Antler Ring Synergy

I'll be posting Gale next (please bear with me, it might not be til tomorrow)

“Let tomorrow have its way, with the promises we made” They stalked through the low grass in a loose group, pups safely left behind at the Antler Ring. Up ahead, one of the herds of brown, blurry shapes was getting closer. With a hunting party of their size, going for a caribou or elk would be a waste, and so, they had gravitated towards larger prey. A small herd of muskoxen were grassing upwind, still blissfully unaware of the approaching danger. Drestig paused, hunching down among the cribbled shrubbery, eyes drifting from the beasts to the wolves around him. It was a diverse group, but most of them had been around for a good number of years and were sure to know how to handle themselves. Smiling confidently, he looked over at Lachesis, nodding at his words; “Good. You lead them on the right flank.” Looking to the other side, he pointed his muzzle at each individual as he spoke: “Neko, Aleksei, you’re with me on the left. The rest drive from the back!” He looked around at Laike and Adelayde, who were already at the rear, knowing their bigger size made them ideal for this position. Then the attention was turned back to the herd, ears perked and nostrils quivering as he sought their ranks for a suitable target. “There, to the right, see that yearling gone astray?” He asked the other leader out the corner of his mouth, eyes never leaving their prey. The young male had wandered away from the herd in his hunt for the sweetest treats among the stubby grass; His mistake! Now he would be their dinner. “Everybody ready?” The grayed man asked with a decisive tail-wag, looking around again to make sure that everyone was focussed on the target. Then, once the answer had sounded: “Go!” Almost like an explosion, the hunters burst forwards in a blur of movement, sprinting towards the stray ox. Drestig could feel every fiber in his body flexing, the wind sweeping back his fur and filling his nostrils with the scent of prey. Up ahead the herd was noticing the danger, calling out in deep, anxious voices and shuffling among each other. This was the most important part, they had to get in between their target and the rest of the herd, before he had time to close the gap. The dark man pushed harder, feeling the mixed exhilaration and stress that came with every hunt. The oxen were running now, hooves thundering in his ears. One cow continued to bellow desperately, calling out for her son, but it was too late, the wolves had reached their target. Jaws snapping, he herded the young bull away from the safety of his family, pushing him to keep running in the opposite direction. Then it was time to play the long game. With an occasional snap, keeping pace on three sides of the beast, the wolves would push it to run until heat and exhaustion stopped it. This was what a pack could do, using their superior stamina to chase larger prey to the brink of collapse; Then we strike! Drestig smiled to himself, growling in fierce elation, despite the strain of the run. Tongue slipping out one side of his mouth, he gasped audibly, pushing further to keep his sprint level with the bull’s flank. This was hunting, no matter how old he got, this was what it meant to be a wolf. He would have howled in excitement, had he had the air, now instead he stuck to snarling again, snapping at the ox’s side. He was a feisty one, bucking and veering as they went, making them fight to keep up. Drestig jumped aside, almost as nimbly as in his younger days, lowering his head and falling back a little to avoid the small, but still deadly horns. One leap, then another. He gasped. Then, as his front paw connected yet again with the frost-hard earth, a stab of pain went up the stiff leg. He staggered, unconcentrated for just a moment, and the bull kicked. A horrible, crunching sound filled his ears as the hoof connected with his shoulder, the blow reverberating throughout his entire body, quickly followed by blinding pain. With a loud cry, the Rye king collapsed in a heap, all of his mind consumed by the dark, burning pain in his leg. He blinked desperately, trying to orientate himself, but it was no use, darkness was creeping in the edges of his vision, slowly filling his head, replacing the pain. And he let it, icy relief flooding him, as it consumed him completely. Word Count: 760 Thoughts "Speech" “skin to bone and steel to rust”

kuschelirmel-stock @DA, quaddles @DA & mjranum-stock @DA

(This post was last modified: Feb 01, 2018, 08:21 PM by Griffin.)

