off wandering, perhaps he would want to smack some sense into his older brother. He both hoped for and against that reason for his disappearance; but at least it meant the boy would be safe. The prince of the Lake cast a weary glance into the surrounding grove. Not a trace of his scent had turned up, and as much as he wanted to keep searching there was little reason to believe Al had come this way at all. He could spare the time, and declining Wraith's offer would certainly be even more awkward than accepting; a trend the tubby pup was finding to be all too consistent. 

"Alright," he replied, one corner of his mouth turned up tentatively. The boy took a deep breath, swatting his forepaws against the ground a little gentler and stiffer than usual. He was nervous, wondering just what he ought to do to start this thing. Cernan's teeth parted almost instinctively, inviting the older man to jaw-spar with him as he bounced forward a little. It was a cautious first move, but what was the youngest Vuesain if not a bit timid?  

@Cernan Sorry it took so long! Wanted him to start off slow for chubpup's sake. <3
Teaching Post 2

As the boy grinned, so too did Wraith. Finally here was a youngster more like those from his homelands! He wasn't sure what it was that had the pups of Willow Ridge being so adverse to sparring. Seeing who their kin were and just how bloodthirsty they could be, it truly came as a shock to the Northerner that they weren't more willing. Patiently, Wraith waited to allow Cernan to feel comfortable enough to make the first move. The boy was nervous, and understandably so. The large male was used to others being a bit intimidated by him and while it had its perks, Wraith couldn't say he cared for it completely when it kept younglings from approaching him willingly. As Cernan bounced forward with an open mouth, Wraith rose from his bowed state to meet him. He opened his mouth as well, a playful growl rumbling from his throat as he clacked his teeth against Cernan's own. Hoping to push the boy a bit out of his comfort zone, Wraith allowed his muzzle to continue past the boy's face before turning to nip him behind the ear. The bite was gentle despite Wraith's rising energy. Wanting to urge Cernan into action, the black wolf barked in the boy's ear, bowing down and tensing suddenly to raise the stakes of the game.

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

(This post was last modified: Apr 19, 2016, 10:35 PM by Wraith. Edit Reason: Teaching Post 2 )

OOC: Chubpup appreciates it! <3 Cernan spar 2/3

The way the dark man leapt up to meet him wasn't as scary as Cernan thought it would be. It was much like sparring with his Papa, or his siblings. He had the feeling that Wraith was being much more careful than he could have been with all of his muscle and strength. Their parted maws twisted back and forth; teeth clicking here and there while the two parties got used to each other. A soft yowl or two left his throat out of habit. When he was sparring with his sister they made much more noise than this, though half of it was usually due to teasing and laughter. 

The dance went on for only a moment or two before Wraith made his move. He felt the man's teeth close on his nape, and turned to face the action. Cernan flinched as the bark filled his ear, realizing then that his 'opponent' had moved away and was waiting for his retaliation. The boy's tail swept back and forth and he pushed himself forward; doing the next natural thing – going for the stranger's scruff. It was easy enough to force Neha or Al to the ground with a move like this, but he wasn't so sure it'd work on Wraith. Even so, his oversized paws reared up from the ground; trying to wrap around the other's shoulders. The pup's jaws were poised to latch onto the side of his acquaintance's neck. He was ready for the man to rear up in response; perhaps locking them into some sort of wolfish hug on two legs as they tried to push one another into the snow. That seemed to happen a lot. Cernan's own higher-pitched growl danced into the air. At least the dark stranger knew how to play.

