Thicket of Secrets Eyes on the prize

@Koda! 15 replies (6 of them actively hunting) and we get skill points? *wiggle eyebrows* , also @Silentium @Pacem @Unitas as an fyi only

A pale she wolf stood along the borders, considering something she had found along the snowy ground. She shifted from looking into the meadow beyond and gazed into the thick, tangle forest behind her. A light gray and tawny ear flicked back as she debated with herself.

For the past weeks she had been teaching the boys to hunt. They would go out at dusk to practice finding and tracking prey. Already they could recognize the scent of all the native prey animals. However short the autumn days had become, there was always plenty for them to find. Once or twice they had come across the tracks of an unknown wolf and Iopah was quick to instill cautious in the three pups. If they found fresh enough tracks and managed to be quiet, they stumbled upon the animals themselves. At first they'd thrown themselves after the deer. Iopah just sat and waited every time. Eventually they learned rushing at first sight without a plan was pointless. Once patience was learned the lessons advanced. Now they were chasing the deer, not with the intention to catch them, but to show how to drive them.

It was rewarding and frustrating at the same time. She wanted to race forward when she had to keep pace with the kids. She had to watch the deer bound away (laughing, most likely) when they had correctly driven the deer to the predetermined area.

The pale wolf looked back down at the deer tracks she had been considering. It was only a couple prints, but they were fresh and headed north to the openness of the cherry orchard. The ear swung forward to its rightful place. The boys could have the day off, Iopah needed to stretch her legs. No lessons today, this was the real thing. She turned, cream white legs lifting in excitement, to gaze into the Thicket of Secrets for a moment. Alone, she couldn't bring down a deer. But with help, perhaps the help of a larger male, she could. Feeling mischievous she flung her bead back and called for Koda.

@Iopah! Did you want to fast forward this? I'm fine either way :D

He'd been cooped within the confines of Secret Woodlands much too long. His main priorities were protecting the borders and those within them and as Winter approached he found that quietness quickly followed. Wolves were much too busy filling their caches or tending to the budding youth to busy themselves with trouble and Koda was happy for this, it made his job much easier and allowed him to focus on more important matters; food. It would be wise for the members to seek out food for the upcoming winter and store it for when the herds migrated, as they did each year, therefore he had begun to take solo trips outside the border in search of anything worth bringing down. He had his heart set on prey that could sustain the pack with enough meat to last a week or more but even with his sheer size he was not strong enough to muscle down the likes of a deer alone, he needed help and he knew the exact wolf to seek out.

No sooner did he reach her den did he catch her call. The corner of his mouth turned up into a smile as he called out to her in response, letting her know that he was on his way, before barreling toward where he heard her call. His speed was not remarkable, average at best, but his strength showed in the muscles of his shoulders and the stamina that he held as he ran outright without stopping, and within a no time he saw the slender form of Iopah standing alone. Excitement took over him as he sought to change his speed, a renewed sense of energy taking over him as he sped past her once nipping her shoulder softly and slowed to a much slower pace as he gained his composure to turn around and meet her head on. He had missed her, it showed in the way his tail swayed quickly behind him, and when he stopped in front of her he took the time to nuzzle her affectionately before speaking, "It feels like its been forever since I last saw you." he smiled, knowing full well that he had seen in her passing at least twice while in the pack, but solo time between them was few and far between therefore any time he could have alone with her he cherished. With introductions out of the way he turned his attention to the ground and sniffed the fresh prints on the ground, they were not far from the animal the Barberi woman had chosen and his jaws began to water at the thought of meat in his stomach and feeding his pack members for days. "what are hunting for this time?" he questioned, studying her expression as he inhaled deeply to finally catch his breath. He had needed to stretch his legs and this would be the perfect opportunity to do just that.

