Iridescent Lagoon Too Close for Comfort

For the RE "a bull elk caught Kino too close to its herd"
It's All Welcome for anyone to join. :)
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what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

He had been looking for a good meal to satisfy his nieces distrust of him. Narime did not trust Tokino enough to let him see the new generation of his family. She refused to let him even see the birthing den itself. Frustrated Tokino left announcing that he would try to get a good meal for the pack and her pups. Maybe then she would let him see them after he'd brought her some fresh meat. It's her first litter though so of course she's going to be a little overprotective of them. He told himself while padding along a game trail taking in large wafts of scent.

The silver male had his head low to the ground tracking the scent of elk he'd caught a faint whiff of nearly two days ago. Now the scent was very strong announcing the fact that an elk herd was not too far away grazing through the undergrowth. Keeping his ears set forward Tokino pursued his prey listening for hoof beats on the cleared earth. His eyes watched for any movements indicating that an elk was nearby. The waving of bushes, the stretch of a long neck as a cow elk reached for a succulent piece of the leafy branches, or the flashing of a tan hide through the undergrowth after it was alerted to his presence. Tokino watched for any of those signs.

After a day and a half of tracking the Lagina stopped dead in his tracks watching as an elk stepped out into his view. Kino paused waiting for the animal to put its head down again to graze before he started sneaking around the cow to get a look at her companions behind her. The wolf could just make out the movement of other animals behind the first cow in his vision. He'd come upon a whole herd and now the wolf would have to somehow separate one animal from the rest. But first I have to find the weakest... He began sneaking to the right into the underbrush once the cow lowered her head to graze once more.

His attention was so concentrated on the elk that Tokino didn't notice another presence behind him.

(This post was last modified: Jul 03, 2013, 02:44 AM by Tokino.)

Minka had been stalking the herd since last night and the time now was nearing when she would finally be able to approach and make her kill. Since she was by herself she would only be able to take down a small calf, but a small calf would be a nice addition to the cache. The tawny body was hidden in reeds of long grass towards the edge of the meadow, the breeze making the grass sway and her form all but invisible. All of the fae's senses were strained forwards, her nose raised into the air as she took scent once more trying to determine how many elks there were in the herd when another scent caught her attention. The femme's head cocked to the right as she took scent again to be sure, that smells of Whisper Caverns but....I don't recognize whose it is. Distracted the woman stood, her eyes sweeping over the area searching for the wolf responsible, until they locked in on a male crouched into a hunting pose.

Minka was unaware that he had joined, or even his relations to her leader, but she had always been the type to be welcoming to any joiners so she began to slowly make her way around the border. Perhaps together they would have a better chance of taking down a doe rather than a calf, the fae always appreciated a helping hand when it came to hunting. Her role as lead huntress meant she spent most of the days stalking prey and keeping the cache full, but lately the afternoons had been so hot that they only time she could find prey out in the open was in the mornings and at dusk. This elk herd had been a challenge, the tawny woman had picked up their scent the day before at nightfall and had followed them throughout the night, waiting for one of the calves to become vulnerable enough to strike. Unfortunately none of them had, the herd was young but was wisely protective of the babies, there hadn't been a safe opportunity.

The fae had almost closed the gap between herself and the new guy when suddenly the scent of a bull caught her attention, it was much too close. The fiery bristles on the femme's back rose instinctively as her eyes locked in on what had happened, the bull had snuck up behind the man and the man seemed unaware of it. The woman knew better than to call out and startle both the man and the bull so silently she increased her pace, pushing her muscles to propel her a safe distance to the left of the bull. Sinking into a stalking position her heart beat like a drum in her chest, finally she leaped trying to surprise and distract the elk, her jaws aimed at its jugular. If luck was with her she would slice through its neck and the beast wouldn't have any energy to fight, but it seemed luck was not with her. Though the tawny woman's strong jaws locked onto the neck, she didn't hit the vein, and the bull bucked thrashing. Minka increased the pressure in her jaws, but her golden eyes widened as she felt her grip slipping.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

click!

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

It had happened so quickly. He had realized at one moment that there seemed to be no bull elk in the herd and then a sound behind him startled the gray wolf to his paws. An unearthly warning call erupted from right behind the elder male as he turned to see a mass of fawn and rusty gray pelts. At first the male thought it was some strange creature attacking him and backed away a few paces still staring at the scene. It wasn't until he heard Minka's growls that he realized something. That's the bull! She needs help! Quickly Tokino sped forward. With the stranger distracting the bull from the front Kino went after the cloved footed creature's flank.

With a fierce snarl the gray wolf leaped at the massive form clawing and anchoring his jaws upon the male elk. By now all of the herd had seen the danger and were escaping from the wolves leaving their protector the bull to fend for himself. At least that meant only one dangerous creature to get away from.

