Preparation

X'yrin Exultare · 11-15-2011, 12:37 PM

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ooc:

Winter was nearing. The chilling wind made its presence known as did the overcast of heavy clouds blanketing the once clear skies. The repetitive snaps of cold gradually shed the trees of their fine leaves, as some of the heartier flora simply transitioned into radiant hues of red and orange. It was a lovely change that filled her with excitement as well as purpose. Now would be the time her skills could be put to use.

She was a better warrior than hunter, but her resolve did not allow any hindrance as she set her mind to prepare for the season ahead. Before the herds wandered to still green pastures, now was the time to take their meat and preserve it. That which was brought back from her joint excursion only days ago had already been set aside for storage, but it was not enough should their circumstances worsen. The few rabbits and badgers she had managed to take would provide minimal sustenance. What she needed now was to hunt larger, more worthwhile game to ensure survival.

In the early morning she left her den in the Wentworth and backtracked to the Dahlia Valley. She sounded her intent in the morning air, hoping to rouse others of the pack to her cause. It hadn't been planned, or discussed. It would have been a wonder if any at all chose to heed the call. But she was hopeful, less Fate was not so willing or kind, and she would have to commit to this task alone. In the midst of fading green, the Secui female seated herself adorned in her furred shoulder with avian companion hovering watchfully overhead. Patiently, she waited for reply.

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Kiara Amarok · 11-18-2011, 12:31 AM

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Word Count → 349

Kiara had left Sarian and her sleeping mother before the moon finished its nightly rounds. The air was cold and frost hung on the ground where plants had appeared through the cement. The arctic wolf made her way across the deserted Trenton streets like a phantom. She had only one goal to occupy her thoughts: food. Shiloh and Kiara were running low on meat again, while Sarain continued to pester the pair for more and more food. Just half an hour before Sarain had been up and about, wanting to play and suckle. Thankfully, the young pup was famished and managed to relieve some of the she wolf's burden. Kiara thanked the pup as she continued to plod through the streets.

By the time the sun had crested over the land, Kiara had made her way Dahila Valley where she hoped to find some slightly larger prey than her usual quarry. Back in Wood Buffalo, Kiara had hunted bison and elk with her family on a regular basis, but now she was hunting by herself and large prey was impossible when one was alone. The young wolf was in the process of reminiscing when a cry range throughout the valley. Kiara's snowy ears pricked forward in happy surprise when she heard the call to hunt; especially because it was X'yrin who had made the call. The she wolf raced towards the origin of the howl with her tongue out and swaying in the wind while she let her voice ring in the morning air.

The tall golden form before Kiara was truly a sight for sore eyes. Shiloh had mentioned that X'yrin seemed sad over something and Kiara had wished more than anything to cheer her friend up. Now, they could hunt together and all would be right again. After all, whose spirits did not rise after a successful hunt? "X'YRIN! Morning. May I join your hunt?" Kiara skidded to halt beside X'yrin, leaving a trail where the wet grass had bent under her weight. The arctic wolf's tail was wagging and her sapphire eyes were bright with anticipation.

X'yrin Exultare · 11-18-2011, 04:40 PM

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ooc: 408 Words. We'll see if anyone else shows up. If not, they go hunting!

There was not long to wait, for as soon as she called for others to aid her, she was responded promptly by an excited face. Upon seeing the female draped in alabaster glory, the woman smiled, her vocals reverberating in a song of greeting to her companion and friend.

"A pleasure as always, Kiara," she woman uttered softly, tail wagging with mirth. When the female came to a sliding halt, X'yrin rose to her paw bearing down kindly at the young mother. She remembered fondly that the she-wolf before her was another of Sarian's caretakers... or 'mothers', as Shiloh eloquently titled herself. Still the Nomad felt no connection to the word, but was glad none the less the little one had two determined parents to care for her. It was a little disappointing that the babe was not with her other mother today but she hid it all behind a radiant smile. "I am glad you came," she continued. "You are more than welcome to join the hunt. Hopefully others will come as well. But if not, I hope you don't mind it being the two of us."

The number of participants were never an issue for the female, rather the strengths each wolf brought to the hunt. Some were built for the kill blow, others for herding out their designated prey. And in the rare case, there were wolves built to chase down and tire their prey; a better tactic used for a hunting part of few numbers. More than likely, that would be the course of action today. However, the woman was fine to lie and wait, should the moment call for it. She looked to her friend, eyes wandering over her build in survey for what role was best suited for her. Her lithe frame made her quicker and more agile than her larger, heavier companion. The warrior was clearly built for the tackle, the killing blow. She only hoped Kiara would not take too much offence if the course came to that.