@Koda, a current time-frame works for me! (as long as it's before Aideen and Pacem get lost)

Just as soon as the echoes of her call sank into quiet corners of their thickets did his voice rose up to answer. Her body held still as she listened to it's message and then the pale woman fairly danced over the tracks. This was the perfect excuse. The whole day was ahead of them and the sky shone clear and cold. No one could question this time they spent together. She whined softly and stretched her slenderness further to catch sight of him. There was a deep strumming that preceded his appearance and Iopah couldn't help but feel a sense of possessiveness. She had called for him and here he was. He belonged to her, to each other.

Her tail set to wagging despite his headlong rush toward her. She braced herself to accept whatever greeting was planned, having no thoughts of menace even as his teeth grazed along her shoulder. And then he was past and beyond her and Iopah was spinning to face him. Pale front feet slapped at the ground in a spontaneous play invitation and she waited for his return, tail swaying high in the air over her. When he turned it was with a serious expression and Io lifted reluctantly to greet him. The length of her muzzle nudged into the plush fur of his neck and when he spoke her shoulder pushed in with agreement. Though they'd nodded to each other in passing just late last night, it was not the same as this.

Eventually he withdrew from the embrace and Iopah stood close to him as he inspected the tracks. When he questioned, her own cream and gray skull dipped closer to them, as if to reassure herself. "They smell like mule deer." She murmured softly, moving forward under his gaze. The tracks lead cleanly through the forest, Iopah's tail whisked along his side as she strode forward. They would have to approach slowly and take care in selecting the right animal. It was only the two of them and a large animal could easily best them.

The display of affection was short, to the point, and he smiled momentarily as he felt the warmth of the Barberi woman at his side. Today had been a busy day for him, and yet he would much rather spend his time next to the pale woman instead of patrolling the borders for intruders as he did nearly everyday--today would be a welcome change of pace. After spinning on his toes to face her, their bodies aligning perfectly, he turned his gaze toward the ground to inspect the footprints left behind from their prey, there was little doubt in the large male's mind that between his muscle and Iopah's speed, the two of them should easily bring this mule deer down. 

He did not speak as his feet followed the careful trail of her own, but his attention remained on the land ahead of them merely watching and waiting for surprises that could follow--they could not afford injuries during this hunting trip. Silence built between them and he enjoyed the sound that their feet made as pressure broke through the barrier of freshly laid snow, it was not nearly winter and yet snow had already become an obstacle. He turned toward Iopah in silence, wondering if she were thinking the same things as he was before his attention returned to the scenery ahead of them, in the distance stood two deer males, one of them was their target, the other an unfortunate companion, licking his lip he fantasized about bringing home both prizes to the pack but realized the impossibility.    "Lead the way..." he whispered, knowing that his speed would ruin the suspense of surprise, he was built for bringing down prey not chasing them but he would help Iopah in running this mule to the ground and enjoy the taste of victory afterward.

(This post was last modified: Jan 26, 2015, 12:00 AM by Koda.)

Arla and Emma are the ish and made my pretties!
Koda will most likely always be accompanied by Chiron unless otherwise stated, or requested.

@Koda tryin' to think of ways to stretch the hunt into enough posts, lemme know if her plan doesn't make sense

Iopah took methodical care in following the trail. The pace was slow enough for both to avoid frozen thorns and skirt around fallen trees that the deer had simply leapt over. There was ample time to study the scents left by their quarry, her muzzle dropped down every few minutes to evaluate the deer that they followed. Soft bird calls caught her attention every so often and her ears would swing softly in their direction, making sure their presence wasn't being broadcast. The pale wolf wasn't quite lingering, but neither hurrying the present company along. Once Koda glanced at her, a quiet movement caught in the edge of her vision. Her lips quirked and she huffed a soft, curious noise at him.

Despite the leisurely pace, it was only minutes before signs of the deer's presence started appearing. Piles of deer scat here and sleeping areas of flattened brush over there. Without a word, Iopah drifted towards an oval deer bed and pushed her dark nose into the mix of brush and coarse deer hair. They had been bedding down in this area for nearly two days now and would know the area nearly as well as the two wolves. Stiff legged, she pulled back and sent Koda a pensive look. Together they followed after the tracks in silence.