The Lagina's claws scored but only barely scratched the massive beast. His teeth did more damage, opening up a wound on the elks hind end. The elk bucked and swung it's massive rack. Luckily Tokino was far enough away from the sharp points that dove after him. Instead however he was shoved away by the bull's hind end and flung a few feet away sprawled onto the dusty earth. The male knew he would bruise but as he checked his legs and body quickly Kino was glad not to feel any broken bones. Quickly he jumped forward at the elks side snapping and snarling trying to scare the creature away instead of fight it. The bull was just too strong to have to fight it and Tokino knew this. He glanced at the other wolf wondering how she had fared in the attack.

Claws scrabbled futile against the thick skin of the bull, unable to gain any kind of purchase to keep Minka's hold. The beast was just too strong and struggling too much, the sharp rack swung dangerously close to her flailing body, catching her hind leg and opening a deep gash. The growl of the older male was lost too her, the fae's only concentration was in holding on for her life for the creature was sure to kill her if it caught her vulnerable. Golden orbs flinched towards the sound of thundering hooves, sure the herd would be stampeding but luckily it was the other way, she wasn't going to be trampled, at least not yet.

Teeth lost their hold and blood poured upon the tawny woman's muzzle as finally she lost her grip and fell back towards the earth. Landing upon the hard packed ground all the air was forced from her lungs and Minka was temporarily paralyzed as she fought to regain her breath. Suddenly the threat dawned upon the fae once more, she was now directly beneath a panicking bull, and hooves seemed to surround her as she tried to get herself free. Squeezing her golden eyes shut the femme forced her stiff body to roll towards her right side, away from the danger, but she did not manage to get completely safe.

Sharp pain filled her left side as a large hoof crushed down upon her ribs, the full weight of the thrashing bull temporarily upon her. Once more air whizzed from the tawny woman's lungs, and a yelp escaped her as spots shone before her eyes. Crying out Minka crawled farther away from the scene, moving blindly in hopes that no more attacks would fall upon her. The male was far from her mind now as her instincts screamed at her to run before the bull killed her.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

click!

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

He heard the womans yelp, and even though Tokino could barely grasp the situation he knew that the stranger was in deep shit. He didn't know her. At least not yet, but his lawful nature told him to protect the weak, and right now Minka was the damsel in distress.

Renewing his effort to attack the bull Kino turned savagely around and began snapping at the bulls face instead of going after the safer rear end of the animal. His body was fully tense energized by testosterone that pumped through his cells. Dodging the bulls antlers with a youthful vigor Tokino continuously snarled and snapped at the bull. At one point he'd even managed to grab the elks nose hanging on to it and successfully distracting the animal from Minka. The gray man was flung to the left a few feet after letting go of the elks angry muzzle. The taste of sweat and blood fueled the wolfs attacks.

The bull was chasing Tokino now, head down trying to swipe at the lean swift wolf. Kino drew away the elk glancing to where Minka lay wheezing in pain. Now all he had to do was escape the elk, and this time he'd have to do it by himself.

Glittering water to his left caught the mans eye. If anything he could flee into the water and hope that its deep enough that the elk won't follow. As for swimming speed both wolf and elk were strong swimmers. Kino would have to be lucky and hope that the bull elk would give up before heading into the water after the wolf.

Seeing no other option Kino dodged another swipe of the elks antlers ducking his head under the lethal points and jumping back as the elk tried to trample him. With a quick movement he turned and leaped forward sprinting towards the water with the bull hot on his heels. A whine came out of the gray mans throat as the elk caught up to him just before reaching the water and tried to kick out with its front hoof. It scored a large slash across his back as he wiggled away from being completely trampled by the elks weight. Then the gray wolf jumped pushing with his back legs fueled by anger, freight, and hormones. It must have been the farthest jump he'd ever done launching himself at about four and a half feet out into the water.

He began swimming as fast as he could in the small pool away from the crazy monster behind him. He barely felt his wound at the moment instead glancing back to see the elk trot into the water up to its belly and then pause. It eyed him for a few moments judging whether it had frightened the wolf enough, hurt it enough that the meat eater would not come close to its herd again.

Apparently the gray males fleeing into deeper water assured the elk that it had done well. Tossing its crowned head into the air the bull began trotting back out onto the bank. It shook its short fur bellowing into the air and pacing the bank for a few moments. Then without any given cue, the tawny animal turned and began trotting high-legged showing his health off to any hunters back towards the trees. Tokino tread water watching the elks direction making sure that it wasn't headed back to the other female wolfs direction. He sighed as the bull disappeared into the trees heading towards the hills.