But planning aside, it had been a while since she saw the arctic female, not since the party where she made an utter fool of herself.There was time now to inquire how the girl had fared since then. "How have you been, Kiara?" She tipped her head curiously. "Shiloh told me that you two take care of Sarian. How is the little one doing? How are you all doing?"

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Kiara Amarok · 11-18-2011, 06:33 PM

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sounds like a plan

Word Count → 333

Thankfully their reunion was a happy one and X'yrin seemed to be in high spirits. The golden figure before Kiara shined in the morning light and her smile was just as bright. The cold air was a comforting change to the fall weather and the arctic wolf was perfectly content with her thick winter coat. The day was promising and the skies were clear. Although it was sad that no other wolves were present, Kiara was confident that the two could bring down a deer or even an elk together.

Kiara noticed X'yrin eyeing her smaller frame and the question of roles came in mind. For a small group it would be best to tire the pray or set a clever ambush. Kiara had often hunted large prey animals and her previous pack was not very large. The young wolf was confident in her stamina and speed, so she would be perfect for running down any large ungulate. However, the hunt was called by X'yrin so it was only right that she chose the roles. Kiara would be content with any task presented to her.

The alabaster wolf listened to X'yrin's queries with interest. It would be good to do a little catch up and this would stall for a little time in case other members decided to show. "As I'm sure you've heard, I have taken the role as Sarian's chew toy. She's cute when asleep, and monstrous when awake." Kiara laughed a little. The young female was not truly serious about Sarian being a monster; as many young pups could be like that. Kiara was sure she once fell into that category as well. "Shiloh is a great mother and Sarian will grow up to be a wonderful wolf. Although...between you and me, I think Shiloh has been distracted lately. My theory, is she's found a male and I'd bet my tail that it's the black male we met when we first found Sarian. What about you, have have you been?"

X'yrin Exultare · 11-19-2011, 07:29 PM

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ooc: 355 words. If only X'y was as smooth as she thinks she is.

Word of the little one brought a smile to the woman's face though her nose still wrinkled at the title of 'mother'. Emotional connection to such as word was absent, still her mind would not wrap around what the name entailed. Kiara looked happy for the most part when speaking of her, though there was a weight to her eyes, no doubt from the repetitive exertion of energy a child demanded. The Nomad has seen the demanding need of cubs and often giggled at their futile attempts to garner more attention than what they needed. No doubt both females were giving into the child's demands.

Her brows peaked at the mention of Shiloh and her averted attention. The girl had an interest? "Really?" X'yrin asked aloud. It wasn't that she could see this happening for the female, but hadn't really expected it. That did not stop her from inquiring further, however. "Does this male reside just beyond the border? And has she confronted him yet?" The woman was never one for gossip, but it was not in her nature to remain quiet when there were questions to be asked. She was concerned for the well-being of this small family, especially of Sarian. If the girl's priorities were divided then that would just leave Kiara to care for the little one. And already she looked tired. "Perhaps an intervention?" she offered in thought and voice, wanting to assist in anyway she could. "Or perhaps another caretaker to watch Sarian... if you want to investigate this theory for yourself... that is."

She could think of no other way to smoothly insinuate want to share in caring for the little one. It felt unnatural to ask upfront really. Having a reason seemed to suit her better. But all in all, she felt the girls could use a break, while at the same time experiencing for herself what it was to care for a young life. The question of her own well-being was dismissed abruptly with a flick of her tail and a simple "I have been fine " as she waited for Kiara's comment to her suggestion.

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Kiara Amarok · 11-20-2011, 05:16 PM

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Sorry for the short post. Tongue

Word Count → 215

The golden ladies question's made Kiara stop and think. She was not sure where the male resided and was not even one hundred percent sure that Shiloh was seeing a male. If Kiara was remembering Kavi's words correctly, their mate had been female. This concept was strange to Kiara, but she never questioned her friend further on the subject. Kiara simply let Shiloh be who Shiloh was. Kiara treated Kavi in the same manner, although Kavi's existence greatly confused the simple women. The arctic wolf had simply accepted her friend without reservation as was her manner.

Kiara shook her head at X'yrin's question. "An intervention is not necessary. Shiloh is happy and the distraction is more welcome than unwanted. Sarian makes Shiloh happy, but this newcomer gives Shiloh peace. I don't want to take that away from her. BUT, an investigation might be interesting." Kiara gave her classic devil's smile. It was clear her mind had turned to mischief. "I'm glad to hear you are doing well. It doesn't seem like anyone else will be coming so let us get on with the hunt. Although, some more hands would be nice. What do you think?" The arctic wolf was eager to get on with the hunt before the feeling of mischief completely corrupted her mind.