    

Lemme know if you need any clarification. I realize my wording may be a little confusing. Basically Wraith has gone underneath Cernan and butted against his back legs before arching his back and trying to toss him. :3
Teaching Post 3

Wraith warred inwardly on what to do with @Cernan's sparring match. Building the pup's confidence was a must, but did that require using moves the boy was likely to know, or should he integrate more advanced moves to introduce them to the pup so another wolf wouldn't catch him unawares later? In play, the natural inclination would be to rear up and meet the boy in the air. As this was meant to be a lesson as well, the male opted for the unexpected. The large brute moved with surprising swiftness. Rather than leaping away, Wraith moved in close to Cernan to the point where he was so far underneath the boy that his shoulder could meet the young wolf's stifles. So close up, the move was rendered ineffective. There were three places in which a wolf could fight. Already, he had demonstrated the first two; too far to reach and just within range for both parties to meet on equal terms. This third place was too close for effective attacks - and especially in this position, Cernan's soft belly was exposed while Wraith's own neck was out of reach. Rather than taking advantage of the positioning, the brute arched his back in an effort to toss the younger wolf off balance where he'd be more likely to topple backward in the dirt. While the Willow Ridge wolf wasn't certain if Cernan would catch on quick enough, he hoped the boy would come to guard this newly revealed weak spot as Wraith had every intention of getting in close again in an effort to force him to react.

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

(This post was last modified: Apr 19, 2016, 10:36 PM by Wraith. Edit Reason: Teaching Post 3 )

OOC: I am the worst; would you like to wrap this up now with a fade and have them keep going?
Cernan spar 3/3

Instead of meeting him halfway, the dark stranger reacted with something completely unexpected. Cernan's golden eyes went wide with the unavoidable impact as the air left his lungs. His playful growl was cut short. All of Wraith's muscle and force was beneath him, and the tawny pup was by no means able to do anything about it. His back legs, the last point of stability between himself and the ground were shoved back, and he was left at the older man's mercy. It was with an ungraceful flail and thump that the earth chose to greet the boy once more, this time on his side. 

Instinct demanded that he right himself immediately. Oversized puppy paws scrabbled up and away, gathering hastily beneath his hefty frame. Cernan's eyes faced his opponent and his head remained lowered; now wary of the same trick being pulled twice. The prince was a bit unsure again, but a shy grin crept onto his muzzle; perhaps in a subconscious effort to both acknowledge his clumsy tumble and to reaffirm (hopefully) that this was still a friendly spar.  

His youthful gaze twinkled with an idea. He could head-butt the Ridge man right back. There was only a blink of warning before the tubby youngster moved again; muzzle tipped downward and ears back. Maybe a good hit to the rib-cage could stagger him, or something. It worked like a charm on @Neha. The lithe silvery girl would get knocked clean off of her feet; at least if she didn't dance out of the way first. Perhaps Wraith was not so agile; a more experienced wolf could have guessed so based on his build. The Vuesain boy, however, was more or less just trying out whatever he could come up with. Strategy was a learned concept.  

With satisfaction, Wraith watched how @Cernan scrambled to right himself. Good. That instinct would serve him well in the future. Being prone and on the ground in the face of a ruthless enemy was one of the worst places to be. If he were to lose a fight, it had best be on his paws where he may at least run off to live another day. Seeing the pup's shy smile pulled a reassuring one from Wraith. He nodded approvingly; Cernan was learning quickly without much direction from him. He would make a solid fighter one day. Of course, the boy was too expressive. He practically broadcasted his intentions in his gaze. However, rather than avoiding the charge, Wraith set himself strong on all fours and let the growing boy ram him. The brute actually let out a surprised 'oof' as contact was made. Despite his chub, the pup was built more solidly than Wraith expected. While the hit hurt, the northerner hadn't allowed himself to be moved. Unexpectedly, the older wolf twisted and cuffed a paw at the back of Cernan's head with a light-hearted laugh. "You did well," he complimented, effectively ending the sparring session. It was a good note to end on, letting the boy get in a good hit while saving face himself by not crumbling to it. "Let's get going."

Burtn @DA & Dawnthieves.de

Fade thread~ Wraith and Cernan are unsuccessful in locating his brother, but part on amicable terms once Wraith is assured Cernan can make his way back home unharmed. <3 Lemme know if you want it reopened or to add anything, Jen! TEACHING POST 4

(This post was last modified: Aug 07, 2016, 11:36 PM by Wraith.)