Swimming "doggy style" back towards the bank Kino stepped onto the shore glancing warily back to where the bull had disappeared and shook himself. The gray man finally felt the bitter sting of his wound that lay upon his hindquarters. His flesh lay red and raw open to the world at least 5 inches long down his back and right hind leg. I definitely need someone to look at that. He winced when he tried to walk. Instead the male lifted his hind back leg and limped towards the female who was now pretty far away from him. At least it seemed far to the hurting male. He gave a little pained howl to tell her of his location and that he was coming then continued forward retracing his steps to the woman.

All the woman could focus on was getting safely hidden where the bull would no longer see her, out of sight out of mind right? Adrenaline stopped her from feeling the bulk of her injuries, despite this her side still felt like fire, and breathing was hard. Minka crawled further, wincing with even the slightest movement as her breaths came in gasps, her teeth clenched to stop herself from crying out. The cover the bush provided was a relief, no longer did she worry about the bull stomping on her, the foliage covered her, dipping low to the ground to create a sort of curtain. Now the fae stilled and the adrenaline left her body, being replaced by a tremble that shook the tawny wolf from head to toe. Black spots danced in her golden eyes as the woman fought to keep herself conscious, the pain threatening to knock her out.

The femme's breathing was slow and shallow, finding that this hurt her the least, but even so the breathing was difficult. With every breath she winced, and when she breathed too deeply a whine would slip from her throat, even Minka knew she was badly injured. Golden eyes blinked forcefully, trying in vain to clear the black spots and make the world stop spinning around her. The howl distracted her and her tawny head whipped around so she was facing where it had come from, until that moment she had forgotten the male was even there. The world spun harder from the sudden motion, and her answering howl was weak and cut off with a garbled cry as Minka found the motion extremely painful. Then, she lay in wait for whatever was going to come next.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

click!

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

Now what?

Those were the words going through Tokino's head as he limped towards the woman who was now only a few yards away. She looked to be in much worse shape than he was with her shivering crumpled body laying upon the cold earth. Kino wasn't sure how badly she was hurt. Just that she was. So how was he supposed to help?

Firstly the man approached her limping with his head low and his tail held stiffly behind him due to the pain he also felt. Upon closer inspection his damsel in distress yielded the same pack scent that now cloaked his silver coated body. The scent of the meadow and of his niece. So this is another woman of the Caverns. Problem is how are we going to get back? He wondered quietly while settling himself next to the pained woman. Even sitting down hurt the gray male a bunch. He settled for sliding onto his uninjured side next to the still unknown lady to share his warmth with her.

So lookit the mess we are in now. All because I was too blind and deaf to notice that damn elk behind me. He growled at himself though glanced at the woman. You don't look so good, and neither do I. What horrid luck. The gray man relaxed himself a little further enduring the pain and trying to think of a way to fix things. Maybe he could hobble over to the meadow and alert Nari? No that's too far away. I can't leave her alone with bears and foxes and coyotes. He thought about simply howling for them. For anyone who might be able to help. It was iffy whether they would find someone out here that would be willing to help bring them back to the pack. Although that might put a loner in good stead for joining. That's too much of a chance... A risk... Maybe just with some rest? Maybe then we could move a little bit at a time and get back. Kino's brow wrinkled in concern and worry for the woman at his side.

What's your name anyway? I'm Tokino Lagina, well.. from the same pack as you. He wanted to know the name of the woman who he would have to help bring back to the pack.

(This post was last modified: Aug 21, 2013, 12:03 AM by Tokino.)

Minka heard the approaching paw steps and let out a slight sigh of relief, though she was still extremely injured at least she was no longer alone which made her less vulnerable. Feeling the warmth at her side the woman relaxed into him, exhaustion was overtaking her and speaking was too much effort so instead she offered him a grateful smile. The quaking of her body slowed slightly which offered little relief from the pain, breathing was now coming much easier though it was still shallow. Claws dug into the dirt below her in an effort to stop the world from spinning around her though she knew it was futile and the spinning was in her head. The black spots continued to dance in her eyes as the huntress hung on a thin line between conscious and unconscious.

The tawny woman had no idea how either of them were going to manage to get out of here, or rather how she would manage to get out. It seemed the man had no plans of abandoning her here and for this Minka was truly grateful, a lesser man would have left her there to die. One ear flicked towards his voice as she took in his question, it seemed her nose had been right and Tokino was a new addition to the pack, "My name is Minka Leigh, I wish I could say it was nice meeting you but..." Though her voice was strained she trailed off with a smile, obviously implying that their situation was the reason that it wasn't exactly pleasant making his acquaintance.

