Heartleaf Creek The Awakening

OOC: Okay, so Torla was the wolf involved in the Awakening at first, but she is no longer up. So, I'm remaking the topic. Anyone can join in. :D Kauda and her sister, Makita sat with Kanaii, their cousin. They were curled up together in their parent's den. It used to be the alpha's den, but the alphas, Kauda and Makita's parents, Liss and Johante, had disappeared with the betas, Kanaii's parents, Aadte and Tracenda. The pups had learned to survive on their own - with the support of Brassa, an old nurse, of course. The three had been closer together than ever the past few days since their parents had disappeared. They all shivered together, grappling each other with their paws. "The wind outside is ferocious." Kauda murmured, her dark puppy - soft fur blowing with the air that escaped the outside into the den. Kanaii nodded his head, his blonde - cream colored fur sticking out amongst Kauda's black and Makita's dark brown. "Let's go see what it is! Let's go play!" Makita yipped, her curious side showing obviously. Without hesitation, Kanaii and Kauda shook their heads together. "No, no, no. It's cold and windy, and it's no time to play." Kanaii told her gently, licking a patch of his creamy blonde fur. The two pups nodded in agreement to his words, but Makita did not listen. She pushed herself off the ground and bounded outside the den. Kauda and Kanaii weren't letting anything out of their sight after losing their parents. The pups raced up and outside of the den to meet Makita outside. The wind immediately gusted hard and knocked Kauda off her delicate black paws. Kanaii grabbed her scruff in his teeth and whirled her around so they could search for the small brown Makita. They took a few pawsteps forward before they found her. She was sitting, very still, staring up at the dark sky, covered with nimbus clouds. There was a huge wind, rolling across the land and grabbing up everything in it's path. The small brindle brown mass was sitting right in front of it, staring up at it with her mouth dropped open. Kauda couldn't believe it. "Makita!! Makita, move!!" Kauda yowled through the air, her voice sending the birds on the trees into the air. "NO!" she heard Kanaii yowl through the air. Kauda didn't wait for her cousin's permission. She pushed herself across the land, speeding through the smooth terrain as fast as her little legs would carry her, shouting wildly to Makita. That's when it happened. The twister grabbed Makita up with arms of wind and she soared into the depths of the twister. Kauda screamed, yowled, and clawed at the air - hoping she might scare the wind and drop her sister. She felt Brassa's tongue sweep across her sleek black fur, but Kauda turned away. She wanted Kanaii and her sister. She wanted Johante and Liss and Aadte and Tracenda. She wanted everyone back. She glanced up, her tears falling to the ground as sobs escaped her sides as they rose and fell. She fell into Kanaii's fur and they sobbed together, crying over the loss of their dear family member. --- Kauda's eyes flew open. It was a horrible nightmare - a nightmare of the day Makita was lost with the wind. Thinking that, Kauda noticed a huge gust of wind weave between the trees and hit Kauda's fur hard. Also, sitting in front of her, was a stream with rushing water - as the snow had melted here. Kauda whimpered under her breath as she scrambled off the ground and pushed herself backwards in reverse. Fear surged through her - the two elements were her biggest fears. They killed the ones she loved.

(This post was last modified: Feb 24, 2011, 12:27 AM by Kauda.)

<blockquote>The rush of wind brought her smell to his nose.

The wolf paused. He had not encountered another wolf for over a week, now. It was of no surprise; any wolves who allowed themselves to be alone at this time of year was a fool.

The hypocrisy was not lost on him. He did not think himself brave or valiant for being without a pack.

The wind blew again, and again she filled his head - but it was with a modicum of disappointment that he realised her age. A yearling wasn't the most useful of ages, though a trace of curiosity did run through him as he wondered why a girl so young would be alone. Was she abandoned? Was she, perhaps, more capable than her age suggested?

Hunger was always a problem at this time of year. Last winter, Marsh had been here, in this very region, with one of the last packs he had joined. It had fallen apart, as many packs do when their members are too keen on paying attention to their emotions than their hides. This place was full of such fools, he knew, but still he returned. Despite everything, this place seemed... welcoming. Even blanketed in the cold, it was a friendlier environment than any of the other areas he had journeyed to.

