Hunt Opportunity - West RL - Moose

OOC|| Going on shift again. Same as last time-- Naia can be pp'ed following Maksim's orders, but since I'll be absent until the 13th.. perhaps we should hold off on sending her directly into the fray. ||

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This time, Naia was ready for her leader’s howl. Finally, someone had found the bull that had managed to escape during that freak snowstorm! Or perhaps more than one hoofed beast had survived the winter long enough to wander into Relic. Since the last failed hunt she had doubled her patrols, and from the smell of their scent markers her packmates were practicing extra vigilance as well. Sticking so close to home made Naia’s paws itch with wanderlust, but it was only a matter of time before another meal was spotted-- and this time Cut Rock River would be first to the scene. Naia lifted her delicate muzzle to call back to Maksim, ”I’m on my way!” As the last notes echoed into the sky, Naia’s paws carried her swiftly to the marsh. It was a path she knew well, as did many of her packmates. This beast was on their territory now, and there would be no escape.

As Naia drew up to her gathering pack, she noted with delight that today there were far fewer wolves vying for Cut Rock River’s rightful meal. The marsh was far enough south to be out of range for the northern packs, which was just fine in Naia’s eyes. They would eat like kings tonight while the Pass vultures crunched on bones. It seemed that Maksim had yet to deliver any orders, so Naia stood silently alongside her other family members. She was careful to hold herself appropriately submissive to her leaders, but currently Naia was above all other subordinates in Cut Rock River. In the wake of losing leadership, the golden former alphess seemed to be laying low, making Naia acting Second. It was a role she was eager to try out, and this hunt would give her the perfect opportunity.

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Coquina had been patrolling the outskirts of the Drooping Willows and began to take a stroll toward the marsh. As she did so, a couple of howls pierced through the cold air. Stopping dead in her tracks, the Ladios woman began to felt anxious. It seemed like a call for food. Food. With her heart beginning to drum in her chest, Coquina looks back as if her packmates were behind her. Shit. Her muzzle wrinkles as she furrowed her brows before facing forward again. Beginning to pick up her pace, the woman was now sprinting toward where she heard the howls. She throws her head up as she runs, releasing a notifying howl to her new family. Hurry.

She is breathing heavily by the time she arrives. Carefully approaching the situation, her eyes widen as the form of a massive creature enters her vision. It was a moose- actual prey! She almost began to quiver with excitement. Hoping for the arrival of her leaders soon, Coquina patiently waits until they arrive. Her eyes scan the area,picking up the forms of other wolves. How many were there? She grits her teeth, trying not to feel overwhelmed by what was before her very eyes. As she carefully creeps about, she scopes out a familiar wolf. The silvery coat could not be mistaken. It was Narimé. Unsure on whether or not the wolf actually liked her, Quin anticipated approaching her. Her breathing is now shallow as she keeps herself crouched down as not to alert the prey. Quickly rounding the marsh, she nears Nari. "Narimé" Quin gently calls. She turns her head, hoping to see her packmates once more. Patience.

@Adelaide, @Senka, @Skana, @Angier, @Guiness

There was many of them already, wolves, baying at the chance for a meal. She had scented not the bull, but the commotion, following it with interest, ears perked high as her pale grey eyes scanned the marshy lands west of her home. Once she had become close enough, she would see the group, scent the moose with heightened interest. Perhaps no one had yet to see her, though as her head lifted to call out to the wolves of Willow Ridge, the presence of the Ridge Matriarch would be known. Her call echoes and it is joined by Coquina, already on the scene to which Elettra then seeks out her new pack mate.

Elettra Archer buys herself some time, moving along the outskirts of the group of wolves as she waits for her brethren. Narime and Inali are here, two wolves that she knows and knows them as Whisper Cavern members. Then there was Coquina, making her way to them and speaking to Narime. She knew her already then? The rest were unknown to her, a large group mingling with one anothers scent. Certainly they were of this pack located in the Cedarwood Forest she once lived in, she thought she could remember Angier mentioning it before... Soon enough the dark lady is on the move once more, pushing forth towards the other wolves and towards the prey. She stops until she is somewhat near Narime and Inali's position, about five feet out. Her attention glances towards them, silent though acknowledging their presence. The other group of wolves far outweighed that of Willow Ridge it seemed and from the way Narime had mentioned it, likely outweighed the size of their pack as well. Unknowingly, Whisper Cavens and these wolves were allies and thus, the way of everyone gaining a share without a fight breaking out was uncertain.

(This post was last modified: Mar 06, 2014, 04:08 AM by Elettra.)

Narimé nodded at the shorter womans answer and gave Inali a half smile before looking out over the landscape. The wind had paused for a moment as her blue gaze scanned the area for any sign of movement. She couldn't see the brute moving along the treeline from so far away, but his scent stung in her nose. A smell so tempting the hunter could only wish to gnaw on its meat right then and there. However they would have to catch it first.

