The creek as his profluent guide, he meandered along it's twist, and turns to the east. It was there he had spotted several coyotes gnawing on some sort of carcass, and it was worth a look. His run became a quick trot, not wishing to tire himself out. He needed to keep his energy to scare the other carnivores off, and this time he had backup. Pakuna. He did not know a hell of a lot about her. Almost instantly, he liked her, and that was enough for him. If his judgement was correct, or further proved he was hoping to find out in this chase. He did not forget she was padding along on this trek with him. He would twist his head enough to see her, and casually drift onward. He did not really speak, feeling small talk time was over.

It was the further east they became the more drastic the woods changed. The coming in of spring, he could see the small green starts of leaves, and see the grass underfoot slowly trying to wake. It was not quite the story in the Wildwood. The fire's scars were heavy on the trees it had clasped, and whipped. Most were dead like tall, daunting markings of their own graves so there was little life. The snow dominated this landscape because of all the open space, and hadn't quite melted as the rest. He briefly met the eye's of his companion, a question lingering in his own pair. Had she been her? What did she think?. Soon as they came, they left at the sounds of higher toned growls, and snarls ripping roughly into the air. He smirked this time. "Ready or not," he said with a quick wink of his eyes. Then he was off, with both power and speed barreling toward the smaller beasts. He snaked his head, bearing his teeth, letting a growl escape his open mouth. The one on the carcass, something that had once resembled a wild hog, was not very happy. It snapped it's teeth, and made a lunge to his neck, another his shoulder. He easily caught the first by his cheek, while the second grabbed the thick plush of his withers, yanking it harshly. Vander only further growled, before nipping the flesh in his mouth, and his mouth reaching for the next.

A yelp screeched high from the second victim while it jerked hard to get away from his snapping jaws. He easily let it go, the second following close at it's friends heals.Two down. He was not aware how many they had to go. Keeping tabs on those close to him, he didn't see any immediate target.His fur bristled, and let out a threatening, sharp woof there was to be more pain. A young one scattered, and when he turned he spotted Pakuna, both powerful and elegant breaking the distance to get some more. He smirked, his fluffy tail wildly flying behind him, he did not stare long. He crinkled his nose, and made a fake snap at the closest coyote to him, a snarl ripping after the clink of his jaws. This coyote leaned back, sending it's own growl of warning. Crouching low his large shoulders widened, and his tongue snaked between his canines. They began circling, his eyes upon the faded brown. The coyote made the first move, rather quick biting just at his chest bone. He let out a soft yip as teeth met flesh. Now the coyote was beneath him, and his opened mouth encircled it's smaller neck. He dug deep into it until the coyote released it's hold. Before the creature ran off he nipped it once again at it's haunches to further encourage it to be on it's way.


Panting, his breaths tore from his lips in pearly, white wisps, and he was grinning despite the small blood oozing at his dark, creamy chest. He strode over to the lady, sending a harsh bark at yet another coyote. He did not intervene what she was doin though.. She looked like someone who knew what they were doing, and could handle herself. Yet, when it appeared the coyotes sat in the distance, glaring at them Vander lifted his muzzle, and let out a deep howl. This was his, not theirs and they would have to fight for it. The truth of the matter was they would not. The scavengers would return when they had gone, nibbling the rest.


The male's note faded, and he let out a triumphant bark to Pakuna, his tail never had quite seemed to stop wagging. He quickly jogged over to the remains, his nostrils testing the many aromas it carried. He wasn't sure what had killed it, if the coyotes had actually killed the sow or something else. His brows furrowed in deep lines across his face. Maybe, they had, maybe they hadn't. He loudly huffed, and his pink tongue curled over his lips. There was some left they could both share. He waited for her to come take a bite. They were equals after all. And to prove so he motioned with his nose, pointing to her then tipping it to the meat.

Faded, green eyes stared into his. They seemed smooth like the top of water on a creek. He did not let the contact last too long. Instead he smirked, shifting his own gaze to match hers to the whining coyotes. "You're not bad yourself." It was not much of a flattery way of words, but it was not intended to be. It was more of an admiration the way she had handled herself. Skills, and quick thinking were high on his list of things that matter. Sharply his blond ears shot back, and he licked his chops when the tear of flesh crack in his ears. He hadn't eaten anything large in months, only measly morsels of pathetic varmints, and birds. It only took one look from her for him to join in. He started working at the bit of meat behind the shoulder blade (or what was left), gripping the carcass with his paws before ripping a large morsel free. He ground it between his teeth eagerly chomping it, and rushing it down his throat. He continued in this manner. Who knew the next time he would have a decent meal?

When he caught her eyes holdin' to his once more, he took a moment to breath by clearing the crimson from his lips. "Good, I hope?" He asked with a raised brow, "Or have you not had some before?" He wasn't sure what was special about him to be seen, instead figured she was trying to study his reactions as he might hers. Or had she been like he? So deprived of company this was actually a welcome change despite them merely being strangers. He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head, and stealing another bite. He didn't want to appear to peculiar of fellow, and kept his mouth full for a good awhile.

