Spectral Woods bwp: Blood & Gold

A wild pig has appeared, will someone stop him before he causes too much destruction?

Ambrosius was on a mission. And he wasn't gonna disappoint! Shuffling swiftly through the underbrush, snout hovering not an inch above the ground, the young boar focused fully on the scents it caught. He was ecstatic to have been given this opportunity by mother, and he would make sure to bring home both plenty of information and tasty treats to please her. Small and scrawny for his age, Ambrosius had always been behind the others, and despite his hardest work to show his worth, it seemed they would forever look down on him. After all, what use was a male who wasn't even as big as his sisters, despite having passed the age where boars normally left the sounder. Ambrosious had always been a disappointment, the son that would never become a grand boar.

But now was his time to shine! It had taken a lot of groveling to be allowed this mission, he couldn't pass up this chance. The lands he had reached were dark and dense, heavy with fog and moisture and thick with the smell of life. Some of that life held more interest than the rest, it was the threat of death, but also the promise of grand treasure; Beast who were stupid enough to dig down their food for others to steal. Before Ambosious could find one of these pits of wonder though, his nose was distracted by another special treat. A rumble of pleasure left the young boar's throat as he began digging up the underbrush with great vigor, and with no regard for the damage he did in the process of digging up this prize. Piles of upturned dirt and uprooted bushes were left in his wake as he pressed on, gorging himself on everything eatable he found underway.

Oak Tree Bend wolves? @Spieden @Sahalie @Drestig and whoever else wants to pop in.

Vidarr was trying out something else today. Normally parading around the borders pissing on things or fishing at the creek was how he spent his time trying to do good for the pack. As those were the things that would cause him the least amount of injury. However today Veed was attempting to scout out a meal for his new brethren. He had no intention of actually going after anything should he find it. Instead reminding himself that the others could probably hunt much better than he ever could. He would certainly help out with the hunt after everyone got there but only if somebody asked.

Today the young male had ventured farther away from the pack lands. He didn't go far enough out to get lost, but he also didn't stay too close to the borders either. The white wolf made sure that he wasn't getting too close to the mountains in the distance, using those giant rocks to guide him back home later when his mission was finished. His senses sharpened as the day progressed from morning to afternoon. Hunger rumbled in the young males stomach, and he kept his eyes off of his paws to look for any sign of prey.

Eventually the sounds of something nearby caught his attention. Leaves crushing as something trampled over them, as well as the soft grunts of some creature lured the white wolf closer. Then the stench hit him. It was not a smell he was familiar with, and although it did not smell unappealing Veed was not sure if the thing was edible or not. He crouched low, quite aware of his bright white pelt and the surrounding dark undergrowth. The only thing he could do to even try to hide himself was to slink over patches of frost and wind blown snow. Then he caught sight of it.

Oddly shaped and rather short for some strange species of deer, Vidarr had no idea what he was really looking at. One thing that did catch his attention as he stay still and watched from afar was the tusks curling up out of the creatures long muzzle. Those look like they could hurt... He thought quietly unaware of whether the boar had noticed him or not yet.

"speech"

@Spieden - Assuming that this thread is set after Anna's death since it was posted after she made the announcement.

Another death had left it's mark on the Bend. How many is that now? the youth thought, as he meandered along the pack's borders and into the unclaimed woods beyond. Too many to be considered normal - he didn't think that other packs experienced this much loss this frequently. Perhaps the Bend was well and truly cursed. Shaking his head, Serach attempted to clear his brain from thoughts of Anna. They had never been close (@Darrah had clearly been her favorite), but she had been kind enough and had helped to support the pack as best she could.

Well beyond the Bend's borders now, Serach found himself wandering idly through the woods. Except for the pines, the tree branches were mostly bare above him - another reminder next to the snow flurries and the dropping temperatures that winter was inevitably coming once more. It was possibly the worst time for the pack to lose a valuable member. The more help they had now stocking their caches, the better off they would be when the prey grew scarce in the coming weeks. The caches were the most valuable possession the pack had, and it was critically important that they were well protected. With that in mind, Serach began to work his way back towards the pack's territory, although this time he was more sure of his path and where he was going. There were a few places beyond the borders that other creatures like foxes frequented - perhaps there was a cache there he could raid.