She could also begin to smell the faint scent of other wolves upon the breeze crossing the little group. It was of a pack she was unfamiliar with. The smell scent her hackles up. They were not the only ones who had scented the moose. It was clear from the mixture of wolf smells that they had another pack probably already stalking after their prey. She wondered if simply getting to the prey first might solve their problem. If they got there first then maybe the other pack might stay away and wait their turn.

The problem was that Nari knew naught about how large a moose was. Her hesitance about simply running out to the creature made the she wolf pause wondering if anyone else had hunted this kind of animal before.

As if on cue another light coated wolf appeared. Nari recognized the scent from a short time ago. It had been the smell of the female loner Coquina who had hunted near their pack lands. Turning to look at the oncoming she wolf Nari dipped her head in greeting then smiled as she recognized the scent clinging to the she wolfs fur.

Coquina had joined Willow Ridge.

"Greetings."

She gave the hello before noting another scent encroaching upon her moist black nose. Elettra was close.

Nari paused a short time to look for Elettra as the older lead came forward. Maybe she has hunted whatever this delectable creature is that we're smelling. Her thoughts turned to figuring out if Willow Ridge would work together with them to steal the meal from the other pack.

"It's great to see you again Lady Elettra." Narimé gave a genuinely warm smile that dimpled her cheeks towards the elegantly dark furred alpha who stood a little ways away. "As much as I want to just run in and take the prey away from that strange pack I don't exactly know what we are hunting or how to hunt it. You wouldn't happen to know would you Madame Elettra?" It was only natural for Nari to be so formal when speaking to the darker willow lead. She knew nothing else than to be polite to the woman she most looked up to.

Cognizant of the new scents in the air, she pressed herself into Lachesis' shoulder. The close proximity would not help them if they were to be attacked, but it made her feel better regardless. Even though she was happy to see that there were still less of them than of Cut Rock River members, she couldn't help but be on edge. Worry did not etch into her face as it might have only a few short months ago. Instead her calm demeanor remained, as sunflower eyes traveled to Maksim. She didn't dare move without his consent. He led the pack, and she had to trust in him. Unfortunately the tantalizing aroma of their prey raged a war on them. This might just turn into a free-for-all. The wolf who could run the longest distance at the greatest speed would prove themselves a victor, she was sure.

Battered claws dug into the sleet below. She had to be ready before the others. If she could beat them out of the gate, or simply keep up with her ghostly companion then everything would be ok. Speed was his era of expertise, but that opened up a whole new problem. The only way to ensure his safety would be to keep up with his pace, or at least close to it. She would do her best not to allow him more than a few tail lengths away, certainly not letting his ashen coat out of her sight. No one would be able to touch him, and gods help them if they tried. He was all she had, and when all hell broke lose she would make sure to find him through the flames. They could all burn so long as he made it away.

worlds are ruined this way, and we've all been there time and time again.

This is the beginning of the third round. The next round will begin on 3/10/14 @ 10:00 PM EST. If less than five wolves respond in the next round, the moose will get away. Wolves will be permitted to chase and attempt an attack during this round.

Gaerd nibbled away at the needles, almost careless in his demeanor. He kept waiting for the snarls and growls, the signal that the hunt was on. But they never came. Huffing, he snorted, turning his head into the tree trunk to scratch it against the rough bark. Idiots. What were they doing? Standing around and trading pleasantries? The itch on his head satisfied, the large bull began to push through the snow, headed away from his would-be attackers. There was no reason for them to wait, other than that there must not be enough of them.

Casting a wary eye over his shoulder, Gaerd looked once more, but saw nothing moving. His apprehension subsided, though did not completely disappear. He was not out of the woods yet, but whatever game they were playing, the confident moose had no doubt that he would come out on top. They were standing idly by while he made his escape, and even if they did pursue...he would not go down without a fight. Grunting, he heaved his large bulk forward, resisting the urge to stop every time he saw needles on the tree branches. Better to get away first.

All wolves are currently 4.5 kilometers away. The moose is heading in the opposite direction to make his escape.

The wolves gathered, and yet nobody moved yet. Her eyes would slip to the Cut Rock River wolves who had joined, a low growl of welcome given to them, though her shoulder would brush against Maksim's as she awaited his order. The scent pulled at her brain, stirring her stomach to a frenzy of hunger, though she maintained self control this time. The wound on her shoulder revealed how foolish her rushed antics had been before.

Worry stirred at her though as her eyes would shift over the other wolves as they arrived -- wolves she did not know, nor, in truth, care to. They scented of separate lands, and yet they seemed on friendly terms. Still, the River wolves outnumbered them even combined, and her green eyes would sweep away from them for the moment, glancing to the cheek of her own Leader as she awaited his instruction. They would need to move fast -- the beast could amble away at any moment, and while unlikely it would outrun the wolves, catching it would also drain their energy... energy they would need to hunt such a glorious beast. Kisla had only scented moose through her years, and while taught that the scent was very distinct and what it belonged to, her pack had never hunted one before. The task seemed formidably large.

