Gentle snow fell from the sky – the world was blanketed in white, and despite her reservations on what this winter would be like in comparison to the last, the she-wolf wanted a more proactive approach. The cubs were seven months of age – long past the time they should have been introduced to hunting, but she had put this off to wait for Maksim to better heal. Soon, they would be at an expected age to even begin to hunt on their own – she could not deprive her children of this learning opportunity.


Now would be the time, and tipping her muzzle back, the Leader released a summoning call in to the afternoon sky, coaxing the wolves of the River forward. They would hunt, and they would feast – of this, she knew for certain. A small herd of roe deer were within the forests depths, and it was a prime opportunity for the pack to stock their caches and train their cubs.


As her song faded in to the cold winter sky, Kisla gracefully swept herself to a sit, her tail curling around her creamy forepaws. Her breath furled in the air like puffs of smoke from her lungs, and with perked ears, she waited for the members of the pack to arrive. Weather her mate would be up for a hunt or not, Naia had recently returned, and the pack held a steady number. Now was the time to prepare for what could be a very long and arduous winter.

kiss the ring and let them bow down

A call for a hunt and a change to kill prey alongside his packmates to store for the winter was too good an ideal to pass up. He eagerly went forward, seeking out the source of the call to come across a familiar group of wolves. Kisla and Maksim remained present as leaders but Jynx was there and so was Naia and finally Karina. He dipped his head to the leaders as he lowered his tail a respectful distance. He frowned to see @Adsila hadn't made it to the hunt yet. He thought hunting was kind of her thing just like being a guardian was his. He shrugged it off, figuring if she didn't show he could go find her and talk to her about it. He took a seat close to Jynx, giving he a comforting smile. She seemed so shy.

He looked towards both the leaders, hoping they could get started soon. He had halted his border patrol for the opportunity and he knew that if he didn't finish it, it would drive him crazy. He had a small grin on his face. He honestly loved being around all of his packmates from the stern and regal leaders to the pups and every wolf in between. Okay, his mind was getting lost from the task. They were there for a hunt and so hunting they would do. He sat up a little taller, noticing that Lachesis also was not present. Where had his dear uncle disappeared to? Was he hurt? Maybe Adsila had gotten hurt and Lachesis had to tend to her. Worries ate at his mind.

Jynx and Naia – both faces of whom she trusted deeply were swift to arrive, and the honeyed she-wolf would move from her position, greeting each with a nudge to their cheek. Of course, the one to truly captivate her attention was her blue-eyed daughter, who pointed out a plant and drew a smile from the pack leader. A kiss was planted to the top of Karina’s head – though she was growing so quickly – and she gave a small nod, casting both Naia and Jynx a wink. “Very good, my baby,” he murmured in soft appraisal, though her focus was now upon her handsome mate as he found them – Aleksei at his side. Her son would receive a quick glance and smile as he regarded her with an air of mischief, and her muzzle would press firmly to the nape of Maksim before she pulled away – a brief embrace, but a lingering stolen moment that was treasured.


Her tail swept through the cold winter air as they continued to gather – Karpos and Lachesis – and finally, her little Orren, who was perhaps the most enthusiastic of them all. She withheld a chuckle, and instead, bent her muzzle only slightly (he was growing so tall now!) to graze the top of his head. “We can’t hunt with such noise,” she smiled in to his fur before pulling back, her bright gaze taking in those who had answered her call. It was a decent turnout – only Bastet and Adsila were missing, and she gave a curt nod.


“We hunt roe deer,” she finally answered the middle youth, her muzzle pointing to a direction they were now. They could not be seen yet – but the trace of winter wind told the tale of their presence. “Can you smell them, children?” She would allow them a moment – this was more than just a hunt between a pack, but the teachings of her children. “You three are not ready to partake in the hunt fully – but it is important you watch, and learn. The pack hunt is a delicate art.. and it is beautiful to see.”


With a nod, she began to trail toward the path that would take the pack to the roe deer. As they got closer, she tipped her muzzle closer to them, her voice hushing before giving a nod to the other members – they were welcome to take positions.. to move through the herd and test to find the weakest. “Your pack mates will walk out in the open amongst their prey – we do not do this to taunt them. We do this to test them – to see which one is most nervous.. and which one will throw a hoof our way.”