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 Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 8:57 am
He noticed her slight submissive posture, but it was enough. So long as she remembered her place while traveling with him, so long as she remembered that he was older, wiser, and - in his opinion - could probably easily best her.
Shanuh was not a wolf to be taken lightly, nor to be crossed without caution. He could be friendly, nature and instinct molded him in to such a creature out of necessity - but good luck getting to that stage!
At D.S.' words, the wolf gave a soft snort, scoffing at such thoughts. Him? Starving! Pride wouldn't let him admit that it had fallen to starvation level, though voles and birds weren't satisfying his hunger. He was getting weaker by the day, and longer he missed out on a good kill, the less likely his chance of success would be in finding one!
Shanuh wasn't sure he trusted D.S. on the hunt. She was young, therefor inexperienced, and might very well make them lose out on a feast. But, then again, the pale wolf with the poisen attitude didn't have any other options.
Ignoring her question, he gave a flick of his tail and turned. "Come hunt with me. Two are better than one." His voice was by no means happy or excited, and a hidden threat laced his words. All she had to do was mess this up and she'd become the next meal. . .
Not bothering to see if she'd follow or not, Shanuh lead the way down the deer trail. He knew where the small herd was grazing, was resting. There was a good chance they hadn't moved far.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:31 am
D.S.'s head shot up when he demanded that she hunt with him. Only a seconds hesitation then she jogged after him, walking beside him.
If she failed she was dead. It was as simple as that. Either by his jaws or by the elements; this was her last chance. Should she talk? No, he seemed like the type that preferred complete obedience as well as silence.
That worked for her save for the 'obedience'. For now, she would do exactly as he said. The younger wolf stole a glance at him. During their time apart she had gotten a bit taller and was well on her way to adult hood.
Up ahead a group of five or six deer pawed at the ground to get to the roots. Three stags were scattered throughout their females watching for any sign of danger while grazing on the dead grasses. The heard looked weak from their time in the Barrens and they were trying to get back to the safety of the forest as fast as they could.
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Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:25 pm
The silver furred wolf said nothing as he jogged softly down the barren and void trail. Life was scarce this time of year - not that it was ever particularly plentiful. Ears perked, and nose to the wind, Shanuh was quick to stumble upon the herd.
Dodging off the trail, he stepped lightly through the dead and dying underbrush. There wasn't much, but it would be enough to hide his form while he had time to investigate the herd. Who was the weakest and easiest to kill? Who should D.S. and he focus on?
And, better yet, what was the best tactic to use?
Ear flicking in annoyance, two toned eyes narrowed. He also had to keep in mind that D.S. was still young and could be prone to mistakes. Nothing complicated, nothing fancy, just something that would give them full stomachs and strength to live a few more days.
Quiet, and still as death, he never took his eyes off the herd. "And which one would you take down?" His voice wasn't arrogant or cruel, merely inquisitive. Shanuh already had his chosen victim in mind - he merely wanted to see how D.S's judgement worked.
In a way, he was testing her knowledge and skill. Getting a feel for what she knew and what she needed to learn.
She was his only hunting partner, currently, and though he didn't plan on making such aquaintencship a habit. . . right now, he was despserate and until the hard times passed . . . . depending upon the outcome of the hunt . . .he may very well need to call upon her again.
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Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 5:52 pm
With the adult so close D.S. fought to keep her tail from wagging in excitement. Her eyes scanned the herd, lingering on the strong antlers of the stags.
Her ears perked and her head swiveled to face him when the question was asked. He wanted her opinion? Her eyes darted back to the deer, now truly seeing them.
Which one? They had to be able to take it down and without injury so that knocked those males off. That also meant they didn't want to provoke them into defending their females either. So one that was further away...
She jerked her muzzle. "That one... the female that's slightly off from the rest of the herd. The males won't be able to get to her and we could cut her off easiest."
Her tail wagged. Had she done well in his eyes?
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Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 2:45 pm
The wolf glanced from D.S. to where she motioned. The female that was furthest from the stags, the one whom was stupid enough to put a gap between her and the others. The gap wasn't exceptionally large, of course, but it was enough to give the two wolves an advantage.
The stags weren't there to protect and defend the stupid. They were there to lead the herd. If the two wolves had the advantage, then the stags would just as soon give up. It was in the nature of things. Why was it a herd of deer grazed so close to a fallen companion? Because once one went down, the others could rest easy that they were safe for the remainder of the feast.
Wolves were survivors not gluttons. The minute one fell, the rest were assured safe.
Without giving a yay or nay of approval, Shanuh quickly trotted forward. His stance was alert, muscles tense as he ever approached the herd. His silver fur flicked in and out from the sparse underbrush, but he moved with confidence, arrogance. Despite that, the wolf did move like a shadow, enveloped in complete silence.
