Red Fern Forest I'll be knocking on your door

Axira

i'm gonna give all my secrets away...

There you go! @Quin

It was already the time of the falling sun. Who would have thought a day would go by so fast when you met another of your kind. Honestly her time with other wolves came with sporadic spurts. Sometimes she had periods of highly populated areas, where the smell of her own was almost sickening her. Especially after her more solitude moments in life. Ever since her pack had banned her from the grounds Axira had found it rather freeing to roam free over the lands, owned by nobody but the creatures beneath her. True enough she sometimes missed the company of her sisters and brothers, despite their annoying and illogical nature. It was comfort, the high energy they carried and the simple element of family that made her feel at ease when she was just a cub. Even if they hated her guts and probably looked back at their memories with remembered annoyance, Axira couldn't help but wonder sometimes if her family actually missed her. Of course they didn't, not truly. Just like she didn't truly miss her family, she missed the time of easier life times and the moments of carefree ignorance. But the stupid and the ignorant always had the best of this world.

She halted at a little puddle. Created by the rain that had only fallen hours ago, it had freshened her dust fur and had awakened her from a midday nap. But now it would lessen her thirst as she continued to travel through this land of blood and red. It surprised her how far stretched this forest truly was. From the Sierra Hills she had seen the red spot from miles away, glowing proud in the moonlight. But now she was truly among the red ferns, glistering with rain drops she was absorbed by their nature. The scenery had long stopped to amaze her after the first day of transit. Now she could only wonder when was the next time she would meet another wolf, with the scents of old and new wolves combined she deemed it inevitable to meet another strange just like she had the day before.

Her tongue lapped up and her mouth was entertained with the taste of mud and earth. It was the simple things of constant that made the red lines in her life ever since she left for her own. She had made the earth her home like a true rogue. Mother Nature hated her guts, she had seen it happen with all the hurdled she threw at her. But with all the tough love she was taught to survive on her own. Even to this day she sometimes felt amazed by her own survival. She had been quite a stupid runt if she had to judge her own actions. Not like much changed, truly, she still was far from her own ideal. Her world still a farfetched dream like the stars that mocked her on a clear night sky.

She could hear the trampling of hooves. Multiple deer or other wild prey were on the move. Her ears perked up at the sound. They weren't exactly fitting prey for someone like her. She was, after all, alone and she wasn't arrogant enough to think she could singlehandedly bring down a deer. But they had run from something and it didn't seem to be anything like a bear. Those beasts were not born with the act of subtlety. Axira slowly moved her head up and started to walk towards the running deer. Or at least that general direction. Who knows she could find something more interesting than those ferns that had started to become more of an eyesore than anything else.

(This post was last modified: Jun 20, 2016, 04:11 PM by Axira.)

Hunger pangs plagued him desperately. Had for... quite a while now. It'd taken him a while for him to notice, distracted as he had been with events earlier in the day. It had been a surprise when he finally realized, after all that, hunger still existed. Well, of course it did, but... It just seemed odd, that something so ordinary could still exist after extraordinary events occurred. But the world went on. And the world cared not what came your way, its only true interest being in continuing. That was how it always would be. Quin acknowledge that. And so, it was perhaps not as much of a surprise as it first seemed.

The last time he had a decent meal... When was it? A couple of days, he thought back as he wandered forwards in the vivid forest. A rather large rabbit. Probably why it'd been so slow. He'd taken it down quite easily. But still, as meals go, barely enough. Between then and now, truly tiny things. A mouse, a couple of birds, and some other inconsequential creatures. When was the last time he'd had some truly satisfying prey?

It came to him, and then he wished it hadn't. A couple of months ago. The attempt he had made to be a pack wolf. The attempt that had failed. He winced in remembrance. And then he sighed. Today, he was doing a lot of remembering. How odd. Maybe thinking of memories triggered more memories, like an avalanche of memories? ...What a bizarre thought. An avalanche of memories. Ridiculous. Completely nonsensical. He would be infected by foolishness if he continued that train of thought. Best to leave it behind.

What he should be thinking about, was food. And finding it. That was what was important now. Not some silliness created by happenings earlier in the day. He breathed in the scents of the air, and then promptly wrinkled his nose at the assault to his sense of smell.

Earthy, plant-y smells were everywhere. And also the thriving scent of life. Everywhere, the scent of life. Quin breathed in again, this time more cautiously. And this time, he tried to pinpoint exact smells.

