Quaking Vale glass house

It's in the eyes I can tell you will always be danger

He had to be doing something, anything. He already felt like he wasn't helping. Like he had done for the Ridge, and Torbine, he threw himself into his work. He hunted, he patrolled, and he tried to guard against pesky scavengers who dared test their luck.

A peaceful silence followed him today, as he clung to the white, slumbering trees, winding along their southern border. The draw of evening not far off. He would make one last effort before heading back in to rest a couple hours through the night.

Eyes found what he had sought. Tramped snow where deer had slept just a few nights passed. Quickly, he checked the forgotten bed, but he couldn't pick up if either were ill. Still it was a lead, and he would follow.

The Lyall continued following the trail, playing the part of a ready hunter. But, there was a lot on his mind. The days were adding onto a month, and none of their children had found them. His concern was growing. He didn't think they would all remain behind, so what kept them? A frown, evident, he stopped short, a sound catching his attention.

let’s admit the world don’t turn around us

Celandine Argyris

Hope you don't mind me throwing Celandine in here!

The Vale was still new to them. The herd patterns, the trees, everything was still a mystery. She spent quite a bit of time moving through the dim forests around their little hideaway, but she didn't know them by heart. She wasn't exactly sure she'd even get the chance. Either way, their ever-growing group had to make due. 

It was no surprise that she stumbled across the familiar musk Renier carried, alongside the faint trail of deer. He was a busy sort. That wasn't to say that she slacked off on her own duties, but Celandine got the feeling that he was much more aligned for such things. Never one to pass up a good hunt, the alabaster woman averted her course to match his. Maybe they'd find something, maybe they wouldn't. Either way, they hadn't had much of a chance to talk since the move to Quaking Vale, so she might as well.

Picking up speed, the woman caught up with his tawny mass as quickly, and quietly as she could. Approaching his backside, she released a whispered chuff so as not to startle him. "See them yet?"

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It's in the eyes I can tell you will always be danger

The sound was not ahead, but behind. It wasn't too hard to pick out Cel's creamy coat. There was a faint smile of gratitude in her joining him. He liked how the Argyris was straight forward, and she'd been a great help with the five. "Not yet," he murmured they were still out of range. Not for long. His chances of success had increased. He found his mood lifted by the thought.

Easing forward, mindful of his movements, he kept checking the air to be sure they were going in the right direction. He didn't quite want to split off without seeing what they were up against. The sound of chewing brought his eyes upon the deer snacking on some dormant berry bush. He watched them, picking out their differences. But, he turned his attention to Celandine. What would she like to do?

@Renier So sorry for the wait! 

She'd spent enough time with Renier for their conversation to be easy. She didn't have to try, and that was something that appealed to creamy fae quite a bit. There was no straining over words, or trying to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. They didn't need any of that.  Pursing her lips, Celandine nodded. Closer would have been better, but she'd never passed up run before. "They can't be too far." 

The woman trailed behind her companion, allowing him to take the lead for the time being. It wasn't long before the rustle of leaves, and telltale crunch of plants, and berries between flat teeth caught her ears. Renier looked to her, the question written all over his face. Now, she could have been safe. She could have nodded towards the little one that diligently trailed behind it's mother, but the sly grin on her face told another story. Instead of picking out the fawn, she motioned to the young buck with his face in the bush.

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two months later :X

It's in the eyes I can tell you will always be danger

Renier admired Celandine's open nature.  She was definitely bolder more than most. She didn't conceal her thoughts. She was bluntly honest, and never quite did things as some might think they ought to be done.

He had clearly given her choice. She left little doubt what one it was, he could only offer a half smirk in turn. He shouldn't be surprised she wanted a challenge. Heck, he could use one. It would liven things up in this forest that seemed so gloomy. "Is there a particular way you want to do this?" Why plans didn't always turn out, it was still nice they might have the same guideline then just try to kill the buck.

Celandine's eyes sparkled somewhere between danger, and mischief, as the corner of Renier's lips turned upwards. She knew that she could always count on him for a good time, and Gods knew did she need one. Besides the rare chance of a hunt, there was absolutely no fun to be had in the Vale. It was dark, dank, gloomy. Everything she despised about a place.

Thus, her answer came quickly, and quietly, as she hadn't the need to think about it. "You take the left, I'll take the right?" Simple, easy, and then they could leave the rest up to chance. The odds weren't in their favor anyway.

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It's in the eyes I can tell you will always be danger

Her delight was obvious, and somehow pressed all the annoying what ifs away. No matter what they hunted the chance of injury was always there. It was just another hard fact of life. It wasn't like they were yearlings with swollen egos after one successful hunt. They had years of practice between them. No doubt if anything got serious they'd leave the buck for another day.

He gave a nod, and let his eyes rest once more on the target. Thinking just for those seconds what it might be like to actually take him back to the Vale. Slinkling down, he moved in his direction, trying to keep time with @Celandine . He was still letting her take the lead like he did with most the women in his life.

Spurred on by the nod of Renier's crown, Celandine shifted herself to the right. A pleasant smile danced across the woman's maw, and she offered him one last glance before her limbs were set in motion. Keeping an easy pace, and being careful of her pawsteps, the subordinate searched for an opening. The closer that they could get to the deer, the better. 

Bright eyes flickered over the scenery as she moved, noting the various obstacles underneath the Copse's thick canopy. Trees, ground plants, nothing that they might have deemed a problem. Her attention then shifted back to the deer itself, who still seemed blissfully ignorant of their approach. Perfect. Now if they could just get behind it, and run it back towards the Vale...

As if on cue, the creature lifted it's crown. Celandine couldn't help but hold her breath as the buck turned his head to the side as if it had heard something. Her eyes closed into a squint, but she made no further motion.

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It's in the eyes I can tell you will always be danger

Always mindful, from the corner of his eye he keeps track of the white lady, and the route ahead. Taking his time to make sure he doesn't raise suspicion. He struggles with keeping his breathing even, as he can't quite hold back the anticipation.

Eventually, he can pick out their prey, whom still does not seem to know just what is watching them. He freezes completely as the buck shifts its head, as if just then it might realize the plot for its death. Unable to see its eyes, he only knows it stares for a long time. As if trying to decide if there is something to worry about. Well, if their cover is blown Ren won't hesitate to move in fast. But, it seems the buck goes back to grabbing another bite as if it might have just been a bit of snow falling from a branch.

His gold eyes trying to pick out Cel in the white landscape. Any time now ,he thinks. Still he waits for her to charge so he may follow, she might have other ideas if she can get closer.

(This post was last modified: Oct 16, 2018, 09:13 PM by Renier.)

Celandine held her breath as the deer froze, afraid that even the smallest noise would stir it into motion. Her eyes flashed to the trees opposite her in search of Renier's tawny form, but he remained out of her line of sight. She'd just have to trust that he kept pace with her then. 

As soon as the creature returned to grazing, the subordinate felt herself exhale. Gods they almost lost it. Creeping forward, Celandine began closing the distance between them. Her posture was almost cat-like as she placed each paw with care, hoping not to spook it too soon. Once positive that even a single step closer would spook the creature, the woman propelled herself forward, and the chase was on.

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