Quietly, ever so softly, he gave his commands. With two of them, it would do best if they could relay her further away from the herd. "I'll move ahead - you chase her my way and we'll take her down from there."
If he wanted to feed, D.S. couldn't mess this up. Shanuh had to be ready for the deer to bolt in any direction, but if D.S. played her talant right. . . she'd run away from the flash of teeth and fangs, which would be in the opposite directio of the herd. If that were the case, Shanuh could attack her from the side, trip her up, and at the very least run her out of energy.
Expecting his orders to be obeyed, the wolf silently pulled himself farther ahead and off to the side. They'd get this deer so long as D.S. didn't royally screw up.
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Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 3:18 pm
A bit of pride worked its self into her being. She had chosen correctly on her first big hunt. Well the first one with a group of wolves that wasn't her family. Her mind focused solely on his orders.
Don't screw this up. She crept forward trying to mimic his silent walking without him noticing. Still an adolescent she had a lot to learn and picked up things where ever she could.
There was the deer. Her sleek body hid well in the grass, her silver hidden by the setting sun which made it look rustic like the rest of the land. A quiver of adrenaline moved through her fur, making her appear to shiver.
This was it. Another creep forward on her stomach then a leap and a snarl.
The deer rose up and stuck with her front legs before bolting away from the herd. There was a yelp in that fraction of a second but the plan had worked. The doe was dashing at full speed toward where Shunah was hiding.
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Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 11:30 pm
If the yelp had been heard, Shanuh didn't have time to notice or care. The question was, of course, was whether or not the deers bolt actually went as planned. Would D.S. chase after her to guide her movements? WAS D.S. even behind the deer, to help him drag her down!?
Just because the doe was far away from the herd, didn't mean that she wasn't strong enough to trample him to death. Just because he'd munched upon various grasses and roots, as well as moles, mice and the occassional bird did not mean his energy was in quick supply.
As the deer drove past him, Shanuh sprung, chasing her, teeth bared and lips drawn back in a snarl. Snapping at her sides, Shanuh did his best to avoid the hooves. Though small and frail in appearance, one wrong step and his bones would be factured or crushed. Jerking sideways, his teeth grabbed on to a chunk of fur and flesh. It was near her neck, but not close enough to the jugular. Not yet. Enough for him to slam on the breaks and try to stop her speed.
If the doe didn't trip, she at least knew she was caught. Flailing with her hooves, Shanuh didn't dare let go. He couldn't let go, wouldn't. The fear that radiated off the deer, the hearbeat, the frothing mouth and flaring nostrils.
A quick snap of his vice-like jaws and his teeth shifted position from her shoulder to her neck. Where was D.S? She needed to grabe the nose of the deer. Shanuh could hold her down but he couldn't suffocate her too!
The doe continued to shake and jerk, but SHanuh was an adult wolf. Even if he was thrown aroud like a ragdoll, his teeth wouldn't budge from her neck. His position wasn't near the artery or esophegus. . . but he could hold her and hold her down he would.
Now where was D.S. to help!?!
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Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:00 am
D.S. managed to keep up with the doe as best as she could. She saw Shunah land the blow and hesitated for a moment.
Was that it?
No, he was struggling with her. The fox colored wolf darted foreward but it was obvious at the time that something was wrong. For one thing her silver fur was matted with blood from he front right leg but she didn't seem to care.
The thrill of the hunt was still on. She HAD to be sucessful. She had to prove to Shunah she was worth something! Those drives were enough for her to ignore the extreme pain of the moment. Making it a dull blur in the back of her mind.
Oh it would come and it wouldn punish her for her ignorance and for ignoring it. Wounds didn't like to be ignored.
The deer flailed and struggled against the large male, doing everything in her power to make the lunge she needed to escape. Upon seeing the wolf that hearded her approach her from the front, a fresh wave of horror escaped her. She was trapped.
D.S. leapt and grappled onto the nose of the deer. She thanked the Gods' that her paw was off the ground for those precious moments. A childish mistake had nearly cost them their dinner.
With her air supply gone the struggles grew less and less until the deer sank to the ground. With a final blow from Shunah, she would be dead and their well-being secure.
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Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 9:59 pm
Shanuh was almost in a frenzy when D.S. didn't appear quick enough. Time seemed forever slow while trying to keep his jaws clenched to the does neck AND avoid having his bones broken by her flailing hooves.
Thankfully, the silver female finally appeared. Any blood on her fur was ignored for the sake of their hunt. Taking down a doe shouldn't be this troublesome! He'd killed much larger prey - elk, moose - than this! And yet, it was a fight.
