Dead Empress Backwater blue jean serenade

Pack hunt! No posting order - First round March 26th, 2021 - 1 week from today ^^
Early Afternoon, 35.6F, Broken Clouds, along the southern border

what i really need now is a double shot of crown

Everything had been settling nicely. Their lands had been claimed and Vayko had been diligently keeping an eye on things. He had been tracking a migration of elk from the north. Often times when the spring started to thaw, the creatures all migrated in huge groups… it made hunts interesting, though in his mind it certainly did not compare to the fish of the Estuary… then again, he had always been bias towards seafood, even back home he preferred it to land animals. He lingered on the borders, still some distance from a small detachment from the migrating herd.

He let out a call for his packmates, summoning them to join him in a hunt and a feast. It seemed only fitting. They should easily be able to take down one of the beasts, and it would be a nice meal to share. It would, perhaps, be a nice bonding activity as well. He waited patiently, golden eyes scoping over the terrain to wait and see who would answer his call. He was certain his cousin would, his family, and he had an inkling of a feeling that wherever Viorel was, at least one of the floozies would follow if not both.

Viorel was freaking out a little. Okay, more than a little. He had known after his actions that there was a possibility that he was going to be having more than one litter, but he had failed to accept that. In his head it wasn’t going to be a problem until it was, but today the confirmation that he had sired at least a single litter had come. The man had been confused when he awoke that there was a scent in his territory that was so similar yet so foreign. And then the realization had come, Clover was pregnant.

That was alright, it was just one. But then the worry had come of what Vanadis would think, their romance was just beginning to blossom, would this stomp it out? There was a lot to think about and worry about, but Viorel was not very good at worrying, it was not something he dealt with often. Instead he just smothered it, and tried to ignore the weird gnawing pit in his stomach, he could almost convince himself it was just hunger.

When the call came from Vayko he could only assume that it was because he had figured out his cousin’s indiscretion. Holding his head high and taking a deep breath Viorel was quick to answer with a call of his own to say he was coming. Minutes later the tawny vision of his cousin was in his sights. Sitting down casually he raised his eyebrows, ”You called?” He didn’t appear angry, maybe this wasn’t about the litters at all, he had called for everyone after all.

Now that everything was official and their lands were claimed. They had to make sure that anyone who came to the forest knew they were theirs. So Sharlee had taken up patroling the borders that morning. With there still being snow on the ground there wasn't much else to do. She thought she might check in on the others and see how they were getting along. Maybe one of them would need help with something. If not she could go for a hunt. 

That thought was put on hold when the sound of her brothers call reached her ears. It seemed she wouldn't have to go for a hunt later. Vayko was calling for the pack to go hunting. It would be her first pack hunt and the first hunt for their new pack. She didn't want to miss out so she quickly made her way through the territory to meet up with her brother. Viorel was already there when she found Vayko, "What's up?" She said looking between the two.

Since they had claimed these lands Clover had kept herself busy, either with patrolling the new borders to make sure no one would unwittingly walk across it without knowing the pack was there, as well as beginning to try and hunt down some of the herbs that she hoped would be starting to appear as the days surely got warmer. So far she had had no luck, but she had found a place that she decided was a good spot to dig out for a medicinal den once the ground unfroze more. She could only hope there would be little need of her abilities before she was ready.

Vayko's call brought her attention away from her surroundings, and she spun on her heels to head towards him, deciding that she would not show up late for their first activity as a whole pack. There was a feeling in the pit of her stomach that the others would stare at her, as she had already noticed her scent had begun to change, but she would push that feeling down and hold her head up with pride. The act had been agreed upon by herself and Viorel, and she should have no shame about it, as it was a good thing that the pack would have a litter. It would strengthen the pack, and show others that they were there to stay.

When she arrived Viorel and Sharlee were already there, and Clover would be lying if she said her stomach did not do a flip when she saw him. Her gaze quickly shifted from him to Sharlee, and then to Vayko as she sat down among the three, silently waiting for the others to arrive.

Vayko's voice echoed over the horizon, beckoning the pack to congregate. Vanadis obliged, of course, leaving the borders to themselves, and making her way towards the call. She arrived some time after Clover and Sharlee, but her gaze passed over them quickly in favor of Viorel. She slipped through the gathering crowd, noting the older woman's scent as she passed. It was different than it had been before... different in the same way her mother's had been before the newest round of Argyris-Archers had been born. Tasting the air a second time, Vana simply confirmed her suspicions that the Backwater would be expecting cubs come spring, and continued towards her boyfriend.

Giving Vi's shoulder an affectionate tap with her nose, and turning her attention to Vayko, Vanadis waited for the meeting, or whatever this was, to start.

