Lessons to Learn

Lessons to Learn

Ciara O'Callahan

02-10-2012, 02:26 PM

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Word Count :: 500

OOC: Hope you don't mind that she found him asleep. If you do, lemme know and I'll edit no problem. Smile

“God damnit,” Ciara cursed, breaking into a full speed run after a buck she’d been tracking on the pack borders for the past few days. At first she’d seen him and immediately given up, sure that she’d never be able to bring him down. On her way back from the sea-cliffs, though, she’d seen him yet again and could have sworn that there was some kind of taunting gleam in his black eyes. She couldn’t handle that, some kind of lowly prey laughing at her for not being brave enough to take him down. She’d gone back to the pack den that night in a sullen mood, keeping her head down and not talking to anyone.

That morning, after waking up earlier than the rest of her family and pulling her nose out of the warm fur of her tail, Ciara had glanced out the opening of the den to see a light snow falling. It was sure to be one of the last snows, what with spring creeping its way in with ice melting over the river’s edge, and the presence of small birds whose chirping had not been heard in months. The snow might help her, she decided, setting off out of the den to find her target again.

She’d found him an hour later, pushing his nose through the snow to eat at damp, brown grass. She personally didn’t know how they could stand the stuff. Her mother had made her eat grass once when she was sick as a pup, and she couldn’t stand the thought of ever doing it again. Her buck lifted his head while she was lost in thought, and began to scrape his antlers off a nearby tree, scratching some persistent itch. Ciara’s impatience was a similar plague, causing her paws to itch as she shifted to dig them into the ground.

She’d lunged then, claws scraping on the frozen earth first and alerting the buck. He took off as she flew through the air at him, having to skid and nearly colliding headlong with the tree. That’s when she’d cursed and ran after him, and while she could run easily on the snow the deer still had an agility and speed which she did not. She’d lost him again, letting out an indignant growl before turning back for the den.

Stomping inside, her posture clearly that of an annoyed yearling, Ciara looked around until she found who she was looking for. Then she found him, the Epsilon, who had introduced himself as a hunter for the pack. Carefully, she nudged herself down on her belly and scooted across the den towards him, giving his paw a gentle bump with her nose. “Augustus?” she whispered softly, a sound gentle enough for him to ignore if he really didn’t want to be awakened. She pinned her ears back, lowering her head to rest on her paws as though a submissive stance might persuade him to help her.

Find

Augustus

02-10-2012, 04:54 PM

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OOC Haha, that's perfect. He usually takes an afternoon nap. xD And referring to Blind because, although she hasn't officially joined the pack, when she does that thread will be back-dated so she'd technically been a member here since mid-Jan in the 'Souls timeline. And apologies for the ramble/bramble post/ +722

It wasn’t until late morning that the black and white male made his way to the den. He’d managed to catch a pair of mice on his way back and they now hung by the tails from his muzzle, limp and lifeless. When he entered the den he made a beeline for his usual resting place, stopping first at a hollow nearby where the chocolate brown wolfess Blind usually rested. He dropped one of the rodents there with a wag of his tail, before turning and settling down into his own barren alcove. It was barren only due to the fact that he liked to dig it out from time to time, feeling the moss which usually littered the cavern was nothing more than a nuisance and made his sleeping place far hotter than he would have wanted. It proved even stuffier now with the other female so close, but he preferred to have her within his sight, intent to keep her close to him alone. He kept that fact hidden from her the day he pointed it out, suggesting that the spot would be warm and cozy for her, and that he would be near should she ever want for something, or someone. It wasn’t to say that he did not trust his brothers, but females had been rather scarce since the pack came to fruition and he did not want the presence of a wolfess of mating age to get them riled. The fact that nearly all the females of New Dawn were either too young to mate or already claimed did not help his feeling of selfishness. So he kept himself as close as possible, leaving her side only to see to his duties, or to the needs of his other packmates.

She was not there at the moment, but he shrugged it off, knowing she’d find the prize he’d kept for her along with his scent sooner or later. He took his own mouse into his paws and saw to devouring it in no more than two bites. The tiny bones gave way easily to his teeth and he crackled them for a moment before swallowing. He lay for a moment in silence before, more out of habit than actual weariness, his lids soon began to droop. Sleep came to him suddenly and his head thudded to his paws. The world seemed to fall away and visions of deer and elk fleeing before his and Blind’s paws enveloped his minds eye. In the waking world he’d soon tumbled to his side, paws dashing out from his body every once in a while. Were the brute awake he would have never been found to look so comical, but for some reason whenever he slept his body seemed to move along with what ever dream came to him.

