Bloodflood

tuesday, 3rd december, early morning — clear skies, -15° F/-26° C

it's a little earlier than planned hunting day! time for the CRR wolves to catch themselves something good. we'll keep this short and sweet, aiming for about 5/4 rounds. there's a tiny bit of PP here, just to get them all out of the pack territory and stalking the herd.

@Astra, i'd ask that you locate the herd in your post seeing as she'll be tracking them (as per your request, iirc).

@Anastasia @Destin @Hati @Lachesis @Quil @Cinder

A hunt was certainly needed—necessary, even.

Maksim had put it off for long enough, after all, and the weather was only going to get worse; that was something he was sure of. He spent more of his time checking the skies since the flood back at Darkwater Rapids, verdant eyes searching daily for anything “abnormal”. There was certainly a chill in the air, that much was obvious, and it had arrived sooner that the agouti leader had ever experienced before. Winter was coming, and it was doing so fast. He’d rallied the troops with a piercing howl to signal the hunt, each trickling through the trees to join him, ready to begin. When he felt he had waited long enough—and gathered enough—, the Baranski had set off with the others following, hoping to quickly track down a potential meal.

Minutes ticked by in sets of ten before the first sign of prey was brought to Maksim’s attention. Tracks in the snow were a very obvious indicator that Mule Deer were about, though the scent was not as strong as he would’ve liked—a small herd. Bad news. Still, it was better than nothing, wasn’t it? They’d get food in their bellies (hopefully), a warm and fresh one at that! It would help them plough through the next couple of weeks. Maybe they’d bring down something large, something that’d leave enough to cache the leftovers of back home. Looking to Astra Sellix, his current lead female, the agouti wolf rumbled softly. Maksim Baranski was a guardian through and through and though he could hunt, the butterscotch woman had sold herself as a hardworking, experienced hunter who was also more than adept at tracking and scouting. She’d excel better than he would at leading the hunting party to find the herd among the trees.

The synergy of the Cut Rock River wolves was of utmost importance and they’d need to share their skills to survive what was sure to be a wicked next few months. This would prove the perfect opportunity for her to show off the abilities she claimed to possess, surely. He placed his trust in Astra and was certain she would not disappoint.<b style="font-family:georgia; font-size:11px">

(This post was last modified: Jan 08, 2014, 04:33 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue

The time had come for the wolves of Cut Rock River to hunt for the very first time. And time, was not something that was on their side. Winter was closing in, the snowfall arriving much earlier than normal for this time of year. It was a time to conserve resources, to stock up for the long winter ahead. A hunt was indeed, long overdue. During the short time Astra had arrived in Cedarwood Forest, she had grown concerned. Upon the very day the new pack was born, not one, but two deer had been found, killed by a lynx. That, she knew, was the first sign that something wasn't right. Over the weeks she had kept a watchful eye on the prey animals that filtered in and out of their territory. What was troubling, was that all of their numbers were alarmingly small. Yes, this was when prey normally did migrate to find better feeding grounds. But this early, and in such great numbers? No. Food would be scarce this winter, and come spring, she could only hope the herds returned.

After Maksim had summoned her and the others, she immediately took the initiative at the head of the group, putting her efficient tracking skills to use. Nose to the ground, she searched for any signs of prey, watchful for prints. At first, their chances of finding any trace of prey looked bleak. But after a short, thorough search, a faint scent greeted her nose. Mule Deer. Ears pricked attentively, Astra glanced up from the ground, her dark nose dusted with a coat of snow. She couldn't see them yet, but she knew they weren't very far away. "They are close by. Only a handful though, I'm afraid." A trace of worry laced her last words. Giving herself a mental shake, she refocused on the task at hand. No matter the size of the group, they needed this meal. Sharing a thoughtful look with Maksim, the butterscotch female pressed onwards, following the set of tracks embedded in the snow. She seemed oblivious to the others, fully focused on locating the elusive herd. She took her followers through a short, winding trail of trees, before coming to a halt behind a dying bush.