Plus, he was tired, and he was getting old. He could not survive the long journeys alone any more. This place... it was his only hope.

With that sentiment in mind, he chose to give the girl a chance. Who knew - if she happened to drop dead in the next couple of days, maybe he could cannibalise her. Perhaps she'd provide a useful distraction if he planned on going hunting, or she'd actually prove competent. It was foolish to be picky, after all, and it would take little to no effort to find out.

<font style='margin-left:20px;'>As it was gently snowing, Marsh shook his heavy pelt, turned himself to face the wind, and headed straight towards the yearling's scent, following the sounds of the river.</font></blockquote>

Kauda stared at the river for a moment, the water rushing past her and sending splashes up at her muzzle - each one she flinched from. Her sleek black fur was grabbed by the wind and blew left and right with the wind currents. These elements, ones that are seen every day, were the same ones that slaughtered the wolves that made her day bright and happy every day, even after her parent's disappearance. She couldn't hardly stand to think about it, but she did, and she stood there dumbfounded, staring stupidly at the water and ducking helplessly from the wind. Maybe a stone den would help.. she thought, referring to the caves she had known. She knew where one was, but it would be a long journey and it was the middle of winter - even though the weather was lightening up, as the river in front of her was gushing. Her thoughts were interrupted by a strong pang in her stomach. She had not eaten in suns, and her stomach was growling ferociously. All thoughts of the stone den, for the moment, disappeared and were replaced with thoughts of food. If she would have been lucky enough to catch that buck - even though it was much too big for her to take alone - she wouldn't have been hungry then and there at the river. The wind blew back in her face, and she got the faintest scent of another wolf. She couldn't tell if it was a male or female, adult or pup, as the gust had been very small and Kauda wasn't currently interested in taking the time to discover the facts about a wolf roaming in Relic Lore. She hadn't had company since Ozera, though that was only a few days ago, but she wasn't interested in company now. She would much rather enjoy a plump rabbit. Kauda's head shot up and she began to walk, sniffing the ground with a wet black nose. Her desire for prey grew as did the hunger. She did not feel self pity, as it was her fault that she was here. She had left the pack with Kanaii and Akita in search for her family. She was here because of herself.

<blockquote>When he arrived, she was no longer in the same place. A quick nose to the ground, and observation of the disrupted snow, was all he needed to judge the direction in which the child had gone. Licking his lips, Marsh turned to follow the trail, moving slowly but steadily to conserve energy.

It did not take long to spot the black pup, stark as she was against the snow. The wind wasn't blowing in his favour now, but he was sure it was the same wolf. She seemed to be tracking something, or searching for something, though Marsh was hesitant to let himself care; it could have been related to her apparent abandonment, in which case he wasn't interested. On the other hand, if she was trying to find something to eat, then she was definitely worthy of a chance. He wasn't sure what she intended to find out here, though; he had not scented any viable herds in the area, and nor was she likely to find snowshoes next to the river. He had been tempted by the rabbits, though they were too plucky for him to corner alone without a great deal of luck. The sun was, however, dropping in the sky; the hares would be more prevalent once the day was older.

His own copper-brown pelt, though dotted with snow flakes, would have been stark enough against the snow; all she had to do was look. Though the notion crossed his mind that making any loud noise might startle anything she was seeking, he decided that she was probably just aimlessly searching anyway.