Sometimes he would whine and wag his tail, other times he would find himself growling with paws flailing, and yet others his tongue would be flicking about as if he were having a long drink. He was oblivious to it all sometimes sleeping as heavily as a bear. He’d often wake up bleary eyed, but none the wiser. Today seemed to be no different and when the girl nudged his paw it merely twitched as if with an itch. The voice made him stir even more and his ears twitched then, but nothing more than a growl escaped his muzzle for the moments that followed.

The scent of the female soon drifted into his nostrils, and something awoke inside of him, a poking and prodding presence in his mind that seemed to be saying Ciara. It continued to plague him until his yellow eyes finally rolled open, only to be met with Ciara’s own brown pools. He blinked and shook his head, taking a while to adjust to his surroundings and pull himself into the waking world once again. He wet his lips before acknowledging the yearling, and even then his voice was husky from sleep. Ciara. He muttered. He was half a mind to roll to the opposite side and close his eyes again, but her persisting presence made him rise and stretch his powerful jaws in a yawn. What is it? He asked finally when his mind fully emerged from its dream world. And what a dream it had been.

Find

Ciara O'Callahan

02-10-2012, 05:18 PM

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Word Count :: 350+

OOC: Someone has a mini-crush! Silly, awkward Ciara. xD

She’d been trying not to laugh at the sight of her Epsilon twitching and making soft noises in his sleep. The nudge of her nose didn’t seem to register, and she’d sat down on her haunches just watching him like the oblivious creeper she was. She’d hardly had the chance to be near the man since she’d first met him on the day she’d come with Zalen, and now she allowed herself to get a closer look. He was certainly handsome, she’d give him that, with paws bigger than her own and a more muscular frame. She dipped her head to prod him again, and caught the scent of a female in his fur, giving an agitated snuff afterwards. Figures…she thought to herself. Just when she started to find the man attractive, he’d already been claimed by one of her sisters.

She’d begun to despair that she’d never find a mate when a husky tone drew her out of her girlish daydreaming. Her eyes cleared when matched with his golden stare, and she swallowed nervously, suddenly feeling foolish and blushing beneath her thick fur. “I uh…” she began, cursing herself mentally for being such a fool. “I was wondering if you would…if you wouldn’t mind I mean…I’m sorry for waking you up…” She was blabbering, and gave an irritated twitch of her ears as she mentally steadied herself. “I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind teaching me how to hunt?”

She stood up, shaking out her fur and attempting to look poised and older than she was. Maybe the reason none of the males were interested in her was because she still acted like a pup so often. But she wasn’t a pup! She was close to mating age, and she didn’t think a few months was enough to deter any of the multiple males in the pack. Clearing her mind, she looked back at the man, her pause of self-pity only lasting a few minutes. Finally, she managed to articulate her reason for waking him. “There’s this buck I’ve been tracking and he keeps escaping me. I really want to learn how to hunt for the pack.”

Find

Augustus

02-10-2012, 05:58 PM

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OOC Ahw, haha. Yeah he's totally oblivious, but hey that could make for an interesting plot later xP / +449

The Epsilon grunted and growled as he was poked and prodded by the female’s urgent need for his attention. As usual the actions he’d made in his sleep did not carry on to his conscious mind, and he cocked his head a moment once he was able to clearly see the bemused expression on her face. It soon disappeared as she addressed him. Her voice was quiet and halting, another curiosity. Was he so terribly intimidating? He pondered with a quizzical frown to his brow. She seemed to regain her composure quickly enough and he didn’t bother to address it, but he rarely ever bothered with such inquiries. The complexity of the feminine mind was something he had yet to work out. Even Blind confused him now and then. Ah, Blind with her sultry curves and amiable nature, and those exotic bi-colored eyes. He found his gaze straying to her empty hollow, before he gave his younger sister his attention. He’d still been unable to secure her as a mate, and would pace about in frustration after a night of frolicking under the stars where mixed signals threw him down into a pit of utter confusion, until he gave in with the resolve to continue his pursuit until he emerged victorious. Courtship was a wearying activity and he often wandered into the den late at night only to fall to the ground and drowse heavily until there was not a conscious thought in his mind.