There were... the scent of seeds, dust, clouds, and faraway places... Birds. Lots of them. But not what he was looking for, at all. Bird scents were not the kind of thing any wolf should look to follow, as more often or not they'd be gone before you reached them. Especially as now it was practically night for all intents and purposes. No bird would be out for much longer. ...But also, there was another scent... dirt and life and covered in the scent of the plants... Rabbits. Not worth the chase, not right now. And yet again, and creature that would likely not be out at such late hours.

And then a third smell reached his nose. Faint... but... his mouth watered. Subconsciously, he knew what this was, even if he could name it at first. It too had the scent of dirt. But not from burrows, just of walking and walking. And dust. Plants too, though it seemed to Quin to be more from eating plants then in hiding in them. And then the scent of faraway places. At last, recognition. Deer.

What he would do for a deer... But catching a deer, alone? Foolishness. He had done it before, yes. But only already injured deer, having prior to his encounter with them having  encountered a predator and escaped, but injured. Those were rare to come by. But surely... surely it was worth investigating anyway. After all, what if there was one he could take down? It might be rare, but it was still possible!

Slowly, cautiously, he followed the scent trail, recent enough to still be there after the rain, and moved forward. Soon, he could see them, though he remained close to the ground as he moved closer, assessing them carefully. There were... no injuries. Disappointing. He raised himself from the ground, uncaring of the herd's reaction. And, as soon as he did, they noticed him and took off in a fright.

Oh well. He took in the scents from the air again, and a new one was there now. A wolf. Quin grimaced. He'd had enough of wolf encounters for the day, really. He moved to go in the opposite direction, best to avoid this wolf. Perhaps wherever he ended up would have more prey there. But then... hm. An idea occurred to the lone wolf. Perhaps... perhaps. Alone, deer were impossibility, but...

He breathed in the air again. One wolf scent. Only one. Not a pack. Perfect.

Quin moved closer. He did not try sneaking, he couldn't imagine another wolf reacting well to him sneaking up on them. Or well, another wolf reacting well to his request at all. But more lone wolves than him were hungry, and he couldn't imagine one turning down the offer of food so easily either. Soon the wolf was in sight, a she-wolf. Medium size. Would probably be able to help. He kept his posture easy-going. Not submissive, no. Never. But not threateningly dominant, either. "You." He called out, as he neared her. "She-wolf," He clarified, just in case she didn't feel he was specific enough.

"I would... appreciate your help. The deer... have you smelled them yet? In any case, in a mutually beneficial agreement, your help in tracking them down and then taking them down would be... helpful." He awkwardly informed her.

He paused and assessed her. Would she be willing? Tension lined his body, wary of a negative response. Maybe he should say something more? It would not do it be misunderstood. "We would share the kill, if successful." Quin added, in case she didn't realize. The lone wolf then fell quite quiet, waiting to see what would reaction his offer would result in.

Axira

i'm gonna give all my secrets away...

There you go! @Quin

Honestly she had been prepared to travel on, find something better to do when she smelled the scent of a stranger following her. She rolled her eyes and stopped with walking. It wouldn't do to walk away, most of the times those kind of wolves would just continue to follow her trail until she stopped and heard them out. It better be something good, without wasting her time. She seriously couldn't do with someone who only whined her ears off. Alright, alright, now don't be mean, it might come with something interesting. She doubted it but she could try and be a positive thinker. Just like she tried to be obedient and a good daughter but not everything would work out the way you wanted.

Her body tall and proud she held her tail in a natural stance. Oh, so it was a male. He looked old, older than her at least. She sniffed his scent until she got used to his musk in the air. It was not unpleasant, other wolves hardly ever smelled unpleasant like other animals. But it didn't mean it triggered her senses in ways it hadn't when she was still in a pack. It was the tricky thing between Rogues, some would actually want something good but others were either psycho's, madmen or sometimes even crazy wolves. There was a reason that they didn't belong to a pack. Of course she was not part of that crazy circle of banned wolves. She was just a trouble maker. Which didn't make her judgement of the stranger any better. On her own she made enough trouble, let alone if she met a partner in crime. She snorted as she imagined two Axira's. The world would not be ready for that kind of catastrophic.

She slowly turned around as she heard him call out. In a rather disgusting manner if she had to say so. It was almost rude in her ears, but she had decided to play nice for once. The sight of the stranger was fortunately more pleasing than his speech. The male wore warm browns like the world in autumn. It was a pleasant look to see and even though his natural posture was rather boring in her eyes. Her head tilted a bit up, it wouldn't do if he looked down at her. She refused to look submissive because of her size. Her eyes bore a disinterested look as she heard his proposal. Hmm, so he was not stupid enough to try and catch a deer on his own. Well, at that age she would be surprised if such stupidity was still allowed by Mother Nature. No, such stupidity was always punished with a death with equal foolishness.