X'yrin Exultare · 11-22-2011, 09:46 AM

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ooc: 335 words. And now they go huntin'.

True to Kiara’s claim, it did not look like anyone else would heed the call today, obviously in the midst of their own tasks. That was all well and good for the pair, it seemed, allotting them a chance to use their own strengths for success. X’yrin smiled to the snowy woman’s agreement to an investigation but left the conversation at that. They could have gone on and on with assumptions for the more fragile of their band of friends, but opted instead to commence the intended task.

The warrior rose at last, bending down to stretch out her front legs and give her hind legs a pull one at a time. There was little to nothing within the Valley they could hunt, what with the scent of wolves so heavy it was bound to detour any large creature would hunting. They would have to venture beyond the borders if they wanted to succeed. Wentworth seemed appropriate for their mission. Returning to full height the golden death dealer looked to her companion and woofed softly in command to follow then swiftly took stride toward her home.

No words needed to be said outright, gesture would be enough to communicate what needed to be done. The hunt was not based on words, but tactic; to sense the direction of the lead and follow instinctively. If there was one thing she had learned about herself since her first encounter with Saluce, that instinct was alive and well and not so easily thwarted by civilized practices. She trusted the same was for Kiara as well.

They strode through the valley at fast march led by an eager nose searching the fragrant air for scent of their prey. They were not yet near the border, but the air was thick with the stench of the cervid harem. Silently the Nomad swept her tail to the side, gesturing to the approaching treeline. Once their broke through the boundary, they would take cover there and scout, and plan their next move.

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Kiara Amarok · 11-24-2011, 04:37 PM

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Sorry for the bad post.

Word Count → 288

Excitement grew within the young wolf as the pair prepared to hunt. Kiara followed X'yrin's example and stretched out her lean legs, testing each muscle as they stretched and condensed. The arctic wolf was in prime condition and she was ready to run. After she had sufficiently stretched, Kiara shook her brilliant white body. The young woman's' spirits and tail were high and she let out a small howl to show her excitement.

At the X'yrin's command, Kiara instinctively fell instep behind the golden women. The pair moved quickly through the valley and Kiara kept at an easy trot. The arctic would be able to run at this speed almost indefinitely. Her muscles flowed with a swift grace that no dog would ever be able to mimic. As the pair approached both the boarder and tree line, Kiara's nose picked up the distinct scent of elk. Off in the distance their high pitched calls could be heard like a beacon calling to the hunters.

When the wolves reached the forest Kiara ducked into the underbrush and waited for X'yrin's command. Just beyond where the two wolves were stationed, a large herd of elk could be spotted through the trees. Kiara watched from a distance as the elk moved slowly through the underbrush, grazing and completely unaware of the wolves presence. The wolves would need to do test runs on the herd to find those that were sick or injured. Kiara eyed the herd with a hunter's eye, inspecting the individuals for any obvious weakness. This particular herd was composed of females and their calves. Most of the calves were fairly large and in good health. The arctic wolf turned her attention to X'yrin and waited patiently for instructions.

X'yrin Exultare · 11-25-2011, 09:13 AM

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ooc: 323 words. Feel free to use X'y if you need to.

The harem was oblivious to the watchful gaze of their stalkers. Carefully amber gems picked through the group, seeking sign of weakness among them, but to no avail as they were all standing still as they grazed. They would need to test the elk, herd out the weakest through distraction and panic. The very thought of making those silly deer gallivant to their will like puppets made the woman smile excitedly.

Softly the woman growled for Kiara to hold her position then slipped further into the overgrowth making little sound despite her impressive frame. She crept through the brush with her body poised to the ground, each step drawing her closer toward the midst of the herd. Their scent was intoxicating, arousing her increased desire for the slaughter til it was near unbearable and she about broke her cover to have a taste of first blood. But she suppressed the urge with all the strength she could spare, utilizing the bulk for the takedown sure to come.

Atop her back she felt the gentle caress of the wind and felt a terrified chill course down her spine. The winds would change and give them away. Already the herd was agitated in the open. They could not afford the whole harem to run off. No more than a few yards from the group, X’yrin paused and marked the beginning of their chase through a series of short sounded howls, conducting her hidden partner which ways to move to corral the spooked dear. ‘Left, front, right, center,’ she composed the path for Kiara to take to run the more able out of the herd and leave the weaker behind to chase. Her own task would be to guard against retreat from the rear and of course mind the weaker prey that would succumb to death by their efforts. And then a venomous snarl burst from her lips, startling the innocent grazers into a madden dash.

