10-02-2009, 02:08 AM
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| http://digital-bonsai.com/katew/rp/kae/kae_fall.jpg); background-position:top center; background-repeat:no-repeat; background-position:fixed; padding-top:240px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; padding-bottom:10px;"> <333 The incident with the trespasser wolf had hardly echoed on Kaena's mind as soundly as it had Mason's; she was quite used to disposing of trespassers. Wolves were less respectful of coyote borders somehow, and though she had not expected change, it was disheartening to realize she had personally chased no less than three of them out of their territory in the past five months. The coyote woman often fantasized about the perfect hybrid world, where blood mattered less and less, when it was impossible to distinguish coyote from wolf from dog—oh. She would not live to see such a thing, she was certain; but perhaps her grandchildren could experience it. There was great improvement to Mason's general condition since appearing on the borders some weeks ago. He did appear to be growing exponentially, and no longer were his ribs half-visible, sticking out sorely from his tawny little coat. He was eating well, it seemed, and it was showing. Before long, he would rise to the adult ranks, and he would have to throw his weight into the clan's harness and help to pull it. There was no doubt about that; lollygaggers and lazy-asses didn't last long around the coyotes. The hybrid woman could see from his simple appearance that he would have no trouble, and he seemed determined and devoted to growing as fast and as strong as he could. Again there seemed to be some unearthly adulthood to the young coyote, knowledge and experience beyond his years. It was fleeting, but she'd glimpsed it there, entertaining the possibility that Mason's soul was older than her own. He seemed to appreciate her a great deal, which filled the hybrid woman's heart with warmth. There was nothing quite like the unquestioning loyalty and devotion of children. Their wide eyes missed nothing. "I will teach you all I know," the hybrid responded with her own solemn tone, quite happy to have taken on a new student herself. His next words through the silvery Centurion for a loop, and the incident with the wolf jumped to the forefront of her mind. She smiled at him, and laughed when he added that he'd learned to fish. It was a good skill, fishing—often when prey was scarce on land, it was abundant in the water. "Fighting and fishing," she repeated, though the other familiar adage was on the tip of her tongue. Perhaps that was a bit inappropriate, considering the company. "You're still small to actually fight, Mason," she said sternly, the first of what might have been many warnings. He could not attempt to engage creatures much larger than himself and hope to win; it was physical impossibility. But if he happened to be attacked, he would not be a useless yipping puppy, and that was a comfort to the hybrid. "But it's never too early to learn," she added quickly, lest he show disappointment on his face. He was quite eager to learn, it seemed, and the coyote woman would certainly indulge him. She had instructed her own children in the ways of fighting, though she was hardly a superb teacher, certainly no Master. There had been plenty of creatures able to kick Kaena's ass, once upon a time—but experience was the best instructor, and now Kaena was hard-pressed to find a move that took her by surprise. |