There, thirty yards away, were the deer. She made no sound, only stood poised and still, overlooking the group critically. There were eleven in all, eight does and three bucks, one of which appeared to be older than the others, sporting a full rack of well worn antlers. While the animals picked at the snow, desperate to reach what little of the grass remained beneath, Astra turned to address Maksim and the others. "Our options are limited. The best bet is to target that older male. The other two are younger, and more likely to put up a decent fight." She spoke quietly, so as not to spook the deer. Others may not have seen it, but the logic behind her reasoning was sound. Take out the oldest and spare two younger animals, leaving them and the females to breed. Thus, increasing the chances of a more numerous, healthy population. Astra however, would leave the final decision up to Maksim. "I'll take one group around to the far side of the herd to separate our target from the others. She suggested, while looking over each wolf briefly, debating on who would be best to initiate the take down.

(This post was last modified: Jan 18, 2014, 04:26 AM by Maksim.)

The hunt was on. Cut Rock River wolves traveled together through Cedarwood Forest each trying his or her best to track down their prey. Hati, growing more comfortable with his position in the pack, stayed near the front of the pack showing true interest in the activities which were taking place. Though his wounds were not totally healed and often stretched uncomfortably he was not miserable by any means. A light danced in the black wolf's eye and his tail waved like a banner of his excitement.

Eventually the faint scent of a mule deer herd alerted him, as well as everyone else, and brought on a slight change in the energy of the pack. Hati kept his eye on Astra who had taken charge of the hunt. Worry was plain in her cerulean gaze, likely because of the small size of the herd. It was getting painfully obvious that this winter would be difficult more so than others. As always the dark subordinate was watching his pack-mates and surroundings carefully, taking note of every little bit of information that could ever prove useful.

They all came to a halt at Astra's signal and Hati realized that she could see the animals. He peeked through the undergrowth as well, spotting the herd browsing not far away. The smallest, weakest doe immediately came to mind as their best target, but when the she-alpha brought their attention to the largest and oldest buck he knew it was just his loner instincts coming into play. Not that he could take down a deer himself anyway.

As the creamy female began devising a strategy Hati grew more and more uncomfortable. This would be his first deer hunt since he was a child tagging along with the pack and learning the tactics without actually taking part. Everyone else was incredibly experienced in comparison. But determination soon overwhelmed his worry. He had to do this right, without clouded judgement. He cast a glance towards Maksim, hoping the agouti alpha wouldn't notice his predicament. With luck things would go smoothly and he wouldn't be needed to make any decisions himself.

A deep breath escaped his lips as he turned back to their quarry.

(This post was last modified: Jan 15, 2014, 06:13 PM by Hati.)

Anastasia had laid scarce these past few weeks to socializing, as that time would come, but for the moment the only thing he truly cared for was Lachesis and Maksim. She wanted to prove herself to the pack only after she had gained what she rightfully deserved but it was taking a bit of time to strengthen her wits for it. She just needed to get her head on right, that was all. So when Maksim called for the inevitable pack hunt a week or so after their initial beginning, Anastasia gladly came without hesitation.

Upon reaching the gathering she was distraught with the absence of Lachesis and hoped that he was coming or at least on his way. It was likely he was out collecting herbs for the health of the pack in this trying winter as she refused to think any danger had come upon him. Who would help him if he was injured to the point of not caring for himself? Shaking her head violently she refused to think such drastic, morbid thoughts and her attention immediately shifted to Mak. Eyes bright, perhaps even sparkling, as she looked to him and allowed a genuine smile to present itself to him. The others—Astra and Hati—were her pack mates and one her Alpha, but not for long. At least, she hoped that could have the rank of Alpha aside Maksim. It was all she wanted, especially come spring.

(This post was last modified: Jan 18, 2014, 04:28 AM by Maksim.)

i'd love more threads, so message me if you'd like one!
looking for friends, potential love interests and role-inspired threads!