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Kiara Amarok · 11-25-2011, 10:00 PM

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This is my first hunt. Let me know if I did anything wrong so I can change it.

Word Count → 353

Excitement swelled within Kiara's snowy breast as she waited patiently in the brush. The Ikusei kept a careful eye on X'yrin as the nomad crept forward for a better look. Kiara's ears laid flat against her head and she remained as still and low to the ground as possible. Until there was a decent layer of snow on the ground, the arctic wolf's brilliant white coat made her easy to spot during hunts. Once the snow fell, Kiara would be able to blend in perfectly with her surroundings and no prey would see her coming.

X'yrin's short calls startled the herd and signaled the beginning of the hunt. Once Kiara had her order's she shot through the forest like a white arrow and quickly cut off the herd's escape route. Using her powerful muscles, the arctic wolf loped through the woods, testing and running groups of elk to look for any signs of weakness. Kiara followed her intended path perfectly and before long she had managed to catch a glimpse of a weakened doe. As the elk ran, a prominent limp could be seen in her strides. The elk was injured and this would be her downfall. Kiara gave a small howl, signaling to X'yrin that she had targeted one of the elk.

Before the snow wolf had spotted the weakened elk, she had run at a slower, more relaxed pace. Now that their target was chosen, Kiara's entire demeanor changed and her pace shifted to a faster, more determined run. Using all of the skills she had obtained in her former pack, Kiara quickly separated the weakened doe from the rest of the herd. If the she wolf got too close, the doe would strike at Kiara forcing her to swerve a little. Kiara ran the doe around, never allowing it to travel too far from X'yrin's position. Soon both wolf and prey tired and Kiara once again forced the injured elk to change directions. The arctic wolf now focused on herding the elk towards X'yrin. It would be up to X"yrin to grab hold of the elk and bring her down.

X'yrin Exultare · 11-25-2011, 11:21 PM

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ooc: 322 words. You did great!

Despite her anticipation, she remained calm, lying in wait. Once the sound of her call startled the herd into frantic action, it was not up to her but to the snowy reaper weaving her way through the herd. The Nomad watched with interest at the skill of the smaller girl, her more agile form put to better use than her bulky mass. Patience would be the anchor keeping her rooted close to the ground though her digits wriggled anxiously to take the ground beneath them. Constantly she had to remind herself as feral envy reared that her role was to deal the killing blow, not chase the prey down. What good would it have done either of them to chase down the prey together? How could both down the prey if their energy was exhausted?

The signaling howl pressed the hunter’s ears back against her skull, her body further concealed as she sank deeper into the lush grasses. Her sights too spied the lame doe and her maw fashioned with deadly fangs drew into a wicked smile. She need only wait a moment, just until the frightened female was within range to take her throat. Kiara did well to keep her in range, herding the elk toward inevitable death. And then like a shot from the ground, the woman sprang with claws bared and teeth unfurled for the opened throat. As the beast turned, X’yrin latched onto her shoulder using her immense weight to topple the beast off balance. Her teeth may not have made their mark in the ambush, but they would certainly now.

X’yrin lept from the body before it fell on top of her, then spared no time in closing in on its throat. While the beast was down, she trusted her companion to subdue its futile attempts of escape whilst her jaws clasped around the braying animal’s throat and snapped through its windpipe, permanently silencing its mournful wails.

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Kiara Amarok · 11-26-2011, 10:01 PM

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Wahoo, one successful hunt completed. Is there a catacomb for that? If not, there should be.

Word Count → 332

As both predator and prey ran, their tired pants could be heard clearly in the crisp air. The rest of the herd had settled down and watched helplessly as their companion ran in a futile attempt to get away from the jaws of death. Kiara had managed to skillfully lead the injured elk to where X'yrin was hidden and waiting. Soon the elk had reached X'yrin's hiding spot, and with a flash of golden fur, the elk was within the nomad's grasp.

Unfortunately, X'yrin's aim had been off and she had only managed to grab hold of the elk's shoulder. The injured female kicked and bucked trying to throw the large wolf off, but her leg gave way and the elk toppled to the ground. X'yrin had been forced to let go of their quarry, but Kiara had managed to catch up and used her powerful jaws to latch onto the elk's neck. Although Kiara was unable to snap her neck, the arctic wolf was able to subdue the elk long enough for X'yrin to deal the finishing blow.

