Larkcall Lowlands be seen to be believed

Pack hunt, anyone?  @Kisla  @Karina  @Inna  @Maksim  @Karpos  @Davin  @Orren.  Everyone welcome!  The pups are welcome to come along/learn if they'd like, as well.  (:  Let's fill those stores!
Partly cloudy, 28F, fresh snowfall the day prior.

Winter was coming, and the pack caches weren’t quite as full as the male would have liked.  He wasn’t a hunter, it wasn’t his job, but Maksim had been critically injured and most resources had been dedicated to assisting the Baranski lord in any way possible.  Except, ah, yes – in this crippled state, the large male was not quite as high and mighty as he used to be.  It allowed Kjors to move around freely, without worry he was constantly under scrutiny.  After all, the head medic was always at his patient’s side, and Karpos was doing his best to keep the pack from falling apart when thrust to its head.

A bit ridiculous, the man thought, to allow an untested male only just turned of age, to take the reins of a pack under a year old itself.

Alas, he was hardly in the position to say much – it would be seen as a challenge or unrest – the one-eyed dragon was not looking to start a rebellion, not yet.  Instead, he would continue to do as he’d done in the past months.  He would make sure he wanted for nothing, that Karina was looked after to the best of his ability, and that Kisla and her pack did not want for much.  It was about the Queen, when he was honest with himself, but he had little interest in doing such a thing.

Lifting his dark snout to the sky, he issued a howl, summoning any pack member within hearing range.  There was a caribou herd just outside their forest, and if enough wolves joined him, he had no doubt they’d be able to stuff their caches to the brim.

(This post was last modified: Nov 09, 2015, 12:10 AM by Kjors.)

It had been in his own thoughts recently, in fact, he had just about summoned up the courage to go to Karpos - the current lead male seemed the safest bet - to suggest a hunt, when the familiar, rugged voice sounded through the Kingswood. Orren's ears perked to attention, body stiffening for a second. He had no doubt what the murky man was planning, the enthusiastic tracker had already noticed the caribou trailing through the Lowlands. There was a moment of disappointment, the aspiring hunter feeling a little bitter that the advisor had called a hunt before he could, but he quickly pushed it aside, at least there was a good chance that people would come when the adult called; And a hunt is a hunt! So he quickly turned from his usual route, running swiftly towards the edge of Kingsfall where Kjors' call had come from, tail flying high over his back in excitement. As the trees thinned and the land evened out, he slowed, just a bit, rounding the last bushes to see the murky figure waiting in the grass. Surprisingly, Orren seemed to be the first one there, and he wondered if perhaps the other's wouldn't be so quick to heed the man's summons. He felt certain though, that his mother would be there, and probably Karina too, even though she harbored that inexplicable contempt for hunting; Bizarre.. Despite his uncertainties about the one eyed wolf, Orren couldn't help but grin as he approached, every fiber tinkling with excitement. It was so rare, that the River wolves hunted together, and there was something truly exhilarating about hunting as a pack. Meeting the dragon's gaze with glowing eyes, the yearling waved his ears, wagging his tail high and hurried as he asked in a booming, slightly breathless voice: "Huntin' Caribou?!"   Word count: 303 ”Speech" Thoughts

FurLined @DA

 

PLOT WITH ME!

Aww yes, hunt <3

The person that you’d take a bullet for is behind the trigger

For Karpos, it felt like he hadn’t actively done much in the change from guardian to leader while Maksim was laid up in recovery, mostly because he still was able to follow his daily routines, protecting the borders and the pack, and no one had called at their borders about joining or otherwise, there being an exception when the Bend wolves had made an appearance. He couldn’t quite gauge if he was doing a good job, and he didn’t have anyone to turn to in order to ask about it, given that Lachesis was so caught up in ensuring that Maksim could reclaim his throne as quickly as possible.

If anything, Karpos could only describe himself as content, doing what he could when he could just as he had always done. That was when he heard the call, a familiar dragon calling for a hunt that made Karpos’ ears perk. He broke into a run towards the scene, arriving shortly after Orren had, his head held high as he dipped his head towards the dragon – he had called the hunt and therefore it was his hunt to run. Karpos didn’t say anything, for he wasn’t a logophile, and there was nothing really for him to say. He simply awaited the rest of the pack to arrive.