Her eyes looked up and down, well he did have the size to be of use. A free meal would never go unwanted in her forever hungry stomach. It was a long time since she had fresh decent meat that was bigger than the size of her head. So maybe she should do it. The prospect to work with the stranger, how wrong it could go simply because they weren't coordinated and used to each other's body language, was a horrible thought. But there was a small change they would actually succeed in their act of hunting. How low the odds might be, maybe it was worth a try.

''Naturally, I smelled them, although I could hear them run away. I assume it was you, who scared them off. Tell me, was there anything worth hunting? It wouldn't do to waste my time -or energy- on a hunt that was doomed to fail.'' She answered monotone, honestly his awkwardness was equally annoying as it was amusing. Certainly he would be more competent in hunting, otherwise it was a true mystery how this male survived this long without a pack. She looked around, she didn't sense any other possible ''team member'' who they could trick in joining. She always thought big prey was best hunted with a big party. Less energy wasted and more chance of being victorious. Nobody. Such a pity. 'Well obviously we would share the victory. I don't do favors.'' She mentioned casually as she nodded and turned back to the direction of the herd. ''I guess it's worth a try, you seem competent. What is your name, Stranger. You can call me Axira, or maybe Luene. Whatever fits your preference, but know I won't react to something so barbaric as ''she-wolf.'' She snorted with a chuckle and swished her tail. Relaxed and confident she smelled the air. The herd hadn't moved much further, it was good the stranger hadn't gone for the chase. They only had to travel a bit back and probably discuss some tactics about their hunt. She refused to leave without a good piece of bloody meat between her jaws. Now that he had planted the idea in her mind she was hungry for something big. Something pulsing and throbbing between her jaws. Something to shriek in pain and the eyes dulled by death. A little grin spread around her muzzle. ''This day might actually be worth to remember.''

(This post was last modified: Jun 20, 2016, 06:31 PM by Axira.)

A young deer has been separated from the rest of its herd. Hunt Opportunity

Quin watched her assess him, and tried to hid a wince. He could only hope he didn't look as starved as he felt. It wouldn't inspire much confidence in his skills if he looked half-dead. If he wanted to gain a hunting partner, he needed to look competent. He shifted awkwardly as the staring continued. Maybe he looked ridiculous. He hoped not. He certainly didn't think so, but... he hadn't seen his reflection in ages, and the the wolf he had encountered earlier seemed to be far from the realms of the sane. That wolf probably wouldn't have noticed anything weird with him if he stood on his front paws and just walked around like that all day.

Look confident, look confident. Usually it wasn't necessary to force confidence, he just was. Today just happened to be an off day, he supposed. He'd been ended up quite out of his comfort zone as the day went on. In any case, the she-wolf.

She seemed... confident. Her posture did at any rate. That bode well. Or poorly. It all depended on whether or not overconfidence came into play. Size wise she was a fair bit smaller than him, though she wasn't a small wolf. She certainly wasn't a wolf to be scared by his size, judging by her staring him down. And then she spoke, and he knew for sure that she wasn't scared of him. This time he couldn't hide his wince, and it was distinctly visible.

Yet another in the line of wolves that thought he'd been talking down to them. Quin considered that thought process... well. Well. Certainly, it was true often enough. But still, it seemed that even unintentionally he would be interpreted that way. The question of prey he considered answering immediately, before deeming it best not to interrupt the she-wolf. It likely wouldn't help him if he did. Hmm, at the very least, the she wolf didn't think him incompetent. His worries had been unfounded.

...Axira, that is. Not she-wolf. Quin supposed that must have been the comment that earned her ire, as well as her sharp wit. Oh well. In any case, despite her offense, it was true. He would've likely addressed any other wolf in about the same manner. Barbaric, huh. Interesting. A very sharp wit, indeed. Not a bad quality to have at all. And that last statement and expression... interesting. Truly interested. It seemed like she was done speaking, so time to reply to her questions, he supposed.

"There was, as you put it, something worth hunting. A great many somethings worth hunting, actually. Considering the time of year, there are a great many fawns. So, therefore there are many young dear not used to the chase of predators yet." Quin explained easily, falling back into his comfort zone. This was his forte, his strength. This is what he knew how to do, what he knew how to do like breathing. Briefly he considered responding to her comment about wasting time, but swiftly he dismissed that impulse. Antagonizing a teammate did wonders towards poor quality, as he understood from past interactions with wolves. Instead he continued along the same train of thought.