As the elk fell limp a triumphant howl burst through Kiara's bloodstained jaws. For wolves, most hunts were unsuccessful. But this simple pair had managed to take down an elk in one try. Although the feat was not extraordinary, it was still impressive. Adrenaline was still pumping through the arctic wolf's veins, but she decided to simply lay down next to the carcass and pant. Kiara turned her sapphire eye's towards X'yrin and asked in a tired, but excited voice, "So, do we get to eat some, or is the entire carcass going to be stored away?" Kiara had decided to leave this decision up to X'yrin. If allowed, she would like to take one of the legs back to Shiloh and Sarian. If not, then Kiara would have to venture out and find some smaller, easier prey to take back. Perhaps she would get lucky again and happen upon a hibernating raccoon.

X'yrin Exultare · 11-27-2011, 10:01 PM

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ooc: 392 words. How do you feel about ending it there so it doesn't get drawn out? Leas this way there is some obscurity to whether they succeeded or failed.

Reward for the hunters’ joint efforts was a still body and little to no injury dealt to them. Truly they were lucky to have made this kill using their own strengths and seamless execution. Coupled with the thrill of success was admiration for her capable companion. Not blessed by the shifters’ gift, still she was able to hold her own and initiate an assault worth the title of Evan’ule; hunter.

Salmon wet the decadent droplets upon a maw stained with gore, savoring the fine taste as if it were the succulent meat of a liver itself. Deadly claws gripped the ground excitedly whilst wild eyes darted across the carcass of their kill. Her companion’s question fell almost deaf to her ears but was spared by the sliver of civility still present in the mind consumed with red. Reluctantly, she parted from the kill setting her sights squarely on the arctic female. “We keep the kill intact for our friends,” she professed, lifted her head in command. “It is only when our hunt is done that we will have a chance to eat. The day is still in our favor, Kiara.”

In so many carefully crafted words; the hunt was still on. One kill was not enough to call an end to their venture. At least another more would be a worthy prize to return with. Even if days such as this continued in their favor in the future, who was to say that their hunt then would be successful? Their streak was good now, why let it end so soon before it was up? Hastily the woman rose having been seated no more than a few minutes. She rounded the carcass, marking its sides with a pungent stream and driving her shoulder possessively into its bulk, ensuring her scent was on it.

“We will have to be quick before the herd wanders too far,” X’yrin alerted her companion to the elk’s movement, her strong muzzle poised toward their retreating direction. Her muscles ached from a time of disuse, but this temporary pain would not be enough to thwart her determination. Same as before, she dove into the brush to stalk their prey, keeping a steady pace with their frantic gallops. Just one more and they could call this hunt finished. Just one more success and another trophy would be within her grasp.

Just one more.

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Kiara Amarok · 11-29-2011, 03:47 PM

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Sounds like a plan

Word Count → 340

Sapphire eyes stared at the bloody carcass with hunger and greed. Although Kiara listened to X'yrin's words, she barely registered their meaning. The young wolf was hungry, and the smell of a fresh kill was so enticing that it practically blocked out all others. Still, the nomad's words reached Kiara's ears and she was forced to listen her sense of reason. Reluctantly, she tore her gaze away from the carcass and acknowledged X'yrin's words with a small grunt. The snow wolf rose to her feet and took the time to examine their surrounding.

Blood and adrenaline pumped with a ferocious vigor. Her bodies excited state kept her senses sharp as the sensory information was processed. Already the carrions were gathering around the dead elk, hoping to get a bite to eat. The herd was not far off but their net progress led them away from the two hunters. Both X'yrin and Kiara would have to work fast if they wanted to succeed a second time. The odds were not in their favor. The arctic wolf was tired and she knew from experience that most hunts did not end in success. As the golden wolf carefully marked their kill, Kiara went to work discouraging any birds who believed they could steal a meal. The arctic wolf rushed at the nearest bird and made quick works of its small black body. All the other birds flew off with loud protests. Taking advantage of the fresh meat, Kiara quickly ripped off the feathers with her teeth and enjoyed a small meal.

The unfortunate crow had provided Kiara with a newfound energy. The arctic wolf used the browning grass to wipe her muzzle clean of gore, before taking off in the direction of the herd. Just as before, Kiara followed X'yrin into the bush and waited for the signal to begin. If all went well, she would have food to take back to Shiloh and Sarian. Excitement rushed through Kiara as she surged forward. Truly this was what it meant to be a wolf.

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