His brows continued to furrow forming ridges on his usually unlined forehead as she stuttered and babbled a string of broken words. They soon knitted themselves into a cohesive sentence and further solidified when she steadied herself enough to convey her needs in a single breath of air. He nodded shortly now fully awake and aware of what the girl was trying to ask him. Word of the buck had his ears thrown forward at full attention. A buck, you say? His tail wagged once behind him at the prospect, but stilled as he thought it over. Maybe that’s why you were not successful. A buck is for the experienced hunter, taking him would require much skill and strategy. His eyes narrowed on hers a moment. You should not have attempted this on your own. He scolded only mildly, now thinking that that in fact may have been her own train of thought and that she was seeking him out for this very reason. For she was not only wishing for a lesson on hunting, but big game hunting. I’ll help you, but you have to do whatever I say…When I say it. His eyes peered into her own fiercely to emphasize his words.

Find

Ciara O'Callahan

02-10-2012, 06:44 PM

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Word Count :: 350

OOC: It definitely could lead to something interesting, and it's fun enough to play in the meantime. She's like a swooning schoolgirl. xD Sorry for the short-ish reply!

Ciara was profoundly glad for her thick pelt as her skin once again turned a reddish hue at his scolding. She knew that going after a buck on her own was foolish, especially given her size and inexperience, but Ciara was a wolf who often shot for the top without planning the route there. Her earth-coloured eyes directed themselves at her paws as she shifted uncomfortably, moving her weight from her rump to her front paws and then back again. His scrutiny was a little humbling, but she knew it was well placed. Augustus was a far more skilled wolf than she.

And he was so handsome. Her young wolf heart gave a strange patter as his golden eyes bored into hers, ears twitching at the gruff sound of his voice. He was so authoritative, so wise. When he barked his order for her to do as he said, she nodded, her tail wagging at the prospect of doing something to please the male with Ciara hardly noticing its movement. A strange feeling had begun to build in her chest as the Epsilon kept talking.

“I’ll do what you say, I promise, Augustus,” she said, her voice melodic and innocent in its softness. Her mind was wandering to images of them hunting side by side, taking down prey with skill and precision. She nearly swooned at the image of him bringing down a huge buck with his power alone. Her eyes had clouded a bit in her girlish, silly daydream, but they refocused mere seconds later. Fear crept up in her that he’d noticed, but she made herself relax. Augustus didn’t think of her like that, and wouldn’t suspect her. He had a female of his own, and the pack sister she hadn’t met was surely beautiful, strong, smart, talented…everything that Ciara wasn’t.

Her ears pinned back a bit, more out of self-consciousness than subservience to Augustus. She moved back a few paces, and waited for the male to lead her out of the den. Even if he didn’t think of her like that, and never would, the young subordinate could still enjoy this time with him and put it to good use.

Find

Augustus

02-14-2012, 12:56 PM

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OOC sorry for the crap post / +327

Augustus watched the girl strangely a moment, unable to figure out why she was behaving so odd, but soon shook his head and shrugged it off. Maybe she was just preparing for the hunt. It was customary to show excitement and bond over such a thing and he wagged his white tail in turn. His ear twitched and he nodded his head to her. His paws led him outside the yawning cave that served as the wolfs’ den and he peered back once to be sure she was following. He paused a moment then. Do you know where he might be. He queried, not wanting to waste time by the usual tracking if she knew the area where he’d last been. Unknown to Ciara the buck was not Augustus’s target. He knew these herds like he knew his pack, and bucks did not wander too far off alone, he would have does with him. They would prove a more suitable target for them, and if his knowledge was correct there was an older doe in that herd. It was fitting that they start with weaker prey, as the hunt was a precise art and would require further training.

He set their path towards the stream so he could quench his thirst before moving on. He lapped up the clear cold water a few moments before he lifted his muzzle and licked the stray drops with his tongue. He turned towards Ciara then, tail wagging. He rubbed against her, nudging her head with his own in a wolfish sort of rally, which was customary in pack hunts. He urged her muzzle downwards, and licked at the top of her head, asserting himself over her as well as distinguishing their own unique roles. With or without the pack did not matter he continued it on as if all his brothers and sisters were with him. It was no puzzle that he himself would deal the final blow as well.

Find

Ciara O'Callahan

02-14-2012, 02:01 PM

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OOC:: No worries! WC: 340

In Character

Ciara could feel the male’s eyes on her and knew her behaviour must be confusing to him. She shook herself once, than followed him out of the den, resolving to act in a business-like matter. There were more important things at hand than the girlish crush she had on him, she reminded herself, once again reaffirming the knowledge that the male had a mate already, or at least would have one soon. Her paws dug into the dirt as she followed him to the riverbank, sitting on her haunches while she waited for him to drink.