"It was I who startled them earlier, though that may prove to our benefit, considering. There are, after all, many foolish fawns out. Perhaps some have become separated when the herd was startled. Even a fawn would make for a fine meal for two, I believe."

What else, what else... Of course. His name.

"Ah, and as for what you may call me, I am Quin Vance. Either will do fine. I care not." Quin paused his stilted way of speaking, considering. He really shouldn't... but. A smirk lit upon his features, and a challenging look came into his eyes. "Of course, if neither appeals to you, feel free to refer to me as 'he-wolf'. It'd be rather silly to take offense at something that is true, yes?" He gave her an amused glance, his tail wagging playfully as he retorted at her. However, reality quickly reasserted itself in the form of hunger pangs gnawing at him desperately.

Seriousness befell his features, and he breathed in the air. Close, but... "Whilst the herd has now moved to a location near, I think it would be best if we went to their original location. If we are searching for ones that have split off from the herd, that would be the best place to start."

Without waiting for agreement to his plan, already having reached the conclusion that this plan of action would be the best, he set off towards where he knew they had been before, certain of the fact that she would follow.

Axira

i'm gonna give all my secrets away...

There you go! @Quin

Truly she wasn't too sure what to think of this male. Somewhere his way of talking and his posture, it all felt like an act. The one didn't add up with the other, his posture seemed somewhat confident, not by any means the steady solid existence like he belonged right then and there but confident enough she supposed, and then he opened his mouth and everything seemed to fall apart. Fortunately she didn't have to rely on his speech during the hunt. She preferred to keep silent during the actual act of hunting.

Oh, look there, so the male was just one awkward fellow. Once he started to report he actually looked more confident. More at ease, like this was something he had done many times before. He knew this base, he knew how to work with this. A scout? Maybe advisor at some point. She deducted as her eyes had latched on his side for a while ever since he had decided that his plan was the right one and it didn't need any more discussion. Which slightly annoyed her but she just stayed two steps behind him. It gave her more time to think, time to observe. It was quite ballsy that he had tried to joke with her. She silently snorted behind his back. Once he had made that terrible joke about the ''he-wolf'' she had rolled her eyes with a scoff. Although she hadn't been able to hide her faint amusement. Only so many dared to crack such terrible jokes without falling through the ground in their own embarrassment. Quin Vance, a name that might be remembered if he didn't fail during their first hunt.

She slowly followed him to the original place, it smelled like the herd, earthy, alive and the ground was stamped by the panicked herd. Her eyes darted through the area as she let the senses overrule her own thoughts. ''It seems that you were right.'' She said to break the silence as she smelled several smells of the herd itself, but only one had took a different direction than the others. Idiotic runt. She walked passed him, her tail swatted against his muzzle. Axira looked over her shoulder with one amused grin. ''I'll do the chase, the fawn won't outrun me. You wait and use that body of yours to force it down.'' And just to flip his previous action right back in his face she wandered off to find the fawn that would soon be laying on the ground, dyeing the ground red as the ferns it would lay between.

As she lowered herself between the ferns, she soon found the first tracks of the fawn. Apparently it had stopped after a few meters of sprint. Young, ignorant and simply stupid it had been distracted by leaves in its reach. This couldn't go wrong, well it could but she was confident in her chasing ability. Her body had honed the art of stamina. She had run more miles than most. And honestly, Vance had looked hungry. It was the look in his eyes, the silent switch of playful to serious once he had continued his report. That big body of his needed resources, unlike her he would had to eat quite some portions to fill his body with new energy. Rabbits would hardly do for that guy. It wasn't the first time she thanked her mother for her genetics.

Once in the right position she slowly entered the stage. Showing off her teeth she growled and started to bring the fawn to a panick. She taunted the thing until the eyes showed the delicious white and it started to turn around and run. Perfect. Run little runt, run to your death. She howled in laughter, it made the young think stagger and run faster. Axira soon followed hot on its heels, snapping and growling at its hind legs. She was sure to make quite some dramatics as she did so. Vance should have heard her actions from miles away. Her heart beat the rushing blood through her veins. Her howls and growls of fierce excitement bringing more life to the forest than it had before she had stepped one paw on its ground.