It was en route to that location that the sound caused by the boar's grunting and digging reached Serach's ears. He had never seen a pig before, but with Anna's death still fresh in his mind and winter on its way, it was more important than ever to investigate. Dashing towards the sound, he braced himself for what he would find.

Upon his arrival, he skidded to a stop, panting heavily as he stared at the scene before him. It was a four legged creature: bigger than a wolf, but smaller than an adult bear. It was rooting its way through the ground, its large jaws (flanked by what Serach could only assume were antlers coming out of the side of its mouth), lapping up whatever it had found. Beyond the mysterious creature, Serach caught sight of Veed. Not as helpful as Anna, or anybody else, but he'll do, he thought, as he began to slowly walk around the strange creature in a large semi-circle, hoping to give it plenty of room while he moved to stand next to Veed, hopefully unnoticed. "We need to chase it off, can you do that?" he whispered, his tone sharp and urgent as he stared at the strange creature. Was this what had killed Anna?

   

More death. Tragedy piling on top of tragedy, weighing down the wolves of Oak Tree Bend. Heavy, especially, on the newly appointed leader, who had been away when it happened. He had never been overly close with the blonde paladin, but she had helped him in a way that friends couldn't when Silver died. Not only had Anneliese helped him gain his revenge and end the reign of terror brought by the monsters in Nayeli's wake; But she had also been an outsider capable of honest objectivity, helping him to realize his lag of control with fate, things happened, but not necessarily for a reason, and not because of his actions. And now she too was dead, you might call it ironic. But for Drestig it was hard blow. He tried telling himself, what he was sure Anna herself would: That it wasn't his fault, that his absence hadn't changed anything – Hell, Spieden had been home, it hadn't mattered. The reality was, that Anneliese had been the closest to a guardian the Bend had, and no number of others present in the pack would have stopped her from going out alone. Of course, guilt wasn't so rational. But what could he do? What could he do other than walk the borders, watch the pack; The ones who are left..! More than anything, his feelings about these woods had been enforced: Too many bad things had happened here, kept happening, and he seemed powerless to stop them. With winter already upon them however, there was little else to do but be watchful, they would need a well established territory with full caches to get through the cold season; Come spring… Well, better leave that or now. So Drestig patrolled, not just the borders, but further out, looking for any signs of whatever had killed his subordinate. There had been none so far, at least none that anyone recognized. Whatever had cost Anna her life had disappeared before her body was found, he didn't know more than Spieden had told him, and even that had been based only on seeing the aftermath. He didn't for a second allow himself to give in to the hope that this new monster had disappeared again, as quickly as it appeared; We won't be that lucky! His scout's eyes were scanning the ground, sliding over familiar tracks, old and new, as his paws carried him further and further from the borders. He would sift through this entire forest if he had to, to make sure the rest of his family was safe. His route led him across a very fresh trail though, one of wolf, and a wolf he knew. While he could not keep every pack member within the borders, nor follow along with each single one whenever they left, Drestig wanted to keep track of his flock whenever possible, and signs of one of them out on his own was bound to worry him. So he followed along, soon catching glimpse of white fur up ahead. And something else too. instinct made the dark man lower to the ground, sneaking forwards on his belly while the strong, musky scent filled his nose. He knew what it was, even before he saw it, the smell and muffled grunts speaking it loudly. A motion caught his eye, and he froze, watching as the young wolf was joined by another. He was relieved to see Serach join the newer member, and even more so that he had managed to find them before anything went down. Lifting himself up a bit, the elder man cleared his throat lowly, so as not to startle them, moving up to join them in their hideout. "It's a boar." He announced, voice hoarse as he nodded, first to Vidarr, then Serach, whose words he had managed to catch just before joining them; "And it could be dangerous, they're temperamental and strong… But You're right, we need to stop it. If we can manage to kill it, it could serve as a good meal," He looked between the two young men, feeling mixed about the situation; He didn't want to put them in danger, but they needed to eat, and so they needed to hunt; And he remembered days, when he had been no older than these two, hunting wild pigs with other lads. So in the end he made a decision, cocking a brow at the boys; "I'd say we could manage that between the three of us!" Word count: 746 Thoughts ”Speech”

Dawnthieves.de

 

(This post was last modified: Nov 22, 2015, 09:20 PM by Drestig.)