Second Round April 2nd - One week from today. @Modesto @Andrey @Katna -- feel free to join in if you want still ^^ If not, Vayko's not surprised/upset by the absences and justifies it as off doing other important things/being senile in Katna's case

what i really need now is a double shot of crown

Vayko had been too preoccupied with other things to quite notice the changes of scents. His cousin was the first to arrive. “I think a hunt is in order, to celebrate establishing the Backwater.” He explained as he motioned with his head in the direction of the herd’s scent. Sharlee arrived second and he smiled warmly at his sister. “A hunt.” He explained again to her in simpler terms. Food was food, and spring was now upon them so they all deserved fully bellies. The floozies were next to arrive, and in that moment he froze, a sharp and analytical gaze though he thought nothing of it as Vanadis’ scent had not changed yet, only Clover’s.

Still, his cousin had discussed this with him, and he knew that he would be bringing a litter, and under his impression… one litter, into the world. Others had not arrived, but he truthfully did not expect his decrepit grandmother to join in the hunt, not with how fragile her mind could be at times… Modesto was no doubt off doing something important, but perhaps she would join them later, and Andrey… well, Vayko as well had noticed the way his cousin had sulked and knew he was upset about something, even if he didn’t know the specifics. “There’s a herd gathered just to the south of here, the elk are migrating due to the rise of spring.” He explained to them all. “A small group has broken off from the herd, ripe for the picking. It’s time our first pack hunt be called.” He explained to them all. “We’ll need two groups, a group to chase and a group for the take down.” He was looking for volunteers for either. He personally planned to be in the take-down group.

Internally he breathed a sigh of relief, but kept his face composed at the reason for the call; a hunt. That was innocent enough, and had nothing to do with his, erm, discretions. He was going to keep it on the down low, at least until they knew for sure whether or not he and Vanadis’ recent relationship was going to add up to anything this spring. Nodding in agreement to his cousin’s words, it didn’t take long for them to be joined by Sharlee, Vanadis and Clover.

He felt a little awkward about it, but returned Vanadis’ gesture by bumping his muzzle lightly into hers. And smiled at both Sharlee, and Clover, but found it a little hard to look the healer in the eye. He hadn’t addressed it with them all, but at this point people could tell Clover was pregnant, and he was openly being romantic with Vanadis as well. Oh well, a problem for another day and another time.

He was thankful for the distraction of a hunt. His cousin’s plan seemed like a good enough one, and he knew which side he would fall on. His bulky form was made for strength, not for speed, which Vayko was well aware of. Standing up to shake out his pelt he offered, ”I’ll be part of the take down group, I think we all know I’m not that fast.” It was a joke, but it was true, Viorel had always come last in the races they would have as children, and even teens.

Sharlee looked between her cousin and brother when she'd joined them. Vayko was quick to inform her of the reason he'd called for the pack. "Oh, that's a splendid idea," she said smiling and her tail wagging behind her. It was time they all did something together. She just hoped everyone would show up to the hunt. 

Clover was the first to arrive and immediately Sharlee noticed a change in her. So it seemed they would be having that litter of pups that her brother wanted. Sharlee offered the other woman a smile of greeting. Vanadis showed up next and the way Viorel was with her compared to Clover. It was certainly something the young Valle woman took note of. It was something for later.

Once the five of them were assembled Vayko was ready to begin. Sharlee's attention went to her brother as he explained things. "I'll be glad to be on the chasing team," she spoke up. She thought she'd be good for it. She thought she was quick on her feet anyway.

Vanadis arrived after her and beelined straight to Viorel, and Clover felt her eyebrows jump up a little in surprise at her gesture of affection, as well as the inability of Viorel to look her directly in the eyes. She felt the skin at the back of her neck prickle as thoughts danced in her mind, unsure of what was happening, but Vayko's words drew her attention away and she pushed any feelings down. She could think later, for now they had work to do.

Her ears pricked up at the mention of them splitting up into two groups, knowing exactly which one she would like to be in. Strength was very much not her forte, a given from her smaller size, but she could definitely run. Viorel and Sharlee spoke up at their desired choice, and she offered a quick smile to the woman before turning to Vayko. "I'll be a part of the chasing group," she said confidently, sure that between her and Sharlee they could make a good chasing team.

Vana was excited at the prospect of a hunt, and even more so once Vayko revealed the creature they'd be targeting. It would be interesting to see how well they worked together as a team, and she was eager to learn her packmates strengths and weaknesses when it came to taking down a large animal. From what she had gathered from Sharlee's story, many of them were probably accomplished fishers, but how were they when it came to land-walking creatures?

When it came time to split into groups, Viorel chose to be a part of the takedown group, while the girls opted to chase. Vanadis didn't really have a preference, but in the end, she figured she might as well stick with Clover and Sharlee. "I'll chase too, that way we can have someone on all sides."