But these were desperate times, and while the gnaw of worry clung to her heart at the well being of her pack mates, she knew they had to take this chance. It could mean death, otherwise.

sparking up my heart

Can still reply, right?

She was limping. After leaving her den during the peak hours of the morning, she sought food for her nagging stomach and met face to face with a patch of snow covered ice; the slip had unexpectedly knocked her off her feet. Rising to her height slowly, and shaking off the feeling of surprise and initial shock, she looked down at her throbbing ankle to see drips of blood from her old wound. It wasn't much of a surprise, considering how recently she'd been injured but she would mind the wound for fear of ripping it further and began her lope in the direction of Lachesis' den in hopes of catching him inside. He would know what to do, he always did, and perhaps he'd have some spare numbing medicine as well; it would do well to numb the nagging pain in an effort to focus her attention back on hunting.

She approached his den, realizing almost instantly that he was nowhere to be found. Within moments, she caught wind of Maksim's howl and cursing her luck, began her slow walk toward the demanding request that she show her face. It was a good half hour before she was within the area of her pack mates, her vision falling first on the bulky figure of Maksim, then Lachesis, Kisla, Hati, Lalani, Naia and lastly Capella. It was refreshing to know that so many had heard his cry and came to the area promptly, their muscle would fair well considering how weak she'd become since her reopened wound. Coming to the side of Maksim, she momentarily fell to her haunches to lick at the gash, masking the sight of blood, before casting her glance toward him with questioning eyes. She'd noticed the other wolves as well, much lower in numbers than her own pack and considered them no match for those of Cut Rock as long as they stuck together.

At this distance she could not see the male moose but his scent was strong of masculine musk, the trail of his hooves were the only indication that he had passed though this point, and was moving further away from them. Expelling a growl, then a whine, she anxiously awaited orders from her leaders with eyes darting back and forth between them and the trail of their fleeting meal, what the heck was going on? "We outnumber the rest here. Where do you suggest I take my position?" she refused to let them know about her reopened wound, they would surely tell her to sit the task out, she would much rather be an asset to the pack and not a liability. She only hoped the wound wouldn't hinder her in any way as she chased after the moose from its rear.

(This post was last modified: Mar 10, 2014, 03:12 AM by Bastet.)

Avatars by Becca! Thank you!

@Maksim @Lalani @Capella @Naia @Hati @Aeolus

The unsettling feeling of hunger gripped at his stomach as he awaited orders from his leader – they needed food. It seemed as though the other wolves would be working together; Cut Rock needed to make sure that they were the ones to eat. Perhaps allow the other neighbouring packs to do the bulk of the work, and then the river wolves to chase them away and feast on this unlucky moose. If it had not been for the call of their leader Lachesis would have remained in his den, unwilling to break away from the comfort of the darkness. Leaning against his sunflower-eyed friend, the boy turned his head as a familiar scent reached his moist nostrils. Bastet. Although a smile would not crack his frigid exterior Nineteen waved his tail in greeting, as well as to show that he was pleased that she had arrived. However, the healer was not pleased to see that the dark female was limping – had one of her previous wounds opened? He made a mental note to approach Bastet after the hunt and question her about the limp.

Returning his focus to the hunt the slender yearling turned his attention to Maksim, his toes impatiently drumming along the cold ground. The other packs had not yet made a move, would this be an opportune time for the river wolves to attack? If they waited any longer the moose would flee – it wanted to survive just as badly as the wolves did. If a pack didn’t act quickly none of them would eat, and more prey would be wasted.

stick with those who stick with you

/darts in
one more river wolf, pleeeaaase?

Maksim's jaw clenched. He had anticipated that the other wolves in the area would begin their chase by now, yet none stirred. No call of the hunt sounded and the agouti River leader raised his lip. He had gambled on their eagerness—and stupidity—yet luck was clearly not on his side; now the moose was likely moving further away from them all. He glanced over the gathered wolves of Cut Rock River, looking to Bastet as she questioned her leader as to where she should go. Keeping his voice low, so that only the River wolves may hear, he began to address his pack mates. “The wolves who are not of this pack have yet to move out,” he began, snorting in annoyance, “I had hoped they would do the hard work and we would chase them off. However, perhaps we can feign our chase and force them to begin their own.” Maksim pushed forwards, began a quick trot in the direction of the hulking prey, fully expecting the others to follow. The agouti wolf had not yet run out of ideas, it seemed, and he began to pick up the pace slightly, jogging slowly. “If they do not, then we take the spoils and defend it.” It was a risky move, beginning their chase before the strangers, but he was hungry—they all were—and, frankly, his pack was of more importance than Whisper Caverns, allied or not. His speed slowly increased, beginning to close the distance between predator and prey at a steady pace. Cut Rock River would eat today, damn the other packs to Hell.

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