To Kill Is To Survive |Hunting party|

[amaroq]

He knew that by hunting bison, he was taking a risk. Normally the pack could survive easily on mule deer, but with the sudden growth in number.. A deer would not be enough meat to go around. That and Amaroq did not want to dissimate the deer herd that lived here in his lands. In a way this hunt would prove a lot to him about these new members, see who could cut it here and who would not. Before winter came he would decide who would be chased off, and who would be welcome to stay. He did not want to be responsible for the deaths of the weaklings when they could just live elsewhere. From what he knew the lands held a variety of packs.. so surely they would be welcome elsewhere. The only one that had annoyed him so far had been Avarice, and by doing so she was excluded from the hunt. As dusk fell the large black male lead his hunting party out into the main stretch of the territory.

Using a mental map of his lands he followed the weak scent of bison. Finding the herd was not going to be a simple task, it never was.
Keeping his attention focused on his surroundings, Amaroq tested the air every hundred yards or so. Large paws pushed him onward as he followed the scent of the large ungulate. He came up over a medium sized hill, looking at the lake in the distance. The loud snorts and grunts of the bison made him slow to a stop. Bison hunting was not like deer hunting, they had to find a way to make the herd run so the weaker members could be exposed without causing injury to the pack itself. Automatically he figured that male bison would be a no go, they were in top shape now that mating season was over. The females had calves and so were more vulnerable to a hungry pack.


His nose worked and his ears twitched as he continued to watch the herd, listening as his hunting party came up around him. They wouldn't bolt down there until the order was given and for the moment he was intending on finding a weaker animal.

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[cheveyo]

Cheveyo was in a foul mood and looked forward to taking his mounting frustrations out on whatever prey he was ordered to bring down. From the size of the pack he had seen he could safely assume what prey would not be on the menu tonight. Smaller prey might be easier to take down but to feed so many…perhaps if larger prey failed to go down they could consider them. The overly judgmental fae around him would see his power and could go fear him more if they wished. He was tired of being judged by his looks and gender alone, Kali had given him an honest chance. Was that too much to ask for around here really? Sighing softly he pushed thoughts of looks and frowns out of his mind Amaroq had stopped up a head. Keeping to the shadows more then darker wolves would have to the pale wolf glanced at the bison herd. Decent sized meant at least one would be suitable prey if they could get it away from the others. Times like these are when being big and scary worked wonders for him, white stood out better then black ever could out in the open outside of winter. Ula and the others wanted to watch him fine let them see he was not afraid, that he did not back down, that he was worthy. Pale stare absently moved over the herd, not looking for prey often allowed his mind to find something it needed.

[nails]

Nails let out a sigh of relief when the pack started moving out, after some stress was run off he foresaw a calmer pack. Whatever had been bother Cheveyo when he wandered off Ula had clearly brought back o the forefront. There was little to do about it now, the palest male had made it quite clear he planned on proofing his worth so he was not about to try and stop him. His brother felt the other’s annoyance would not hinder then hunt and he agreed, if anything it made him even more determined to down their next meal. The white wolf stuck close to dark cover but still watched the herd below closely with pale eyes. Content only the male ego could cause him to ruin things he turned his own attention to the heard. While the Delta male skipped some hunts when their were pups to watch he had yet to become rusty. Teaching Yearling how to hunt required some hunting, rabbits were a far cry from bison. The grey male was not sure Kali was quite ready for this kind of hunt, especially with so many knew and unknown wolves with them. Trusting the others to keep her safe he closed his eyes, if one of the new wolves got her hurt they would pay dearly for it.