Consumed in his private feast, Ambrosius was completely unaware of the danger he was in. After munching his way through worms, roots and a few crunchy centipedes, the young pig had finally found what he sought, small but delicious, chewy lumps of fungus, and he didn't hesitate to treat himself. He wanted to bring one back to mother to receive her praise, but it was hard to control himself, they were so good! Grunting loudly in excitement, the boar dug another truffle free of the moist earth and lifted his head to chew it, tiny eyes half-closed in total enjoyment. He could have continued indefinitely, had there just been enough of the sweet treats.

But as he finished off, the snout that had otherwise been buried in dirt, now caught I new scent in the fresh air, a stench that made him squeak in surprise. Spinning around, rather on gracefully, Ambrosius scanned the surrounding woods, searching for the danger that was hiding out there. It wasn't often he had smelled wolf before, but it was an easy enough scent to remember. Lowering his head defensively, short but sharp tusks pointing forwards, the young boar slowly backed up against the nearest tree trunk, pin-point eyes still desperately searching for the enemy, hiding somewhere in the underbrush. He was not exactly eager to face these beasts – oh mother what if it was more than one?! But he wouldn't show them his fear. Instead, Ambrosius began roaring as loud and threatening as he could, hoping he might scare the creatures off. He would show them!

@Serach @Drestig

Vidarr flinched as the sight of another wolf suddenly appearing by his side. The white wolf was unfamiliar to Veed, but his scent was very much so. They both came from the same pack, and that alone let the youth relax as he lowered his head and gazed out at the boar. Sahalie was right. There are other light colored wolves in the pack. young Vidarr thinks quietly. His ear flicks once at the white wolf's voice before those pale eyes begin to flutter back and forth between the stinking creature and Serach.

"I like to chase things." Veed answered simply back to the Donata wolf. It was a truth, and something that his previous pack had known well. Vidarr would chase his own tail were it not for the high probability of him tripping over his own paws. Maybe this time I can really help! that thought pitched back and forth in the Eyjolfur wolf's mind along side the feeling of fear. However with Serach by him the fear had greatly been reduced.

Then just like that another wolf was there, a more familiar one to the youngest male.

Drestig? Vidarr attempted to recall the name as his tail began to wag. The last bit of fear was swept away from his mind now. "A boar?" the word was spoken to himself as but a whisper while Veed glanced to Drestig as the dark wolf spoke. When he finished the younger white wolf gave him a smile before looking back to the boar.

"It certainly smells like it would be a good meal." Vidarr nodded to Drestig then watched as the boar finally lifted its head and figured out that they were there. The stocky thing was surprisingly quick as it turned to look for them while backing itself into a tree. Vidarr only waited for one of the others to take the lead. Veed would help as best he could whether he thought he could do it or not. If they needed his help Veed would certainly try.

.

(This post was last modified: Nov 23, 2015, 01:07 AM by Veed.)

The boar made no movement, no indication that he had heard Serach shuffling through the brush. He was able to move next to Veed without incident, although the confused expression and flinch made Serach tilt his own head in confusion. He doesn't know who I am, he realized after a moment, straightening his head and shaking it in disgust. Idiot, and not going to be much help. The youth turned his attention back on the boar, watching it happily munch away on whatever roots and bugs it had found. Without additional help (Veed's remark that he liked to chase things was not at all reassuring to Serach), he was hesitant to try and do anything but observe. At least for the moment, the creature wasn't really doing anything that threatened the pack in any way, but the sight of the antlers sticking out of the beast's mouth made Serach uneasy, especially after hearing about Anna's death.