By the time D.S. and he had the deer half-asphyxiated, Shanuh wasted no time. Removing his jaws from her neck, he properly bit closer to D.S. muzzle - underneath the does chin, to snap both her jugular and esophogus. If she didn't die from blood loos, she'd die from asphyxiation.
Either way, D.S. and he had a meal.
Without waiting, assuming D.S. would leave the doe be, Shanuh started in on the kill. Muzzles stained with blood, he started ripping open her side, even as the doe made her final twitches and fight.
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Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:05 pm
D.S. limped back after he'd killed the deer and took to licking her paw furiously.
Even the cry for food seemed numb compared to this extreme pain. The deer had managed to remove the flesh with its hard hooves and exposed a silver of the bone.
With a growl at herself she turned her body away from Shunah. He would want to eat first anyway. Allow him to think she was just giving him his space.
She at least wanted to keep whatever glory she earned for a while.
Damn it hurt!
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Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:21 pm
Whether Shanuh noticed D.S. backing away, he gave no sign. This was rightfully their kill - his more than hers, of course, but that was his own arrogance and pride in his head. He wouldn't truly admit that she'd done decent for a first hunt. Mistakes had been made, but that was life - a learning experience.
Already inhaling piece after piece, the wolf occassionally glanced over to where D.S. sat. What was she waiting for? An invitation? If she came over to eat, he wouldn't turn her away. He'd give her that much respect, at least. Gorging, a few moments passed before he paused in his meal.
"Well what is it?" The scent of blood was thick in the air. But his oh-so-sensetive nose picked up something more than just deer blood. Wolf blood and it wasn't his own.
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Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:28 pm
Damn, there went her glory.
The wolf gingerly put weight on the paw, clamping her muzzle down to keep from yelping. With a deep intake of breath she turned to face him and walked over to the kill.
Her head was down in even more of a submission then when they'd first met. One could only ignore flesh searing pain so long. "Hn, nothing." She muttered darkly through her gritted teeth and clenched muzzle.
She licked her chops at the sight of the dead animal and lifted up her right paw, leaning forward to take a piece off of it. However, when she leaned back with her prize, her foot didn't allow the weight and she ended up laying down suddenly, fur bristled.
If Shunah wasn't standing right there, massive swear words, howls, and yelps would be filling the Barrens.
But he was there and she had to remain poised.
Or bite off her own leg... that seemed feasabile.
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Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:39 pm
She truly was a fool. But Shanuh didn't say much of anything. If she wanted to pretend nothing was wrong, then so be it. If she wanted to believe she was perfectly fit and was hiding a sore paw, fine.
But Shanuh wasn't stupid. His nose, her body language, said it all.
Looking at her, licking the blood from his muzzles and face, the wolf all but rolled his eyes. Thankfully, though, there was only the pair of them. The doe was more than enough meat to go around for this day. By tomorrow, only the scraps would remain.
Part of Shanuh wondered what would become of the female. Her paw, depending upon its severity, could grow infected. She may be unable to hunt again, and death would soon find her. No emotion flickered through him, no worry.
But the thought was present.
Slinking closer to the kill, Shanuh lowered his muzzle and continued the feast. He didn't have to tell D.S. that if she didn't get through with her paw, she'd be dead. D.S. had no choice but to deal.
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Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 10:46 pm
D.S. ate from where she lay. Every once in a while she stopped when she thought Shunah wasn't looking and gave her paw a few licks.
What should she do? She'd never been hurt like this before. That white thing that was visible couldn't be a good white thing. Things on the inside of your body were supposed to stay just that, inside.
Her green eyes slid over to Shunah. He didn't care. Her mind warned that she still somewhere between a spec and invisible to him. Even still, she ate as much as she could fit into stomach.
Silence was deafening. She needed her mind off that paw. ".... you...are a good hunter...." She more or less mumbled.
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Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2007 8:01 pm
Shanuh wasn't stupid. Even if he didn't see D.S. tend to her paw, he could still hear her and sense her movements. There was a difference from eating and ripping the tender flesh and muscle from the doe and licking a wound. He knew she was hurt, but there was nothing he could do for her.
She had to ride the tide of pain or die. It was that simple.
He flicked an ear in her direction, pausing from his bloody feast. A good hunter? Shanuh couldn't help but snort, shaking out his fur and licking his nose. What sort of compliment was that? He was decent enough to feed himself, but he still needed help from time to time.
"It comes with age," he voiced, glancing from the disemboweled doe to where D.S. picked at the carcass. "Along with many mistakes."
There. He admited it - he had flaws too. There had been a time he'd been stupid, weak. Had gotten hurt, had let his confidence and ego get the better of him. It was a surrpise he HAD made it to his age. . . . but with that knowledge came fear. Someday he'd get old, feable and weak. Someday he'd fail himself and die.
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