The weather was beginning to worsen as the days passed, and the gangly yearling frequently worried about the well-being of his current and former packmates. Although Karpos had expressed his distaste in the healer and his companion, Anastasia, XIX was still concerned about the former Trail prince – along with the sunflower-eyed Capella. The snow didn’t appear to be leaving Relic Lore anytime soon, and whenever Lachesis caught a glimpse of the mountains they were nearly covered in the cold substance. Any wolf that dared cross the mountains in these conditions had a death wish and the teenager planned to keep his distance from there until spring.

Instead of searching for herbs the yearling was minding his inventory by counting and organizing the piles that littered his ‘medicine den’. He had managed to find an old badger den that was rather spacious, and after a few days digging it out further it was now suitable to fit at least two (or three) wolves. If accidents happened the yearling wanted to be able to keep his ‘patients’ within paw’s length if their conditions worsened, and creating a large den was the best way to do so.

There was talk in the camp, which XIX ignored as he counted, until it eventually muted once the wolves left. Curious, the boy scrambled out of his den with a perplexed expression plastered against his maw. Without a second thought the deer-legged boy sprung forward, following the scent of his packmates so he could catch up with them. It seemed as though the freshly formed pack was going hunting, which excited the Arctic yearling. Prey was becoming scarce as winter rolled in, the weather scaring off any potential prey that lingered. Pear-coloured eyes narrowed with determination as he finally reached them just as Astra had finished explaining the plan, his gaze flickering over to Anastasia as he stopped beside her.

stick with those who stick with you

Look Out!

Water is beginning to freeze and some fish are trapped. Hunt Opportunity

He beckoned to her and she rose herself from her slump, shook off the snow that had blanketed her listless form, and dutifully loped in the direction Maksim was gathering the pack. He was not her father, but he was the last guardian figure she had, and once before when her words and temper had offered and in turn rose to challenges, she now remained simply placated. She existed, but only because she had to.

Maksim’s grey pelt came to view after a few moments. There were a few gathered already, and while at one point the thought of her first real pack hunt would have thrilled her, she could barely register excitement. Her bright golden eyes sought out the regal male of the pack, noting the creamy female who had taken his side as she presented options. Cinder’s own form had grown quite a bit – she was a slender young she-wolf, though petite in stature and willowy.

A few others had gathered – the very same wolves she had travelled across the mountain with. She paid no mind to them – to anyone, really. Instead, she settled upon her haunches in the snow, awaiting instruction on what was required of her to simply exist and get through this next activity so that she could go back beneath the tree she had claimed as hers and sleep, hoping to escape all dreams and thought.

like a black widow, baby

The cold that cut across her face was merciless, and facing off against the first winter of her life was proving to be harder than she could have ever imagined. The temperatures plummeted further with each passing day and the onslaught of recent snows had covered the western world she'd only just begun to know in layers of powder and ice. Some days she hesitated to leave Cinder's side and the warmth they shared curled around one another. Today she would have to.

Trailing her littermate without really removing her attention from her, Quil was hard-pressed to find much, if any, pleasure in the pack's first hunt. It should be exciting; it should be a learning experience; she should feel proud to take part in the action. She should, but she couldn't feel anything but hollow. It was tough enough dealing with the residual pain of the loss she'd so unexpectedly been dealt, but there didn't seem to be a day that passed that she could bear to attempt happiness when Cinder was so much like a walking ghost. Everything that had happened after the flood had taken such a toll on her sister, and the pain that resonated from the once-bubbly princess was a constant reminder of the life they could have had. As elder of the two, she felt a constant duty to look after Cinder─to tend to her and show her affection and to love her as if she were the only person in the world who would, because she was. She wanted to bring her sister back to life, and each day that she failed only caused her to spiral deeper into her own darkness.