He was saved from making a decision by Drestig, who slipped up under the brush beside them just as Serach had done a few moments earlier. The older wolf seemed to know what it was they were dealing with, and his reassurance that the three of them could handle it made him feel more confident in the situation. He was about to propose a plan of attack when the boar suddenly reared its ugly head and turned around, screaming and growling almost as loud as a bear. The hair on the youth's neck stood up and he instinctively curled his lips into a silent snarl. The thing had been smart enough to back up into the tree, protecting its rear from a surprise attack, but it made no move to charge towards them. Perhaps it doesn't see us, he thought, crouching lower to the ground to hide himself further.

The situation was similar to the moose attack just a few months back, and Serach's mind began to think about their next moves. "Remember the moose?" he whispered to Drestig, his eyes still watching the boar. "What if I feint and attack its side? Get it away from the tree so you can sneak up on him?" Drestig agreed, and Serach was off, leaving the other two behind him as he carefully made his way through the underbrush, back in the direction he had come from until he was on the opposition side of the boar from Drestig and Veed.

Tensing his muscles, the youth took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He had felt no fear facing down the wild moose that had nearly killed his cousins. And there's no reason to be scared now. At least this thing is smaller. With that reassuring thought in mind, Serach broke from his cover, snarling wildly as he jumped through the underbrush and towards the boar. Snapping his teeth he charged towards the boar only to feint and pull back, before repeating his maneuver.

Done! For clarification, Serach is on the opposite side of the boar from Drestig and Veed and is fake charging at it to try and get the boar to face him so the boar's rear is no longer facing the tree and is vulnerable to attack.

(This post was last modified: Nov 25, 2015, 04:12 PM by Serach.)

   

Both of them seemed relieved to see him, an older wolf who obviously knew what they were dealing with, and Drestig smiled, waving his tail reassuringly; Definitely good that I found them! Though he felt confident that they would hold their ground against the boar. Veed looked intent on following any instructions, and thinking back to their fishing adventure, Drestig knew that he was capable, if a bit clumsy. When it came to Serach, he had no doubts, and indeed the lad appeared eager, not just to follow orders, but to pitch in. Beyond the bushes, their prey seemed to finally have noticed something amiss, starting quite a racket while backing itself into a defensive position; Damn! Fiery eyes glanced at the Donata next to him, silver dusted muzzle twisting in a mirror of his displeased grimace. But despite the setback, Serach was quick to offer up a plan, and Drestig nodded along as he listened. "Good," He mumbled in reply, glancing away from the beast briefly to look over at the boy; "But be careful, they're erratic creatures. And watch out for those tusks! We'll cover you." He touched his nose to a creamy shoulder before the lad slinked off, then turned to Vidarr; "You go the other way, once Serach has turned him, go for his rear. The hooves are sharp, but they aren't very good kickers, so you should be fine as long as you stay to his back." He nodded endingly, pointing his nose to indicate the direction, then looked into the boy's pale eyes, waiting for confirmation. Drestig himself, remained where he was, ready to strike for the pig's flank once it's attention was turned, but also close enough to move in, should Serach get in trouble. The pale lad wasted no time, slipping free of the underbrush with snarling, snapping teeth, fainting several attacks to turn the beast around. Dark ears flattened back to block out the increasing noise, eyes focused on the boar, following its every movement, as the leader readied himself. Once he saw the chance, he jumped from his shelter, heading straight for the beast's side, aiming the lock his jaw around its upper thigh, holding it in place for Veed to make contact. Word count: 373 Thoughts ”Speech”

Dawnthieves.de

 

@Veed @Serach

For a while, nothing happened, and Ambrosius began to believe that his fearsome display had succeeded. Proudly raising his head, the young boar roared one last time at the bushes, celebrating his triumph. Then all hell broke loose. Suddenly, white flashed in the corner of his eye, wild snarling filling his ears. Ambrosius squealed in surprise, a noise that would forever erase his brave roars, tiny eyes widening in fear. He turned to face his attacker, head once again held low, tusks pointing forwards, defensively. This was the first time he'd ever seen one of the beasts up close, like a ghost in its pale fur, sharp teeth bared as it flew towards him at high speed. With a snort, the pig pulled back, rearing his head as strong jaws snapped in the air in front of him. The attacker was quick to retreat again, jumping to the side before lashing out once more, and Ambrosius turned his head from side to side, trying to follow the swift beast.