The sun was high in the sky now as the time was around noon, if they didn't start moving soon they didn't have a hope in hell of making it back to the caverns. The very thought of reaching home filled her with dread as it meant that Simaea would take her for treatment. Until the afternoon before this wouldn't have been a problem, but the healer had lost all of Minka's trust in her after a cruel prank. Even more daunting than the need to swallow her pride was the distance they would have to travel in order to reach the caverns, even a healthy wolf would take an hour or so from their location. It was then the tawny woman remembered what Narimé had said at the meeting, their allied pack had an experienced healer, and their territory lay much closer to them than their own.

Looking towards her companion her golden eyes swept over his body, now more concerned about his injuries than her own, he seemed stiff and sore but from what she could tell his injuries weren't extreme. Sighing the huntress realized it was now or never, they would either have to start moving or they would have to stay here until somebody found them, and this too ran all sorts of risks as who knows who would find them their injured and vulnerable. "Tokino, one of our pack's allies lays but a few miles from here and they have an experienced healer in their ranks, I think we have a much better chance of making it there rather than back to the caverns." Minka's voice was usually as smooth and rich as honey, but it now carried the great strain of pain and it was obvious that she wouldn't make it very far without the man's help.

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

click!

what you don't know, won't hurt you

Tokino Lagina

what you can't see, won't blind you

The gray man shifted ever so closer to the injured woman allowing his mix of platinum, black, and gray fur to mingle with Minka's rust, cream, and orange hues. His eyes were kept carefully away from the woman meaning no ill offense to her as they laid so close. Kino yawned once flicking his gray ears as a fly bothered them until he heard her answer. Then those oval ears flicked sideways to listen quietly.

She gave him her name, a good start on learning about the woman. Plus it seemed that she had somewhat of a sense of humor which allowed Kino to chuckle after her first words. Yeah it would have been nicer to meet over some fresh kill. Kino understood that the woman would likely not want to talk much. He knew she was baring the pain of her wounds and did not press her to speak further. ,p>It was some time before the male caught her gaze sweeping over his form. His blue orbs watched the concern spout from her golden eyes as she looked over his own wounds. Really now how is she worried about me when she's the one who looks like road kill. Kino huffed quietly to himself then closed his icy gaze. It was when her strained voice echoed in his ear that the man flinched his eyes open to look at her again.

A pack only a few miles away? He echoed then thought quietly. It would pain him but he could probably run to them quickly enough to get help. If what Minka said was true then they would get help faster than heading all the way to the Caverns. And they're allies huh? Kino lowered his head watching the pain flash across Minka's face. It would be faster going there than to Nari I suppose. As long as they have a healer that'll see you. He was surprised to hear of an allying pack. The older wolf did not think Narimé would know about gathering allies to align her pack with. Or perhaps that was the alpha males doing? Tokino still didn't think that Nari knew everything she was supposed to go and do. He thought it was much more likely that her mate was the one keeping ties with other packs.

I suppose we should head out now then.. B'fore a bear gets here. The silver Lagina wolf stiffly stood up and stretched his chilled limbs. His tail flicked the womans side as Kino offered her his shoulder to lean upon. If all else fails Kino would test his strength out by carrying the woman if he had to.

Minka saw the man's surprise and was confused, she never knew that Narimé was lacking in experience, only that the pack was young when she had joined. It was true that Nari seemed very relaxed on rules and punishment, not nearly as strict as some leaders were, but the woman had just assumed this was her personality. She knew nothing of her alpha's history or how the pack had become allied, only that they were, and at this moment that was all she needed to know to save her life. So she merely nodded at the man's response, Minka saw no reason why the healer would turn them away, especially if the packs were allied. The run in a few weeks earlier had included a male from their pack, one she did not know, but he had stayed calm and reasonable throughout the whole affair and the woman hoped against all hopes he didn't hold a grudge against her, she had only been trying to protect the pup.

Slowly the tawny huntress added pressure onto her limbs, doing her best to ignore the stabbing pain that came from her side and the feeling of her own hot sticky blood upon her leg. Through gritted teeth she whimpered quietly, but she managed to get herself into standing position, though she found her back leg extremely weak and unable to hold any pressure. Determination mixed with pain was shown in her expression, she would make it to Willow Ridge's borders or she would die trying, and at this point dying wasn't a very far stretch.

Taking a step on her own nearly brought the woman tumbling back towards the earth and Minka let out a growl of frustration, this was going to be even harder than she thought. Leaning her less injured side against the male the huntress hoped that he wouldn't resent her for needing him to make even the smallest of steps. Even if he did at least now they were moving, slowly and not so surely, but they were moving. Inch by inch the pair of the moved closer to the borders, where their fate would be decided.

FADE OUT

fate hasn't finished

MINKA LEIGH

with you yet

by Sarah

click!