The ever-recurring thought that they were as alone in the world as they would ever be lulled in the girl's mind as her gaze cast from her weary sibling to the gathering assembly. Taking her place quietly at Cinder's side and tenderly nudging her cheek with encouragement, the young Attaya took in the adults' dynamic with a watchful eye.

(This post was last modified: Dec 24, 2013, 07:03 AM by Quil.)

Destin was becoming weaker by the day. His golden eyes had long since lost the curious gleam that was once ever present. The McBain's stomach growled unpleasantly every few minutes, and his brain cursed him for leaving that first meal behind. There had been meat on the day they had first returned to the forest, and he had not taken his share. At night when he slept he dreamed of a meal, of flesh and bone and blood. The McBain had begun skirting away from the others, not wanting them to see him at his weakest. He needed help, but lost all motivation to find it. Lost in the world, Destin wandered to and fro without any goal in mind.

Snow was packed tightly beneath his large paws as he walked slowly across the territory, tail trailing in a line behind him. His breath curled out of his nostrils and hung in the chilled air. The embrace of winter was fully upon them now, and it was apparent that this would be a tough one. Every couple of minutes his instincts led him to scent the air and look for food in order to gain his strength, but none had been found.

A call from Maksim caused Destin to hesitate. It was a call for a hunt. Was he strong enough to participate? Could he even show his gaunt face? In a season like this the weakest would be cast out... His time in Cut Rock River was probably nearing a close. Nevertheless he trotted lethargically towards the source. Many others were there, including Astra who had saved his life multiple times now. He bowed his head in respect towards the two, and seated himself nearby with weariness. Despite this strange state of mind, he did notice with satisfaction that Quil was present and looking rather healthy. Turning his golden eyes away from her, Destin looked towards the snow and waited for any orders or remarks.

(This post was last modified: Dec 24, 2013, 07:04 PM by Destin.)

/slaps my own wrist for not posting sooner
okay guys, time to zoom through this. i have permission to PP anastasia from kira for this thread.

please get in your responses asap!

Astra confirmed the leader's worries of there not being many, though he was undeterred. They had gotten too close to turn away now. They pressed on until, finally, the herd consisting of eleven Mule Deer came into sight. The world around them hushed, the butterscotch huntress speaking in soft, whispered tones so that their prey did not become spooked. Her logic was sound—they would attack the eldest male—and Maksim nodded in agreement. His gaze was cast over the pack and he lifted his head as he weighed up who would join Astra in separating the target and who would join him in the take down. He caught a smile from Ana, the gleam in her eyes putting sapphires to shame, and his own appeared in response.

His first thoughts turned to Quil and Cinder. They were young and light on their feets, as most growing cubs were, and would do best to stick close to Astra. Perhaps she would offer the Attaya girls some advice. Anastasia would also be a great asset to the chase. Destin looked almost unwell, dishevelled … it worried the River leader and, as such, he was unsure as to whether or not Destin would do best in the chase or with the take down. Should he even join in at all? It was worrying. Taras would certainly be assisting with the take down, no need to think that through. Lachesis would also assist in the take down, simply because Destin might not have the strength to assist as much as he might have before. But who knew? It left four on both groups.

“Quil, Cinder. You are to assist Astra with the seperation of the buck,” he began, his rumbling voice oddly soft. “Anastasia, you will go with them. Taras and Lachesis, both of you are to help me with the take down. And Destin …” the leader watched his subordinate with a stern gaze. “You are to come with me, also. You do not look well, however, so don't push yourself too hard.” He didn't want the russet wolf to hurt himself, after all, and he had been in a sticky situation back at the Rapids. Hopefully he hadn't caught some sickness. “Astra, we will wait until the buck is separated before we charge. Do your best to steer him in our direction.” Maksim turned, gesturing with a nod of his head to the wolves he had selected for the take down, before slinking off to his position with them hopefully in tow.

(This post was last modified: Jan 07, 2014, 08:50 PM by Maksim.)

we are shining in the rising sun, as we are floating in the blue