She’d taken her fill of water for the morning, having wanted to be prepared before she woke the Epsilon. She imagined that waking him up, and then taking god knows how long for trivial needs would only serve to annoy the male. When Augustus turned to her again, she flattened her ears as was customary and allowed her head to be nudged down, letting a happy whine of thanks leave her. She was very glad that he was going to teach her how to hunt.

When the Epsilon’s white fur meshed with her own mottled pelt, the yearling leaned into the embrace, instinctually knowing that this was part of the hunting ritual. Rubbing like this served to remind the wolves that they were a unit, and to ensure that they were in sync with one another. As the male’s tongue rubbed against the fur between her ears, Ciara tucked her tail between her legs to acknowledge his dominance over her, and her place as student.

“I last saw him to the east,” she said, nodding in the direction that would lead them to the shoreline. “He seems to stick close to the shore, before coming more inland to join his herd.” The subordinate didn’t know that she was talking of the same herd the Epsilon had been tracking himself. With eager, earth-coloured eyes, the yearling lifted her head slightly and stood again, tail moving from its submissive position to wag excitedly, just below half-mast.

Find

Augustus

02-14-2012, 02:53 PM

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OOC This will more than make up for it, haha. Coffee fuels my muse. And, ah possiblities. His mind isn't so dull out in the open air. So giving him a chance to think for once because he's kind of been living in a day dream. And him and Blind aren't going to become mates, although it is a possibility it's just a wait and see kind of thing. So he's 'fair game.' Although he's not very emotionally perceptive.. Oh and Happy Valentines Day XD! / +883

She eagerly returned his nuzzles and licks, and wagging his tail all the while he felt his body swell with confidence and he reached out and grabbed the responsibility of the task at hand. He rose his muzzle and howled shortly, an initiation of sorts, telling his pack that he would be gone that afternoon for hunting and bonding with his fellow pack mate. He was surprised and elated to have found such a willing and obedient pupil in Ciara. She possessed the knowledge and drive to exceed her rank when she came into her own, and he was beginning to see her as more of an adult. He was a little over half a year her senior, and saw in her many of the qualities a young Augustus once had. She did not see fit to use her age and gender to render her a helpless damsel, and seemed truly determined to improve upon her own shortcomings. Her behavior itself was a promising sign as she submitted to him readily without resentment, or reluctance. Their short rally seemed to have accomplished all it was meant to, and puffing up with pride the black and white man started east.

As his paws drew him closer to their quarry his mind began to wander. It paused at the thought of Blind, as it often did and he began to think of her as less than a prospective mate, but to really think of who she was, and of her strengths and weaknesses. She was easy on the eyes, yes, that was true. Her body was smooth and curvy, her pelt unmarred- a sea of dark chocolate. Her eyes were exotic and dual-colored, one blue, one yellow, but it was a subtle hint of mutation, not natural. His eyes trailed to Ciara’s. Hers were both the same shade of brown, unassuming, as natural as Blind’s weren’t. She too had not a mark of strife to marr her soft tawny pelt, and appeared healthy to his eyes. But she was also young, not old enough to bear pups, but that would change with the seasons, and she’d be ready soon. She was Luperci, he could see, born with the affliction that Blind had chosen to taint herself with. It was not something he would have thought of her to do, to discard the old life and become something more, Ciara’s own taint was not a fault of her own. The subtle hint of the shifter seemed well cemented in her scent.

Then his mind fell to their physique’s. Ciara and Blind were a pure creatures, their gene’s passed down from generation to generation. He could fault neither on that account. Ciara had courage as well, and was not so helpless to seek help when she needed it. It occurred to him that he’d never hunted with Blind before, nor had she ever asked to, which was a shame really, for it was something he loved to do. There was something about the chase that set his heart to racing and his tongue to lolling, the burning of his muscles after a long day’s pursuit. It was magical. He would often return to the den exhausted, but happy. Blind’s attentions had their benefits, too. He craved her touch, yearned for her flowery aroma, yet there was something off about her at times, perhaps the reason as to why she never asked to hunt with him. Although he’d never really noticed before, now that he thought of it her walk was a little ‘off.’ Whenever she was not strutting, or flaunting her curves she seemed to walk with a slight gimp, as if one of her legs had been injured long ago. It was not terribly obvious, but they’d never ran for a time lengthy enough to cause any problems. His brows furrowed a moment as he walked next to Ciara, as he then decided on something to do when next he saw his playmate. He’d invite her on a run about New Dawn, test her endurance, for all wolves must have endurance. If he ever wished to have pups with her, the thought of limping little ones was mildy ‘off-putting.’

