When the Sun gets too warm
#1
She felt it...the sun on her orange hued head. The air had the sting of fall in it, it was a time she knew would come. It was a matter of time. She was going on her second winter. The red hued rocky mountain wolf remembers faintly the smells and feel of winter. But she didn't focus on it at the moment. The only thing that came to her mind was the need for food and water. It was her primary calling. Her paws moved with a slight heaviness as she moved toward the scent of water, the sound of a trickling stream called to her ears. It was the first thing she did when she awoke. Find water, then food. Her two primary functions. The moment she satisfied her thirst, she went out for food. Her nose the tracker, her paws the carrier, and her jaws the executioner. Her brilliant green eyes sought her prey. It was a boar. A very dangerous advisory, however, the young pigs were now leaving the safety net of mother making any weak ones easy targets.

Her eyes fixated on her prey, and the moment his snout was buried into the earth, and his back was to her she went in. The pig ran, squealing with all he had. This only fueled her need to kill her prey, to end its cries. The pig attempted to try a maneuver that only ended in his fall allowing her to come up and rip violently into his throat rendering him lifeless after a moment of struggle. Aiyana was a satisfied wolf.

Aiyana was a very natural wolf. She traveled here from southern part of the North Americas. She had lived her life mainly it was used to be called Wyoming. After her mother's death there was nothing keeping her tied there, so she began to travel. She was now on her own, and nothing stopped her from anything she wanted. The young female knew nothing of happiness, she'd never been around other wolves other than her mother, and her mother wasn't a playful female. She was always serious, and always out for keeping herself safe. There were no times for laughs, no time for smiles. When she was a mere puppy the first time she found play it was ripped from her in a violent act of punishment. Her mother taught her to never let her guard down, if she did, it could mean death.

She never recalled her past, only when it came to lessons, that was it.

When she satisfied herself with the boar she began to drag it to a nearby push to stash it for later. For several days the red hued mountain wolf would stick around feeding upon the carcass until it was gone. Then she'd carry on her travels.
#2
There was a fresh kill near the pack borders. Lifting his head he scented the air, searching for the source. A young hog, male. The blood was still heavy. It couldn't have been dead for more than a couple minutes. Who had killed it? Tharin dropped his head down. loping in the direction. It wasn't long before he could distinguish the scent of a female wolf. Her scent was clean, mixed with that of hard travel. She had come a long ways from wherever she had come from, no other scents mixed with hers. A loner.

She was still feeding on the kill when Tharin slowed, stepping past to where she was. The sight of it made his mouth water, wishing that the kill was his own. He could easily drive her off. Tharin was larger, and would have the strength for it. Besides, she was a loner. To be without pack meant that something had happened to cause it. Tharin had sought out a new pack, but she didn't even seem aware of the pack a few lengths away from her kill. He doubted she wanted a pack. You should leave. He didn't like the thought of a stranger lingering near here, not when the threat of Amy was still up. She was close enough to finish the meal without being chased off, but not to linger.
#3
She was only slightly startled by the other, again taught to always be ready. She didn't show any sign of being startled, she merely lifted herself up and turned to the male, fur bristled. Her eyes were on him as she stayed possessive over her kill, her prize. She eyed the male, her green orbs locked right onto his as a challenge to him, "I'm not leaving. You have no right to make me, either." She spoke in low-speech the only language she knew. Her lips lifted now as she stepped between him and her kill, [I]"This is free land. Go back to your pack, or I'll teach you a hard lesson that will make you think twice before bossing others around outside your borders.." She now began to stand stiff, eyes widening ready for a fight. It was all the red mountain wolf knew. Fight or be killed, kill or be killed. Those two things were ingrained into her mind.

Out here it was survival of the fittest and nothing more. This male was a pampered pooch, he didn't understand life outside of a pack, but he was about to learn quickly.
#4
The female's reaction to his presence was natural, having probably picked up his scent at the same instance he picked up her own, a distance before they even saw each other. His own frame stiffened at her challenge, body low to the ground. The possessiveness he did not care for. He had no need for her prey, he was not hungry. He could bring down his own kills. Tharin partly turned his head, his single ear remaining trained on her as he showed his lack of care for the meal that she had been busy scarfing down. He didn't need it.