Planting his feet, Marsh raised his head and huffed loudly from his chest in a wordless <i>'hey, over here'</i>.</blockquote>

Kauda frowned, her search fro prey unsuccessful in this area. Most of their prey were warm in their winter dens either far away or burrowed within the earth. She lifted her wet black nose, her ears pricking and fur bristling. Behind her she sensed a presense of someone, the wolf she had sniffed out earlier, she reasoned to herself. She raised her tail and stood up as tall as her short legs would allow, and then whirled herself around to face the wolf. Prepared for battle, the dark she - wolf dropped her head a little bit when she saw that it was a much older wolf, obviously larger. His voice called out, and Kauda nodded her head slowly. "Good day." Kauda greeted. She raised an eyebrow - or as much of one as she had. Her electric blue eyes skimmed over the wolf. He was tall. The wolf had a shaggy grey coat that hung down below his belly and brushed over his eyes. He was about as old as Ozera, but they weren't even close to being alike. The she - wolf stared at him, her eyes occasionally skimming to her paws. It was a decieving, manipulating thought, but maybe if she was lucky she could use him to help her find prey. She should have had Ozera help with her prey, but she didn't and for that she got a scaring wound and an empty stomach - but she also got a new friend. Kauda lifted her head, staring to the west, and then rolled her eyes to the easy. She was keeping alert for any other wolves, or possibly prey. She was starving, and weakening with the hunger. If she didn't get food soon, the poor she - wolf would die.

(This post was last modified: Mar 01, 2011, 12:46 AM by Kauda.)

<blockquote>So she was not afraid, which was good and bad. Marsh knew that he would not have liked to be confronted by a larger wolf in the height of the cold, and was somewhat aware of the hypocrisy behind that. But then, was it hypocrisy? He had no compunctions over admitting that he would eat her if he found her dead. He was not trying to fool anybody.

They would use each other in equal measure, no doubt. Both hungry, both alone, both seeking a meal; both prepared to feed from the efforts of the other. Marsh did not mind. Better to eat with the aid of another than starve from your own merits.

She looked thin, hungry, and he re-evaluated his previous conclusions; she was most likely alone. That, or her guardians were incompetent. Marsh snorted at the thought. He would not babysit the child, but perhaps he could get her something to eat.

Ignoring her words, for he had no use of them, he tossed his head to the side, gesturing for her to follow. The sun was falling, and there were varying hares to be found in the younger parts of the forest, where the line of sight was disrupted and the hunt harder. But then, that was the point. Licking his lips, perhaps as a subconscious indicator of his intentions, Marsh turned away, headed towards where the feast could be found. If she followed, it was of her own choice.</blockquote>

The air remained silent for a moment, and Kauda couldn't say she blamed him for it. She was alert as he watched her for a very brief moment, as if something was going through his mind, and it probably was. Thoughts were going on inside her mind, too. No wolf could help to think. The wolf tossed his head over his shoulder, obviously a guesture. Whether or not to take it was the thing. She could choose to follow him, and see what he wanted. Or, she could choose to go absolutely no where and continue her search for prey. That's what made her decide to go - the fact that he could possibly have prey, or also be searching for some. He was thin and skinny, and it was obvious that he was hungry too. Lifting her head, Kauda took a pawstep after him. They were slow, but she kept up. Her onyx black fur swept loosely over one electric blue eyes, and she shook her fur out as she went. It was wet with snow, and Kauda hated the cold it brought. Her eyes remained on the wolf, ready to attack if he became a threat, though she highly doubted he would and that she could actually fight the wolf, much larger than her. Kauda was just hard headed, and nothing could stop her from doing what she felt was right. Kauda thought of sinking her teeth into a warm rabbit and letting the blood flow down her throat and quench her hunger. The thought made her mouth water, and she kept walking behind the wolf, and her hope that he would lead her into some prey, purposely or on accident, grew.

<i>Gah, I'm real sorry for my slowness. I'll be better from here! In this post, I assumed she would continue to follow him - if I'm wrong, let me know and I'll amend my post (: </i>

<blockquote>He could sense her unease as if it were heat radiating from her body. She did not trust him, it appeared, and he did not fault her for that; if anything, he admired her for it. It was foolishness to expect unconditional goodwill from a stranger. Equally, he did not trust her, either, but he did not believe she would attempt to strike him. That would be foolishness also, and though the mystery remained as to her isolation, she did not seem like the foolish type. She had agreed to follow him, after all.