Slides in late with starbucks

The girl didn't contain her groan when she heard they would just be watching. She didn't walk all this damn way to watch, but she followed it with a sigh and a drop of her head as her sister nudged her, attention quickly caught as a boy approached, introducing himself before Oksana jumped in to say her name first, when he had clearly been talking to them. Her face remained neutral and Lavender spoke first, she had promised to be on her best behaviour after all and if she opened her mouth... well, she wasn't sure she could keep her promise. Finally she smiled, her mismatched eyes pinching at the corners with the force of it, "I'm Lilliana but you can call me Lil Lil," she could feel the urge rising, the twitching of her rump betraying her as she clamped her jaws shut and gave her sister a pained look. She had to bite her tongue, she couldn't do this now! She'd scare off all the prey... So she resorted to trying to hold her breath until the need had passed.

Alrighty Y'all, sorry for the delay. Third round is up - Drestig is out of commission, but the rest should still be able to take down the ox.
Tags this time to make sure you know: @Lachesis @Inna @Reid @Anastasia @Laike @Adelayde @Lilliana

They were a mixed bunch, these River pups, not unlike his own litter he supposed. A dark girl, who’d otherwise been sitting with the adults, came over and introduced herself right away, earning a surprised, yet pleased smile from the mousy boy. She looked a little younger than the two pale pups, but made up for it with a bubbling attitude that the others seemed to lack. The white girl, introducing herself as Lavender, still seemed bored with the whole thing while her sister - they had to be, keeping close like that - seemed more nervous? Twitching oddly as she gave her own name, and a nickname too. Gale wagged his tail happily, ears twitching at the curious, agouti lass; This was the first time he had met another pup with a second name, like him and his siblings. “It’s nice to meet you!” He said, ever the gentleman his mother had raised him as, looking between the three girls and beaming brightly. Behind them the adults seemed to have finished their deliberations, starting off down the hill. Griffin glanced over his shoulder briefly, watching them depart with a small crease between his brows. Like the others, he would have liked to partake in the actual chase, but he’d been told beforehand that it wasn’t to be and was intend on using the time, instead, to make new friends. They were supposed to be watching but; What good will that do? Anyway, the other pups were much more interesting than some hunt, at least Gale thought so. “Have you been hunting before? Where’s Risaela?” He’d hoped to meet the girl again today, but there was no sign of her - apparently she’d stayed home, just like his siblings; Bo-ring! How they could pass up an opportunity like this, he could not fathom, but he was sure gonna have a story to tell when he got home. Grinning at the three girls, the sparrow pup fell into a play bow, tail wagging high over his back. The hunting adults in the distance were completely forgotten as he attempted to lure the other puppies into play. Until a blood-curdling cry filled his ears. Shooting back up, head swivelling, Griffin looked out over the tundra with eyes widened in horror. He’d never heard that voice sound so anguished, yet there was no doubt who it was. “Dad!” The miniature wolves were hunting a long-haired beast across the plains, only one figure was left behind, sprawled horribly in their wake. The boy didn’t pause to think, he simply sprang into action, racing out towards the hunters, as fast as his lanky legs could handle. There was no room in his mind for the danger of the running bull, or its displaced herd still scrambling about in fright. All his fear was directed towards the crumbled figure, quickly growing bigger up ahead. Skidding to a halt, he almost stumbled over the body, bowing down to nudge his father’s cheek, but with no result. Drestig’s face was slack, his eyes closed, and his head rolled limply as his son nudged it again, a little harder; “Dad..?” Straightening back up, Gale looked towards the rest of the hunting party, shouting at the top of his lungs: “Help! @Neko, someone!” Whatever had happened to his father, the healer would know what to do right? Please..! The Rye leader lay motionless, his leg bend out at an awkward angle, his breathing ragged and horribly shallow. Griffin felt sick to his stomach, heart pounding madly as he looked down at him, tears welling up in his eyes; “Hurry..!” Word count: 599 "Speech" Thoughts "They never look to see me fly"

Ylliny @DA

(This post was last modified: Feb 06, 2018, 08:45 PM by Griffin.)

To treat a victim of an accident was one thing, but to witness the accident with her own eyes and ears was quite another, especially when the victim was her alpha. Neko stopped had stopped in her tracks and stared in disbelief as Drestig stumbled and was struck by the ox, herself paralyzed with shock.