Her expression told him all he needed to know. She was refusing to leave, despite his demands. Growling he moved closer, raising his frame. He was bigger and stronger. He had a pack at his call. Proud he paced a short distance before her before halting, closer than he had been before, a short display calling her out on her challenge. Did she really think she could win against him? Tharin could take an injury. His pack would bring food for him. All it would take for her was a single injury to make catching prey more difficult, and leave her weak and starving on her own. It would be better if she left. If she attacked, Tharin would not hold back.
#5
The male came toward her, but showed he had no interest in her kill. Fine, but that didn't mean he could boss her around. Who the hell did he think he was!? He was older than her, but it didn't mean she couldn't beat him. Her mother had been training her since she was able to walk and see. Her ears pressed forward and her tail raised high flagging her dominance over him. He was outside his borders acting as though he own every land he stepped on. Her lips drew back as he fur bristled. She stepped forward as he did so, standing tall on her toes. She licked her lips, she wasn't going to back down. He didn't have the right! These damn pack wolves acted like they owned everything!

She waited, she wasn't going to be at fault for attacking him. Her mother taught her to never search for a fight, just to defend and stand up for yourself and that was what she was doing. She approached him until she was just nips away from him a low snarl rumbling from her chest. Aiyana wouldn't back down until he did. She may not be fully grown, but she would hold up a hell of a fight putting this male back in place the moment he dared to snap.
#6
The female responded to his actions, almost mirroring him. His hackles were raised high, both of them with their fangs extended and glistening as they circled around, moving closer and closer to the other. Each step forwards was met by one of the female's. Tharin had to hand it to her, she had guts. Few would be so bold in challenging a pack wolf right outside their borders. Not close enough to warrant an outright attack, but close enough for Tharin to not care for her to linger there.

His growl was deeper than hers, reverberating through his chest before breaking out, an echo through the air. She was so close he could feel her breath on his face. Testing her he snapped forwards with his jaws, pulling short of closing his teeth around her left cheek. It would have scarred her, and possibly torn her eye if it had struck. It was a measured blow, seeing how fast her reaction would be, if she would dodge or attack. As quick as he had lunged forwards Tharin pulled back, not wanting to leave his neck exposed.
#7
The male seemed to hold and she kept on their dance not letting him have an inch to push her back from her stand. He dared to snap at her, her eye closed to protect it, her actions quick with snake speed as he came at her, and she snapped right back, aiming to take his neck as he outstretched to attack, he pulled away though. Barely making himself out of her, she was half tempted to just close that gap and take him fully on, however, Aiyana wasn't stupid. He was a pack wolf, if he was another loner, she would have followed through making his threat a death sentence from her. This was a pack wolf though and all she desired was to show him that he had no authority over her from outside his border region.

Going back after her attack as quickly as she striked she snorted at him her snarl becoming louder. His may be deeper but she wasn't fearing him. He may be male, but she was quick and strong. Her loner life giving her more experience in surviving. She didn't need a pack to survive, though it would make life easier. It was wolves like him that made her not want to be in a pack. His arrogant ways!

She waited for him to dare her again, this time she was watching him closer to predict his actions and take down his weak spot. He had one, she just had to find it.
#8
She was fast! Not someone that would be easy to take down. Tharin had felt her fangs breeze at his neck. He could have been killed. The snarl remained as strong as before, but this time there was a different hint in his voice. He couldn't help but admire her strength. He still didn't care for her being so close to the pack borders, and would drive her off. He didn't want to kill her though.