(This post was last modified: Nov 10, 2015, 06:53 PM by Karpos.)

Kjors howl drew her forward, though the honeyed woman did not expect the entirety of her pack to answer his call, if only for the simple reason that it was further from their pack lands and had not been discussed prior.

She was loathe to leave the side of her mate, but Lachesis was working at bringing him to full health, and to do so, a fresh meal would certainly do him wonders. Her pace was brisk, her green eyes drifting across the Lowlands as she felt a pang of nervousness to how this would play out – the pack seemed wary still of Kjors, despite his efforts, and she could only hope they would aide him in what would be the best for the oncoming winter.

Had it been planned prior, Kisla would have issued her youngest daughters the orders to make an appearance, given they were at an age they should have been acquiring a hunting skill set. But there was no time, and as she came upon the River wolves, her eyes would soften as she glanced to each of the ones who had shown – Kjors, Orren and Karpos. Pulling forward, the she-wolf would maintain her dominance in natural grace as she placed a gentle nudge to her son’s cheek, smiling at his eagerness. She spoke nothing for now – waiting to see if more would come before they allowed Kjors to offer his plan to them.

sparking up my heart

Since her father had gotten hurt Inna’s worry for his health had grown causing her to stay closer to the den in case anything happened however the sound of Kjors howl brought a need to find out what he wanted out in her. For a long moment she stood at the edge of the clearing torn between going to where Kjors was and staying near her father but finally her curiosity did win out. She ran through the lands of her pack as fast as her legs would carry her till she finally reached the place that she had been seeking and was a little surprised to see her mother there.

Inna hoped that she wouldn’t get into any trouble for being this far from the den as she made her way over to take her place next to her mother. She was also was happy to see her brother Orren there too. It wasn’t apparent to Inna right away what they were all doing there but after a few moments she thought she knew and was excited to have the opportunity to be there with the adults and maybe learn something too.

(This post was last modified: Nov 14, 2015, 08:30 PM by Inna.)

Please see Kajika's OOC profile for OOC preferences, thank you.

 

When a summoning howl had roused her from exploration of the territory, Mojave had been a bit reluctant to answer it.  The caller she did not recognize but given her minute tenure thus far, she couldn't have claimed to know much about anything that was going on.  But the meaning was clear in who it was for and what they were about to partake in -- a hunt.  That premise alone was enough to spur her forward because of that potential for actual good, fresh food.  Perhaps her days of trying and failing on her own were well behind her, and perhaps she would not have to resort to scavenging.


The venture to the source took its toll on her though, as the excitement wore off swiftly.  She spied out the amassing wolves of the River and found initially, she did not recognize them.  But Kisla emerged from cover to approach another and that gave her reason enough to push forward towards them.  There would be at least one she knew there and given the kindness she had experienced in the days prior of her acceptance, Mojave knew she had stumbled across the right group.

Her steps slowed as she came to loiter on the fringes of the gathering.  Her own body hovered in a slouch of uncertainty, trying hard to maintain the natural order and respect she needed.  Her eyes scanned over unfamiliar faces in acknowledgment but she didn't linger long enough to see if their own gazes would receive her well.  Still, her tail waved at her hocks and her reasoning was clear -- she wanted to help and hunt too.

There are several fresh rabbit tracks in the mud. Hunt Opportunity

What a curious gathering, Kjors thought to himself as several of his packmates appeared from the would. That the youngest prince was first to arrive did not surprise him in the least – the ruddy yearling was an aspiring hunter, after all, and the pair had successes taking down prey together previously. @Orren was greet with a short nod, ears flicking forward in what the dragon could only hope was a pleasant greeting before the interim leader joined them. The swarthy youth was met with a curious look, the older wolf not moving from his position. He had called the hunt, after all, and he expected to lead it, but for a moment found himself wondering if @Karpos was going to challenge him for that right. That thought was followed by a brief self inventory – if the younger male forced a fight, at least he would be much better prepared this time.