It was Gale’s voice calling for her, calling for help, that finally brought her back to reality. She rushed over to where Drestig was laying to examine him, terrified of what she might find. She immediately noticed that the leg where he had been struck was out of place, and that his breathing was labored.

“Gale.” She tried to keep her voice soft and gentle to sound reassuring, but she was unsure herself. Her voice trembled as she spoke. “He’s hurt bad, but he’s still alive.” She fidgeted, overwhelmed with the situation and not entirely sure how to proceed. She guessed that the most improtant thing was to get his breathing under control. “Gale, can you lay down with him? Keep him warm, and… and talk to him. Let him hear your voice.” She doubted that Drestig would hear, but she figured it couldn’t hurt to try, and if nothing else, it might help Gale to relax.

Next, she examined Drestig’s leg where the ox had struck him. If the humerus was broken, she should be able to mend it, but it would take time to heal. If the joint was out of socket, she should be able to re-seat it, but it would still take time to fully heal. She had seen her mother do both when she was a pup. If the joint itself was broken, she wasn’t sure what she would need to do, or if she would be able to help at all, and Lachesis was probably on the other side of the herd and unaware of the situation. She sniffed at and carefully prodded Drestig’s leg, feeling for swollen tissue and bones out of place.

Anastasia had never been very good at crowds as large as this was, but she was good at doing what she was told to do. Hunting was pretty easy, it came naturally for her, so she had no issue following the orders of a near-stranger. At least with the presence of Lachesis and the pack mates she didn't really know, she felt a little easier knowing that they likely had her back if something went wrong. Seeing as she was too timid to argue her preferred position, she moved as she was suggested and became with the union of the rest in the back. That was fine, though, as she was fine going where directed.

With great energy they surged forward and began the vicious cycle. Legs poundin against the earth as they moved and directed to bucked creatures back and forth, left and right, until their energy seemed to begin to wane and yet they kicked hard. Hard enough to send one of the males down to the ground and it left Anastasia in a flurry of confusion. She didn't know whether to continue her chase and herd or to draw back and assist them, to pick the male up and get him to safety. So for now she continued moving forward with what was left of the hunting party but listened to whether or not they needed an extra hand in the pit.

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OOC: Anyone can PP Reid to help wrap this up.

As he had sat waiting he had heard his name mentioned and his ears perked curiously as he looked to the leaders. They seemed to be talking plans and the red man was content to simply wait and see where they wanted him. It wasn't until the actual hun began did he know where he was, at the right side. Once everything was in motion it was simple to stay at their prey's side snapping his jaws to keep it running while ducking any blows directed towards him. Reid also made sure that he stayed out of the way of the others. He wouldn't want to trip. Even as he thought it a crack filled the air and then a thud. A quick glance was all it took for him to confirm that a wolf was down but he didn't stray from his spot. The hunt was still on and the cries of others told him that there was someone who had gone to the fallen wolf's side.

The creature bucked again as if to kick another and Reid slipped in to snap at the legs that bore its weight, hopefully, the maneuver would bring the tired creature to the ground making it easy for the others to finish off. He slipped away just as quick though to make sure that should it fall it didn't fall on him. One hurt wolf was enough they didn't need two.

I'm terrible sorry for late response!

The hunt was on once it seemed everyone that was going to join was ready, her mismatched eyes flickering over to @Laike as he invited her to follow, which she did so with pleasure. Giving him a nudge and a quick kiss upon his cheek, the newlyweds took up the rear of the pack to drive the herd as the other two groups flanked the oxen on either side. It had been too long since the last time she had been included in a large hunt like this, but she was grateful the two packs could finally combine and take down prey for both of them.

As the pack rushed forward, her mismatched eyes flickering to both groups, making sure everything was going smoothly. Seafoam eyes look over towards the group Drestig led just as the unfortunate accident happened. Adelayde watched as the young bull struck out at Drestig as he staggered and quickly fell to the ground, a loud grasp falling from her mouth as she veered from her current task. Picking up speed, the Rye beta raced towards her alpha's side as Neko and Griffin stood around him.