In the distance Iopah caught movement and halted, her ears flicking back sharply. Visible through a patch in the leafless thicket the deer shifted again, bare antlers gleaming in the sun. Despite the current rut, there was no indication of injuries on either, but the scent of stress on one was palpable. She hung back for a moment, knowing they would have to chase them to make a selection, and nodded at Koda's request. A single step forward and then she made a sharp left, pushing lightly against his side to indicate to him to follow. The Black Thorn wolves were just to the north and Io had no intentions of driving a meal towards them. As they went into position, Iopah spoke low to him, proposing a plan. "We'll have to chase to find the one we want. I can hold it, while you catch back up." It was a plan she was comfortable with. They stood a better chance of targeting the correct animal together and it was safer to bite it from behind where it couldn't step on her, but it would mean she would be left holding onto a hundred-and-fifty pound deer by herself until he reached them.

There is a family of deer nearby. Hunt Opportunity

*wipes dust off thread* sorry for taking so long!

He followed Iopah without word, the only real movement came from the sound of his thick paws pushing through snow and the occasional deep breath he exhaled as they traveled over the hilly terrain. It had been weeks since he participated in anything beyond chasing rabbits and he was excited for what they together could truly bring down--his burly size along was enough to take down a youth. With Iopah at his side, he was sure that they could easily muster down a sickly adult without much trouble. He yawned briefly, ears flicking backward as he cast his attention every so often in her direction with hopes that she had caught any difference in the wind and when he began seeing signs of deer in the area--scat, tracks and the occasional deer bed--he knew that they were close. He licked his lips long in anticipation of getting his full, knowing that the left overs could help to fill any empty caches if needed.

He paused when she did to catch the glimpse of deer antler in the distance, before them stood a herd of impressive beasts but in the midst of the crowd stood their target, they could have to give chase to see which creature was worth wasting energy on. Inhaling deep he studied his surroundings for a moment and gave the agouti woman an encouraging look before pushing all his weight into movement, the nip she gave to his side gave him energy as his eyes moved quickly to scan over the fleeing prey. He knew that Iopah would be quick to catch up to them, her lithe form would give her a better advantage but without him to add additional weight, the deer could easily throw her off or worse toss a hoof in her direction for defense. He couldn't afford either therefore his thick legs moved with all the speed he could muster until he found a target, a freshly injured deer who's rotting wound lingered in the wind. He wondered if Iopah had noticed him too, and just in case she hadn't, he began moving in the direction in which the deer was with hopes that she would follow.

Arla and Emma are the ish and made my pretties!
Koda will most likely always be accompanied by Chiron unless otherwise stated, or requested.

@Koda so... I can't count... we need 8 "actively hunting" posts, 2 more from Koda and 1 from Io will get us 8

Without a word the pair slipped from the meager concealment and started toward the herd. Iopah moved forward methodically, searching for the target before throwing all her energy into a directionless chase. Somewhere in the herd was their next meal. Iopah could smell it, the richness of dried blood and tang of a stressed animal. It was here, somewhere.

The deer didn't react all at once. Iopah watched the first animal, a buck, turn to stare and take worried step away. That action caused another to take notice and soon the entire herd was moving. The huntress moved with them, her male nearby. Faster and faster the deer ran, as it became clearer that the pair of wolves were openly following now. She watched the flash of their wide eyes as they cast fearful glances back, speeding up to test those that spent too long looking. The injured deer had not been spotted yet, but she knew it would fear them the most.

Koda was likely doing the same as her. Her rapidly swiveling ears caught the sound of his footfalls and brief flashes of ashy fur came from the corner of her eyes. Footfall by footfall and flash by flash she noticed he was moving away, finally her attention redirected to him for an instant. He was chasing, yet from the purposefulness of his gait, she could tell he'd made a selection. Smoothly, she cut through the herd, the other animals now irrelevant. She raced side by side for a moment, following the line of Koda's sight, until the unlucky deer had two wolves staring at his hind-quarters.

