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 Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:48 am
Equuleus had been going through some pretty fierce growth spurts. His appetite had kept him hunting often, so he hadn't met many of the others who were in Phib's pack. Today he was in a mood for rabbit. His tongue lolled out at the memory of his first kill, and saliva pooled on his tongue. As always these days, he was hungry.
Paws with smooth, hardened pads trotted along the wooded pathway. He was losing his adolecent gangliness as he grew. His paws still looked a bit too big for him, though. His legs were long and lean, and his tail equally long. He was going to be a tall wolf as an adult, but without the stocky weight of others. He was built for running.
Thus it seemed irnoic that he was not drawn to the plains, but to the forest. It was purely sentimental, really. It reminded him of where he had been born, in a den nestled in the roots of a massive tree. He felt most comfortable with leafy branches spreading over his pricked ears.
For the moment he was traveling along a well worn trail. He knew of a warren closer to the coastline, so that was his destination. His tail waved goodnaturedly and his nose was atwitch with the scents of this late summer morning. Ah yes, life ws good.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:12 am
Unlike Equuleus little runty Gizmo was short and stocky and he was really no bigger than an average female. Though what he lacked in stature he made up for with the warmth and size of his heart. He was one of the most kindly, peaceful and loving wolves one could ever had the fortune to meet.
He was still upset about the missing members of his family but slowly he was beginning to come to terms with it. The new environment and friends was starting to bring his old personality out and in time the old Gizmo would sure to shine through.
However today Gizmo was out and about without his son's company. Apparently the hyperactive tyke had gone wandering so the adult male was left to his own devices. It was also on one of his strolls that he spotted he dark-furred male just ahead.
Assuming the stranger was a pack member the stocky wolf gave a loud yip of greeting and with tail wagging, ears up and smile on, Gizmo approached. He was friendly as ever, all bright shining eyes and lolling tongue.
Hello! He spoke as he drew closer.
He was a pale looking wolf, his white fur blotched with brown and that expressive face was curious and happy.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:49 am
Equus slowed his quick trot upon hearing a yip of greeting. His ears swiveled towrds the sound before he turned his face towards the approaching wolf. His tail came up in a friendly gesture, though he lowered his head in acknowledgement that this was an adult, while he was yet to come of age.
"Greetings! I am Equuleus." He too assumed the wolf he greeted was of his pack, and thus showed his submissiveness. Even so, his eyes danced and his tongue curled as he smiled. Submissive he might be, but groveling or angry he was not. Instead, his tail waved a merry arc in the air and his forepaws beat a happy dance at meeting someone new. "I am off to hunt some rabbits for a meal. Would you like to join me?" He tipped his head to the side questioningly, while still careful to keep it lower than the older wolf's. This was a bit of a challenge, he realized, since this pale wolf was a good deal shorter than others. But he didn't mind, and continued to honor the older wolf with this respectful gesture.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:16 am
Gizmo wasn't one for formalities, he never thought himself better than anyone else because he was older or lower in rank. In fact Gizmo was one of those types who would fit in with anyone. He was not judgemental and was able to forgive anyone - even the wolves who had killed his brother. (though since then they had also threatened his pups and had lost Gizmo as a friend).
Gizmo is Gizmo! He replied cheerfully, good to meet Equuleus, yes! He was simple of speech and almost always spoke in third person though one could never be quite sure where he had picked that habit up from.
His ears perked up at the mention of rabbits and with a happy 'woof' Gizmo reared up a little on his hind legs, yipping his agreement. Long-ears! Gizmo will join! He was not a superb hunter of large animals but Gizmo had always shown a talent for catching rabbits and it was one of his most favourite things to do.
Equu know where long-ears live? Gizmo new to land so he not know where food live. He explained. Phib let Giz and son stay couple days ago.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:32 am
Equus was startled to discover that this other wolf was newer to the pack than he was. His ears stood straight up in surprise. And how strangely this wolf spoke! He licked his muzzle thoughtfully. Strange though he may speak, the dark wolf found he was immediately liking this stocky friend. And he liked hunting rabbits!
Equus gave an excited yip and slapped the ground with both front paws, bowing with a huge grin and tail waving high in the air. His nature was gentle and playful most times, and he didn't mind acting like a pup. "Yes! I know where there is a warren! They seem to like being near the ocean. Come, I will show you!"
And with that Equus bounded away, tail waving gaily behind him. He loped easily down the trail a ways before glancing once over his shoulder to be sure Gizmo was following. Then he darted off the trail and began weaving through the trees and brush. The ocean's voice was audible, though muted, and the air had that salt tang to it. He had grown used to it and practically dismissed it entirely now. Very soon he slowed and trotted to a stop.
They had arrived at an area of forest that was thinned out. A few taller trees remained, but there was very little brush and no young trees. Grass grew rampant, though, along with other flowering, grassy plants. The foliage was still green, despite it being the end of summer. The ocean seemed to do that, Equus reflected suddenly. As if by some magic it kept things green, breathing life into them in a mysterious way. He shook his head, ears flapping wildly for a moment, to refocus himself. Turning to his companion, he spoke softly. "The grass hides the holes, but they are here." His nostrils flared, seeing if he could find by scent some cluster of them, foraging away from the warren entrances.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 11:51 am
Oh, Equu better lead way! Gizmo follow! The patchy wolf spoke, his voice full of enthusiasm. His tail rarely ever stopped wagging and it moved now as he spoke. He quickened his pace to follow the younger wolf, moving with a playful trot portrayed in the bouncing of his paws.
His eyes sparkled in the sun and as he moved to run alongside the other, enjoying the song of the sea as it played against the sand. Oh this place was more beautiful than any other he had seen, even his own homeland! He was glad to have found such a lovely place to live, it would be good for both himself and his son.
Rem had needed company and here in this huge pack he would get it!
He slowed to a halt just by Equus' right flank and listened to the wolf's advice with a slow nod. His nostrils flared and indeed he could smell the long-ears. Excitement gripped him and his back legs trembled as he held himself back. Gizmo agree. He whispered, lowering his head and moving into 'stalk position.' He would not move until the other hunter deemed himself ready but he would prepare for when that time came.
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Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:53 pm
Equus nodded at Gizmo's method and also crouched himself. He slunk along the edge of the partially cleared area. His nose twitched and the wind brought to him the sweet smell of living flesh. His eyes widened and glistened with hungry anticipation. He glanced over at his new friend and pointed with his nose. With his body language only, he spoke. If you circle that direction, I'll go this way and startle them to you. His ears twitched the direction he was intending on going, while his nose remained pointing where Gizmo should head. His nostrils flared. You catch them as they scatter from me. His paws trembled and his shoulder muscles bunched. I will chase them!
His eyes gleamed at the thought of this hunt. He hadn't gotten the chance to hunt rabbits with another of hid kind. This promised to be a truly wonderful experience. His ruff stood up some with his excitement and he stifled an enthused whuffle. Now was not the time to play the pup. Now was the time to prove to his packmate that he was worthy to be called so. He spared a moment to hope that Phib would learn too that he was a valuable packmember. But time enough for thiat. The wind blew a fresh gust of rabbit scent to him, and he bared his teeth in a feral grin before turning to slink around the patch of grass where numerous rabbits nervously nibbled.
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Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:24 am
Gizmo still very much felt the same excitement and nervousness that he had on his first hunt with his brother Haku. That day had been a wonderous day and his heart twinged at the thought of his adopted relative perhaps hurt, injured or alone.
He shook his head as if to rid himself of these distracting thoughts and settled, eyes skittering over to the black-pelted wolf. He was used to reading body language - as most wolves were - and with a small bob of his nose turned to face the direction he would soon be heading.
He moved a split second after Equus did, his body poised for action as he slunk through the long grass. He was eager to hunt again and enjoying the pounding of his heart as he moved into position.
His paws moved expertly through the grass, his short stocky body allowing him to shrink down so that he was covered by the dancing sea of green. It was at times like these that he could use his small stature to his advantage.
Then when he found himself in a good position he lowered himself down onto his belly and waited for the younger male to get to work. From this angle the wolf could also peer through the grass and out onto the cropped area where the rabbits were indeed having a spot to eat. They seemed relaxed enough and unaware of their presence. For now.
This was going to be fun!
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Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:52 am
Equus slunk low to the ground, his belly nearly brushing the dirt. He wove between the clumps of brush, satying in the shadows. His nostrils flared as he drew around the other side of the clearing from where Gizmo crouched. His eyes and ears focused down tightly on the scattering of rabbits nibbling their leafy lunches. Now... how best to frighten the bulk of them towards the other wolf?
Recalling the darting, non-linear paths the rabbits took, the starred wolf chose a different course. He aimed himself for a young rabbit that hopped along the outer edge. He would aim at an angle, not directly towards Gizmo. With most of the prey between himself and his friend, it was most likely that the fearful creatures would scatter away from him and NOT in the direction he was going. That only left them to head towards the trap.
Satisfied, he took a deep breath. With a vicious snarl he lunged forward, aiming for his young target. Screams of terrified rabbits filled the clearing as furred bodies darted every which way... but mostly towards this hidden predator on the other side of the clearing. It had helped that Gizmo had hidden close to the warren entrances, it occurred to Equus as he bore down upon his fleeing lunch. It darted left, then right, then right again, but when it twisted left a last time, Equus was ready. His jaws closed over it in mid-air. He bit down as their momentum carried them forward and his head to the side. Both motions slowed as he slid to a stop, and then he flung his head the other direction, tossing the rabbit into the air to flop lifelessly beside him.
It just so happens that it fell upon another fleeing member of it's family. This rabbit stopped stock still, frozen by fear for the moment of two breaths. That was just enough time for Equus to leap towards it, so that as it turned to dart away, he snagged it's hind legs with his fangs. In a matter of seconds, it was over. The squeals of the other rabbits died away as they escaped.
Equus licked his muzzle and turned to see how well his new friend had done. Two young rabbits made for good eating.
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Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:36 am
But when Equus looked up Gizmo was gone, a dead rabbit lying in the grass where he had been before the chase had begun.
He had remained where he was, still and quiet in the grass, watching the long-ears as they nibbled contentedly. His heart had begun it's wild flurry as his dark-furred friend made for them and in a moment his eyes took in the wash of rabbits as they swept towards him in all directions.
One rabbit had fallen right into his waiting jaws, it's skull crushed before being dropped to the ground.
His first kill had been too easy, he wanted a chase!
So with this in mind Gizmo turned his body and all but pounced on a straggler who had been dashing past him at the time. His jaws snapped at it's heels and he took a strange delight to the way it swerved around in front of him, twisting its path to try and confuse the predator.
But Gizmo would not fail and with a small 'woofing' sound the white and brown wolf leapt, skidding forwards so that the rabbit was bundled up in his forelegs.
Then with a mighty force Gizmo snapped his jaws across it's neck and was greeted with the sharp sound of breaking bones. The prey twitched in death and then fell still, allowing itself to be carried back.
He had only been gone a few moments but when he returned he had two rabbits to show for his work. He dropped the other long-earred critter to lie next to the other before turning to look at his friend.
Long-ears silly! He laughed, tail wagging as he lowered his face to nose at his prizes. It seemed both of them had a talent when it came to hunting rabbits.
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:11 pm
Equus laughed to see his new friend trotting back to him with a second also. They had hunted well! The growing black wolf waved his tail triumphantly in the air and pranced over to playfully n** at Gizmo's shoulders. "We did well! Now there is plenty to feast upon!" He slapped the earth with both front paws for joyful emphasis.
He turned and scooped up both rabbits in his jaws and trotted over to drop them in a pile with Gizmo's catch. He then sat his rump down and cocked his head at hislight colored friend. "Does Gizmo have a family to feed?" Without meaning to, he was falling into addressing him as a third person, since the older wolf clearly preferred referring to himself in this manner. It wasn't a concious decision, and certainly wasn't done in a mocking manner. Still, a listener would have been amused at the change in the pattern of his speech. "These would help to feed your family. We must take care of our packmates." His tongue lolled goodnaturedly. He loved having this extended family now. All packmates were his family, and he chose to treat them and think of them as such.
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Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 2:38 am
Golden eyes focused upon the younger male and lowered his head to nudge at his shoulder in a playful attempt to hold him back. Then when he sat Gizmo sat, ears up and maw pulled back in a wide canine smile.
The expression faltered slightly at his question but he did his best tor egain the friendly expression before replying.
Gizmo have son here but where he go is mystery. He turned his head as if expecting the little rascal to appear but apparently the newly turned adolescent was off having fun somewhere. Gizmo think he go 'splore.
Gizmo nodded again, tail beating against the ground with a rhythmic sound, it good to take care of others. Should we...should we take long-ears back?
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Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:41 pm
Equus bobbed his head seroiusly. "It would be a good idea... unless you think we could eat them all... and noone else in the pack is hungry?" He personally doubted this. There were always hungry, and sometimes those too young or too old to hunt for themselves. He cocked his ears at the older wolf, but leaned down to scoop up his two conies in his mouth. One dangled by an ear and it amused him how it swung about as if it were still trying to get away. He play-growled at it and pranced in a circle around Gizmo, swinging the rabbit like a pup playing with his food.
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Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:20 am
With a wide grin Gizmo nodded and swept up his own prizes, turning to move across the ground and further into packlands.
After a moment of trotting Gizmo moved out and dropped the rabbits onto the ground and raised his head to howl. His maw parted and from it fluttered a haunting but beautiful song amd it's meaning was clear:
'food here to share with all.'
Then turning back to see if his enw friend had followed Gizmo yipped happily. No wolves come then we eat rabbit ourself. We eat and get fat. He laughed.
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:08 am
The black teen had indeed followed, the one rabbit still dangling by it's ear. He dropped them into the pile with Gizmo's and sat on his haunches, tongue lolling contentedly, and let the older wolf howl the message. His tail thumped merrily at his friend's amusement at getting fat by gorging on their catches. Settling down onto his elbows, he snagged one from the pile and perked his ears towards the other wolf. "Want to share one while we wait?" He closed his jaws around the furry body with a snap. A few more chomps and the meal was splitin almost perfect halves. He politely let the older wolf choose which he preferred and then began to gnaw on his portion. Yes, life was good. He loved being in this pack and meeting his packmates. Tail swishing an arc of earth behind him, Equus filled his stomach with delicious meat.
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