Turning he lunged for her legs, trying to drive her back from where his pack rested. Once she was far enough that he wouldn't have to worry about their scents being picked up by the pack, and other aggressors following, he would let the other side of him come out. Right now though, he wasn't going to take her sharp attitude.
#9
He didn't show any sign of being off put by her attack but something did change about him. She wasn't sure what it was. He moved and she went to snap at him, however, she then noticed he was going for her paws and legs. Though to a pack wolf this would cause minimum damage, but to a lone wolf who relied on their legs for hunting and traveling, this could be bad. Instead of attacking she danced back snapping at his muzzle trying to halt him. Her snarls picking up pitch as a way of protest. Still, he wasn't hurting her, so she wouldn't dare harm him for fear of a whole pack coming to his aid. She didn't need that.

She moved back at his will, still unhappy that her stand was taken off. She was close to the border...so perhaps he had the right of way. Her mother had told her to stay away from pack borders. To Aiyana though, she was on neutral ground which meant they had no right to boss her around! Maybe she was being foolish. She was still a pup...though grown nearly...
#10
This worked. She began to move back, not caring for his strikes at her legs. Glad that his actions were working Tharin continued forwards, tail wagging as he gained ground against her. She snapped back at his muzzle, Tharin growling less frequently now. Her own had grown more high pitched, a hint of desperation in her voice. She wanted him to stop. He would stop of his own will, once she was back far enough. This dance continued for a fair length before he pulled to a halt.

At a good distance now Tharin halted. His tail continued to sway, held above him. Circling around the female he sniffed at her, noting her youth. She was rather young, perhaps not even a year of age. Sitting down he stared at her, amber eyes warm. You came too close. She had to understand that she was not welcome to linger near the borders of a pack. If she had simply made a kill and then carried it away from the borders it would have been fine.
#11
The red and orange hued wolf was becoming pissed and her fur bristled as she was beginning to want to attack regardless of the dangers wounds could cause. As she was gaining her breaking point the male stopped and gave the older pup room. She was still pissed, eyes flaring, lips still drawn as she snarled at him fur bristled. He examined her before speaking. He said she was too close. Too close to what!? This was neutral territory! Your alpha would approve of you driving away others in neutral areas!? She questioned. Her paws still on her toes trying to be as tall as the much older male. He obviously was done growing. Aiyana was but a growing puppy, alone and without any family. The world was a cold cruel place, no place for fun, no place for peace.

She continued to eye him still very upset. She didn't know this male or his pack, but already he attacked and assaulted her.
#12
Anger continued to flare through the female. He could smell it rising off her in waves. Why was she fighting so hard? Tharin thought about what he remembered living as a loner. He'd avoided packs, not wanting to stir up trouble. He'd actually been invited to New Dawn by Shandom, the other gamma. He knew that wolves could be territorial, and hadn't pressed it. He didn't remember such rage flowing inside him though. If anything, he'd been aching to find a pack that he could join, and be a strong member of.

He would not approve of me letting you stay and feast near the borders. You weren't going to leave anytime soon, were you? The kill was large, and she'd looked comfortable. Enough to linger and settle in for a short time before traveling on. There is danger here. The pack can't afford to worry about a loner every time they go past. Unnecessary worry for others that came past, not to mention the fact that the loner could be killed.
#13
He was continually calm now, just staring at her. Her ears pressed back as her growl turned into unsure growls and whimpers. Aiyana never had to deal with others. Her mother had always kept her from other wolves for safety. She didn't know anything other than what she was taught. She was taught to be fierce and strong. The mountain wolf was being just that, however, this wolf was no longer being hostile. Her fur slowly began to lower, her lips still stayed curled. What was she to do now? Her well earned kill was back near the borders, granted they were a matter of yards from the border, but it was still free land. Her eyes peered past him, she wanted her food...she didn't know when the next time she'd have a prize such as that.

Her lips fell, and now all she could think about was a way past him. She'd have to wait it out, once he left she would have to go get it and drag it away. There was no need to take a chance of him or another pack member would come out and try and take it or drive her away from it. The pup wanted to whine, but she wouldn't allow herself to be weak or submissive to this male, or any other wolf for that matter.