(( OOC: If we want to claim life points over a hunt, we'll need to have at least eight posts focused around the hunting aspect, planning/tracking, etcetera, so I I am going to try and lengthen the hunt, I hope you don't mind? Out of eight, I think this post would be maybe five? If we're counting the first post where Quin asks Axira to hunt with him. If not then, this makes four. Ah, also, the speed thing I mentioned in this post when Quin can run as fast as her was done by comparing their speed stats. Axira has 60, Quin has 80))

He had almost been anticipating some remark of some kind at his easy confidence in his plan of actions. Bit disappointing really, not to receive any. At the very least, he'd gotten a nice eye-roll at his 'he-wolf' comment. That boded well. Perhaps if they met again after this, he'd see her wit yet again. Being the victim of this one's wit was a pleasant experience. At the very least, not something he had dealt with recently. It was always nice to meet a wolf with a brain. An uncommon amount of them lacked those things called brains, and dealing with those wolves never made for any fun at all.

As they reached the former area of the herd, he sniffed the air, and considered the scents. One right there had gone in a bit of a different direction, he noted. That would probably be the one. And it seemed she noticed it too. Quin let out a hmm in acknowledgment of her plan. It would do. He certainly wasn't particularly fast for a wolf, though for one of his size he was comparatively fast. Faster than some medium sized wolves, occasionally. Though, she had successfully pinned down strength as his forte. Not much of a surprise, that. Most noticed that. Quin was about to add a few more details to their plan, it wouldn't do any good to just charge ahead without thought.

...Of course, it seemed she didn't realize that, and thought it best to go charging off. Right away, just racing off after it. Of all the foolish... Perhaps he had overestimated her intelligence, after all.

Hurriedly he took off after her, not wanting to lose her. He quickly caught up to her about to begin the chase. Quin went to speak, but too late. She was already after it. ...That sound! She would attract the whole forest to her like that! This wasn't a game, and he had thought this... this... she-wolf to not be a cub! He ran swiftly, racing after her, and winced further as he noticed the direction she was thoughtlessly chasing it in. It seemed she was just chasing it where it ran, and it was currently running in the direction it felt would guarantee safety. The herd. If it got there, they'd lose it!

Quinn forced himself onward, right into her path. "Cease this immediately," He viciously growled out, his teeth bared in a snarl. "Unless, of course, you wish to lose a good meal due to your own idiocy?" He glanced away from her briefly, towards the fawn which had began to slow once it no longer felt the adrenaline of being hunted. Foolish creature. They'd kill it with ease. But first, to deal with the other foolish creature. "What were you thinking?!"

His eyes narrowed, and growl of disgust escaped him. "Nothing, I assume." He assessed her, considering. An aggravated sigh escaped him, almost another growl. "I had thought you more than a cub, but you sure do act as one. A little cub, chasing the prey it finds outside the birthing down. Well. You know what? Cubs hunts are rarely successful, and I suggest you think a bit more and remember that a meal is on the line. This isn't all fun and games." He spat out venomously.

Another sigh escaped him. His tail lowered slightly, though his posture remained highly dominant and challenging. "Whatever. I asked, and I will follow through with what I asked. First of all, listen. We are to remain, for the most part, quiet while on this hunt. In case you forget, there are more wolves around here than just me, and I am not interested in having this fawn stolen from us after we catch it. In addition, we are hunting together, in case you forget. So, I expect you to work with me. Understand?" Quinn tried to explain as level-headed as he could, but irritation and hunger interrupted that. Nevertheless, he tried it best.

"I hope you do." He sighed out, again. He relaxed a bit further, and then went back to the immediate hunt at hand. "Now, I think your plan sounded decent before, though it does need a bit more details. The fawn was moving back towards its herd, towards its safety, and if it succeeded, that would've spelt the end of our hunt. As it is, I think I should be able to chase it off of that direction easily enough. You can continue chasing it as you were before, if perhaps a bit quieter, and then we'll take it down. Agreed?"

((OOC: Sorry for the late and short reply. The next one will be lengthier!))

She scoffed at the male, Quin was it not? Annoyed by his overly dramatic actions she rolled her eyes. Apparently this guy did not know the fun of hunting when you had the obvious advantage. She knew she had the stamina to keep running for an hour or more whatever it took. He only had to ambush the foolish thing but apparently the other did not agree in her thinking. Of course, what should she expect from a stranger. She snorted but ushered herself to give the male more patience, if only to eat of that delicious meat that was calling her name. Her teeth itched, no craved that running heart. She wanted to feel it between her jaws and squish it real good. To drink the red juice that would relieve her for intent of killing something. She put on a smile and simply nodded at Quin's ranting words. Although she had long zoned out. ''If that pleases you, I wouldn't dare to take that satisfaction from you.'' She said almost sweet, before she overly calm and quiet started to go after her prey. She hopped over a branch and went back on the trial. The fawn had not wandered too far off. Apparently the heart attack of a few minutes ago hadn't done anything against the ignorant side of this animal. She snorted as she started to stalk.