The injured deer was still with the herd, another buck running just at his side. Iopah felt her long limbs fly through the snow and her pace lengthened further. A low growl built as she surged forward, heading for the space between them. The growl rose until she was close enough to snap at the rump of the injured deer, attempting to split him from his companions. It worked. She watched the herd race one way and him another, and she plowed through the snows after him. The deer was injured, but terrified, and fear lent it speed. Her muzzle was tight in concentration, bounding through the drifts and fighting to gain on it. It was test of speed now, determining whether she wanted to eat or he wanted to live more.

i was thinking one post of koda catching up/following, one of Io stopping the deer, and then Koda can come in and kill it?

@Iopah

He was quick to notice the blur of silver fur nearing him and watched as Iopah came to her side, and with nearly matching speed they followed their target without relinquishing speed. He was slower than his mate but his determination was fueled and without missing a beat he barked and nipped at the fleeing deer to spook and stir him, wanting to separate him from the herd. He knew that cornering the deer would cause it to put up a fight but he was prepared to give tooth nail and teeth into bringing the beast down, not only did he crave the blood of this male but the pack would benefit from having the caches filled from this successful hunt.

When Iopah cast a bite toward the rump of the deer he followed suit, feeling his teeth nip the side of the deers rump and tasting a mixture of dirt and fur along his tongue, and this fueled his thick paws to push him harder into the chase until he was at the same spot where he bit down once more. The bite was stronger then the last and he tasted blood along his tongue, the metallic taste spilled easily along his mouth as it inked his mouth easily and he felt a tinkle of laughter at the base of his throat from excitement. He wanted this more than anything and he knew that this deer held little to no chance in shaking them off now.

It ran and he realized that a creek of water lay ahead of them, though Winter was on its way out there was no doubt in his mind that the mixture of water and ice would shock the deer into slowing down therefore he chased it harder, nipping at its heels and the wound he had successfully broken. The sound of thin ice breaking made his ears fall backward as he braced himself for them impact of freezing cold water on his chest, only when he realized that the water was much too high for him to continue chase did he circle back around and seek out the ground. They were fortunate that the deer too had realized the height of the water and made it's way backward, prepared to fight for its life while the wolves on the bank waited patiently for it to return--with drained energy and a new wound, there was no way that the deer could fight much longer.

Arla and Emma are the ish and made my pretties!
Koda will most likely always be accompanied by Chiron unless otherwise stated, or requested.

@Koda
<3 realistic wolf kill!

She saw the blood. It was a vivid flash of red against Koda's pale ashy fur, but her golden eyes stayed fixed on the dampness spreading along the deer's rump. It was a good bite. Even with the breakneck pace and the deer's frantic movements, Iopah could see how readily it bled. The wound was a huge mark in their favor. It was only a matter of time now, either their teeth or simple blood loss would kill this deer. She surged forward, legs racing and body slung low to the ground.

The creek was coming up and they had no time to turn the deer now. Iopah pushed it harder, letting a harsh growl sound as she flung her body towards the bleeding animal. Move faster, she urged without words, move recklessly. The deer's legs were much thinner and delicate than a wolf's, they would break readily if it deer slipped on the ice. The deer weighed much more than either of them, if the ice was thin enough it would go right through the ice. Iopah was hoping for either of these two situations. She swore breathlessly at the feeling of liquid water. Cold liquid water. Iopah gasped in shock and turned back to shore. It was much too deep and frigid to attempt a crossing. Water ran down her legs as she panted and watched. Everything would be lost if it made it across.

Her ears perked when it turned around and she barked excitedly to Koda. She could see the dark fear in it's eyes and growled as it came closer to land. Iopah was not above using the situation to their advantage. Both wolves knew how cold the water was and now the deer understood the mistake of entering the water. Hypothermia would set in quickly and the huntress was in no hurry. She took the opportunity to catch her breath and run her muzzle over Koda for injury. When the deer started to dash downstream she was rested and ready, while the deer was numbed and slow. It was easy to keep pace now and she knew it was over for the deer. Iopah veered into the shallower water and lunged to bite down on it's rump. She felt her teeth sink into flesh and tried to use her body weight to drag the animal to it's knees.