He was a strong wolf, a large wolf, larger than their Alpha, and many of his other brothers. This didn’t bother him, these wolves were of a land far from his home, and there the wolves had been all around his size or even a little larger. His mother, however was of a size with the rest, but his father was a beast of a man with a black pelt and amber eyes, larger than his brothers, larger than Augustus stood now. It was only natural that he should possess these genes as well, and he could not bear the thought of weaklings as pups. He wanted to continue his proud line, until all the Interior Alaskan blood was spent.

An idea raced across his mind then and a mischievous grin snaked across his muzzle. He hunched his shoulders and bounded ahead, digging his paws in, urging them to go faster and faster as he shot across the land like a rocket. He was a young, inexperienced with females, and often oblivious, but the call of nature- survival of the fittest, could not be ignored.

Find

Ciara O'Callahan

02-14-2012, 03:41 PM

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OOC:: Longest. OOC. Note. Ever. xD Happy Valentine’s Day! Haha, and hooly long post. D: -intimidated- But apparently my muse wants to match your muse like Ciara wants to match Augustus. >.> WC: 800!

In Character

Ciara tilted her head back and let loose a short howl of her own, harmonizing with her companion and letting joy pour forth into the sound. She was elated that Augustus was going to help her hunt, and she knew that it would serve to prove to the pack that she could be of use. The subordinate had always had an interest in hunting, right from the time she’d been left alone. While she’d never had the courage to go after big game – a lucky thing, she was quickly finding out – she always spent her days hunting things more to her standards when she wasn’t travelling. The girl already knew how to gather scents and track, for the most part, even though hunting in the snow was something new to her. She could follow along behind prey silently, and knew what behaviour to watch for, often spying on her prey for days before lunging. The hardest thing she’d ever had to kill was a weasel, scrappy little things that they were, but she remembered the triumph that had coursed through her as her muzzle was bathed in the vanquished rodent’s blood.

The yearling kept pace with Augustus, always being mindful to flank the male rather than pass him. A deeply embedded instinct kept reminding her that he was the dominant one here, and she would do well to watch his movements. So watch she did. Her golden flecked eyes took in the easy way in which the wolf moved, paws steadily digging into the dirt to propel his muscular frame along in a leisurely canter. Ciara was enjoying the ability to stretch her own muscles, for she knew that she was gaining some. Her frequent trips around the adjacent territories kept her constantly moving, constantly learning. She could rattle off any species of plant or animal in the multiple areas surrounding New Dawn’s borders, as well as all species within. Every inch of the pack grounds had her scent now; she’d made sure of that, wanting to integrate herself into the pack life as much as possible. She had also taken to going for swims in the ocean as she had when she was a mere pup. The activity built up her strength, and as the mottled female began to finally reach her full grown size, she became more and more lithe and athletic. She knew she was strong, and she wanted to use that strength to better the pack.

She also enjoyed having the scent of the ocean in her fur. She had grown up that way on the coast of Newfoundland, always smelling of ocean, and that was how she’d arrived in New Dawn. The subordinate had stuck to the coast during her travels, following the huge entity that she felt so reliable. The only sight she trusted more than the ocean was the moon, that beloved sphere that lit up the sky and so often guided the girl on her way. She felt almost sad that they were performing this hunt in the daytime, as her mind travelled to images of the two wolves sprinting across a blanket of freshly fallen snow, guided towards their prey by the glittering of the moon.

Just as that thought was crossing her young mind, her companion and mentor suddenly shot ahead of her in a burst of speed. Without a sound, merely an excited grin, Ciara lowered herself and dug her claws into the earth below her. This was exactly what she’d been hoping for, the chance to run, to use her building muscles and stamina. Celerity was another thing the young female was increasingly blessed with as she matured, and it took her little time to catch up to the Epsilon. She allowed herself a moment of pride, having not expected to be able to match the male’s pace. Her limbs, while shorter than Augustus’, were powerful in a feminine way and she managed to keep stride with him. The subordinate never tried to exceed the speed of her teacher, thinking on that as a mark of disrespect, but she wasn’t about to be shown up, either.