[arashi]

Arashi was pleased to be on the move, she enjoyed a good hunt and truthfully the stress the pack was feeling needed an outlet. Hunting allowed for the working off of nasty feelings and would provide them all with a hot meal, win win for everyone. Dark willowy frame came to a stop never the pale male Cheveyo, his coloring and size making his movements quite restricted. She always felt for pale wolves outside of winter months, shadows had to be very deep to hide them completely. Glancing at her he nodded slightly in gratitude before shifting so he could see around her but it was even harder to see him. In truth she was sure he was a fine hunter but his mind was that of a fighter, there was nothing wrong with that. One did not have think like a hunter to be a fine hunter, it could help fine hunter become an even better one. Green stare followed a mother she assumed was new from her nervousness, a fair sized target if not as safe as a doe. Frowning in thought she glanced around at the others in the herd looking for any that might turn and face them if they ran them. A bull would tax them with so many unused to working each other, possibly still do able with their numbers but she knew no one wanted to try their luck with one if it could be avoided.

[lilith]

Lilith stretched lazily before heading off after the others, as a female she had less to prove then poor Cheveyo did. All she had to do was her job and show the fae in this pack she was not to be trifled with and she would be a happy wolf. She liked the mostly pale female who had teased the Alpha and his brother just fine. The Yearling was cute, even Mr. Stoic Warrior seemed to like her since they smelled of each other. The shy female she had no dislike for really but she doubted they would ever be uber close. Arashi was a nice girl, she would fit in and make friends in no time. Ula had a bit of a mouth on her she could respect but she was only Kappa, not high enough to go around telling wolves they should care if she was impressed by them. Now she was not only a Sigma but a new one at that but it was just who she was, don’t start nothing there won’t be nothing. Simple really.

Amaroq was watching a herb of bison as only a slightly nervous leader would, poor guy needed a good hunt to relax a bit. Cheveyo was half crouched behind Arashi looking like a cute pair, pale and darks tended to really. Nails was watching the herd with interest but not a killers stare, no shock there. Wolves that worked with cubs did not tend to be killers, no sense teaching cubs bad habits. Slinking her nice dark brown from forward so she could have a look around she winked at Armaoq and smirked at Nails and the others. Almost time to prove just what kind of guts she had.

[shadowfire]

Nicodemus was eager to be out, as was the rest of the pack. She could feel the anticipation and tension in the air. As the pack drew closer to the bison herd, she changed her stance to the crouching typical of a hunting wolf. Her black shoulders rolling, warming up for the chase. She moved up to the left side of the group, positioning herself carefully. She took a glance around her noting her pack-mates locations. She certainly didn't want to get in anyones way, Such carelessness could cause immense damage. She found herself watching the yearling Kali(sp?) carefully it was the young fem's first large prey hunt. Nic hoped it would go smoothly, not just for Kali's sake but for the pack's as well. Such a large pack of predominantly adult wolves needed a large kill to feed them all adequately.

Focusing her hazel optics forward, she scanned the herd, looking for any signs of listlessness, injury, or any palpable sense of vulnerability. Her body was stone still as she waited for the cue to move, her optics bright with anticipation

[kali]

My paws carried me as I watched that of the male I have ment earlier called Cheveyo, then Arashi, Lilith, Nicodemus and Ula following that of my big brother. Oh how bad I just wanted to pounce him. My pelt was brushed with the winds, I looked back and giggled. I crouched down and crawled up towards my brother Aramoq, whispering to him lowly. " Who is where big brother? " To be honest I didn't know how scared I honestly was, but now I realized how dangerious this would and could become. I backed up and looked towards Ula and Amaroq once more. After I seen that of what my brother seen. A bison herd. I listened to the beatting of hooves from the males, as well as loud snorts and grunts. My ears laced back for a few moments. It was my first hunt that I was actually taking part in, sure I was excited but scared as well.

' Will I be alright and make everyone happy? ' I asked myself while looking back towards my older brother and Ula. She was crouched down, knowing what was coming. My tail quickly flicked and I grew a little board, rolling around in the dirt, then suddenly stopped as Ula gave me a slight nudge as I should be paying attention. I just looked between the others quickly. My blood pounding in my heart, as it seemed to hum threw my whole body. I watched Nico rolling her shoulders, as Nails joined my brother watching the herd. Nails had a look within those eyes that made me shiver. I never realized how serious this was until now really. As I moved over towards Cheveyo and nudged him slightly. Oh how I wanted to play.

Oh how dearly I wanted to know what order, but would have to wait for my big old scarey brother to tell us..

[ula]

Ears flicked upon my cranium, as the group reached the normal place that Amaroq was shown by his wonderful mother and her mother before her. Flicking my tail, I watched that of Kali moving around carefully and silently, rolling her perfect ivory pelt become mixed with the dirt, I moved up to her crouching my body to the ground, I nudged her gently, a soft nip was given to her scruff of the neck, not hard enough to harm or injure her, I looked towards everyone quickly. My own shoulders giving rolls, loosening my bodice for the hunt. My mind was cleared shortly after as well, sniffing and scenting the air around me. Golden hued eyes watching that of Amaroq knowing he would give his orders shortly. Sharp snorts as well as scuffing of the earth was given forth as I watched the bison.

Ears twisted, as I looked towards Nic and smiled softly towards the jet like fea. I rubbed against her shoulder quickly, then watched all the others. Today would be the first kill for Kali if everything went smoothly. Which I hoped. I known we all went threw this and came out injured or even some of the beginners killed during the process, but I known with the party none of us would allow that to happen to the yearling. I awaitted orders as I tested the air, sniffing and scenting as well.

[meisha]

Meisha had followed behind the rest of the pack, her frame pulled tight in a constant show of submission towards those around her. She being of the lowest rank did not want to irritate any of the pack---but she did keep up with them. Looking around she tried to relax herself but it was not easy for the female, she did not like new situations. However logically if these wolves were going to remain in the pack she'd have to accept them. Secretly, she was glad that the female and her pup were not here, she gave Meisha the chills. Slinking past Cheveyo and the two new females, she cautiously approached her brothers and younger sister. She was surprised Amaroq had allowed her to join them on this sort of hunt--- hunting bison was nothing like deer.. Perhaps he saw that Kali was ready, but she just worried for her sister. Coming to the Alpha's side she crouched lower than him, her black pelt blending in perfectly with his own. The herd below them was rather large and she felt a chill run up her spine, making her body tingle. Those loud grunts and snorts were making her a bit nervous...

Hearing Kali's words Meisha cringed a bit. The yearling seemed to be oblivious to the seriousness of the situation. Her eyes moved towards the Alpha as he scanned the herd for any weakness.

[amaroq]

Amaroq seemed to fall into himself, his concentration was absolute on the herd. He was keenly aware of each pack mate as they approached and waited further instruction. His tail straightened out behind him, his nose working the air around the pack. The scent of bison was strong and he could detect the scent of pus and wounds, one of those animals were injured. Gold eyes narrowed as he watched the bison roam around eating grass, and finally after what seemed like forever he saw the large cow, she stood near the back of the herd, one leg hung useless at her side. That was their target, and even she with her grave injury could inflict a lot of damage if scared. He turned slowly and looked back at the pack, his voice kept low almost to a whisper.

“Kali, Arashi and Nic---you three will go around to the right.. Keep hidden until a signal is given. On the left side I want Ula, Lilith and Meisha, keep hidden like the others until the right second. Nails, Cheveyo and myself will come from the front.. We are aiming for the cow with a maimed front leg. Do not get distracted by calves.. they are not what we are after this night..”

He did not speak further and instead the black wolf crept slowly down the hill, knowing that the two groups would get in position without further command. Though he worried secretly for his yearling sister, this was indeed a various dangerous first hunt. He hoped she could handle it, if not, she could sit back and let the adults finish the kill.. There was no pressure on the yearling at least not from him. Amaroq did not look to his brother of Cheveyo, he trusted them to follow his order.. his trust for his pack was complete and total. He did not second guess any of them.

Falling into position he waited for the females to get into position before the hunt could truly begin.

[shadowfire]

Nicodemus gave a small smile towards Ula as the fem rubbed against her. Her hazel optics darted over to Kali again as she worried for the yearling, she seamed rather distracted; not a good sign. Her zeniths pricked forward as Amaroq tuned to the pack assembled behind him. He gave the orders about where each was to go, she nodded silently before moving her mostly white bodice in the direction of her position. She motioned for Kali and Arashi to follow suit as she silently stalked around the herd. She was careful to give a wide birth as she made for their hiding spot, as a pale wolf she knew she could be more visible than others. She remembered Kali and decided her rolling wasn't such a bad idea, she dropped the the ground quickly and put some dirt over her coat, dulling it's brightness, this would also give a taint to her scent. Standing up she found her spot and crouched down, zeniths tilted toward the herds, listening for any signs of agitation. Her optics followed their Alpha, waiting for his Que to go.

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[cheveyo]

Ear turned at the whisper of Kali’s voice, she spoke to her brother so he turned back to the herd since that was why he was there. The bone pale male frowned in thought as calves moved around their mothers unaware death was so very close. Morbid train of thought was broken by a nudge, head turning to Kali but she did not say a word. Giving her a reassuring smile he turned his attention to Amaroq when a target was finally selected. Such a choice was not to be rushed, a few choices were there but one always had a certain feel to it. The females where spilt evenly to each side, males were to take point as he preferred. Nodding his understanding he slinked around Arashi nodding to the dark fae before heading off to follow Armaoq and Nails. Careful to keep to what shadows he could he kept a close eye on the herd, ready to call out a warning if needed, thankfully none was.

Taking a position that would require a lunge to bring him into full view of the herd he waited body coiled for the leap. A large snarling beast flying at you was a very effective motivator, three plus running masses after you would seal the fate of the injured cow. A sorting death was better then a slow death as a cripple to him, she would die with honor but she would still die.

[nails]

Nails turned his stare on his little sister worry flashing in his mind when she spoke up, quietly thankfully but not as serious as he would like. He had covered the dangerous of hunting in lessons but words only did so much to convey life and death danger. Kali’s impulsive nature had not tempered enough with age to make her a fine hunter but she remained quite so he said nothing. He was not Epsilon or Alpha his duty was to train young wolves not lead hunts. It did not take long for the pack to join them, scouting the herd, nodding hellos but saying nothing. Pleased that new and old pack members where already working well together even in such a simple but critical part of the hunt he turned to his brother. Orders were given quickly, wolves moving to follow them slowly as not to spook the herd. Following his brother he caught a glance of Cheveyo moving behind them, the white male had much to prove to the pack this hunt and he felt for him. Life here could be hard at times but normally trials were more forgiving then this one would be. Slipping around his brother he allowed Cheveyo to take the left side, the paler male was the better fighter and would be more help in protecting Kali then he would. Brother or not he was not a born fighter like the other two males he was crouching near, he was a wonderful trainer, everyone had their strengths after all.

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[arashi]

Arashi listened closely to the orders that were given, her name being one of the first mentioned. Nodding slightly to show her understanding she turned to Kali and the other light fae Nic, both clear as well. Following Nic when she moved out green eyes followed the males for a moment wishing them luck before doing the same to the other females. The one named Lilith started down the other side looking confident and ready to get things started, her demeanor had not changed yet. Arashi was sure her confidence would be reward red as long as she performed flawlessly, false bravado did not seem to go over well here. Taking a flanking position the willowy female waited for the signal to charge. She was made to run more then to fight, that is what the males were for, she would see to her job and do what she could to help the others do their’s.

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[lilith]

Lilith’s face screamed finally when orders were given, left was fine by her, proving herself was why she was here same as Cheveyo. Oh now she had and easier time of it really, not a lot of high ranking females to impress and compete against. Nic seemed to be the highest ranking female and she had no problem with her, even liked her coloring. Taking off after Nic and the Male’s started off she did not bother waiting to follow Ula. Ula outranked her and all but this was a hunt not a formal meeting. The black females had nothing to prove to this pack she did and she would, damn anyone who got in her way. Lining herself up about parallel to Nic and the others on the right side she hunkered down. Keeping an eye on Nic for her cue to move the brown female waited, ready to fight and work off some stress. Ah the joy of working out stress.

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