But the Slayer said nothing, and his silent greeting was returned before the Queen of the river wolves joined them. To her, the dragon offered the only open display, bobbing his head down as his tail wiggled twice behind him. @Kisla and her kin – they were the reason he’d called the hunt in the first place. That her eldest daughter did not join them surprised him little. @Karina detested the hunt and everything that went with it. Her absence was noted, but little else, though her younger sister was greeted with an amused smile. It was good to see @Inna out and about, she was plenty old enough to learn how a pack functioned on a hunt.

Finally, they were joined by a yearling he did not recognize. He’d hoped @Davin would have heeded his call – clearly he’d have to have a word with the young recruit later. For now, he simply acknowledged her presence with a brief “‘lo.” When no others came, he decided this was likely it – but three capable adults and two yearlings should be plenty to take a caribou. Motioning them closer, he lowered his voice.

“‘ppreciate th’ turn out,” he rumbled, single eye flicking around to each member of the hunting party. “Been some caribou nearby lately – fresh snow’s gotta ‘em movin’ and fresh tracks not an hour old. Y’can see there’s one draggin’ a leg. Think that’s th’ one we want. They’re o’er th’ hill yonder – so if two flush ‘em out, th’ other three can ambush th’ critter once he comes over th’ hill, aye?” he explained, glancing around the group for comprehension. It was painfully obvious that he was one of the smaller wolves, and certainly the smallest male. (Even at his age, Orren was taller and heavier than the dark brown wolf.) Speed was his strength, he knew, and pride could not insist he try to make a killing blow when he was better off herding the animal.

“Ah can chase it. This one, too?” He gave @Mojave a curious look, not knowing the newcomer’s name. “An’ Kisla, Orren, an’ Karpos can ambush once it crests. ‘less someone dun agree?”

The person that you’d take a bullet for is behind the trigger

Shortly behind the man, the queen made an appearance, nudging her son’s cheek before turning her attention to the dragon a swell. Karpos had no intention of trying to take this hunt away – it was not his strong suit nor did he have any interest in a dominance display, partly because hunting was not his forte. Inna arrived next, followed by a stranger, a member of the pack that he had yet to meet. After her arrival, however, no one made an appearance. He presumed that his family – his uncle and aunt – were off doing their respective jobs. Lachesis had the big job of getting Maksim recovered so he could reclaim his throne whilst his aunt was a scout, for which he could assume she was off territory.

Kjors started to speak, seeming to get the same idea as Karpos carefully listened to his plan. Karp was to be part of the take down, something he agreed with given his general size and the fact he was more of a fighter to begin with, chasing never really being his thing unless it was chasing wolves away from their lands, something which he did not get to do often. He simply offered a curt nod, understanding and agreeing with his role in the hunt. He could smell the caribou from a distance.

if there is a posting order to this and i just mucked it up, pls no kill <3

What few minutes filtered by with her out on the edge were swiftly carried into the plan of a hunt.  When it hit that point, Mojave drew in closer to the group instinctively to listen, keen on making sure that she was there to participate.  Somewhere in her passing she couldn't help but peer curiously to Kisla, a faint smile gracing her face before focusing in on the wolf who had drawn them all there.

Careful not to let her gaze linger for long, she listened in as he spoke.  The drawl of his words carried something familiar to her, though she couldn't place it.  It was understandable enough, just like the plan that was laid out for them.  Her gaze followed the tracks to the hill where they disappeared and stayed there, imagining the herd all on her own.  But the moment of youthful fantasy was cast aside -- the direction of his voice had turned toward her.  The question had almost slid past her, if that's what she thought it was.

"Uh," she started, stopping just as soon as the word left her mouth.  That wouldn't do.  "I mean, yeah, sure.  I can do that," sounded a lot better.  In lieu of what she considered her social faux pas of the day, she gave a smile.  Right.  Chasing caribou sounded easy enough.  Directing them, well, that would definitely be another story.  Either way, it would more than likely be a matter of time before they either had some fresh warm game in their bellies or would all be chasing them.  Right?