They were just beginning to crest a familiar hill, when her nose picked up the scent of nearby prey. The herd wasn’t so close that they had to immediately slow down before giving themselves away, so Ciara kept running at the same speed, her nose in constant alignment with the Epsilon’s shoulder. She would slow down when he signalled it, and as the excitement of the prey’s proximity hit her, she mentally prepared herself for this lesson. If she was going to be a hunter like she wanted, then she would need to excel in this.

Find

Augustus

#10

02-22-2012, 12:44 PM

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OOC So very sorry for the wait, I won't keep you waiting this long ever again. / +774

His legs extended and contracted in a long loping stride as he bounded over the drifts, seeming to float above the ground. They never broke its crust, his wide arctic paws accustomed to running atop the snow. It wasn’t his speed that he was accredited for, but his endurance and the sheer power of his size and stature. It showed itself in his every movement as he pressed on, his hind legs launching him forward and overlapping his front. The yearling kept pace with him easily he noted with a sideways glance, he could feel the warmth of her breath caressing his shoulder as they pursued their quarry. He took note of her scent upon his fur, delighting in its sea smell. It was so new and unfamiliar to him, he’d always been a wolf of the tundra. Neither was it the flowery scent of wild flowers and cedar trees that he often associated with Blind. Likewise his own scent would be integrated into her pelt. It was an earthy smell like pine needles and dirt, but there was a freshness to it, like a never ending winter, a hint of snow.

It was all to his advantage now in these long winter months, allowing him to blend in with his surroundings better than the rest of his brothers, with the exception of Shandom, perhaps- his northern brother. Or perhaps not. The black in his pelt could be just as well, making him appear to be nothing more than a shadow on the snow if he lay still enough, although it was rare, and only occurred during a hunt. He wasn’t a wolf to laze about, he had to be constantly moving, doing something or another, and with the title of Epsilon he gave his duties all he had. The scent of prey came to him then as they mounted the ridge. His pace began to slow, and his nose was put to the ground. He inhaled deeply. Despite the snow on the ground the day was clear and bright, and the scent was fresh. He’d been here. He paused a moment to look on the horizon with his golden gaze.

He soon stopped altogether and turned to Ciara. We are not going for the buck. he announced with conviction, watching her carefully for signs of question or even disappointment, ready to reprimand her if she went back on her promise. Not until I know you are ready for him. We will bring down one of his does. He paused a moment, continuing to fix her in his intense stare. If this is the buck I think it is, there will be an older female here with a slight limp. There are just two of us Ciara, and you are young. After today, if you like we can continue this, and one day claim this buck for ourselves. That is your choice. He offered not unkindly, but his mind was set, they’d be perusing the doe. His gaze turned toward the horizon again and he broke into a slow trot, knowing that the prey was near enough to notice any sign of swift movement and would bolt. They lingered just out of sight.

The scent strengthened in his nostrils and he glimpsed the buck’s antlers, but his eyes did not hang there for long. They turned towards his surroundings. He scented the air carefully and lowered into a crouch, giving the buck a wide enough birth that they would not be noticed. He exchanged a look with Ciara, a silent command that she would do the same as he. Soon enough he saw other splotches of brown beyond the beast and he paused to pick their target. The old doe was among them grazing on dead brown grass poking up from the snow. She lingered towards the back of the herd. See her, at the back. His voice was no higher than a whisper. We need to cut her off from the rest. I will get them on the run, you follow that doe. Don’t attack until we have her off on her own, and if you get close enough, try to grab her ankle. She won’t be able to kick you that way, and it may cause her to stumble. Once you have her I will cut her off at the front and she will be ours. With nothing more he crept so very slowly towards the other does. When he felt he’d gone as near as he could he leapt out of hiding, snarling viciously. They spooked as he’d guessed and he shot off after them, with one quick glance at Ciara.

Find

Ciara O'Callahan

#11

02-23-2012, 11:46 PM

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OOC:: Sorry if she moved too fast. D: First hunt scene. WC: 522

In Character

Her paws dug softly into the dirt to slow herself down as Augustus slowed beside her. Earth-toned eyes were on the herd, and she was silent for a moment as her mentor spoke. Turning her head, she licked beneath his chin at the pressure of his gaze, ears flicking back against her head again. “Yes sir,” was her only reply, her tone betraying no hint of disappointment or rebellion. When the mottled yearling made a promise, it was a promise she kept, no matter how small or dire. She was determined to follow his every command, not only because of the vow she’d made but also due to her respect for him. He was a seasoned hunter while she was not.

The pressure of his stare weighed on her, the intensity of it keeping her eyes from locking with his. It was no mistake that she was listening to him, though. Her ears, while pinned back, were still twitching to the tones of his voice and her tail was held parallel to the ground as she contemplated his directions. The girl had figured they wouldn’t be going after the buck and actually found herself relieved when the Epsilon pointed out the doe that would be their target instead.

Everything about the girl was in tune with the snowy wolf’s movements. When he scented at the air, she did the same. When he crouched and moved just so, she mirrored him. Even though her fur did not blend in with the ground as Augustus’ did, her body was much smaller and not as easy to spot under normal circumstances. When her mentor’s voice came to her again, she listened attentively. Normally that hoarse whisper would have had her fluttering, but now was not the time for such a thing. It was not the time to realize that his scent mingled with hers. It was the time to listen, and to kill.

When Augustus burst forth from hiding and ran at the herd, Ciara followed orders and zeroed into the doe in question. She ran after her swiftly, running straight after her while the feeble animal tried to throw her off with a zig-zagging gait. She was determined not to let the female go easily, and soon she was well within striking distance of the doe. As her Epsilon had instructed, Ciara lunged for the ankle, but came up with a mouthful of air and an empty snap of her jaws. She didn’t stop, though, and kept chasing, grabbing again and this time hitting her mark.

Savagely, Ciara bent down and wrenched her head side to side. The ankle snapped with a vicious crack, and as the doe let out a pleading cry, Ciara almost felt bad. Almost. But this was the wild, and she was a wolf, and determined to prove herself. The doe stumbled as Augustus had predicted, and as the prey fell to the snowy ground beneath them, she knew Augustus would be joining her soon. Not wanting to wait too long in case the prey got away, Ciara lunged for the doe’s throat, fangs driving for an artery.

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Augustus

#12

02-24-2012, 01:06 PM

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OOC No problem. We can wrap this up in the next couple of posts, or make it an AW thread if you like, up to you / +403

He was happy to hear that she did not question him and he smiled to himself, content and reaffirmed in his role. His tail gave a small wag, stirring the snow and he crept closer, watching her out of the corner of his eyes as she did as he. He regarded her fondly before dashing out into the clearing. He heckled each of the herd in turn, snapping at the heels of one or another, herding them towards the left while the target doe went right. His eyes darted back now again and he felt a swell of pride when he saw her in pursuit executing his directions just as he’d instructed. He gave a quick snap at a doe’s ankle before turning and running parallel to Ciara and the targeted prey.

He kept the pace, racing alongside its shoulder, strafing towards it. He reached it when it stumbled, and reared up placing his large paws on his belly and haunch, pushing his weight down upon it to keep it in place as she went to deliver the final blow. He gripped it with his teeth, feeling the blood oozing over his sharp fangs. It struggled and kicked a few moments until Ciara’s teeth found purchase and blood spurted form the female’s neck. He watched it as its life slipped away and removed his fangs from the carcass to gaze at Ciara, both their muzzles drenched in blood. It filled him with a savage and primal satisfaction to see the gory mess, knowing that by their power alone the beast lay dead. The blood stained his lips and his whiskers and cheeks were crimson, golden eyes blazing fiercely. He smiled at Ciara then, a genuine gesture, wagging his tail, despite the grisly scene. It meant little and less to a wolf, and he was content to enjoy the moment. He trotted to her side at the beasts neck, tail wagging and aloft and lowered his head to lick at her face, whining happily. He was pleased with her, and he nuzzled into her scruff. He withdrew from her after a while and stood back to admire their handiwork. I could not have asked for a better student. He said with a proud smile, offering another wag of his bushy tail. This is too much food for the both of us, what do you say we invite our brothers and sisters to join us?

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Ciara O'Callahan

#13

02-24-2012, 04:54 PM

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OOC:: Making it an AW sounds perfect. Smile WC: 525

In Character

Ciara had never felt such pure exhilaration. The thrill of the hunt was one that she realized could easily become addicting. It was also an incredible bonding experience between pack members, she was realizing. When Augustus had joined her in attacking the injured doe, pride and joy swelled up within her, watching as he pinned the struggling prey down before her jaws could exact the final blow. She’d never felt so close to another wolf, or so in tune with them, as they worked together to control the squirming animal. Swiftly, she clamped her jaws and felt the first spray of blood in her mouth, but she’d been expecting it and wasn’t surprised.