He did not mean to gorge himself, became rather full quick. He felt quite bloated he rolled his weight to his haunches with a soft groan. It was good to be stuffed, at the same time he did not want to move. "Eh, I think I over did." He stretched out onto his belly very gingerly, resting his head o his long limbs. His eyes drifted to her mixture color of her thick coat, the dark browns, tawny, and blacks. He was quick to try to catch her eye. "So, what's your plans now?" He inquired, knowing it might be a snoopy question, but curious all the same. A brief yawn, he arched his neck before returning it to his paws. "I'm hoping to find a pack myself." He grinned, but looked away to the charred trees in quiet thought. "Wonder what happened here...you know beyond a fire."

She appeared to enjoy the free meal, laughing at his inconvenience. He returned a toothy grin, but it was of no threat only a mere joke. Then he bobbed his cream head to her. "It is nice, I just wondered what they eat, and how the hell the coyotes got a hold of it." He said, a little disturbed if there were that many coyotes around. He shook the back of his shoulders, before rolling onto his side to stretch the lump in his stomach.

Again came the problem of gawking, and he did his best to look indirectly at her, or at the gnarled branches while she thought. He was glad he wasn't the only one with uncertain future. He pondered about sticking with her. He often did not because he hated to form close bonds. They did bad as much as they did good. He did not do well with attachment. He became protective, and aggressive. Sometimes blind to anything else. He had learned his lesson once. Packs were better. He could keep busy spreading his attention. "Well, I think I've caught enough scents around. I just hope they are decent, and not at war or something." He roughly snorted, swiping at the snow, leaving claw marks against the colder bits. He kinda wanted the rest of his life to be quiet compared to his first years. The light made her eyes glisten, and he couldn't help but wonder why no man had her by his side. The thought was put out, as quickly as it had come. He watched the birds as well, aware they wanted their turn for food. They would have to wait, or dare venture down. When she answered about the trees, his own reply was short. "Ey." Who knew what secrets this had.

He was very surprised by her swing in mood, and bold statement. He actually blinked, taken back. Eventually a lazy grin worked it's way unto his lips, and he shook his head. "I think that's more the reason I'm not, to many girls eager for first love" he stated scraping his tongue over his dark brown lips. He wouldn't deny he'd caught the eye of a some ladies, he was handsome apparently. He took after his mother's side in color, while his build was his father's. The problem of being easy on the eyes the young and fool hearted where like moth to flame --him being the flame. And this time of year he didn't much care for. It made those already weak times tenfold. The brute snorted in amusement. "I'm getting up in age, and never had a mind to have pups. I've raised enough second hand." Each new litter he had taken under his wing, helping them thrive and learn the ways of name pack. Eventually they turned into good little warriors, spies, and hunters. A life he did not want any pups of his to have. Life had to have joy. He had no mind, no reason to start a pack. "I don't know, I guess if a lady caught my fancy I couldn't resist to try to be a good mate." He shot her a look, but what was in his eyes was anyone's guess.

His creamy brows raised in a sudden surprise, then they lightly touched while an uncertain smile shaped the side of his muzzle. It was a poor assumption to think because she was female she would have had time with little ones. "Huh," he murmured not sure how to quite share nor hide his dumb moment. The flick of her tail caught his attention, and his cream face smoothed. "No shame in that, it's one of those things that come natural to some." He doubted it would make her feel better about the issue, but at least he tried. The lack of knowledge on the subject might say she hadn't been in a pack long after she grew up, or there was just no pups. That idea in mind, he lifted his head, and then pulled himself into a sit. "It's alright. Some days are better than others," he lifted a hind limb to scratch at his chest while continuing, "I enjoyed it for the most part, watching 'em grow, their curiosity, and how they seem to absorb everything. I actually hope I get to see some more before my time comes." He placed his paw back down, straightening up. He didn't feel as much as a bloated cow now, and found sitting to be pleasant again. He wished he might explain better, he wasn't much for words, not when he didn't know someone very well.

He was completely loss for what to say when she mentioned her own age. It could often be a delicate subject among females, and he wasn't about to disagree. She was his age, and soon enough four became eight. He lightly chuckled in rhythm with hers, letting his tail lazily twitch back, and forth."Well, I don't know about you I'm glad my young years are behind me. I think I'm smarter then I use to be," and he grinned, though it was quite lopsided. He had learn the hard way in his time, and would never want to go back. He did not miss home, and right now was eager to start a new life.

Slowly the wrinkles that had formed from smiles, and grins disappeared. He bobbed his head thoughtfully at what she said next. "Smart lass," he stated, the slight touch of her tail not going unnoticed. He cocked his head in his bemusement. He wasn't sure if it'd been intentional or not. He wasn't about to ask. He was a bit wary what his company might be to her, especially in the presence season. The way she had avoided other males. He was getting ahead of himself. An audible, not overly loud sound, he cleared his throat. "So, if you don't find a pack, maybe we could meet up here again?" Two was better than one, saying this out loud he wanted to not only ease his mind, maybe figure hers out. Far as love, Vander had never been in it. Half of him didn't believe in it, because he'd never felt nor seen it.