All his attention now on the one wolf in front of him, Ambrosius had moved away from the tree, unwittingly exposing his back as he tried to fend off his current attacker. The pale wolf continued to snap out, and the young boar felt anger mix with his fear as he watched. This abysmal creature was flitting around him like an annoying fly, never coming close enough to connect; What was his deal? Ambrosius veered his head, frustrated grunts leaving him at growing volumes. They were at a stalemate, and the boar felt increasing panic, trapped in this unknown place, with the stench of these monsters filling his sensitive nose. He needed to escape, but there was no way he was turning his back on the enemy; Which left only one option. Suddenly, and without warning, the young boar sprang forwards, rushing towards the ghostly beast with lowered head, ready to drive his tusks deeply into the demon's flesh. But just as he leapt, he felt something grace his side, pushing him off balance. He stumbled a few steps, turning his head to see another monster, dark as night, bared teeth clasped tightly after having just missed getting a grip on the pigs thigh. Ambrosius squealed and continued forwards, tuning his head just as he rammed into the first attacker, the force of his motion pushing him aside, while the boar toppled to the ground, kicking wildly to get back on his feet.

Summary: Drestig's attack only graces Ambrosius as he's moving forwards, pushing him slightly off balance. Ambrosius continues , ramming into Serach, shoulder first, then slamming his head into Serach's side as he turns it back forwards. Ambrosius falls to the ground.

(This post was last modified: Dec 07, 2015, 02:58 PM by Spirit of Wildwood.)

Skipping @Veed so this thread can get wrapped up. @Drestig, you're up next! :)

{blockquote}
It was working. The pig let out a terrified squeal and it whirled around to face him, brandishing its tusks in defense. But Serach did not back down, and while he felt a twinge of fear in his gut, he continued to snap viciously at the boar's face. His fur was raised all along his back and his lips were pulled back as he bared and snapped his teeth. It was a threatening display that had accomplished its goal. In its attempts to defend itself from Serach's charges, the boar had moved away from the tree, leaving his backside unprotected from the assaults of Drestig and Veed.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Drestig leap forward, but the movement of the boar captured his full attention and he lost sight of the Bend's leader. Mid-lunge, Serach had barely put his paws on the ground when the boar's expression changed. Before there was time for him to react, the boar charged him. For a split second, Serach thought it was going to be just like the caribou, where the pig would swerve off and run away to safety. Run, idiot! His brain screamed at him, but a mixture of fear and defiance kept the boy rooted to his spot.

Turning his head down and to the side in order to protect his neck, Serach braced for the impact. The pig hit him, shoving Serach to the side and off of his feet. With a yelp, the boy tried to catch himself. He failed, hitting his shoulder hard into the ground as he rolled a few feet. Dazed and confused, he lifted his head and looked over at where the boar was also trying to scramble to his feet. Drestig was there. But no Veed.

Wincing, Serach lifted himself unsteadily to his feet. Sniffing at his stomach, he recoiled at the metallic smell of blood. He hadn't been fully pierced by the boar's tusks, but his lower side had been cut. Droplets of blood fell to the ground. Attempting to take a step forward to approach the pig and Drestig once more, he winced and stood still. Woofing at Drestig, he shook his head. "It got me!" he barked, and he was down and out for the count. The safest thing now would be to let the pig go.[/blockquote

Once Serach falls to the ground, the rest of the post takes place in just a couple of seconds. He's just processing it as slower because he's stunned. Serach is bleeding from the left side and is unsteady on his feet after hitting the ground.