He spoke and her green acidic orbs looked back to him nearly locking eyes in a challenge, I don't see why it was a problem. I wasn't on your borders...I was but a matter of distance from them. No, I planned on exploring more, only to return to my kill. It was just where I happened to have killed it. You, pack wolf, wouldn't understand the difficulty and hardship that comes with being a loner... She glared and snorted at him licking her nose in a display of hostility. She felt she needed to keep him knowing that she wasn't going to let him hurt her. [I]...leave me alone and I leave you alone. I'm no danger as long as you don't threaten me or my food![/I She was beginning to show her lack of maturity. Aiyana still had a lot to learn but she certainly knew how to survive. She was strong and intelligent, she just still needed social skills that her mother failed to give her.
#14
Her aggressiveness began to break down as Tharin stood there peacefully. She was no longer a threat to be concerned with. Her glance past to where the food was didn't go unnoticed. She had a reason to want it. Hunting could be difficult, going days without catching anything. Shaking his head he listened as she spoke. She was strong, but she was very young. The strength was attractive, but it needed to be tempered with wisdom, something this boisterous youngster didn't have.

I know it. Tharin didn't say anymore, just staring steadily at her. Her frame was thin, as was the frame of most loners. She was younger than many loners that she'd seen. She must have been born to this life. She was incredibly lucky to have survived. Pups without the protection of a pack died even more easily than pack pups. Turning he trotted back towards the young loner's kill. Grabbing it he dragged it over to where she was, and dropped it down, now far enough from the pack that she could stay there without a problem. Backing up he lowered himself down. I don't fight needlessly.
#15
flaskdhf
#16
He was watching her without waver. She almost began to pace not liking how he was watching her. Her ears went back and then forward unsure what to do. He said he understood, but how could he? He was a pack wolf. What does a pack wolf know about being alone? Suddenly he turned to leave and she thought this would be an opportunity to dart away and run, she could scratch her kill as a loss. She could feed on crab and whatever washed upon shore. Maybe find some carrion if she were lucky. But as the opportunity came it was gone when she heard the sound of dragging. Her ears shot forward as he brought her kill to her.

Her tail raised and she bristled nervously as he dropped it. Was he giving it back to her? She trotted dominantly, and gracefully to her kill and sniffed, inspecting it. Eyes never leaving Tharin as he then lowered himself saying he doesn't fight needlessly. That was good. She didn't want to fight, but she wouldn't hesitate to. Her head rose from her boar, then she looked at him. Slowly she came around.

Now that the tension had diffused she became curious of the male. Cautiously she sniffed in his direction, her steps slow, and tensed. Her head bobbed up and down as she gained his scent. Ears intently forward. She stopped short of closing the two extra feet and lowered her front some eyes watching him as she sniffed where he'd been. The scents held easily five, maybe more other wolves. She couldn't imagine being around that many others. Perhaps it was best she didn't attack him. It would have been bad on her part. Especially, since he wasn't an Alpha. What could an Alpha do to her? Probably a lot if he controlled six or more wolves. He had to be strong, fast, and over all dominant over all. Her acid stare softened now. She wasn't as hard, or as angry.
#17
She was unsure of herself now. Tharin could see it in her stance. There was no need for her to be so worked up over this. It was possible to communicate with another without a fight breaking out. He and Kiara had been friends before they were pack. The possibility was there, just unlikely. Loners traveled far after all, and it was unlikely she would linger near. A crooked smile ran over his face as she trotted up to the kill, pointlessly posturing over it. He'd already shown that he had no interest in the kill. Her claim was clear, and not one that he would choose to challenge as she took it once more.

Surprisingly she didn't choose to simply dig in. Tharin would have left at that point, letting the female return to her meal. He'd warned her of the danger that was in the north, and he owed her nothing more than that. Instead she came forwards, sniffing curiously at him. Tharin stood himself, letting his nostrils drink in her scent. It was wildly mixed, telling of places he couldn't even imagine. She had traveled even greater distances than he had when he'd left his arctic home behind. Gently he stepped over to sniff more closely at her, cautious as he didn't want to startle her into attack. She was healthy, which was good, and seemed more like those he had grown up with than those in this area.


Forum Jump: