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 Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:41 am
 Waterfall DreamsHelios // Nendiya
He was bedraggled, mud-stained, and a little on the thin side. He'd have been worse off if he hadn't practically tripped over the carcass of a deer which looked like it had been caught up in a freak flood upstream. It was bloated and a little foul smelling, but hunger was his spice and he had devoured it greedily.
Now he needed to wash, and to that end, he had come to a particularly nice spot he had learned of. It was a pool at the base of a waterfall - shallow and sun-warmed it felt good on his skin as he slipped into it, the heat acting on his weary bones. He was getting older, though he didn't admit it much to himself except to think he was looking more 'distinguished' by the day, and this loner lifestyle wasn't for him. He hadn't even found any stupid enough female, outside of her pack boundaries, or alone, to have a little fun with. Even to practice his charm. In fact, he'd seen almost no other wolves for weeks.
He tried not to think of this, though, as he cleansed his warm, golden-yellow for in the crystal-pure water, dunking himself under the waterfall spray.Nendiya had been stalking the male for a short while now. She had left Istanzi back at the den, thankfully, and had watched and followed the bloodied male as he made his way to this pool. She would have to catalogue this spot for later. She and Zizi could go for a soak. He was the first lone she had seen since she and Istanzi had moved into their den, so she had decided to take their decision on The Game to heart and see what he looked like not bloodied. He cleaned up fairly well. Good color coat, although he was a little on the lean side and his fur seemed as if it had been thicker at one time. Most likely not an efficient hunter, but Nen was more than capable of teaching any pups she had how to hunt. Besides, the male wouldn't even be an issue, come time to give birth.
She stayed silent, sitting beyond the treeline as he washed off, the blood dissipating quickly in the water. His coat was natural-toned. Light natural tones. She didn't think that would work well with Istanzi, but she would let the female pick her own males. The goldy-tan might not look half-bad with her coat, though... She waited until he returned from his dunk to try to get a look at his face, but he didn't seem inclined to turn back her way. Did he have no concept of his surroundings? Still, she wanted to get a good look at him, not bloody and not obscured by water. Perhaps, if he suited, Zizi could enjoy their first litter sooner rather than later.
That was her decision then. She would attempt a first meeting. If he wasn't horribly aggressive, they could have a conversation, and see where it went from there. She left her safe spot and walked right up to the edge of the pool, choosing to stay on her feet rather than sit down. If she needed a fast get-away, she wanted to have it.
"Hello," she offered shortly, knowing that even if he hadn't smelled or seen her, he could hear her. Unless he was deaf. Oh dear, she hoped not. That might pass on to the pups...Helios, as if he knew he had an unbidden observer, decided at that point to make his way out of the water. He really did clean up well and often held himself as if others were watching him. From his parents, his upbringing, he naturally carried himself well, knowing that it showed off his good stature (he was a very large wolf, with only one other in his old pack having outstripped his size and that not by much). He moved with some grace, too, but with an inimicable swagger born of his self-confidant ego.
Feeling so much better, more alive than he had been in weeks, he took a long stretch in the shallows - working loose taut muscles and letting his calloused paws soften themselves on the little gravel which had allowed itself to collect in the warm bowl of water. It was from this relaxed, arse-in-the-air, stretching pose, though, that he was startled by a voice.
He turned around, suddenly, more than another wolf would have had to so that he could see the newcomer with his good eye. The other had been brutally scarred - his one shame in his appearance. He was getting used to it, though, after all these years, and had begun to think of it as a feature which complimented the persona he sometimes affected - 'rugged outsider, come to sweep the ladies of a pack off their feet before disappearing into the dark woods'. That had worked well, he felt, as he seemed to find less males and irate females tailing him in the days after he moved on, once he was bored of the 'delights' of that area.
She was close by and he tried not to let his hackles raise at the fact she had sneaked up on him. She must have sneaked well, to catch him out, of course. He often found females who were that good as trackers or hunters didn't tend to like him, though he couldn't fathom why. Maybe they needed males weaker than themselves? Who knew? The female in front of him now wasn't his usual type - he liked paler coats. But, damn, it had been a while and he was feeling ever-so-slightly lonely.
He managed an easy smile after a moment. "Well hello" he oozed confidence, pulling himself out of the water easily, moving off to shake his golden fur dry "I can't say I usually see so many wolves around here, especially those as beautiful as yourself... are you just passing through?".
"Maybe," she agreed, not willing to give out too much information, even to a shmoozer like this male. Well, other than that scar-- which wouldn't pass down to his children-- not bad. Brilliant, interesting face, and large enough in stature that even her well-muscled form was dwarfed. "I do not see many wolves around either, let alone such... attractive males." She continued eyeing him before meeting his gaze and focusing on his good eye. Green? Teal? She wanted to get closer, but she didn't dare quite yet. So far though, he seemed to be a fair specimen, or would be if he put some weight on to help strengthen that coat.
"I am Nendiya. You are...?"
For a lone, he seemed friendly, although from his comment she had wonder how much of that was because she was female. Still, she stood a little straighter and lifted her chin to look her best. She didn't want to come across as unappealing.Well, well, well. She certainly didn't seem as stand-offish as some he'd met... even almost lsightly eager, but holding back. Perhaps she was the type he loved most - those who had a mate they weren't keen on and and wanted to take out their frustrations by having a fling. He found them delectible as they were often eager to please and had been treated so badly that he didn't have to do much to please in return. Win-Win, as far as he was concerned.
"Helios" he said, smiling a slightly lopsided, casual grin which he felt emphasised that 'rugged' look. He didn't know, couldn't know, that she'd been tracking him, so he wanted to put forth the idea that his current state might simply because he'd been out in the wilds some time. He had a feeling this one might appreciate a stronger male.
That she called him attractive... that was a good step, despite the slight hesitation he could see in her. She was thinking of something, weighing him up, and whilst he wasn't sure he liked the idea of being examined by some female, he certainly agreed with her that his attractiveness would make even a cool-headed female look twice.
Moving a little closer, he began to groom himself casually, as if it was something he did normally, that he was cool, collected and assured enough in himself not to feel worried to express such a 'domestic' thing in the presence of another. He did often groom himself, and sometimes, in the cold, dark nights, enough to take patches out of his fur, but the summer had put a little fire back in him and those bald patches had grown out again. What he did now was basic, bold, and simplistic grooming - he took care of himself, it said, but not to an effeminate degree. His eyes flicked to her as he did so, casually. "Well, I stay around here sometimes" he said, around mouthfuls of fur, casually. "Sometimes I take trips east or west, but I like to come back here, to this beautiful pond. I guess it's as close to a home as I can get". He really was getting good at this particular act, he thought to himself.
Nendiya's eyes lit up with amusement briefly, but she quelled herself back to a placating smile, though her eyes still shone. Did he now? So he fancied himself cunning. Well, Nendiya was willing to allow him his illusions, and she would happily play along. Watching him groom, she was realizing the pelt might be worth any tricks he tried to pull on her. Besides, he had no way of knowing that she was playing a very similar game, but for a different reason. "So you travel, then, and support yourself." She affected an approving look. If he was surviving as a lone and had enough energy to flirt with her, he had to be doing something right. "You have no pack?"Haha she had eaten up his story hook, like and sinker. He was brilliant. With a self-congratulatory smile he looked out over the land, as if contemplating happy journeys he had taken. "Mmm. It's a good life. And no, I have no pack... I don't like to tie myself down" He'd have been perfectly content to find a pack, really, but he couldn't really take the idea of not leading it - a position he considered had been stolen from him in the fight which had caused his eye to be so scarred. It had all been the fault of others, of course, trash-talking him to their alpha, telling him lies and truths which were not meant for him.
"Maybe, one day, I'd like to settle down somewhere, start a family..." this was one of the lines he considered amongst his best work, and he tried to trundle it out where he could, given the right conditions. He knew that, for many females, the idea of taming a wild male and having him settle down with them was an intriguing idea and one which they often couldn't pass up. His one good eye, a sparkling emerald green which also reflected the deep blues of the nearby water tried to meet hers - an open invitation suggestive in it, but lightly played with a grin which said he was cheeky, but harmless, honest.Well that wouldn't do at all. She hadn't considered that the males they asked would want to stay and be part of the family. That would be... odd. And to think she was so close too. Darn it. Her surprise showed on her face, but she slowly sat down. "Oh. Really? I'd like to start a family of my own too." She smiled, trying to keep up the pretense of a positive situation. Zizi wouldn't like another wolf in the equation, and Nen had no intentions of that either. Still, he had been lying earlier. Perhaps she could simply convince him to go away afterwards...
"And what kind of traits would you look for in a mate, Helios?" She asked, tilting her head and perking her ears forward curiously.
Whoa there, something wasn't right. His usual overtures almost seemed to make her back off a bit. He wasn't one for really caring about other wolves but, hell, anything which might affect him getting some tail made him pay attention. Maybe she really was out for some sport, or getting away from another male and didn't like the idea he might follow her home? Hmm.
"Oh... I don't know" he said, his face becoming a little more serious, as if he truly was pondering what he would look for in the mother of his pups, all the while trying to think fast as to how to salvage this. "I can't say, really" he said, buying himself some time, and decided to try a slightly dangerous tack - it was a gamble, but she really did seem turned off by the idea of mates - her tone was odd when she spoke of them. "I know when I meet her that I'll know, but until then... I live in the moment". There, it was out there. She might be turned off, but this might hook her again.
Usually he left himself some wiggle room but this one had really put him into a corner, here. He wasn't entirely sure where her motivation lay and it was throwing him off. Maybe he really was getting old?Relief flooded her, and she was sure some of it showed in the way her body relaxed. "It's a good idea, not to be blinded by first meetings. I hope you find her someday." He was free game, and not likely to present an issue afterwards. This would work out.
"Are you going to be staying around here for very long this time?" The question was more to give her time, and to find out if she had the time to go get Istanzi. She wanted her mate's approval before she made any overtures to Helios. Aside from his slight show of cunning, and his clear flirations, he seemed harmless and rather... sweet. Maybe. There was something about how he held himself that belied what he said.
Helios was, for a very loose definition of the word, naive. What Nen was interpreting, perhaps, as sweetness on his part possibly stemmed from the fact that he, himself, ended up coming to believe half of what he said about himself. He also believed that others took him at face value and that no others were as cunning as him, except in some monstrous, unfair way. He never imagined, for a second, that he might be used.
Still, he felt such a relief when he saw her relax and her smile return in a more, to him, genuine way. So, she wanted to know if he would be around? Maybe he was to be a bit on the side for a while? He could stand that, he figured. "I never really know when I'll move on, sometimes the mood just takes me" he said, laying his get-out clause down early "but it's been nice weather and the hunting isn't bad around here if you know where to look" he had no idea, to that end, but it was usually safe to suggest so with the caveat "and there are other interesting things around here, besides" it was obvious what he meant by that, as he looked at her "so I think I might stick around a while".Nendiya's smile was genuine as she stood. She would head straight back to the den, maybe weave a little in case he tried to follow her. "I am pleased to hear it. I have to go now, but I hope that if I return later, I will be able to find you again."
Istanzi would be so excited. Hopefully, she would approve of Helios the way Nendiya did. The pups, with a mix of that golden coat with her teal, would be beautiful. There was no doubt in her mind that Helios would be interested in mating, he had made that much clear. As she said a brief, pleased goodbye and turned, she was awash with excitement. She couldn't make it back to Istanzi fast enough.
A thought stopped her, and she looked back at the male. "You don't travel with anyone, do you?" Male or female, that might make for a problem, even if it wasn't a mate travelling with him. Nen hadn't seen anyone in the time she had been following them, but... "Or you aren't running from anyone, are you?"
Helios affected a knowing smile, but wondered at her heading off. He really felt there was something odd going on here. She was so on-and-off. So be it, even if she didn't come back it had been good practice. 'If' she returned later, he'd get something good out of it, if not, then he hadn't lost much. She wasn't his usual type, really, but he wouldn't have minded... He'd hang around here for a week, he decided, and see if his lie was true - he was a crap hunter, but he didn't let himself think of it like that - it was just beneath him, honestly. Still, he could do with a meal, so he might, just maybe, try and catch something if another opportunity didn't present itself to him.
Her voice caught him in his thoughts, though. "No, I travel alone" he said, trying to make it sound cool and mysterious. Any sensible wolf might have worried that they were being set up - the female was sure now that he was alone, had no pack, would wait here for her willingly... but to Helios it wasn't really within his scope of mind to imagine others thought that way. Nendiya gave him a broad smile, and cocked her hips slightly suggestively without even meaning to. Oh, Zizi was going to be so pleased. Nendiya was happy with herself, and with her find. Such an attractive male... It helped that he was willing, and that she didn't mind males. She would worry about Istanzi, but that wouldn't be for a while yet.
"Good." She flicked her tail slightly, letting her words linger as she walked away, trying not to look as excited as she was feeling. "I look forward to coming back for a swim."She might not be his type, and she surely wasn't some innocent he could take advantage of, but that confident movement belied a confidant and experienced female - something he'd not had for a long time. It might be nice to enjoy the attentions of such an experienced she-wolf, for a change, even one whose moods were a little harder to read. It would be an... experience he thought. A challenge of sorts.
He smiled, deciding to lay a while in the sun and let his fur dry off. Today was certainly turning out to be a very good day. certainly much better than it had started...
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Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 10:51 am
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Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2010 10:52 am
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Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:36 am
RevelationsHelios // Istanzi // Nendiya It was almost too good to be true. It was as if the lone had fallen right into their laps, perfect coat and no attachment to the situation. If he could be coerced into helping them, they potentially had their first litter already in the bag. Assuming, of course, Zizi went for it, and that the act took to her the first time.
"Zi!" Nen called as she barreled up to their den. She stuck her head inside, but kept the rest of her out of the cave. They wouldn't be staying long. "Istanzi!"Istanzi had been wondering where her mate had gotten to - the green coated female had been gone longer than expected. She was worried, pacing just inside their temporary den, when she heard the soft, husky tones of her beloved. She turned, just in time to see Nen running up, obviously excited about something. For a second, a slight flicker of worry passed over her mind - that Nen had found humans, or even a pack, and their time together was about to become more complex, intruded upon.
"What is it, Nen?" she asked, both excited by her mate's tone and at the same time, worried she was about to hear something she didn't want to."I found one." Her vague announcement seemed to course through her, the excitement palpable. "A male. A /lone/ male with a decent coat. He seems to be keen on the idea of mating as well. We may have found our first surrogate."
Her grin seemed permanently glued to her face, but she managed to keep her tone steady. "I want you to come meet him, see what you think. If you approve, we can pick which one of us will be best for the first litter."--oO A Little Later Oo-- He hadn't been waiting long when he heard the undergrowth rustle with the footsteps of what could only be wolves. More than one, though. He found himself a little on guard, wondering if she'd been 'caught' or 'followed' by her mate. A few moment later, though, as the pair came out, he realised the other was a female - her scent wafted to him on the gentle summers breeze. She was to his taste, too - pale coated, though with a lot of other bright colours which slightly detracted from that 'pure' look he loved. Still, two of them? He wondered what the green female... Nen, was it? was up to.
Getting to his feet, affecting a casual pose which showed him off well, to his mind, he greeted them casually. "Well, welcome back, I see you brought a friend". Ooo. Maybe that was it, maybe they were both looking for a little action and that's why she'd gone back for this other. He figured he could handle two at once, if need be. A small grin tweaked his lips upwards at the edges - no need to be too eager-seeming."Helios," Nendiya greeted, sounding even more pleased than she had earlier. "This is Istanzi. Istanzi, this is Helios, the lone I mentioned earlier."
The way he was positioned did a good deal to show off his coat, and if he had been a bit healthier, he would no doubt be an immediate prize. It was too bad the poor diet of lones-- and likely a lack of den to protect him from the elements-- had lessened his good looks somewhat. Nendiya was thankful that she and Istanzi were together, and could help each other hunt and stay healthy. Plus, it would allow them to protect their pups while one went out to hunt for the both of them.
Istanzi eyed the male her mate had chosen critically. When Nen had said she'd found a male to father their pups her heart had leapt into her mouth. Puppies. She'd wanted them so badly but despite all of their talks the actual making of them was still something new to her and that she was more than a little timid about. Still, she knew what she wanted and she was willing to do what it took to get it.
He wasn't a bad looking wolf, she had to admit. Although she preferred her female mate, she didn't think males were 'bad' or 'ugly' just... not for her, on the whole. It was plain he'd been suffering from his lone lifestyle - and she thanked the starts once again that she had Nen by her side - but he was still in pretty good shape. He was clean, confidant seeming, and had a little sparkle in his eye which she interpreted as 'character'. She hadn't been around male wolves enough to know his type, to know of the manipulation they might try, so she was rather naive to any hint of lechery he might have given to other, more experienced, females.
"I see what you mean, he's rather handsome" she said, aloud, not thinking on how a male might feel somewhat intimidated by two females standing by, judging him.
Helios took it all in his stride - to him it seemed as though the pale female was being talked into something. Talked in 'him', as it were. Perhaps she was a little bit reticent or... maybe from that shy look he had caught she was 'inexperienced'. That was something he loved. With a raffish smile, he approached them, slowly, preening internally when 'Istanzi' called him handsome. Of course he was.
"And you, sweetheart, are beautiful, like your friend" he nodded to Nendiya, getting the feeling that it was Istanzi's approval he might need for any tryst to get going. He came closer still, eyes locked to her pretty golden ones flirtatiously. He was in his element here, being admired by two damn nice looking females, ad he was determined that whatever they had in mind (and it couldn't be bad, surely) was what he would gladly take. He let any wondering about why they wanted such a thing slip his mind, though, in the heat of his interest. Nendiya watched him preen and her smiled widened. This would be an easy task, although she still had to confer with Istanzi over who would be the one to breed with him. She wasn't concerned with that part, but she was concerned for Istanzi, and with good reason. Helios would, hopefully, be interested enough in breeding to be considerate to her.
The end result would be worth the discomfort, for her, but despite Istanzi's approval of his looks-- there was one weight off her shoulders-- she wasn't so sure she would approve of mating with the male. Nendiya thought on it for a moment, her eyes drifting down Helios's legs.
It would probably be best for both of them to try him. It doubled their chances of one of them having a litter by him, and if it was both... well, that would be a handful, but more to the better.
Istanzi, though distracted by this male's 'mating dance', knew what her mate was thinking. She closed her eyes a moment, to close off the world and let her thoughts catch up to her. When she opened them, she allowed a smile onto her face and turned to her mate, giving a small nod. She'd do it, the game was on.
She thought, to herself, that the golden male would make pretty puppies with either of them, but perhaps match better with Nen - like the soft, yellowy stripes that marked her legs.
"I think he'll do" she managed, trying to affect the same sort of air of easy competence about this sort of thing that the other two did.Nen smiled at her brave mate, and gently nudged her shoulder with her nose. Istanzi's attempt at a practical, undaunted attitude made Nen's heart swell with pride and love. She was so cute. "Good. I am glad that you approve." She moved her silver eyes back to Helios, still smiling oddly as she appraised him a final time.
"I am sure you have probably gathered some of what's going on. You are obviously an intelligent wolf." A little flattery might help grease the situation, and Nen had no problem letting it drip from her tongue. "Please, allow me to explain what you may not have already gathered. My mate and I are looking for an unattached male to breed with, one whom, we hope, will help us father pups."
Nen slowly approached Helios. "I was certain when I saw you that such an attractive, strapping male as yourself would father strong, equally attractive pups. I only had to ask my mate's approval so we could make the offer to you."
Helios tried to hide his surprise. He hadn't caught on, but he sure as well wasn't going to admit that. Two female mates, though? How did that even work? It wasn't like they had anything they could... do? He didn't try to figure it out, that way lay madness and anyways - he still had two females here offering themselves on a platter - though the menu had somewhat changed.
Flattery, and Helios' natural libido, was keeping him interested, though he wasn't too sure of the idea of deliberately fathering spawn. I mean, sure, out there there was probably something of him left to some females he'd had over the years. Odd thought, that. "You don't want me to stick around to look after them though? I mean... I'm still a free spirit, afterall.
"No, we would expect no obligations from you. Of course, we could never expect a wolf with such spirit to tie himself to one place. My former pack would have frowned on anyone who tried to restrain a free spirit. Istanzi and I should be able to manage any resulting litter on our own, if you are willing and gracious enough to accept our... well, rather personal, request."
And, she thought, although she kept the thoughts to herself, We would both prefer it if you left afterwards. We don't need a third set of paws in our relationship.
Istanzi nodded, confirming her mate's words. She might like his coat, ad he seemed nice enough, but she didn't want a male hanging around - in fact the idea of it was distasteful to her. The pups would be hers and Nen's, no matter which male's 'spirit' made them. she didn't want their father around all of the time to remind her that she could not give pups to Nen and vice versa without his 'help'.
"Yes, we're happy to have that responsibility" she added to her nod, for emphasis.Well, well, well. They wanted to whelp and they were beholden to his maleness. That must bite, given their seeming inclination. His body posture gained a little more exaggerated male swaggering as he moved around them, as if checking them over himself.
"I'd love to help you both very much" he almost purred. Hell, neither of them might have ever been with a male before... though Nen seemed to experienced at her flirting not to have. Oh, this was going to be fun.
"Afterall, there are some things only a male can do for you, right?" he couldn't help needling a little bit, still slightly weirded out by the idea of females who liked females. At least males who liked males made some sense, even if he were not so inclined himself. "Seems like we can both give each other what we want" he smiled hungrily.
Nen's smile faded slightly, but she managed to keep her expression polite. He didn't need to be nice, so long as he agreed and made the actual situation easy. So she nodded and glanced back at Istanzi.
"It's true. Sometimes, there are things only males can do." There were things only females could do, however. For one, birthing pups.
"Well." She smiled again and looked back to Helios, tilting her head. "Then we are in agreement."
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Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:57 am
Send OffHelios // Istanzi // Nendiya It had been... interesting, she thought. Helios may have been a swaggering gigolo, but he hadn't hurt her and he'd certainly gotten the job done. If it had been odd experiencing it herself, it had been even more odd to see her mate go through the same. She tried to watch it with a clinical eye, but something inside her wished she could be that, for Nen. Ah well, they were who they were and she was content with that, despite the difficulties it might present for normal conception.
After the awkwardness was past, she'd felt a little more generous towards Helios. She'd been shy, and a little annoyed by his masculine posturing, but he seemed to have laid off a bit now that he'd had his 'fill'. She hadn't been able to help noticing that he was skinnier than he should be for a wolf his size and, instead of sending him off right away, had suggested to Nen that they help him hunt as a parting gift.
Afterall, they wanted to keep him sweet - they didn't know if this quick encounter would 'take' and might need to utilise his services again... If they could be civil with him, perhaps that would be easier. She did wish he'd stop eyeing her, though, with that little smile. Hmph. Helios had very much enjoyed the previous day - it had been far, far too long. He was relaxing comfortably now, eyeing his 'prizes' once in a while and contemplating the meal they'd promised ahead of him.
He had no compunctions about having the females help him hunt, afterall, it was only natural that they serve him after his ministrations. He sat in a warm patch, the sun gleaming off of his golden coat as he groomed it carefully.Nendiya was laid out also, half-dozing and watching her mate and Helios through slitted eyes. It hadn't been bad, but it was just mating. Nen was never really impressed by it, but she had to admit that if she was, Helios would probably have made a fairly good partner, although his "after" manner could use a little work. Well, he could have his "lynx that got the rabbit" mentality, especially after
he'd managed to service both of them with very little trouble. His stamina was impressive.
Still, they had to go on the promised hunt soon. Istanzi was a smart little wolf, and it was part of the reason Nen had no worries about it being just the two of them. She wouldn't have thought of offering hunting as a parting gift. And if she had, it would have taken a lot longer.
"Is everyone ready to hunt?" She turned her head and opened her eyes to look out of the den at the evening that was swiftly turning to night. "It's about time."Zizi nodded, getting to her feet and taking a long stretch, working out the kinks. She shook herself, smiled, and a slight wag caught her tail as she anticipated their hunting. She'd come a ways since they first started learning and though, as a pair, they'd not brought down anything large, her eagerness to learn and her stubborn refusal to suck at something she should be able to do, as well as natural in-bred instinct, had meant she was honing her talent quickly. She'd even managed a few smaller creatures herself, though she was still having trouble on longer chases as she couldn't, yet, intuit which way a prey animal might suddenly move.
"What'll we go after?" she asked eagerly. "If there's three of us, we can maybe go for something bigger?" a glimmer of hope in her eyes, in her voice. She didn't realise, yet, how much 'dead weight' Helios would be with regards to hunting.Helios sighed as he got up. "Something big would be nice, I've worked up a decent appetite". His lascivious grind told them exactly what he thought had tired him out, so. He stretched his neck side to side, as though readying himself, as though he knew what he was doing.
He probably could have been a decent hunter, with his size and former strength, if he'd actually applied himself - but all of Helios' energy went into making others do things for him and getting what he wanted without having to lift a paw.
Nen eyed Helios skeptically as he stood, without making it entirely obvious. She pushed to her feet as well, affecting a more polite look, and smiled at him. "With three I wouldn't recommend a buck-- the antlers can be dangerous-- but perhaps we can find a younger doe." Hooves could kill, but separating one smaller doe from the herd would be safer than facing down an angry buck. "Or a young buck
with no antlers."
She didn't want to say it, but although Helios looked capable, his attitude worried her somewhat. He had lied before, she really didn't want to find out that he was lying now. Besides, she wouldn't risk Istanzi's life to go after a buck. A doe, or several hare even, were safe, large prey. Hare, though, might insult him, so deer it was.
"We can begin tracking out by the stream, see if any have crossed by for a drink."
Istanzi nodded, just happy to have the try at a deer. Bucks were something her master had hunted - the hides and antlers sold well to both the native peoples and his 'other' friends, the noisy, loud, dirty ones. She was fine, thus, with going for a doe and, when Nendiya suggested following to where they might have last had a drink, the pale female was off, head to the ground, her nose drinking up scents and her eyes shifting sharply across the land for the signs her mate had taught her to look for.
Posture low, eyes ahead, she moved along the trail, assuming the other two wouldn't be far behind."Suits me" he smiled, imagining the taste of venison, his mouth watering. A fresh kill would be lovely, his last meal of deer had been old meat, starting to spoil. He watched as Zizi slunk off quickly, seeing in her eagerness a newness to hunting. He wondered at that, but shrugged. Even though he wasn't that great himself, he was well versed in watching others and seeing what information he could glean - it might give him the upper hand, afterall.
With a loping, lazy gait he followed after the pale female, not really bothering to conceal himself that much. Afterall, they had promised him a meal, did he really have to scrounge around like some nobody, helping? His eyes flickered towards NEndiya, though, and he saw her appraising gaze. It might not be a bad idea to at least 'pretend' he was helping, if just to keep her from getting uppity. He had a feeling the green pelted female had a mouth on her, if she got angry.
With a small, internal sigh he imitated Zizi's posture, if not her enthusiasm, and followed on.Nendiya swished her tail and met Helios's eyes as he looked to her. She didn't smile until after he had turned away, though, and lingered at the back, keeping an eye on both of them. The stream wasn't far, and Helios seemed to understand that if he was coming along he was going to be working as well.
She let her own mind turn to the task of hunting. The trip was fruitless until they hit the stream's edge, and Nendiya loped across it to the other side. A few scattered hoofprints were pressed into the mud near the edge and she motioned her partners over with her head before turning her eyes to the trees. They hadn't been gone long, but long enough to be out of sight. Scent time.
"This way," she murmured, easily picking up the trail and choosing to take point this time.Istanzi took the time to look over the prints, memorise and note the where and what of how they lay. Another note added to an ever-increasing volume of information she'd been gaining over the last few weeks.
She was happy to let Nendiya lead the way, and walked almost at her partners heel, well used to travelling close beside her companion and not getting tangled up. She was enjoying the jaunt and let her mind roam as her nose did the work. She might be pregnant, as might Nen. Carrying a litter - a tiny group of little, loving and beloved balls of fur. Her insides fluttered with anticipation and a little fear as she contemplated motherhood.Helios followed the pair, making a show of sniffing here and there, but for the most part content to let them do the work. Nendiya seemed a competent enough sort - as he'd thought when he first met her - and he figured there was no point in him trying to do her job for her. BEsides, it was dull.
He wasn't one for hunting, but he didn't mind the walk - especially with the prospect of filling his belly at the end of it. In a small way, too, he was enjoying the company of the pair. He didn't often get to relax in the company of other wolves, and although his ego wouldn't let him admit it, his solitary lifestyle was lonely.
Lost in thought, he almost bumped into Istanzi when she paused.Nen kept her muzzle to the ground, but her eyes to the trees. They weren't the only predators in the forest and, even with three capable adults, she didn't want to run into a bear.
A distant rustle caught her attention and her ears swiveled toward it. She didn't want to put her faith in it being the herd they were following just yet, so she held her council until their path curved to bring them closer in the same direction as the sound. That was a good sign.
She lifted her head and stopped, straightening her back and gesturing with her muzzle. The deer were just ahead, and silence was imperative now, reminding her that she wasn't sure if they wanted her to take point on the kill as well. She wished she had discussed it with them before they left but, oh well. She mentally shrugged. Too late now. Instead, she looked at Helios and motioned him off to one side, and then looked to Zizi and motioned the other way. When the herd came in sight, she could flush them out and the other two could pincer in, hopefully sighting a straggler or a small enough doe to be picked off easily.
Istanzi had learned the theory, if not the practice of this bigger game hunting and eagerness to put it to good use was obvious in her stance, her perked ears, and glinting eyes. She slunk off, in classic follow posture, and hid herself in some of the taller grass. Although her white coat wasn't great camouflage, at least it was streaked and patterned with other colours.
She crouched, ready and waiting, eyes scanning the area to see where Helios and Nendiya would set themselves up.Helios rolled his eyes at Nen once he'd moved off at her direction. Sure, they had offered to feed him, but that didn't mean she got to tell him what to do. Oh well, if he slunk over here hopefully he wouldn't have to do much, get himself dirty. He wasn't great at anything approximating slinking, but he did manage to find a place to lay low, at least, in the vague direction Nendiya had motioned for him to go to.Nendiya ignored her charges after they had left, stalking forward. The deer seemed to sense something was wrong, as many looked around with their eyes wide, but she was still hidden in the darkness. She waited a moment, picking which deer looked manageable more than which would be the best meal, and then struck leaping out from behind a multi-trunked tree and lunging at the group.
As she had predicted, they scattered, but Nen focused on her prize, determined not to let her escape. In her peripheral, she saw Zizi lunge out of her hiding space as well and startle the doe back towards Nendiya with any number of vulnerable places open. Nen leapt for the doe's throat and although she missed initially, the hunt ended several minutes later with a carcass suitable enough for three hungry adults. Helios could have his meal and then be on his way, and they could all part ways happily.
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 5:21 am
PlaytimePen & Achilles Litter / Hippolyta
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 5:22 am
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 5:24 am
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Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 5:26 am
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Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:35 am
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Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:36 am
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Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:37 am
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Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:38 am
Starting OverKalain // Cora // Gaias // Saturne // Quintus // Elysion
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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 8:49 am
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Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2010 4:05 am
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