When the doe ceased its fight, Ciara knew that they had won. She felt a similar amount of power as Augustus did, knowing that they had brought down this animal with noting more than brute strength. She knew that some Luperci hunted with bows and arrows, or other human objects, but the calico female had no desire to do that. She never shifted to her biped form, and felt far more connected with her pack and with herself when she remained in what she considered her natural form. This was how she was meant to be, on four paws, with blood coating her normally clean and shining fur.

When her Epsilon came over to her and she felt his tongue at her muzzle, Ciara answered his happy whines with a few of her own. Her own plume of a tail took to wagging fiercely, causing her whole slender body to shake – though some of that shaking had to do with her excitement, and the adrenaline pumping through her veins. She snaked her tongue out to lick delicately at the male’s ear when he pressed his nose to her scruff, then moved to remove some of the blood from his muzzle. It was more of a gesture of affection and thanks rather than an attempt to clean him, knowing full well that soon they would be covered in blood again from feeding.

“Thank you so much for teaching me, Augustus,”she replied to him as he spoke of her merit as a student. “When I realized I wanted to learn, I thought of no one else but you to be my mentor.” A grin formed on her blood-stained muzzle, tail wagging again when he mentioned their pack mates. “That sounds like a perfect idea, I’ll call them, if you don’t mind, sir.”She leaned forward, licking beneath his chin as a sign of respect. With that gesture complete, Ciara tipped her head back, pinned her ears to her head with her eyes closed and let out a joyful song. There is a feast waiting, her melody cried to the wolves of New Dawn, pride and joy filling the notes and making them louder and deeper than the subordinate’s tones usually were.

With that invitation sent to the pack, Ciara turned her head and licked once again at her Epsilon’s muzzle, before dipping her nose to sniff the feast they’d provided. Her tail swished eagerly, but she did not take the liberty of a bite. Augustus would eat first, as her mentor, and then the other higher ranking wolves would have their fill. Ciara wouldn’t have it any other way. Even though she was quite proud of herself, she wanted nothing more than to provide for them. She would get her satisfaction seeing their full bellies.

Find

Augustus

#14

02-27-2012, 10:46 AM

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OOC Haha hunting with Augustus= best way to get him to notice you. xD Anyways I will leave this for a while and see if anyone joins / +551

There was nothing more exhilarating than the thrill of the hunt, to feel the life seep out of the body as you grasped it in your teeth and claws. It went entirely limp, no more struggling, as if it knew its time had come. The blood was a welcome sensation in his mouth making him slaver and his belly rumble. He could not contain his excitement and when she called them forth, he raised his muzzle, but only after her initial call. It was not a summoning, but an expelling of pure joy, a release of the excess energy. His limbs were loose and aching, just as he liked, his muzzle drenched in gore. He returned her affection before turning to the carcass with an idle lick of his lips.

It lay before them beaten and broken with the marks of their fangs and claws, the instruments of the wild wolf. It just felt right. He was happy here, happier than he ever thought he could be and his eyes soon found themselves trailing to Ciara. She had been the perfect pupil, following his commands as he relayed them, and he was terribly impressed. He looked eagerly towards the horizon, waiting for his brothers and sisters to join them, for them to see what they had killed for them, and to share in their joy. He also looked for his Alpha, he wanted him to see just how well Ciara had done, and to tell him that he had led her to this end, but not only that. She had done all that was asked of her and more, he felt Zalen should know. She was one of the newest members, but had already integrated herself into their very heart, and maybe, just maybe into his own. He puffed up with pride as she thanked him and revealed that she thought of no other for this task. Don't mention it, there is nothing better than the hunt, and I was glad to have you beside me.

He couldn’t help but see her differently now. She wasn’t just a youngling trying to find her way. She was an adult wolf, coming into her own and showing the will and drive to excel and succeed at her endeavors. Her body was lithe and well formed, her eyes shining with youth and health. She was not exotic, that was true, not to most, at least. He’d grown up in a pack of mostly black and white wolves, her mottled hue tended to be rarer on tundra where he’d come from. He marveled at it now, how well she blended in with the decaying foliage of the fall and winter, giving her, in the other seasons at least, a greater advantage than his own. He looked forward to hunting alongside her again, in fact, he couldn’t think of anything he’d rather do, and waited in the hope that she would bring it up herself. In the meantime however he turned to the doe and began to feed. His teeth broke the flesh of its lower belly as steam arose into the wintry air. Instead of feasting there he ripped out a choice piece and approached Ciara, dropping it at her paws. He said nothing, but wagged his tail and returned to attend to the carcass.

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