Out of breath, Adelayde struggled to find words, her eyes wide as she took in Drestig's untenable upon the ground. "What do you need me to do, Neko?" She said finally, her eyes growing soft as she looked over to Griffin huddled close to his father. Adelayde looked back to see if Laike had followed her or kept with the hunt.

(This post was last modified: Feb 19, 2018, 06:42 PM by Adelayde.)

ooc player preferences

He nodded at the Drestig’s commands and did not question them. The older male knew what he was doing; Lachesis (and his pack) were just along for the ride. Once he pointed out the yearling the ghost did not hesitant to launch his attack from the right. He curved around with Reid and Inna close behind, leaving Anastasia to accompany Laike and Adelayde in the rear. She was just as quick on her toes as the rest of them but the ghost knew her strength would be needed where she was placed. If this was a Hearthwood hunt the arrangements would be different, but for now the Stark would comply to meet the other pack’s needs.

But something wasn’t right. As Drestig moved from the left to strike a loud CRUNCH! filled the air, nearly causing the ghost’s steps to falter. But they couldn’t stop now—not when the bull was in their sight, just begging to be taken down. Keep moving! He urged through gritted teeth, his chartreuse gaze only falling to the fallen Fields alpha for a brief moment. A small ebony wolf was at the older male’s side; their healer. He would be in good paws, Lachesis knew that. Right now they had to focus on the hunt. Inna, join Aleksei on the left! He commanded; right now he did not care about family squabbles, they had an ox to bring down. He lunged forward, his teeth searching for the warm flesh of the creature’s throat as he attempted to drag the bucking youth to the ground. However, he had to release the ox in order to dodge a flailing hoof. A snarl ripped through his teeth as he lunged forward once more, this time his teeth seeking out the leg that had threatened to make contact. Once his teeth sunk into the creature’s warm flesh he yanked and pulled, attempting to bend the ox’s leg into an unnatural position.

stick with those who stick with you

She rolled her eyes at her sister's introduction but did not comment on it verbally. Her sister was a bit of a weirdo and Lavender was slowly beginning to realize that there was nothing she could do to change it. Unfortunately.

There was too much going on for the girl to focus. The children were all huddled around, observing the hunt from afar, when an unnatural sound filled the air. She flinched, her chartreuse gaze searching around desperately for her father’s pale shape. The agouti boy—Gale—sprinted across the tundra without hesitation, leaving the girl only more confused. Something was wrong… terribly wrong… but the others kept hunting. A low whine escaped her as she glanced over at her sister, unsure of what they were supposed to do. She didn’t know anything about healing or hunting; how was she supposed to help? Lavender couldn’t handle doing nothing, but there was nothing for her to do. Except wait. Wait for the hunt to be over. Wait for a diagnosis from the Wild Rye healer. Wait for something else to happen. She just hoped nobody else would get hurt in the meantime. 

short post from me, sorry!

The hunt was beginning and Inna once she was sure Oksana was safe from any danger that could occur stayed by Lachesis. They moved toward their target and she was soon given the order to join Aleksei. For this hunt she would put aside her differences for the pack and for Lachesis. She didn't want to cause him to look bad by starting an argument with her brother. Besides both packs needed the food also they all needed to work together.

She ran on the side of their pretty she'd been instructed to snapping and barking to keep it in line. A couple of times she'd gotten close enough to snap her jaws mere inches from the creature hock. Once she'd almost been kicked but was able to dodge it easily enough.

Someone wasn't so lucky though as she heard the crunch sound. For a moment she had almost forgotten what she was supposed to be doing as she saw Drestig fall. Her orange gaze had gone to Lachesis, were they supposed to go to him and help? She saw multiple wolves around the fallen alpha. She also saw Lachesis continuing the hunt. She knew she should do that, they needed to bring their prey down so that Drestig hadn't been hurt in vain. She renewed her efforts this time going in for a bite instead of just snapping at the creature. It was quick but damaging as she tore flesh from the animals hind leg leaving it bleeding quite profusely.

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