Dead Empress Backwater Torpled

For @Sharlee - RE: Vasco, you come across a squirrel that’s been startled out of its torpor.
Afternoon - Partly Cloudy, Strong winds, -1°C/31°F

A frigid wind was whipping through the Backwater, snaking along the creek and rattling the still naked trees. The sun was out between scattered clouds, but offered little warmth, just a bright reflection in the snow. Still, Vasco was out for his daily jog, following the stream at a steady trot, only pausing briefly now and again to drink from the icy water. But he was keeping a good speed, pleased with his performance, despite the stabbing in his lungs – which might as well be the cold air as a sign of remaining weakness.   He was taking one of his breaks, not far from the center clearing of the pack, when an especially strong gust of wind hit, rustling his fur. But that wasn’t the only thing jostled, the surrounding trees creaking loudly, even after the wind had settled. Attention drawn by the sound, Vasco turned in time to see dead trunk – previously supported by one of the still living trees – give way, sliding to the ground with an audible crack.   Bronzed ears flattened back, eyes wide as he watched the cloud of snow blow into the air and carried off on the wind. Just as he thought the show was over, a russet shadow suddenly darted from the under the fallen trunk, running straight at the wolf with surprising speed. Startled, Vasco stepped backwards until his paws were on the very edge of the water, rearing up his head. But the creature stopped a few leaps before reaching him, apparently noticing its mistake. Frozen in place, he finally recognized it as a squirrel, now staring him down with pinprick eyes, no doubt as startled by the turn of events as the wolf. . Thoughts ”Speech”

Lakela @DA

(This post was last modified: Feb 10, 2022, 11:59 PM by Vasco.)

Sharlee was picking her way through the snow down by the water. She didn't have much of a destination in mind since she had plenty of other things on it. That was keeping her so occupied that she hadn't noticed Vasco nearby. There were plenty of things to sort out after speaking with Vi, Modesto, and her brother. Deep down inside she was raging at what Modesto had said about her. Even after she promised she wouldn't let the old bat get into her head. She'd taken up residence and wouldn't leave despite the eviction Sharlee had given her.

Then there was the affect of what she'd done on her cousin and brother. What was that going to do. Sharlee could tell that their insecurities about their choices and leadership were coming out in full force. What was a girl to do with all of this. She sighed though she knew she would figure it all out eventually.

What brought her put of her thoughts was the strong wind ruffling her fur and
Sending a chill down her spine. She heard the creaks of the tree and watched as it slide to the ground making a loud cracking sound. She just looked at the tree for a long moment. That was a little on the odd side she felt. Then she saw the little gray creature come running out. Her eyes followed its trail right up until the point that it stopped. That was the first time she saw Vasco.

The wolf and the squirrel were staring each other down as she approached. She was as quiet as she could be, maybe she'd get the chance to pounce on it. She sort of hoped that Vasco would since it was him the squirrel had gone after. Reach that rodent a lesson about watching what it was doing.

He’d never liked squirrels much; They were noisy and temperamental little bastards, utterly useless, with too little meat on their bones to be worth the effort of hunting them. But this one was sitting right there, still as a stone, paralyzed in its fear. If he was quick enough, he might be able to jump it before it had a chance to bolt, avoiding the chase.   Attention locked on the critter, Vasco didn’t notice Sharlee’s approach. Instead he readied himself, slowly leaning back and bending his hind legs, preparing to pounce. But he was out of practice, slow and slightly off balance. As he leaped, the squirrel came back to life, evading his initial attack and heading for the trees. Vasco gritted his teeth, pushing on forwards, now that he was moving, he wasn’t gonna back out. Grey eyes trailed the russet blur as it skittered over the snow, already winning ground against his lanky legs. But then he spotted the young woman further up ahead, right in the rodent’s path. Gasping, he called out excitedly; “Get ‘im, Sharlee!” . Thoughts ”Speech”

Lakela @DA

It was an interesting scene that she'd come across when she found Vasco. Actually kind of funny too, this wolf facing off against a squirrel. She didn't want to interfere more curious about what would happen next. Would the older man let the squirrel go or would ge show the little rodent just who he was messing with. She had the thought to sit down and watch the show but remained on her feet just in case she needed to move in a hurry.

It became clear that she might be needed when Vasco started after the squirrel. It ran, he ran, watched and waited. Sharlee didn't know if she would be needed but she prepared for it anyway. Her eyes never leaving the tree rat as it ran across the snow. Her ears only perked forward when Vasco called out to her.

That was as good as any tag inna relay race. She knew she was up so as she tracked the movements ever closer the Valle woman prepared herself to pounce which she did. Just in time, she landed on the squirrel catching it under her paws. She could feel it squirming trying to get away. She hoped it realized the mistake it had made right before she ended its life, not that it really mattered anymore.

He might have regained a lot of his stamina, but such a sudden burst of energy still wore the pale man out quickly. His lungs screamed for air, a painful stitch in his side compelling him to stop as the rodent scampered on, out of his reach.   Luckily, Sharlee was right in the squirrel’s path and lightning fast, springing into action even as he called to her. She pounced and landed square on the critter, letting it wiggle miserably for a last moment before finishing it off.   Still gasping for breath, Vasco trotted up to his niece, grinning widely. “Good catch!” He breathed, coming to a halt in front of her and taking a moment to catch his breath. Eyes resting on the bloody bundle of fur under her paws, he smiled crookedly; “Guess the rat should’ve stayed asleep!” . Thoughts ”Speech”

Lakela @DA

Sharlee watched the scene before her closely. She didn't want to step in unless Vasco wanted her too. The way she saw it was the squirrel was his after what had happened just a few moments ago. Her uncle had healed enough she thought that he could take the little creature on. She felt he should he able to have his chance to show the tree rat a lesson if he so pleased.

For a long moment Vasco did chase the squirrel but it seemed that her uncle wasn't as healed as she'd thought. That was perfectly fine, she was glad she could be there to back him up which he did call on her. She'd been ready the whole time. Waiting for the squirrel to come her way. When it did she had it and a moment later closed her jaws around it.

Once the end had come for the little animal she picked it up and carried it to Vasco. "Thanks," she said after dropping it at his feet. "I guess he should have," she agreed with a wide smile, "You take him. I'm glad to see you doing a lot better."