Silently, the pair headed through the snow, the soft sound of the creek ever present in his ears as Marsh led them almost parallel to the running water, towards the smaller, thinner trees and the more abundant foliage. The snowshoes had wise instincts, and they were not easily overcome alone - but Marsh was no longer alone.

Abruptly, Marsh halted, quickly placing one fore leg to the side, in front of the younger female, indicating she should stop as well. She need not take it as threat, for his attentions were elsewhere; ears perked and nose twitching as he tasted the air, Marsh knew they were close, but they were in the wrong place. The breeze, gentle but deadly if misused, was not blowing in their favour. They needed to move closer to the creek. Stepping to the side, Marsh glanced at the black girl and huffed again, tossing his head to the right before loping off in the indicated direction. As he moved, the faint scent of hare filled the air, kindly brought by the wind.

Checking she had followed accordingly, Marsh stopped again, eyes trained on the snow and plants that were between them and their potential prey. Murmuring from somewhere in his throat, he wordlessly urged her to take up the position. At her compliance, he would continue onwards, intending to leap from a different location to disorientate the colony.</blockquote>

OOC: Perfectly fine. :) If I do anything wrong, let me know. Exhaustion must be my middle name right now. Kauda followed him cautiously, though she was pretty sure by this point he wasn't a threat. All of her senses were on high alert, as they had hardly spoken a word. Actually, though, Kauda kind of admired that. She wasn't in the mood to talk and talk away with a loner, especially with it snowing as much as it was - which Kauda found depressing, as she didn't think it was too much to ask for a little warmth. Silently, the older and larger male lead her along side the creek, or at least she could still hear it in her ears. The other wolf put his leg out to a side as he slowed to a halt, and Kauda did as well. Her eyes were focused on the forest around her. It was rather peaceful, though the ebony she - wolf was still alert from behind the older wolf as he lifted his muzzle to sniff the air. She did as well, and, though the wind was not blowing in their favor, she could smell the faint scent of snowshoes. Though Kauda kept an alert and serious face, she was happy that the older wolf had led her near prey. What he would do next was undecided, until he stopped again. Kauda was careful, planning what he might do next. He was not a threat, but simply urged her on in front of him. Silently. The ebony she - wolf stared ahead. There was only snow and plants, and then there was many snowshoes. Quickly, she nodded her head in thanks to the male, and then lowered herself low to the ground. She stalked forward, waiting for the right moment to launch herself at the snowshoes. Wordlessly, she collected her muscles, sending a sideways glance to the male, and then shot herself off of the ground and into a fierce attacking position. Her landing was a little off, but she grabbed one of the legs of the snowshoes, chomping her jaws down hard and paralyzing it. She threw herself at another, but missed slightly. In hope to catch it, she threw her claws out and raked them across it's side, but it still scurried away.

<blockquote>One escapee was nothing when the two wolves had burst in on more than a dozen. Most would get away. Marsh had waited a moment for the yearling to make her entrance and send the colony running before joining in, taking effective advantage of the hares' automatic flight in the opposite direction. A few seconds later, the colony's numbers was down by three, for two hares - one dead, one swiftly to be so - was Marsh's successful contribution. Having broken the first hare's back, Marsh had dropped it immediately, never ruining his momentum. The second hare struggled in his jaws, but a few furious lashings of his head from side to side quickly wrecked the creature's spine and caused it to become limp.

Lightly tossing the snowshoe near to his first, Marsh glanced over at the young female, partly to ensure that she had managed her own kill. To his satisfaction, she had one, and he was content that that was enough. It was not often he killed two hares in one go, but hunger was a powerful force, and their efforts had prevailed this time. He was not ignorant of his gratefulness to the young wolf for her presence, and by proxy, her aid, though he knew that he had been the same to her in turn.

Now in the rather empty space, for all the remaining hares had made their swift exits, Marsh laid down, reaching for the first of the two corpses. Their partnership was over, but he would certainly not object to sharing a dinner table. Nodding his head approvingly at her, Marsh crunched through the hare's back and made the decision to enjoy this meal without haste. Hares were small enough to devour before attracting any unwanted attention, anyway.</blockquote>